‘Bernard Alexander, the CEO of the Alexander's Hotels And Suites Spotted With A Mysterious Low-Class Lady On A Night Dress!’ The news headlines shone brightly at my face.“What?!” I yelled loudly and jerked as I read those lines.Scrolling down through the news, it was all I could do to break down into tears. The netizens weren't taking it lightly with me.“She's a gold digger!” I read the next comment and whimpered softly.From the news headlines, one could insinuate almost accurately that we came out from a hotel room, or something of sort, which was what the majority of the online critics thought.All I could think of right now, was what my parents and close relatives would have to say, if they found out about the scandal. I bothered more about that, than I did about what Charles and the likes would say.It's been barely twenty-four hours since I and the CEO were found together by the paparazzi, yet the news spread very fast. Our crazy escapade was polished by the media to be capti
The Gibbons garden was well-decorated with live flowers of different kinds. The canopy trees gave the place a shady look and a touch of nature. This was a perfect spot for Alex and I. I have come here on several occasions to catch up with Charles, but most of the time, he didn't show up. I'd painstakingly leave after waiting for hours without seeing him. Now it was my turn. My turn to pay him back in a different way.Bernard and I had showed up a little earlier than when Charles decided we met. We were already seated opposite to each other, under my favourite tree, enjoying the chill of the atmosphere and he had ordered a bottle of champagne.“Alice, can I ask you a question?” He gazed at me suddenly.“What’s that?” I was curious to know what he wanted to ask.“Do you still love your boyfriend?” His hoarse tone pervaded my ears.I gulped, lowering my gaze to the table and admiring the lovely patterns on it. I knew I had to choose my words wisely, else it would end on a bad note.“I h
We got into the car and he drove down the street. While he drove, I thought of the people in the garden and why they keep recurring each time we were seen in public.We passed my house, but he didn't halt. I became a bit worried.“You don't wanna drop me at my place? Where are we going now?”He kept silent and moved on, until we got to a jewellery store, where he parked his car by the road side. He alighted from the car and opened the door for me to do the same.“But what the hell are we doing here?” I asked with furrowed eyebrows.“Can we get at least in first?” He requested.With that, he grabbed my hand and we moved in.The shoptender looked at us with bewilderment, as we majestically walked in like some sort of couple. My eyes caught a beautiful collection of diamond necklace displayed in a transparent glass frame at the extreme end of the shop. I secretly admired it and wished it was mine.“How much does this cost?” He pointed at it and stared back at the shoptender.“It's a mill
Sundays have always been my worst days since I relocated to this part of the city. It was overly boring and sunny most times, especially in summer. I usually stayed indoors until evening, primarily because I seldom attend church service. Even when I did, the sermons were unnecessarily and enervating. It would stretch as long as two hours, after which the tireless Sermoner would walk down the pulpit, still looking eager to say more. Nevertheless, after the unending sermon, I'd find it difficult to recall a single word he said, nor would I remember a Bible verse. I sometimes wondered if I was the only one that felt that way.Today was different. I still didn't attend church, but staying at home was no better. I had nothing to do and yet nowhere to go.I had earlier expected Bernard's call, to perhaps ask me out for tea at a favourite cafe down the street, or a quiet time at his private suite, or something of sort, but it never did come. I then attempted to call him to ask how he was fa
“Who's that?” I yelled loudly, wishing the stranger had not cut short my restful sleep.I walked to get the door and to my chagrin, it was Stephanie.“What the hell are you doing here?” I bellowed, still standing by the door.“I…I'm sorry,” she flinched at my hoarse tone. “Please can you let me in?”“Oh really? You want to be let in right? When all you could think of is flirting around with my boyfriend, huh?” I got irritated by her presence.“But I thought we've gotten over this. Nothing happened, believe me,” she tried in vain to plead with me.I paused and blinked my eyes in an impatient sort of way.“You expect me to believe you? C'mon Stephanie, if you were in my shoes were you gonna believe me?” I nodded slowly, my anger getting intense by every second.Stephanie kept mum and bit her lower lip. Her gaze was lowered to the ground, as though she all of a sudden saw an interesting object.“I'm talking to you! Would you?” I snarled at her.She snapped out of her thoughts and said,
