~Gerald~I turned in the opposite direction, only to see Rosemary matching over in her high heels. She was wearing a fitted dress today, so her hips swayed from side to side as she walked. Nonetheless, she still looked like a badass. I raised my hand and waved at her. To my surprise, she walked past me without even sparing me a glance. She went straight to where my supervisor and colleagues were.Standing with her arms akimbo, Rosemary glared at them. "You should be ashamed of yourselves!""Is she talking to me?" Mr. Hanks looked around in confusion. When my colleagues avoided his eyes, he turned to Rosemary and snarled, "And who the fuck are you?"Rosemary scoffed. "Didn't you just hear me call Gerald my husband? So much for being a "smart" man!"Mr. Hanks pointed. "You! Watch your mouth!""Watch your own mouth!" Rosemary retorted. "Seeing as my husband got employed so fast, shouldn't that tell you he's no ordinary guy?"She grabbed my wrist and pulled me closer once I got within a
~Gerald~I heard my phone buzzing as I was working. I flipped it over and saw that it was Elvis.Why could he be calling during work hours?Quickly, I slipped out of my cubicle and exited the building though a side door. I headed straight to the telephone booth which I had seen some employees use. Locking myself in, I finally answered the call, "What's up?"Elvis's voice came from the other end of the line. "Pardon me for calling now, boss. I know you are busy, but have you seen the news?""What news?" I leaned against the glass wall."The IRS just dropped the tax evasion case against Max Smith.""What! Why would they do that?"I heard Elvis sigh exasperatedly. "According to the press release, the accusation was unfounded and Max has been paying his taxes correctly.""That's not true!" I growled.He sighed again. "Boss, it seems something fishy went on behind the scenes. I just found out that about six officials that were involved in the probe were fired for no just reason."Hearing t
~Gerald~Hundreds of comments poured in when I opened the comment section. People were pretty quick to put two and two together. One comment read, “Mr. Minimum is Max Smith, right? That guy’s surely a dumbass!”“Ugh! What a sleazy bastard! I never liked him,” another wrote.I smiled with satisfaction. "Let's see how you are going to wriggle your way out of the people's court now, Max Smith."Cancel culture was no joke in today's world, so I was fairly confident that this uproar would ruffle Max's feathers even though he was well-rooted in the business world. With the public on his ass, attacking my Rosie should be the last thing on his mind.Thinking of how stressed Rosemary had been since her ex and twin sister began to stick out like sore thumbs, I began to type a text to Elvis, inquiring about the company purchase.Just then, my phone rang. It was Rosemary."Hey..." I drawled, my lips stretching into a smile.A puff came from the other end. "How could they? How could they close the
~Gerald~Everyone in the room alternated their gaze between me and Max. An uncomfortable silence fell and lasted for about thirty seconds before one of the directors inquired, "Mr. Smith, you know him?"Max scrunched up his nose. "Of course, I do. But he's irrelevant to me. Why is he here?"You, why are you in my company?As I fought back the urge to retort, the director who had spoken earlier explained, "This is the software developer we just told you about. He's new in the company, but when it comes to the design and engineering of a car operating system, he's the best!"Almost immediately, Max laughed out loud. He eyed me again. "This guy? The best?"The director looked at me, tongue-tied."You disappoint me, guys," Max tut-tutted. "I heard many good stuff about this company, so I thought it would be nice to have you put together a special operating system for my newest car model Sneaker MS 2024. But you bring me this illiterate gigolo saying he's the best? Who hired this guy? Fire
~Rosemary~"Oh my! That can't be good, can it? What if he tells your boss to fire you? It's too early for that jerk to mess things up for you!"I grew worried as soon as Gerald told me about his day. Although I didn't know much about Max's business while we were married, if the latest tax episode was anything to go by, his outburst at G-Tech could cost Gerald his job. To my surprise, Gerald shrugged nonchalantly. He pulled his tie and sat on the sofa. "He can do no more than a fly. I won't get fired.""Why are you so sure?"He shrugged again. Then a proud smile appeared on his face. "I am good at what I do. They won't fire me just because Max said so."His confidence didn't make me any less worried. In the days that followed, I searched online for jobs for him. Unfortunately, most entry-level jobs had ridiculous requirements— at least five years of working experience, multiple referrals, blah, blah, blah. Gerald didn't have any of that. To help, I gave him the gig of redesigning my
~Gerald~Her question threw me off guard. My fingers froze on the stem of my wineglass. Seeing that she was staring straight at me, my heart began to race. I looked out the window, fearing that my expression would betray me."I married you because I loved you. I still love you, Rosemary. More than ever, actually!"Those were the words I wanted to say, but instead, here I was staring at the night skyline, conflicted about what to do."What? Why are you suddenly silent?"Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Rosemary lean forward. Her gaze grew intense on my side profile. Finally, I looked at her and shrugged. "I was just thinking about how this marriage came to be."She leaned back in her seat. I saw a hint of sadness on her face, but the next second, she asked again, "So, tell me. Why did you marry me?"I chuckled, but it failed to quell the tension I was currently feeling. I gave another shrug. "Even I do not know. I guess you could say I was feeling epic like a friendly neighborhood Sp
