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 My heartbeat paused for a second. I could feel my blood run cold. It felt like everything was put on freeze at that instant. Was I also feeling my body floating, cos I couldn’t feel my legs anymore? Probably I didn’t hear correctly. Nina didn’t just mention her meeting Amelia, right? Like did she….I don’t even know again. “Wha….Wha…What. did. You say?” I stuttered after I had recovered from the shock. Oh no! Now I’m stuttering like that bitch. A bitch I didn’t seem to get over. A bitch who’s carrying my child and playing a silly hide-and-seek game with me. A bitch who’s been driving me crazy for months all because of her whereabouts. Oh, I hope Nina meant what she said. For her sake, I hope this isn’t a prank. Or by God, she’d regret having me for a brother. “What do you mean what did I say? I just told you I bumped into your handbag here at the mall. And why didn’t you tell us that the bastard had divorced your silly ass? Too ashamed to admit she dumped you for someone f
Lachlan's POVI couldn't handle Amelia rejecting me again. The moment I went home, I went straight to my bedroom and began to pack my bags. Maybe, space was what she needed from me. I was done packing and kept my box at the side. In the morning, I would leave for Japan. I had already informed my pilot. The jet was ready and so was everyone. After that, I sat in the bar in the living room, drinking some water. I didn't have the stomach for any more alcohol. I finished and kept down the glass. Almost immediately, I heard the sound of a driving vehicle. I wasn't expecting any guests and the guards knew better than to let anyone into the compound without informing me. I rose to my feet and waited. Just who was here?A soft knock in the door tore through the air and I froze.Was it mom? Nina? Dad?I made a beeline for the door and held it open. Standing before me was the person I expected to show up at my doorstep — Amelia. “Amelia, what are you—”Without a word, she pressed her lips
Amelia's POVI scrolled through my phone, wondering if I should call Lachlan.A part of me wanted to, while the other half told me it was a terrible idea.I sat up on the couch and chewed on my lip. It was late, and here I was, thinking about someone who was probably not thinking about me. I had rejected him most horribly. I'm pretty sure he hates me, and I'm pretty sure he's out drinking and laughing and living while I sit here, questioning every decision I have ever made.I searched for Lachlan in my message app, and I stared at the screen. “Do I apologize for what I did, or should I do it in person?”My finger hovered over the keyboard, and I typed. “I'm sorry.”Then I went to the emoji icon, looking for a sad emoji. I settled for the faceless emoji, but instead of sending it, I sent a kiss emoji.Just like that, I sent it. “No, no, no, no!”Before I could delete it, he had already read it. My phone dropped to my lap and I nearly screamed.Lachlan's POVI arrived with a dry look
Lachlan's POVThe next day, I decided to pretend nothing unusual happened in New York. But every time an employee asked how my vacation was, my mind drifted back to Amelia's rejection, and when that happened, I thought about her.I couldn't focus during meetings. I zoned out on more than one occasion, imagining endless possibilities of Amelia accepting me. One time I imagined I had never treated Amelia horribly in the past and that we were very happy. But rewinding time was impossible.“Sir… Sir!” Clara said it aloud.I blinked twice and looked at her and the sea of confused faces in the conference room.Shit. I zoned out. It was clear from the looks on their faces that they were worried about me. One more second in this room and they'll drown me in questions.I cleared my throat and reached for my phone on the table. The time was a few minutes past 4.“The meeting is adjourned to next Friday.” I pushed back my seat and walked out of the room. I took the elevator to the parking lot
Lachlan's POVThe work came crashing down around me. The kiss… The “Yes”... The happily ever after… Everything was a fantasy… A cruel trick the mind played on me.She turned to leave, but I couldn't call out to her or beg her to stay. I couldn't even move or speak. The ring was still clutched in my hand, and my heart was bleeding deep inside.I looked behind me as she walked away, not even stopping to even stare at me. I wanted to scream for her to stay with me, but she didn't.I rose to my feet and pocketed the ring, feeling absolutely dejected and somewhat dead on the inside.I followed the path she took, walking slowly behind her. “Amelia…”She didn't answer.“Amelia, please…” I whispered again, but she didn't stop.I couldn't let her go home like this. I ran up to catch up with her and caught her wrist. “Amelia!” I believe I raised my voice because almost everyone was staring at us.She passed, but she didn't look at me, but I could feel her hand tremble in mine.God, what the h
