Hezekiah felt so tired. " I hope to win the lottery to be a queen," she said. She was lying in her bed. Still waiting for her boyfriend's reply.
Deciding to take a brief nap while awaiting his reply, she told herself, "I will just nap. I will call him later." After a short 10-minute nap, she was awakened by a sound.
Excitedly realizing it was Sandro, she picked up the call, saying, "Hello, babe?"
"Hello, how are you? Sorry, I didn't notice your call earlier and text. I am so busy," he explained.
"No, babe it's okay. I'm tired. we closed the deal with one of the last target investors we had, and she likes my design," she proudly said to him.
"Yes, I am, but babe. Can I cancel our date tomorrow? I have a very important meeting with my client," he said.
Hezekiah felt a little bit sad but grateful she was ultimately relieved not to have conflicting plans.
"It's okay, babe. I will go somewhere tomorrow too. Our big investor invited us to his birthday party, babe, and he expects me to be there."
"Are you invited too? Wow, that's incredible, babe," he said.
Expressing admiration, Sandro said, "Wow, babe. That's nice."
Curious about his location, Hezekiah asked, "Where are you right now? Are you still working?"
Sandro is very busy because booming in his career as a Lawyer. He handles a lot of cases.
"Yes, babe. I will go home after reviewing this one document."
During their conversation, they shared details about their hectic days. Despite Hezekiah's persistent fatigue, the chat continued. As the discussion wound down, she let out a yawn.
Concerned for her well-being, Sandro suggested, "Sounds like you need some rest, babe. Get a good night's sleep, and we'll catch up soon, okay?"
Hezekiah agreed, acknowledging her exhaustion. "Yeah, you're right. I'm really tired. Take care, babe, and good luck with your meeting tomorrow. "Hezekiah replied.
"I love you, babe. Goodbye, see you soon," Sandro expressed.
"I love you more, babe. Goodnight." Hezekiah said before ending the call.
After taking a bath, as she lay back in bed, Hezekiah couldn't shake off thoughts about the upcoming event. Despite being invited, she couldn't help but feel like she didn't quite belong to their social strata.
In the morning, Hezekiah woke up to find it was already 9:10 am. As she checked her phone, she was startled by her boss's urgent messages.
"Ms. Peterson, where are you? Are you going or not? I called you a lot, but you're not answering my call!"She reads his boss's message."I am here outside your apartment. Call me back or I will break this door."
Panicking, Hezekiah's eyes widened. "Oh my god! What is he doing here? That bastard!" She quickly got out of bed and rushed to the door, where she saw her boss standing, looking rather bored.
"Finally! I've been waiting for you for 10 minutes. I told you we would fetch you at 9 a.m. You look like you just got up from bed," Darius said, raising his eyebrows and giving her a stare at her from head to foot.
Realizing her disheveled appearance, Hezekiah panicked even more. "Shit," she muttered, realizing she wasn't wearing a bra, and she instinctively put her arms on her chest.
"Please come in, sir. I will just take a bath. Sorry," she hurriedly invited him in and rushed to the bathroom.
"Clumsy girl," Darius commented, smirking, as he entered her apartment.
"Her apartment is small but looks so clean," he commented as he roamed his eyes around the space. Waiting on the sofa, Darius took the opportunity to check the designs, but his attention was quickly diverted by a photo that caught his eye. His gaze landed on a picture of Hezekiah and her boyfriend, prompting him to get up and inspect it closely.
"This is her boyfriend? Oh, the rising famous lawyer. Tsk, not good," Darius muttered, feeling a surge of displeasure toward Hezekiah.
"Are you not done there? Hurry up!" he shouted impatiently, growing increasingly frustrated with the situation.
"I'm done, sir!" Hezekiah shouted back, rushing to the living room. Darius was taken aback by her appearance, but his dissatisfaction was evident when he saw what she was wearing.
"What is that? Why are you wearing that dress?" he questioned disapprovingly.
"Sir, I don't have a nice dress," Hezekiah explained a hint of shyness in her voice.
