"Martha?" Louisa calls in a scarcely discernible whisper. Martha stands there with a serene face and inquisitive gaze. "Louisa," she says quietly. Louisa feels fear take hold of her chest. How did Martha even know her house? Yeah well, she probably asked Evelyn. But why did she have to visit now of all times? Kingsley is inside her house, even though she had assured Martha that she would let go of him only a few hours earlier. Martha may misinterpret things if she sees him with her. But before Louisa can come up with an excuse, to dismiss Martha or go out with her, Kingsley speaks. "Who is it?" The sound of Kingsley's footsteps approaching was followed by his voice coming from behind her. Louisa's face becomes pale as she turns slightly. "It is….” When Kingsley comes into view, he spots Martha standing at the door, and his eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "Martha?" Martha's expression is unreadable as her eyes darts between them. Now knowing the reason for Louisa's sh
Kingsley's lavish mansion is illuminated by the golden rays of the setting sun, creating a fascinating atmosphere for Liam's fifth birthday celebration. Music, laughter, and the vivid hues of balloons and streamers fills the garden. With endless energy, a few children run around, their laughter mingling with the gentle murmur of adult conversation. With his arm loosely around Louisa's waist in a romantic manner, Kingsley steps close to the imposing fountain. They share a look that says it all: years of hardships, miscommunications, and heartache has brought them to this point, stronger and more in love than ever. Their entire world revolves around their baby, Liam, and this day is a celebration of both his life and their family's tenacity. As she watches Liam blow out his candles in front of his young buddies, Louisa murmurs, "Look at him," in a proud tone. "He's very happy. So deserving, he has been a strong boy.” Kingsley answers with a gentle kiss on her temple. "Just
CHAPTER 1: A Damsel In Distress Louisa Emerson makes silent elegant steps into the grandly decorated banquet hall, her heart racing rapidly, anxiously considering different approaches to execute her mission tonight. Normally, she does not attend these hypocritical formal gatherings, where people just sit idly around, sip expensive champagnes, and gossip. However, tonight is an exception. She has an agenda. Waking through the great hall, she is greeted by the stares of many admiring men, wondering about her presence. After all, she is known in the business world to avoid banquets. Louisa joins a group of men for a chit-chat. Most of the ladies do not like her anyways, they believe her to be a whoring bitch catapulting into the business world and making waves with nothing but her beautiful face and sexy figure. “Louisa! What a pleasant surprise to have you here.” Matthew, an acquaintance, greets, offering a polite hug. “Hi Matthew, good to see you. Hi everyone ……” Louisa replie
CHAPTER 2: Solicitude “Do not worry, my father will be touching ground tomorrow. I'll arrange a meeting with him as soon as he gets here”. Alan responds on the other side, speaking cautiously so as not to attract the attention of other people especially Cordelia, his secretary who is always glued to his side like a shadow.“How did you know Kingsley Wills? What is your relationship with him?” Alan probes. It is surprising that Louisa, who is just being recognized in the business world, would be familiar with the billionaire CEO of Palmer Tech. “Not your business” Louisa cuts in and immediately drops the call. She walks to her car, her mind filled with the incident earlier. She had agreed to seduce Alan publicly because she desperately needed his help to get to his father, the renowned Dr Craig. With Dr Craig performing the cardiomyopathy transplant on Liam, his chances of surviving would be raised to 35%. It is a great deal compared to if other surgeons were to perform the surgery.
CHAPTER 3: Mist (i)Louisa blinks, wondering what is going on. “Is everything alright Fred? Are you fine?”Deciding that now is not a good time to discuss his romantic feelings with her, Fred replies “yes, everything is fine, I am just worried about you. You should take good care of yourself more instead of putting other people first.”Louisa scoffs and rolls her eyes “come on, my son is not other people.”“I know, I understand but you need to learn to live more. You should enjoy life in your prime, you know?”“Okay Fred, I will. It's time to go home.” She said, opening the door and shoving him gently inside his car. ““Goodnight Louisa.”Louisa waves, walking back to the hospital building briskly.Getting back to Liam's room, she enters the bathroom and gazes at the image of herself in the mirror. “I look like hell.” She muttered, running cold water over her face and bare arms in order to refresh herself. **************************At the Mark Hotel penthouse suite, time
CHAPTER 4: Mist (ii)Louisa blinks, unable to believe her ears. “You mean the same Wills Corporation in Australia?”“Yes Louisa. Chief Wills retired last month and his son has since assumed the position as the new CEO. He is here now for a Merger & Acquisition.” Mr Ashby explains patiently, before adding, “I heard you too met last night and you seemed to know each other.” Mr Ashby concludes, a hint of mischief evidenct in his tone.Louisa shifts in her seat, uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. “I don't, not really.” She lies, unwilling to take the conversation further.“Alright ladies, please get to work. Louisa, do not forget that you absolutely need to convince CEO Wills, okay? We need his cooperation and investment the most.” Mr Ashby replies, taking the hint but reiterating the need to get Kingsley Wills at all costs.“I'll try my best.” Louisa muttered, looking down at her toes, unable to meet Mr Ashby's gaze.“Get all the relevant documents from the appropriate
