"I like you" Kimberly replied making Andrew a bit shocked,he pushed her slightly creating a gap between them,he didn't expect his secretary to like him
"Why did you do that?" Andrew asked calmly. "Do you like me or not?" Kimberly asked with red teary eyes because she already knew the answer,he didn't kiss her back which meant he didn't like her "I do not." Andrew's expression turned gentle, but firm. "Kimberly, I appreciate your honesty, but I'm committed to Astrid." Kimberly's eyes welled up with tears. "I understand," Kimberly replied feeling heartbroken Andrew continued, his voice soft. "You're an exceptional assistant, and I value our professional relationship. Let's keep our focus on work, shall we?" Kimberly nodded, her face flushed with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, Mr Thompson," she whispered. Andrew smiled kindly. "No need to apologize, Kimberly. Let's just forget this happened, okay?" Andrew replied as he dialed John to bring a car and drop her home because she can't find her way home like this, while Kimberly rested on his shoulders Kimberly nodded again and turned to leave. Andrew watched her go, ensuring she was okay before returning to his thoughts. The night air seemed quieter than before. Kimberly walked back to the taxi, her heart heavy with rejection. John, noticing her tears, asked, "Miss Kim, are you okay?" Kimberly nodded, trying to compose herself. "Take me home, please," she said softly. John drove away. She didn't know how to start, where to start, or what to do. As she sat in the car her mind kept reeling over and over what happened. The rejection stung, lingering in her mind. How would she get into dating now? No one would wonder. She had already turned down a lot of guys, and now Andrew had turned her down. So this is what rejection feels like. She thought to herself, trying to process her emotions. She wanted to cry, but she couldn't do it here, not in front of John. John drove the car, his eyes occasionally glancing at her in the rearview mirror. He wondered what had happened. Andrew couldn't believe his secretary had developed feelings for him. Romance in the workplace was something he hated. Mixing business with pleasure most times costs companies; it can cost the company to shut down. She fell asleep, exhaustion taking over. She was tired and drained. Her mind was blank, unable to think. **************** Mira fell asleep in the car because throughout the day she had been thinking of ways to make Astrid understand that Andrew belongs to her not Astrid. When she woke up, it was 11 PM. She was shocked at how fast time flies. She was surprised. She couldn't really tell. Didn't she call to tell her whether it worked or not? Maybe she didn't call because it worked. What would she expect from someone who's drunk? Mira thought to herself, "The idea of sharing Andrew Thompson with his secretary doesn't sit well with her." She couldn't believe she had gotten herself into this new mess. She decided to call the photographer to find out if it really worked or not. "Hello?" "Hello," he responded on the other line. "Are you coming back or not?" The photographer asked in annoyance because he was tired of hiding outside. "I'm on my way,how did everything turn out?" Mira asked "She asked him out, but he denied her and put her in the car and left." "I have pictures here with me if you don't believe me," the photographer added. "Hold on, I'm coming," Mira said. Mira smiled because Kimberly didn't fail her. She was so confident and performed her tasks so perfectly, even when she was half drunk. Mira could finally see how she was promoted in a short time to become Andrew's secretary. Mira drove into the mansion and went to the flower bish where she left the photographer "So now I will see them finally," Mira said. "For exactly what you have kept me waiting for so long." She took out two stacks of cash from her bag. "Where are the pictures?" The photographer handed her the bag. She took out the pictures and saw Astrid and Andrew hugging. "Why would you take this?" she asked, feeling disgusted. "You asked me to take pictures of Miss Kimberley with Mister Thompson," the photographer replied. "How exactly was I supposed to know Miss Kimberley? You didn't provide me with a detailed description or her pictures. You didn't even give me a sketch." Mira's face twisted in anger. "Since you didn't provide me with any of that, I decided to take pictures of Mister Thompson and any lady acting intimate with him," the photographer explained. Mira's eyes narrowed. "Yeah, she said I should give him the money when she saw the picture of Kimberley kissing Andrew. Make sure you keep our deal a secret." "There's no problem with that," the photographer replied joyfully. But suddenly, he