"I know. Just prepare your bag. Bring some clothes. We will be going to the resort, and we will come back tomorrow," he said in a bossy manner, making it clear that he expected her to follow him.
"What? Pardon, sir? Tomorrow? Why do we have to go home tomorrow?" Hezekiah's eyes widened as she heard the news.
"Yes, Ms. Peterson. Are you deaf? I already told you," replied her boss sharply.
Hezekiah wanted to roll her eyes, but she refrained from doing so in front of her boss. "Sir, I think you may be mistaken. According to the invitation email I received, the venue is located at his hotel," she explained.
"No, I have the final invitation card."He got it from his pocket ."The venue has been changed to their resort due to the large number of guests." Darius Clarified.
"Oh, I see. But sir, I don't have suitable clothes. I won't go."
"I know you're not well-off. Grab your bag now. Don't worry about what to wear; we'll buy something. I'll be waiting in the car. Hurry up, or I'll leave without you," Darius warned after leaving her apartment.
"The bossy jerk. No need to spell it out," she muttered, grabbing her belongings and joining him. He frowned as he looked at her.
"Hurry! You're moving too slowly."
"Sorry, sir," she rushed inside. They headed to the mall, and upon arrival, they entered a boutique.
"Good morning, Mr. Hedalgo and ma'am. How may we assist you?" inquired the saleswoman as they stood within the boutique. He is well-known in this Mall as he is one of the investors and contributors."I'm looking for an elegant gown for her. Additionally, please include a bikini, shirt, shorts, or a dress in the selection," he replied.The saleswoman acknowledged, "Okay, sir. This way, ma'am and sir," leading them. They followed her to the designated area."You can take a seat here while waiting," she suggested. Darius complied, occupying himself with his tablet.The saleswoman inquired, "Do you like this one, ma'am?" Hezekiah, upon checking the price, was taken aback. "Wait, this one is very expensive. $50,000 for this gown?""Don't be concerned, madam, as Mr. Hedalgo will take care of the payment.""But these garments, all of them are quite pricey," she remarked. The cost of one gown could cover a substantial amount of her food."No need to worry, madam. Simply choose the dress and c
They arrived at the venue right on time stepping into the lively ambiance with smiles as they approached the birthday celebrant."Happy birthday, Mr. Ramada, here's my gift for you. I hope you like it." Darius said, gesturing to Hezekia. She stepped forward and handed out the gift."Happy birthday, Mr. Ramada," she said with her sincere smile as she handed the present."Wow, thank you so much, Mr. Hidalgo, and also your date tonight is very beautiful," he said and gave a meaningful look to Darius.Darius glanced at Hezekiah, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Yes, she is. She looks stunning today," Darius replied, flashing her a warm, charming smile."Thank you, Mr. Ramada for the compliment," she shyly said."You're very welcome. I'll go great with a few more guests, but please enjoy yourselves!" he said leaving them to enjoy the evening's event."Let's go let's find our seats," Darius suggested as they walked toward their table and settled in.As they sipped their wines, Darius leaned i
The whiskey burned as it slid down his throat, but the fire inside him blazed hotter. Hezekiah watched him with a mix of curiosity and caution, her dark eyes scanning his face for any sign of hesitation. None came. The man before her—determined, wounded, and quietly seething—was a different version of the one she’d known. “So, what’s your plan?” she asked, swirling the amber liquid in her glass. Her voice carried a mix of intrigue and concern. He leaned back in his chair and let out a long breath. “It’s not enough to argue with them. They’d just lie or make excuses. I need real proof. Once I have it, I’ll confront them. Not here, not now, but in a way they can’t escape.” Hezekiah tilted her head, curiosity piqued. “And you think exposing them will make you feel better?” He shrugged, his lips pulling into a bitter smile. “It’s not about feeling better. It’s about showing them I’m not a fool. And it’s about ensuring they face consequences.” The conversation was momentarily in
