TEN YEARS LATER.‘Dad, Jasper won’t let me kick the ball.’ Eliza my three-year-old girl said with her face stained in tears.‘Jasper, don’t be mean to your sister.’ Asher called out to the boys who were busy kicking the ball trying to score a goal against each other. We were seated on the lawn enjoying the evening view and the sunset.‘Eliza can’t even kick the ball, she’s always on the way.’ Jasper complained frowning his face.‘then teach her how to.’ Asher said sternly.‘come, Lizzy, I will teach you.’ James the older twin said holding out his hand for Eliza.James was the kinder twin, he was nice to a fault. Not just to his sister but to everyone. He took that trait from me while Jasper was more like his father. He may be mean at times but he loved his sister to death. One time when Eliza was ill, Jasper cried while holding the doctor’s coat to save his sister. He is the type likely to fight and bully people who mess with his sister. He’s the only one allowed to mess with her.Eli
Lorie's POVWhat the hell am I doing out here?I stared outside the bar at the heavy downpour, it was raining cat and dogs making the night air colder. I took the shot glass of tequila in front of me and downed it, beckoning at the bartender for another shot. At this rate I was going to be stupid drunk but I didn't care, I would rather sleep in this bar tonight than return home.“The usual, Sir?” I heard the bartender ask.“Yes” A gruff voice answered by my side, causing me to turn to see who it was.I was welcomed by a pair of hazel eyes with flecks of gold and green that looked emotionless and cold. He had long black and almost shiny that was tied in a man bun with a pointed nose, thin lips and sharp jawline that my hands itched to touch. His suit jacket was off, showing his sleeve shirt hugging his muscular body with three unbuttoned at the top to reveal his craved abs. He was the personification of a greek god.“You like what you see?” He asked as his gaze turned to me. He wasn't
I walked into the office building with a little stagger in my step. God! Why on earth did I drink a night before work? My head was aching and I could barely keep my eyes open, all I wanted to do was sleep in but I couldn't because of this darned job.My phone began ringing making me frown from the annoying noise of my ringing tone. I brought out the phone from my bag and brought it to my ear without checking the caller ID.“Hello” I said“Sister Lorie!” a familiar cheerful voice greeted me. It was my sister, Elle.“How are you doing, princess?” I asked in a much better tone, I didn't want them to notice any distress from me.“I'm fine. We saw the money from Uncle Garrett so mum have bought my drugs, tell him thank you for me please” Her ten years old voice sounded so sweet and cute that it melted my heart. Poor little girl was diagnosed with cancer, it's been tough for us and it was a relief to hear her so happy. I felt grateful to Garrett, my boyfriend of two years, he made the physi
The first meeting was a disaster, everyone left the room with a frown on their faces. Asher was everything they said he was; Cold, heartless and an insatiable freak. I know we weren't the top leading branch in terms of sales but we weren't running into losses either. But Asher was demanding a 100% doubling of sales which was impossible, he criticized everybody during the briefing, called us Lazy and incompetent. It took a lot of energy not to counter him from everyone. Then he told us that if we wanted to keep our jobs then we better stepped up, he gave each of us a back breaking task to be finished by the end of the day. Nobody dared to complain but it was clear on everyone's faces.I groaned as I looked at the mountain of paper work that awaited me on my desk. My job was twice as bulky compared to everyone's because I was the secretary and every work went through me before arriving at the CEO's desk. I was tempted to curse Asher out loud but I restrained myself because my cubicle wa
Oh no no no no…Asher's jacket was missing when I got home and Garrett was nowhere to be found. He didn't come back home and his lines were off. I was genuinely scared, what if he found out that it belonged to Asher?I tried to calm myself down with the thought that he couldn't find the owner of a jacket so easily but then another problem surfaced in my head, what should I tell Asher? That my boyfriend took it to find you because you had a one stand with me?Fuck!I was so confused and was about to lose my mind. I tried Garrett's line for the last time before leaving for work. I was about fifteen minutes late when I entered the office.“Lorie, why on earth are you late? The CEO wants you in his office now” Jasmine rushed up to me and said.I looked through the transparent glass of Asher's office and there he was, with a serious face working. I tried to keep a calm composure and muttered thanks to Jasmine. As I passed through the other coworkers, I could see them pass me a sympathetic
Winnbred Deluxe hotel.. 10pm' kept ringing in my head. My legs were tingling with anticipation.I knew this was wrong. I knew I shouldn't be having such thoughts. But I couldn't resist this kind of temptation.Garret’s and I love life was nothing to write home about. We don't even have sex anymore. He whores around shamelessly and when he comes home drunk he would slump on the couch and snore away.But it was entirely a different story with Asher. That night was the best life of my life.The way he kissed me and the way he tasted kept me wanting more.The way he rode me and how he sucked my..‘Lorie stop! Stop thinking about what's between your boss legs.’ I groaned but my hormones definitely weren't listening to my silent plea.‘just a little bit more time you will go on another jolly ride with your boss. So keep calm girl.’ I kept trying to calm my already wrecked hormones.‘Can't wait to start screaming my name?’Ohhh I can even hear his voice in my head.Nice.‘Get a grip Lorie!’
