“Please hold on for a minute or two. I have to get this, it's really important.”This is it. It's either a yes or a no.“Good evening Mr Xuang.” I say trying to sound as calm and collected as I can. “Good day Mr Baker. I'll go straight to the point. We've seen a lot of your works and that of your contemporary and without wasting anymore time, we've decided to go with the best man which happens to be you. We are hoping that you do not disappoint as this was a tough decision to make.”“I'm very honoured to be assigned this project and I promise not to let you down.”“We will keep that in mind. Enjoy the rest of your evening. In the coming week, we will send you documents encompassing everything from design ideas to legal agreements and finally, the proposed payment for before completion and after completion. That will be all for now, good-day.”“Good-day Mr Xuang.”Yes! I fist bump the air and start to moon walk.“Ummm… Mr Jordan?”“Sorry, Forgive my manners. I didn't remember you were
I head to my room after leaving Mr. Jordan’s office, take a quick shower, and change to go to the mall in simple jeans, a shirt, and platform slippers. I quickly unboxed the phone and set it up, inputting my mom's and Bryan’s numbers, and made a mental note to call them when I got back to let them know the reason I did not reach out these past few days was because my phone spoilt and Mr. Jordan just got me another.I wonder how Mom will react, but especially how Bryan will. I just pray he doesn’t overreact or say something stupid. I grab my sling bag and head downstairs.I feel kind of weird that Mr. Jordan got me a phone and is now offering to buy me a dress from one of those expensive stores. Best believe I’ll go for the cheapest dress available because I do not want to do too much, and my conscience wouldn't even let me. I step out of the house, and the driver is already waiting for me with the car ready, holding the door to the passenger seat. Being all alone in this luxurious car
Trust GAW to always come through. The room looked a lot different than usual. Gold decorations are scattered in strategic parts of the room. A chocolate and wine fountain are at the corner of the dining table, and different delicacies are in stainless-steel fancy dishes that are seated on a warmer on the right side of the room. Simple yet beautiful.Scanning through the room one last time, I smile, satisfied with the view before me. In an hour, people would start showing up. Patricia is upstairs, getting Ray ready. I’m happy that Zoe succeeded in getting Patricia a nice dress; according to her, she said she would let the dress do the talking when I tried to get a picture of what she picked. I trust Zoe’s judgement, as she has styled Mrs. Charity and Ray severally.I pick out my Armani teal blue tuxedo and lay it on the bed. I shave the stubble growing on my chin and take a quick shower. I know I look good, but there’s something about the tux; it must be the colour. It was a birthday g
Doubt creeps in as I wear the red dress I got when I shopped. Would this dress be too flashy? I glance at my reflection, my thoughts dancing between elegance and extravagance. The dress screams sophistication with a touch of allure. The fitted silhouette accentuated my curves, while the flowing skirt allowed me to move gracefully.With my outfit worn, I moved on to my hair and makeup, opting for a soft hairdo that exposed my neck as I styled my hair in a messy bun with two bangs on each side, which I curled. My makeup was soft yet alluring, and to make it look less flashy than it already is, I apply a subtle lip gloss.Finally, I slipped into my pair of delicate silver heels, which gave me an added boost of confidence and height. I put on the necklace and earrings that Zoe had gotten for me as well. Standing before the mirror once more, I take in my reflection. The woman staring back at me was strong, poised, and ready for whatever the evening held. I looked gorgeous, if I do say so m
"I hope I'm not interrupting." I ask, trying to hide my disgust.Micajah has a track record of ladies swooning all over him, which isn't surprising because he checks all the boxes. He is a good-looking, fit, very smart, rich kid with a good fashion sense. He's that guy who walks into a room and everything starts happening in slow motion, just like in the movies. Who knows if he has also gotten Patricia into his web of charm? She's been smiling all through."No sir. Pearl and I were just having a casual conversation.""I see. Mind if I join?"Is it just me, or does Patricia seem uncomfortable?"No sir.""So what is it you guys were talking about?""Fashion," they chorus."I think I know a thing or two about fashion.""I have an extra ticket for Niphme's runway show coming up next weekend. You should come if you are free.""I would love to; that's if I am free," she says, looking at me.I gently tuck one of her bangs behind her ear so I can see her eyes. She instantly digs her spoon int
Caught up in the moment and not wanting to come off as rude or disobedient, I place my hand in his as we start to dance without any music, which felt very weird. I know you can sometimes dance without music and make sense of it, but not in this type of situation.Mr. Jordan has been acting quite odd today, starting from the speechless gaze after seeing me in the dress to tucking my hair behind my ears and then wiping the chocolate off my mouth, all in the presence of everyone. It felt awkward; these aren't things bosses are supposed to do for their staff, except they've known each other for way too long and are well acquainted with one another, or they are romantically involved with one another.Did he forget for a split second that he is my boss when he did that in the presence of everyone, including his employees? I don't want to be the new office gossip of the week. Cases like this are known to spread like wildfire. I just want to lay low all through my time working for Mr. Baker a
