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Chapter Ninety-Five
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2024-05-13 15:47:06Related chapters
TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter Ninety-Six
The studio was much more than we saw on television. It was a sleek modern space with a professional atmosphere as the crew scattered themselves in different parts of the room to enable them to take the conversation from multiple angles. I looked around, drinking in the aesthetics of the building: a neutral grey paint on the walls and a polished black floor. A large, curved desk was sitting at the centre of the room with three chairs positioned on either side, which meant one for the reporter and the other two for me and Cameron. The most breathtaking part was when Millie pressed a button and one section of the wall mechanically slid away, revealing a breathtaking view of the city. In the final settings, the strong light transitioned to soft, warm lighting, illuminating the space with a combination of floor lamps and overhead lights that created a flattering glow. Looking to the other side, away from the eyes of the cameras, was a small table with a pitcher of water atop it. “So o
Last Updated : 2024-05-14TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter Ninety-Seven
Andre’s POV I couldn’t bring myself to bear the crushing weight of my mother’s selfishness and coldness when it came to business matters; it could even otherwise be described as evilness. The meeting had been lengthy, well into the night, and I had just retired at the mansion, trying Kathy’s line but having refused to pick up. I was asleep before I hit the bed, all my strength drained from me due to the long drive from the Trenches to this place. After some hours, I heard a gentle knock on the door and the knob turning. Only Hermione and Freda had the audacity to turn the knob in my room without regard for my privacy. I knew Hermione was probably cuddled up in the drunken arms of Ryan, and if there was one thing Freda hated so much, it was interrupting her sleep. I settled for Hermione, scrambling out of bed and cursing under my breath. I am surely going to bang her head on the wall if she comes here asking for the key to the wine cellar or something meaningless. She knocked aga
Last Updated : 2024-05-14TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter Ninety Eight
Andre’s POV Just when I decided to escape from reality and clear my head with the scotch in my hand, Lana decided to show up on TV. She didn’t just show up alone; she showed up with my archenemy, my rival, my competitor, and my opponent. I clenched my fist harder and held the glass tightly, almost cracking it under the pressure. The way she smiled at him from across the screen could only be attributed to one thing: she was already in love with him. His voice sounded static from the speakers of the electronic setup. “Thank you for having us, Millie.” Hermione looked at me, noticing the rapid change in my mood, and she tried to console me, not knowing the best way to go about it. “I’m sorry about what happened between you and Lana and the part I had to play in it.” She apologised. “I’m not offended. She’s the one offended.” I told her, pointing to Lana on the screen. “She’s the one you should apologise to.” Her face still looked beautiful, just like the first day I met her; it j
Last Updated : 2024-05-15TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter Ninety-Nine
It seemed like he was solving a problem when he had married Lana, compounding it when he had sent her packing, all in a desperate bid to always fulfil his mother’s wish. He regretted accepting the post in the first place.Kathy stirred in bed, her soft white skin brushing against his rough skin. He had come home and apologised, and they had made love with one another in the tenderest way he had ever experienced from her.The sex from last night—every bit of it—and he relived it all. The electric shock rippling through his skin every time she touched him, the otherworldly feeling he had any time their lips connected in a kiss, the jolt he felt in every thrust, how he felt on top of the world as he approached orgasm.He looked at his lover, his heart leaping for joy, merely looking for joy. The sun was already up and shining brightly. He pulled out from her grip, gentle enough not to awaken her from her deep sleep; she was too sad, and when they made love, she gave her all. He wondered
Last Updated : 2024-05-15TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter One-hundred
Andre’s POV This is the bravest and most devilish setup I’ve seen my mother accomplish. It was the shock of a lifetime to me, and I tried to wrap my head around it. Not that my mother hated Kathy, but she was just ready to do anything for the company, even if it was at the detriment of her children or if it took something from their lives; all she wanted to see was the stock number rise. He looked once again at the innocent Kathy, asleep on the bed, as he buttoned his shirt and picked up his coat from the hanger. He couldn't help but pity the girl and how he had gotten her tangled in his family troubles as they quested for the number one position. He slung the coat over the shoulder, picked up the briefcase, which was obviously a mock, and went over to the bed, giving his queen a peck on the face. She stirred, flashing him a lazy smile. “I have a business meeting to attend.” “You’re going to a business meeting by this time of the day.” She stared at the clock lazily. “It’s past
Last Updated : 2024-05-16TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter One hundred and One
It was the most adrenaline-charged moment he had had in his life in a very long time. He was sure he didn’t even feel adrenaline coursing through him with so much energy when he met Kathy. Lin was the woman every man wanted—a perfect silhouette with a bag of brains. On top of that, every company in the region wanted to merge with her father's, and Freda somehow managed to pull it off. He remembered when she had once confessed in a public television interview that she had a crush on him; he had disregarded it as a mere joke that time. Now, here they were, a few metres apart from each other, except for the table in between them. Thirty minutes and a little too much alcohol later, and they were already laughing wildly, catching up as if they knew each other before. He knew all he had to do was get close enough to be her friend, then closer to being inducted into her inner circle. It was going to be an easy task compared to how they had fared in the last hour. Andre looked around an
