Chapter 2

His touch filled me. As our bodies pressed together, the heat between us was nearly overwhelming. His hand roamed over my body, igniting a fire within me I couldn't ignore.

I tangled my fingers in his hair, pulling him closer, and deepening our kiss. The world around us faded away, leaving only an intoxicating sensation of his lips against mine.

Time seemed to stand still as we lost ourselves in each other, surrendering to the passion that consumed us both. Every nerve ending in my body was alive with desire, hungry for more.

His kisses trailed down my neck, sending shivers of pleasure down my spine.

"Stop" I managed to catch my breath

"What" he asked, his eyes filled with lust

"I can't do this" I manage to say

"You are joking right," he asked leaning in to kiss me back but I pulled away. "Did I do something wrong"

"No, it's not you, it's just me, I can't, not now" I stared at him hoping he would understand

"Let me guess, you are holding back because of him" he questioned, I sat there silently, lost for words I touched his face.

"Am sorry, am just not ready" I picked up my handbag and stood up to leave, Gideon held my hand as I turned to stare at him.

"How do I reach you" he asked

I brought out my purse handling him my card, "My business card, can I get yours" I politely asked him

"Ehm, sorry I don't have mine, but I will be sure to be in touch," he said

"Okay, if you say so, thanks for today, I appreciate it" he quickly added walking away without looking back, deep down I wished I never saw him again, he kept bringing out feelings that ain't supposed to be there.

I just found out the shocking news of my life and fell in love with a guy I barely knew was not something I needed right now.

I unlocked the door and stepped out, walking down the hallway leading to the elevator.

I lay on my bed staring at the ceiling, I didn't feel like going to work, but I had to, I picked up my phone to see five missed calls, from both Alice and Edward.

My hatred developed as I sat upright, got out of bed, and headed into the bathroom, if I wanted to make those two pay, I had to start planning.

I glared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, my frustration mounting. It seemed like those two were determined to make my life miserable.

Today I decided, it was time for them to face the consequences of their actions. As I washed my face, a sense of determination settled over me. I needed to come up with a plan that would teach them a lesson they wouldn't forget.

I dried my face and reached for my toothbrush, my mind already racing with ideas. I dressed quickly, putting on black pants, a black blazer, and a white turtle-neck shirt, my mind consumed with the thought of revenge. Walking back into my bedroom.

The doorbell rang, shifting my attention to it, I headed downstairs to answer.

"Coming" I yelled, unlocking the door

"Surprise"

I stared at Alice, who stood at my front porch, a wide smile on her face with a bottle of champagne. She brushed past me walking in.

"I can't believe you didn't call to tell me you were around, not fair," she said

"What do you want?" I spat, my voice dripping with contempt.

"Someone woke up from the wrong side of the bed this morning, anyways love the outfit, it gives classy," she playfully says.

Her facade only fueled my anger. How dare she act so sisterly after everything she'd done? I struggled to keep my voice steady.

"Thank you" I replied icily. "I don't need those compliments from you I think you should go"

Alice's expression suddenly changes, looking confused. " Are you okay? you sound really….. Different" her voice perplexed

"Just stay away, Alice. That's all am asking," I snapped, heading upstairs to pick up my handbag. My heart pounded in my chest as I realized I had taken the first step of executing my plan. Leaving her in a confused state.

I brought out my phone and called Edward, I turned on the charm. I pretended to act like everything was okay, asking him to meet me for lunch at a nearby cafe.

Once in the office, I dropped on my chair, my eyes fixated on the framed picture of me and Edward during Christmas last year in Paris.

"Hey girlfriend" my eyes stared at Ava, my bestie and co-worker who stood at the door entrance.

"Hey," I managed to say, my voice low

She stepped in, shutting the door behind her as she took a seat on the chair across the table.

"Okay spill, what's wrong," she dragged, knowing too well I was bad at hiding my feelings

I bite my lower lips harder, trying to tell Ava she was right about not trusting Edward and Alice's so-called friendship.

"Edward is cheating on me" I managed to say, looking down at the table

"And that's surprising to you," she asked

"Ava" I called out her name

"Am sorry, the truth was in your front the whole time, so who is the Bitch" she asked curiously

I kept quiet for some time, trying to let the words form in my mouth, I felt embarrassed and stupid just at the thought of it.

"ALICE"

She stared at me in disbelief, her mouth opened but no words came out. I could see she was in shock too but her expression was deadly

"Your sister? Alice" she asked again

I nodded, ashamed.

Ava let out a sigh and ran a hand through her hair, clearly processing the information.

"We need to confront Edward about this," she said firmly. "He can't just get away with cheating on you, especially with your sister,"

I nodded in agreement, my heart sinking even further. How could Alice betray me like this? How could Edward be so cruel?

Ava stood up and walked towards me, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I'm here for you, I did warn you about their sudden closeness, you said it was faultless, just know am here for you Harper"

I managed a weak smile, grateful for Ava's support. "Thank you, I don't know what I would do without you."

She squeezed my shoulder gently. "NO need to thank me. That's what friends are for. So what are you planning on doing about it, are going to let it go"

"Alice doesn't know I found out, as for Edward, am meeting up with him this afternoon for one last lunch" Tears welled up in my eyes. "You know Ava, it hurt so much, I feel like I can't breathe, I looked at Alice today and I felt so much hatred in me" I held her hand tight

Ava pulled me for a hug, comforting me, "Hey I understand how you feel, remember, Kelvin dumped me after 5 years of being together" her voice choked "I guess love is far from us darling, or maybe sincere guys"

"I want to make them pay, I want them to pay so bad," I said, my voice filled with hatred.

"Who said they won't, don't we are in this together" she promised me.

I sat patiently, my palm sweaty as I took a sip of my drink, I felt tasty no matter how much I drank.

"Babe" the voice called as I stared at Edward in front of me, I felt a surge of hatred fill me.

He walked towards me, trying to plant a kiss on my lips, I brushed him off, and he stared at me in disbelieve

"Did I do something wrong?" he asked

"Aren't you going to sit down first, you must be exhausted" I simply told him

He sat down opposite me, his eyes held mine, he stretched forth his hand to hold mine, and I simply pulled away.

"Okay, are you angry I haven't called even since you got back, sorry I have been too busy with work, you understand how these wealthy people work," he said

It was the same lame excuse he always made whenever he didn't show up, I have counted how many times he has used the excuse to miss important occasions like our anniversary, valentines, and my birthday.

I guess he was busy fucking Alice, my sister.

"Busy?, I asked

"Yes baby, I have busy" he smiled

I hated that smile, I hated it so bad I wished I could slap it off his face.

"Busy with what Edward??"

He stared at me confused, his eyes tensed.

"What's going, Harper?"