My surroundings seemed to close in on me as I sat in my office, my gaze intently focused on the laptop before me. I was going over the so-called ‘not impressive enough’ proposal. I wasted almost seven hours of a sleepless night only to be told this? My heart felt heavy as I tried to calm the anger brewing inside me. As my fingers aggressively pressed on the letters on the keyboard before me, the cunning voice of Listowell still echoed in my ears. I didn't miss the deliberate criticisms and coldness he passed on while I was presenting. But I had ignored it all. I thought he was only trying to be silly, only for him to dismiss the whole proposal! And for what? A flimsy excuse that even a three-year-old wouldn't believe. “Miss Muggins?” Yaw spoke for the first time after a long while since we came back from the conference room. Yes?” I replied, not raising my gaze to look at him as it was still focused on the screen.“I don't think it's a good idea to go through the project right
MELISSA’S POVThe low screeching sound the door had made caught me off guard. “Who would enter an office without knocking” I thought to myself as my eyes darted to the doorway, checking who the culprit was. For a couple of minutes, I stood still, expecting the person to enter but there was no one. “It probably opened by itself” inwardly saying to myself, I turned and headed to the door side to close the door. Just when I held the doorknob, twisting it to the left side, someone’s head suddenly peeped in between the door and the wall. “Oh my God!” I screamed as soon as my eyes met that of the head’s. My face turned pale while my heart raced in shock, causing me to stagger backward. It was Yaw!“Miss Muggins! Forgive me, I didn't know you were back there,” rushing inside to hold me firm, Yaw apologized before I could fall. Standing upright, I scolded, “You just scared the hell out of me, Mr. Agyei”So sorry miss, I didn’t want to disturb your slumber so I thought to open it slowly
MELISSA’S POVI couldn't really tell why my heart skipped a beat when I heard his voice. Hoping against hope that the voice I had just heard wasn't that of the person I suspected it was, I turned my head towards the direction from which the voice emerged.And it was indeed him. The CEO, or should I say. My ex-husband? Anyways, it was Listowel Gordon. I felt my muscles tightening as my spine stiffened when our gazes met. "Planning anything cool?" he asked again, an indifferent expression on his face. We all stood still, dumbfounded by his sudden appearance and more so, his question.How is it his business if we are planning anything?As he approached us, I cut him a deadly glare, expecting that he would catch on and leave. But he pretended as if he didn't see. Averting his gaze from me to look at Maxwell, he asked, am I invited?“Mind if I join you guys?”I felt the muscles in my shoulders tightening, and my spine stiffening as I processed his words. He walked past me with an unrea
MELISSA’S POVI knew he was only trying to be silly so I acted like I didn't hear and walked away. ******The ride to the bar was quiet and the tension in it was so thick that it could be cut with a knife. My colleagues, Gloria, Yaw, Max and Collins were acting as if they weren’t the one that had excitedly hopped inside the car earlier. I guess they were intimidated by Listowel’s presence. Meanwhile, I had also experienced my share of the stress. Listowel had sat close to me and our bodies had been brushing against each other whenever the car swerved. In as much as I tried to suppress my discomfort, Listowel was comfortably seated, pressing on his phone, refusing to shift to the side a bit. Soon, the car pulled up in front of the infamous Murphy’s restaurant. From outside, I could hear the classic music and buzz of conversations from the insides as we stepped down from the car. Yaw, noticing my nervousness, was the first to talk. He gestured for me to come closer and said, “Come
LISTOWEL'S POVI tried hard to dodge the curious stares from the rest of the staff and those who were seated at the long table.Some were whispering and murmuring, while the rest had their mouths wide open. The expression they had on their face spoke none other than "What the heck is the cold CEO of all doing here at a team night out?” I could even see some random people at the restaurant secretly taking pictures and videos of me.Gosh... How I hate crowded places. I mean, can’t I go to places peacefully without having pictures and videos of myself circulating the internet? I was tempted to grab and smash the phone of a certain girl, whom I think is a blogger as she had her camera a few inches away from my face.If not for Mr. Bellingham, one of my administrative assistants, who had led her away, I would have probably been a hot topic in the news by now.MELLISA'S POVGloria, the vibrant thought this to be fun as she had a mischievous smile while shifting to and fra. I tried pinchin
MELISSA’S POVMy neck stiffened at his words. What does he mean by what he said? He expects me to take the food meant for him? In front of everyone? What even was going on in his mind when he placed the food before me? The deafening silence that engulfed our table caused a sense of dread through my bones. Everyone had their eyes on us, watching us with puzzled faces. Feigning a smile, I said, “No, thank you sir. I'm actually very full right now”. I declined and gently pushed the plate before him with the tip of my fingers. I turned back to face my colleagues with a smile that did not reach my eyes. I guess nervousness was too detectable for them not to notice as they also grinned awkwardly. “Or do you need me to feed you?” Listowel’s deep voice came through again. This time, I froze, his words sending a shiver down my spine. Is this why he insisted on coming with us? To make me feel uncomfortable?My fingers trailed from the table down to the chair. Moving slowly under the table,
