WENDY’S POV It’s been fifteen minutes since I came to the Gordon Mansion. Grandma and I have been waiting for feedback from his men for a while now but still nothing. The old lady has been pacing up and down, asking for the progress of their search every three minutes. A buzz from her phone garnered our attention. We all turned our heads in the direction of the phone, anticipating what it was. Grandma picked it up and her face lightened up as she read what was on the screen. From her expression, I could tell it was good news. The men might have been able to locate Listowel. Just then, “They’ve found him!” She exclaimed with joy. “Really? Where is he?” I asked with a broad smile. But within me, I could feel my anxiety bubbling up. They said he was—.” She was still talking when her phone rang, causing her to pause. She gestured for me to hold on before swiping on the phone screen to answer the call. “Alright, that’s good. Tell him to call me when he’s changed. Bye
WENDY’S POV As we sat in the car, driving back to her mansion, Madam Gordon inched closer to me and placed my hands in hers. Smiling from wall to wall, she asked, “What do you think of having the wedding by the end of this month?” My eyes shot up in disbelief and it met hers. Was she for real? Was she the one seriously setting up the wedding date this time? My heart pounded against my ribcage in delight as I parted my lips and exclaimed, “ Really? I will be the happiest woman on earth if the wedding finally pulls through,” Patting the back of my hands, she said, “I will also be more than glad to have you as granddaughter-in-law.” Tears welled up in my eyes as she said those words. What changed? After all these years, Madam Gordon has finally recognized my efforts and wants me to be his granddaughter-in-law. “Thank you so much,” I said and opened my arms to hug her. “Wendy dear, you're the perfect wife for my grandson. You've been through it all with him and it is ab
MELISSA’S POV Waking up, I blinked severally as the morning light hit my eyes. My eyes darted around for a while as I stretched my body but then something hit me in the process, causing my arm to half midway. This wasn’t the guest room where I had gone to sleep. My breath caught in my throat when I realized I was in the master bedroom How did I get here? I sat up quickly, the silky duvet slipping down my body while I continued to glance around, trying to make sense of the situation. My legs swung over the side of the bed as I attempted to stand up. My heart jumped when my gaze landed on him. Listowel was sleeping on the couch, his tall figure awkwardly trying to fit in. One arm dangled off the side, and his head rested at an uncomfortable angle against the armrest. The blanket half-covered him, and his usually commanding presence was replaced by an innocent child-like expression. I froze, unsure of how to process the sight before me. “What is he doing here? An
LISTOWEL’S POV The scent of freshly brewed coffee lingering in the air woke me up. Rubbing my temples, I frowned and let out a groan when I tried to stretch myself. I could feel the ache in my arms but that was the least of my worries. I wanted to go downstairs and have some of the coffee. As I came out, my eyes caught the neatly set breakfast table. A plate of scrambled eggs, toast, and a cup of coffee sat waiting. For a moment, everything felt like the olden days. This was how Melissa treated me. She would wake up early before and prepare breakfast all the time. She always made sure I had eaten before I set off to work. But the last time I got to eat her meal or woke up to see this setup was the day I announced Wendy’s return to her. Oh, how stupid I was. “Melissa…” I murmured, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips as I descended the stairs. But as I approached the table, the smile faded. A folded note lay beside the cup. My heart sank even before I opened it,
WENDY’S POV I stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling mirror, my fingers running over the luxurious fabric of the gown I had just chosen. The silk shimmered under the boutique lights, and for a moment, I imagined the gasps of admiration my friends would let out when they saw me in it. This was it. The wedding dress of my dreams. It would be my moment. I was going to be the center of attention. No one would be able to take their eyes off of me and most importantly Listowel was going to be mine, officially. Grandma Gordon stood beside me with a warm smile. She nodded severally, saying, “It’s perfect, Wendy. I’m so happy for you.” My heart swelled with pride as she complimented me. All those years of struggle, of waiting, of pretending… was finally paying off. I can't wait for the d-day, so that I flaunt my marriage, and show everyone that I won. “Thank you,” I replied with a smooth proud tone. “I want everything to be perfect for the wedding,” I said as I took one more look at
WENDY’S POV I stormed into Listowel’s house without a knock, my heels clicking loudly while the gown I was wearing trailed on the floor as I made my way into his room. I could feel my heart racing, blood pumping hot and fast through my veins. “Listowel,” I shouted, slamming the door shut behind me. “ We need to talk!” Listowel, who was at his study, came and stood by the door, his arms crossed over as he glared down at me. His jaw tightened as he looked at me but he didn't utter a word. ”If you're man enough, you wouldn't have broken up with me over the media! You're such a coward,” I yelled at the top of my lungs. “I don't have the time for this,” he said, his voice low and controlled, “Leave.” “ You know what, this the perfect time,” I spat, holding the front of my gown as I made my way upstairs. “I’m tired of being treated like this, Listowel! Do you think you can just throw me aside? After everything I’ve endured because of you? After everything my grandpa has done for
