We finally arrrive shortly after 6 after a long, long flight. I push up to my feet and stretch out, the hems of my black crop top hiking up my belly unintentionally. I see Alex's eyes fix on me like a hawk and as exciting as it is for him to look at me like that, I make a mental note to make us lay some ground rules that'll guard how we'll relate to each other in the spaces we'll be sharing. We step out of the jet and I see that a sleek white car is already waiting for us. There's a sharp looking driver standing to the side of the car, dressed in a smart pair of black pants and black shirt. When we approach, he yanks the door open and offers Alex a huge, welcoming smile."Welcom back sir". Alex offers one back and urges me into car before climbing in with me."Thank you, Olec. Have you had a good day?". The car engine revs to life and it sounds just a cat purring. It's that smooth. The driver….Olec, flashes us a wide grin from the mirror. "Oh I have sir. We all have, awaiting you and
I glance at myself for the umpteenth time in the mirror, wondering if I've indeed just made a good decision. I make a mental note to try not to be so impulsive in the future. For the evening, I chose a short, emerald wrap dress. The fabric is clingy and it accentuates my body effortlessly in all the right places. The sleeves are fitted and long, bursting into a dramatic flare at the wrists. I press and style my bob sleekly and when I move into the light, I see how it glints off it. It takes a slight tilt of my head to have my hair bouncing healthily. On my feet, I'd gone for a bold pair of pink shoes and a matching pink purse. The enter look screams confidence and that's exactly what's going to be projected tonight. I hear a slight knock on my door and I know it has to be Alex. I take in my appearance one more time in the mirror and yank the door open."We have to…..". His words die on his lips dramatically at the sight of me. I see his eyes intentionally drift down my body, from the
My body instinctively goes stiff and the laughter dies on my lips. But I will not be intimidated, not ever. I stand up straighter, the laugh compressing into a stiff, cold smile on my face. She walks forward, her impossibly high heels making a steady clickity clack on the tiled floors. How does a woman of her age even manage to present herself like this? "Mum". Alex calls from beside me. He walk towards her and engulfs her into a tight hug and she closes her eyes contentedly on his shoulder. I guess they do love each other in the most…..Van Lewis way possible. I'll try not to be too judgemental. Finally, they release each other and while pulling away from him, that's when her eyes catch on me. All warmness vanishes from her face even though she keeps the smile on. "You brought a visitor I see". She says softly, taking a step towards me. Alex flashes me a wink and comes to stand beside me, wrapping his arm around my waist "Mum, meet my girlfriend. Nicole Webster". Her brows furrow i
I can practically see the wheels whirring in their heads as they try to process the information. It dawn on Mrs. Van Lewis first and I see her face drain of color so fast that for a moment, I think she's going to faint. She turns to her husband and whispers something to him and when he looks back up at me, I feel the intensity of his gaze. Eight years ago, I would have been quaking in my seat by now. But now, I merely offer them a cheery smile and reach for my wine glass. Alex's father speaks first."Alexander". His voice is hard and ungiving. I guess just like that, in the blink of an eye, he's no longer proud of his son again like he said he was. This is the kind of people they are. It's either you are helping the family business or you are useless. "Alexander, do you care to explain what the hell is going on?". He asks. I sit back on my seat and relish the look on all of their faces. Mr. Van Lewis is the pure image of rage, his white bushy brows furrowed into a frown that I'm sure
I don't go to bed early. I stay up waiting for Alex. A few minutes after I enter the room, a serving girl comes up to provide me with a shopping bag courtesy of Mr. Alex. I opened it up to see a pair of lovely night things and some possible clothes for the next day. With my mind churning the activities of the day, I had gotten into the shower and had my bath. Now I sit before the mirror, blowing my hair dry in the hopes that Alex will come up soon. I intentionally take my time but there's still no sign of him even when I'm done. I begin to consider the possibility that he went back home and left me behind. I check the time and consider calling him but it's just shortly past 10pm. I should wait till eleven. And that's exactly what I do. I stay up, going through all the updates of the product and when I begin to feel the sleep set in, I lean back against the headrest of the seat and let myself drift into a short sleep.When I wake up next, it's to the sensation of being watched. Slowly,
Surprisingly, the day passes very fast. Before I know it, it's nearly evening and it's time to start prepping for the big anniversary party. I don't know if they are all so occupied with preparations because no one comes to bother me all day. By afternoon, Alex drives us back to his house and that's where I start preparing for the big party. I rifle through my options and finally decided on one, a dazzling dark purple dress that screams royalty. I'm about to attend a party thrown by one of the most elite people of the society which will be attended by one of the most elite. The least I can do is leave a good impression in their memories. When we get to the house, I'm surprised to see the group of people waiting inside. Alex beams brightly as we step in."Hey…Monica". He walks forward and pulls into the leader of the group into a hug. She's a tiny featured lady whose age is hard to guess beneath her makeup. I'm a bit lost for words but they finish their interactions pretty fast and Ale
From the top of the stairs, I see Alex and he's on a call, his back to us. When he hears the ruckus coming towards him, he turns around and I literally see his eyes bulge out in surprise. That's all the reaction the girl's need and they whoop and cheer loudly as they lead me down. I'm so happy that my cheeks literally hurt from laughing. I definitely don't get to have fun like this often. "Monica…. you've outdone yourself I tell you". Alex pulls her into a hug and she beams at him proudly. "She looks gorgeous, doesn't she?" She asks, slyly. Alex turns back to me and I see his eyes travel down the frame of my body sensually leaving behind a trail of heat on my skin wherever he looks. From where I'm standing, I can see the fascination in his eyes as he slowly drinks in the sight of me. I feel so desired now that I coukd fly. "You …you look…..". He stalks forward and wraps his arm around my waist, bringing his lips down to my ear in a whisper. He takes his time though and I see what h
My eyes narrow at the blonde woman standing beside me. She looks so very familiar but I just can't seem to put a hand on it. It's when her lips turn down into a sneer that it hits me. She's Alex's ex-wife. Her name was mentioned that night. It's a relief to know that I actually don't remember it anymore, these people don't hold enough leverage over my life like I think they do. "The least they could do was offer something stronger". I hear her murmur under her breath and in my head, I can't help wondering why she was invited. The answer is pretty simple, they still consider her family even after she and their son's divorce. But looking at her now, I wonder if there's more to her relationship with the Van Lewis than meets the eye. She doesn't seem exactly too happy to be here. "Tell me something I don't know". I murmur with as much nonchalance as I can muster. That gets her attention. She side eyes me and I finally turn to her and smile fully. Her long blond hair is curled into lovely