We arrived the venue for the meeting, we went to an isolated warehouse on the outskirts of the city. There was other black jeeps with tinted glasses. Security men were positioned all around the venue, including the rooftops. Other armed men stood against the respective families' cars. They all bowed respectfully as wren, rainora and I walked through. Rainora's eyes widened as we pass through the crowd. I gently whispered to her not to be afraid as we reached the door. The burly men slowly opened the doors as we entered. There was a round table with four seats each for all the remaining family leaders. The council head's seat placed at the top end of the table. Each of the leaders rose upon my arrival, alongside their associates as I reach the head's seat. After I sat down, I gestured the others to also sit down as well, while Wren sat down with Rainora at the corner of the room. I glanced at Rainora again, as she still seemed stunned looking at all the powerful men and women seated o
Arin POVKnock!Knock!There was a loud knocking sound from the main entrance door. I walked casually to the living room."Arin, hurry and check who's at the door." My mother asked. Mary Adderman. I sipped from the glass, then sluggishly walked to the door. "Coming-" I hesitantly responded. 'Who will bother us this hot afternoon?" I wondered.As I opened the door, a tall male figure stood infront of me. He was well built, wile wearing a blue short-sleeve shirt and shorts. He also wore a blue cap with a company logo and black boots. He had a friendly smile on his face while a brown package with the label "fragile" tagged on it. From his uniform, I assumed he was a deliveryman."I'm looking for Arin Adderman." The delivery man gazed intently at me."Yes, I am Arin. is this package for me?" I had a puzzling look at me as I strecthed out my hand to collect it."Yes, pls sign here-" He strecthed out a tablet with an electronic pen attached to it. I received the package with one hand, whi
Rainora POVI got to the office 8.30am. Though the resumption time is 9.00am, I like to commerce work early to get ahead of the curve. Nikolas always had a busy schedule and he wanted his itinerary arranged before he set foot into the building.Done. As soon as I was done preparing the itinerary, I took the lift down to the office cafeteria. The glass doors inside the lift reflected the light blue suit looked nice on me, it accentuated my figure perfectly. I thought to myself while gently brushing off a slight wrinkle on the skirt. A quiet sound indicated I reached the cafeteria floor.Ding!The elevator door opened, I stepped out and walked towards the table that had a espresso machine and a set of plastic cups heaped on top of each other. I could see hot steam brewing out of the machine signifying that it was a fresh new batch. It always gave a refreshing taste when I took a freshly made cup of coffee. I closed my eyes as I tried to savour the rich taste of processed coffee seeds
Rainora POV The news spread like wildfire all around the office about the incident between Catherine and me. The group chats were trending with the latest updates and highlights. "Did you see Catherine shivering in front of Rainora?""Rainora showed her, I'm glad someone put her in her place, longtime coming."While others felt remorseful for Catherine. "Rainora bullied Catherine." Immediately, most of the remaining group members chastised their responses. "I'm sure the only people supporting Catherine are her assistants who joined to slander Rain." Most of the comments supported me and even praised my courage and confidence to stand my ground even hearing all those false accusations.I was unfazed while reading through the chats. I seldom go through the office chats, just to stay updated with any announcements or rumors about Nikolas. He's not in it so I have to look out on his behalf.Thud.I heard a loud bang on my desk. Surprisingly, I looked up to see it was May. I was so los
Nikolas POVThe executive elevator swung open revealing a tall lady with a swam-like neck, and porcelain fair skin. Her long full hair touched her back. She wore a white fury coat, along with the latest fashion accessories. She had the aesthetically pleasing figure of a supermodel. I squinted my eyes and immediately felt a lump in my throat. Diane.As soon as our eyes met, she ran to me with her arms wide open towards me. " Hello Nikolas, I missed you," Diane said as she wrapped her arms around me for a hug. Instinctively, I felt a huge burden in my chest. Like there was a cold gaze at my spine. I stylishly removed Diana's arms interlocked behind me."What are you doing here Diane?" I asked, Diane's face turned red in embarrassment as she fiddled with her fingers. She had a puzzled look but quickly regained her composure."I just returned from vacation, so I wanted to surprise you," Diane replied as she gazed at Rainora suspiciously."No one is allowed here without access." I gazed at
Nikolas POVThe rest of the day was mild and smooth. I managed to sign all requests and other documents that needed my attention. I looked at the ceiling to the ground glass windows that reflected the city skyscrapers, and to my surprise, it was already nightfall with the moon crescent shining so brightly.I let out a sigh of relief as I shut down the brand-new desktop on my table. I checked my watch and gasped in shock as it showed the time.9.30 pm.I usually close late but today was different. As I proceeded to pick up my suitcase beside me, my phone started ringing with an incoming call notification. The contact that was displayed on the phone screen felt ominous.Don AmbrosioAfter the incident with Diane earlier in the day, I hoped it would just smooth over and fade away like an unpleasant dream. This is one dream I can't wish to disappear. I muttered lowly. If I don't pick up this call, it will only worsen the situation. With this resolve, I pressed the accept button on the ph
