A month later.
Jasmin currently sat at Anita’s office, getting a debriefing on the profit and loss so far for January. We carried the monthly financial summary out a few days before the month ended so that those who were to be settled with their wages could get them from now until the last day of the month. Although calculating the losses and the gains was complex and complicated for Jasmin, it was easy for Anita and she did it with less stress. The two have been at it for the past two hours, and Jasmin’s head was slowly aching.
“Sales for this month was lower than that of November and December, but according to Hunter Obi, the analysis expert, businesses providing services in the city are experiencing a sort of setback since it is the beginning of the year. Hopefully, these numbers will go up in the upcoming months.”
Anita was pointing out the calculations on the worksheets to Jasmin, but Jasmin’s head was too stressed out to grasp it.
Ten minutes, however, became thirty minutes as she got stuck in traffic on her way over to his office. She got one of his favourite, rice and beans and catfish stew, and though she was happy at first, the traffic made her a little unhappy. She pulled out her phone and texted him, “Stuck in traffic but I will soon be with you.” There was no response in the next two minutes that followed, and she slipped her phone into her purse. After another ten minutes, she finally arrived at the Inferno Group of Company’s headquarters. She paid the driver and got down, holding onto the fancy takeaway bag which had his food in it. She paid the driver before hurrying her feet towards the building. She had been here before but there was still an edginess in her as she acknowledged the massive building she was about to step into and she told herself the man she was in a relationship with owned it. Knowing he came from nothing and yet made a name f
“What did you do back there?!” he exclaimed, although nothing in his voice said he was furious or even upset with her. “I was saving you from yourself. Now come, if you keep starving yourself, you’re going to get skinny and everyone is going to blame the girlfriend, as always. They will say I’m the one draining the life out of you, not your work or board members, me.” He chuckled in response and his eyes dimmed, causing wrinkle to form at the side of his eyes. She frowned at him. “What’s funny, Mr Inferno?” “You’re just too cute.” She rolled her eyes, but her cheeks burn in response, “You only have twenty minutes and last I checked, you’re a very slow eater and oh, I didn’t cook this myself, I said that just to gain more sympathy.” She tried walking away, but he caught her hand and pulled her back so she fell against his chest.
A week later, Cainan was staring at the city through the see-through glass wall of his office while he spoke with Jasmin over the phone. When he ends the call, he turned around with a radiant smile on his face and he noticed Rogue at the entrance of his office, looking as ready as ever. He had been standing here for a while, and Cainan was certain he had listened to his conversation without making a sound. He was deviant that way. As if reading his thought, Rogue spoke up, “I heard nothing, so you don’t have to worry. I was barely here for a minute before you finished your call, plus, I’ve got these on.” he pointed to the small earplug he was wearing to back up his claims. “But I know that smile. It’s the ‘I can’t wait to go home to my woman’s smile,” Rogue said as he stepped into the office. Cainan scoffed but didn’t argue with Rogue. The bastard always had his way with words. Today was a big day for him and he wanted to
“Mr inferno, your mother, Mrs Ada Abayomi and her husband are outside waiting for you. Should I send them in?” Wura asked from the door where she stood. He dropped the pen in his hand onto the document before him and sighed deeply, “Yeah sure, send them in thank you.” She nodded firmly before walking away and not long after that; the door opened and Ada walked in, hand in hand with Donald, both having a calm and supportive look on their faces as they took their seats. Ada was first to speak, and that was expected because she was his mother. “How did the first day at trial go?” she asked, her eyes eager and hopeful. He wouldn’t have hesitated to speak if Donald wasn’t sitting in the office as well. There was something about him he was yet to adjust to. He trusted him and respected him, but not as much as Ada wanted him to. He didn’t want to be rud
Jasmin drove back to the restaurant, feeling exhausted. When Lisa had called to inform her about her birthday plans and asked her to tag along for shopping, she thought it was something they would complete under an hour, but she ended up spending two hours trying to find the perfect wear for Lisa’s party. Lisa had always carried everyone along, Zoe, Charming and Jasmin and everyone got different outfits and unique designs and the only thing they had in common was the colour, which was white. As they made their way out of the store, Jasmin asked about Xavier. She wasn’t asking to check up on him. He could choke on his favourite fruit salad for all she cared, but she wanted to know if he was going to be around in order to prepare herself for whatever was to come. Lisa smiled and told her he was okay, and she had nothing to worry about. Jasmin wanted to ask why Lisa was still with him even after what he did, but she had been in her situati
