“I can’t believe you’re going to the engagement party!” Bella exclaimed as she drags me to the mall to look for a dress that I’ll wear for the event once I told her about what happened earlier today“It just came out of my mouth all of a sudden!” I frowned “I never even wanted to go to that party in the first place as an employee, even more so now that I’m fired.” I scoffed“Then what made you say yes hm?” She wonders as we got in a boutique that specializes in elegant dresses “You rejected him as Angel, so why are you going with him as Safina?”“I don’t know why I said yes to going Bels, that’s the problem. It doesn’t even help that Mr. Matthews isn’t coming with us because of a familial emergency.” I frowns “It’s just going to be me and him for the rest of the night.” I added with a sigh as I admire beautiful dresses on the rack “You know babes, I feel for you because life seems to f*ck you up by giving you the same men in different fonts.” She teased “They’re both billionaires
*Meanwhile, in another part of the mall*“Thank you for taking me to eat ice cream daddy!” Rosie exclaims happily, eating her peanut butter and cookie dough ice cream “Though shouldn’t you be still at the office way past my bed time?” she wonders, hot fudge messily sticking on the edge of her mouth “The office isn’t that busy today buttercup, so I decided to spend the rest of my afternoon and my evening with you.” I chuckled, handing her a napkin to wipe her face with “Besides, I didn’t spend my birthday with you remember? So this is my late birthday treat to us.” I added with a grin“Oh yeah I remember, you went out with Uncle Leo! What did he do for your birthday present daddy? Did he give you one too?” she wiped her lips and cheeks with the napkin“He uh took me out to drink and I kinda slept at his place.” I smiled, half lying to my daughter as I ate a spoonful of my own ice cream “He didn’t get you a girlfriend?” she asked and I almost choked at her question but I cleared
After I had bought Mr. Moore’s breakfast, I went straight to the office as quickly as I can, greeting my coworkers as I went in the elevator, just as I was pressing the penthouse button, a familiar voice stopped me from doing so “Safina wait!” Mr. Matthews or Leo hollers as he rushed so he can make it inside the elevator “Good morning Mr. Matthews.” I smiled at him before pressing the penthouse button “Good morning Safina, is Lex in yet?” He asked “And again please call me Leo. I’m not your boss and I feel old if people call me Mr. Matthews, the girls at Fire and Desire already do.” He huffed “Alright then.” I chuckled, nodding “And I suppose so, he asked me to get his breakfast.” I showed him the paper bag containing Mr. Moore’s breakfast “He’s working too much again.” He sighed, shaking his head “He’s had more overtimes than vacation days over the years, even more so when his wife died. I literally had to convince him to let loose on his birthday party more than a week ago.” he
I sighed and focused myself on my laptop, trying to get some work done as most of the employees had left, including Safina. That girl has been through so much from what she has told me, having to deal with a lazy, rude, unappreciative and ungrateful man for a boss.But I feel like she’s leaving something out.I shake my head to get rid of my nosy thoughts as whatever she’s leaving out isn’t my business and tried to focus once more onto my laptop screen“Seriously man? You’re working again?” Leo says as he walks into my office“I am and isn’t that what you’re supposed to be doing too? I don’t pay you to slack you know.” I rolled my eyes at him then focused on my laptop once again“I’ve already finished my work a few hours ago thank you very much.” He quipped and sat on the loveseat “You’re being too much of a workaholic again.” He points out“I’m distracting myself.” I closed the laptop, not bothering to lie to my best friend of 33 years “Rosie told me she wants me to get a gir
Safina’s POV “It was glorious darling. I wish you could’ve seen Leo’s friend defend you from Ruby! She was about to get fired but he stopped it and gave Ruby pity money… although Leo still fired that p*ta.” Mama Benj chuckled as he excitedly called me as I get up and get ready for work to tell me what happened on my day off at Fire and Desire “Can’t say I’m surprised Ma, she deserved it. The other girls will definitely benefit from Ruby’s firing.” I chuckled, tying my hair up into a low ponytail after I did my makeup “What did Ruby even say to Le- I mean Mr. Moore?” I ask “She exposed your rough upbringing to him, called your mom a dr*ggie. And how you got here in Fire and Desire.” He scoffed “But he said and I quote ‘I’d rather spend my time with someone that has a bad past yet a decent person than a desperate, insecure b*tch like you.’ Well after he rejected her and insulted her fake t*ts…” he giggled “Nobody’s rejected her before though.” I point out as I wore my heels and smoot
I huffed as I gulped a full glass of whiskey to steel my nerves, biting my lower lip as I felt my pocket that contained the engagement ring suddenly feel so heavyGod I hope she attends the party, she’s been receiving the tulips I gave her so that must be a good sign.“You seem nervous Max, is there something on your mind?” A feminine voice spoke with a kind smile, it was Giselle… my future stepmother.I scoffed “Why do you care Giselle? You’re only marrying my father, that doesn’t mean I’ll be your f*cking son.” I spat “Although, you do realize upon marrying my father, you’ll just be second fiddle to the woman he’s loved since his childhood. He’s done it to my mom, and he’ll probably do it to you too.” I added“He’ll always love Camille, and I understand that. But I love your father and love makes us do things that may be odd or even stupid to some, but it’s a very easy sacrifice to do… For me at least.” She smiled but it didn’t quite reach her eyes, faking a giggle“Anybody wh