MELISSA’S POVMy heart thumped faster against my ribs as the question came through. It seems the heavens aren’t on my side today. Why is everyone trying so hard to get on my nerves today? Or did they all collaborate with Listowel to ruin my time here? Now that I really thought of it, everything looks suspicious. First, it was the impromptu proposal, Yaw had called me to work on yesterday.Next was the rejection of the proposal. Followed by the team dinner, Listowel insisting on joining us and now here I was, being asked questions here and there as if there’s nothing else to discuss. Was I just overthinking or these are mere coincidences?My eyes trailed to the end of the table, where the voice came from. It was Priscilla. I had heard someone call her that when we arrived. But I couldn’t tell if this question came out of sheer curiosity or if there was something more behind it. For a moment, I sat frozen, thinking of what to say. I indeed know Wendy. Although I had heard of her
MELISSA’S POVHis words rang consistently in my ears. What does he mean by “everyone here knows you're special to me”?But what he said didn't bother me as much as the loudness of his voice did. He had said it out loud such that everyone had turned to look at us again. This is very unlike him. The Listowel I once knew liked to keep his things private and was reserved in nature. The man I fell in love with years ago wouldn't want people to glare at his wife with judging eyes. But the one sitting by me was a totally different person. He has changed or perhaps, I never knew him at all. I tried to steady my breath but the food in my mouth suddenly choked me. I couldn't swallow it down nor could I throw it out. My fingers trembled violently as I fumbled for the glass of water. But Listowel beat me to it.He reached for the water and quickly held it to my mouth, urging me to drink. Like a flash I gulped down three glasses of water, desperately hoping that it would help ease the burning s
LISTOWEL’S POV “What are you doing? Do you want to kill me?” she choked out while my grip around her neck tightened. “Tell me the truth and I might spare you! What did you do to me?” I growled. She stared at me in the eyes, the pitiful look in her eyes eventually turning into that of mockery. She inhaled deeply and put on a straight face as she said, “I don't know what you are talking about. Why would I do anything to you when you were literally the one all over—” Her eyes closed in terror and her body shook beneath me as she thought I was going to hit her. “Stop lying!” I slammed my fist at the wall, a few inches away from her head. I could hear my rugged breath as I fought to control my temper. I knew deep within me that this wasn't the whole story and that Wendy was probably lying to me. So I felt scared, hurt, and angry that there was another chance of her claims being true. If it happened to be the former, what was I going to do? How was I going to explain
Listowel’s POV I felt a sharp pain course through my body as I tried to change my posture on the bed. A side of my head ached badly while my limbs felt like they were on fire. I couldn't move not to talk of sitting up. What the hell was happening to me? I forcefully opened my eyes but I regretted it as fast I did. The piercing rays from the sun hit me to a point where I had to lay down for five fvcking minutes. With the back of my hands, I slowly rubbed the sleep away from eyes when I felt about okay. When I finally was able to open my eyes, I stared at the ceiling for a couple of seconds before something dawned on me. The ceiling I was staring at looked nothing familiar to what I was used to! It looked nothing like the one in my house, Melissa’s nor grandma’s. Panicking, I darted around to check my surroundings and it looked just like a rest house. “Where the fuck am I? Didn't I go home last night?” I mumbled to myself as I sunk myself back on the bed. Suddenly,
WENDY’S POV The deadly glare Listowel cut me as I brushed my shoulder to his causing a shiver to run down my spine. The expression on his face was as if he had been touched by an abomination. I felt a bit embarrassed so I quickly looked away, swallowed hard before asking, “Does my presence make you uncomfortable?” It was as if I was talking to a tree, he was on the verge of ignoring me till he realized Grandpa was looking at us. Briefly glancing at me, he responded with a simple “No.” and looked back at the document before him. Grandpa cleared his throat, his gruff voice reverberating across the living room as he thundered, “Stop bothering him, Wendy. He's no more your fianceè.” His sudden tone startled me a bit. Was Grandpa on my side or not? “If you don’t behave, I will be the one to throw you out?” he added, his grimace on his face turning darker. Letting out a gasp, “But Grandpa—” “Shut up or leave!” he bellowed. I wasn't expecting this from him. I was kind of s