Chapter 5: The Power Tripping CEO (I)“The project manager is Miss Emerson sir,” Hardy reaffirms, surprised by his boss’s sudden outburst and quickly cleans the mess on the table. “She is the manager of R&D team 1.”Massaging his forehead with his finger tips, Kingsley let out a heavy sigh. Why does the beautiful, she devil keep crossing paths with him? “Wait!” he thought, “what if this is deliberate?” Knowing that woman, he wouldn't be surprised if she has deliberately planted herself in the project, knowing full well that he is the major investor. What if this is another scheme to plant herself in his life like a leech?” After all, she is the queen of deceit, judging by how she successfully deceived him five years ago.No, he can't let this happen. No, he won't. There is no way in hell he is going to watch her make a fool of him the second time. Once is enough. How dare she?“Listen to me Hardy.” Kingsley clears his throat and begins, taking a firm, serious tone. “I want you to cal
At the Mark Hotel penthouse suite, Kingsley reclines on the huge comfy sofa. He had just finished some paperwork and took a cold shower.He decides to rest for a few hours before proceeding with the monthly sales report of the company he had just acquired.Moreover, his heart had been palpitating for a while. He knew he needed a rest, having been working relentlessly since he arrived in New York. It seems strange though, he had been fine ever since he had his cardiomyopathy transplant five years ago. So, why is his heart acting up?But then again, he has not been consistent with his health check up for about a year now. Speaking of which, he has to get one, and as soon as possible too. He picks up his phone and dials Hardy, “I need you to book me an appointment with professor Wesley at Kings County Hospital Centre. I'd like to have a full body check up.”“Alright sir, I'll do that immediately.” Hardy replies from the other end of the phone.“And have you heard from Mr Ashby of Palme
Kingsley's lavish mansion is illuminated by the golden rays of the setting sun, creating a fascinating atmosphere for Liam's fifth birthday celebration. Music, laughter, and the vivid hues of balloons and streamers fills the garden. With endless energy, a few children run around, their laughter mingling with the gentle murmur of adult conversation. With his arm loosely around Louisa's waist in a romantic manner, Kingsley steps close to the imposing fountain. They share a look that says it all: years of hardships, miscommunications, and heartache has brought them to this point, stronger and more in love than ever. Their entire world revolves around their baby, Liam, and this day is a celebration of both his life and their family's tenacity. As she watches Liam blow out his candles in front of his young buddies, Louisa murmurs, "Look at him," in a proud tone. "He's very happy. So deserving, he has been a strong boy.” Kingsley answers with a gentle kiss on her temple. "Just
"Martha?" Louisa calls in a scarcely discernible whisper. Martha stands there with a serene face and inquisitive gaze. "Louisa," she says quietly. Louisa feels fear take hold of her chest. How did Martha even know her house? Yeah well, she probably asked Evelyn. But why did she have to visit now of all times? Kingsley is inside her house, even though she had assured Martha that she would let go of him only a few hours earlier. Martha may misinterpret things if she sees him with her. But before Louisa can come up with an excuse, to dismiss Martha or go out with her, Kingsley speaks. "Who is it?" The sound of Kingsley's footsteps approaching was followed by his voice coming from behind her. Louisa's face becomes pale as she turns slightly. "It is….” When Kingsley comes into view, he spots Martha standing at the door, and his eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "Martha?" Martha's expression is unreadable as her eyes darts between them. Now knowing the reason for Louisa's sh
Kingsley's heart races in his chest as he stands outside Louisa's apartment. He had been pacing his living room for hours, struggling with his feelings. Ultimately, though, he knows he has to speak with Louisa. They have to be together, no matter what happens. Louisa's face changes from surprise to a kind of reserved resignation as she opens the door. Silently, she moves out of the way to let him in. "Daddy!" Before Kingsley can speak, Liam's voice calls excitedly, his face lighting up with unbridled excitement as he rushes into Kingsley's legs. Kingsley kneels down and embraces Liam tightly. "Hey son. You were missed.” "I also missed you! Will you be here for dinner? Liam questions, hope glimmering in his eyes. With a gentle giggle, Kingsley runs a hand through Liam's hair. "No son, not tonight. But you need to go spend some time playing in your room, okay? I must speak with your mother.” Liam pauses, looking from one parent to the other. "All right, but promise y