Safina’s Point of View“You’re so freaking lucky Safina, being the illustrious widower’s date for the night.” Karen, a former coworker swooned as she ogles Lex who was talking with a fellow businessman from afar“Oh please, he probably is paying her to be his date as he prefers the company of well educated and classy women.” Agnes, one of Bella’s so-called “Ednas” at her department spat. I just ignored her She’s technically right after all“Nobody asked for your opinion Agnes. You’re just jealous because Safina got herself a man while your husband is probably f*cking around with a blonde bimbo.” Bella spat back, I held back a giggle at my best friend’s comeback“Bella, enough. Agnes isn’t worth wasting witty comebacks for, her humor’s is as dry as her hoo-hah maybe that’s probably why she hates Safina going on a date with Henry Moore.” Karen quips as my eyes met with Lex, smiling at me. I smiled back kindly as he went to my direction. I instantly remembered my bold action earlie
Safina’s Point of View We’ve been sitting in the car for at least fifteen minutes as Lex drove around the city. I had already wiped my tears away and calmed down a bit but I am so embarrassed for bursting into tears in front of my boss’ chest“I’m sorry for ruining your night Mr. Moore, it was a bad idea for me to attend that party in the first place.” I apologized “And I’m sorry for making your shirt wet with my tears, I shouldn’t have cried in front of you.” I added, praying to god that I’m not blushing“Hey, you didn’t ruin my night. I actually had fun! And I understand, that idiot hurt you so badly and you didn’t deserve losing your job just because you wouldn’t forgive him for his infidelity.” He sighed “I sort of felt that you’re uncomfortable with me during your first week in Moore Industries, I had no idea why until tonight-” he began but I decided to tell him the story of how I met Max to shut down why I was uncomfortable around him“It's because I don’t want to fall for
I still decided to go to Fire and Desire a few hours later and focused on getting as much tips as possible tonightThough before going to work, I decided to at least cook something for Bella when she gets home. I cooked up some rice and take out the milkfish marinated in vinegar and garlic out of the freezer that I successfully haggled for at the Asian supermarket and fried that up and I also decided to make a quick pickled salad with daikon radishes, onions and tomatoes seasoned with jalapeno instead of Asian chilies because my vendor ran out.It was something my mom loved to make for me on a daily basis, and milkfish is rare at the time“Guess who quit her job babe?!” Bella says cheerfully as the door opened “Well technically resigned and I’m starting a new job as an intern at Style Life Magazine… hopefully.” She grinned as she placed her box of things at the coffee tableI smiled as I put the prepared food on the table “When did you resign officially?” her resignation didn’t surpri
Meanwhile…Jack parked the car on my apartment’s driveway. By now I had stopped crying and kept quiet, getting out of the car and smiling at the couple “I’m sorry for the inconvenience Mama Benj… Jack.”“Don’t mention it Saf, we’re happy to help.” Jack smiled kindly“Are you sure you’re okay sweetie? You can take a day off of work-” Mama Benj began but I cut him off “No Ma, I need the money… My monthly due date at the bank is coming up and I need the cash as soon as possible.” I smiled weakly “See you later.” I waved goodbye before heading into my apartment As soon as I close the door, all the emotions came to me as if somebody stabbed me repeatedly with a knife... As the people who mattered to me most don’t think that I am good enough….“This isn’t the job I want for you Safina.” My mother says as she puts down my essay and shook her head “You’re a very intelligent girl and it’s such a shame that you’re not using your brain for a course that can lead to a high paying job in t
Lex’s Point of View“Thank you so much for your feedback sir, I’ll have the final version of the app ready for presentation as soon as possible. And I’m sorry if I disturbed you.” He smiled apologetically at me“Nonsense Clifford, I’m happy to give feedback when needed. Don’t hesitate to come to me if you have an idea or a concern, and if I’m not here then I’m sure Safina can help you too.” I assured him“Of course sir. I should get going.” He nods and went to his department I was heading to Safina’s office when I heard my phone ring, it’s Wilma… and all of a sudden, the bad feeling in my stomach rises again. I quickly answered the phone “Wilma? Is everything okay?”“No Lex, Safina left the building… crying. I’m worried about her.” Wilma says worriedly My gut feeling was right “F*ck, alright… I’ll try to contact her, has Max King left yet?” I ask, anger and irritation bubbled inside me at the mention of that man“Unfortunately not, I haven’t seen him or his assistant. They’