thought, "How do I leave this place?" He asked, "How do I get out?" Mira remembered that the security personnel would go on patrol around the mansion by 12 AM. She checked the phone and the time was 11:50. "Laughing at the gate, more people have a right to take shift and patrol around the mansion. It would be hard to sneak you out, and it risks letting you hide anywhere outside." "You have to spend the night here and try not to break anything. Don't even touch anything, understood?" "Yes," the photographer replied with a smile. Mira showed him to her room. "Stay in my room for tonight. By 5 AM, let me see you walking anywhere around this house. Get out once it's morning." The photographer smiled, thrilled to be inside the Thompson mansion. "Such honor comes once in a lifetime to people of status," he thought. He couldn't believe his eyes, wanting to take pictures of everything. But the mirrors were too clear, reflecting every move. He could only use his eyes to admire the interior designs, lighting, paintings, and everything. "Top-notch," he whispered. Mira felt uncomfortable in her room, despite feeling sleepy. She couldn't close her eyes because there was a male stranger in her room. She kept watching the clock, hoping it would reach 5 AM immediately. At 5 AM, Mira stood up and went to wake the photographer. "You need to get out before anyone notices your presence. Get off!" she said. "I should sleep..." the photographer started. "Get out now!" Mira screamed. The photographer quickly gathered his belongings. "I need to sleep...." he began. *WHAT!!" Mira screamed in annoyance. "I've had my eyes on you all night. Get out!" The photographer had enough of the disturbance. "Leave her and go back home. You'll be able to get enough sleep," he thought. He quickly accessed the door. Mira went to the bathroom to put on a bathrobe. She checked the halls and corridors to ensure no one was around. "Come out now," she whispered. He emerged, and she successfully snuck him out. "Now leave and never return. Don't forget to keep our deal secret," she whispered. The photographer nodded and smiled as he walked out. Mira watched him disappear into the night, surrounded by her beautiful surroundings. The photographer didn't get to admire the mansion's interior. He only saw the lighting and fountain.The photographer approached the gate, his footsteps echoing through the morning air. As he caught sight of the men in black, his heart skipped a beat. Their imposing figures seemed to loom over him.At first, he was scared. But Mira's assurance that everything was okay echoed in his mind, calming his nerves."Good morning," he greeted, trying to sound casual as he touched the gate, thinking he'd be able to open it.But instead of a friendly response, he felt a sudden jolt of electricity from the gates."What does this mean?" he asked, confusion etched on his face.One of the security personnel stepped forward, his voice firm."Where were you last night?" he asked.The photographer hesitated."Where exactly am I coming from? What sort of question is that?" he replied, trying to sound confident.The security personnel raised an eyebrow."Let me out!" the photographer demanded, touching the gate again without thinking.He yelped in pain as the electricity coursed through his body.The se
"And we also found this." The security personnel said as he brought out the stacks of cash given to the photographer by Mira.Andrew's smile vanished, replaced by a stern expression. The security personnel handed him the money found in the photographer's bag."Give the camera to the security personnel," Andrew ordered, his voice firm. "Wipe out everything in it and return it to him."Andrew understood the photographer's desire to make his family proud. But using illegal means was unacceptable.He walked to Mira's room, allocated by his mother. He knocked.Mira groaned from inside, hastily hiding the pictures under her pillow. She opened the door, attempting a smile."Good morning," she greeted.Andrew's expression remained stern."If you want to engage in illicit activities, don't do it here," he said. "This house belongs to my late grandfather. Show some respect. Take all your dirty affairs to your house or you get a hotel."Mira's eyes widened."I didn't do anything nasty," she prot
