“First of, I'd like to say congratulations in signing the contract with us' “, Kate started, mirth dancing in her eyes. “Sure”, Rose said, through gritted teeth. “About the contract some changes will have to be made to it”. “What do you mean…changes?”, Rose asked, raising her eyebrow. “The contract will be for a period of 5 months and not 6”, Kate continued. “And why's that?” Rose demanded, trying to stay calm. “As you know Miss Andino, this contract was supposed to be signed weeks ago but due to an unpleasant incident it didn't”, Kate explained, stressing on the words unpleasant incident. “This month is about to end, and TAC Limited won't take responsibility for your action of not signing the contract when it was due. So yes, the contract will be decreased to a period of 5 months”, she added, with a shrug at the end. Rose stared at Kate tongue-tied, as she couldn't come up with a proper comeback and could only nod her head with a forced smile. “Sure, I understand”, Rose nod
Catherine Hart, Cat, had first met Kate at TAC Limited. Catherine had come for an interview for the job of a secretary at the Chassis department. She and some others had been waiting patiently for their turn; there were still 10 people to Catherine's turn. Catherine was about to give up, she was really tired and hungry, and the interview of the woman who had just entered was taking longer than expected. Remembering how much she really needed the job she decided to wait some more. Finally the woman stepped out, making everyone let out a sign of relief but was shocked to see their employer right behind her. “Thank you everyone for coming today, but your presence won't be needed anymore you may all go home now”, the man announced, gesturing at them to leave. They all stood up, staring at each other dumbfounded, the confused look on their faces not missed. “Go home, but they haven't been interviewed yet!??” Were the thoughts on their mind. The man hissed annoyed, seeing as they sto
Charles glanced at his wristwatch, an hour after lunch break and still no sign of Taylor. “Was she still avoiding him”, the thought made him annoyed, “but that couldn't be right, Taylor wasn't the type to let her personal life interfere with her work”. “Stella, tell Miss Miller to come to my office immediately”, he instructed over the intercom. “Yes Sir “, Stella responded, before the line went dead. A knock was heard on the door, followed by the clicking of the knob, as Gracie stepped in, closing the door behind her. “You called for me C….”, Gracie said, wondering why her cousin suddenly wanted to see her. “Where's Taylor?” Charles interrupted her, tapping his fingers on the desk, his back relaxed on his chair. “I don't know....”. “Gracie!....” Charles groaned, in a warning tone. “Where's Taylor?...”. “Isn't she back yet”, Gracie answered, with a raised eyebrow. “What do you mean back, did she go out?..”. “Yh, she did”, Gracie nodded, walking towards Charles.
WEDNESDAY It was the last day of August. Kate was going to present her first design to Charles and all the other Heads of Departments. She had taken the rest of the day off on Monday to help Catherine settle in, and told Jack she would be coming in late on Tuesday morning, as she had followed Catherine for her first day at work. By the time she had gotten to the office that day, Charles wasn't at the office nor did she see him for the rest of the day. Jack had told her, Charles' schedule was busy for the day so he won't be able to come to the office but Kate didn't believe him. “He was probably avoiding her, because she had been avoiding him too…. childish”, she thought, but their hide n seek game ends their. Kate stood beside the stage, as she watched the technical team set up the projector. The meeting was going to start soon, as the heads of departments arrived one after the other. Soon everyone was present except one person in particular. Kate checked the time on
BACK AT DONOVAN CAR ENTERPRISE, “The end”. The slide stopped playing, and the room became bright once again. Kate took the seat at the end of the table, opposite Charles. “Excellent”, thought the heads of departments, as they all had approving smiles on their faces. “What do you think Mr Donovan?” Kate asked, turning to Charles. Since she had started the presentation, he hadn't said a word, just occasional nods. “Wasn't he satisfied with her design?” she thought, getting nervous. Everyone else turned to Charles, patiently waiting for him to speak. Charles relaxed in the chair. “I must say Miss Cosgrove, I'm impressed”. Kate felt butterflies in her tummy from Charles' praise as a proud smile formed on her face but soon turned to a frown hearing his next word. “But…”. “He just had to add a but…”, she grumbled, in a low tone. “But what Mr Donovan?” Kate asked, trying to maintain a calm expression. “The cost and materials to make the car…..”, Charles pointed out in his
