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CHAPTER 30
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2024-07-30 23:53:47Related chapters
THE THORNES CHAPTER 31
Jessica woke with a bang. Her head was heavy, with a dull ache that pulsed through her temples.A wave of nausea sprung increasingly within her, and she stumbled to the bathroom, the porcelain bowl her only refuge.She was sweating profusely. Just last night, she was okay. What was suddenly wrong? She wondered.Minutes later, she emerged from the bathroom, her reflection in the mirror, a pale and drawn image of herself.“Oh gosh! You look a mess, Jess!” She said to herself.While gently prepping for the day's order, a glance at her phone revealed a string of missed calls and unread messages.Upon seeing Mike's name at the top of the list, a feeling of something close to a sting picked her.A sudden surge of apprehension too.“Argh! Let me be, will you?” She Said furiously.Text message: “Please pick up my calls. I miss you and the times together. I know I messed up, let me come back. I promise to make amends.”More texts of him pleading and wanting a second chance brought more ache
Last Updated : 2024-07-31THE THORNES CHAPTER 32
Jessica woke up at the earliest hour of the morning. Even Ms Felicia, the early-rising neighbor wasn't up by this time.With a start, her body was racked with chills. A dull ache panged behind her eyes, and her throat felt like sandpaper. She was burning up. She threw her legs over the edge of the bed and groaned, only to feel a rush of vertigo hit her.She stumbled to the restroom, looking like a pale, thin parody of herself in the mirror.Her eyes were bloodshot and her skin flushed.It was clear she was coming down with something serious.Her health deteriorated further throughout the morning.She felt weak and confused, her muscles aching, her coughing unabated, and her temperature seeming to go higher by the minute.She was hardly able to function by the light of the early sun.Just the night before, Ann had sensed her distress and insisted on staying the night. Jessica, too weak to argue, reluctantly agreed.Now she was shivering uncontrollably, and her breathing became labor
Last Updated : 2024-07-31THE THORNES CHAPTER 33
Liam paced the waiting room, his mind racing with a million terrifying possibilities. He replayed their interactions, searching for any clues that might explain her sudden collapse as Ann had explained to him.Ann joined him, her face pale and drawn. "I don't know what happened," she said, her voice shaky and her eyes, almost in tears. "One minute she was having a headache but gradually getting better….. the next..." She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.Liam took her hand, offering silent comfort. The room echoed with the sound of the ticking clock as they sat in nervous quiet. Every minute seemed to go on forever.Finally, a doctor emerged from the emergency room. He was a tall, gaunt man with tired eyes. "Mr. Thorne, Ms. Francis?" he asked, his voice filled with sympathy.Liam and Ann stood up, their hearts pounding."Jessica is being moved to the ICU. She has a severe case of pneumonia," the doctor explained. "We're doing everything we can."A wave of relief washed ove
Last Updated : 2024-08-13THE THORNES CHAPTER 34
Jessica stared at the phone and without wanting any hesitation crossing her face, she spoke up.“.... It's not a bother. I'll call when I'm better.” She said,Liam simply heeded without any doubt.The door opened and Ann came in with a lovely bouquet and some packs of chocolate.The girls were excited and Liam simply watched them act all goofy around each other. It was rather unsettling but he couldn't understand, could he?“.... Get well soon Jess.” He said finally and with a final formal greeting to Ann, he excused himself and headed back to the TRIX.Jessica's recovery was quite speedy. She returned home after a series of checkups and medications.Ms. Felicia had mentioned that a Hulk bully had come to her apartment in search of her. She had also mentioned that it was probably because Jessica was in some kind of trouble.But Jessica simply understood what she meant. Liam had told her he was at her apartment before coming to the hospital.That was just Miss Felicia's way of describi
Last Updated : 2024-08-13THE THORNES CHAPTER 35
The imposing figure of Evelyn Thorne commanded attention as she walked into the conference room.Not the usual days that Jessica was used to but it felt rather urgent, given the way the senior and high board members filled the conference room.Evelyn’s impeccably tailored suit and sharp features exuded an aura of power and authority. Her eyes were as sharp as an eagle and the glint of mascara around them made them further piercing.Miss Beth had followed Evelyn like a chick behind the mother-hen every step of the way from the moment she stepped foot into TRIX.There in the conference room, well seated by her right-hand side was Liam. Jessica, seated on her left-hand side, directly opposite Liam couldn't help but feel a surge of nervous anticipation. Something was intimidating about the older woman, a silent demand for respect.Liam seemed unfazed by his mother’s presence. His posture was relaxed, his expression confident. He was obviously used to the limelight, something he had recei
Last Updated : 2024-08-18THE THORNES CHAPTER 36
“.... ugh”.Jessica managed to get out of bed. A strain of headache arose from the left corner of her head. It was as if some effects of her illness still lingered on.Stepping into the bathroom, she took a dose of painkillers and stared at the image that reflected herself. “.... Not —so — bad.” She said and went ahead to run a quick bath. Not until she got out of the bathroom did she notice she was running late for work. Hurrying out of her apartment to the side of the road, she highlighted.“Taxi!” She called out.Jessica arrived late. But that wasn't bad enough. The offices on the top floor felt empty. She had experienced this before and she feared that it could be happening again.Well, it did. A meeting was held in the conference room again. Through the see-through glasses, she entered quietly, and once again, everyone turned to her.But something was different.Evelyn was in the meeting. Now, she was sitting at the left-hand side of the head of the table and Liam was at the h
