" Call me father”, his word rang loudly in her ears. She was too weak to respond, and Mariah just laughed awkwardly." You aren't her father, you know right!" She heard Mariah snap back at him "So quit your nonsense Aby"" I know, but I will adopt her once Stella and I get married”, Abraham responded boldly." You are too delusional for your good," she heard Mariah say as Rissa dozed off out of fatigue.The two bantered with soft words for quite some time, although the garrulous Mariah had the last say as usual.***In an exquisite restaurant sat Liam. Across the table, facing him was an Asian man; they both laughed at his joke and shook hands." It has been a pleasure working with you, Mr Kim; I hope our relationship extends to the future”, Liam said, smiling." Of course, Mr Hickson, thanks to you, my company won a recent bid in my country, Korea”, he responded excitedly." I am pleased to hear that”, Liam affirmed, sipping on his wine." I am sorry about the recent ruckus in your l
The angry blaring of her bedside alarm jolted Rissa from her sleep; she adjusted her soft pillow, covering her ears from it.To her ultimate surprise, she felt a tingling sensation in her stomach, and she rubbed her hand over her baby bump.She felt a stronger jab, and her eyes flew open instantly. "My baby just kicked!" she soliloquized in disbelief.The strong jab occurred again and she laughed excitedly "he kicked!" she shouted joyfully and rolled out of her bed.Her joy knew no bounds at that; it's been two months since her suicidal attempt, and her mother's friends have been supportive.Abraham made it his duty to check up on her every day after work, and Mariah brought her snacks daily.She picked up her phone to share the news with Mariah, but unfortunately, she didn't pick up.Rissa trotted into the kitchen to make herself breakfast and was humming her favourite Taylor Swift breakup song as usual.For a short time, her mind drifted to Liam, but she shook it off instantly; his
Diane felt a wave of nausea at Rissa's smiling face in a picture they jointly took on their first promotion at work." Everything comes easy for that bitch" she muttered to herself and tore the picture throwing Rissa's part in the dumpster.She picked up her Louis Vuitton mini bag and made her way to the office, amidst the terrible traffic." What the hell is happening?" a stout man shouted at the bus driver who retorted." Are you too blind to see the crime scene?" the driver shouted back eyeing the questioner with disdain.Diane bit her upper lips in regret for rejecting Liam's offer to buy her a new car when her car broke down recently." I need to act like I am not interested in his money," She had prepped her mind, standing her ground despite his insistence.Going to exquisite restaurants on dates and shopping had been their norm, but she still avoided raising his suspicion.She knew Liam wasn't a total pushover; he is the CEO of a top-tier company, so dealing with people's gree
" Diane Donaldson, will you marry me?" Liam had suddenly popped the question while on his bended knees.Diane felt like the world was at a standstill, waiting for her to make the first move; she watched blankly as all faces pleaded desperately along with Liam.She felt like a Cinderella in her designer comfy shoes, and amusingly enough, Liam doesn't fall short of a Prince charming." Yes! Yes!" She screamed excitedly as all hands jammed together, and Liam took her slim fingers into his; he slipped a diamond ring into her finger.Surprising breaths were drawn from other female onlookers, "this ring must cost more than my annual earnings," Diane thought to herself, smiling satisfactorily.She hugged Liam tightly and kissed him with enthusiasm; never in her life had she expected her fantasy to become a reality after all.Not just dining with prominent personalities but getting married to a billionaire CEO who is extremely charming." I love you”, she whispered into Liam's ears, which he
Stella paced endlessly still staring intently at Rissa's protruding stomach." And you kept it away from me?" She thundered obviously hurt by it " Mum! I knew you would be devastated, I didn't want that," Rissa responded touching Stella's shoulder Stella closed her eyes and opened it again, her watery eyes stared at her daughter, pity written all over it." Is it Liam's?" She asked slowly but Rissa's disapproving nod confirmed her suspicion." So it is for the strange man?" She bellowed calmly settling on the sofa, her hand gripping it tightly." Yes”, Rissa responded downcast; Stella was speechless for some seconds, contemplating how to handle the situation." It is a whole lot to take in Rissa; forgive my reactions; I know you are hurting too," she said at last." I know mum, it wasn't easy for me either, I....." she started, but Stella stopped her putting a hand over her mouth." Don't explain anything. I do not care if history has just repeated itself, but I will ensure you have
" I was betrothed to someone”, Liam said calmly, maintaining eye contact with Diane, whose heart shattered immediately." Not anymore... Diane.. not anymore, I swear," Liam added, shaking his outstretched wrist dismissively.Diane was dumbfounded; she buried her head in her hand and ruffled her lustrous hair, disappointed.Her newly bestowed diamond ring felt heavy all of a sudden.Diane summoned all the courage she could muster and looked Liam in the eye." Who?" she asked hoping desperately his response won't fit with her suspicion."Amber, her name is Amber, she is....." Liam started but Diane hastily interjected." The fashion blogger?" She asked in disbelief, and Liam nodded in affirmation, confirming her fear.Her mind wandered off to the lady's attitude towards her at the proposal party." And you still invited her to the proposal!" She screamed out loudly " I didn't Diane, I was surprised to see her in attendance but we weren't an item anymore so I didn't think much of it," L