~Rosemary~When our lips touched, I felt my soul being snatched away from me. I knew I should pull away, but Good heavens, I kissed him back and put my hand around his neck instead.The moistness of his lips felt alien at first. However, I soon found myself wanting more as Gerald scooped me up. I floated in his arms for a while. Then, my back hit something soft. I leaned my head back on the pillow, pulling him with me. Our lips collided again. And this time, the kiss was more intense. His tongue tasted like a perfect blend of grapes, blueberries, and herbs. He was sucking on my tongue, so I took the opportunity to taste his.My hands wandered from his back to the nape of his neck over and over. Gerald's hot breath heated my face, but I didn't mind at all. I could hear the thudding of his heart as I pulled him even closer.For a moment, his hand brushed my left butt. I smiled against his mouth and raised my other hand to his chest. I felt for the buttons. And when I found one, I immed
~Rosemary~There was a note of urgency in Mr. Seth's voice, one that immediately made me forget my annoyance with Gerald. I moved the phone to my other ear and asked, "What's the problem?"What he said next hit me like a bolt out of the blue!"What!" I exclaimed. "Can you repeat that?"The hotel manager did as I asked. My palms suddenly became sweaty. I was disoriented, but I managed to say, "I will be right there. Just hold them for now.""What's wrong?" Gerald asked as soon as I got off the phone.After sparing him a glance, I ran towards the bedroom. He followed behind me as I said, "That was the hotel manager. He said the FDA are at the hotel with a warrant to search the building... Something about someone getting food poisoning."Gerald hesitated. "Do you want me to drive you?""Yes, please!" I agreed immediately, knowing it would be suicide to drive in this condition.The car ride to the hotel suddenly seemed longer than usual even though Gerald drove at a high speed. When we fin
~Gerald~I slammed the door in his face. Before turning away, I listened as he stormed off, huffing and puffing about how I was making a huge mistake.“Before you say anything…” I began, looking at Elvis. “Get on the phone with the Russian mafia. I’m sure they would be pleased to know that Angel showed up here.”“No!”“What?” I exclaimed on the way to grab a glass of water.Elvis shook his head. “I don't think it’s a good idea to get involved in the battle between Angel and them. Time and time again, this has always ended with a bloodbath. It was hard enough for you to stay alive all these years despite having many enemies. I can't watch you get involved in a mafia war just because you want to take Angel down.”I sighed. “What do you suggest I do then?”“I suggest we wait. We wait for them to locate Angel and take him out. Since he's roaming without a care in the world, that should be pretty easy.”I shook my head with uncertainty. As far as I knew, Angel was much more powerful than m
~Rosemary~“Boss, are you okay? Boss!” Elvis ran to me as soon as the phone dropped from my hand. He made me sit on the sofa and peered down at my face.His tone changed. “Gerald, are you okay? Should I call the doctor?”I shook my head, clutching my chest. It was as if I was going to have a heart attack. But I knew going to the hospital won't help me.“Was that Rosemary on the phone? What did she say? Why are you like this?”I looked at him. “I don't know what to do, man. She’s getting married to Max again.”“What! How…but your divorce hasn't being finalized. You didn't sign the divorce papers, did you?”“I didn't. But now that she doesn't remember me or the love we shared, I’m afraid Max would make her drag me to court for the divorce. He's manipulating her big time.”I went on to tell him about the wedding photo Rosemary found and how she accused me of faking it and planting it in Max’s house.“This is getting out of hand. Should I tell the boys to take him out?”I groaned. “No. T
~Rosemary~“H-how is this… how did this…”I couldn't believe my eyes at all. I stared at the woman standing beside Max. She was wearing a very beautiful wedding dress. Most importantly, she wasn't me!She looked like me, but she wasn't me. She was Amani. I was sure of it!“So it’s true? What that man said is true! Max divorced me so he could be with Amani?”The photo slipped off my hands. Taking a step back, I stared down at it. “They even had a wedding. But why did Max propose to me two days ago? And Amani was so happy for me!”What the fuck is going on? Who's playing me for a freaking fool!All of a sudden, the door opened. I turned and saw Max. His eyes widened at the sight of me. He looked at my feet, and his eyes widened even more.“Care to explain?” I asked, folding my arms.I was trying so hard to keep it together. Heaven knows I wanted to jump at him and scratch his face. Another part of me also wanted to just break down crying. This moment reminded me of the heartbreak I su
~Rosemary~Call me insecure, but something didn't sit right about this meeting. First, because Amani showed up here at night. And second because for as long as I could remember, Amani had a thing for Max.She even snatched him from me when we were in high school. It was a miracle that we got married. Was she trying to snatch him yet again?But seeing this beautiful ring now, I realized what a fool I had been. Why did I think that the puppy dating they had in school still meant anything to Max after all the love I showed him since Amani left for college?“Yes!” I screamed, putting out my hand. “I will marry you, Max Smith!”“Really?” Max asked, his eyes lighting up.I nodded vigorously. After he slipped the ring on my finger, I raised my hand and looked at it. The rock was much bigger than the one he gave me when we first married. By the looks of it, it was probably worth millions.“You shouldn't have!” I said, tearing up.Max pulled me into a hug. “You deserve the very best, my love.
