Natasha's POVI stood in the darkness, far beyond sight as I waited for Cassandra to come out of the building. As I stood, my mind ran back to the very first day I saw her. It was the day I was humiliated by that brat, Emelda. After the security guard dragged me out, I still lurked around enough to see the drama that played out just a few minutes after I was thrown out. I watched the way the sophisticated, unfamiliar lady spoke, her body language and even the way Bryan, who I had just found out was married to Emelda reacted when he saw her. Putting one and two together, I concluded that there had to be a history between them, so I took note of Cassandra and began to follow and watch her secretly.As my mind played back the memories, I finally spotted Cassandra, she was walking towards her car in the parking lot. I adjusted my hood, took a deep breath and began to follow her. Today was the perfect time to introduce myself.Cassandra's voice was cold as ice as we spoke, she exuded an
Bryan's POV I stretched, my muscles aching from hours of slaving over my computer. A long, drawn-out yawn escaped my mouth as I rose from my desk, my eyes heavy with exhaustion."All this overtime is going to kill me, I wonder how Jonathan was able to juggle around all these tasks." I muttered to myself, a wry smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. “Well, I guess he really didn't mind. The entire company and even his role as the CEO then was his lifeblood, he always said people were counting on him, so he couldn't afford to slack off.” As my thoughts ran, immediately my eyes flicked to the glass window by the side. "Wow I didn't realize it was dark already." I uttered, “Time really flies these days, especially when having a lot of responsibility in your hands, I guess," I muttered as I clicked the button to shut down my computer. Running my left hand through my hair, I sighed and began to gather up a few important things into my black leathered bag, after I was done, I headed
Emelda's POV.I woke to the sweet aroma of freshly brewed coffee, baked pancakes, and to the smiles of Bryan directly to my face. I let out a soft yawn as I stretched and sat up, leaning my back against the bed, and supporting myself with a pillow. "What's this all about ?" I asked casually, my voice still heavy with sleep.Bryan grinned, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "Just a little something to start your day off right," he said, placing the tray on the bedside table.“Oh, I see.” I voiced out casually after thanking him, my tone off. “What's the issue?” Bryan asked, confusion clearly visible on his face, “You don't want pancakes?” I hesitated for a while, then decided to air my view. “I came to check up on you before leaving yesterday just to be informed that you were having a meeting with Cassandra and you didn't want to be disturbed.” I blurted out angrily.I paused, then continued, “You just forgot about me.” Bryan's expression shifted, his smile becoming more forced as he
Natasha’s POV I smudged satisfyingly as I watched Emelda walk into the bar, her smile bright and her eyes sparkling, “How gullible can one really be?” I thought in my head, adjusting the collar of my yellow flowered shirt. “Was she really that dumb or just stupidly forgiving? Or just naive?” I hissed silently as I stood up. Emelda had always been easy to fool and trample upon. But I actually thought getting her to meet me would be a difficult one after our last ordeal at her work premise. As I walked towards her I felt no atom of regret for what I was about to do. The money Cassandra was giving me was huge, and well Emelda deserved what was coming her way. She had always painted me the bag egg because she was too good. Well, no more. I was going to make her pay for first humiliating me at her office and then for all the things she did during our childhood days. “Hey sis!” She let out after I greeted her, wrapping my arms around her. As she turned to meet my gaze, I plastered
Emelda's POV My eyes fluttered open as my head pounded with pain. Still trying to figure where I was, I blinked against the harsh light over me. The room was unfamiliar, the concrete walls and sparse furnishings making it look more like a prison cell than a bedroom.A low groan escaped my throat as I tried to move, but my limbs felt heavy and unresponsive. “What happened to me?” Not able to move my body, I turned my head to the side, my heart skipping a beat as I immediately caught sight of a hulking figure trying to lean over me."Where am I?" I croaked, my throat dry and scratchy.The man kept quiet but continued leaning in closer, his hot breath tickling my neck as a leering and uncomfortable smile spread across his face."You're exactly where you're supposed to be, doll," he growled, his voice deep and menacing. "And I'm gonna make sure you don't forget the fun of it."“Fun? What do you mean?” I shrugged, trying to move myself away from him as he came closer. “Just lay quietl
Bryan's POV I sat in my office, my assistant Shan and I, running through the list of to-dos for the company dinner, but my mind kept wandering to my Emelda.She was supposed to be home hours ago, but there had been no word from her. I tried to dismiss the worry that had been gnawing at my gut throughout the meeting with my assistant, but it was becoming harder and harder to ignore."And for the main course, sir, the caterers were thinking of roast beef or perhaps a salmon? Which would you prefer, sir." Shan asked, breaking into my thoughts."The salmon sounds good," I replied, my voice distracted."And for the decorations, sir, were you thinking of a winter wonderland theme or something more..." Shan trailed off, sensing my impatience.“Sir, is everything okay?” He asked, concern laced in his voice."Nothing really, but, I have to go, Shan," I said, standing up from my chair and gathering my things. "The salmon and winter wonderland sounds fine. Just make sure everything is ready for
Casandra's POVIt was almost seven in the evening when I drove through my gates. Turning off the ignition, I alighted from the vehicle, and slammed the door of my Sledan shut with a satisfying thud.The scent of jasmine and citrus from the flowering trees that lined the driveway filled the air, their delicate blossoms fluttering in the warm breeze.Today, like every other day except the weekend, was really stressful. "Finally home," I murmured as I turned to the passenger’s door behind, reaching out for its handle so that I could get out my dinner dress and other items I got. As I opened the passenger's door, my eyes fell on the planning committee file laying comfortably on the seat. The sight of it made the day's events come flooding back to me. The meetings, the presentations, and of course, the encounter with Emelda.The anger that had simmered inside me all day threatened to boil over once more as the memory of our cold and silent war during the meeting began to replay in my m
Bryan's POV The darkness of the room was so thick as it enveloped me like a heavy blanket, when I opened my eyes. The clock on my bedside table read 3:00 am, its bright red numbers the only light seen in the dark.I sighed, my body still tense with excitement and anxiety. The dinner party was less than 24 hours away, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and eagerness. It was my first annual dinner party as the company's CEO and low-key I wanted my late parents and grandfather, Jonathan to be proud of me wherever they are. I tossed and turned, unable to find a comfortable position."Maybe a cup of tea will help," I muttered to myself, my voice a low, hoarse whisper.I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, the cold floor sending a shiver up my spine as I stood up.Letting out a quiet yawn, I exited the room and shuffled to the kitchen, the light from the hallway illuminating my path. The house was so quiet, that the only sound that was heard was my soft footsteps an
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