Charles' POVNothing hurts more than seeing the one you love loving someone else. So it was for me, when I watched eagerly as Alice was having a great time with the Billionaire CEO she was rumoured to have an affair with. I knew all of those were lies and aimed at getting back at me, but the more I tried to take my mind off it, the more it kept recurring in my mind. It hurts every damn time.Of all the women I've ever met all my life, Alice was the only one I loved and luckily, she loved me as much. She was also the most vulnerable and naïve. I must admit I took advantage of this.Right now, everything seems to have changed. She has grown stronger and no longer cares about me. How can I tell whether she had fallen in love with this stranger or not?I've tried calling her on the phone a couple of times, but it all seemed abortive. The only time she called, I asked her to come over for a talk and she rejected. Did she hate me that much? Or was she scared of what her supposed new lover
Bernard's POVI stepped into the Gibbons Garden, where I usually spent my leisure time only to be stunned by what my eyes saw. My supposed girlfriend or better put, scandal mate getting intimate with another man. I drew closer, maintaining a safe distance, although not safe enough, was about to kiss the strange man. Hardly allowing them to go further, I coughed out slowly, pretending to be clearing my throat, which obviously had no hitches. I just couldn't stand and watch while those lovely luscious lips I've always craved for, get claimed by another man. They got disengaged immediately when they noticed my presence.“What the hell are you doing here?” I yelled at her angrily, my heart clenching in my chest.“Who is he? Your boyfriend, right?” I gave an evil smirk, as my gaze met those of the man she was about to kiss.I stared at him intently, taking in more of his details. He was pretty handsome and his outfit was nice enough, but not too interesting or showy.“I…I… can explain,” s
Alice's POVThe telephone rang again, stopping me from going further with the files on my desk. I wondered why he called for the second time. I've given him all the information and files he had needed earlier. It was my first day at work today and I've been intimated about my duties as his secretary. I just hope there wasn't any trouble.I quickly picked it up, not allowing it to ring any further.“Hello sir! Do you need anything?” I said, anxiously“Come to my office immediately!” I heard him growl in an audacious hoarse tone. I don't lie, it sounded a bit groany and messed up.“Oh… Okay sir,” I faltered, my whole being was gripped by fear.He hung up immediately.I placed my palms on my cheek, leaning my elbow on the table, while I speedily ran down the gamut of possible reasons for the call.‘Did I make any mistake or did he just derive pleasure ordering me around? Could it be that he wanted my presence?’ My heart pounded hard in my chest.Not letting myself get carried away by thou
Welcoming my first child brought me more joy than I expected. I beamed with smiles as I cuddle him dearly in my arms and reminisce about my past and how serendipity smiled at me. Bernard was now a happy father. I'm so glad and thankful for bringing my child into this world. He was my joy giver and now my joy was complete. The living room was flooded with family and friends, who came around to send greetings and gifts to the new baby. Becky came along with Davis, smiling at each other all the time. I suspected something going on between the two of them, but confirmed my thoughts when I spotted the diamond engagement ring in her finger. “You're engaged?” My popped, as I stared at the beautiful ring in her middle finger. “Of course, I am,” she returned the smile, flaunting her ringed finger in the air. “Wow! Congratulations to you!” I cheered. “Thank you. You too, Alice! You're now a mother,” she replied heartily. “Where’s your fiancé?” I asked, to be sure I wasn't mistaken
The early morning sun rose steadily, shedding its beams across to my weary eyes. I gently opened them up and stretched lazily, yawning tiredly while I turned my head to my side. Bernard wasn't there. 'But where could he be?’ My heart missed a beat. My head spinned and I felt heavy blocks pushing their weight against it. I cleared the sleep off my eyes and stared around the room, expecting I would find him somewhere close by, but I didn't. I became worried. “Ben!” I called out his name but there was still no response. I stood up anxiously and headed into the bathroom to check if perhaps he'd be there, but I still didn't find him. My heart pounded hard in my chest. ‘Where could he be now? What the hell is going on?’ The fear of being abandoned seized me. I stepped out of the room hastily, as though chased by a monster and went to the next room, his study, to search for him. The study was empty and dumb. “Bernard!” My throaty voice pierce into thin air. “Where are you?”