"Sincerely, thank you for everything you do for Ray and me. I was a little bit disturbed when your mom left because of how well she and Ray bonded. You came, and it all felt like she never did.""You don't need to thank me. It's the least I could do. Your family has always been there for my mom and me; even when it was never your father's obligation to pay my fees or send me money, he still did. I owe it to your family because my mom and I wouldn't be living this way if you people didn't help us, especially after my dad up and left.""Why do people wake up one day and leave their families without ever looking back?""I don't have an answer to that because I also can't imagine why," Patricia says."Your mom is and will always be a mother figure to Ray.""Will it be out of place for me to ask about Ray's mom?"Besides Mrs. Charity, Tony, and his wife, no one else knows about Ray's mom."You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to.""I want to; just give me a few minutes.""Take
As I lay in the stillness of my dimly lit room, my thoughts inevitably drifted back to the enchanting evening. I was extremely shocked and surprised at Mr. Jordan’s actions today.The memory played in my mind like a favourite old film. Despite my initial surprise, I had allowed myself to be swept away by Mr. Jordan and the unexpected connection between us. Mr. Jordan, known for his stern demeanour, had transformed into a graceful dancer, guiding me with surprising ease. It sounded crazy at first to dance without music, but it felt really nice.I saw a side of him that I had never seen before—vulnerable, genuine, and deeply human. The lines of hierarchy blurred as we moved in harmony, lost in the dance and the conversation. I smiled just recollecting the entirety of today; I felt like a dignitary in the dress I wore; I enjoyed the company of Tony’s wife; and most of all, I enjoyed the company of Mr. Jordan.I was stupefied when he asked me to join them on their trip to Seychelles, whic
Epilogue6 months later I tap my fingers on the driving wheel, humming along to the pulse of the road, feeling the beat echo within. Each song becomes a personal concert, and my audience is the world outside my window. With each note, the journey transforms into an adventure full of songs and delight, making every mile unique.The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow as I drive , my pregnant belly gently cradled by the steering wheel as I embark on a journey to pick up Ray from her mother Vanessa's house. The anticipation of seeing Ray radiates through me blending with the rhythmic kicks of the little one in my belly.Arriving at Vanessa's house, I take a moment to steady myself before ringing the doorbell. Vanessa greets me with a warm smile. "Thanks for doing this, Patricia, for allowing Ray spend the weekend even though it wasn’t my week.” Vanessa says her expression soft with gratitude."It's my pleasure. Ray and I have a special bond, and it’s important that she has that type of
“Son, we are so happy for you.” father says super proud “Your father is right and we are glad you are very happy because we see how your face lights up all the time.”“Thanks. I love how both of you show up for me every time and support me. How you guys helped me raise Ray with unwavering love.”“You are our child and she's our granddaughter. It's our duty.” father says.“All the same, thanks again.” “I’ll leave you two to discuss while I check on what's cooking.” mother says excusing us.“So how's work?”“Going smoothly, dad. Thanks for asking.”“Don’t you think it's high time you take a break?”“I was thinking so too. Tony and I are organizing a group trip for our ladies.”“Now that's my boy. How's Ray and how’s she coping with this new chapter?”“Surprisingly good. Vanessa is good with children and I'm wondering what changed.”“People change. You did too.”I nod, father's words sinking in. "Yeah, people do change," I agree, pondering the evolution of myself and those around me."Y
The car hums softly as we embark on the journey back home after an emotional reunion with Ray's birth mother, Vanessa. The air in the car is thick with a mixture of lingering tension and unspoken questions. Ray, sitting in the back seat, stares out of the window, seemingly lost in thought. I wonder how she must be feeling after meeting her mother and if she has any question on her mind. Jordan, his hands steady on the wheel, steals a glance at Ray. Concern etched on his face, he speaks gently, "Ray, how are you feeling?"Ray sighs , her gaze still fixed on the passing scenery. "I don't know, Dad. It's a lot to process." I turn in my seat reaching out to touch Ray's hand. "We're here for you, sweetheart. Whatever you're feeling, it's valid."Ray nods , a small smile playing on her lips. "I appreciate that, Mom." I love it when she calls me mom and the thought of having a little child growing in me that will call me mom as well is so exciting. The car moves in a comfortable silence