I did my best to calm my nerves in the bathroom. Taking deep breaths as I look at myself in the mirror “Breathe Safina… he’s just here for business, you’re safe from him. You moved on from him. He’s not going to hurt you in any way anymore.” I gave myself a pep talk and adjusted my hairI hear the door open and I saw him enter the ladies’ room with a knowing smile on his face “This is the ladies’ room. You shouldn’t be in here Max.” I turn to face him, putting on a brave face “I know, I just wanted to talk to you.” He says, stepping towards me“We have nothing to talk about the moment you stuck your d*ck inside another girl! And I knew that the girl from the penthouse isn’t the first girl you f*cked.” I spat“I apologized for that Saf!” he reasons “A-And yes I drunkily cheated on you in Greece. But I didn’t want to tell you because I don’t want to lose you.” He admits, thinking it will help his caseI scoffed “After I quit, you preceded to blacklist me in almost every company in
I had asked Safina to escort Maximilian and his assistant into the conference room. I did wish to know why Max King would want to do business with me as his father and I have a never-ending rivalry since our teenhood and it hasn’t stopped through the years.I am hoping that he’s nothing like his father, but from what Safina has told me, he’d been a competent executive but not as CEO. He became dependent on her and he takes complete credit of things as if Safina didn’t help him.The door opened and Safina walks in with Max King and his assistant, Max’s eyes never left Safina as she closed the door.“Welcome to Moore Industries, Mr. King.” I interrupted his trance on my assistant. “It’s a pleasure to have you here.” I offered my hand for a handshake“The pleasure is all mine Mr. Moore, trust me.” He stole a glance at Safina “And please call me Max, Mr. King is my father.” He smiled “This is Percy Sandoval. My secretary.” He says, introducing his secretary to me“It’s nice to meet y
“Mr. Moore has accepted the meeting sir, I talked to his secretary and she set up a meeting next Monday at 3pm, at Moore Industries` penthouse conference room.” Percy says to me the following morning in my office“Good, I want Lex Moore to know that I mean business. But in reality, I want to take him and his company down.” I spat “It’s high time that I do something that my father never did, and that is to be better than him in all aspects.” I scoffed, sitting down on my desk “Go, finish up the report my former secretary revised for the monthly meeting with my father. And we’ll arrive fifteen minutes early to take Moore by surprise.” I told him. He nods and leaves, closing the door.I open my laptop and sigh at the sight of my screen…It’s Safina and I after we went to the tattoo shop on our first anniversary, replicating the spaghetti kiss from Lady and the Tramp in my favorite Italian restaurant.*Flashback: Max and Safina’s One Year Anniversary*“This place is wonderful Max, th
I kept staring at the email for what felt like hours… Max King had sent me an email yesterday with the purpose of having a possible partnership.“Hey Lex here’s the revised marketing presentation that you asked for– why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost?” Leo walks in my office, holding a flash drive “What happened?”“Would you believe me if I told you that Maximilian King is asking to meet with me soon regarding a possible working relationship?” I asked, still frowning as I show him my laptop screen“It really is the end of the world!” he joked as he finishes reading the mail“It’s not funny Leonard.” I stood up and looked at my window “Ever since Preston and I stepped up as the respective heads in our companies, we were rivals.” I let out a sigh“Maybe Max King is different than his father. He might want to bury the hatchet.” Leo says positively, I nodded apprehensively“From what Safina has told me, when he became CEO he is just as bad as his father had been.” I faced Leo
*Meanwhile at Max’s penthouse apartment*I poured myself a third glass of scotch while looking at my window, the noise and lights of the city somehow calms me down as I drank my sorrows away.The last time I’ve stepped foot in this apartment was when Safina had caught me cheating on her with a girl who’s name I didn’t even bother to know.I closed my eyes as I remembered what Safina had told me in the beginning of our relationship…And what I had promised her.“I was a result of an affair according to my mom. She didn’t know that my father was married to someone else, he abandoned us for his wife when I was six.” She stated with a sigh “Then at sixteen I fell in love with the guy who I lost my virginity to, only to find out he was using me to finally graduate.” She chuckles sadly “Then my mom died due to an overdose when I was a little over nineteen, leaving me with debts I didn’t even know existed.” She sighedMy heart hurts for the girl I love as we both have cruel fathers and
Safina’s Point of View It has been days since I last saw Lex in person, I was almost an hour late when Mama Benj had dropped me off to the office but Wilma was the one who welcomed me at the office, explaining that Lex wasn’t coming to work that day.He's also sent me an email that I opened the moment I noticed it on my desktop since I somehow forgot my phone at Mama Benj’s place.Safina,I want to let you know that I won’t be coming to work today, I am not feeling that great when I woke up this morning. I tried calling you earlier but you weren’t picking up the phone. Nevertheless, I want progress reports sent to this email before you leave work.I’ll be back at the office tomorrow.Respectfully,Henry Alexander Moore.It had been three days since that email, and he hasn’t come to work yet. Though we correspond with emails about progress reports and work related things, I’m too afraid to ask him why he isn’t at work.Probably because it might’ve been because of me and how