I have no idea why Mrs Johnson, Liam’s mum is treating me so nicely. Although she has always been kind, but all her offers seemed just too good to be true. A place to stay, employment, and a first-class flight back to Dublin. I needed to see her to thank her for her thoughtfulness before my truck comes the following morning.
My heart begins to beat rapidly as soon as my Uber stops in front of their home. What if Liam was inside? or his dad? I still can't see him the same way I used to, even though he paid for my mother's care right up until the moment she passed away. I hold zero regards for him. I was just a helpless teenager in love."It is not too late to hop on the plane back to Boston." I think. I inhale deeply before ringing the bell.As I wait for the door to be opened, my eyes wander to the patio at the upper floor. Once upon a time, Liam and I once used to look at the stars there through his father's old telescope huddled up in a fuzzy blanket, sipping hot cocoa and whispering sweet nothings in each other's ears while laughing. I smile as I recollect the good old days while gazing at the patio where I could almost picture the memories as clear as day. The home had been remodeled. When contrasted to the old design, this is sophisticated. The semi-detached mansion in front of me now screams 'wealthy'. I suppose the merger paid off in the end.The door opens, revealing Mrs Johnson, Liam's mother. A picture of perfection, she hadn't aged at all. Liam inherited her freckles and green eyes. From the way she looked, one might assume that we were sisters. I'm not sure how much money they made from the ACE merger, but it was a lot of money, as evidenced by the mansion, the cars parked in the carport, her attire, and the jewellery she was wearing, all of which exude richness. She hugs the life out of me and calls me "my sweet not-so-little pumpkin." "Good day, Mrs. Johnson." I flash her a nice-to-see-you smile.“Save me the formalities! Call me Bridget.”“It's wonderful to see you. You've undergone such a drastic transformation. I hardly recognize you.” She says, her voice tinged with emotion.“Bridget? Are you crying?” I ask worriedly as she sniffled.“I'm truly sorry. It's just that I really miss your mother. Just being around you makes me miss her a lot." She gives me a sad smile."Well, come inside. It's so lovely to see you. A few weeks from now, Alfred should return from his trip.” She says as she ushers me into the tastefully furnished living room. I take a long look around the house I had always loved to come to in the past, the interior is still as I always remembered it except for a few expensive additions like the expensive looking celadon that looked like one from the Qing Dynasty and the Victorian chairs that graced the living room. The 'Salvator Mundi' and 'Nafea Faa Ipoipo?'(Tahitian for 'When will you marry?') paintings that I always loved to gaze upon for long hours were still positioned the way I remembered. I trail my fingers across the walls and the furniture as if to grasp on to memories before they flitter away like dandelions in the wind.“You haven't aged a bit. The house hasn't changed that much too”"You are flattering me. You've developed into a lovely young lady. I would kill to have those thighs and hips you’ve got there. It's difficult to locate the ideal pair of pants, and I miss having slender thighs.""In that case, I'll keep to my trim thighs. You are aware of how much I adore my jeans and business pants. By the way, I love your new hair color. She remarks while patting her perfectly groomed suit pants with her fingertips. "I'm grateful, Ma'am." I reply patting my burnt orange- coloured bob hair shyly.To be honest, she makes me a little bit jealous. Even her age—late 40s—could not be discerned. Her bodily characteristics, sense of style, skin, and form were all exquisite. Yes, Alfred is a really fortunate man. "Tell me everything there is to know about Boston. Every single aspect, even the attractive males.” She squealed like a young girlDid this woman just mention attractive males? I can barely remember focusing on any guy for up to two seconds enough to remember their faces? I recently found work as a waiter in Boston, but other than that, I didn't really have anything to say. I led a triangle-shaped life. My life just passed by in a blur while I was at Boston. I frequently alternated between being at the hospital and being at home when I'm not working or visiting my mother there. She began responding to therapies after a long period of time, and eventually she was doing great. All she needed to do was take her medications. She was completely pain-free. The last three years were the best time of my life up until the morning I noticed she wasn't responding as I made her favorite pancakes as usual and brought her breakfast. The world appeared to have stopped turning. Not when she was doing better, I wasn't ready. “Did I say something wrong, Cara?”"You didn't," I said. "Your face and silence indicate the contrary," “It's just that there wasn't much time to notice lads, much less attractive