Alice's POV Everything seemed to be happening so fast, but at least so perfectly. I wouldn't have believed it if I was told that I'd get married soon, and to Charles as I previously envisioned, but to my boss. That was the very best day of my life, when we stood there, radiantly breathtaking on the altar and exchanged marital vows. Walking down the aisle with Bernard was the best decision I have ever made and there is no going back. Here I am in our private hotel suite, designed for just the two of us, in the cuddle of his arms, while I reminisce about the activities of yesterday. From the church wedding, to the reception party and then to this very bed we slept, last night, it all replayed in my head. We went wild last night. Our clothes were still sprawled across the floor. I could remember almost vividly how he threw me to the bed and undressed me hungrily, like a prey he was ready to devour. He did so many other things to me, so many that I can't even remember. The only on
A month later, The church hall was tastefully decorated to suit the event of the day. Numerous guests from different walks of life sprawled over the place in their festive attires, wearing cheerful faces. The orchestra serenaded the congregation with soft melodious tones from their instruments. Cheerful indistinct chatters were heard around the hall, all set for the arrival of the bride. I waited patiently at the altar, in my custom made black suit and matching trousers, together with Davis, my best man, who was dressed similarly. I beamed with smiles, in anticipation of the bride. The clergyman also stood at the altar, ready to execute the ritual of exchange of marital vows between me and the love of my life. As if propelled by some telepathic instigation, Alice showed up as expected, with a bouquet of white roses in her hand. She was putting on a sparkling white satin dress that was tailored perfect to fit her figure and accentuate her curves. Her skin glowed brightly, as she w
Two weeks later. "This has to be perfect for Alice. Are you sure I'm doing it all right?" I asked Davis, pacing around with the ring box with me. He shook his head in approval. "You're going to do just fine Ben, don't bother about it." Davis assured me and I heaved a sigh. “The truth is, I plan on proposing to Alice tonight, I really hope she says yes. I mean she can't possibly say no? Right? We've been together for a couple of months now and Alice has been the best thing that ever happened to me. I love her to bits, and she loves me too, and I think this is the big next, final step for us.” "Hey! Man up! She's here already." Davis said to me and I felt my heart skip a beat. "Do not mess this up, dude!" Davis warned and I nodded sheepishly, nervousness taking over my system immediately. I watched from the corner, as my dear Alice smiled in happiness, in respect of the surprise party thrown in her honour, she radiated in happiness. I'm enthralled with her beauty. There
Bernard's POV Would I say I was nervous? Or was it just a regular tingling feeling one has when on a date with a woman one has formerly known? Whatever the case may be, that was exactly how I felt right now. She sat graciously opposite me, beaming with enticing smiles that I couldn't resist. I tried smiling back, but each time I did, I ended up blushing openly. It was a dinner date in my personal suite in the hotel. She was putting on a short red sexy dress, with a lowered neckline, exposing a little of her cleavage and high stiletto heels, that she would easily pass for a lady of the night in. Her red tinted lips and mascara that made her eyelashes more prominent further attested to that. Her skin glowed brightly, even in the dimly lit lounge. We had barely started to enjoy each other's company, when the waiter arrived with the menu. “What would you like us to have for dinner?” I asked her, in anticipation. “Cheese sandwich with some grilled chicken,” she answered. I smiled wi
“Charles!” I yelled on top of my lungs, exasperated at the activity going on in my very presence.Charles was making out with another woman, who moaned so loudly and irritatingly, feeling the entire room with their sounds. Their ripped off clothes sprawled across the floor, giving more details to what was going on.“So, you could do this to me?” I shook my head slowly in regret.Hot tears welled in my eyes while I stared disdainfully at him. My expression saddened at the bitter taste of a painful betrayal. Charles didn't utter a word. He only ignored me and continued with what he was doing, in my presence.“Can you be so shameless? This is all you could think of, huh?” I flared up angrily, watching as the two lovers made love in my presence.Only then did he pause and glare at me, still clutching onto the woman beneath him.“Look Alice, I'm having a great time right now. I'm tired of you. So tired that you've become an obligation to me. I'd appreciate it if you leave,” His words shat
Alice's POVResigning from work wasn't as easy as it sounded. I've always threatened my boss about resigning from his company, to get a job elsewhere, but I never meant it. Who could have sorted my unending bills, if I had had meant it in the real sense? Did he think I was willing to leave so soon?As I heard about his release, after serving his one month jail terms, I assumed it was a perfect opportunity to follow my heart, and not my head. The wrapped paper in the light brown sealed envelope was already seated on his desk, awaiting his approval. I also noticed that I wasn't the only one following this course, others did too. I smiled satisfactorily, thinking about how our boss was going to react. I was unaware that Mr Bernard had other plans until I found him in my office, kneeling down to plead with me to forgive him. That moment was one of the very best since I stepped into his company. I suspected something fishy, but I decided not to show it, granted that he was remorseful.“I
I walked briskly along the hallway and incidentally found Alice coming towards my direction. The devastation on my face transformed suddenly to a smile, as my eyes met hers. She seemed to have just walked out of her office. She stopped in her tracks as soon as she noticed I was coming. “You need to sign a document urgently,” Alice said, looking at me with a straight face. I stared at her intently as though finding it difficult to fathom the meaning of the message. My mind wasn't really interested in what she said, but her. “What document are you talking about?” I asked for clarity, as though I had an idea what she was talking about. “The Simpsons, they asked for your approval on an upcoming project,” she replied, leading the way back to her office. I followed her from behind, secretly admiring her well-rounded ass as she walked. A playful smirk played on my lips. We got into her office and she handed me the papers, still standing close to her desk. I sat down next to her an