Eric“Mr. Trumann, these are the files from the Emerald cooperation on their best products; their CEO hopes to collaborate with you. Also, the files from Ruby Co. and Sapphire Enterprises are also in the mix, sir.”I strolled through the corridors as the young secretary spoke, occasionally taking a peek into an office or two to check on the overall working progress of my employees.Normally, there was an inspector who did this on a regular basis, but this past week, I've been feeling very pleasant, so I decided to do a surprise inspection of the empire.One could imagine the shock on the faces of the employees when they saw me peek my head into their respective offices. It was quite fun.I can't wait to see how those on the lower floors will react to me snooping around.Those on the higher floors could only react with shock because they recognised me, but half, if not more, if the employees on the lower floors had never seen me.Moreover, there was a strict no-snooping policy against
Cassie“Babe, you are the most beautiful lady I've ever met.”I stared at the old man on the bed as I walked out of the bathroom. Even after a long, hot bath, I still felt dirty all over.“You flatter me, Mr. Otto.”“I mean it. Why don't you marry me? Is it because I'm too old? Old men are the ones who can take care of you best. Also, call me George.”Ew, this guy just can't take a hint? I feel so disgusted.I looked at George and smiled, picking up my clothes. I began dressing up as I replied,“I've told you before, Mr. Otto, that this is just a business deal. Nothing more. I've satisfied you, and now it's time to satisfy me. Moreover, you have a wife.”Even though I suspect she's most definitely cheating on you,.“I can divorce her; it's no big deal!”I glanced at the man once more, and from his fawning brown eyes, I could tell that he was lovestruck. I love men like this, but I also hated them. They were easy to coerce, but once it got out of hand, you'd have yourself a stalker.I
AmeliaI stood at the front of the mirror, staring at my reflection. My blond, wavy hair was now red and straight, glistening as it fell on my back.My eyes were brown due to the contact lens I used.I look pretty in red.I smiled at my reflection, turning about to check myself out even more. Most of the bruises I had incurred were now healed, leaving behind perfect, unblemished skin.My stomach has also developed into a small bulge. I placed my hand on my stomach, feeling the gentle warmth that came from my baby within.Sigh. Time for a bath, baby.I walked to the bathtub, where a warm bubble bath had been prepared for me. I placed my hand in; it was just the right temperature. I couldn't help but smile.I slowly got into the bathtub and sank in, sighing out loud and the warm water soothes my body. I felt tingling all over my body, and the gentle smell of flowers from the bubble made me relax.It's always a new smell. This one was lavender; yesterday's own was poppy; the day before,
Christopher“Mr. Mallory, this is the file you requested, and the contract also. The guests are also in meeting room 201.”I raised my head, my eyes locking with the secretary. He was a young man, probably my mate or a few years younger. He had white hair and grey eyes. I hate him.He stood out a lot, and he kissed my ass just a bit too much. He was also gay, and this wasn't just my speculation but my personal experience. He has made more than one advance on me.While I'm flattered by the fact that I'm just so good-looking and I attract both genders, I also feel belittled because the guy is not good-looking.Why can't my secretary be a hot female? Thankfully, I have my meeting with Cassie, and now I have my eyes on Thalia. If not, I would probably die from love deprivation, if that's even a thing.I nodded my head as he placed the files down. My face contorted a bit as I sniffed his deodorant; it had a condensed smell, and it made me nauseous.“Tell them I'll be with them in a few min
Chapter 27Eric“I'm telling you. Don't you know who my father is? Eric was pleading and begging that I come work for him. He's using my father's prestige to boost his image. How else did you think nobody like him could become so rich and famous?”Eh? What the hell is this? Who's this retard?“Also, you guys might not know, but Eric plays the male games. And he had a crush on me. But he doesn't want others to know; that's why he kept the distance between us at work.”At this point, I couldn't take it anymore. I wanted to turn around and leave, but I decided that there was no problem with humiliating him before sacking him.“You really think that if Eric likes guys, he'll go for someone as ugly as you?”All eyes fell on me, and I saw the flashes of shock and anger on their faces. Surprisingly, a few of them had satisfied expressions of their own.“Who the hell are you?” The guy who had just been narrating the story asked. His face was contorted, and he looked like he had stepped on sh*