At Jade resort, “Don't tell me you're still annoyed at my cousin because of what he did”, Gracie said, laughing. Kate rolled her eyes at Gracie, crossing her arms over her chest. Charles had canceled her date with Kyle for the day, not allowing her to speak before dragging her away. Yeah! she didn't like going on dates with Kyle, but she certainly didn't need Charles' help to deal with Kyle either. “D*ckhead”, she muttered, as eyes searched for him in the room and they found him, sitting lazily, away from everyone else, a tumbler in his hand, casually swirling it. The sleeves of his shirt rolled to his elbow, showing off his muscular arms, his hair slightly disheveled with some strands at the side. His chest hair could be seen due to the first three buttons of his shirt left undone. He had a carefree aura around him, sexy and yet powerful. “My cousin is hot, isn't he? A fine species of men”, Gracie whispered in Kate's ear. Kate turned red in embarrassment, caught red-handed by
“Where are we going?” Kate mumbled, as they got into the elevator. Charles pressed the button to the underground parking lot where his car was parked. “Home”, He answered, sternly, as he watched Kate nod before nestling her head on his shoulder. The ride down was quiet, as none of them spoke. Until Kate started humming a tune while stroking the side of his neck. “Stop”, Charles groaned in a warning tone. Her humming didn't annoy him. It was her touch leaving a trail of fire on his skin, making him more hard than he already was."He needed to get her home fast". The elevator came to a stop. He walked over to his car. Opening the front passenger door, placing Kate in carefully. “Lie down”, he instructed, strapping her in before walking over to the driver's seat, buckling his own seat belt. “I missed you….”, he heard her say. Charles halted what he was doing, turning to Kate, her big sapphire eyes already staring at him. “I missed you”, Kate repeated, longing in her tone. “I w
Kate watched Charles walk towards her, crouching to her level. “Better?” He asked, concerned, stroking her back gently. Kate nodded weakly in response. “She shouldn't have drank so much wine”, she hissed, rubbing her forehead, feeling a headache. “C'mon let's get you sober”, Charles spoke softly, a teasing smile on his face. Kate nodded, allowing Charles to pick her up bridal style out of the bathroom. She didn't have the energy to protest anyway. He placed her gently on the bed in a sitting manner, placing the duvet over her legs, then gave her a glass of water from the night stand. “Thank you”, Kate muttered, handing Charles the cup back. “What time is it?” she asked, her voice coming out as a whisper. “It's 11 in the morning”, Charles answered. “The next day already! ”, Kate thought, shocked. “Work!?”. Charles could already guess what she was thinking, seeing the expression on her face. “Focus on resting today. Come to work tomorrow, okay”. “And you? Aren't
“Charles was going to go against his grandpa for her”. Was he mad? Seemed like it. "And I know you like him too”, Ryn muttered, placing his hand over hers, squeezing it in a supportive manner. “I do!?” Kate uttered, her question coming out as a statement, a blush appearing on her cheek unbeknownst to her, as she stared at their hands. She could feel the fast beating of her heart. “Charles liked her. She liked Charles”. Ryn squeezed her hand one last time, before placing his hand back at his side. “Charles could act tough all he wanted, but he's hurting. He needs you dear, only you can make him feel better”, he said. “How did the Old Man know for sure she could make him feel better, all she had done to Charles was hurt him”, she thought sadly, feeling ashamed. “I'm not meant to tell you this but you aren't the first person Charles had fallen in love with, and she loved him back. We were already planning their wedding, even though they were still in highschool then”. Kate
A NEW DAY. Kate drove her car into the parking lot of Donovan Car Enterprise. Glancing at Charles' spot, no sign of his black Mercedes. Another day and Charles hadn't arrived. Checking the time on her wristwatch, 7:45. "There was still time", she sighed. “He could just be running late”, she told herself. Letting out a frustrated groan, “Why did she even care!?”. Kate walked to the entrance, about entering the building, when an old man walked up to her. “Miss Cosgrove”, the elderly man said. “Yes”, Kate nodded, raising her eyebrows in a polite manner. “How may I help you?”. “Ryn…Old Man Donovan would like to see you”. “See me”, Kate asked, an unconvinced look on her face. “Why would Charles' grandpa want to see her?”. “Where is he?”. “There”, the man pointed to a black SUV not far from them. Kate gave him a weary look. “She didn't trust him”. “He wants to speak to you, it's important”, he added, a stern expression on his face, not bothering to convince her.
