TWO WEEKS LATER
"Morning, Sarah," Rebecca says when I enter her office, her gaze staying focused on the papers in front of her.
"How did you know it was me without taking your eyes off the papers in front of you?" I sit on one of the chairs in front of her desk.
"You are the only person in this building who would enter my office before I say, 'come in'."
"Oh." I knocked but didn't wait for her to let me in.
"I know why you're here, but unfortunately, I don't have good news." She finally tears her eyes away from the pile of papers in front of her, taking off her glasses. The look in her eyes only increases my worry tenfold.
"Why is it suddenly so hard to find an investor?" I ask, exasperated. Rebecca has been trying for the past two weeks to find someone other than Jacob to invest in our company, but so far, she has had no luck. I know it was hard to find Jacob originally, but I don't understand why it seems more challenging to find someone else this time around.
"I don't know, but I have a feeling someone is preventing anyone from wanting to invest in our company."
I sat up at that. "Why do you think so?"
"When I couldn't find anyone to take a deal similar to the one I'd worked out with Jacob, I contacted everyone who was initially interested but had wanted more shares since we were running out of options. But they're not interested at all anymore. I even tried persuading them by adding the percentage of the shares they had originally argued for. They wouldn't budge."
"That's odd. Someone must be offering them a better deal than us."
"Exactly what I was thinking."
"Could any of our competitors be behind it?"
"Maybe. I asked Danny to help. He said by the end of today he should hopefully be able to tell me who is making our potential investors decline our offer."
"You asked Danny for help?" I ask, disgusted at just the mention of his name. "Aren't you guys broke up? Why would he agree to help his ex-girlfriend find out who is trying to ruin her company?" Danny is a lawyer, so it doesn't come as a surprise that he can help find out who is behind the investor problem. He has connections. But that doesn't explain why Rebecca would ask him, or why he'd agree to help.
"About that-" She starts, but I raise my hand to stop her.
"You don't need to tell me."
I shouldn't be surprised they're back together. Their breakup lasted longer than I thought it would, but I'm sure they'll break up again soon. It's what they do.
"He apologised for what he did, and I didn't see why I shouldn't take him back if he's sorry."
"I know, the same as always," I huff.
"I know I say this a lot, but Danny and I are-"
"Are soulmates?" I finished for her. "I know, you don't have to tell me again. Just inform me immediately when he tells you who is trying to mess with us." I stand and turn towards the door.
"I will, don't worry." Rebecca calls after me.
"Thank you, see you later," I say, turning the doorknob and walking out, hoping for a miracle to fix this situation.
***
I park my car in front of Rebecca's house and walk to her front door. She only got a chance to meet with Danny an hour ago and asked me to come to her place immediately after talking to him. Danny must have found out who was responsible for our troubles.
I wouldn't put it past Mr. Antony to be involved. He hates our company and would do anything to see it ruined. According to him, Rebecca and I are not qualified to be his competitors. He believes women should stay home and raise children, and only men should work. But we see him for what he is-a sad old man who has nothing better to do than bring down independent ladies like Rebecca and me. Every time he tells us we shouldn't be in the field and at home instead, he only shows how intimidated he is by us. Our company expanding into real estate would be a real threat to him. He has to be behind our inability to find an investor.
Before I can grab the doorknob, Rebecca's front door is opened-leaving my hand hanging in the air. The face that greets me is not the one I was hoping to see.
"Hello, sweetie pie," Danny says, smiling. But I can tell it's fake, even though the only light source is the moon. Danny is dark-skinned. His black hair is styled in a low cut, and he has a beard. The Dolce & Gabbana suit he's wearing does little to hide his muscles. I'd be lying if I said he wasn't ripped. To sum it up, Danny is a gorgeous man, but even with all his handsomeness, he is the worst romantic partner I have ever met-except Jacob if I'm including that horrible human being in the running, too.
"As I've said many times, it's Sarah to you." I push past him and walk into the house.
"I know; I just love to see that fire burn in your eyes whenever you get annoyed," Danny chimes from behind me. I don't need to turn around to see his expression. That ever-present smirk that I wish I could tear off his face. I risk a glance back when feel his eyes still on me. Danny licks his lips and winks at me before walking out the door. A shudder of disgust wracks through me.
How can he tell my best friend he loves her and then behave like that? The worst part is he tells Rebecca he's simply appreciating God's creations and would never do more than that, but I know it's a lie. I can't wait for the day Rebecca catches him in the act. Asshole, I direct the insult at the closed door. Hoping by some chance I never have to see his face again.