LachlanI nodded at the bouncers as I walked into the Torquay Bar. My nose scrunched up a bit as the smell of various perfumes, probably with a bit of aphrodisiac mixed within, wafted into my nose.I looked around the red-hued space, and I could see a few groups already drinking. The bartender was very lively as he mixed various drinks for customers.At least someone is glad to be here so early in the morning. Sigh, why the hell did this detective want to see me so early? And why the hell are those fools drinking by this time?I walked to the counter and took an empty seat.“What can I get you, sir?” The man asked with a smile, and I had to control myself well not to frown. I hated his positive energy.“Water.”The bartender left, and just a moment later, he arrived just as another figure sat beside me.“You better have good news for me, detective.”“Good morning, Mr. Mallory. How was your night?”“Do I look like I'm in a good mood? Do I look like I enjoyed my night?”“Well, I'm sorry
Amelia “Amelia!” I felt a soft tap on my shoulder, I was startled. “Oh, Bailey”I guess she must have been calling my name but I was too deep in thought for me to even notice. “I'm so sorry I startled you…what is it that you're thinking that made you so lost? I've called you more than twice but you didn't hear me”I was embarrassed. I've promised her never to worry again but here I am, thinking through what is even irrelevant at the moment. “Uhmm, I'm sorry…I just suddenly remembered something that's why” I just hope this is strong enough for a defense. I know Bailey too well, she won't succumb to that. “You suddenly remembered something? C'mon dear, you don't have to put yourself through any stress at all. It's not good for your health and that of your baby, you really need to consider the child a great deal” Bailey hasn't just been a solid support whenever I needed her, she's been a mother and a sister, in fact…she's my entire family all in one person and I'm grateful I met
Amelia“We'd be back in a jiffy…just give us some minutes and we'd be out.” Bailey said to the driver, as he parked the vehicle in the parking space provided. “It's really nice here…I love the atmosphere.”“I told you that it's nice here and you were going to like it.”I laughed. It's quite funny how Bailey was doing her best to sell this place, making me like it by force. “It's quite beautiful just the way you said it, I'd also like to see what it really looks like inside.”“Alright then, let's take a walk around the mall.” We went in and I was astonished! The mall was built just to match the wonderful ultra modern style. The walls were built in a unique style similar to the Greeks and it was worth all the time. “I'm sure you'd want to come back here again.” Bailey whispered in my ears. All this is just in a bid to make me come out often and exercise my body, for the health of my baby, that's all. “Maybe, let's watch and see if I'd be interested in coming again.” I said, dashi
Lachlan's POVI felt a soft hand on my grip on my shoulder, and I looked up. Detective Matthew was standing in front of me with a cup of coffee and a smile on his face. Suddenly, I didn't know what came over me. My body responded to the gesture with hatred, and I slammed my fist into his face.“Karam hits like a bitch, and so do you.” Matthew held out the pack of ice from his eye, and I winced for his sake. The area around his eye was swollen and purple. Did I hit that hard? I just took a swing.“I didn't mean to hit that hard.” I said unapologetically.“Yeah, right.” Matthew said with a scoff and leaned back in his swivel chair. He swerved right and left, watching me with those curious green eyes. “You know I could have you arrested for hitting an officer of the law.”“I'm pretty sure you're aware that people like me own the law.” I rolled my eyes.“And I have people like you to thank for all the corruption going on around here. If it weren't for folks like you, I wouldn't have a jo
Lachlan’s POV“Amelia Mallory…. Time of death - 10:45 pm.” “No, Amelia!” Bailey's screams resounded in the room. “No,” the room seemed to cave in. “My Amelia can't be—”I jolted awake. It was a nightmare. Warm liquid trickled down my cheeks, and I realised I had been crying. I sat up, wondering what the heck that was. “Lachlan…” Cassie said groggily as she turned on her right side to sleep. I stared down at myself. I was half-naked in another woman's bed—a woman other than my wife. My eyes scanned the floor of the room. Clothing items littered the floor—Cassie's lingerie, her gown, my shirt, and shorts. A bitter taste rose to the back of my throat, and I tasted like the alcohol I had last night and the grief I was going to face. God, what on earth did I do?I threw my leg over the left side of the king-size bed, my heart racing in my chest and my mind reeling with one question: Is Amelia okay?“Lach?” I heard the rustle of the bedsheet. “I'm okay. Go back to sleep.” I told Cass
Lachlan’s POVI slammed the door behind me, the sound echoing through my soul. “How could she! How could she do this to me!” I fumed, dragging my hand through my already tousled hair. “What's going on?” Cassie raced into the room. I ignored her, still stewing in my rage. “Lachlan!” Cassie grabbed my shoulder and made me look at her. Her expression suddenly changed from one of concern to outright shock. “Lachlan,” she cupped my face. “What happened?”Seeing her sad and confused made my heart break, so I put my arms around her and held her tight. “Don't go anywhere.” I muttered, burying my face in her shoulder. “I won't.” She whispered.I don't know how it happened, but later, I found myself sitting by the kitchen island with a bottle in my left hand and a full glass in my right. “You have to calm down, Lach. Not everyone's who they say they are.” Cassie rubbed circles on my back.I took a swig from the bottle and nearly choked on the burning alcohol. “Shit! Amelia lied to me!