(An hour later)Astrid woke up, feeling a huge load on her chest. She opened her eyes and saw that it was Andrew; he fell asleep on her.She smiled, gently patting his hair, reminiscing about what had happened earlier.Suddenly, it hit her: today was Friday; she had to be at work.Andrew wouldn't be bothered, though - he was the CEO; no one would question why he wasn't in the office.She stretched her hand and picked up her phone, which was on the bedside lamp.Fifty-three missed calls from Mrs Karen and other workers flashed on the screen; they also sent text messages.Astrid's stomach knotted with anxiety.Astrid stopped patting Andrew's head and reached for her phone to read the messages. But Andrew was quicker; he took the phone from her hand."What's that?" Astrid pleaded. "Please get off. I need to rush to work.""You will go tomorrow," Andrew replied, his voice calm and soothing. "Take the day off.""Please, you're different," Astrid said, frustration creeping into her voice. "
George barged in without knocking shocking Andrew and Astrid,he walked in and held Astrid's hand attempting to drag her away from Andrews' grip but Andrew's grip was stronger. George continued dragging not minding if it was hurting her or not, his goal was to take Astrid back to The Smiths mansion "Let her go" George said when he discovered that he wasn't winning at all Astrid gripped unto Andrews' neck for support as she was being pulled by George. Andrew stood up releasing Astrid because he understood it was hurtful."Why are you here" Andrew asked "I'm here to take what belongs to me""There's no ring on a finger that says she is yours and there's no tag on her which says she belongs to you."Andrew!!" Astrid screamed in tears as George squeezed her hand too tight."Let her go!" Andrew replied." This is none of your business. I'm tired of letting you use who belongs to me and you wants to get married to her while I wasn't even a single chance to do anything,do you know how that
Mira was happy regarding the news of George's wedding to Astrid. She knew within herself that she would finally get Andrew, and nothing would be in her way. Suddenly, she remembered the pregnancy - Astrid was still pregnant. How could she forget something so crucial, something so important like that? She really needed to find a way to cleanse Astrid of such impurities, she thought.She drove home feeling happy - although she had urgent work to continue. That didn't stop her, because she would be so powerful soon, and no one would dare mess with her. As expected, she was thoroughly searched before she was. She stepped out of the car and handed the keys to the doorman, instructing him to park it for her. As she gathered her belongings, her mind wandered to the events that had transpired earlier. The news of George's wedding to Astrid still lingered, fueling her determination.After being thoroughly searched, she entered the building, her heels clicking against the marble floor. The w
She knocked on Mira's room.And Mira opened it.Mrs Thompson was shocked that Mira was already dressed for work.She was also happy to see Mira's devotion to her father's company, just like Andrew.A sense of pride swelled within her.She was sure Mira would make a good CEO."I want to talk to you briefly," Mrs Thompson said calmly.Her voice was measured."Oh, good morning, ma'am. Please come in and have a seat."The words hung in the air.When Mrs Thompson was seated, she invited Mira to sit beside her.Mira sat down.Her eyes locked onto Mrs Thompson's.Sensing what Mrs Thompson was about to say.Mrs Thompson's calm demeanor was unlike her usual self."I want to talk to you about something," Mrs Thompson began.Her words trailed off."I just hope you'll take it calmly, okay?"The silence stretched out."I'm listening," Mira replied.Her voice was steady.Mrs Thompson picked up Mira's hand and held it in hers."Look, I know this isn't what you wanted to hear," she said gently.Her e
Mira's mind was racing. The thought of losing everything she'd ever dreamed of, becoming a laughingstock, and facing public ridicule was driving her to the brink of madness. "What did I do wrong?" she asked herself, frustration etched on her face.She couldn't bear to go online, where posts mocked her and her followers ridiculed her. Even her friends had turned against her. The engagement to Andrew, once the epitome of her success, was now crumbling. The embarrassing online tantrums, the tagged pictures – all for nothing.A bitter laugh escaped her lips as she thought about the cruel irony. Her sister, Astrid, was marrying Andrew next week, while Mira's own engagement was being called off this week.Desperate for answers, Mira dialed George's number. But he ended the call abruptly. She tried again, only to be met with the same dismissive response."What's going on?" Mira wondered, annoyance growing within her. George had always prioritized her calls and texts, responding promptly. Thi