"From the look on your face, Dan must have called you by any funny name," Tamara observes as I walk into the kitchen. She sits on one of the kitchen stools while Rebecca cooks over the stove.
"You guessed right." I take my seat beside her. "I didn't know you were coming. I almost stopped by your restaurant on my way."
"I didn't plan to, but Rebecca called and mentioned she was making lasagna, and you know how much I love her lasagna," Tamara explains, practically drooling. Tamara and Rebecca became friends after I introduced them in college. We'd been a trio ever since.
"I don't understand, Sarah; why do you hate Danny calling you that? It's just a nickname," Rebecca says, stirring whatever she is cooking in the pan.
"I know it's just a nickname. But I don't want Danny to call me by my nickname because it will make him feel like we are friends, and we are not."
"But he is my boyfriend."
"I know, but that does not mean he is my friend. I respect him as your boyfriend, and that's enough"
"You know, if you got along with Danny, it would make me happy." Rebecca sounds sad. I know she wishes Danny and I would be friends, but unfortunately, I love her too much to pretend to like him. Someone has to call out his behaviour.
"I know, dear, but enough about me and Danny. Did he find out who is behind our troubles?"
"You won't be surprised," Tamara says, chuckling.
"Why are you laughing? Who is it?" I ask, confused.
"It's your one and only sweetheart-Jacob Smith." Rebecca answers.
"You have got to be kidding me."
"Nope, it's him," Rebecca continues, "He has made anyone potentially interested in investing in the company back out. How he's doing it we don't know, but Danny is certain he is the one behind it."
"Why? Why would he be doing this? To gain what? I just don't understand." I shut my eyes and rub my temple as a headache begins to form, even thinking about him is making me feel stressed.
"There could only be one reason," Tamara states.
"Which is?" My eyes shoot open as I turn to face her, waiting to hear what she thinks.
"He wants to ensure he is the only person available for you to choose as your investor."
"I know that, but why? Why does he want to be our investor? It doesn't make sense, and it's annoying me."
"Have you thought about the possibility that he might want you back and this is a way to get mixed up in your life so he can be close to you?" Rebecca interjects.
"Did you smoke this evening, Rebecca?" I ask, looking at her, confused as to why she would say such a thing. "There is no way Jacob is doing this because he wants me back. He broke up with me, remember? Not the other way around."
"Yes, and that's why it makes more sense that he would want you back. He must have realised he made a mistake."
"I doubt it," I scoffed.
"Then what other reason do you think he could have for doing this?" Tamar says.
"The only possible one."
"Which is?"
"He wants to see me fail, and I won't let him. I'll meet up with him this weekend and make sure he gets the hell out of my business." Jacob thinks he's so brilliant, but he doesn't know who I am anymore. When I'm done with him, he will wish he never stepped foot into this city. I can't believe after seven years, he still wants to ruin my life. What kind of human being is he, for God's sake?
"How are you going to do that?" Rebecca questions.
"I'll tell him that if he doesn't leave this city and allow us to find a new investor, then I'll tell his mother what he's doing-I can bet that bitch doesn't know what he's up to."
"Perfect idea. There is no way she would let him invest in your company." Tamara says, smiling.
"Does she hate you that much? Does she have that kind of control over Jacob?" Rebecca says.
"Yes." Tamara and I reply in unison.
This is the only way to get Jacob out of my life. I'll do whatever I have to.