Cainan got down from his car and approached Kitchen Delight’s building. He honestly thought that starting her own restaurant would help Jasmin be free and less busy, but that was a lie. She was busier than ever and now he just wanted to go in and drag her out of her office. He couldn’t. That would cause a stare, and he didn’t want that. A lot of things had contributed to the decline in the time they spent together, and there was no one to blame. From running his company to the trial and her restaurant, there was a lot to consider. He didn’t want to find fault, but he noticed there had been a withdrawal on Jasmin’s part towards him and it almost felt as if she wanted to run away or keep distance between them. He might be wrong and it could be the paranoia acting up, but he couldn’t shake off the feeling. He could call her and tell her he was downstairs, but he wanted to see her at work. Coming without first calling wasn’t his usual routine, but
Jasmin stepped into the living room after having her quick shower. Cainan was already out of his blue suit and now in an ash long sleeve while he adjusted the couch with enough pillows so Jasmine wouldn’t feel so much discomfort when she’d sit to watch the movies. Staring at him for too long made her heart hurt, and she turned her attention away and strolled further into the living room. “I see you’ve set the place.” Cainan’s head lifted, and he saw Jasmin already in the living room in a lovely red nightgown that showcased her bump perfectly and her hair was in a top knot bun and a small strand fell to her face and deliberate or not, it made her beautiful. There was no guarantee he was going to keep his hands to himself. “You should go shower. I already picked out some clothes for you on the bed. If those aren’t what you want, check the top right drawer. There are a few other sets there.” His eyes crossed, “O
The door to the Lexus RX opened, and Felix offered Jasmin his hand. She politely smiled and accepted his offer, stepping out of the car in a white, one arm pleated gown, almost reaching her knee. She had on a black three-inch heel and was holding a golden purse in her hand. Yes, she didn’t picture how amazing the gown was last week when she first tried it on and despite Lisa's insistence that it was a magnificent gown; she didn’t see it. Today, however, she realised it was a beautiful gown, and it made her feel good about herself and she was certain Cainan would love it, too. Today was Lisa’s twenty-seventh birthday, and she was having a musical party and she invited only the elites. It wasn’t just a musical party. Lisa wanted to use the opportunity to raise funds for disabled children around the country, which made the celebration different from the others she had had in the past. Lisa had taken them all out to shop a week ago because she want
A few days later, Jasmin was holding onto a bunch of lily flowers and she wore a long silver gown that littered with every move she made. Lisa told her it was going to give her the best look two days ago, and she believed. Cainan was in a black tux and red bow tie and sat in his wheelchair, awaiting her arrival at the altar. He was taking Rogue’s advice and also grooming a beard and a few stubbles were on his face. Jasmin told Cainan she wanted to be married to him a few days ago at the hospital and despite being confined in bed, Cainan moved to plan for the wedding, which would be a small one with only family and friends. After they released him from the hospital, the doctor gave strict instructions that he made use of the wheelchair to help heal and restore him to his full strength before walking and so he had done in these past days while planning the wedding. Coming out to Ada abou
The stillness within and without was the first thing Cainan took notice of as he regained consciousness and soon after, his lashes lifted and he beheld a blurry shadow pacing around not so far away. What a very weird dream he had had, being chased around with Jasmin and then shot and stabbed. He made out the white painted walls, ceiling and blue curtains hanging on the window through his dimmed vision and his head did a mental recall of the event that might have led to this, but came up short. The clearer his vision became, the harder his head ached, and he shut his eyes as the pain in his head grew worse. “Shit!” he cussed and groaned loudly. How the hell did he end up here? “Cainan,” he heard Ada’s voice snapping him out of his thoughts, and a moment later she took his hand in hers. “Oh, thank goodness you’re finally awake.” She breathed in relief and took her seat
A store with dimmed lights was at the corner off the road and, as soon as Jasmin saw it, she raced there, hoping they would still be open.She barely took her first step when someone suddenly grabbed her hand.Her heartbeat raced, and she panicked, trying to wiggle away. “Jazz, Jazz, it’s me.”Her heartbeat decreased and relief watched over her at the voice of Cainan and she threw her arms around him before she thought of anything else.She pulled away, overwhelmed with happiness and surprise at the sight of him. “How did you find out?” her eyes narrowed.Relief and happiness filled his eyes at her sight. “I knew you loved me and the last thing you would do is hurt me intentionally. I knew there was more to it and though heartbroken, I had to wait around and make sure you were okay. Thank God I did.”“He knows about the baby,” she said, overcome with fear, &l