ones.” “Oh Cara girl, come here," she calls out while stretching out her hands. "You never came, why?" I inquire."I looked for you and your mother when you abruptly vanished. Nobody was aware of your whereabouts. Until Alfred revealed to me that Mr. Ace's sponsorship of your mother's medical expenses was the only stipulation he placed on the merger. I was initially perplexed since I believed Mr. Ace was offering him a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on a silver platter, so why would he impose such restrictions on the merger? He then stated that Mr Ace had no choice because he was aware of the potential of his business.”What an awful liar! He wouldn't want to tell his wife, of course, that he came to me with a contract and requested me to break up with his son. I had no idea that such things could exist in reality. What a snake!"I came to see your mother, but I just didn't dare to go near her since she was in so much suffering. I was too damaged. I didn't want to carry about for the rest of my life the image of her in agony. " She winced painfully.I only realized now that tears had been rolling down my face. "Child, it's all right. Everything will be well in the end. I'm here for you.” She says as she engulfs me in her arms“I miss her. God, I miss her so much it hurts.” I say as my body is racked with sobs while she smooths my back with her hands."We all do." She moans."Your phone is ringing, sweetheart."I clean my eyes with the sleeve of my cloth and check my phone.“Oh, that's the truck driver bringing my load, I see. I'll return straight away after I get this.” I sniffle."This is swift." I thought. Even though I paid for expedited shipping, there was a two day, tops, delay. “Mrs Johnson.” “Bridget.” she corrects. “Bridget, my belongings have come. The driver requests direction on where to deliver them.” “I apologize. The job and accommodation document should have been sent through email.” She says apologetically.“I'm really appreciative, Bridget. No words can adequately explain how grateful I am. I owe you one.”“Child, please. If I had the power, I would do far more than that. Here are the necessary papers. They have everything you need to get to work and return home. Chop, chop. We don't want to keep the deliveryman waiting.”“I'll text him the location and arrange a ride to meet him there." I say."Request a ride? Nonsense! When we have fleets of cars.”“ I truly can manage, please don't worry about dropping me off.""Who made any remarks about me dropping you off? I insist that you have one or, even better, that you rent one until you acquire your own. I know exactly the right one for you.”When she referred to "fleets of cars," she wasn't lying. I misunderstood her when I assumed she was talking about the three exotic cars parked in front of the house. A fleet of vehicles would be six in the garage and three in front of the house. I can't help but ponder how much Alfred must have gained from the merger as I stand in front of the garage looking at several new car models. She laughs as she gestures toward a white BMW SUV. I instantly have the impression that I am the missing daughter she has been looking for. "This right here is a 2020 BMW X1 MSRP." Girl, it's yours!" she exclaims with great joy as she looks even more excited than me who she was gifting the car to.I'm just too stunned to do anything but stand there. I need someone to wake me up. To be sure I wasn't dreaming, I pinch myself. She throws me the key, and as it settles in my hands and I realize that I wasn't dreaming, It's all real.I look out the window of my home office at the ant bird that pecked endlessly at the foot of the large Northern Red Oak tree in my compound as if it wanted to unearth a hidden treasure before it flew away to a nearby branch. My eyes flit to the Willow tree that seemed to be looking over the water fountain flowing peacefully beside it. "A wreath of Willow to show my forsaken plight." I silently sip from the glass of white wine clutched firmly in my hand. Each gulp felt like a river of lava flowing through my gut as sorrow and pain cloud my features. Today marks two years since my cherished wife Fiona went away to be with the Lord. After working the night shift, she was returning from the hospital when she had a head-on collision with an oncoming truck carrying diesel. She was already gone before she could be rushed to the hospital. My whole life had felt like a stack of Jenga that came crashing down violently, as I sat on the floor of the ER sobbing like a child. I clutched our littl
"Liam?" She asks, appearing as if she'd just seen a ghost. Was I daydreaming, tranced, or experiencing hallucinations? I was unable to blink or move, and I felt completely numb. In all her splendor, Cara Rufus is right here in front of me. She is very different now. Her crimson bangs have given way for a burnt orange bob and she is now quite brawny as opposed to her former gangly appearance. Did she exercise? I wonder. What is her business here in Dublin? Scratch that, what is she doing on my land? What is she doing in Dublin? What's she doing on my property? Wait, could it be that Mum planned all of this? Was she the person mum was referring to? Does this imply that she will work for me? "I, Liam Johnson will under no circumstances permit Cara Rufus to step foot on my property, let alone work for me!" I say inwardly as if to convince myself. She was actually better off in whatever universe she emerged from. From the last time I saw her, she had become far too stunning, all those