Nikolas POVThe sun shone brightly, its rays illuminating the skyscrapers and monumental buildings all around the city. This euphoria felt good all over my body. I adjusted my tailor-made suit as I entered the office.As soon as I reached the lobby, a sudden cloud passing through changed the weather and its' atmosphere. The air became stiffened, and it sent chills all over my spine. From a distance, I saw an elderly, muscular man with an all-white ponytail and checked suit. He was grinning with a calm demeanor but still exuded a sense of authority. This was Don Ambrosio sitting with a burly man in a black suit standing behind him.Immediately, I walked quickly towards him. My receptionists looked nervous as they bowed to me respectfully and greeted me. I casually replied as I reached Don Ambrosio."Good morning Don, I am honored with your visit today." I slightly bowed towards him. He slowly nodded back in acceptance. I moved towards him and spoke gently. "I would have prepared your w
Rainora POVDays have passed since Don Ambrosio's awkward visit to the office. The topic of a new partnership between his company, Ambrosio Holdings, and ours was the trending topic in the office group chats. Several companies have tried endlessly to secure a partnership with them, as it will improve their reputation in high society. But Don was very selective and only chose proposals that guaranteed success and huge returns.At my desk, I received a call from the office telecom. It was from Nikolas."Rainora, pls come to my office immediately." He said in a serious tone. He only called through the phone for urgent meetings. My heartbeat was racing as I knocked calmly on the door.Knock. Knock."Come in." He replied. I entered the office and noticed his grey waistcoat with a white long-sleeve shirt and golden cufflinks. He looked smooth with a cool aura around him, he looked like a model in a fashion magazine. I quickly regained my composure as I locked the door. "You sent for me Mr.
Irene POVI heard a loud thud at the door. It startled me briefly. However, I snapped out my daze, seconds later I heard footsteps thumping angrily approaching the hallway. It felt like a huge elephant passing through.My bedroom door was slightly open as I looked in that direction with anticipation. Moments later, I saw the figure of Caleb walking past my room huffing. Surprisingly, he didn't stop to greet me, which was very unusual. No matter how late he got home, he always greeted me before proceeding to his room.“Caleb, is that you?” I called out. I listened keenly as his footsteps receded. He knocked on my door gently as he entered.“Good evening Mother-” he greeted in a calm voice. I nodded in approval as he sat down on a chair close to my large-size bed.“My apologies…I was deep in thoughts.” He said in a gentle tone. A wave of joy washed over me.“For a moment, I thought you forgot about me.” I said in a sarcastic voice. His eyes widened in shock.“Of course not Mother, that
Rainora POVWe arrived at my apartment building forty-five minutes later. The ride was quiet and awkward as no one would give in. Nikolas casually glanced at me while driving, letting out a ‘hmph’ sound. I pressed my lips in protest and feigned ignorance of his exasperation.“Goodnight, Mr.Woods-” I snapped quickly at him and stepped out of his car. He had a cold glint in his eyes as he watched my retreating figure.I clenched my bag angrily as I approached the ground floor of my building. I forced a smile as I greeted the doorman and headed into the lift. Just as I pressed the button to the floor leading to my house, a masculine fist stopped the motion of the sliding doors midway. I looked up to see Nikolas grinning as he also stepped into the elevator. My heart beat raced quickly as he stood right in front of me, his piercing gaze ran through my body as the elevator closed. Like he could see my soul. I wiped the sweat beading on my forehead as he continued to stare at me with a smu
Rainora Nikolas’ eyes darkened as he gazed at me and Caleb returning to the office. I felt a lump in my throat. A feeling of guilt washed over me. Instinctively, I stylishly moved inches away from Caleb. The aura in the room thickened as it tensed up. Low-tone whispers were hurling around the lobby. Everyone watched in anticipation, like watching a scene out of a movie. Sensing the weird atmosphere, Caleb cleared his throat to ease tension. “Cough..Fancy seeing you here, brother.” Caleb forced a smile on his face. Nikolas remained unfazed. “I was just about to ask you the same question, little brother.” Nikolas has a smirk on his face. Caleb clenched his fist. He quirked his lips in an attempt to utter something, but at the last minute changed his mind. Moments later, he took a deep sigh and replied. “ I had a private discussion with Aurora about some sensitive issues.” Caleb had a smug look on his face, I sensed he was trying to taunt Nikolas, which was working. Nikolas’s demeano