Lachlan's POVI ordered room service, and we ate breakfast in silence.As we ate, I couldn't stop myself from staring at Amelia. She looked twice as beautiful as she was before.She finally broke the silence. “Umm… You're looking the wrong way, Lachlan. The food is on the plate.”“Well, that's not the food I see.” I flashed her a grin, and her cheeks turned red. She gave a nervous laugh. “Wow. So funny.”When I saw that she was embarrassed to leave, I pushed back my chair. “Maybe we could go home today!” Amelia announced aloud, forcing me to resume my seat.“You want to go home?” I asked, sitting down. “Yeah…” She looked everywhere except my face. “We… we could just go home, you know…Uh… unwind… Forget about everything for a while.” “My face is up here, darling.” I told her.Amelia lifted her eyes to meet mine, and I smiled. “I thought of that too.”“You did?” She asked in surprise, and now I had the irresistible urge to kiss her.“Y—yeah.” I fisted my left hand, restraining mysel
Amelia's POVThe smell of food interrupted the dream I was having, and I stirred awake.I rubbed my eyes and sat up only to see Lachlan walking towards the bed with a tray of food. My heart skipped a beat. “Lachlan?”“Morning, beautiful.” He set down the tray next to me and plopped down on the bed next to me. I noticed a white flower and note ona the tray. The family sight made my heart flutter. Ife just like before. He still hasn't forgotten. “You did all this for me?”“Yeah. Do you like it?” Lachlan asked, tucking a stray hair behind my ears.“Like it?” It had been so long since he'd done something like this. I was surprised and happy all at once. I smiled and blushed. “I love it.”I picked up the note and read it. Warmth rushed through me, and my cheeks were flushed with heat. I had missed this too, a,nd I'm sure he had too.I, had even forgotten last night's little “argument.”“Thank you, Lachlan.” I beamed him a smile, and he palmed the back of his neck.His cheeks were red, a
Lachlan's POVMy mind keeps drifting to when Amelia hid the bag from me. Clearly, there was someone else. Someone else she clearly didn't tell me about. Well, why would she? She's an adult and has every right to do whatever she wants. I heaved another sigh and reached for the 5th glass of tequila shots. These shots soothe me more than any therapist I've ever been to.As I brought the alcohol to my lips, I heard a familiar voice behind me.“Ah, I see you escaped too.” said the voice.I looked around and found him—Duke. What was she doing here?He walked up to me and gave me a nod. “I didn't know you drank alone.”I refocused my gaze on the tequila shot, suddenly feeling too ashamed to drink, so I used it in my hand instead.Duke plopped on a stool beside me. “Well, I want to let you know that you have my gratitude.”I looked at him, puzzled. “Gratitude?”“Well, yeah.” Duke tossed a dollar bill on the counter, and the barman passed him a bottle of wine and a champagne glass. I guess he
Amelia's POVI was about to down my fourth glass of wine before Lachlan took it from me.“We don't want you drunk before dinner, do we?” He whispered gently in my ear, and I giggled.My head felt heavy, and the room was spinning. “Oh.”I felt Lachlan's arm around my waist, and he pulled me close to him.“Careful or you'll miss your step.” Lachlan whispered behind my ears, and I felt my toes squirm in my heels.“Oh.”“The champagne here is amazing.” I heard the Duke say this to his wife.Then Lachlan let go of me. I wanted his hand around me again.Before I could call for him, Eloise took my hand. “Amelia, you have a secret, don't you?”I sobered up immediately when I heard that. “S—secret?”Then I turned to Lachlan. Did he tell them that we were divorced?“Yes,” Eloise smiled. “You just tell me. What's your secret… to stay so young?”“What?” I was stunned.“Yeah.” Then she gave my arm to Lachlan. “Don't you feel how smooth it is?”“It is,” Lachlan smiled. “She takes care of herself.”
Amelia's POVWhen Lachlan left the house, I felt a bit disappointed. I had wanted him to stay. “Are you okay, Amelia?” I felt Rebecca’s hand on my arm, and I flinched.“Yes, of course.” I shot her a smile.“No, are you hearing the baby? He's crying.” She said with alarm.“What?” I yelled.That was when I heard it—a faint cry coming from upstairs. “Oh shit,” I bolted upstairs. “Thank you, Rebecca.”I raced upstairs to the nursery, where I found Bailey cradling the baby in her arms. “Where have you been?” She mouthed to me. “Downstairs.” I mouthed back. “My mind took a little detour.”She rolled her eyes and shooed me away from the room.I walked downstairs and slumped on the couch.“Are you okay?” Rebecca looked up from her phone. “No.” I said it with all honesty.“What's wrong?” She asked, palming circles on my back. “The baby?... Stress?... Both?”I heaved a sigh. “I wish.”“Then what is it?” she asked. Then she paused before she continued. “Is it Lachlan?”I felt my heart skip