I can't believe what just transpired out there. I never expected to meet Liam this way after how badly I hurt him. There is no way I'm staying here or working for Liam Johnson! I run my fingers through my hair in frustration. "Please pick up your phone Mrs Johnson." I say half pleading as I dial Liam's mother's number. Once she confirms that this was a mistake, I'll be out of here before he gets back. After a thousand and one voicemails, she eventually picks. In one breath, I say "Mrs Johnson, I think there has been a mistake somewhere. The address I was given is Liam's house address." "Yes, darling. The house is a nice two-bedroom apartment on his property right behind his house. I hope it's not too small. Thought you might feel safer living with Liam. I don't know if you may want to have the extra room as a closet. I can send in a carpenter to help do the needful. I take it you've met Liam and his beautiful daughter. I would have loved to unpack with you but I need to finish t
I open the door of the car for Laura and we walk into the ice cream shop across the street with the large bold neon sign in front of it that reads 'Brandy's'. It is Fiona's favorite ice cream shop. She always got ice cream from this shop at least once a week. She had a very sweet tooth. I had always told her to cut down on sweets because it could be dangerous to her health. I would have just let her eat all the sweets she wanted if I knew her life would be this fleeting.The ambient cold air that hits us from the air conditioners as soon as we pass through the French door is almost as chilly as the ice cream we came to get.I go to the counter and order a vanilla flavoured ice cream for my self and Laura's favorite mint chocolate flavoured ice cream for her. I always think she has such a weird palate. Why like something that tastes like herbal toothpaste? I chuckle inwardly.“Princess, after getting ice cream, we are going to see grandma.” “Yippeeee...” she says happily.We pi
I wake up to see it's past eight in the evening. I must have fallen asleep after having that refreshing bath. I walk over to the window and peep outside to see Liam's car parked in the garage. I was waiting for him to get back because I wanted to tell him that I wouldn't be able to resume tomorrow. I put on my slippers and make my way to his house.I ring the bell one, two, three times and then proceed to use the wall-mounted telephone."It's Cara, please I want to speak with you."The line goes off abruptly without any response. At least he should have told me if he was coming down or not. I'll wait a while. If he doesn't come down in about thirty minutes, I'll just come back tomorrow to tell him I wouldn't be coming in to work tomorrow.The door suddenly swings opens and I'm suddenly met face to face with a sweat-drenched Liam. He must have been working out. The singlet clumg tight to his body revealing a bit of his torso. I just stand there mouth agape forgetting the reason as to
“Daidi, are you spying on the stranger from yesterday?” I hurriedly close the curtains like a little boy caught spying on his crush. I had been peeping through the curtains to see if I could catch a glimpse of Cara, I was wondering whether she had left for work.“What? No,not at all. Just adjusting the curtains.” I say awkwardly shifting the curtains and dusting imaginary dirt off the curtains.“But you were peeping through the window.” She says looking confused.I try my best to keep on a straight face even though her facial expression isn’t letting me successfully do that.“Our ethics teacher says it's bad to lie.” She crosses her arms over her chest and gives me a look that seems to say spill it!“Daddy’s not lying. Now, go get your school bag so daddy can drop you off.” I refuse to give in till the end.“My hair, Daidi?” I rejoice inwardly for the change in subject.“What about your hair Princess?” “I want a different hairstyle.”“Baby, daddy doesn't know what hairstyle to d
CARA“Thank God it's not broken. The drug will make you feel relieved a little. Try as much as possible not to do anything strenuous with the hand. The gel will also help relieve the pain. If you feel any discomfort let me know.”“Thank you very much, sir.” “Please call me Dr Grendel.”“Ok. Dr Grendel, how much does all these cost?”“Liam has paid for it. Mr regards to him. He sent me a text saying he was in a meeting.”“Ok, Dr Grendel. Do have a pleasant day.” “And you too Miss Bloom.”I escort him to the door and shut it once he's out. I feel like I'm stuck in this office till Liam decides to show his ugly face. He stepped out with Veronica for a meeting and forgot to or purposely left along withhis card. If I go out and the door closes that means I wouldn't have access to his office till he's back.Something tells me that Veronica can already suspect something weird between us. First, I get the job without an interview. Second, I'm not sure if she's aware of the house but if sh