Last Updated : 2024-05-16TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter One hundred and Two
Kathy had settled back in the room, expecting the milkshake that Andre had promised her, her mouth already watering at the mere thought of it. She sat in the sitting room and told all the workers to retire to bed for the day. The workers informed her that it wasn’t their closing time, but she insisted, suddenly feeling drowsy.She sat on the couch, legs curled up on the chair, while she scanned the sitting room for the remote control. Her eyes caught it, and she reached up for it, pressing the power button on it.The television responded, and it came to life, displaying a bold, brilliant logo of the television maker against a black backdrop before fading off and displaying the previous channel that was on. She started to rack her brain for the movies she had seen in trailers.She decided to scroll through social media instead, her brain registering the models and the builds of the next bag she wants to buy. An incoming message notification from a hidden contact popped up on her phone,
Last Updated : 2024-05-17TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter One hundred and Three
Her head was pounding heavily, threatening to burst through her skull and spill its contents on the floor. Kathy struggled to maintain her sanity and dragged herself upstairs to pack whatever stuff she had left. She had checked the airline’s software to know there weren’t any available flights at that time of the night. The only available flight was scheduled for seven in the morning, and she muttered her appreciation to the Almighty. She thought about how much of a scumman you really are. Men are scum who poison anything they touch. No, men are a lot worse than scum. They are vermin that scours the face of the earth. She thought aloud. Suddenly, the surrounding environment seemed to blur, and the staircase suddenly felt like it was upside down, suspended from a hanging part of space and time. She held the railing of the winding staircase, relying heavily on it for support as the room continued to spin faster and faster in her head. Her eyes were heavy due to hours of crying, and
Last Updated : 2024-05-17
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TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter Two hundred and three
Andre’s POV Two Years LaterMy mother was upset that I had gone behind her back to sabotage her. To sell her company to that little brat—that is what she refers to Lana as now—who knew nothing about business, but I did not have to tell her that it was either that or see her remanded in prison. To watch everything I had and everyone I loved taken away from me. I did not need to tell her that we were lucky we had a choice. The poor girl had no choice back then and had to take life as it was handed to her. My mother would live—abort sourly—but at least she would still live. We could build back the company even if it took a long time. Thankfully, all she had back then was a minor heart attack. As for the little brat, Lana, she and Cameron got married two years ago and have spent the last two years of their marriage touring the world.I was envious of the love they found. The comfort they gave each other, the strength in their numbers, but as time went on, I too was beginning to live wi
TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter Two hundred and two
Lana’s POV The house was still the same way I remembered it. The chairs, the arm stool, and the and the settees All of the arrangements were still the same, and it struck a chord of familiarity within me. I settled into the plush armchair and watched Andre move towards the bar, his demeanour calm and composed. It was hard to reconcile this composed man with the man I had known years ago. Andre returned with a glass of red wine, just the way I liked it. He handed it to me, then sat across from me. “Have you come to a conclusion regarding what we discussed?” I crossed my legs, one above the other, and stared blankly at him. “Regarding what exactly? The only thing I remember that we have yet to talk about are the kids and how we’ll split their days between us. Other than that, I don't think we have any unfinished business. Except you are talking about signing the documents, which would see me as the new CEO of Ranhold.” Andre heaved a long sigh and rubbed his temples. Was he beginnin
TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter Two hundred and one
Lana’s POV We spent the next week gathering evidence against Freda and meeting with potential witnesses who could testify against her if we were to take her to court, but it seemed as though that would not be needed. It was some time towards the end of the week when what was going to be our break happened. It came in the form of André getting a recognition award. I had no idea what his relationship with Freda had been like following everything that had happened lately, so I cannot talk about that. But upon receiving the award, Freda was so happy with her son that she decided to allow him to make certain decisions that regarded the leadership of Ranhold. In the past, André had been nothing but a figurehead. Although he sat in the CEO position, his mother, Freda, usually handled all the decision-making, and everyone knew this. He was useless, and if it was important that his signature be appended to a document, he had to get permission from Freda first before doing it. But now, all
TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter Two hundred