“How did he become friends with these two idiots?” Charles wondered, as he watched his two best friends talk about the recent happenings in his life, in his presence!. Alexander did the talking while Vincent listened with rapt attention. “Are you guys done?” Charles asked, his forehead creased in annoyance. They both turned to stare at him, a teasing grin forming on their faces. “I always knew we were going to end up becoming family, but I didn't think you'd have to marry Rose”, Vincent said, displeasure laced in his tone. “Katie’s best friend... It was meant to be her”, he murmured, not saying the last part out loud. “But you love Taylor don't you, why not marry her instead”, he said. “I know we won't be family anymore but I'll always support your choice”, he added, giving Charles a supportive nod. Charles shook his head at Vincy's words. “Too bad he won't be able to do that anymore”, Alexander spoke with a sigh. “Why not?” Vincent asked, confused. “Charles is
Charles glanced at his wristwatch, his back to his car, tapping his foot impatiently on the concrete ground, with his arms crossed. “His flight had landed 15 mins ago, why wasn't he here yet”, he grumbled, staring at the exit door. Glancing at his watch again, it was 1:00 pm now. He had thought about going to the office today but it seemed like he wouldn't make it again. “Sigh!”. He hadn't been able to go to the office because he was preparing for the task his grandfather had given him – he needed to be ready to face them. Replaying his conversation with his grandpa. “You can stop pursuing Miss Cosgrove. I hear she's dating someone now”. And that was how his grandpa decided to start their conversation. “Son of the Bruce family, Kyle. I think he's a nice guy”, he added. Charles worked his jaw, just when he had forgotten about it – not like he did – his grandpa just had to remind him. “Grandpa, you didn't call me here to tell me this, did you?” He asked, an annoy
“Was there a reason why you jumped on me when you walked in, Miss Cosgrove?” Charles asked, trying to sound indifferent. Kate was focused on her entwined fingers; she didn't notice the hopeful look in his eyes. “It's nothing I was just glad you were__ I meant your hand was alright”, Kate stammered, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Oh I see”, Charles frowned disappointedly, quickly replacing it with a stoic expression. “I'll be on my way then Miss Cosgrove”, he added, walking past her to the door. “Wait!” Kate exclaimed, stopping him in his tracks. “Where are you going, you just got here?” she asked, surprised. “He was leaving already or was he just ignoring her”. She frowned at the thought. “I have a multimillionaire business to take care of. I can't sit in my office all the time”, Charles answered with a cocky grin. “Is there a reason you don't want me to go?”. “No, it's just__”, Kate shuttered, suddenly feeling nervous. “What did Gracie say, sort out your feelings,
THE NEXT DAY. Kate rolled her eyes at the person on the other end of the phone. Just when she thought yesterday's gossip had ended. Andrew just had to call her to talk about it, on her way to work!. “What are you up to now Kate?” Andrew groaned, questioning, clearly displeased about the post. “Getting back with your ex, really!?”. “Technically Taylor is the one dating Kyle not Kate”, Kate corrected, stopping her car at a red light. She had connected her earbuds to her phone. After her accident she was weary of connecting her phone to her car, and was cautious of the information she stored too, to prevent a virus getting into it. Prevention was better than cure afterall. “I know Kate, still!” Andrew argued. Kate tapped her finger on the steering wheel, waiting for the light to turn green. “I'm just getting my revenge on Kyle, Andrew, nothing to worry about”. The light turned green, she continued driving. “By dating him Kate, is that really necessary”, he tsked. “If
At Charles penthouse Charles stared at his injured palm now wrapped in a bandage. Fred had come over to help clean it up. Running his hand through his hair. Had he read the signs wrongly? Taylor didn't love him like he thought . “He would have accepted it, if it was any other guy but it had to be Kyle”. The world had to be playing some cruel game with him. First Kate and now Taylor. His phone rang, disrupting his thoughts. He eagerly took his phone, a frown appearing on his face seeing it wasn't her – Taylor – placing his phone at his ear. “What now?” He hissed. “Woah dude! Woke up on the wrong side of the bed I see” the other person chuckled. “I don't have all day Vincy”, he hissed again. He knew he was behaving like an ass, a big jerk, but that's what happens when Taylor makes him mad. “Just wanted to remind you, I'm coming home next week, permanently “, Vincent said, ignoring his friend's cocky attitude. “And!?”. “You're picking me up from the airport. Damn! du
Rose eyed Catherine, sitting across from her, making the other weary. “Is there a problem ma?” Catherine asked, seeing as Rose hadn't said a word since she called for her. Rose kept staring at her, her gaze particularly on the two diamond cluster earrings which hung on Catherine's ear. “Why did she lie?” Was the thought on Rose's mind. “Or was she telling the truth?”. “After going through the CCTV footage for the past 2 hours - majorly skipping some parts - she found something interesting”. “Catherine had been to her office last week, when she went out, it was the day Kyle had walked in on her”. She had watched Catherine drop the file, accidentally knocking the stapler over, then bending down to pick it, nothing strange there, except it took her 5 minutes to pick up a stapler - a whole 5 minutes. She didn't miss the way Catherine stood rigid after she stood up, with the stapler in her hand, like someone caught doing something wrong, when Kyle had entered her office. “
At FastTech Limited, Everyone was seated around a conference table. Old Man Andino sat at the head chair, on his left was his secretary when he was the CEO and beside the man was Nathaniel, while on his right was an empty seat, and beside the seat was Rose, as the shareholders and the heads of departments filled the rest of the seats. It was the seasonal meeting held mid month of the start of a new season between the shareholders, and heads of department. Everyone was present, except one person, the seat beside Rose, at Old Man Andino right was empty. Rose wondered who the person was for the Old Man to wait patiently and make every other person wait as well. She had heard the person was going to be the new CFO, and was once an employer, and someone close to the Old Man – courtesy of her gossiping workers. 30 mins later and still no sign of their newcomer. Rose glanced at the wall clock, an annoyed expression on her face. It was time for the meeting to start but the Old Man wasn't