"You are only permitted to assist your husband at work," Mrs Thompson said, her voice firm but controlled. "I didn't work; I only assisted my husband with work. When he died, I took over the family business and trained Andrew."Astrid's eyes narrowed. "Well, I'm not married yet, so I'm free to work."Mrs Thompson's expression turned stern, her eyes flashing with disapproval. "You're not going to any place called work. You're getting married next week, yet you don't know the basics."A pause hung in the air, heavy with tension."Do you plan to disgrace us on that day?" Mrs Thompson continued, her voice dripping with disdain. "That day is a big day for the Thompsons and the Waltons."Ashley felt a surge of defiance. "I know how to behave," she said, her voice steady.Mrs Thompson's gaze lingered on Astrid, as if searching for weakness. "I've assigned someone to teach you how to behave."The air seemed to thicken, the silence oppressive."I know how to walk properly in heels or my weddin
"You are only permitted to assist your husband at work," Mrs Thompson said, her voice firm but controlled. "I didn't work; I only assisted my husband with work. When he died, I took over the family business and trained Andrew."Astrid's eyes narrowed. "Well, I'm not married yet, so I'm free to work."Mrs Thompson's expression turned stern, her eyes flashing with disapproval. "You're not going to any place called work. You're getting married next week, yet you don't know the basics."A pause hung in the air, heavy with tension."Do you plan to disgrace us on that day?" Mrs Thompson continued, her voice dripping with disdain. "That day is a big day for the Thompsons and the Waltons."Ashley felt a surge of defiance. "I know how to behave," she said, her voice steady.Mrs Thompson's gaze lingered on Astrid, as if searching for weakness. "I've assigned someone to teach you how to behave."The air seemed to thicken, the silence oppressive."I know how to walk properly in heels or my weddin
Mira's mind was racing. The thought of losing everything she'd ever dreamed of, becoming a laughingstock, and facing public ridicule was driving her to the brink of madness. "What did I do wrong?" she asked herself, frustration etched on her face.She couldn't bear to go online, where posts mocked her and her followers ridiculed her. Even her friends had turned against her. The engagement to Andrew, once the epitome of her success, was now crumbling. The embarrassing online tantrums, the tagged pictures – all for nothing.A bitter laugh escaped her lips as she thought about the cruel irony. Her sister, Astrid, was marrying Andrew next week, while Mira's own engagement was being called off this week.Desperate for answers, Mira dialed George's number. But he ended the call abruptly. She tried again, only to be met with the same dismissive response."What's going on?" Mira wondered, annoyance growing within her. George had always prioritized her calls and texts, responding promptly. Thi
She knocked on Mira's room.And Mira opened it.Mrs Thompson was shocked that Mira was already dressed for work.She was also happy to see Mira's devotion to her father's company, just like Andrew.A sense of pride swelled within her.She was sure Mira would make a good CEO."I want to talk to you briefly," Mrs Thompson said calmly.Her voice was measured."Oh, good morning, ma'am. Please come in and have a seat."The words hung in the air.When Mrs Thompson was seated, she invited Mira to sit beside her.Mira sat down.Her eyes locked onto Mrs Thompson's.Sensing what Mrs Thompson was about to say.Mrs Thompson's calm demeanor was unlike her usual self."I want to talk to you about something," Mrs Thompson began.Her words trailed off."I just hope you'll take it calmly, okay?"The silence stretched out."I'm listening," Mira replied.Her voice was steady.Mrs Thompson picked up Mira's hand and held it in hers."Look, I know this isn't what you wanted to hear," she said gently.Her e
Mira was happy regarding the news of George's wedding to Astrid. She knew within herself that she would finally get Andrew, and nothing would be in her way. Suddenly, she remembered the pregnancy - Astrid was still pregnant. How could she forget something so crucial, something so important like that? She really needed to find a way to cleanse Astrid of such impurities, she thought.She drove home feeling happy - although she had urgent work to continue. That didn't stop her, because she would be so powerful soon, and no one would dare mess with her. As expected, she was thoroughly searched before she was. She stepped out of the car and handed the keys to the doorman, instructing him to park it for her. As she gathered her belongings, her mind wandered to the events that had transpired earlier. The news of George's wedding to Astrid still lingered, fueling her determination.After being thoroughly searched, she entered the building, her heels clicking against the marble floor. The w