‘Welcome home Lor'.Garret's voice was laced with scorn and alcohol it was so heavy that I shivered in fear.‘Thank you'He got up and stared at my face. My hand instinctively went to my neck where the hickey was trying to hide it. But it was too late. Garrett had seen it. He grabbed my hair and his hand connected with my face. ‘you went around whoring and came back way past your curfew'. ‘please.. please stop' I pleaded trying to pry his hands away from my hair but he pulled it harder and threw me against the wall.His slaps came and the blows followed. I curled on the ground trying to protect myself.‘How could you? How could you when I work my ass off to pay for your sister's bills’Guilt well inside me when he mentioned my sister hospital bills.He knew that was the only way to break me.‘you shouldn't be like that to me Lor'. He whispered in my ears.‘That sick girl drugs cost a fortune you know’. His voice was laced with hate. ‘you should not spread your legs for a loser who
Lunch hours were the only time I could relax. The pile of files I go through everyday was almost making me lose my sight. And that jerk of a boss was not making things any easier. He doesn’t like seeing me seated without doing something ‘productive'. He always emphasizes the fact that time is money. Things weren't this hectic when Old Mr Hardin was here. Asher Hardin wanted to do something entirely different from his father. The meetings we had were very stressful too since he always argued with his father's old employees who believed in upholding his father's legacy. He had shouted at them once that if they do not like his methods they are very free to leave but without any severance payment from ‘HIS' company. Emphasis on the ‘his'. That had shut them up for awhile.As I sat in my favorite place; the kitchen couch during lunch, I couldn't help but think of my sister Elle. She was always a bright child. Our parents had her late hence our age difference.She was seven years old whe
TEN YEARS LATER.‘Dad, Jasper won’t let me kick the ball.’ Eliza my three-year-old girl said with her face stained in tears.‘Jasper, don’t be mean to your sister.’ Asher called out to the boys who were busy kicking the ball trying to score a goal against each other. We were seated on the lawn enjoying the evening view and the sunset.‘Eliza can’t even kick the ball, she’s always on the way.’ Jasper complained frowning his face.‘then teach her how to.’ Asher said sternly.‘come, Lizzy, I will teach you.’ James the older twin said holding out his hand for Eliza.James was the kinder twin, he was nice to a fault. Not just to his sister but to everyone. He took that trait from me while Jasper was more like his father. He may be mean at times but he loved his sister to death. One time when Eliza was ill, Jasper cried while holding the doctor’s coat to save his sister. He is the type likely to fight and bully people who mess with his sister. He’s the only one allowed to mess with her.Eli
Lorie's pov.Two weeks later.‘the stakeholders have concluded that the expansion of the enterprise to Japan should continue.’ One of the directors said.‘that was what I expected to hear.’ Asher said with his pen in his mouth. We were having a board meeting with the heads of departments, managers, and directors of the group.Last week, Asher had proposed that one of our departmental stores should open a branch in Japan. The board of directors asked for some time to think about it. They argued that the store might have a hard time prospering because of the difference in language. Asher insisted that wasn’t a problem since they could employ Japanese citizens who understand the English language to be in charge of the sales.‘the expansion of the stores to Japan will commence with immediate effect.’ He turned to the director of stores.‘Can you speak Japanese?’‘no sir but I will try my best to learn.’ Director Charles said.‘don’t bother, that will take too much time since you are old,
Lorie's pov.‘You’re ready?’ Asher called from downstairs.‘almost.’ I shouted back shoving my hair into a bun and reaching for a slipper to wear. We were on our way to the supermarket to get some groceries for ourselves and Asher had insisted on getting some provisions for Mom and Elle also, so we were on our way to get the items. I hurried downstairs with my purse under my arm. I sighted Asher sitting on the sofa dressed in a white V-neck polo and denim Jeans. His hair gleamed as the sunlight from the window reflected on it. He raised his head from his phone in my direction.‘mine.’ His eyes were filled with admiration as he stared at me. Butterflies as always found their way to my stomach when He stared at me in that manner and called me his. I walked to him and wrapped my arms around his waist in my embrace, snuggling into him.‘I love you, Asher.’ I murmured in his ear sincerely.‘I love you too Lorie.’ He smiled and kissed my lips.Leo suddenly leaped from the chair to Asher's a
Lorie's pov.We walked along the beach with large goofy smiles on our faces but mostly mine.‘how did you do that?’ I asked linking my arm with Asher's.‘do what?’ He asked in return.‘The sky writing thing.’ I replied.‘Oh that, you like it?’‘yeah, I do. They freaking spelled my name in the sky.’He laughed.‘that's the work of a skywriter. I can do more for you if you’d like.’ He said pulling us to a stop and pressing a kiss to my lips.‘aww.’ I blushed.‘umm, can I ask you a question?’ his free hand went involuntarily to his head again. I am starting to think he does that only when he's nervous about something.‘yeah go ahead.’ I replied.‘I sounded so cheesy earlier right?’ His smile was nervous too.‘You want me to be sincere right?’ I turned over so that I faced him.‘yeah, I guess.’‘yes you did, but I absolutely loved it. I love every part of you.’ I pressed a kiss on the tip of his nose.‘You looked so cute and adorable.’ He pouted.‘I’m not cute.’‘aww look at that pout.’ I
