“Let me ask you again.” Christopher stares at me. “Are you ready to answer my questions and tell the truth?”It only takes three seconds before I nod my head frantically. “Yes.” I am the only who will end up losing, not him. “How did you get your hands on those CCTV footages?” Christopher asks.I lower my gaze, not daring to meet his as I reply, “I hacked into Exclusive XX Club’s server.”“You did what?” Christopher’s brows furrows as he squints his eyes. My gaze meet his. I bet this isn’t the answers he is expecting.“I hacked into their server,” I repeat, lowering my gaze again. It feels weird for the first time in so many years that I revealed a bit of me that no one knows since I returned.It makes me feel I’m naked and I can’t begin to comprehend the other feelings and the thoughts going on in my head. “You? No one gave the clips to you?” Christopher asks in disbelief and my gaze quickly shoots up.“You thought someone gave the clips to me?” I ask. “Why didn’t you belie
“I’m not sure you know this, but I was kidnapped by child traffickers when I was eight years old. Fortunately, I escaped from their hands three days later. But I passed out in the forest after running for so long. And when I opened my eyes, I was sleeping a bit and being tended by a middle aged lady...”Tears from in my eyes as I recall and retell my painful past story. Those were the years I solely lived for the purpose of one day reuniting with my parents, but who knew it would all be for nothing.The hope of seeing them again, finally running into their arms, being taken care of by them and being showered lots of love was what kept me going and living amongst strangers in a harsh environment I’d never seen before.This is why it still breaks my heart no matter how many time I try to feign ignorance and a stone heart against my parents treatment.“If I had known that I would be treated this way after reuniting with my parents, would have preferred to die because death came knock
Christopher and I exchange glances, and it takes me a while to respond to him. “I don’t mind,” I say and finish the rest of my sentence in my head. ‘As long as Brenda doesn’t force her way.’I really do not mind being single if Christopher backs off from the marriage arrangement just as long as Brenda doesn’t get him.“Do you think it’s possible to maintain two roles after what went down between us?” Christopher asks, expecting an honest reply.From the way he is staring at me, I believe he begs to differ.“As long as we both don’t mind, there is nothing wrong with it,” I say and end up regretting it because I sound desperate now, so I quickly correct myself.“Christopher I know that we’ve both come a long way and a lot has happened between us. Believe me when I say I don’t want to mess your life up. I can’t afford to lose my job. I need it, and that’s why I want you to keep me.”Christopher nods, his brows knitting in curiosity. He leans back into his seat and says to me, “Wh
As soon as I clock off work, I drive straight to a branded store to buy a new dress for tomorrow’s event.I dare not go to the previous mall for fear of bumping into Barbara Collins as I’m worried on her reaction when she says a black card in my hands.Fortunately, I don’t have to worry about that and shop to my heart’s content.Though Christopher had instructed me to get whatever I wanted, I’m still a bit sceptical about spending his money, so I’m mindful of the price tags.As I’m going through the third clothing rack, a call comes into my phone. Lo and behold, it’s Tessa so I quickly swipe my finger across the screen to take it.“Hey, girl! Are you off work?” Tessa asks excitedly.“Yeah, some minutes ago,” I reply, sounding excited because I am.“Do you have an outfit ready for tomorrow?” she asks almost immediately.I stare at the pink jumpsuit in front of my eyes and smile. “I’m on it.”“I have some time now, let’s shop together. I’m going to let my stylist pick something
My little reminder at the dinner table is enough to keep everyone away from for the time being.Mum and Dad has to know that even though the hand the best man in the whole world to me, I will never forget what they allowed Brenda do to me.I can’t have them relaxing and thinking that I’m cool with the past even though the future might hold better benefit for me otherwise, that will give Brenda an edge to hurt me further.Brenda would be dreaming if she thinks that I wouldn’t stop mentioning how she went behind her own sister’s back to steal her boyfriend and even get engaged to him.A deep sigh escapes my lips as I step out of the bathroom after a warm bath. I feel so refreshed with that treacherous human being out of mind.As my back hit the bed, my thoughts drift to the important event tomorrow which reminds me of Christopher and his kind gesture.I still can’t believe that he would care for me in this manner by trusting me with his mighty black card and letting me buy my outf
I slip Christopher’s black card back to him when I go into his office to serve his morning black coffee.“Thank you so much,” I add as I present the card.Christopher looks up at me before taking it from my hands. “I didn’t receive the total debit amount I was expecting,” he says to me, brows furrowing. “Did you buy everything you needed?”“Only the necessary ones,” I quickly reply, trying not to read the meaning behind his words. Was he expecting me to spend more of his money?“Next time, just get everything you want without holding back. It’s not like you can finish my money anyway,” he says as he slips the card back into his wallet.I don’t know how else to respond to him except thanking him.But one thing Christopher should note is that once he starts spoiling me, there was no going back.Towards noon, Stella and I wrap up with our work and change into our outfit for the event. Both of must have the same ethical and professional thoughts as surprisingly, our outfit priori