Fred had been getting ready for the evening all day. He had selected one of the best bars in the city, renowned for its quiet jazz, cozy atmosphere, and wine selection that would please even the pickiest connoisseur. He had gone above and beyond by placing an advance order for Linda's favorite meal and a bottle of wine that she had mentioned in passing months prior during a conversation at work. Fred is early, straightening his tie and gazing around the table he had reserved at the window, which overlooks the lights of the city. It has to be flawless. Fred's breath sticks in his throat as Linda enters, looking stunning. She accessorized her figure-hugging black dress with subtle jewelry that gleams in the low light. Fred's pulse skips a beat as her hair falls over her shoulders and she walks with assurance. Her voice is pleasant, yet tinged with suspicion as she says, "Fred. It looks so good in here, " as she looks around, admiring the bar. Fred gets up and drags her
Standing before Martha's hotel suite door, Louisa pauses. She knocks softly after her knuckles briefly hover over the glossy wood. The door opens as the faint sound of footfall nears, and Martha appears, her face instantly changing from one of surprise to one of cautious mistrust. "Louisa?" Martha's hand tightens on the doorframe as she speaks sharply. "How are you aware of my lodging arrangements?" Louisa smiles slightly, disarmingly. "Martha, you're my friend. Even if you don't want me to, I would be aware of your location. Martha pauses, obviously surprised by the answer, but her skepticism remains unshaken. Reluctantly, she moves aside to let Louisa in. It is a tidy, impersonal room, the sort of transitory place that is less like a home and more like a waiting room. Louisa calmly and deliberately sits down in one of the window-facing chairs. Martha crosses her arms and stays upright. "Louisa, why are you here?" Martha speaks in a clipped tone. "You're wasting
Although Louisa is hardly aware of it, the R&D department at Palmer Tech is bustling as usual. The cursor on her computer screen is blinking impatiently as she sits at her desk and stares blankly. Her team is busy around her, talking about testing plans and prototypes, but their voices are muffled by the flurry of ideas racing through her head. "Miss Emerson?" A hesitant voice pierces her fog. One of her less experienced developers, Carter, is clutching a tablet. "I want to present the project's revised design specifications to you. I believe we've resolved the—” "Have you checked it again?" Louisa abruptly interrupts him with a snap. Carter blinks in surprise at her tone. "Yeah, but I figured you'd like to—" "Why bring it to me if you think it is good enough? Carter, do your job. I don't have time to obsess over every little thing.” There is silence in the room. Carter takes a step back, holding the iPad as her crew exchange suspicious looks. “I apologize. I'll che
With her mind full of unrelenting thoughts, Louisa frantically packs Liam's school bag as the morning light streams through the curtains. Simultaneously, her hands tucked in a folder of his drawings, a lunchbox, and a water bottle. With his unlimited enthusiasm, Liam, who is already wearing his school uniform, dances about the living room behind her. "Mom! I'm ready!” Liam yells. Louisa looks at the clock and says, "Just a minute, sweetheart." They are late. The doorbell rings as she zips the bag closed and sets it on the table. "I'll get it, Mom!" Liam shouts and runs to the door. "Hold on, Liam!" Louisa begins, but he has already flung it open. "Uncle Hardy!" Liam shouts, his voice full of happiness. "You're here!" Louisa's forehead furrows as she turns. Hardy's towering body fills the entryway as he stands there. There is a glimmer of something in his eyes that Louisa can't quite identify, but he is grinning as usual. "Hey, Liam!" Hardy ruffles his hair. "Ho
Evelyn rests her head on John's chest as she nestles up against him on his soft sofa. Soft music hums in the background and the room is filled with the warmth of the fireplace. John put an arm around her, his fingers idly making patterns on her shoulder while they laughed quietly at a ridiculous story from the day before. However, when the laughing subsides, John becomes aware of Evelyn's aloof expression. He tilts his head to gaze at her and remarks, "You're quiet tonight," gently. "Are you still concerned about us? Or is it about my family again?” With a slight smile on her lips, Evelyn shakes her head. "No, John, you are everything I desire, and regarding your family, I have already made up my mind. I will do whatever it takes to defend our love. That matter has been resolved.” John's hand moves to tuck a stray hair behind her ear as his lips form an excited smile. "That's my girl. As courageous and unyielding as ever.” His voice lowers to a playful whisper as he plants
The rumpled blankets are evidence of Kingsley's restless night as he sleeps, sprawled over his bed. Except for the dim golden light that filters through the borders, the room is dark and subdued, due to the closed drapes. The floor is littered with empty champagne bottles, a silent reminder of his fruitless attempts to block out his thoughts. His tie dangles loosely from the bedpost, and his suit jacket is crumpled in one area. He is startled out of his wits by a knock on the door. Unwilling to confront anyone, he moans, but the knock is louder this time. "Boss? It's Hardy. Are you inside?” Kingsley rubs his hand over his scruffy face and mumbles a curse. "Come in," he rasps at last. With a creak, the door opens, and Hardy enters, his worried features inscribed on his face. He looks around the room right away, soaking in the commotion. The bottles, the messy bed, and his boss's rumpled appearance present a picture that is very different from the calm and authoritat