Jonathan’s POVI listened patiently as Bryan's voice grew louder, his words filling the room with venom and spite."I can't believe she got the job, I can't believe you let that happen" he hissed, his face contorted in a snarl. "Don’t you understand that she'll be nothing but a distraction? A nuisance?"I stayed silent, watching Bryan as he paced the room, his hands balled into fists as he fumed."How can she even hope to keep up with the demands of the job?" he scoffed, his voice dripping with contempt."She's just a servant, a nobody," Bryan continued, his voice low and harsh. "And now she thinks she can just waltz into my world and pretend to be one of us? It's ridiculous."I could feel my temper flaring, my jaw tightening as I listened to his cruel words."Bryan, you're out of line," I said, my voice firm and even. "Emelda earned that job fair and square, and she deserves to be treated with respect."Bryan glared at me, his eyes hard and cold."Respect?" Bryan spat, his voice a mi
Emelda’s POVIt was six in the morning when my alarm clock blared from its speaker. Throwing my covers down, I quickly jumped off my bed. The alarm didn’t need to ring much, my natural body alarm mixed with the anxiety and happiness I felt left me almost sleepless for the night.I stared at the ceiling in my room and smiled sheepishly. This is it! Finally! My father would have been so proud.“Daddy I wish you were here with me to share in this success.” I said, the memories of my father’s death almost seemed to put a damper on my day, but I caught myself.“Breath in, Emelda.” I reprimanded myself. “No! I won’t allow myself to think of sad memories today.” Immediately, I shook off the sad countenance that seemed to be creeping up on me and let out a soft sigh.“Today is a big day! It would be my first day at the Elite-Marson firm and nothing is allowed to get into the way of pure productivity.” I uttered to myself as I stared at the ceiling. I jiggled my legs in excitement while s
Emelda's POV“So so sorry,” I immediately muttered, my words bitter and my cheeks burning as I watched my black leather bag topple to the floor, the clatter of its contents echoing loudly through the boardroom.My shattered heart tore further as I heard the suppressed giggles of my colleagues, one of them even whispering, "It's a wonder how she got the job."I quickly squatted, my stomach churned with embarrassment as I fumbled to gather my things, my hands shaking as I tried to regain my composure.But the damage was done. I felt like a fool, a bumbling imposter who didn't belong in this sleek, professional world.As I tried to gather my things, a young man of almost the same age as Bryan bent down beside me. “Let me help you with those,” he uttered softly as his dark brown eyes revealed the care locked inside of them. “I’m Jeffrey Romans,” he announced, his face bright with a soft smile as he handed my journal to me. “I… I… Emelda.” I managed to utter. “Here, let me help you.” H
Bryan’s POVWhat the hell just happened? Of course she would go and embarrass herself. Clumsy, as always.“Too much for being worthy of the position.” I smirked beneath my breath immediately. Emelda scrambled to the ground to pick up her fallen bag and items littered on the floor. I could not hide the inner satisfactory thought that part of the reason she was nervous was because of me. She wouldn’t have guessed for anything that I would be working in the same firm as she, or that rather, I am the sole heir of the company and all that it owns.Served her right for deciding to join the twisted game his grandfather was playing. As I stared at her, my thoughts rewinded to the three minutes before she fell. Emelda, directed by the HR manager, had walked in graciously dressed in a corporate navy blue gown and a floral lapel which had stuck beautifully on her. Her hair was styled to a ponytail and her li
Emelda's POV I had just stepped out of the boardroom, my head still reeling from the success of the meeting, when I felt a strong arm encircle my waist, pulling me back into the shadows.Before I could even react, Bryan was upon me, his lips pressing against mine in a fierce, possessive hunger and sudden assault.I could feel his blood surged through his firm arms wrapped around me. His grip was strong as he held tightly, not letting go no matter how hard I pushed.My body tensed in shock, my breath catching in my throat as I struggled to comprehend what was happening."Bryan, stop!" I gasped, my voice a hoarse whisper as I tried to push him away once more, my hands pushing against his chest as I struggled for breath.But the more I tried, Bryan's grip tightened around my waist, his body a wall of heat as he held me captive in his arms.As I struggled against his grip, Bryan's hold on me loosened, his lips fin
Jeffrey’s POVI eased into my chair, my body sinking into the familiar comfort of the cushioned seat as I unpacked my laptop and other items from my backpack, neatly arranging them on my desk."Hey Jeffrey," a warm voice called out from the neighboring cubicle, "how was your weekend?"I turned to see Joey, my colleague, her smile beaming as she leaned over her desk, her laptop already turned on."It was pretty good, Joey," I replied, returning her smile. "How about yours?"Joey’s smile widened as she gestured towards her desk, her fingers dancing across the surface of her laptop."Oh, you know, the usual," she said with a laugh. "Catching up on the girls and some other personal stuffs and trying to get all the rest needed before the weekend ends."I chuckled, the warmth of my humor brightening her smile. “That's great,”"You're always so cheerful and warm, Jeffrey," Joey said, shaking her head in amuse
