The CEO..My eyes flickered slowly as I caught a whiff of a beautiful food aroma. My eyes sprang open, realizing I was at home—there was no way Lucy could have made something that smelled this nice.I scurried to the kitchen, still in my pajamas. My eyes were greeted by the sight of various dishes that looked as good as they smelled.“What are we celebrating?” I questioned her as soon as Lucy walked in, her smile brighter than her blonde hair.“Our new beginning,” she replied, helping me settle into a dining seat and then sitting down next to me. “I hired the chef back,” she added.The news gladdened my heart. Finally, I could have a nice meal at home.I poured the chicken sauce onto the rice before scooping it into my mouth. Its beautiful taste melted on my tongue.Lucy stared at me like something was stuck in her throat.“What is it?” I questioned. If she kept looking at me like that, I was going to choke sooner or later.“About last night,” she began. “Did you really mean what yo
The toy...Jessie took a leave from work, stating that she was unwell. I decided to visit her and properly package some broth for her. Then I went to her house.I walked up to the door and rang the doorbell. I waited for a while before Jessie came and opened up. Her pale face greeted me. "Why do you look like a lifeless pillow?" I teased.She forced a smile and leaned on the door. I raised the bag in my hand and said with a smile, "I made some broth.""Thank you," she said with a feeble voice as she collected the bag from me.We both went inside, the warmth of her home replacing the chill from the cool air outside. I sank into the couch in the living room, its cushions soft and welcoming, while Jessie slowly walked to the kitchen to put the broth away.She walked to the living room and joined me on the couch. "How are you feeling?" I asked her."Well, I'm not dead," she said with a faint chuckle.Her hand, seemingly unconsciously, kept twisting her hair. I could tell that something
The toy...I dashed through the hospital doors, my heart pounding in my chest. The world around me- people, sound -all a blur. I gasped for breath, the air thick with something too dreadful to discern. I rushed towards the reception desk."My mother, Ms. Smith," I spoke out, my voice trembling. "Where is she?" I questioned, wishing the call was an imagination; no doctor called me, and my mother was still lying on the hospital bed--reading her novel.The nurse behind the desk looked up, her eyes filled with a sorrow that made my stomach drop. "I'm so sorry," she said softly. "Your mother... she didn't make it."Her words hit me like a punch. Despite the light, everything seemed dark. My legs failed me, and I collapsed onto the cold, hard floor. "No," I whispered, my voice breaking. "No." A throat-ripping scream escaped my throat, but that didn’t even ease a bit of the pain.Tears streamed down my face as sobs wracked my body. The pain was unbearable—a raw agony that tore through me.
The CEO..The news shook the media, with every headline announcing we had welcomed a new shareholder, attributing to me and Lucy’s marriage. Many assumed this meant our marriage was drawing nearer. I dropped my tablet on the desk and leaned back on my chair. Frustration welled up beneath every inch of my skin, leaving no space for comfort. This wasn’t the right time for Binky to see this—not like there was ever a right time.The door opened, my attention shifting to Zach, who casually strode in. He sank into the other swivel chair across my desk.“You’ve made it to headlines again,” Zach commented, the corner of his lips rising. “At least we have made progress. We have thirty-five percent now. All we need is the remaining twenty percent. Lucy would be mortified when you took control.” He added.I have had no interest in seizing people’s company. But I really had to punish Lucy and her mother for disgracing my Binky. And lately, I can’t help but wonder if something is suspicious. “
The CEO..The tension in the lounge grew almost thicker as Mr. Greyford and I locked eyes, each of us unwilling to look away. His gaze was searing with intense hatred. My eyes were cloaked with irritation and defiance at the escalating confrontation. The music that filled the lounge faded.“Tracy told me about your scheming to take your father down,” Mr. Greyford said, taking a sip from his drink. “But I’m not buying any of that nonsense.”A glance at his bottle made me raise my brows; it was the same as my mom’s favorite. I couldn’t understand how he was able to enjoy a drink with such a harsh, unbearable taste.“You want to know why?” He asked, his eyes fixed on me.“From my perspective, you’re just like your father,” he continued, his gaze stern. “All of this is just a ploy to obtain more and more power for the Wesley family.”Tracy chuckled, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve. Her smile seemed forced, revealing her unease despite the lighthearted sound of her laug
The toy ..I flung the diary halfway across my room, my chest heaving with pain and anger. I didn’t even know what to trust anymore. In my diary, my mother was the villain, and in her words, I deserved everything I get.I glared at the letter on my bed. I hadn’t opened it—I had no courage to open it. Probably about how she adored Ariel—how only Ariel suffered. And for me, as usual, nothing. I deserve nothing.Jessie entered the room with a tray of food in her hands. Her eyes fell on the book before shifting to me, reflecting concern. “I made breakfast for you to eat.” She dropped on the bed next to me.Although my stomach yearned for food, my mouth protested. I stared at the food blankly; it looked good, but I still had no appetite. “I’m not hungry,” I rubbed my heavy sleep-deprived eyes. Anytime I closed them, my mother’s words and the things in the diary haunted my mind.Jessie sat beside me. “I know you are mourning, but you need strength to mourn.” Concern is thinning her voice