Rissa sat with her hands crossed over her chest, watching Luke and Matthew carrying Stella's luggage.It has been two months after her first visit and being true to her words, she had quit her job and moved in." That was the last one, Miss Stonebridge”, Luke informed her, breathing heavily."Thank you, Luke”, Stella said excitedly as she unpacked one of the gigantic boxes.Rissa rubbed her protruding bump out of habit; she looked over at her phone and checked Diane's last message, which was over two months ago.She had woken up to use the restroom when she dropped her a text stating that she was thinking about her.To Rissa's bewilderment, after she responded, Diane blocked her access to her, which she found unusual." You should have informed Abraham, too," Mariah said to Stella, pouting.Stella's pompousness wouldn't let her as she likes to believe she was independent." Help me with the fruit”, Stella said to Mariah, feigning ignorance at her word relating to Abraham.Deep down, s
" You cannot be resting at a crucial time like this, Miss Stonebridge,” the Asian supervisor shouted nettled. " I am sorry… was ...I mean I got lightheaded," Rissa pleaded desperately The man eyed her with disdain, and he stormed out of the processing department, muttering inaudible words to himself. Rissa nodded her head pitifully, and she felt tears brewing behind her sardonic eyes. " Ignore him, Rissa; he is a sadist who despises everyone else but himself," an older colleague said reassuringly, and they both laughed. " Thank you granny" Rissa responded pleasantly " Take all the time you need, young lady; he is just an awful jerk who knows nothing about pregnancy,” another woman contributed. Rissa's mood lifted slightly as she felt the loving support all around her, she joined the fruit processing department as a contractual manual worker to earn a weekly wage. She stood up abruptly as she noticed the Asian supervisor walking back into the department. He walked so
“It turns out it belongs to a ghost”, Adrian said with a bewildered look on his face.Mandy almost dropped the package in fear but she managed to gather it and set it down on the table.“What do you mean a ghost?” Rissa questioned calmly, trying not to get Caleb upset.Adrian looked over at Caleb who was nonchalantly unwrapping his dinner.“The registered owner of the phone line was murdered a few months ago”, Adrian explained in a low tone.Mandy swallowed hard; she felt her appetite dwindle, replaced with fear.Who could have sent her such a threatening message?“Whosoever had sent the message is definitely dangerous; we need to be careful”, Adrian said, ruffling his hair.Rissa sank into her chair in dismay; what the hell is going on?She looked over at Mandy who was chewing on her fingers.“Do you have anyone you suspect?” Rissa questioned rationally.“None that I think of Rissa”, she responded hastily as if she had been expecting the question.“It is fine, ladies, do not panic, I
“You are moving to my house, all of you!” Adrian said, pacing nervously.Rissa and Mandy exchanged surprised looks.“Are you kidding me!” Rissa shouted bewildered.“Yes! Yes! Yes!” Caleb shouted excitedly.“Wow! Your house?” Mandy questioned with a slightly raised brow.“Give me your phone, Mandy; I have reached out to my contacts earlier; we will trace the IP address of the sender, but in the meantime, I cannot risk it; you all have to move out for security”, Adrian rambled on impatiently.Liam's words rang loudly in his ears, infuriating him further.“I…I do not think that is necessary; we can put security in place, but moving..to your house will raise too many speculations we both do not need right now”, Rissa responded, baffled.Adrian understood her concerns perfectly well.“It is fine; I am not talking about the mansion if it would erase your concerns; I have an apartment in close proximity to Caleb's school and the company; since Mandy works remotely, It wouldn't be hard just t
The door flung open, and Rissa walked in wide-eyedShe hastily rushed up to Adrian who was still holding Liam down.“Adrian, please! Let go”, she said pleadingly looking into his raging eyes.Adrian's stance softened, and he got away from Liam, who was yet to get over the shock.“What that hell man!” Liam shouted angrily holding his bleeding nose.“Leave now Liam”, Rissa said calmly, throwing him a warning signal.Liam turned his back to leave despite every fibre in his body not wanting to.He wanted to get back at Adrian Grey for the surprise attack.“That was for sprouting a nonsense back story!” Adrian called behind him.Liam didn't turn back, he stopped in his stride for a few seconds but walked out eventually.He was in no mood to have a brawl with Adrian Grey.How did he end up in a love triangle with such an ill-tempered jerk?Adrian felt ashamed the moment his rage disappeared.Rissa's silent treatment since he left his office has been unsettling.She had saved Liam Hickson f
