"Nolan," Josh greeted, holding me close."I've been busy. I forgot to call you," Nolan said.My heart was pounding in my chest. I couldn't explain it. Josh was suspicious as he continued staring between me and Nolan while rubbing my back smoothly."You've been busy? News of your activities has been going around town," Josh tells him."Well, I'm trying to bring a new phase to the maritime industry," Nolan said.Things got more tense. Josh couldn't stop staring at Nolan, and he was getting more and more suspicious. Nolan tried to change the subject. "Josh, you know how much I care about ships and the sea. It's not just a job; it's my way to do something good.""You know it's a very difficult market to launch into," Josh said."That's why I need the best hand to help me achieve that," he looked at me."Good evening, Harper." As he kissed my hands, Josh's eyes bulged out as Nolan advanced toward me.My heart kept pounding seriously in my chest. I didn't know how to escape this scenario. I
"Why are you crying? What's wrong?" Amelia and I asked at the same time.She kept on crying with hiccups. We made her sit to pacify her. When she was a bit calm, we asked again, "What was wrong?" With a few hiccups, she tried to compose herself and said, "It's Shawn.""What's wrong with Shawn? I hope he is fine," I inquired."Yes, he is fine," she said."So what happened exactly?" I asked."We were having a quiet time watching a movie and eating popcorn in his apartment. Then he told me he wanted to tell me something," she began."Okay," I interrupted her.She wiped away a tear and continued,"I was worried. I paused the movie and asked, 'What?'"He still looked at me, worried, contemplating if he should tell me or not.Then he told me he slept with Aria."Who is Aria?" we both asked him."Aria has a crush on him and has been flirting with him most of the time.""Was he drunk when he had sex with her?" Amelia asked."Yes," he said. "He was, and since then, guilt has consumed him. It
"What does Nolan want? He has chains of hotels and nightclubs. What is he looking for in maritime? This guy wants to ruin me, and I know I have to act fast with Jane's underlay messages with so many meanings."With anger, Josh hangs up the call, placing one of his hands on his head, very angry with Nolan."I know this is the time to come clean. I can explain. I can explain," I repeated."Nolan has no chill. I can't believe him. He is calling to set up a meeting with you so you can work for him," Josh said."Oh!" I said. Thank goodness he didn't hear me."This is serious, and we must be careful. Nolan is a smart businessman, and he might not be honest." Josh said, sounding upset. "You're correct, Josh. We need to find out what Nolan is planning before we decide anything.""Can you imagine the effrontery? Josh was angry."I was relieved a bit. I thought he had told him about what happened between us.""Thank goodness he didn't dwell on the fact that I interrupted to tell him I could exp
"I know everything is going down; everything is wrecked, but I still did what came to my mind. I raised my hand and slapped Nolan in anger. 'Don't ever do that again. I'm not interested in you or your job. Stay away from me,' I said. 'I've told you countless times on the phone, and you chose to burden me with your malicious act. I love Josh, so stop all these silly games of blackmail,' I said out loud, garnering stares from people dining at the restaurant.I got into the car. I was livid. I rubbed the taste of Nolan off my mouth. I can't believe I let myself get into this mess. I've always prided myself on being in control of my emotions, but right now, I regret ever meeting Nolan because he is bent on ruining my happily ever after with Josh. I love Josh. I can't stand to see the hurt on his face when he eventually knows about Nolan. He trusts me, and I have assured him countless times that he has nothing to be afraid of. But right now, this situation is way beyond me. With all
"I need to talk to you about something. It's a thoughtful decision, and I know that you deserve it.""Okay, what is it?""Harper, I don't want this to take you unaware. I feel I should talk to you first before the final decision.""Does he want to propose? No, no, no, I am not ready for any proposal. As many thoughts run through my mind.""My heart was beating in my chest, not knowing what direction he was heading.""The board has decided, and you have come in handy with your level of dedication and commitment to the success of the smooth running of our company.""Okay, duh, I'm just doing my job," I said, a bit nervous."You have been nominated for the position of Managing Director in our company. Since Ms. Rodriguez left, you have come in handy and recommended for the position."With a sigh of relief, I told him, "Yes, I'll take it."He was surprised. "You mean you'll take the job?""Yes, I will.""Come here," he said.I moved closer to him, and he locked me in an embrace, saying, "T
"Seeing Chloe in my office building, many thoughts ran through my mind. Is she here to tell Josh about my kiss with Nolan? I found my voice and told her, 'He is in the meeting,' and walked away.I went about my business in the office, determined not to let anyone put me down. At the close of work, I went home and met my mum and Ava talking in the living room.'Good evening, mummy.''Good evening, dear. How are you?''Very well, ma.'I went to my room, packed an overnight bag to go spend time with Josh, and told everything right from my time with Nolan at Couperville and our kiss at the dinner.Then Ava walked in.'Hi, Harper.''What's up, Ava?''Where are you packing to?''To Josh's place.''He is romantic, unlike you, no iota of romance in your blood,' she said, rolling her eyes.'How is Shawn?' I asked her.'He should be fine. We had dinner and he was pleading. I couldn't look into his eyes because I felt he betrayed me.''Cut the guy some slack. At least he confessed. What if he di
JOSH POV"What is going on here?" I wondered. "Like they know something I don't know about, and it's killing me being in the dark." Then I asked again, "What's going on here?"Looking towards Harper, I noticed her eyes were as big as saucepans, and she seemed to be wishing that I didn't know about what was happening.I was losing my mind. Then, Harper suddenly started gasping for air, as if she was being choked or something.I quickly rushed to her, trying to help her calm her nerves. She continued gasping, and then suddenly fell. But before she could hit the floor, I grabbed her, shaking her profusely."Harper, talk to me. Are you alright?" I asked, worried as I looked at her.She didn't say a word. I looked at Jane, who was fuming with anger, and she said, "Josh, I told you this girl isn't what you paint her to be. Can you imagine what she did?""How will I know if you don't tell me, Jane? What's going on?""Look at this," she said as she pointed her phone at my face.Bracing myself
"Josh, you know I missed you so much. I've loved you all my life, but you keep pushing me away because of Harper. Despite everything she's done to you...Hearing her name from her made me furious. Don't you dare talk about Harper like that? Do you understand me?" I said, pointing my finger at her, raging with anger.She was shaken by my outburst. I knew I had led her on, but I thought we were on the same page with no strings attached to our hook. I let that slide and immediately told her, "Now, please get dressed and leave my house," I said in a stern voice.In a calm yet emotional tone, Chloe pleaded, "Josh, why are you treating me like this? I've loved you since we were kids. I believed we had a unique connection, but now you're pushing me away. Is there anything I can do to make you love me, please?"My heart went out to her, but I had to be straightforward. "Chloe, I'm truly sorry, but I don't have romantic feelings for you. We're just friends, and I've mentioned this several ti