“Come with me,” he said, his voice steady but laced with something she couldn’t quite place.“Where?” she asked, arching a brow.“To get out of here.”She hesitated, glancing at the door “And go where?”A small smirk tugged at his lips. “Anywhere but here. A club, maybe. Unless you’ve forgotten how to let loose?”Hezekiah crossed her arms, half-annoyed and half-amused. “You think I can’t keep up?”His smirk deepened. “Prove me wrong.”Before she could overthink it, she found herself walking beside him, the music from the party fading as they slipped into the cool night air. A sleek car waited for them, and within minutes, they were speeding through the neon-lit streets of New York.The club was alive with energy, the bass vibrating through the floor as they stepped inside. Colored lights danced across the walls, and the air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and sweat.Hezekiah hadn’t been to a club in years, and the intensity of it all was overwhelming at first. But Darius
As they walked to the building, the silence between them was almost comfortable, broken only by the distant hum of the city waking up. But Hezekiah’s mind wasn’t at ease. The night had been a rare escape, but reality was waiting to remind her of its weight. Just as they reached her building’s entrance, she turned to face him, crossing her arms. “You know this—tonight—doesn’t change the fact that you’re my boss, Darius.” He stopped, his expression shifting. “I didn’t bring you here as your boss, Hezekiah.” “But you are,” she said firmly, her voice steady but her eyes betraying the storm within. “And I’m just your secretary. Or your assistant. Whatever title suits the day.” “That’s not how I see you,” he said, his tone sharper now. “Really?” she challenged, raising an eyebrow. “Because every time you walk into that office, I’m reminded of exactly where I stand. You’re the Hedalgo heir, the one with the power, the authority, the legacy. I’m the one who makes sure your schedule
Hezekiah's eyes wandered around the expansive penthouse, but they eventually landed on the impressive liquor display across the room. A towering glass cabinet showcased an array of rare, expensive bottles, their labels gleaming under soft ambient lighting. Some were golden-hued, others a deep amber, and a few were clear as crystal. It looked like something out of a high-end catalog. “That’s... impressive,” she murmured, standing and walking over to the display. Darius glanced up from where he sat, following her gaze. “You like it?” Hezekiah nodded, her fingers trailing along the edge of the glass cabinet as she examined the collection. “I’ve never seen so many different kinds of liquor in one place. Do you actually drink all of these?” “Not all at once,” he quipped with a smirk. “But I keep them for special occasions—or special company.” She turned to face him, her curiosity growing. “Could I... see them up close?” He raised a brow, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. “Se
Their lips met again, this time with more urgency, more need. The kiss wasn’t tentative now; it was demanding, filled with everything they hadn’t said. Darius’s hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer as her towel loosened slightly.“Are you sure about this?” he murmured against her lips, his voice rough, his breath hot.Hezekiah nodded, her eyes locked on his. “Stop asking questions,” she whispered, her voice trembling but resoluteDarius’s eyes darkened, the weight of her trust sinking into him. “If you’re sure,” he said, his voice almost a plea, giving her one last chance to reconsider.In response, Hezekiah closed the space between them, her trembling hands reaching up to cup his face. She pulled him into a kiss—soft, tentative, but filled with yearning. Darius deepened the kiss, his arms wrapping around her, pulling her close.The towel slipped from her shoulders, pooling at her feet as Darius’s hands traced the curve of her back. He moved with reverence, his touch gentle, a
Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the luxurious penthouse bedroom. Hezekiah stirred, the silky sheets tangled around her. Her head ached slightly, and her body felt heavy with the remnants of the previous night. Blinking against the brightness, she turned to her side, expecting to see Darius. But the space beside her was empty. Panic fluttered in her chest as she sat up quickly, clutching the sheets to her chest. The events of the night came rushing back—her boldness, their shared kisses, and the way their passion had unfolded. Now, though, it was as if he had vanished. Hezekiah slipped out of bed and quickly scanned the room. No sign of him. The luxurious bedroom, with its marble accents and designer touches, suddenly felt too big and too lonely. She called out, “Darius?” Her voice echoed faintly. There was no response. Rushing to the bathroom, she checked there—empty. She padded through the penthouse, her bare feet sinking into the plush carp
