80.Roland sat in the bar, with five empty bottles of beer in front of him. He wanted to get drunk but it was not working for him. He seemed to be more awake and aware of the pain that gnawed at him instead of getting drunk.“Annabel,” He muttered as he glanced at the sixth bottle of beer in his hand.He wanted to meet her; to ask her so she could tell him everything Carson said was a lie, but what was there to confirm anymore? He saw the pregnancy, the ring and damn, Olivia was her daughter.It was then everything dawned on him; that was when his eyes opened and he started to think clearly. That was when he realized why Olivia was always at their house, why Olivia called Annabel mummy and why Annabel loved when the girl was happy, but why did she lie to him about that? He had no problem with Olivia. He loved the girl, he felt a connection with her not knowing she was Carson's child.Roland sniffed. “Why did you lie to me, Annabel? Why?” He ruffled his hair.His phone rang and he star
81.Next Day…Annabel got to the office a bit late expecting to see Roland in the office but he wasn't there. She wondered where he must have gone this early when his schedule practically showed that he'd leave for a meeting by 11am.She wanted to ask him different questions. She wanted to know why he left without saying a word. He told her to wait for him in the office and then he was nowhere to be found. He didn't only waste her time, he made her expect the unthinkable.She could remember how nervous she was because she had no idea about what he wanted to say to her.The door opened and Ashton walked in. She stood up to greet him. He nodded and dropped some files on Roland's table. He was about to turn and leave but Annabel stopped him.“Ashton,” She called, making him stop in his tracks. He turned to look at her, his face holding an expression that already asked what she wanted. “Um… I was wondering if you've seen Roland today. He isn't in the office and I can't reach him on phone e
82.“Something is wrong, Sasha, I can feel it.” Annabel ruffled her hair.It's been two days and Roland hadn't come to the office. He didn't reply her texts either.“Maybe he went on a business trip and can't disclose his location at the moment.” Sasha tried to calm her down.“Even to his personal assistant? He doesn't trust me that much?” She asked. “The least he could have done is to say hi and I'd know he's fine. He's getting me worried and I don't like it.” She sighed.“Let's wait some more.”“No, I'm thinking of going to his place if he doesn't come to work tomorrow. The worst part is that, Ashton isn't telling me anything.” Sasha sighed and massaged her temple. She wondered what could be wrong with Roland. “Did Carson tell him anything?” She asked and Annabel turned to look at her. “You said he disappeared after he left to have a talk with Carson. I'm having a feeling Carson must have said something to upset him.”“Something like?” Annabel asked.“Something like you have a daug
83.Annabel couldn't believe her past was finally back to haunt her. How did he find out? Did Carson tell him?She shook her head frantically. Carson would never do such a thing to her.Roland crossed his arms, waiting for her reply. “I'll ask again, Miss. Walter. Do you have a daughter?” He asked.“W… W… what?” She asked.“I didn't want to do this but I need to know the truth. Are you engaged to anyone?”“No.” She answered.“But you do have a daughter, don't you?” Annabel sighed. What's the use of hiding it from him. He would find out sooner or later anyway.“Yes.” She answered and Roland could feel his heart shatter to pieces.“I guess it's Olivia, right?” He asked and she nodded. He became hurt. “You told me you were babysitting Olivia and that she wasn't your daughter.” He complained, trying his best to stop himself from snapping at her.“Yes, I did but I can explain.”“You can explain? Annabel, you lied to me. You put my hopes up for nothing. I trusted you, I trusted everything
84.“This is all Roland's fault!” Carson yelled, throwing a bottle of whiskey to the floor. The bottle shattered to pieces and all its contents spilled on the finely placed rug in the bar.“He only gets everything and leaves me with nothing. It has been like this for years!” He yelled, throwing another bottle to the ground.Liam, who heard the sound of things breaking, rushed to him and was shocked to see the mess Carson was creating. That wasn't all. Carson threw all the glass cups on the floor and yelled angrily.“What's going on?” Liam asked. “Why are you so furious to the extent of trying to hurt yourself?” He questioned, pointing to the chards of glasses on the floor.“Annabel rejected me, Liam. My plan failed!” He yelled.Liam blinked. “Wait… I don't understand what you're saying. What did she reject you for? The job offer?” He asked.“I finally told her how I felt, Liam, but she rejected my love, and I know it's all Roland's fault. He told her everything I told him, even though
85.THE NEXT DAY…Annabel walked into the company and looked around, smiling. She was no longer entering the company as Mr. Roland's personal assistant but someone dear and close to his heart.As she reached for the elevator and opened it, she saw a hand turning it off and it closed. When she turned, her eyes met with that of Roland.She just stared at him with a smile, not knowing what to say. But when Roland's hand took hers and he intertwined their fingers, her eyes shot open.“What are you doing?” She asked.Roland smiled and started walking, taking her with him. “We're going to use my elevator. You aren't permitted to use the ones the employees use anymore.” He answered.“But must we hold hands? The employees —”“Can think whatever they want to think,” He cut her off and tapped his elevator button. “I am in charge.” He smirked and they entered.Annabel knew the employees would be gossiping about her soon because while they were going to the elevator, she noticed their stares and
86.“You look unusually happy these days. What's the secret?” Brian asked Annabel when they bumped into each other in the company one day. She had told Roland, she wanted to deliver somethings to the technical department so they could work on. He didn't want her to leave and wanted to call someone to get it done, but she insisted, and he let her go.Annabel smiled. “Don't I deserve to be happy?” She asked.“Of course you do. I'm just surprised because you aren't usually this cheerful, especially to Mr. Roland of course. But these days, there's this smile you always have on your face that makes me wonder what might have actually happened with you.” Brian smiled. Annabel sighed, wondering if she should tell Brian what was going on or not. Well, they just started, so she might as well keep it a secret. Besides, she didn't want anyone to know about them yet.“I'm just happy, that's all.” She smiled dreamily.Brian was determined to get the truth out of her at all costs “I know those kind
87.The day went by faster than expected and it was almost closing hours. Roland allowed Annabel to close early so she could go home and prepare for their dinner night while he remained in the office.Ashton came to meet him as he sat working. “Aren't you going to prepare for your dinner date with Annabel tonight?” He asked, taking a seat, facing Roland.Roland looked up at him with a smile. “Of course I will. I just need to get some things done first.” He replied.“I think it's about time you showed her to your parents. I always tell you that delay is dangerous and with Carson lurking around every corner, you need to officially announce her as yours before he makes any move.” Ashton sighed.Roland massaged his forehead. “Yes, I understand what you're trying to say. I also have that in mind, but don't you think she'd feel that it's too sudden?” He asked.“Nothing is sudden. You two have loved each other for some time now. The only reason the confession delayed is because the two of you