WENDY’S POV My fingers trailed smoothly at the sides of my dress as I admired my figure in the mirror. I had specifically chosen to wear this black lace gown Listowel used to adore when we were together. A slight smirk tugged at the sides of my lips as I picked up a bright red matte lipstick and painted it on my lips. Tonight, I was going in for a sensual and seductive look. I took one more look at my reflection in the mirror and I was more than confident that no man on earth could resist this body. Yes. I have a whole plan drawn out in my head and was going to execute it by hook or crook tonight. I'd been waiting for tonight for days now and I couldn't more happier happier than it was finally here. Ever since the day I saw Melissa and Listowel doing Lovey Dovey at the beach, I've not had rest. The memory of how they laughed and played along the beach like some carefree teenagers irritated my spirit. It made me sick. But all that was going to end tonight. The vibra
MELISSA’S POV Listowel’s gaze moved from the phone screen and then to me. He looked as if he was contemplating whether to answer it in my presence or not. I squinted, slowly inching closer to him. “Why? Who is it?” I curiously asked, my ears peeking up the air as I stepped closer. He didn't say anything. He only showed me the name displayed on the screen. I stretched my neck forward while squinting to have a clear look. I felt something twist in my tummy as soon I saw the name. It was Mr. Maccini. Yes, Wendy’s Grandpa. I quickly looked away, arranging the pillows on the sofa as I masked my actual feeling. “Should I?” Listowel’s voice resounded from my back. “Should you what?” I asked, feigning ignorance. “I mean should I answer?” he pressed. I let out an empty chuckle as I replied. “Why are you asking me? Who am I to decide whether you should answer people’s calls or not.” Listowel frowned. He strides to my side and pulls me by my waist. “You’re my girl
MELISSA’S POV We pulled up in front of a local grocery shop where we on the spot made a list of the food items we would need. After compiling the long list, Listowel offered to go get them from the store. I didn't challenge him neither did I tugged along because it was still unsafe for people to see us together. Planting a kiss on my forehead, “I will be right back okay?” he said and patted my hair before opening the door to step out. I could only stare at his broad back with a smile on my face as he walked into the store. A few minutes later, he returned to the car holding lots of bags in his hands. The amount of foodstuff he had bought made me wonder if we were going to cook for charity or if they were just meant for us only. Without help, he arranged them at the boot before coming to resume his seat. “Is there any occasion that I don’t about?” I teased. “Ocassion? I don't understand,” he answered, genuinely confused. “Since you bought a track full of groceries I thought yo
Today, if not the only was perhaps one of my worst days since I started working here. The fvck?! I couldn't believe the kind of insulting sight I witnessed today. My day had started on a good note and I was in a good mood this morning because of the yummy little lunch box Listowel had prepared for me this morning. I had anticipated lunch time the moment I came to work and was so glad when it was finally time. It was a yummy plate of mashed potatoes and Yorkshire pudding, mincemeat with sauce. Minutes after I finished eating, I had resumed work when Leticia barged into my office uninvited. Such a rotten manner! At least a cutesy knock wouldn't have hurt. But as the big person I am, I decided to let go and welcome her in. Her demeanor was a bit uncalled for but I looked past yet I decided to accept the smoothie even though I didn't plan on drinking it or anything. Suddenly, “Splash!…” was all I heard. The cup had fallen from her hands and the smoothie was every
LETICIA’S POV I could see Melissa through the window blinds as I reached the floor on which her office was. For a couple of minutes, I glanced at her intended demeanor as she worked on her computer. She has that feminine, soft, and gorgeous aura which I understand she has been using to charm most men she comes across. Making a low sound, I cleared my throat and blinked myself back from admiring her before I proceeded to walk to her door. I raised my hands and knocked lightly on the door. Without waiting for a response, I pushed open the door and walked in. Upon my entry, she instantly raised her eyes from the computer and stared at me with an annoyed expression. The look on her face made me feel a bit guilty. Yeah, I should have waited for her to respond instead of barging in like that but… whatever. I was pissed at the fact that not only was she stealing Mr. Giovanni from me but also using me as their errand girl. Stretching the smoothie I had in my hands towar
LETICIA’S POV I hate to say this but Miss Muggins has been glowing and looking bright these days. Even after the drama Madam Gordon had come here the other day to create, she appears vibrant regardless. Anyways, I don’t really care about what goes on in her life like that. Well except for the fact that her presence in this company steals away the little attention I used to get from Mr. Giovanni. I remember how delighted I was at the time that she absented herself from work without prior permission. I remember how very well I was excited because I thought she wasn’t going to be spared. For that, I was very much sure of. I’ve witnessed quite a number of people being sacked from the firm without second chances because they didn’t hold up to their work ethics. That’s why I was so sure she was going to be fired and told her off the day she came to request for Mr. Giovanni’s telephone number. Rolling my eyes, “I guess she’s different,” I whispered lowly to myself. Gosh… Ever si