Last Updated : 2024-08-18THE THORNES CHAPTER 37
Evelyn walked back to her seat opposite Jessica. Now, Jessica had learned to look the woman before her in the eye.Maybe she didn't appreciate how timid she had appeared.Jessica immediately adjusted herself as the woman sat.“.... You know why I called you here?” Evelyn asked.“Certainly not.” “—But I'd suggest it's business and cooperate” “Well, you're wrong,” Evelyn answered.Jessica shook in fear of what Evelyn might say next. Why had she invited her in if not for the matters of TRIX?“..... Are you always this shaken with Liam?” She asked, taking a rest back in her seat.“Sometimes…” she replied.“..... Judging from what I saw at the conference room, not so often I guess.”“He's fond of you, I believe.” She continued.Jessica felt a surge of adrenaline by Evelyn's words. “It's in good faith….. We work closely together, so I suppose that could be the reason for that.”“Hmm…. I'm not disputing that. In fact, that's why I asked to see you.” “.... Because of Mr. Liam?” Jessica a
Last Updated : 2024-08-18THE THORNES CHAPTER 38
Starting the preparations was not as difficult as Jessica would have thought. Everything came in handy. An event of the elites and wealthy was one not to be compared to the regulars. Beth, on the other hand, was useful. Jessica barely had to stress about anything. It was mere convenience and she wondered why she had been called upon by Evelyn in the first place.The colors for the place were picked and it was all coming together greatly. Meanwhile, at TRIX, Liam couldn't ignore the fact that he missed having his secretary in all the time. Jessica was often in, but her attention was needed for every picking that had to be done.Liam, at this point, still Wondered why he felt this way.He knew he was getting a rush of emotions every time he was at least two feet from her.It was hard to hide the burst of emotions but he needed to. “.... What would be Miss Evelyn's preference, Mr Liam?” She has asked, as they say, in his office, looking at some current documents on the recent deal wi
Last Updated : 2024-08-18
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THE THORNES CHAPTER 42
Evelyn's birthday party was getting closer by the minute and the whole of TRIX would come to a halt to see it through. Jessica felt the need to act somewhat dry in the presence of Liam to avoid any strain of attraction that could spring between them. Liam couldn't help but notice her sudden drift but, as always, remained unshaken or unfazed by it.At intervals in the office, he stole glances at her. Maybe the way she worked on files, her facial features, or the movement of her lips when she spoke. There was something of note in everything she did.One time, she had requested to work in her office for reasons best known to her but he couldn't kick the fact that something definitely felt off between them. He thought to find out why but never to interrogate her.Of course, he cared about her and would want her in his space each time, but suddenly, it looked like she wanted none of that.Jessica knew all she was doing would take a toll on Liam in a way; her absence and perhaps, shift fr
THE THORNES CHAPTER 41
The preparations for Evelyn's birthday were still ongoing and the event was gradually coming together.“..... The guest list, how about the guest list?” Jessica had asked Miss Beth.“It's to be formed by Miss Evelyn. She has her way with these kinds of things. She will send that across soon, I suppose.” Miss Beth replied.It was another bright sunny day at the TRIX, and Jessica was all about the affairs at the office, but the upcoming party needed a bit of attention now and then.At the office, Jessica couldn't help herself but remember the previous night with Greg. How he had arrived just in time and saved her from the grip of Mike. And not to mention, the kiss. It was everything she had been missing. A touch of that added a glimpse of excitement for the night. Somehow, these thoughts meddled with the daily activities. She caught herself smiling to herself on a few occasions.It was a healthy distraction, she had thought. A call came through from her office line, and she picked u
THE THORNES CHAPTER 40
It was a relief to have Greg come in the time he did. Jessica could only be grateful.For a while, her thoughts drifted to Mike and she couldn't help but realize how desperate he was.He has never been like that towards her. This was indeed surprising. Greg caught her in the midst of the thought and that's when she collected herself together again.“..... I'm sorry to pry Jessica. That looked a bit personal. — I had to come in, it wasn't looking good.” Greg apologized.“I'm glad you did.” Jessica responded, still in the arms of Ann.That's when Jessica remembered the courtesy of introducing them to each other.“.... My friend, Ann.” Jessica said to Greg.“Ann, Greg.” To Ann.Greg stretched a hand formally for a handshake and Ann accepted. A glint in her eyes made him know he was welcome.“.... I really need to head home Jess. It's been a long day for me.” Ann said.“Let me walk you home.” Jessica offered but Ann wouldn't let her. Jessica understood what Ann meant to do and it was s
THE THORNES CHAPTER 39
“What do you want?” Jessica asked bluntly “Jessica, please, can we talk?” Mike asked quickly.Jessica scoffed.“If you hadn't seen me in this part of town, you wouldn't have asked to talk, so what is it you want now?” She stormed at him.“I really wish you would give me an audience and hear me speak…. — I called and texted Jess. But you wouldn't respond to any……. And I can understand why.”“I just need the least of your time to explain how I really feel. — explain myself to you.” “..... And you're correct, I'm only asking to talk now because I see you but please just hear me out..”There was a long pause and Jessica stared at him blankly. He looked lost in a way she couldn't quite understand but she knew she didn't have to care.Just then, he made a move to hold her hands but she rejected his touch and spoke quickly after.“I'll listen to what you have to say.” “Can we sit down?” He asked.Jessica stood still, not bulging to his offer and then he pressed further.“Please, Jessica.”