Hezekiah tried to shake off her unease as she drove to Sandro’s condo. His message earlier, saying he had cooked dinner for them, had caught her off guard. She hesitated at first but eventually agreed, knowing she couldn’t avoid him forever.As she parked her car and made her way up to his unit, the weight of guilt pressed harder against her chest. She couldn’t stop thinking about the night she’d spent with Darius. It haunted her—the way she’d betrayed the man who loved her so deeply.When she entered the condo, the smell of freshly cooked pasta greeted her. Sandro was bustling around the kitchen, setting the table with a content smile on his face."There you are," he said warmly, looking up as she entered. "Perfect timing. Dinner’s almost ready."Hezekiah forced a smile. "Smells amazing, Babe. You didn’t have to go through all this trouble.""It’s no trouble," he replied, waving her off. "You’ve had a tough week, and I wanted to do something special for you."Her heart ached at his w
Hezekiah let out a deep sigh of relief as the clock struck five. The day had been exhausting, and her body ached from the weight of her emotional and mental turmoil. She quickly gathered her things, her mind already on the brief moment of solace she’d find at home before meeting Sandro at six.Just as she was about to step out, her phone buzzed with a message from Darius.Darius: Come to my office before you leave.Her heart sank. She glanced toward his office, its transparent glass revealing him sitting at his desk, his head buried in his hands. He looked tense, stressed even, and for a moment, she considered ignoring the message. But she knew better—there was no escaping Darius when he wanted something.As she approached the office, she felt a flicker of hesitation. He hadn’t turned on the privacy mode; the glass walls were still clear, the curtains wide open. She could see him running a hand through his hair, his sharp features etched with frustration.Why does he have to call me n
Hezekiah walked into the office the next morning, her heart heavy and her mind clouded with guilt. She was wearing sunglasses, trying to hide the exhaustion in her eyes and the turmoil within. It was difficult to face the day after everything that happened with Darius, but she had no choice. Work was calling, and she had to push through. As she made her way to the coffee machine, her coworkers eyed her curiously. They noticed the shift in her demeanor—the usual cheer and energy she brought to the office was gone. Instead, she was distant, quiet, and seemed almost... defeated. One of her colleagues, Sarah, who was always the first to notice anything out of the ordinary, leaned over the counter as Hezekiah prepared the coffee. "Hey, are you okay?" Sarah asked, her voice soft. "You don’t look like yourself today." Hezekiah forced a smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. "Yeah, just a little tired. I watched this intense true story documentary last night about the lost children in the
After eating and washing the dishes Hezekiah sat on the couch, her hands trembling slightly as she stared at the floor, deep in thought. Eva sat beside her, concern written all over her face. She had just returned from her trip to Madrid and was now fully immersed in her best friend's turmoil. Eva studied Hezekiah for a moment, her brow furrowing. "Hezekiah... I have to ask... Did you and Darius...?" She trailed off, not sure how to phrase the question without sounding too blunt. Hezekiah's heart skipped a beat. The question Eva was about to ask felt like a sharp blade, slicing through the uncertainty that had been eating at her for days. Her voice came out in a barely audible whisper. "No, we didn’t use protection." Eva's jaw dropped. "What? Are you serious?" she asked, her voice rising in shock. "Hezekiah, you didn’t—" "I didn’t think... I didn’t even consider it," Hezekiah confessed, the guilt pressing down on her chest. "We... we did it multiple times. I wasn’t thinking."