~Max~The cold was biting hard. Standing on the lawn, I listened to Amani as she went on and on about her grievances.Just two weeks ago, she had asked for a divorce. I knew it was because of my current financial woes. It hurt a lot that she wanted to leave me. But I begged.I begged her like I had never begged anyone before. She was my life!“I will stay on one condition. Get me everything that Rosemary has,” she had said.At the time, I thought that would be impossible considering the fact that Rosemary hated my guts. But after I received that call ordering me to come to the hospital because my “wife” was admitted there, I thought maybe…maybe it wasn't impossible after all.Although I suspected that Amani had a hand in Rosemary’s accident, I didn't dare to ask her that or even tell Rosemary the truth. I was going to do anything to make Amani stay with me.She agreed to leave the house for a while so I could make Rosemary comfortable with me. The plan was to make her transfer all he
~Rosemary~My eyes zoomed in on Max’s puckered lips. It was as if I was having a nightmare in a horror film.“No!” I said, turning the other way.Max sniffed. “My love, what’s wrong?”Yeah, what’s wrong with me? I thought I loved him? Or did that man get into my head?“There’s no rush, okay?”I turned to see him smiling awkwardly. I sighed. “I’m sorry, Max. I just…”“I understand perfectly. You don't have to explain yourself. You have just been through something so traumatic. I shouldn't have made such a move.”Aw… He’s so understanding. Seeing his face, I felt even guiltier for thinking about that guy. Why can't I get him off my mind? This isn't fair!“But… I just want you to know that I love you, Rosemary. Although we have had our ups and downs and people have tried to break us apart, we are soulmates.”I nodded, remembering what he said about us having a fight and me getting deceived into divorcing him and remarrying someone else.“Ermm. What was our quarrel about again?”Max scr
~Rosemary~The man stared at me before taking the burger from me. He smiled. “Thank you.”“Don’t you ever get tired?” I blurted out. He chuckled. “What do you mean?”“Come, sit,” he added, tapping the space on the bench.I hesitated. I didn't even know this man, but here I was, sharing my lunch. There was something warm about him.“Don’t you ever get tired?” I asked again, sitting down on the edge of the bench.I turned, smiling. “I do, Rose.”“But you have been staying out here day and night.”He shrugged. “I wanted to make sure you were all right and I wanted a chance to talk to you. Max banned me from coming close to your ward.”I sighed, placing my hands on my knees. “My husband… I mean, Max doesn't like you. He says you are bad news.”He shook his head. “Honestly… I am not in the least surprised by his behavior.”“Because you are a gigolo who deceived me into marrying you?”He chuckled. But when I looked at his face, he looked sad.“Actually…” he began, turning to face me again.
~Gerald~Amani gasped. “Of course not! Why would you accuse me of such a thing?”I shrugged. “Maybe because of the fact that you have always been jealous of Rosemary and you have been shamelessly trying to get with me. Or the fact that you are the most evil person I know!”Amani slapped her chest. “That's mean, Gerald! I might not be perfect, but I would never push my own sister off a cliff!”“Oh, cut the crap! Do I have to remind you that you once put honey in her food, slept with her husband, and even stole her baby?”Amani rolled her eyes. “I don't know what you are talking about.”“Typical!”I sucked my teeth and began to walk away.“Wait! I have something else to say,” Amani stopped me.I frowned. “What is it?”“I was thinking..” Amani fiddled with her fingers like a little girl.“Get to the point. I don't have all day!”“Ermm… I was wondering if you could give me some money.”I scoffed. “I don't have money to give you.”“But I heard that you are a billionaire and you own several
~Gerald~“Rose, it’s me, Gerald. Can you see me now?” I uttered, pulling back so she could see my face.But Rosemary squinted even more. “Why are you in my ward? I don't know who you are, sir.”What! Did I hear wrong?I blinked, then shook my head. “Rose, you are joking right?”“I came as soon as I found out you were here. Why didn't you call me?” I added, sitting on the edge of the bed.Rosemary slowly turned her neck to look at me. “Why would I call you? I don't know you!”“Why do you keep saying that? It’s me, Gerald. Can't you see me?”She frowned. “Look, mister. As you can see, I am not in the right state to be arguing. I need to rest. Leave now before my husband comes and sees you here.”“What!” I sprang to my feet. “Rosemary, please you are taking this joke too far. I am your husband!”“No, you are not!”The second Rosemary raised her voice, I heard the door open behind me.I turned to see who it was.“Max? What the fuck are you doing here?”Max stood frozen at the door with a