George barged in without knocking shocking Andrew and Astrid,he walked in and held Astrid's hand attempting to drag her away from Andrews' grip but Andrew's grip was stronger. George continued dragging not minding if it was hurting her or not, his goal was to take Astrid back to The Smiths mansion "Let her go" George said when he discovered that he wasn't winning at all Astrid gripped unto Andrews' neck for support as she was being pulled by George. Andrew stood up releasing Astrid because he understood it was hurtful."Why are you here" Andrew asked "I'm here to take what belongs to me""There's no ring on a finger that says she is yours and there's no tag on her which says she belongs to you."Andrew!!" Astrid screamed in tears as George squeezed her hand too tight."Let her go!" Andrew replied." This is none of your business. I'm tired of letting you use who belongs to me and you wants to get married to her while I wasn't even a single chance to do anything,do you know how that
(An hour later)Astrid woke up, feeling a huge load on her chest. She opened her eyes and saw that it was Andrew; he fell asleep on her.She smiled, gently patting his hair, reminiscing about what had happened earlier.Suddenly, it hit her: today was Friday; she had to be at work.Andrew wouldn't be bothered, though - he was the CEO; no one would question why he wasn't in the office.She stretched her hand and picked up her phone, which was on the bedside lamp.Fifty-three missed calls from Mrs Karen and other workers flashed on the screen; they also sent text messages.Astrid's stomach knotted with anxiety.Astrid stopped patting Andrew's head and reached for her phone to read the messages. But Andrew was quicker; he took the phone from her hand."What's that?" Astrid pleaded. "Please get off. I need to rush to work.""You will go tomorrow," Andrew replied, his voice calm and soothing. "Take the day off.""Please, you're different," Astrid said, frustration creeping into her voice. "
"And we also found this." The security personnel said as he brought out the stacks of cash given to the photographer by Mira.Andrew's smile vanished, replaced by a stern expression. The security personnel handed him the money found in the photographer's bag."Give the camera to the security personnel," Andrew ordered, his voice firm. "Wipe out everything in it and return it to him."Andrew understood the photographer's desire to make his family proud. But using illegal means was unacceptable.He walked to Mira's room, allocated by his mother. He knocked.Mira groaned from inside, hastily hiding the pictures under her pillow. She opened the door, attempting a smile."Good morning," she greeted.Andrew's expression remained stern."If you want to engage in illicit activities, don't do it here," he said. "This house belongs to my late grandfather. Show some respect. Take all your dirty affairs to your house or you get a hotel."Mira's eyes widened."I didn't do anything nasty," she prot
The photographer approached the gate, his footsteps echoing through the morning air. As he caught sight of the men in black, his heart skipped a beat. Their imposing figures seemed to loom over him.At first, he was scared. But Mira's assurance that everything was okay echoed in his mind, calming his nerves."Good morning," he greeted, trying to sound casual as he touched the gate, thinking he'd be able to open it.But instead of a friendly response, he felt a sudden jolt of electricity from the gates."What does this mean?" he asked, confusion etched on his face.One of the security personnel stepped forward, his voice firm."Where were you last night?" he asked.The photographer hesitated."Where exactly am I coming from? What sort of question is that?" he replied, trying to sound confident.The security personnel raised an eyebrow."Let me out!" the photographer demanded, touching the gate again without thinking.He yelped in pain as the electricity coursed through his body.The se
"I like you" Kimberly replied making Andrew a bit shocked,he pushed her slightly creating a gap between them,he didn't expect his secretary to like him"Why did you do that?" Andrew asked calmly."Do you like me or not?" Kimberly asked with red teary eyes because she already knew the answer,he didn't kiss her back which meant he didn't like her"I do not." Andrew's expression turned gentle, but firm."Kimberly, I appreciate your honesty, but I'm committed to Astrid."Kimberly's eyes welled up with tears."I understand," Kimberly replied feeling heartbroken Andrew continued, his voice soft. "You're an exceptional assistant, and I value our professional relationship. Let's keep our focus on work, shall we?"Kimberly nodded, her face flushed with embarrassment."I'm sorry, Mr Thompson," she whispered.Andrew smiled kindly."No need to apologize, Kimberly. Let's just forget this happened, okay?" Andrew replied as he dialed John to bring a car and drop her home because she can't find her