The toy ..My hands rested on my thighs, and my eyes fixed on the diary. Every muscle on my face twitched. I couldn’t even bring myself to finish a page. The buzz of the door echoed through the house, followed by the sound of his footsteps. With each step, my heart pounded harder.“Hey—“ He swallowed his remaining words as his eyes fell on the diary and the picture on the center table.I couldn’t face him; I couldn’t let this weak heart of mine plead on his behalf. Damon settled in the seat across me, rubbing his hands together. “I can explain,” he muttered, averting his gaze to the floor.“There is no need for that. I finally understand it now. All this while, I thought you couldn’t use warm words.” My eyes—red and pained—pierced through him. “It’s just that I didn’t deserve it.” My words came out strained as a crushing pain gripped my vocal cords.“It was Ariel. It has always been Ariel, and it will always be Ariel.” I stared blankly at Damon. My chest was on fire as I faced my
The CEO..I slipped into the car, my body trembling. I had ruined it all. The pain I saw in her eyes still terrorized me. I wanted to slam the dashboard, but I couldn’t. I wanted to go back, hold her, and call her name, but I couldn’t.My phone buzzed, and I saw her message: “I’m going; you won’t have to be reminded of Ariel.”My heart raced, and my pulse quickened. Images of her holding a knife to her wrist flooded my mind. I had seen something like that.I bolted out of the car, fear pushing me towards the house. I keyed in the password, and the door was unlocked. “Binky!” I yelled, my eyes frantically darting around the apartment as I searched for her.I headed to the kitchen. The sight of pills scattered across the slab and the opening of the bottle of alcohol made my heart race—each beat pounding panic into my bloodstream.Haunting thoughts gnawed at my mind as I made my way to her room. Each step—urgent and desperate.My eyes fell on the bed—she wasn’t there—then at the bat
Lucy pov ...Amidst the lush greenery, the breeze sung a calm song to me. I sat on the bench watching other patients. They were all crazy. I scoffed and skimmed my hands on my patient outfit. I turned and faced Logan, who arrived a few seconds later. “It’s been ages.” Logan smiled. “I wanted to get red roses, but you said you love yellow flowers." He handed me a bouquet of yellow roses.I smiled and accepted it. “How’s your sister?” I faced him. “Tell me you have stopped smoking.”It’s been a long time since I had a conversation with the outside world. I had no family and no friends ever came to visit. It was nice to see him.Logan chuckled. “I have stopped smoking.” His green eyes gleamed beneath the yellow hues of the sun. “And for my sister.” He paused and clenched the edge of the wooden seat. “She didn’t make it.” His voice softened.“I am so sorry.” My chest tightened. I knew how much he loved his sister.“But I opened a bar.” A wide smile formed across his lips. “When you g
Lucy ..(This chapter contains violence that might disturb viewers. Viewers' discretion is advised.)The news had already spread like wildfire. Damon hadn’t said anything, nor have I; people could only wonder what happened that led to us canceling our wedding a day before. My friend had asked, and I told them that I ended it after discovering Damon wanted to absorb my company just like his father did to other companies.Leaning back on my office chair, I sighed. I was this close to having him. I jolted up as the door opened. “There’s a meeting with the board of directors,” Tina announced. “Now?” I raised a brow. “Why?” She adjusted her glasses. “Yes, Ma’am. I really don’t know. But all the members are around.” I sprang to my feet. The clicks of my heels echoed. My heart pounded. How come I wasn’t aware of the meeting? Sweat swathed across my palm.Opening the door, my eyes fell on the seven members—they were all here. It was hard for them to gather together, except something v
The toy ..I dragged the last luggage down the stairs and placed it at the door. I was tired of being his toy. I was stupid to think that we would end up together. I had enough savings to start up my life. I need to run away from Manhattan, from New York. I need to move far away, to another place.I glanced around the apartment; so many beautiful and ugly memories; both of them haunted me.Opening the door, I gasped as my eyes fell on Damon. I held the tears that welled in my eyes. My heart twisted yet fluttered. Pain and relief fought to dominate my chest—neither won.His eyes fell on my luggage, and he frowned. “Where are you going?” What is he going to say to me? No, stay here and watch me get married to another woman. I rolled my wet eyes. “I’m leaving Damon.” I tried to bolster my voice, to show resolve.He inched closer and shut the door behind him. His beautiful amber eyes burned into mine. The eyes I had loved so much, that had caused me so much pain. Now one of my babies