I ask the waiter to refill my glass again while waiting for Jacob to arrive at the restaurant. It's been 30 minutes since I got here and there is no trace of Jacob yet. I'm starting to think he's not coming, but I also don't think he would pass up the opportunity to have dinner with me. I'm confident that my threat will work, and Jacob will back off because of where I'm from. I was born and spent some of my youth in Nigeria. His mother always hated me because of the colour of my skin and didn't try to hide it. She looks down on Africans. If the bitch had her way, Africans would still be her slaves.I watch as the clock in the restaurant strikes nine o'clock, which means an hour has passed and still no sign of Jacob. I can't believe he's standing me up."Ma'am, would you like to order now?" The waiter asks for-if I'm not wrong-the tenth time tonight."No, but I would like a bottle of whatever you have been filling my glass with.""Alright, ma'am."The anger I'm feeling is all consumin
SARAH I move closer to the intoxicating scent around me. It smells so familiar, but I can't place where I've smelled it before. It smells so good that I don't even want to open my eyes to check where it's coming from. It calms my heart and makes me want to spend the whole day wrapped around it. I let out a sigh and feel my breath bounce back against my face. That's odd; why did that happen? I slowly open my eyes to find out what's wrong. My eyes widen as I come face to face with a rock-hard chest. I quickly check my body to ensure I didn't do what I think I might have done. I know I drank a lot last night, but I am not one to have a drunken one-night stand. A breath of relief escapes me once I see I am fully clothed. Thank God, I didn't have a one-night stand.I tear my eyes away from my body and look up to see the owner of the magnificent chest in front of me. Every finger is itching to rub my hands all over this beautiful man's chest, but I stop myself because I need to know who it
"Sarah, what are you doing here so early?" Tamara asks once she opens the front door. "Where do I start?" I walk past her into the house. "Maybe you can start by explaining why you are wearing a dinner dress so early in the morning." "I spent the night out." I sink into one of the couches in her living room. "You spent the night out! Oh my God, it's been so long. I have to ask, with whom?" Tamara asks, getting more excited by the minute. I didn't date much after Jacob, so it is no surprise that Tamara is eager to hear about a date. "Jacob." "You had sex with Jacob?" Tamara asks, wide-eyed. "Of course not; I just spent the night over at his place." "How did that happen?" "I don't know, but I guess he was called to the restaurant after I passed out." "You passed out at a restaurant?" "Yeah," I say, staring at Tamara's TV screen. "Why are you looking at the TV? It's switched off. Is something on your mind?" "Jacob kissed me." "He did what?" "He kissed me." My hands automat
I glare at Jacob as we walk into the boardroom. Unfortunately, there's only two side-by-side seats left. Taking my seat beside Rebecca, I nod at my assistant to start. As the meeting begins, something presses against my thigh. I try to move it away, but my hand gets caught in something-or by someone. Turning to my left towards Jacob, I shoot him a questioning look. One I hope no one else will notice.Jacob gets the message but ignores it. He smirks that devilish smirk of his and continues to hold my hand, interlacing our fingers as he leans over to whisper in my ear. "Don't they look perfect together?" he asks huskily, his hot breath fanning across my neck.Swallowing the lump in my throat, I try to ignore the warmth seeping into my hand and attempt gently tugging my hand out of his without drawing attention to what's going on, but Jacob's hold only tightens. He smiles, showing off his Jacobtiful dimples. I give up and try to concentrate on what's being said in the meeting, and Jacob
Saturday comes as quickly as I had hoped. I've spent all day getting ready, so now I just need to add a few finishing touches to my face. Luckily, I'm very skilled with makeup, so I was able to do my own, and Tamara had helped me to style my hair in a sexy updo a few hours ago.Once I am done applying my red lipstick, I close the tube and admire how the color accents my skin. Now all that's left is to put on the dress. Rebecca had helped me lay it out on my bed earlier. She and Tamara are also coming to the party, so they'll have a front row seat for what I have in store for Jacob. I smile as I look at the dress. Jacob is absolutely going to hate it. It's a sleeveless, nude tulle gown with black flowers, sequins, applique, and a deep V-neck. The back is also open in the same style as the front, with a slit on the side exposing my leg. A thrill of anticipation runs through me as I put it on. I slip on my black heels and then walk to the full-length mirror to take a look at the full ens
It's been a few weeks since the celebration party. I have been avoiding Jacob like he is COVID-19. I know we've seen each other only a few times since he came back into my life, and it may seem like I'm worrying too much, but I am not. Jacob only touched me through my panties, and I was dripping wet. I can't even imagine what would happen if he touches my bare core. Plus, Jacob and I have history, making it easy for me to fall for him if we were intimate. What am I even saying? He's only touched me three times, and my body practically wants the man to fuck her already. She clearly has no shame when it comes to him, and I know it wouldn't be hard for me to fall for him again, so to prevent that from happening I am keeping my distance.As an investor in my company, Jacob inspects the houses we use his investment to build. I am supposed to go with him, but I've been asking Rebecca to go in my place. Today was supposed to be the same, but Rebecca had to visit her mom. She isn't doing so w