As Stella and I make it back to the hall, she expresses her dissatisfaction to me.“Mr. Moore is really something else. How can he expect you to drink on his behalf. Asking a woman to drink on his behalf is so ungentlemanly. Does he not have respect for women anymore?” A soft sigh escapes my lips as I guide her towards our table which is right next to Christopher’s. “Remember, I am his staff so he definitely doesn’t see me as a woman,” I quickly tell her and then want to bite my tongue next.Although Christopher has been very well-behaved with me, I doubt he is physically attracted to me. I have never once caught him staring at my chest or making any sexual jokes.Even if it’s too early, but there should at least be a subtle hint that he sees me beyond his personal assistant, but so far there is nothing therefore, the reason for my doubt.“Emily, stop defending him,” Stella whispers as I pull out a seat for her before doing the same for myself. “Remember that whatever you tole
As Grandpa asks about Emily, everyone turned their attention to me, looking interested in the matter.A soft sigh escapes my lips.I know for a fact that Emily intentionally stepped aside when she saw my family approaching, and now they are asking after her.Although I don’t know exactly what Emily is thinking and why she had left, I’d like to stick to the rules.“Grandpa, today, Emily is my Personal Assistant who I have no personal relationship with,” I say with a straight gaze and fortunately, they all get the hint.“Chris, we understand,” Tessa says with a brilliant smile. “But she still needs to greet us, and I need to meet my best friend.”Tessa’s statement has me lingering my gaze on her. I know what she’s trying to do, and I don’t blame her for being overly excited.Emily mentioned that she tried to set both of us up before the marriage arrangement even came up, so I understand. Even Tessa had mentioned it to me herself, and I wish she would contain her emotions.Seeing
Emily.It is with so much relief on my heart that Christopher and I are walking right next to each other without any other human to interfere.Tessa is my best girl. She read the situation and then proceeded to an act. Mum almost ruined it though by trying to make Brenda follow us.I don’t know what she was thinking when she brought up that idea. I bet she didn’t know she looked empty in front of the Moore family for what she did.If I wasn’t so sure that Mum would never want to jeopardize her bidding relationship with the Moore family, I would have thought she was thinking of making Christopher interested in Brenda. I hope I’m not wrong.Because, I haven’t forgotten the fact that Mum was going to help Brenda marry Christopher instead after Brenda found out Christopher’s identity and cried to her that she wanted him.To think Mum had been foolish to even consider her request and even proceed to act on it.Today made me realize that there was probably nothing Mum could not do fo
Tessa.Mrs. Wilson being unable to read the ruin angered me in ways I didn’t know was possible.Even that fool naked Brenda pretended to be oblivious to the situation and sat there next to her mother, fluttering her lashes innocently; like she was some pitiful unloved lady ostracized by her family. If I didn’t know what Brenda was like, I would have fallen for her stunt but thankfully, I would never be deceived by her. But my family was different.They don’t know Brenda is a white lotus and a green tea bitch.And although I would like to expose that witch right in front of them, now wasn’t the time as it could ruin things for Emily. Besides, I can still deal with Brenda on my own.She doesn’t know whose lands she is stepping on.The awkward silence stretched enough to erupt Chris’s anger. He wasn’t a fan of Brenda, thanks to the true stories I told him about how Emily used to be bullied by her, and her mother.But before things could get out of hand; like Chris displaying an
Tessa. Grandpa’s talks were getting boring. From taking about the wedding, he shifted focus to business, engaging Emily’s dad in the conversation.Mr. Wilson’s eyes was full of smiles as he immediately connected to the conversation. After all, the business deal was the reason for his happiness, not his daughter’s marriage. I rolled my eyes inwardly as the silence on my part stretched. And that was when my gaze fell on my cousin, Chris. He was looking my way but I could bet it wasn’t me he was staring at.There was someone he had come to adore who was sitting next to me.From the corner of my eyes, I caught Emily looking back at Chris. And instantly, a smile appeared on my lips.These two looked tired of sitting at a place with no opportunity to interact with each other. Unfortunately for them, Grandpa was so old fashioned that he doesn’t have any innovative ideas in regards to this aspect.He doesn’t understand that the future couple need to spend more time together to know
