69.That night…Roland paced around his room, lost in thoughts. He wondered how and where Annabel got to know Carson?“Could it be in California?” Roland asked no one in particular as he paced to and fro.He and Carson had never gotten along. They were best friends right from when they were kids, but when things worked out for Roland, Carson always got mad and that soiled their friendship.Roland was smart and was the type to always take risk, making him excel higher and better than the rest.Carson always lagged behind and started distancing himself from Roland. He refused to answer Roland's calls and always did everything he could to sabotage and jeopardize Roland's efforts.Roland endured it all until the day Carson said they were no longer friends. He made it clear to Roland that, he didn't like that things were going well for Roland and he was stuck. Roland offered to help him but he refused and cut off their friendship, becoming rivals in business with Roland. Because of Roland,
70.They all waited in the reception as the doctor attended to Noel. Ms. D. Ville pulled Roland to a corner when the waiting was becoming unbearable.“How are you going to fix this mess?” She asked.Roland raised an eyebrow at her. What was his mother talking about this time around? “Why are you acting as if I'm the reason why all these is happening? Why are you making it look like it's my problem?”Mrs. D. Ville sighed. “You're the reason why this happened, Roland. If you had accepted this girl, she wouldn't have gone back to a lifestyle she gave up.”“Can you hear yourself speak, mum?” Roland couldn't believe his mother wanted him to accept a drug addict as a wife. “She's a drug addict. How could you suggest such a person to me?” He questioned. “She's no longer one, Roland. Your rejection triggered whatever happened today.” She placed her hand on his shoulder but he moved away from her.“Your desperation for me to get married is getting out of hand, mother. I have already said it a
71.Annabel was in the kitchen, but it was obvious that her thoughts were elsewhere. She couldn't help but wonder what was wrong between Carson and Roland. Why did they frown at the mention of each other's name?“Annie?” Sasha called and she turned. Sasha walked to where she stood. “Shit! It's burning!” Sasha exclaimed, quickly switching off the electric cooker.Annabel facepalmed. She was so lost in thoughts, she forgot she was frying eggs.“What's the problem? You look bothered. Did something go wrong between you and Roland or…” She trailed off.“I'm just bothered about Roland and Carson.”“What's wrong with them?” Sasha started dishing the almost burnt eggs into the plates.“I think they know each other and from the look of things, they totally don't like each other.” She sighed.“They run the same type company. There's bound to be jealousy and hate here and there.” Sasha smiled, taking a tray from the cupboard.Annabel turned to face her while leaning on the counter. “I know there
72.“I know it's going to be hard but—”“But what, Carson?” She interrupted. “Do you expect me to just nod my head, walk to his office and be like, “Hey, Roland, I'm not working for you anymore. I quit!” because you say so?“ She couldn't believe he would tell her such a thing.“I know why I'm saying this, Anna. Roland isn't someone you should be around.”“Let me be the judge of that.”“Anna, you're not understanding me. Alright, if you're worried about where to work after quitting, the grand opening of my company is this week. I'll employ you and make you my manager, I'll give you whatever you want, Anna. Just leave Roland.” He sighed, hoping she would get his point but Annabel wasn't seeing things from his perspective.Annabel shook her head. “I can't believe you're saying this to me, Carson. I wasn't expecting this. Because you two are at beef with each other doesn't mean you have to drag me into it.”“Roland is not a good person. He's a playboy and can hurt you. It's only a matter
73.Next Day…“Good morning, Annabel. Here's Mr. Roland's schedule for the week.” The secretary smiled as she handed over the files to Annabel.“Alright, thank you so much.” Annabel took them with a smile and walked into the office.She settled down and started going through them. One particular schedule caught her attention.She looked closely to be sure she was seeing right. “An invitation to be a guest in CS Haute Couture Company?” She blinked. “That's Carson's company. Why did Carson invite Roland when they're not on good terms?” She was still wondering when the door opened and Roland walked in.“Come on, Mr. Roland, it's just for a night.”Annabel turned to see Jessica pleading with Roland. With a smile, she stood up to welcome them but they were engrossed in their argument.“Jessica, I can't do that. It's not her job and besides, I don't think she'd agree to something like that.” Roland facepalmed.“That's why you're her boss. You can talk to her and she'd help us get it done. P
74.Carson paced forth and back in his study. He didn't even know which emotions to express at the moment. He was angry, frustrated and disappointed at the same time.Angry because Annabel stood up for Roland without batting an eyelid.Frustrated because Roland was still like a pest, who ate everything in sight and now he was about turning his own friend against him.And disappointed because Annabel turned down his offer.He thought it'd be easy to persuade her; he thought it was a piece of cake since they were obviously friends and had gone through so much together, but she turned him down and decided to continue working for Roland. Sometimes he felt like tearing Roland to shreds.He groaned and slammed his fists on his study table.“I still can't believe Annabel turned your offer down like that. I was hoping she'd think about how much you've helped her in the past and at least, make a decision. What's with Roland anyway?” Liam asked.Carson didn't even know what to say. All that kep
75.Next day…Annabel was all dressed and ready. Roland had called, asking her not to use her car and that he'd personally pick her up today.“You look beautiful. I'm sure Roland would trip.” Sasha chuckled.Annabel just smiled. “Thanks for your help, Sasha. This dress is beautiful,” She turned around, admiring the red gown she was putting on. It was a striking scarlet red, with a plunging neckline that revealed just the right amount of skin. The fabric hugged her figure perfectly, accentuating her curves while still leaving something to the imagination. The back of the dress was cut low, showing off her flawless skin and adding a touch of seduction to the ensemble. Her heels were equally as impressive, with a four-inch stiletto heel that made her legs look even more incredible. Sasha handed her purse over to her and she smiled. They heard a car horn, signifying that Roland was there.“See you at 10.” Annabel smiled at Sasha, who waved at her.When she stepped out, Roland had his ba
76.“How do you feel?” Annabel asked Roland as they drove back to her place.Roland sighed. “Why do you ask?”She licked her bottom lip and ruffled her hair. “Well, I saw what Carson did. I just want you to know that he is not that kind of person. Maybe, the building plan might have clashed with yours —”“Annabel,” Roland called and she turned to look at him. “Why did you choose to follow me instead of staying with your friend?” He asked the question that was bothering him instead, ignoring hers.“This isn't the time for you to ask me that question. I'm trying to apologize for what Carson did here and you look unbothered. How are you so calm?” She couldn't believe this guy. If she was the one, she would have reacted immediately and even sued him, but since it's Carson… she doesn't even know what to think.Roland smiled. “I can't lie that I'm not disappointed, Annabel but what can I do? Sue him for everything he's worth?” He chuckled. “No, I'm more than that. One thing I know for sure