MEREDITH: Dark blindfolds went over my eyes, with Miles constantly reassuring me that I was safe and that I could trust him. He led me through a soft path into somewhere that smelled like flowers, filled with the chirping of birds. He took off the blindfolds, and I instantly went into static mode. The entire back garden had been adorned with roses of different colors. On the top of each branch, hanging were colorful birds in cages, giving a spiral form. In the middle was a very large box that had a bow tie made from roses and balloons in red and white. Miles grabbed a bouquet of roses and a second one filled with money and handed it over to me. He smiled and kissed my lips. I lost coordination of how to function. I just stood, blinking while glancing at everything. This couldn't be for me, right? What was he up to? “Meredith, I know we started on the wrong foot. I mean, you killed my favorite lilies. I still haven't forgiven you. Furthermore, our initial relationship was a lie, but
MILES: By the time I woke up, I was rejuvenated. Well-rested and filled with energy. Meredith was wrapping her hair when I squinted my eyes to adjust to the blaring brightness. She had changed into different clothing. “You tricked me into sleeping with your exceptional massage,” I said, pushing my heavy body to sit. She screamed and jolted back, flinging the towel. “Shit! You scared me.” Smiling, “Are you guilty of something?” “Maybe.” She picked up and folded the towel, placing it on the table. Then she came to me and planted a kiss on my lips before sinking into my lap. She traced the scars around my chest with the pad of her finger, then bent and tenderly kissed the scars. “You look well-rested.” “Thanks to you.” She slid off my lap and held out her hand. “Come.” Grumbling, I picked up my shirt and began to button it, following her. When we left the bedroom to go downstairs, she paused and looked at me. “Don't get mad at whatever you see.” “When I am warned beforehand, I te
MILES: My plate was empty, and so was hers. I didn't wait for her to head for the sink. Rather, I asked her to sit and began to clean up the counter and do the dishes. “You cook. I clean," I firmly told her. She drummed her fingers restlessly on the cold granite. “Fine. I never knew you could be this sweet. Always thought you were a bone to contend with. But you have proven me wrong. Look at you, looking hot while doing the dishes.” “I am surprised at myself. Anyway, do you want to continue working, or would you prefer to stay home?” “What do you mean? I am not following.” I studied her for a moment, then spoke the words I never thought I’d hear myself say. “You can just spend my money and not work. Or work from home without getting involved at the office. I don't mind.” I don't know what I was thinking. I just couldn't entertain the thought of her being stressed. She was speechless. Her lips moved, yet no words came out. Then she did the strangest thing. She laughed. Huge, loud
MEREDITH: Monday morning came, and Miles and I went over to Steele's headquarters to finalize the purchase. After discussing a lot of business terms and conditions, a final document was drawn up. Some clauses stated that Steele had the right to back out if Miles's image took a hit. Proper investigation, background checks, and financial audits would be done to ensure he wasn't guilty of anything. Reading the heavy document made me feel like he was going for gold rather than a football club. List upon list of dos and don'ts. Finally, the meeting came to an end with hand claps, hugs, and pictures. It would only take less than a month for Steele's signature to be scribbled on the dotted lines of the selling paper. Zara had also attended the meeting, and she insisted everyone celebrate. She had chefs bring over homemade meals, snacks, and gift bags for everyone in attendance. Many people were involved, mind you; myself, so many executives from both Steele and Miles's company, Zara, and
MILES: Tossing and turning, I felt cold, soft sheets under me—cotton of some sort. The atmosphere was filled with the aroma of something cooked with coconut, maybe rice. I sniffed and inhaled, trying to take in every line of smell. A baby began to fuss, crying, but I had no babies. Maybe I was imagining things. I laughed at myself. The cry became louder, turning into two babies. I scrambled out of bed, despising the distasteful noise. My attention fell on my outfit, and my coordination fell into confusion. I rushed to find a full-length mirror. I was in some awful red pajamas, a black polo, and some metal stuff on my finger that felt cold. Fear gripped me as I fought the acceptance of that familiar coldness—a golden wedding band sat pretty on my fingers. The kids continued to cry, making me spin around to try to get to them. A familiar voice called out to me. “Baby, please, find out what's wrong with the kids.” “Meredith?” I asked, bewildered. She appeared with a hand towel, dryin
MILES: We trailed behind her. Once again, passing numerous wards of sick people and doctors with nurses rushing to attend to them. Minimizing my focus to make sure I concentrated on getting to our destination, we rode the elevator. We made it out. This floor held both the examination room and Grenada's office. “Brandon, wait outside,” I instructed as we entered the examination room. “Yes, sir.” Grenada tried to lend me a hand to get inside, but I glared at her, storming into the examination room. “We better have a proper explanation as to why I keep fainting,” I mumbled, catching a glimpse of Grenada rolling her eyes. I lay on the examination bed after changing into a hospital gown. The cold metal bed rails, soft pillows, crisp sheets, and smooth plastic emergency remote were all uncomfortable for me. Grenada wore gloves. A cool swipe of antiseptic being applied to my skin was quickly replaced with a prick of a needle that made me jerk. She began to carry out a series of tests. S
MEREDITH: Before I could gather my thoughts, the words already slipped out of my mouth. Miles's presence overshadowed my thinking. If I read his body language correctly, he wasn't kidding about what he was about to show me, and my gut feeling told me I wasn't ready for it. Still, I asked for it and would eventually face the consequences. We pulled up to a busy area. Girls lined up in their skimpy outfits, struggling to get in, and the guys over-dressed to impress. Miles's guards first stepped out of the black van they rode in. From behind us, they inspected the premises before informing Brandon through the wired coil around his ears that the path was clear. “Sir, the area is clear,” Brandon in turn informed us. “I can't believe you are taking me to a club on a Monday in my work outfit. Miles Pierce, you are just too odd. I thought clubbing was done on weekends?” I complained. He chuckled and leaned in close to my face. “Darling, I can club anytime. As I said, this is a special clu
MILES: Sensing her fear, I moved closer to her. “Hey, trust me. I would never hurt you unless it's for pleasure, and I'm pretty experienced with that. Don't worry. I'm just going to find out what you like and dislike. You might not be different after all.” “I don't want to. You are scaring me, Miles.” “Okay. I won't force it. Let's go eat dinner then. I made a reservation. Let's get to the room.” She studied me for a while and reluctantly placed her hand in mine. We continued walking, with me making sure that her sight was focused on our path. Shortly, we got to my door, which had the bold inscription of 'BLU' italicized in black. I reached into my pocket and got my key, unlocking the door to a place that held a different personality of who I was, which she would soon find out. She took in the view and gasped. “It's beautiful.” Indeed, it was. I enrolled in this club when I was in a dark place in my life years back. I visited frequently as it was a source of validation. Somehow,