Hezekiah was sprawled on the floor, her eyes puffy and red from hours of crying. The empty apartment was bizarrely silent, except for the faint buzzing of her phone, which she ignored until a louder banging at the door startled her awake. Groaning, she sat up, rubbing her aching neck from the uncomfortable position on the hard floor. “Hezekiah! It’s me! Open up!” Eva Grace’s voice called from outside. Hezekiah shuffled to the door, wiping at her face hastily. The moment she opened it, Eva Grace Harrington burst in, her vibrant energy filling the small apartment. “There you are! Goodness, what on earth happened to you? You look like you’ve been hit by a truck!” Eva exclaimed, setting down a large paper bag filled with food and a beautifully wrapped gift. Hezekiah attempted a weak smile. “Hi, Eva.” “Don’t ‘Hi, Eva’ me,” Eva said, narrowing her eyes. “Why is your phone off? And why were you sleeping on the floor? ." She saw the pillow near her and her things. "Also—” She stopped mid-
Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the luxurious penthouse bedroom. Hezekiah stirred, the silky sheets tangled around her. Her head ached slightly, and her body felt heavy with the remnants of the previous night. Blinking against the brightness, she turned to her side, expecting to see Darius. But the space beside her was empty. Panic fluttered in her chest as she sat up quickly, clutching the sheets to her chest. The events of the night came rushing back—her boldness, their shared kisses, and the way their passion had unfolded. Now, though, it was as if he had vanished. Hezekiah slipped out of bed and quickly scanned the room. No sign of him. The luxurious bedroom, with its marble accents and designer touches, suddenly felt too big and too lonely. She called out, “Darius?” Her voice echoed faintly. There was no response. Rushing to the bathroom, she checked there—empty. She padded through the penthouse, her bare feet sinking into the plush carp
Their lips met again, this time with more urgency, more need. The kiss wasn’t tentative now; it was demanding, filled with everything they hadn’t said. Darius’s hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer as her towel loosened slightly.“Are you sure about this?” he murmured against her lips, his voice rough, his breath hot.Hezekiah nodded, her eyes locked on his. “Stop asking questions,” she whispered, her voice trembling but resoluteDarius’s eyes darkened, the weight of her trust sinking into him. “If you’re sure,” he said, his voice almost a plea, giving her one last chance to reconsider.In response, Hezekiah closed the space between them, her trembling hands reaching up to cup his face. She pulled him into a kiss—soft, tentative, but filled with yearning. Darius deepened the kiss, his arms wrapping around her, pulling her close.The towel slipped from her shoulders, pooling at her feet as Darius’s hands traced the curve of her back. He moved with reverence, his touch gentle, a
Hezekiah's eyes wandered around the expansive penthouse, but they eventually landed on the impressive liquor display across the room. A towering glass cabinet showcased an array of rare, expensive bottles, their labels gleaming under soft ambient lighting. Some were golden-hued, others a deep amber, and a few were clear as crystal. It looked like something out of a high-end catalog. “That’s... impressive,” she murmured, standing and walking over to the display. Darius glanced up from where he sat, following her gaze. “You like it?” Hezekiah nodded, her fingers trailing along the edge of the glass cabinet as she examined the collection. “I’ve never seen so many different kinds of liquor in one place. Do you actually drink all of these?” “Not all at once,” he quipped with a smirk. “But I keep them for special occasions—or special company.” She turned to face him, her curiosity growing. “Could I... see them up close?” He raised a brow, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. “Se
As they walked to the building, the silence between them was almost comfortable, broken only by the distant hum of the city waking up. But Hezekiah’s mind wasn’t at ease. The night had been a rare escape, but reality was waiting to remind her of its weight. Just as they reached her building’s entrance, she turned to face him, crossing her arms. “You know this—tonight—doesn’t change the fact that you’re my boss, Darius.” He stopped, his expression shifting. “I didn’t bring you here as your boss, Hezekiah.” “But you are,” she said firmly, her voice steady but her eyes betraying the storm within. “And I’m just your secretary. Or your assistant. Whatever title suits the day.” “That’s not how I see you,” he said, his tone sharper now. “Really?” she challenged, raising an eyebrow. “Because every time you walk into that office, I’m reminded of exactly where I stand. You’re the Hedalgo heir, the one with the power, the authority, the legacy. I’m the one who makes sure your schedule