THE THORNES CHAPTER 38
Starting the preparations was not as difficult as Jessica would have thought. Everything came in handy. An event of the elites and wealthy was one not to be compared to the regulars. Beth, on the other hand, was useful. Jessica barely had to stress about anything. It was mere convenience and she wondered why she had been called upon by Evelyn in the first place.The colors for the place were picked and it was all coming together greatly. Meanwhile, at TRIX, Liam couldn't ignore the fact that he missed having his secretary in all the time. Jessica was often in, but her attention was needed for every picking that had to be done.Liam, at this point, still Wondered why he felt this way.He knew he was getting a rush of emotions every time he was at least two feet from her.It was hard to hide the burst of emotions but he needed to. “.... What would be Miss Evelyn's preference, Mr Liam?” She has asked, as they say, in his office, looking at some current documents on the recent deal wi
THE THORNES CHAPTER 37
Evelyn walked back to her seat opposite Jessica. Now, Jessica had learned to look the woman before her in the eye.Maybe she didn't appreciate how timid she had appeared.Jessica immediately adjusted herself as the woman sat.“.... You know why I called you here?” Evelyn asked.“Certainly not.” “—But I'd suggest it's business and cooperate” “Well, you're wrong,” Evelyn answered.Jessica shook in fear of what Evelyn might say next. Why had she invited her in if not for the matters of TRIX?“..... Are you always this shaken with Liam?” She asked, taking a rest back in her seat.“Sometimes…” she replied.“..... Judging from what I saw at the conference room, not so often I guess.”“He's fond of you, I believe.” She continued.Jessica felt a surge of adrenaline by Evelyn's words. “It's in good faith….. We work closely together, so I suppose that could be the reason for that.”“Hmm…. I'm not disputing that. In fact, that's why I asked to see you.” “.... Because of Mr. Liam?” Jessica a
THE THORNES CHAPTER 36
“.... ugh”.Jessica managed to get out of bed. A strain of headache arose from the left corner of her head. It was as if some effects of her illness still lingered on.Stepping into the bathroom, she took a dose of painkillers and stared at the image that reflected herself. “.... Not —so — bad.” She said and went ahead to run a quick bath. Not until she got out of the bathroom did she notice she was running late for work. Hurrying out of her apartment to the side of the road, she highlighted.“Taxi!” She called out.Jessica arrived late. But that wasn't bad enough. The offices on the top floor felt empty. She had experienced this before and she feared that it could be happening again.Well, it did. A meeting was held in the conference room again. Through the see-through glasses, she entered quietly, and once again, everyone turned to her.But something was different.Evelyn was in the meeting. Now, she was sitting at the left-hand side of the head of the table and Liam was at the h
THE THORNES CHAPTER 35
The imposing figure of Evelyn Thorne commanded attention as she walked into the conference room.Not the usual days that Jessica was used to but it felt rather urgent, given the way the senior and high board members filled the conference room.Evelyn’s impeccably tailored suit and sharp features exuded an aura of power and authority. Her eyes were as sharp as an eagle and the glint of mascara around them made them further piercing.Miss Beth had followed Evelyn like a chick behind the mother-hen every step of the way from the moment she stepped foot into TRIX.There in the conference room, well seated by her right-hand side was Liam. Jessica, seated on her left-hand side, directly opposite Liam couldn't help but feel a surge of nervous anticipation. Something was intimidating about the older woman, a silent demand for respect.Liam seemed unfazed by his mother’s presence. His posture was relaxed, his expression confident. He was obviously used to the limelight, something he had recei
THE THORNES CHAPTER 34
Jessica stared at the phone and without wanting any hesitation crossing her face, she spoke up.“.... It's not a bother. I'll call when I'm better.” She said,Liam simply heeded without any doubt.The door opened and Ann came in with a lovely bouquet and some packs of chocolate.The girls were excited and Liam simply watched them act all goofy around each other. It was rather unsettling but he couldn't understand, could he?“.... Get well soon Jess.” He said finally and with a final formal greeting to Ann, he excused himself and headed back to the TRIX.Jessica's recovery was quite speedy. She returned home after a series of checkups and medications.Ms. Felicia had mentioned that a Hulk bully had come to her apartment in search of her. She had also mentioned that it was probably because Jessica was in some kind of trouble.But Jessica simply understood what she meant. Liam had told her he was at her apartment before coming to the hospital.That was just Miss Felicia's way of describi