Lana’s POV Back at my apartment, we laid out all the new information we had gathered. It felt like we were finally making progress, and the weight of uncertainty was beginning to lift. But then a call entered my phone, which was going to either bring everything crashing down on us again or continue pushing us forward.We had laid everything on the table in front of us, and we were about to start sitting through them when the ringtone of my phone shattered through the peace, quiet, and anxiety that had settled over us. Sighing and thinking it was from one of my colleagues at Lukem, I pulled the phone from my pocket and paused when I saw the caller ID displaying on my screen.“Hmmm... Andre.” I said it out loud, alerting the other guys to who the caller was. Without waiting for their response, I swiped on the screen and placed the phone in my ear. “Hey, Andre.” I greeted. “What’s going on?”“I found something.” He announced. From over the phone, I could not make out the time of his vo
TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter One hundred and Ninety-nine
Lana’s POV Fred smiled warmly, taking a seat beside Clara. “It’s been a long time, Aunt Clara. We have so much to catch up on, but there’s something important we need to ask you about first.”Clara looked at him. “Of course, anything. What do you need to know?”Fred glanced at me, and I handed Clara the letter. “We found this among my father’s papers. It mentions a promise to protect you. We need to understand what happened.”Clara took the letter and began reading it. As she read through it, I noticed the change in her expression. She took a deep breath and glanced up at us. “This... this brings back memories I thought I’d buried. Your mother and Mr. West were the best friends I ever had. But there was more to it, and it brought trouble or would have brought trouble had Mr. West not decided to act in what he believed to be the best interest of everyone, including your mother. Fred’s face lightened up, as did mine. “What do you mean?”Clara sighed. “Secrets.” She whispered. “Anne an
TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter One hundred and ninety-eight
Lana’s POVFred shrugged. “She hinted at societal expectations and family obligations,” he replied. “But she didn’t give specifics. I think she knows a lot more than she’s letting on.”I nodded slowly. “My father never mentioned anything about your mother or you and Kathy. And I started going through his papers; maybe I would find something.”Fred’s expression softened. “I’m sorry you had to find out this way, but it is not to be helped. I cannot say I know how you feel or what you are feeling right now. Finding out that a person you think you know has another side, which you have no idea of, can really do something to you.”I reached out and touched Fred’s hand briefly. “We’ll figure it out together. I have some of my father’s old letters and documents that might help us piece things together. Maybe we can confront Freda again with more concrete questions? What do you think? Right now, she’s the only person who can give us answers, and we are not even on good terms.”We returned to m
TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter One hundred and ninety-seven
Narrator’s POV Freda’s smile faltered for the briefest of moments, a shadow crossing her eyes before she quickly regained her composure. She leaned back in her chair, interlacing her fingers and resting them on her desk.“That’s quite a heavy topic, Fred,” she said, her tone now more serious. “Why are you suddenly interested in this?”Fred shrugged. “Perhaps after Kathy’s death, I realised something. I just want to know why he abandoned my mother, why he chose his other family above us, and why he caused us so much pain and loss. I want to understand all of these things; perhaps it would help me forgive, let go, and move on.”A shadow of a smile crossed Freda’s face. “Ahhhh... I guess it runs in the family then.” Fred narrowed his eyes, wondering what she meant by that statement. “I don’t understand. What runs in the family?”Freda stood to her feet and approached the floor-to-ceiling window, which offered a great view of the city. From here, he could view the city’s skyline and wat
TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter One hundred and ninety-six
Narrator’s POV Freda’s office was located on the uppermost floor of the skyscraper that acted as Ranhold’s headquarters, a detail that made Fred pause as he stepped out of the taxi five minutes ago. He blinked against the rays of sunlight reflecting off the monolithic structure of steel and glass, momentarily blinded. The reflective surface mirrored the city below, creating an illusion of infinite depth.The other buildings around it were similar in their grandeur, each with its own unique design. For the umpteenth time since his arrival in the city, Fred was reminded of how little he had traveled. There were places outside of his known world yet to be explored, and this city of steel and glass was one of them. He had spent—wasted—five minutes entranced by the sleek, modern design, temporarily forgetting his purpose for being there.Pulling himself back to reality, he straightened his suit and approached the entrance. The revolving glass doors spun smoothly, ushering him into a grand
TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter One hundred and Ninety-five
Lana’s POVI took tentative steps towards the bouquet. Whether unconsciously or by some reflex response in our system, we all had taken steps away from the bouquet. For some reason, we felt threatened by it. This was not the first time we would receive threats disguised as gifts, and I guess that has taught us a lesson. Slowly, I pulled out the card in the bouquet and glanced at Cameron and Sally, who both gave me curt nods. I opened it and began reading it aloud. “Congratulations on Zoe’s recovery. Best wishes for the future. – Freda.”The room fell silent as the implications of the message sank in. Sally was the first to break the silence. “Freda has acted once again. First of all, it was an almost dead bird on my door, and now congratulatory bouquet?”My grip on the card tightened. “Is this supposed to mean something?”Cameron stepped closer, resting his hand on the small of my back. “Hey, we’ll keep our guard up. She’s only trying to play mind games, but we won’t give her the sat