A few hours have gone by since I got back from the store and made Jacob lunch. It's nighttime, and I should be on the way home, but I'm worried about Jacob being alone. I am finding it hard to leave him. The hundreds of ways that his situation could become worse have been floating around in my head all day. I just can't bring myself to leave him."Sarah?""Yes?" I turn away from the TV to look at Jacob."Why are you still here?""No reason." The last thing I want to do is tell him I'm worried about him. He'd make such a big deal about it." It's not because you're worried about me?""No.""Hmm." Jacob places his hand on his chin and stares at me, with an amused glint swimming in his eyes."What?""It amazes me how you think just because you can lie about being worried about me that I will believe you.""I am not lying; it's the truth. I'm not worried about you.""It's funny how you think I can't tell you are.""Okay!" I finally say, exasperated. "Maybe I am worried about you, but I be
It's later that night when I get into my car and drive to the hospital like a woman with a death wish. Jacob's driver, James, just called and told me that Jacob is in the hospital. He couldn't tell me why because he doesn't know any of the details. All he told me was Jacob had called asking James if he could pick him up from the hospital, but James is stuck in traffic, so he asked me to help get Jacob. I've been trying to call Jacob as I drive to the hospital, but he hasn't answered. It's making me worry that something horrible has happened to him.I finally get there and rush into the emergency ward, my eyes searching everywhere for Jacob. I am a little out of breath from running into the hospital from the parking lot. Aren't I pathetic? The man broke my heart just a few hours ago, and now I'm in the hospital looking all over for him while my heart beats louder than a drum. I had considered sitting at home and pretending I didn't receive the call from James, but I couldn't. Jacob doe
"What are you reading over there?" Charles asks. It's been a few hours since we took off. Charles apparently doesn't care that I'm his sister's enemy and has been talking to me for most of the flight. I think it's because he has an interest in me, but I might be wrong."A romance novel," I reply, switching off my phone screen and turning to face him."You're a romance fan?""Yes, I am.""So, you must be waiting for your prince charming to rescue you then?""No, I'm not.""But you're a romance fan?""Yes.""I'm confused," he chuckles.I laugh before speaking. "I love romance novels, but not the typical kind you might be familiar with.""Hmm, let me guess, you're into dark romance," Charles says, smirking."Yes, I am." I smile. "How did you know?""Once you said it's not the typical type of romance, dark romance was the next thing that came to my head.So, tell me your favorite book and why it's your favorite.""I don't have just one favorite. I love too many.""What if you had to choos
I take a sip of my margarita and lie back down on the beach chair by Tamara's pool. Sighing, I remember what she told me a few days ago. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that Jacob will be married soon. Just the thought is hard for me to handle. It's enough to make me want to drink, which is why I had to come over to Tamara's, so I could do it without Dad eyeing me. I've been drinking more lately, and he worries."There's something I need to tell you," Tamara says as she steps out of the pool."I'm listening," I say, putting my drink down and sitting up."Harvey finally found out why Jacob is behaving so strangely toward you.""Really?" I ask, hope fluttering in my heart. Things might start making sense now.Tamara nods and looks at me with pity in her eyes.I wonder why, isn't this good news? "What did he say?""He hates you.""What?" I ask, shocked."Jacob hates you, and Harvey says Jenny is responsible for it.""I don't understand.""After Jacob was discharged from the ho
Catching up with him before he walks back into the ballroom, I move to grab his arm, but he yanks out of my grip."Jacob, please tell me you didn't just say the word 'fiancée'?" I ask, my heart beating hard against my chest.He's about to reply, but someone beats him to it. My already cracked heart shatters into a million pieces once I hear her voice."There you are, my love," Hannah says from behind me. I hear her approaching, but before she can get to us, Jacob walks up to her. I turn around, and what I see breaks my heart even more. Tears fill my eyes as Jacob captures her lips in a kiss. My shattered heart squeezes in my chest and suddenly breathing is difficult. Jacob doesn't close his eyes as he kisses her; instead, he stares at me. I bite my lip to stop it from trembling and try my best to contain my tears, but I can't. My knees weaken, so I lean against the wall to prevent myself from falling.I can't believe he's kissing her. Does Jacob truly not love me anymore? When he said