Vanessa stands there, seemingly untouched by time, her slender figure and unchanged appearance hinting at a timeless beauty. There's a momentary question lingering as to whether she could truly be the mother of the boys following behind, given the absence of any visible resemblance."Vanessa," I call out from the car."Welcome to my home. Jordan and Patricia, thank you very much for this. I do not take it lightly," she acknowledges."Hi, Rachel. It's so lovely to see you. I'm Vanessa.""Hi, Mom," Ray greets warmly.Vanessa's face lights up, glowing with joy like a myriad of stars."Can I give you a hug?""Yes, please," Ray responds, embracing her eagerly."These are my sons, Gabriel and Nathaniel Parker. My husband and their father are late," she announces."Sorry for your loss," we chorus, following the boys' greetings."It's alright. It was a long time ago. Shortly after I got married to him, he took ill and passed. Let's not waste any further time out here. Let's all go in."As we
It's a relief that Jordan and I were able to work through our issues and emerge with a renewed vow to never let secrets ruin our relationship. The lesson acquired from the difficult experience emphasised the critical value of honesty and transparency.What truly surprised me was Jordan's apology for his impulsive decision to ask me to leave without taking the time to process everything. Admittedly, my choice to withhold essential information felt like a significant breach of trust, casting a shadow over our relationship.However, Jordan's perspective on the dynamics of marriage startled me. Despite the hurt caused by my actions, he believed that a successful marriage necessitates navigating such challenges through open communication and forgiveness.At that moment, I felt conflicting emotions—my initial guilt for withholding information, Jordan's surprising apology, and his conviction in the essential aspects of trust and openness in a marriage. It forced me to rethink my concept of t
In the solitude of this past week, amidst the echo of my own thoughts, I've embarked on an odyssey within myself. In the wake of shattered trust, I find myself navigating a labyrinth of emotions, haunted by the echoes of betrayal. Yet, amidst the debris of fractured promises, there's a yearning to rebuild what was once a sanctuary of companionship. The road to reconciliation feels like walking on shards of glass, each step a cautious maneuver to bridge the chasm that divides us. But within this tempest of hurt lies a glimmer of hope, a desire to unearth the truth, to mend the rift, and perhaps forge a stronger bond, weathered yet resilient in the face of adversity.The air in my father's study hangs heavy with the weight of unspoken words and hidden truths. Stepping into this sanctum of memories, the familiar scent of aged books and polished wood offers solace amidst the impending revelation.Mother's absence is a blessing in this moment, sparing her the pain that lingers within the d
The ticking clock echoes in my quiet room, each passing second emphasizing the void left by three days of strained silence. The memory of the argument with Jordan replays in my mind, the pain still fresh, and the weight of regret settling in my chest.My phone lies untouched on the table, its screen devoid of messages or missed calls. I can't bring myself to break the silence, understanding that the wounds from my actions need time to heal. I feel empty without him, unable to eat or sleep properly, spending my days confined in the room, looking like a mess.Regret gnaws at my conscience as I replay the argument in my mind. I had kept a secret, thinking it would be a protective shield for Jordan, only to realize that it has become a barrier between us. Communication truly is key in a relationship; the outcome might have been totally different if I had spoken to him about it as soon as it happened and we had discussed ways on how to go about it. Now I feel like I’ve lost his trust and I
I lay in the hotel bed totally famished and emotionally drained. I don't deserve this. My head is spinning from days of trying to phantom everything that has happened.We were supposed to be on our way to Greece today. I hope she's out when I get back. I need a break from her to be able to think things through. If I'm going to have to get over her which I doubt is possible, I would have to see less of her or her things till I've made a decision. I feel so betrayed!I had to put off my phone because she kept calling non-stop. Only Tony knows my whereabouts and what's going on. I can't bring myself to tell my parents.A knock on my door draws my attention back to my surroundings. That must be room service. I can't let them see me like this.“I'm very busy at the moment, kindly check back later,” I say from behind the door.“It's Tony man.”Arghhhhhh. How do I conceal the wounds on my knuckles?“I'm waiting or else I'll have them bring down this door.”I open the door and resume back to m
The weight of reality hits me hard—I can't believe he found out before I had the chance to tell him. Not that his reaction would have been different, but I wanted to be the one to explain. The door closes behind me, leaving me on the floor, where minutes ago I was pleading with Jordan not to leave.Unable to stand, I remain seated, weeping, and wondering how it came to this. It's only been three months of marriage, and now this. What if he decides on a divorce? I can't lose him; imagining life without him feels unbearable.The gravity of the situation hits me, and I crumble into more tears, my shoulders shaking with the weight of heartache. Realizing I've lost something irreplaceable, coupled with the remorse for not trusting Jordan with the truth, devastates me. I should have mentioned it the very day Bryan sent the message, but I just couldn't. And now, my greatest fear has come true.I don’t know how long I sit crying, but by the time I wake up, it’s past nine. Summoning the courag