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
“How is your department handling the revisions of the proposal Bels?” I ask my roommate, coworker and best friend as we stroll inside the most expensive boutique of the mall.“We could really use your brains to revise it for Mr. King, you’re the magna cum laude of your batch in college and yet you’re stuck being the CEO’s PA! I mean the other week the CEO approved it and now he wants us to change it because his father doesn’t like it?” She scoffed, shaking her head in disapproval.“Max doesn’t want to disappoint his dad or veer away from the true visionary of the company and I doubt you need my help, you and the marketing department are doing your jobs amazingly.” I tried to cheer her up.“Of course you’d say that, you’re his girlfriend and you both try to please undeserving people.” She smiled apologetically at me as she blurts out those words, I smiled back in assurance that it was alright “Speaking of girlfriend, your anniversary with him is tomorrow!” she cheerfully changes the to
Meanwhile…“I’m sorry for having second thoughts about investing in your company Lex, Preston tried to sway me with offering more shares from his company.” My biggest investor and longtime family friend says on the phone “As much as the offer was tempting, I’m loyal to you and your father, You’ve both treated me well in my partnership with Moore Industries for 35 years.” He added“Your loyalty to my father and I is greatly appreciated Harry. Though I have to give it to Preston for trying to steal one of my biggest investors, he has bigger b*lls than I thought.” I chuckled humorlessly “He’s tried to outsmart me over the years but I’ve been always one step ahead of him.” I smirked.“That you are, my boy. And I appreciate you including my company in one of your bigger projects in the coming months.” He says gratefully“Consider it as a reward for not falling into Preston’s trap to steal you from me.” I said just as I hear another call coming through, and I knew who it was instantly. “Spe
“Thanks for letting me work here on short notice Mama Benj, I really needed the cash.” I smiled weakly as I cleaned some shot glasses at the bar “The tips are already freaking insane.” I mused as I already earned $400 tips from customers in my first two hours working as a waitress in the nightclub I’m working for as a stripper.“You need the money sweets, consider this a thank you for helping Jack revise his term paper for law school.” He smiles as he was busy arranging drinks behind the bar. “Are you sure that we can’t pay you for it?” he asks“No, I’m just happy to help your husband Ma.” I chuckled “And between you and me, he needed it badly.” I joked, earning a laugh from him.“Remind me to warn your next boyfriend to not break your heart. You turn into a savage b*tch!” he giggles, but his facial expression changed into a softer one as he looks at me with concern “Speaking of boyfriend, how are you feeling? It has been a few hours since you saw Max cheating on you, you’re allowe
Friday, The Day of Lex’s 46th birthday…“Daddy! Wake up! It’s your birthday!” I felt my bed shake as I slowly open my eyes to reveal my six year old daughter, Rosie jumping on the bed excitedly I yawn and softly stretched my arms “Hello to you too buttercup.” I chuckled as she stopped jumping on the bed and giggled, crawling towards me and kisses my cheek.“Happy birthday to the bestest daddy in the whole wide world!” she exclaims happily and grabs a small box that was placed on my bedside table “My Arts teacher told us to create something for the people we love for an activity so I made you a bracelet with your favorite colors on them Daddy.” She explains as I opened the box and looked at the handmade bracelet in amazement that my daughter can make something like this. “I love it Rosie-bean, thank you.” I smiled and kissed her forehead before wearing the bracelet “Wait a minute, shouldn’t you be getting dressed for school by now?” I raised my eyebrow in curiosity“Already am d
Four and a half hours later, inside Angel’s private dressing room.I’ve been having a very bad week ever since Max unlawfully fired me from my job. I had tried to apply for a higher position in three companies but it’s either they don’t have a vacant position, I’m not qualified enough or there’s an even better candidate than I am.“You walk out of that door and I swear to god, you won’t have a job tomorrow! I’ll make sure that no company in Seattle will hire you ever again and you won’t get your mother’s house back unless you come back to me!” Max’s voice echoes inside my mind.I guess he’s made good of his promise, I’m pretty much blacklisted at this point.I also feel bad to the guy who helped me get a refund at that expensive boutique, I was a little rude towards him because of the bad week I had.I sighed as I prep the things I needed to do my makeup, but before I could start my phone rings and I knew it was Bella as she was done for the day. I answered it instantly.“Hey Be
“You look like you’re dressed for a night out.” Leo commented as I got out of Leo's Rolls-Royce after parking his car, a hint of sarcasm lacing his voice “This is probably the first time I’ve seen you out of a suit.” He added teasingly “You’re exaggerating too much.” I roll my eyes as I shut his car door and fixed my blue shirt “Rosie picked this for me, saying she always sees me very formal and I don’t wear enough normal clothes just like the other dads at her school.” I sighed “I’m also thankful that my neighbor’s sister is available for babysitting since her nanny’s on family leave.” I added“Your kid has a point, she barely sees you in casual clothes.” He nods in agreement “You should probably hire a babysitter for her too.” He suggested“I don’t want to. Remember the last time I hired a babysitter for her?” I reminded him“Not every girl you meet is Giselle Lex.” He reminded me as well “You have to date around and spend time with people other than me, Rosie, Wilma and your b
“If you need anything just call me alright?” Mr. Matthews tells Lex as a few servers bring some food and wine inside the room he had rented for Lex and I. “I’m still mad at you.” Lex scoffed and playfully pushed him away “And yet you called for my help getting food and wine for you and Angel.” He winks before turning to face me “Angel, do you mind if I drop your cheque to Benj? I have an impromptu meeting with Damiano Contraldo tonight, hopefully becoming an investor of ours.” He says I nodded “It’s not a problem at all Mr. Matthews.” I smiled politely “Damiano as in the restauranteur and hotel owner who is also the leader of the notorious Italian Mafia here in Seattle?” Lex frowned “You need to be careful Leo, you might get entangled in his business bub.” He warns “Eh relax, he’ll be a great investor for Fire and Desire! You go ahead and enjoy your night with Angel!” Leo says optimistically and winked at him before he exited the VIP room with the servers and the door was closed o
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