While I’m happy someone from the Moore family came to my defence which is proof they had accepted me, I couldn’t help but be mad at Mum.What she just displayed was evidence of how bias she was to Brenda. She just showed the Moore family that I am the less preferred. Which is stupid.I don’t care that Mum loves Brenda with all her life. At least, she should tame her emotions and obsession outside. Even Dad who was alert, seemed to disapprove of Mum’s actions in front of the Moore family. I could tell by the way he touched the back of her hand while gazing elsewhere.And I would like to think that he was more disappointed because she and Brenda had indirectly told them they didn’t like the work they did with my wedding invitation cards.Soon, the awkwardness hanging in the air disappeared along with Tessa’s presence. Tessa arrived with a warm smile on her face , especially after she saw me. But the second she noticed Brenda, I saw her smile crack.I perfectly understand my fri
I felt Brenda’s discomfort as Grandpa Moore engaged me in a conversation. I think she’s crazy for even wanting the Moore family’s attention on her. Brenda is nothing short of a heavily delusional psychopath who doesn’t have a limit to her actions. Why on earth would she be mad that all attention was on me now? Somehow, I wished that Brenda will be taken away from my side. I don’t like sitting beside her and assimilating her negative energy. It makes me more mad. Unfortunately, I don’t have any other option. From talking about work, Grandpa shifted the conversation, mentioning the wedding which was in a few weeks. Uncle Frederick’s wife mentioned the wedding invitation cards were ready. A minute later, their family butler brought a square-shaped box with a red ribbon at the top. “They arrived this morning,” Grandpa Moore revealed with a smile before turning to Christopher to give him a glance. Then Mum used the opportunity to say her thoughts. “I think we should unveil the
“Thank you for caring this much about my daughter,” Mum said, her eyes lighting up like fireworks. Then almost immediately, she dragged Brenda into the conversation. “Brenda, you have to thank Mr. Moore.” And as if Brenda was just waiting for the right moment to show herself, she took Mum’s leading and turned her attention to Grandpa Moore. “Thank you, grandpa for your well wishes,” she said softly before turning to Christopher’s uncles to do the same. “... I deeply appreciate your concern.” It was so hard keeping a straight face when anger was about to consume me whole. Brenda spoke so endearingly as if she was the one marrying into the Moore family. It can’t be jealousy driving me at this point. Also, I’m not being paranoid. I have every reason to be furious at Mum and Brenda. I don’t know who is more dumb between the two but finally after analyzing the situation, I realised that Mum was the foolish one because how can you try to get Brenda into the Moore family’s good bo
“The patriarch and his family are all waiting in the living room. I will lead the way,” the butler informed Mum and Dad while gesturing towards the building’s entrance. “Sure,” Dad muttered as he and Mum quickly started to walk behind the butler and in no time, my steps and Brenda’s fall into place behind our parents’. The Moore residence was nothing like anything we had seen. It had this vintage style to the building whereas inside the house, the decors and styles were modernized, making it look like there have been a renovation in recent times. Brenda and I couldn’t help staring at the intricate designs on the walls, and the beautiful sculpture pieces inside the building. But I made sure my fascination was masked with a subtle elegance. Stepping into the grand living room with a splash of pure gold used in the interior decor, we meet the members of the Moore family rising to their feet with welcoming smiles on their faces. Within a few seconds, my gaze swiftly moved from on
As Mum and Dad went over to the first car, Brenda got in next to me and slowly secured her seatbelt. Next, she turned to me, her lips parting several times before finally bringing forth a word. “Emily, how do I look tonight? Do you think my lipstick is a little too dull?” Instantly, my eyes narrowed into splits as I briefly turned my gaze to her. What nonsense?! Is this witch actually asking me how she looks tonight? Is she on something? What kind of delusion gave her the effrontery to even say a word to me, talk more of trying to make me gauge her looks tonight? There could be only one reason for Brenda being high this evening. Her senses have returned. I feel Brenda deserves a beating for her annoying thoughtless provoking actions right now. She only acts out of point and looks for my trouble when she was her usual self. I guess she has actually made full recovery from the surgery. My stare on Brenda conveyed my deep hatred for her and I guessed just for a tiny
My question seemed to stop Mum right in her tracks. She stared at me for a moment and finally, Dad broke the silence. “We are going to be late if you two keep arguing,” he said with a tight frown. I bet he was only trying to end this fight because it wasn’t beneficial with his plans to keep time with the Moore family. “Darling, we are leaving in just two cars. What’s the sitting arrangement?” Mum asked as her gaze darted towards the cars before shifting back to Dad. As soon as Mum asked that question, Brenda interrupted with that annoying harmless smile on her face. “Mum, you and Dad can ride in the first car while I ride with Emily,” she suggested, taking Mum’s arm as if to please her and get her to agree.I’m not surprised Brenda made that suggestion. If anything, I had been expecting it. And if she hadn’t made that suggestion, I would have questioned her.Brenda likes attention. She can’t do without making others look bad as long as it would elevate her in other people