“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
The sound of the train leaving the train station dispelled the thick afternoon silence at a distance. At a nearby park, the laughs and excitement of children playing happily and chasing butterflies and their mothers shouting at them not to stray too far filled the air. It was that time of the year when dead and rusty leaves laid on the streets of Dublin waiting to be cleaned up leaving beautiful orange, red and yellow flower trails everywhere. It was that time when the satisfying crunch of the autumn leaves beneath one's sole made one feel slightly euphoric. It was that time when the air was covered up in mist. "Cara? It's been so long! What, six years?” Mrs Chloe, my former neighbour says fondling my cheeks affectionately like she always did when I was younger, as if she didn't realize yet that I was now a full-grown adult. It had always been a habit of hers ever since I was a child. "Yes, Ma'am." I reply. "Come hug me". She motions spreading her arms and I go in for a hug. Her fa
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 whispe
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
“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,