LIAM"Mum, did you have to?" "Did I have to do what?""You know exactly what I'm talking about.""Liam I know you. The last time you spoke about Cara, you had resentment written all over you. I'm trying to decipher what I witnessed not too long. A few weeks back when I raised the issue of you seeing someone for your sake and that of Laura you flared up saying you don't need any woman in your life right now and then I walk in to find you in a comprising position with Cara. I hope you don't intend to make her your go-to woman for pleasure?" mother blares angrily."Compromising position? Mother, what's your definition of compromise?""You sniffing her neck and asking her how she feels about you is my definition of compromising!""I wasn't sniffing her neck and how much did you hear?""Well, I heard that part and her response. Cara is an innocent young girl and I don't want you taking advantage of her!""Advantage?""Yes! Advantage. I get that both of you are adults and all but I do not
“Mom, Sarah ate my chocolate even after I gave her a piece from mine.”“I also got one for her. What happened to hers that she had to eat yours?”“She ate hers and mine as well.”“Laura if I understand what you are saying, you mean she ate hers and still ate yours despite giving her from yours?”“Yes mom.”“That I won’t tolerate. Go get her for me.”“Yes mom.”Sarah strolls into the room with guilt written all over her face. “Why did you eat your sister's chocolate?”“I'm sorry mom.”“You haven't answered my question. Why did you eat your sister's chocolate?”“I'm sorry Laura, I thought you didn't want it anymore.”“That's a lie. You know that's her favourite chocolate. She was kind enough to give you from it yet you went ahead to eat the remaining. For that, you are grounded. That's not being contented. I'm removing the exact amount of the chocolate from your piggy bank. Now apologize to your sister.”“I'm sorry for eating your chocolate Laura.” “It's okay. I forgive you.”“Who's
“Good day Delon.” “How are you Liam. You are not supposed to come get Laura until Sunday.”“That’s not why I’m here.”“What’s brings you here as your favourite person has gone out to see a friend.”“How’s your wife Georgia?” “She’s fine. It’s unlike you to visit me so early in the morning on a weekday. Is everything okay? How are your parents.”His pretence disgusts me.“They are both doing well. Delon, I know why my father merged with your company. It’s no secret anymore.”“What are you talking about?”“Delon, quit the pretence. Mother overheard your conversation between you and my father concerning me and Cara’s relationship.”“I don’t have the slightest clue to what you are taking about.I massage my temple and do a quick inhale and exhale. A habit of mine when I’m extremely stressed. “If this is about that girl Liam, I suggest you go back home.”“She has a name. It’s Cara. Delon please I am in love with Cara.”“I don’t care. Who knows if it was both your ploy to end her life.”
“ This is the same spot I left you when I was going to work thus morning. Did you move an inch at all?”“How was your day?” I reply completely exhausted from wailing. “It was good. I need to tell you something Cara.”“What’s it?”“Liam came here to look for you three nights ago when you were fast asleep.”“And what did you tell him?”“That you weren’t here.”“I’m sorry you had to lie on my behalf.”“Cara, you can’t keep doing this to yourself. Crying yourself to sleep, skipping meals and soaking yourself in a pool of misery. That’s not going to solve anything.”“If you want me to leave just say it. I’m sorry for encroaching on your space. I’ll go pack my things.”“You know that’s not what I mean. I love you so much that it hurts me to see you like this.”“I know that’s not what you mean and I’m sorry for being ungrateful. I’m just tired of a lot of things, I need time. Time to think, heal and clear my head.”“And that’s why I booked a room for you to take some time out at a newly ope
I’m boiling with so much rage that I can explode any moment from now. Why would she do this to me a second time. I get that she left because of her mum the first time but now? Leaving me without any tangible explanation. What if I didn’t decide to surprise her by coming in earlier? I would come home to an empty apartment with no clue as to what happened. To think that Laura was becoming fond of her. I wish I followed my instincts. What sort of hold does this girl have over me?“She’s gone.” I say slamming the door behind me.“Mother she’s gone again.” I say this time around bursting into tears as I run into my mother’s arms. “It’s okay baby. It’s okay.”“It’s not mom, she’s gone.”“Put yourself together. You are a man.”“How dare you say such a thing like that to him? Knowing fully well what’s on ground. Baby, your father has something to tell you.”“I’m not sure I’m in the right frame of mind.”“Give us a minute.” She says signing to father. What are they discussing that’s taking