Caleb“Let me tell you how to go about it-” Celeste leaned towards me covertly and whispered some words in my ear. I gasped at the ingenuity of her plan. However, a wave of optimism washed over me as the likelihood that this plan could work seemed very high.“I know I can make her fall in love with me,” I mumbled to myself in vigor. I had a grin on my face. Celeste had a mischievous smile on her face as she met her gaze.I waited several days for the tension to quiet down. I dressed up in a navy-blue tailored suit. It accentuated my broad frame perfectly. I quickly put on my gold-plated watch and leather shoes on the way to the office.This time, I arrived a few hours after the workers had commenced their daily duties. I aimed to avoid any further attention that would alert Rainora.I entered the office discreetly and signaled the receptionists not to inform her of my arrival.It was easy to confirm my details with the security personnel as I was among the executive members of the boa
Caleb “Let go of her…” A familiar yet domineering tone snapped. It had the baritone of an angry lion. The sudden command of that voice took me aback. I turned to confront the source of the voice, and it turned out to be none other than Nikolas. He shot a dark glare in my direction, which left me shuddering. But I regained my thoughts and met his gaze. “What are you doing here so early, Nikolas?” I had a cheeky smile on my face as I replied. His eyes darkened at my response. His eyes focused on my grip on Rainora’s hands. I tried to tighten my grip to antagonize him, but suddenly, Rainora managed to free herself due to my distraction. Before I could make any movement, she rushed off to the building. I had a smirk on my face as I watched her retreating figure. The audience watching the entire scenes eventually dissipated while whispering, making their conversations inaudible. “I came for an early morning meeting, but it appears I got here just in time-” Nikolas curved his lip
CalebI balanced on my soft bed mattress, glancing through the latest edition of a trending female magazine. It featured full coverage of women in various tasteful attire and casual wear. They looked stunning in their various poses and stances. It also featured various articles on how to enhance intimacy between couples and other relationship goals. This always made me chuckle. I read the magazine to while away time when I was abrupted by loud yelling and cacophony. I hissed as I dropped the magazine and headed out to the source of that squabble this early morning.I followed this noise to the dining hall, where I saw my elder brother, Nikolas, storming out with dark gazes. I had a puzzled look as I scanned across the room. Mother Irene’s face turned red in anger, she kept venting out her recent disagreements with him to Celeste, my younger sister. Celeste had a mischievous smile as she met my gaze. I surmounted that whatever happened between Irene and Nikolas, she was smack in the m
NikolasThe morning rays gently tapped my skin as I slowly opened my eyes. I woke up to the gorgeous view of Rainora sleeping in such harmony. Her occasional snoring made me chuckle quietly. I tried to slip my hand away from her grip, but she held back instinctively. I heaved a sigh as I resorted to keeping an eye on her until she woke up.Finally, she woke up with a bright smile on her face. Her eyes widened as she snapped back to reality. Her cheeks turned red and blushed. She bit her lips as she glanced at me.“Good morning, Nikolas.” She said calmly. She raised her duvet to cover her lips slightly. I grinned at her shyness. “Good morning, dear. Hope you slept well?” I asked in a sincere tone. She nodded in agreement, and her demeanor slowly changed as she probably remembered the events of the night before. My heart started pacing as I felt the urge to help her forget all her sorrows. I forced a smile on my face as I held her hand firmly.“You snore in your sleep,” I said mockingl
Rainora POVI squinted my eyes and recognized the smug on Catherine’s face. She wiped the sweat dropping from her forehead as she adjusted the camera on the tripod. She had a malicious grin on her face as she shouted instructions.“Move closer to get the perfect angle.” She gestured her hands to move towards her. I tried to feebly spring away but the burly man’s strength was over whelming. He twisted his smile slightly. “I like it when you resist.” He aggressively pinned me down to the mattresss.“Why are you doing this Catherine?” I pouted. She had a vengeful look as she gazed at me.“This video should be enough to dissuade Nikolas from your spell.” She pressed the play button on the camera.Just as he tried to remove my coat. A loud thud stormed through the door. A dominating figure stood tall at the entrance. His dark gaze shuddered the burly man, he had a murderous glint in his eyes as he met my gaze.“Nikolas-” I called out. He clenched his fists in anger till blood came out. He
Rainora POVSeveral days after the incident with Celeste in the office, it gradually returned to normal. After the buzz spread, the frenzy finally subsided. This was due to the fear of speaking ill against an executive family member of the company. I continued my routines as usual and proceeded with the to-do list for the day.I got a call from a receptionist on the ground floor.“Good afternoon, Miss Rainora. You have a package here addressed to you.” She said in a calm tone. My breath was caught in my throat.“Who will send a package to me here in the office?” I thought to myself. I snapped out of my daze and replied. “Yes, you can send it upstairs. Thank You.” I dropped the intercom.Moments later, a man dressed in a red shirt and black pants with a company logo crested on his chest walked out of the lift. He had a parcel balanced on his waist while holding a bouquet of red roses in the other hand. He had a polite smile on his face as he approached me.“Good afternoon. Are you Mis