MELISSA’S POVThe water cascaded down my body. It was warm but it couldn't ease the storm brewing in my mind. The unplanned kisses and the laughter Listowel and I shared while he was at the hospital filled my memory. “Melissa,” I whispered to myself, leaning against the tiled wall, my wet hair plastered against my back. “You can’t let him pull you back in.”I turned off the shower, grabbed a towel, and dried myself. My reflection in the mirror caught my eye. As I stared into my own eyes, “You deserve better than this Melissa. He's the only man in the world. You can always love again,” I thought to myself. I wrapped the towel around myself and headed to the living room. I turned on the TV and switched the channel where they were playing music. My attention was not even in the music that much but a breaking news caught my attention. “News Flash—billionaire Listowel Gordon has officially ended his engagement with socialite Wendy Maccini. Sources close to the Gordon family confirm…”I
LISTOWEL’S POVThe incessant ringing of my phone got on my nerves as I sat at my desk, staring blankly at the forecourt of my company building through the floor to ceiling glass window. I ignored the vibration at first, but whoever was on the other end was relentless. I glanced at the screen and it was my Grandma.With a deep sigh, I leaned back in my chair and swiped to answer.“Grandma,” I said flatly, already bracing myself for her tone.“Listowel,” she barked, her voice stern, “come home. Now.”I pinched the bridge of my nose. I didn’t need this right now. “I’m busy, Grandma.”“Busy doing what? Chasing after that girl who’s clearly moved on?”My jaw tightened. She knew exactly what to say to push my buttons.“Don’t start, Grandma,” I warned, my voice low.“I’m not starting, Listowel. I’m finishing. If you don’t come home today, I will call an emergency board meeting. Let’s see how long you keep your position as CEO.”A chuckle escaped my lips. “Do whatever you want, Grandma. I do
MELISSA’S POV Listowel kept the fork he was holding down and leaned back into the chair. He narrowed his eyes at me and simply asked, “Why Not?” “Because it was a mistake?” was my response. I busied myself with cutting the steak in front of me. In a deep gentle tone, “Look at me….” he demanded. As if I were a robot who could be controlled, I lifted my gaze from the plate to meet his. His pupils dialed, and his eyes widened as soon as our gazes locked. “For me. What happened between us was not a mistake. I cherish everything we shared.” I couldn't help but scoff at his words. Even though deep within myself I wanted to believe his words, a part of me couldn't help but scoff. I have to admit. It has become very difficult for me to let go of the past and trust him again. A part of me wants to give it a shot especially now that he's no more with Wendy but a part of me also dreads this decision most. Leaning forward, he moved his hands across the table to hold me. I instin
MELISSA’S POV The soothing sound from the fountain at my far right was the only thing that could be heard amidst the clatter of plates and in the restaurant where Listowel and I were seated. To disguise ourselves, Listowel had on a cap while I covered half of my face with a scarf. We made a stop at a boutique nearby to buy it because Listowel thought it would be awkward if we both came to the restaurant wearing a mask. A black mask to be precise. Thankfully, when we walked in, there were very few people here. Even the few people around were also busily eating, chatting, or having a meeting with their colleagues. No one seemed interested in who we were. Despite this, I requested that we sit at the secluded side of the restaurant and the manager was very kind to allow us. A few minutes adterfettubg seated, a slim petite lady who from the black mini dress with a white collar and tie she was wearing; hinted that she was a waitress, stridden to our table. Listowel on the
MELISSA’S POV “Back off…” I sneered. “What if I don’t?” He asked in a low whisper, his hot breath, fanning against my face. I inhaled sharply and rolled my eyes before muttering in annoyance, “Then I will be forced to—“ Before the words could fully leave my lips, he shut me up with a kiss. I pushed back slightly but his firm grip on my neck weakened my effort. I couldn’t understand why Listowel was being so careless. Was he not aware that any slight mistake could land us over the news? I closed my eyes and kissed him back for a while but as soon as I realized his hold on me had loosened, I bit him hard on his lips. “Ouch…,” he winced and I couldn’t help but let out an evil smirk. “Serves you right…” I remarked, trying hard to suppress myself from laughing at the face he had made. “Did you have to bite me?” he retorted, but I didn’t say anything. I only pulled up the nose mask and stared straight ahead. He didn’t push further. He turned on the engine and started the
MELISSA’S POV My mind wandered to Listowel as soon as the call ended. He was the one who handled everything that night so it was not too out of the ordinary that I was feeling obligated to call him. But as I finished putting in his contact number, my thumb hovered on the screen while I contemplated whether I really had to call him or not. Thinking aloud, “Should I call him or not? Won’t it be too awkward if I call him at any little inconvenience? Besides, Melissa… why are you acting like he’s your guardian or some sort? Since when did you start depending on people? No. You don’t need to tell him. Just go to the station, give your statement, and come back home. Simple. “ I battled with my thoughts as I put down the phone and headed back to the dining area. I had settled on the idea that I would be going to the station alone until something crossed my mind. Listowel still needed to know that the police called since he was also at the crime scene. I’m sure he
MELISSA’S POV Listowel had called out after me several times, probably confused at my reaction. But I paid no heed to him. I threw and sunk myself onto the bed. Even as I pressed the pillow hard against my ears, I could still hear him calling my name and asking if he said anything wrong but I didn't bother explaining anything to him. I could only thank my stars he was still oblivious and had not suspected anything. ****FLASHBACK ENDS*** Something flickered in me as soon as my eyes fell on the pink sticky note on the dining table. It bore Listowel’s handwriting. Yes, I still remember his handwriting because since I worked with him. Back when I was working at Gordon Inc., all my work projects had to be approved by him before any other proceedings so I pretty much recognize it. A broad smile formed on my face as I read the message. It read; “Hey, you had a good sleep? I made your favorite breakfast. I know I’m not the best cook but make sure you finish everything.