I begin to pack my things with the little strength I have left. I need a cab so badly and it’s really late. I call Veronica to help me send one in. While I’m waiting for my cab, I carry out my stuff to the passage. I didn’t have time to pack a lot but I made sure to pack very necessary ones. I see a car coming towards my building but the flash light is so full and almost blinding. Liam? He’s not supposed to be in town until tomorrow. Oh my God, can I just disappear? “ My love. I couldn’t wait till tomorrow. Had to come in with my friends private jet because there was no available flight.” He says running to hug me.“Liam,”“Is everything okay? You look like you saw a ghost. Aren’t you happy that I’m back earlier?” His eyes eventually falls on my things sitting by the corner of the passage.“What’s happening? Are you going for a sleepover?”I try to respond but no words leave my mouth. “Talk to me. You are making me scared. Did someone break into the house?” He says opening the doo
Liam has been really busy lately. Laura and I have been keeping each other busy. He said they are working on expanding the company to other countries. I love how he calls me every time he has a moment to himself. I'm getting used to seeing my name and face all over different blogs. Of course, I've been looking. One of the things I want to stop doing so badly. Thank God I have a clean slate and no skeleton to hide.It's a Wednesday evening for heaven’s sake and Laura is spending the week with Flora’s parents. Who could be knocking on my door? Besides, Liam wouldn't be back until tomorrow.What does Liam’s father want from me this time around? I question as I see him through the eye hole. I hesitate before opening the door. “Good day sir.” He ushers himself inside before I even ask him in. “I'll just go straight to point.”As you always do. I almost responded “I see you refused to heed to my warnings.”“I love your son. I couldn't help myself.”“The Ace’s are very annoyed and so
“Are you excited for our girl’s night with grandma?”“Yes.” Laura says.I was so happy when Liam suggested I go with Laura to her friend’s birthday party last week. The stares were a bit disturbing but the height was when one of the mother’s walked up to me saying I’ll never be able to take Flora’s place no matter how hard I tried. After putting her in her place, I sat down and had a long and deep thinking. I don’t have any intentions of taking Flora’s place in either Laura or Liam’s life.I made a friend who over head everything the mean lady said to me. She told me not to listen to her and that she was Flora’s very good friend. Which made me realise why she would say such a thing to me. We were supposed to have our girls weekend last week but Mrs Johnson had to travel for a job so we moved it to this week. Unfortunately Liam had a last minute meeting holding in Croatia.“Cara. It’s so nice to see you. Thanks for the love you show to Laura and My son Liam. They are both so happy. Y
“Good morning sweets.”“Good morning baby. It’s so early.”“It felt like I was dreaming so I had to be sure this is for real.”“Hey boyfriend.”“Good. It’s real. Sorry I called so early. Blame it on my rush of adrenaline. I’ll see you in the morning.”“See you soon baby.”I am so happy. I’ll have to branch at mother’s place to tell her the good news when I go pick up Laura later in the day. From the bathroom, I hear my phone consistently buzzing non- stop. I hope Laura is okay. I pick up my bathrobe and stroll towards where my phone is laying. It was a picture of me and Cara from yesterday on a blog with the caption ‘Billionaire’s college sweetheart back in town and caught seen in his arms.’ Most of the messages coming in were screenshots from the blog asking me if this is true. Cara was looking so dashing in the sexy green dress she was wearing. It wasn’t revealing yet something about about the dress was screaming hot. I ignore all the messages and head back to the bathroom. I’m no
CARAI step out in a thin strap dark green silk dress.“I’m not sure I want us to go out for this date anymore.”“Why?”“Because I don’t want anyone looking at you. You look breathe taken. For a moment, I couldn’t breathe after setting my eyes on you. You are an epitome of beauty. You, the dress, the heels. I might just end up one knee’s tonight.”I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone in this estate can hear my heartbeat. The dress is doing exactly what I want it to do. The see-through beaded heels is gorgeous. Liam handed it over to me earlier today with a few other items I’m yet to know the content. He suggested I wear the heels tonight. I like how he mentioned he wasn’t insisting I wear it and that I can always go with any other option. “Are you okay?”“Yes, yes I am.” I say flushed.“Thought I lost you there.”“You look clean as always and very handsome.”He places his hand on his chest feigning shock and then bows in appreciation.“For a complement you get every second, everyday,