The CEO..I climbed the stairs, each step feeling as heavy as the weight pressing down on my heart. Pearl had handed over the remaining 10 percent of the company shares to me, knowing that once the engagement and merger were finalized, the Wesley Corporation would likely dissolve Beckham Construction. The certificate was cold in my hands, but it felt meaningless now.As I passed by Lucy's room, the sound of her soft chuckle drifted out, followed by her mother's voice. I glared at the door. The thought of me spending the rest of my life with her was mentally gnawing. I was doing this for the child; once the child is enough, I'll get a divorce and just focus on my child. The memories of my childhood after my mother flooded in—just me and my father. "Damon isn’t around, right?" Mrs. Beckham asked. "Are you sure he is?"I was about to walk away, but the question glued my feet to the floor and, like a magnet, pulled my ears to the door."He isn't," Lucy replied, a note of excitement bub
The toy ..Tears streamed down my face, warm and bitter as they traced the curves of my cheeks. The room around me was silent like it was holding its breath, waiting for me to break.And I did.I muffled my sobs, pressing the back of my hand against my mouth, trying to keep it together, even though no one was around to witness. My elbows dug into my thighs as I leaned forward, staring at the two red lines on the pregnancy test. They glared back at me, mocking me. I shook my head, refusing to believe it. This couldn’t be real. What now? My mind raced, thoughts crashing into each other like waves against a rock. Damon’s wedding was just two days away. Two days. Even if I told him, what would change? I could hear Mr. Brian's voice in my head, loud and clear. Men know who they want to marry, and they keep the others around just for fun.I had brushed off those words when he first said them, but now they are repeated. in my mind, each repetition drilling pain into my heart—I should ha
The CEO..The drive was perfect, the kind of perfect that only comes once in a long while. The wind whipped through my hair as the convertible glided down the winding road, the sun casting a golden glow over everything it touched. The expression on my father when I testified against him in court felt like an award—a medal.Opening the door to my house, my gaze fell on Mrs. Beckham and Lucy.Mrs. Beckham stood in the center of the room, her presence cold.My smile faded, “Mrs. Beckham,” I greeted her with a curt nod. Mrs. Beckham was the female version of my father, so I spoke, a knot formed in my stomach as her presence gnawed at me.She didn’t return my pleasantries. Instead, she placed a crisp white envelope on the burly wood table, her eyes boring into mine. “Open it,” she instructed, her tone strict and firm. I hesitated for a second before crossing the room.I hardened my gaze as I snatched up the envelope, the paper cool and smooth against my skin. I tore it open and pulled
(This chapter contains violence that might disturb viewers. Viewers' discretion is advised.) The CEO . . I had changed into another outfit as I sat on the bed in my room. I constantly rubbed my hands, although they were clean. I could still feel Zach’s blood on my hand. How could I lose control? How could I hurt him? I smacked my head with my hand, letting out a grunt. Tracy trudged in. She only kept thinner and paler. “How are you doing?” “How is Zach? Is he up?” My fingers fidgeted. “No.” She tossed a file to me. “That’s the rest of my company.” “Why are you giving me?” Tracy’s expression softened. “Damon, I can die any moment. I need to leave my company with someone competent.” A weak smile stretched her lip. “Now let go and take your freedom from your father.” She gripped my hand, a failed attempt to pull me up. My chest tightened; this heart of mine had experienced too much pain. Another gloominess lingered at the mention of her dying any moment. I was too
The CEO . .Lying on the bed, I felt the sheets beneath me, my eyes closed, yet my mind was restless, buzzing with haunting images I couldn’t escape. Binky's tears haunted me; her face burned into my thoughts. But it was my father’s smile that truly kept me awake—the coldness, the quiet satisfaction he always had when things went his way. My hand gripped the bedsheet, twisting it, hoping it could ease my pain— but nothing.I couldn’t shake the thought—if only I’d been better, if only I’d been stronger if only I could’ve been more than this... this puppet he so easily manipulated. But I wasn’t. I was nothing more than a piece on his board and moved around to suit his game. The bitterness of it tore me from the inside out, choking with helplessness. If only I could turn the tables and make him pay for all of it. I wasn’t that person—not powerful enough, not anything enough.Stumbling to the closet, I flung open a drawer, my heart racing as I reached for the revolver inside. The c
Toy..I sat in the large, imposing courtroom. The air thickened with tension, but Nope still hung over, hoping Justice could be served. The murmurs of spectators seized as the proceedings began, leaving the shuffle of the papers. My eyes fixed on Damon’s father, who stood in the defendant box. Occasionally, he would stare at me and flash a smile that aggravated me. His words still rang in my ears, the way he casually told me how I looked softer than Aria outside the courtroom. I clenched my fist, hoping he would rot in jail for eternity. Mr. Jackson stood at the defendant's box. His eyes constantly darted between me and Mr. Wesley. My chest was tight like I was carrying the weight of the world on my chest. The flutters in my stomach were so grave that I might have developed stomach cancer. I sighed, hoping Damon’s threat should have walked in. Damon had messaged Mr. Jackson once he confessed to Mr. Wesley. He would protect him as Mr. Wesley would be powerless and be behind bars.