Chapter Thirty-Six. Anabelle pov I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom, had my bath, sat in front of the dresser and did my skin routine before picking out an outfit. “I should wear this.” I said out loud, putting on my underwear and stared into the mirror for a while before putting on my outfit. The door swung open as Jackson ran inside with his bag properly held onto his back. “ Mommy.” He called out. I looked through the mirror. “Hi baby.” I replied. “I am ready, Nana dressed me up already. I thought I would wake up to see you.” He said, as he helped himself to my bed. I turned to look at him, bent to his level. “I have to get to work, and I can't be late.” I said, rubbing his head. “Okay mommy but will you have time to play with me tomorrow? It's Saturday.” He asked. I had no idea the week had run out already. “I should be able to, you have me all to yourself tomorrow okay?” I said, sounding very reassuring. He nodded. “Okay mommy.” A knock was heard on the door.
Chapter Thirty-Seven Travis pov Sitting in the lounge, I just could not get Anna out of my mind. ‘How could I have been so foolish not to see past everything and notice her genuine love for me? Shit! Why must I always be the one who destroys everything?’ I asked myself. Annabella was the best thing that happened to me, but I was just blinded by Samantha. Sighing, I ran my hands through my hair while I took another shot of tequila, the hot liquid went down my throat burning my throat. Wincing in pain, I smiled crazily, this amount of pain is what I truly deserve. The way I treated Annabella was inhumane, looking back now I realized I only used her. Trying to get her back now would be almost impossible. My Dad is just hell-bent on getting a partnership deal with her family, and he is still using me. That's the only thing he is ever good at, he has never been a good father to me just using me to get what he wants. My dad did not even care how much I had been broken after th
Chapter Thirty-eight. Annabelle pov I sat behind my large mahogany desk, gesturing for Brenda to take a seat in the plush leather chair across from me. We chatted for a bit, catching up on old times and sharing stories. I was impressed by her intelligence and drive, and I found myself thinking she would be a great asset to the IT team. "Thank you for coming in, Brenda," I said, trying to sound professional despite my curiosity.”how're you feeling?” questioned. “I am good.” She replied with so much enthusiasm as always. “That's great…uhmm, there is something I would like to discuss with you if you don't mind.” I started. She adjusted her chair forward and became serious. “Okay, I am all ears ma'am, hit me.” She replied. “Uhmm, well I would–” I was about to say when a knock was heard on the door and Sophia stood by the door without entering fully. “Sorry to interrupt you ma'am but the chairman is around and he demands to see you as soon as possible.” She said, I looked at her
Chapter Thirty-nine. Annabelle pov I scanned it quickly, my eyes widening as I saw the list of Brenda's skills and certifications. Cyber security, penetration testing, ethical hacking...it was all there. No wonder she was so good at finding vulnerabilities in our systems. Then I saw something that made my heart skip a beat. A note from James, indicating that Brenda had been involved in some shady online activities in the past. Hacking into corporate databases, exposing sensitive information...it was all there. I felt a chill run down my spine. ‘Had I just offered a promotion to a former cyber criminal? And what was she doing working for me in the first place?’ I questioned myself as I read the file over and over again but I wasn't feeling comfortable about it. I needed to get to the bottom of this. I called Rachel back in. "Get Brenda's file ready for a thorough review. And find out everything you can about her past online activities. I want to know what we're dealing with here
Chapter Fourty. Annabelle pov I turned back to look at the sad expression he had on his face, took a breath in and out. “I never loved you, I wasn't in love with you, maybe I just wanted to pass a way time with, maybe I just wanted to have fun and you seemed to be available when I needed someone and I appreciate it, I thought we were on same page about knowing our full intentions and what we want, marriage isn't something I want to do again, after…everything that went down with Travis and I.” I said, holding back my soft spot. He chuckled as he walked further. “Are you saying…that I was just playing with you?” He asked. I nodded. “And I am sorry, I thought we…knew what we were doing.” I said. “Ohh, wow…I didn't have to know that.” He said and stopped directly in front of me. “Do you still want him back?” He asked and I got choked immediately. I didn't know what to say back to him, I don't know if he was right or if I was lying to myself about not wanting Travis back. “No, I don
Chapter Fourty one. Annabelle pov I was so curious and worried about what and who just called me but the voice kept coming back to my head and I was trying so hard to figure out who it was. I called James and as soon as he answered me, “Hey, good evening…I need your help with something.” I said immediately forgetting the pleasantries stage. “Good evening ma'am, what's that?” He asked. “I would send you a voice recording, I want you to get the owner of the voice and send it to me.” I said. “That would take much time ma'am but I should get it down.” He replied. “Thank you, how many hours would it take?” I asked. The call went silent for a little while. “Uhmm, I should get it done by tomorrow ma'am.” He said. “Alright, thank you very much… please will you get back to me?” I questioned. “Yes ma'am, I will get back to you.” James replied and he hung up afterwards. I was restless for a while but with so much thoughts in my head, I slept off, my phone resting on my face and the s
Chapter Fourty-Two.Annabelle pov I rushed to get water from the water dispenser that was standing beside the desk, I drank all in one gulp but my chest was still very tight and my breathing was uneven.Racheal knocked on the door then walked in with a bottle of juice in her hand. “Here is the juice you requested for ma'am.” She said.I pointed towards the desk, gesturing her to drop it down there but didn't say anything. “Is everything okay ma'am?” She asked, looking at me with questions written all over her face.I nodded slowly, trying to maintain my breathing but it wasn't helping.She moved closer to me and saw I was gasping for air. “Ma, are you okay? Do you need me to get the medics?” She asked but I shook my head.“Just…just help me down the–” I was about to say when I fell down and everything went black.“Ma'am, please stay with me, please.” Rachael said but slowly her voice began to fade out.After a few minutes later, I slowly open my eyes and blink twice before trying t
Chapter Fourty-three. Travis pov I walked into my empty house, feeling a sense of sadness and loneliness wash over me. My mind was still reeling from my thoughts of Anabelle, my ex-wife. We had been divorced for a while now, but the pain still lingered. I was married to a wonderful woman, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of loss. Anabelle and I had shared so many memories, and I couldn't help but wonder what could have been if we had worked things out. I thought about my daughter Norah, who was only 6 years old. She was the light of my life, but even her presence couldn't fill the void I felt. I missed Anabelle, and I wished she would reach out to me, just to talk. But she hadn't called, and I was left with my thoughts, wondering if she was happy, if she had moved on. I felt a pang of regret, wishing I could turn back time and make things right between us. I sighed, dropping my bag on the floor, I just stood there, lost in thoughts of what could have been, feeling the ache