Adrian entangled himself in Rissa's body and kissed her hungrily.She giggled like a teenager, the moment Adrian had requested her presence after the meeting.She had been suspicious of his motive.“You got me glued over there! Babe! You are amazing!” he said enthusiastically.Rissa blushed furiously, his compliment had gotten her good.She had always gotten compliments on her divergent intelligence but hearing it from her lover.It was so superb!“I always got A+ in college”, Rissa responded playfully.“I don't doubt it, babe, you have been making me proud all the way”, Adrian said.He rested his hands on her lustrous hair and ruffled it gently.He brought her face close to his and kissed her again.Rissa didn't waste much time as she wrapped herself around him.She disentangled herself the moment she heard a knock on the door.She felt a pang of embarrassment, they had both forgotten it was working hours.Adrian adjusted his suit and hair so did Rissa.He made it in time to his seat
He felt sweat trickling down his back as he thought about her words.“Liam! You can never win against me”Diane's words had left a chill in him; he tried to call it a bluff, but unfortunately, Diane Donaldson doesn't bluff.“Are you okay son?” Rowen questioned suspiciously.“I am fine; sorry I got distracted for some time; where were we?” Liam said hastily.Rowen didn't question him further despite knowing something was bothering him.“He is a grown man, he should be able to deal with his shit”, Rowen thought inwardly.“Discard those copied products, I don't ever want to be at that impudent Adrian Grey's mercy”, Rowan said authoritatively.Liam scoffed silently “I believe that should be my call to make father; I am the CEO, aren't I?” He questioned with a raised brow.Rowen was taken aback by Liam's newfound confidence.He had only used the said confidence in taking a firm stand on marital aspects against him in the past but never in business.His passive nature had always baffled Row
“How do you feel today Mr Hickson?” She questioned adjusting her eyeglasses.Liam's face scanned the whole room, and he felt an unusual sense of serenity within himself.“This place is homely”, he responded nodding approvingly.“That is the theme, to make it homely and welcoming to everyone”, she responded enthusiastically.“You mean everyone with problems”, Liam said teasingly but the woman didn't seem to mind.She smiled along with him, “I want you to be comfortable with me, Mr Hickson”.“Obviously I am, I don't waste my precious time aimlessly”, he said, maintaining eye contact with her.The woman stood up and moved to the far corner of the left wing of the spacious office.“Coffee or tea?” she questioned.Liam raised a suspicious brow, he was about to refuse when the woman interjected.“Most of my clients come visiting for my coffee even after the end of our sessions”, she said playfully.Liam laughed wholeheartedly “I see you have a sense of humour. l will try the supposed tan
Adrian felt a chill in his spine as he watched Rissa stiffen beside him.He wanted to console her but he was yet to get over the shock of what happened earlier that evening.Caleb watched their blank expression and busted into tears.Mandy hastily consoled him and put him to bed leaving the two adults to their thoughts.“Could this be a mere traffic accident?” Adrian said defensively, breaking the awkward silence in the room.Rissa couldn't respond, her troubled mind couldn't figure out her exact thoughts.It was brief but she tried flashing back at seeing a glint of excitement in the uncovered eyes of the biker.This does seem more intentional, but is there any way to prove that?“I need to get some sleep, so do you”, Rissa said calmly, avoiding eye contact with Adrian.Adrian, taking the cue, jumped up on his feet, kissed her goodbye and left.Wasn't he supposed to console her more? He wondered.He made it home and undressed hastily in his room.In the course of saving Rissa, he sus
Liam watched Rissa release the left strap of her tightly fitted gown.He watched her soft lap move in sync with her sexy hip and huge backside.He felt himself harden from the impact of it.She swayed her hips seductively to the rhythm of the slow music.Her whole body looked so yummy.Liam felt his vision blur out a little bit and he struggled to regain control of himself.“Do you like what you see?” She said seductively and dropped the right strap of her skimpy red dress.Liam nodded his head excitedly urging her on.She unhooked the button on the dress and it fell swiftly.Liam's eyes widened at her perky breasts and the red net panties that she had on.She walked up to him in her six-inch heels and placed her left nipple in his mouth.Liam sucked on hungrily, her soft moans turned him on the more.He felt his hardness directly pointing towards her sweet pot.“I want you so much Rissa”, he said in between kisses and sucking.“I want you too boy”, she responded enthusiastically.She
Rissa felt an occasional glance at her, but she ignored them totally.She had gotten accustomed to being treated carefully.Most of her colleagues walk on eggshells around her.Her head shot up the moment a leg in green heels walked towards her.“Miss Stonebridge, are you done with the proofreading?” the lady questioned rudely.Rissa stared intently at her caramel skin and excessive makeup.“You submitted it to me a few hours ago; of course, I need more time to go through it”, Rissa responded calmly but sternly.“I guess we need to bow to you now that you are the boss’s woman”, she said and walked away.Rissa stared at her departing back.She has gotten used to people turning their backs on her and walking aware.“Ignore her; she is only being envious because she couldn't win the CEO’s heart”, a nerd-looking colleague of hers said.Rissa felt surprised as the nerd barely interacted with others.“Don't look at me like that; I lack social skills, but that doesn't mean I do not talk”, s