Throwing the blanket off my body, I sit up and drop my feet over the side of the bed. Glancing at my phone, I see there's a few important messages that I'll need to reply to while at work. At first, it was hard going back into the office after everything that happened, but as the days have passed, I've been grateful for the distraction.It's been months since my child was taken from me. I can't believe how time flies. A part of me is grateful for how quickly it's passed because it makes it less painful that it's been a month since I last saw Jacob. His mother made sure the day we found out about his amnesia was the last time I stepped foot in that hospital.Not even Yennefer could help me.Not being able to be there for him at such a critical point in his life breaks my heart. I bet he still doesn't even know who I am. I'm certain his mother has made sure of that.Tears sting the back of my eyes, and I throw my head back, trying to blink them away. My heart breaks every time I think a
SARAHI bite my nails and pace the room, waiting for news of Jacob's rescue. Harvey came an hour ago and told me they were able to figure out where the gang was holding him, and that they were going to get him back. I have barely eaten or slept since I found out Jacob had been taken. I can't even think straight. The thought of losing Jacob and how much that will destroy me is all I can think about.The Smiths didn't report Jacob missing to the authorities. They feared the gang would have harmed him more in retaliation if they did. Instead, Edward hired a mercenary group to find him. But I also suspect Edward didn't want to get the cops involved, so the gang members wouldn't tell them about the kidnapping he had hired them for. I disagreed with their decision to not to go to the cops, but I honestly don't care as long as they find Jacob. Someone bursts into the room, snapping me out of my thoughts. I look at Tamara, wondering why the hell she came in like that."They found him!" Tamara
I wake up to the sound of someone calling my name. The first thing I see as I open my eyes is a dark brown ceiling. Someone touches my arm, and I turn."Thank God, you woke up. I was worried sick." Tamara gets up from the chair she'd been sitting in and pulls me into her arms."Tamara?" I don't return her embrace, confused about where we are and what happened. "What's going on?" I ask as she pulls away from me."You don't remember?" Tamara's eyes widen.Closing my eyes, I try to force my brain to recall what happened. Tears flow down my cheeks as I remember. It wasn't just a horrible nightmare. It's true. I open my eyes and face Tamara, just as Harvey walks in."Harvey, please tell me Jenny was lying," I plead, begging him to tell me the words I wish to hear."Sarah..." His eyes are filled with sadness."Please say it." More tears stream down my face. Tamara grabs my hand and gives it a small squeeze."I wish I could."I swallow and force myself to ask a question that I'm not sure I w
Later that night, I wake up to the feeling of something wet and soft on my forehead. I don't open my eyes because I know who it is. Jacob is here for his nightly visit. I don't know how he gets in this late, but he's come to see me every single night even though I asked him to stay away. I won't lie; a part of me is happy he didn't listen, because I look forward to this nighttime ritual. I lay as still as possible, pretending to be asleep."How are you doing today, my love?" Jacob whispers. "I'm here to visit like I promised I would. I hope you're doing better."I want to answer, and say yes, I am doing better and tell him there's nothing to worry about, but I don't. His voice tells me how concerned he is, and I wish I could ease his worries, but I can't. He'll stop coming once I acknowledge his visits, and I don't want that. I need this time with him.Tears sting the back of my eyes. Knowing these are the only moments I'll ever have with him makes my heart ache. I truly wish things c
Jacob sleeps soundly close to my lap. It's been a few hours since I woke up. I went back to sleep after our conversation. Exhaustion from all the crying I had done and the injuries I had sustained took hold of me. I gently stroke Jacob's hair while he sleeps. Lifting my hand away from his head for a second, I wipe away the teardrop falling from my eyes. I've been doing some thinking. And what I'm thinking about makes me tear up. I sniffle a little, and the sound causes Jacob to wake up."You're crying," he says, seeing the tears in my eyes."No, I'm not," I lie, wiping the evidence from my face. "I need to talk to you.""What is it, mon amour?"A bullet tears through my heart hearing him call me that. His love. Placing a hand on his face, I try to memorize every detail. This is the last time I'll ever be close to him, so I take my time admiring his handsome face. He is about to place his hand over mine, but I draw away before he can. I adjust a little on the bed and clear my throat be
Once I arrive at the abandoned building, I rush inside. My heart racing harder with every step. I'm praying it's not too late. I can't imagine my life without Sarah. The guilt of causing her death would ruin me. I pray I won't have to face such an existence. I kick open the first door I come across. The man in the room jumps up from the couch as the door falls off its hinges."What the fuck!" He shouts, the joint he'd been smoking tumbling to the ground. The whole place reeks of weed, I could smell it even before I walked in.I don't care to give him a second glance, instead scanning the whole room for Sarah. I don't have to search long. The blood trail coming from the room's right side is enough to tell me where she is.The man who'd been sitting on the couch walks toward me. "Who the fuck are you?" he growls, but I don't answer and push him out of the way.Dropping to the floor, I take Sarah's head in my lap once I get to her. All the anger I felt as I drove here vanishes as I hold