Dennis dragged Jasmin out of the house and into her car before forcing her to drive them away from the house. They drove past a few security points and each time, Jasmin played it cool and smiled her way through each line of questioning they had for her. She obeyed Dennis and did nothing that would spook suspicion for the safety of her unborn child even though she couldn’t imagine going back to the nightmare of a life she once had, filled with fear, abuse, and pain. “Where are the rest of the team?” she asked, a little curious as they left the last checkpoint. Dennis did nothing without his team, which comprised three other wealth exchangers, and Jasmin sensed something was up with their absence. “Dead.” He flatly replied, his eyes on the road. “I lost them a few days ago, during a heist.” Her eyes dropped. “I’m sorry.” She mumbled quietly, but she was not surprised. The life they lived was a dangerous one, which was why she wanted to leav
"Stop!" she exclaimed in panic, holding her trembling hands up in surrender and her heart slammed away in her chest in fear. "I will do what you want, just don't hurt her." Her eyes blurred up and her lips quivered. She knew better than to call bluff on his threats. He halted and uncocked the gun before turning to meet her glassy, and now desperate, eyes. And what he saw pleased him. "That's my girl, so obedient." he cooed. "Your good heart never leads you astray. Now bring out your phone and call your lover boy. You need to make sure that your words are believable because Lisa isn't out of the woods yet." Afraid, angry and defeated, she pulled out her phone from her purse on the couch and dialled Cainan's number. After the third dial, with no answer from Cainan, she lowered the phone from her ear, mumbling. "He's not answering, usually he answers..." The words were barely out of her mouth when the doorbell went
Her heart hammered against her chest in fear and terror as she stood, unable to move in the first few minutes that passed.He was her past; he was also her nightmare and now he was her reality.Lisa lived in a very secure neighbourhood and breaking in rarely happened. Somehow, Dennis, an intruder, had found his way in and now sat on Lisa's adjustable chair at the corner of the living room in black hood and trousers, and an evil smirk at the side of his lips like he owned the place.A million questions ran through Jasmin's head as she speechlessly stared at him.What did he want?How did he find her?Where's Lisa?What did he do to her?Despite the question running through her head, all she could utter became his name."Dennis."He puffed the rest of the smoke into the air. "Oh, good, you still remember my name." he casually stated as if it hadn't been over nine months since they last saw each oth
Jasmin stayed in the restroom for a few minutes and so much had already happened in her absence. She didn’t mind that he worked with Vanessa. Being a big girl meant not crying, not throwing tantrums, and lastly, not jumping to conclusions. What she didn’t understand was why they had to be so fond of each other. Cainan reached for her hands and affectionately took them into his. He said something that made Vanessa’s eyes widen and disbelief spread across her face. She threw her arms around Cainan and hugged him tightly before pulling away, the wide smile still on her face. Jasmin’s eyes blurred up, and she grew sick in her stomach. She wanted to leave. She needed to leave now. She blinked back the tears from her eyes and with all the composure she possessed; she made her way over towards him, dragging her leg with her, and soon she was beside the two happy couple. ‘Easy, Jasmin, remember things are not always what they seem, take the advice you
Jasmin and Cainan were invited on a double date with Alex and Rogue’s at the Pearl lounge and though reluctant at first about going, Cainan back her against the wall literally and she had no other choice but to scream yes. She had stopped going to the restaurant because, according to Cainan’s calculations, this was her delivery week and she needed not to stress herself. He always made an interesting argument with his mouth. She needed this, though; she had stayed home in the last two days and despite almost always being connected with Anita and Andrew to keep up with progress; yet she was running crazy. Meeting Alex and Rogue was a breath of fresh air. They were a pair, madly I love with each other and barely able to keep their eyes off each other. Their son Rayge was sixteen months old, and he was being watched by Gloria, his nanny so that they could have time for themselves. Alex shared the beauty of being a mother, and also the pain. They encourage
Jasmin noticed Anita was taking a longer time than usual in getting the end of the month’s account files over to her office and tiring of waiting, she made her way to her office, which was the next office after hers.The door to her office was unlocked, and she pushed further and entered the office, but slowed down on her step when she heard whimpers coming from the corner of the bathroom.She tried waiting out the whimpers but after a minute and Anita not coming out; she headed over to the bathroom and carefully opened it.The sight she saw was heartbreaking. Anita was sitting on the covered toilet with her head buried in her palms and she was sobbing into it. It was a shocking sight to Jasmin because she had known Anita for so long but had never seen her broken, sad or even upset. The highest emotion she had seen her display was anger, which happened once in a while. Anita was always happy and positive, and she feared what might have changed