Amelia's POVI was crying, and it was all my fault. I hurt myself. I did this to myself.I sat quietly on the couch, flipping through the photo album.The smile on his face, the laughter in his eyes, his loving gaze on mine…. My husband, Lachlan, was happy. He really was.I traced the contours of the photographs, and my heart clenched. I hurt Lachlan. Bailey was right. I was running from my problems. I thought Eric could help with it, but I was wrong. It only made things worse. Everything about Lachlan and me—the picnic, the date at the park, our kiss, and nights together—was all becoming a distant memory because of me. The guilt was crushing me. I could've let Lachlan in when he was being more supportive. I should've loved him for it, told him what I was going through, and gone easy on him, but I didn't. I didn't care that he was more understanding; instead, I blamed him. Tears filled my eyes, and I succumbed to the torrents of tears in my eyes. “Amelia, please, stop crying.” Lili
Lachlan's POVA few hours earlier,Spending time in Cassie's made me realise how much I've missed doing my favourite things. Our long walks, baking together, watching our favourite movies; that was something I missed. Watching Cassie laugh at me while we played snooker in the game room made me realise how much I had missed this. Now, I begin to question if I was really happy with Amelia. After all, all I did was to make her happy. Everything I did was for her. I never did any of my hobbies but hers. Only hers. Do I even love Amelia?“Lach? You okay?” Cassie's face hovers over mine, and I’m startled.She placed her hand over my forehead. “You aren't running a fever. So what's wrong?”“Your eyes are blue.” She froze. “What?”I reached out my hand to cup her cheek. “Your eyes are blue.”Her cheeks pinked, and she put her hand over mine. “Yeah. Pretty, aren't they?”“Like the summer sky.” I flashed her a smile.She leaned her face closer. “Yeah.”“How could I not notice?” I tried to pul
Eric's povI was busy overthinking my ass off and didn't hear Aunt Bailey enter the room.“Eric?” Her hand was on my shoulder again. “Are you okay?”I blinked twice. “Oh yeah. Sorry, I zoned out for a bit.”“Don't worry about work. Your secretary is doing a fine job along with everyone else.” she smiled.I know that already. I don't hire incompetent people. “Yeah. They are.”“Good. Now, cheer up.” She smiled and passed me a bottle of water. “Thanks.” I uncapped the bottle and took a long sip. Damn, was I this thirsty?“Here.” She passed me the tray of food. Dinner was chicken and rice bowl with steamed vegetables. Lots of vegetables. I could get allergic just by looking at it. Yay.I dug in. The taste was top-notch. All thanks to Aunt Bailey. Sometimes, she’d refuse me to eat hospital food but other times, she'd let me eat it. I wonder what changed her mind today. Maybe, Amelia talked to her. Amelia hated the hospital and even cried when she saw me eating the food. I nearly laughed
Eric’s POVFuck!I messed up pretty badly, didn't I? Each time I close my eyes, my mind replays my conversations with Amelia. I had her. I had her in my grip, and I just blew it. I fucked up, and she knew it. She probably wants nothing to do with me anymore. My words fell flat, and she shut me down. Big time.I need a new approach desperately. I need something that will make her see me in a different light. Something that'll make her run back to me like she used to. Something... Aha! The Damascus Road method. It all goes down to manipulation. I'm sorry, Amelia, but I must do you his, or I'll never have you. I reached out for my iPad on the bedside table. I had a book that talked about this persuasion technique. If you want to make someone believe you have a sudden change of heart, then this book was the one for you. I saw it online, and now I'm glad I bought it. I will make Amelia believe I wasn't selfish or arrogant and that I have sent the light. I would make myself look so guilt
Matthew's POV. “So I'll ask you again, Mrs. Mallory, I leaned forward. “Do you and your husband have any enemies?” A shuddering breath escaped her lips, and she tumbled with the frills on her skirt. “We—we don't.” She was lying. “Think again.” “I don't have enemies, but I don't know about Lachlan…” She yelled. Not a clever way to respond to an arm twist. Then she looked at me, fear dilating in her brown eyes. “You said something about Chris trying to loop my husband in on something…” “Ah, yes,” I sat up. “My partner and I paid Chris Mallory a visit. We have reason to believe that he's a suspect.” Her eyes went round—a giveaway. She knows something. “Mrs. Mallory, how's your relationship with your brother-in-law?” “It’s just as you said. He’s my brother-in-law.” “Do you both get along?” I asked. “Yes.” She replied almost immediately. This interrogation is becoming a pain in my beautiful ass. “Mrs. Mallory, I am trying to help you here. You got attacked by some
Amelia's POV I turned on the faucet and scooped water to splash on my face. Honestly, I was a bit startled by Eric's confession, but a part of me had always known that one day it would happen. A part of me wanted to hear it, but the other half denied it. I palmed my forehead. “Oh, God. I need a break.” “Amelia?” I heard Bailey's voice behind me. “I'm here.” I reached for a napkin and wiped my face with it. Bailey entered the restroom. Something was odd with the way she looked at me, and I figured I already knew what she wanted to say. “You got a minute to spare?” She began. “Yeah.” I replied with a nod. We walked out of the restroom and navigated our way to the hospital cafeteria. Thankfully, it was lunchtime, and I was starving. Bailey was kind enough to order food online and had it delivered. I couldn't stand the hospital dietary plans. I snipped my pasta with scissors befo