Bryan's POVI stood at the corner, my mind reeling as I struggled to process what had just happened.Emelda's words still echoed in my ears, her voice ringing with a defiant fire that I had never expected from her, a fire that had left me mouth-tied.I don't know the one that stood out, the hunger as our lips joined or the intensity of her slap when I began to be my usual self.I touched my face again, the heat of her slap still stung on my cheek as I tried to make sense of the situation.I was never one to ever lack words to say but the echo of Emelda’s words coupled with the slap I never saw coming glued my tongue to my teeth.Emelda's words had struck a nerve, had stirred something deep within me that I had long since pushed down, something that I had tried to bury beneath layers of bravado and apathy.I could still picture her face, the hurt and anger in her eyes as she'd turned away from me, her words a condemnation of my actions. I was still lost in my thoughts when my phone ra
“Phew! Finally,” I let out softly as I sank into the comfortable black office seat. After a rather chaotic turnout of events I was finally settling into my workspace for the day. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the chaos of my thoughts.As I began to arrange my things on my desk, my mind couldn't help but drift to the events of earlier that day, my mind replaying the confrontation with Bryan in vivid detail.I winced at the memory, a pang of regret hitting me as I realized that I had gone too far.I shook my head, trying to push the thought aside, and choosing to focus instead on the news from the clinic.My mind reeled as I thought about the employee who had fainted causing the chaos some minutes ago. The news of his condition left me both concerned and confused."A very low pressure," the doctor had said, the words echoing in my mind as I tried to make sense of it.I knew that low blood pressu
Bryan's POVImmediately, I reached out to Emelda, my hand on her arm as I tried to calm her, my words soft and reassuring as I spoke. "We have to trust the police, hun." After much struggle, I was able to calm her down as she listened to my words. “Will we get them back?” She asked, her words not seeking an answer but a strong reassurance. “We will hun. We will.” I answered. Taking Emelda by the hand, we sat on the long bench at the waiting area. “No, I can't wait anymore.” Emelda voiced as she suddenly stood up. She was scared and frustrated. “It's either you and your team move in now or be prepared to have a dead woman in your station.” Emelda threatened, her eyes red hot. As Emelda's words echoed through the station, the officer's demeanor changed, his face tense and focused as he nodded to his colleagues, his words quick and decisive as he ordered them to take action.Within minutes, the police had mobilized, their cars speeding through the streets as they headed towards Nat
Bryan's POV Emelda and I sat shocked and confused for a while as we tried to process the information we had just heard. “What do you mean?” Emelda asked, her eyes still widened in shock as she stood up abruptly, panic and fear evident in her eyes. “Kids, what kids?" I asked, my voice trembling with emotion as I stood by Emelda's side, totally lost. I forgot Emelda had broken the news about her pregnancy a few months after we had separated. "Our kids, Martha and Marco," Emelda answered, her calm voice turning sharp. Ignoring Emelda's outburst which was obviously due to the emotions whirling up in her inside, I turned to face the driver who had delivered the news. His face was pale and drawn as he stood before us, he was shaking from too much adrenaline brought about from the fear he felt. “When and where did this happen?” I asked, my voice cracking as I tried to gather any information that could be helpful. "Just an hour ago," the driver said, his voice barely audible as
Bryan's POV I sat in the silence of the living room after making sure my house was rid of Cassandra and every single thing Cassandra owned. With anger still coursing through me, I sat rigid as I stared blankly at the television in front of me. My mind drifted as the images flashed on the screen, the light from the LED screen washing over my face as I sat in contemplation.As much as I tried to follow through with the show on the television, my thoughts instead turned to Emelda, the woman I had loved and lost, her face floating in the darkness of my mind as I thought about where she might be.I closed my eyes, the memories of Emelda swirling in my mind as I remembered the past, the feelings of love and happiness we had shared before everything had gone wrong, before I had pushed her away.As irritation towards myself grew, I sighed, sat up and reached for the remote control. I muted the television and sat alone in silence with my thoughts in the room. I had to think well and fast.