MELISSA’S POV A soft yawn escaped my lips as I sat up on my bed. My eyes darted, searching around for only God knows what. I live alone so it was so unusual for me to wake up and dart around like this. It felt as if I was expecting to see someone. Slightly lifting my hands, I stretched myself before rising up and heading to the living room. As I opened the door that separated my bedroom from the rest of my apartment, I was greeted with an appetizing aroma. My brows knitted together as I tried to process what was happening. Halting in my tracks, I squinted my eyes as I tried to figure out if what I was seeing in the dining area was real. To make sure I wasn't daydreaming, I rubbed my eyes a couple of times but as the savoring aroma that had engulfed the room filled my nostrils, no one had to tell me that whatever I was seeing was real. Yes. For the first time in months, since I moved into this apartment, there’s an actual breakfast on my dining table. My eyes flicke
KEVIN’S POV The thick silence that engulfed the car was too loud to ignore. For a split second, I thought the boss was ignoring me and probably didn't want me to disrupt what he was doing on his tablet so I kept my lips shut and drove out of the garage to hit the road. Listowel usually listens to the early morning news on his way to work so I turned on the radio and lowered the volume to a level that helped balance his attention on both the tablet and the radio. I had not thought much of it earlier but turning on the radio kind of eased the tension in the car. It's been a few minutes since we hit the main road but Mr. Gordon had still not asked me to continue with what I was about to tell him earlier nor has he made any sound. I had not thought much of it earlier but turning on the radio kind of eased the tension in the car. Suddenly, “What was it that you needed to tell me?” his deep commanding voice echoed from the back seat. He removed the glasses he had on and
KEVIN’S POV My head throbbed as I sat on my bed this morning. The hard liquor I had consumed yesterday was definitely the cause of the pain. Yes, I had threw up the one Wendy made me drink while we sitting at the counter so it was so odd for me to have felt this way. But the truth, I went back to drink more last night. My chest tightened with fury as I tried to recall the events of the previous night. A pang of guilt washed over me as I also recalled my indifferent attitude towards my boss these past few days. I felt mad at myself for doubting him and believing that Wendy deserved better. I couldn't help but replay the scene I had witnessed last night. Wendy, whom we all knew to be obsessed with Listowel was tightly entangled in another man’s arms, kissing him like there was no tomorrow. Initially, I thought I was hallucinating so I got off the car and hid closer to have a proper look. It was indeed her. Even though she had on a scarf which had covered most o
KEVIN’S POV“Ouch..” Wendy let out a loud shrill cry, as she clutched her stomach. “Why what is it?” Her cry caught me by surprise, making me spring up to my feet. I sprinted to her side and assisted to get up on her feet. “My…. my tummy. It aches. I need to go to the washroom now,” she answered, although her tone sounded a bit dramatic to me. I attempted to hold up and maybe escort her to the washroom door but she yanked my hands away. “Thanks but I can go by myself. It isn't really a big deal. I think I just had too much to drink.” she said, making me confused as to what she meant. “Alright… easy there,” I said, letting go of her hands. “I'll be waiting for you here then. No. No need to wait. You can take the lead.” she shouted as she made her to the ladies. “Woww…” I said, taking out money from my wallet and placing it on the bill. The harsh cold breeze greeted me as I stepped outside the bar. I shook vigorously my head in anticipation of getting the influence of the alcoho