Asher's pov.I woke up feeling energized and having a good feeling about today. I stared at the sleeping figure of my wife. She looked so pretty even while she was asleep. Her chest heaved slightly as she breathed while she slept. It’s no joke that Lorie is a pretty woman. We may have met in a very compromising situation, but I still don’t regret spending that night with her. If I’m being completely honest, ever since then, a part of me yearns for her. At first, it started with wanting her body, then it became wanting to see her, followed by craving her attention, and then I began wanting to be with her. Lorie came to me just when I concluded that I was done with love and women, just when I decided to close my heart to anything affection. Lorie brings peace to my wounded soul. Her determination to do something and go the extra mile for people was just top-notch.The truth is that even while I had proposed a contract marriage to Lorie, to avoid getting married to Sabrina, a part of me
Lorie's pov.‘I told you that no one who touches what’s mine go unscathed didn’t I?’ Asher's voice dripping with honey whispered in my ears making me feel hot. He had said so and today he proved it.Flashback to yesterday when I got back from the hospital and dinner with my mom, I waited in the garden patiently for Asher while occasionally tossing something in my mouth to chew and watching John pick out the disturbing weeds from his cabbages.‘do you like gardening?’ I asked my eyes following his every move as he bent down, grabbing a handful of weed and pulling it out from the soil.‘yes, I do.’ He answered wiping the beads of sweat that formed on his forehead.‘that’s so nice.’ I replied stuffing my mouth with popcorn.‘Yeah, when I first started working here, I was always bored and I felt useless. I never once liked sitting Idle. So I asked the master if he would like to own a garden, he didn’t live here then so he just gave his go-ahead.’ He looked around before using his hands to
Lorie's pov.I spent all day watching movies and eating my ice cream with Asher occasionally calling me to check up on me. Feeling tired and jobless, I decided to visit Elle. She was still unconscious and in the post-operative care unit. I Searched for my mom’s contact on my phone to call my mother. She had been visiting Elle every single day. She picked on the second ring.‘hey, mom.’ I said immediately she accepted the call.‘hi Lorie, how are you doing?’ she asked in return.‘I’m fine. What about you?’‘I’m doing great. How's your husband?’ she asked.A smile involuntarily crept to my lips.‘he's fine. He went to the office.’ I answered.‘I’m on my way to see Elle, wanna come?’ she asked.Bless her.It was as though she read my mind.‘yeah let me go get ready, I will call you back in less than twenty.’‘right, dear.’ With that, she hung up.I rushed to the bathroom, took a quick bath, did my business, and hurried out. I selected a black jumpsuit, sprayed a little amount of perfume,
Lorie's povI lay on the bed with tears running down my eyes and snot down my nose. I tried holding my sniffles to prevent my cries from being heard. Who said love can’t hurt? Love hurts really bad. My eyes were swollen from crying for so long but I couldn’t stop the tears from gathering and dropping from my eyes. I stared at the running figure of the man in search of the girl who was hell-bent on ruining his life but for the sake of the love he had for her, he kept on forgiving her unforgivable acts.‘Lorie, are you seriously still crying?’ Asher asked turning to me.That only increased my tears and I began sobbing like a baby.‘but it’s just a movie, it's acting.’ Asher said almost whining.‘I know. But it perfectly depicts the painful reality of love.’ I whimpered.‘You know it's not real, it’s just-'‘hush.’ I placed my finger on his lips to shut him up as the man held the lady’s hand and pulled her in for a kiss.‘aww, that’s so sweet.’ I was smiling with tears smeared on my face
Lorie's pov.I climbed down from the car feeling apprehensive and nervous. I dreaded seeing Garrett. He was like a nightmare I would do anything to avoid. Speaking of nightmares, mine stopped ever since Asher and I started sleeping together in the same room. Something about his arms made it easier to sleep and dream about only him.I cleaned my hand against my trousers for the umpteenth time. My palms were sweaty and shaky.‘babe? Are you Okay?’ Asher asked walking up to me.‘Oh yes, I’m fine, just a little nervous.’ I tried controlling my breathing as I felt it accelerating.‘don't worry, he won’t see you. I won’t let him come close to you if he mistakenly sees you.’ He took my sweaty palms in his. ‘I’m here for you babe, you don’t have to be strong, I’m strong enough for us, all you have to do is to lean on me.’ I felt so grateful to Asher so I squeezed his hand in gratitude. He didn't know what those words meant to me. His words told me that I am not alone anymore, and that I now h