Bryan's POV “Sir, the company's truck we ordered has been delivered.” My assistant, Shan, spoke over the phone as we spoke. “Oh really?” I replied, my tone calm and professional. “I will join you downstairs soon, I need to inspect it myself.” I added just before ending the call. It's been over two years and I was excited with the accomplishments and heights the company has risen to. As I stood up from my comfortable wheeled chair and began walking towards the door, my eyes fell on the picture of Jonathan on the left side of the wall. Although sad, I smiled. I felt fulfilled and happy that I had made him proud. With a smile still on my face, I reached out for the doorknob, opened it and exited my office for the parking lot underground.I met Shan at the doorway leading to the parking lot. Without a word, he joined me as I descended the stairs. As we walked towards the truck, we heard voices of two ladies discussing. Shan gave me a look as we found out that one of those ladies w
Emelda's POV My heart softened as I stood in front of the mirror, my fingers working deftly to fix my hair as I heard the pitter patter of tiny feet outside my room.A moment later, the door burst open, revealing my two beautiful children, my heart swelling with love as I smiled at them.It was exactly two years since the fateful day I had been a whirlwind of emotions, deciding to let Bryan be and never go back pleading or begging, As I went back down the memory lane, the sting of betrayal and heartbreak from Bryan stood fresh in my mind.Taking a deep breath, I pushed away the thoughts back to the cage I had locked it in. I was glad that I was healing and moving on.“Good morning, mummy,” Marco and Martha echoed, drawing me back to reality, their voices laced with so much joy. "Good morning, my little angels," I answered back, my voice soft and gentle as I knelt down to hug and greet them, my fingers brushing against their soft, chubby cheeks as I kissed them each in turn.The t
Emelda's POV My heart shattered into a million pieces as I watched Bryan and Cassandra walk away, my vision blurry with tears as I tried to process what was happening. “Why was Bryan with Cassandra? Are they now together?” I thought, my mind dazzled with confusion and I stood, rooted to the spot. As I continued to stare at them, this time with their backs facing me, I pondered in my mind as I tried to understand why Bryan had betrayed me, why he had chosen Cassandra over me. Why couldn't he just believe my own words? I thought two people in love are supposed to trust each other too? I felt a sob rip through me, my body shaking with grief as I leaned against a wall, my hands pressed to my face as I wept. "Why, Bryan?" I whispered, my voice breaking as I stared after them, the pain and loss tearing through me like a storm. I was numb with grief, my thoughts spinning as I stood there, my body shaking with sobs as the world around me seemed to fade away. To think that Bryan wasn
Emelda's POV The streets were bustling with activity, the sound of car horns and street vendors calling out their wares echoing through the air. I moved through the crowds, my eyes scanning the faces of the people around me as I headed towards the park. The buildings in that environment were old and rundown, the paint peeling and the windows cracked as I walked past, the scent of exhaust and garbage filling my nostrils. I kept my head down, my shoulders hunched as I avoided the stares of the men on the street, their leers and whistles making my skin crawl. After a few more minutes of walking, I came closer to the park. Sighting the bus I was about to leave, I broke into a run, my heart pounding in my chest as I dodged the people on the sidewalk, my breath coming in short gasps. "Wait!" I shouted, my voice raw with desperation as I reached the bus stop, waving my arms frantically at the driver. The bus slowed, the brakes screeching as it came to a stop, and I climbed aboard F
My head was pounding as I leaned back in the passenger seat, the world around me spinning as the cab pulled away from Cassandra's house. "Idiot," I muttered, my voice low and venomous as I glared out the window into the quiet street."What the hell were you thinking?"I ran my hands through my hair, my mind racing as I tried to remember what had happened.“Oh! The bar. I guess I got so drunk,” I recalled my jaw clenching as the memories of the previous night and the videos I received came rushing into my mind.The thoughts of Cassandra and me in an intimate position crossed my mind and immediately my heart cringed. “Gosh! I just hope nothing like that happened.” I let out as I ran my palm across my face. "Cassandra," I growled, my jaw clenching again as I recalled her face last night, her voice, her touch. "She was all over me, practically dripping with seduction."I shook my head, disgusted with myself. "I should have been smarter," I muttered. "I should have resisted her."But I h
Emelda's POV “My child… My child, Emelda.” The old woman's voice rang out in the small room she used as her sitting room, piercing through my thoughts as I stared lost in thoughts into the unfamiliar streets. I flinched as she touched me, bringing me back to the present. I quickly covered the curtain and sank into a nearby wooden seat by the side, fear and uncertainty flooding back into my mind."Are you okay, child?" the woman asked, her voice gentle and kind as she moved her hands from my shoulder to my head, a look of concern etched across her weathered face."I… I…I'm fine," I murmured, my voice shaking slightly as I tried to gather my composure. "I'm just worried about everything that has been happening, and my husband isn't picking up my calls.""I'm sorry, dear," the old woman said, her voice soft and apologetic. "I know you're worried about your husband, but you need to take it easy, remember the baby’s life is at risk."I nodded, my mind still clouded with worry as I locked