After a few turns and corners, we finally got to the restroom. With a bold 'STAFF RESTROOM' pasted on the door.
"You can go in, I'll be out here waiting for you", the girl said and I entered the restroom to change.After changing, I came out to see that she was still standing there waiting for me."I see you're done", she said and I nodded. "I'm Anne", she smiled as she brought out her hand for a handshake."Ivory", I shook her hand. After we left the restroom, Anne showed me around and directed me on what to do. Something Tory who called herself a secretary couldn't do. Anne was a nice and fun person to be around. She took her time to show me around and explain some things I didn't understand.I served a few customers before I could have my lunch break. My stomach rumbled and I made my way to the kitchen."Here you go", Anne said as she handed me a plate of spaghetti and lobsters."Thank you, Anne". I immediately dug into the food and it tasted very delicious. After my lunch, I went back to work and served a few customers.Anne approached me with a tray of empty plates so I could return it to the kitchen. I was on my way to the kitchen when my phone buzzed In my trouser pocket. I pulled it out of my pocket to look at the caller on the screen. It was Ava's mum."Hello, Ivy dear", I heard her voice from the other end of the phone. She calls me Ivy because she prefers it to Ivory."Hello, good day Mrs Ville"."How are you doing, Ivy?", she asked."I'm fine, thanks and you?", I asked as I started walking slowly towards the kitchen so I could drop the empty plates Anne gave me."I'm doing good, I just wanted to confirm if Ava is truly sick. I called her yesterday so she could follow me to her grandma's place for our midyear thanksgiving and she suddenly feigned sickness. So tell me Ivy, don't cover up for your friend, is she really sick?", she asked me and I took in my lips into my mouth but answered her anyways. I can't believe Ava is making me do this, I can't lie to her mum but she'll kill me if I don't cover up for her."Yes, Mrs Ville...", I paused. "She really is sick, she couldn't even get out of bed this morning", I sighed softly as the lie smoothly slipped out of my tongue."Are you sure, Ivy?", she asked me again."Yes ma'am, I'm actually on my way to go get some medicine for her from the drugstore", Ava will surely get an earful from me, I said inwardly."Okay then, I just wanted to be sure... Tell her to take her medicine and also take care of yourself, alright?"."Okay bye, take care too Mrs Ville", I replied and she ended the call. I exhaled loudly and put my phone back into my trouser pocket. I got to the kitchen dropped the plates and left.I left the restaurant by 4:30pm, I texted Ava so she could give me the address of the eatery she told me about earlier.I got to the eatery at five minutes past five. It was really a new eatery because everything was just brand new. I looked around to see if I could see Ava but I didn't see her, I guess she isn't here yet. I pulled out my phone to give her a call but I saw a text from her saying she'll soon get here. I spotted an empty table and I headed over to it. After sitting down, I glanced around the eatery again. I saw a man at the far end of the eatery staring creepily at me, I looked away only to see Ava sitting in front of me."Gosh ,you scared me. When did you get here?", I patted her cheek because she looked flushed."I got here a few minutes ago but you were busy staring at someone", she said as she looked at the direction of the man who was staring creepily at me earlier, he was now talking to a waiter."I was just wondering why that man over there was staring creepily at me", I shrugged."Poor Ivory, no one is staring creepily at you, it's all in your head", she sighed.A waiter came over to our table and gave us a menu. I took it from him and looked at Ava to ask her what she wanted to eat and also tell her that the bills are on her but I noticed she looked very moody. The waiter left after I ordered for myself and for Ava too."Okay, tell me. What is the problem?". She looked at me and looked away."Zach broke up with me", she said wiping an imaginary tear away from her eyes and I rolled my eyes at that."Really Ava, you're unbelievable", I shook my head at her. Zach was her boyfriend, more like her fling. After her first heartbreak from her first boyfriend, Ava stopped believing in love. That made her break up with every guy she dated, because she wanted them to feel the heartbreak she felt."I wanted to be the one to break up with him, but he did it first...I wanted him to feel the pain of a heartbreak but I was wrong. Zach was just using me all this while to get back at his ex", she said fanning herself with her hand. "He was just using me,it should have been the other way round ivory, it should have been". she groaned."Looks like the player ended up getting played", I laughed while taking my food from the waiter."Please, don't make me feel worse...Ivory", she rolled her eyes and picked up her spoon to start eating."You know the bills are on you, for making me lie to your mom on your behalf", I glared at her accusingly."That's why you're my baby though, thank you for doing that. I can't imagine myself visiting my grandma's place", she said with a shudder.I laughed heartily at her. Ava never ceases to amaze me always. After eating, we paid and left the eatery for our house. I needed a really good sleep because I was so tired and exhausted.AlexanderI positioned myself on the edge of my bed, leisurely gazing through the glass pane of my bedroom window. In my hand, I held a tumbler filled with the exquisite amber liquid of bourbon. Suddenly, amidst this serene moment, a distinct knock resonated at my door."Who's that?," I asked, my voice coming out raspy."It's me sir, Master Clark is here to see you", I heard the tiny voice of my personal maid from outside the door.I couldn't help but smirk upon hearing the information. So he'd come to see me after seven hours of calling off our friendship over the minor argument we had this morning. "Let him in". I dropped my glass on the center table and stood up to face the door. The door suddenly bursts open and Clark came inside. I looked at him directly and said, "What is a stranger doing in my house?". He looked at me surprisingly."Oh, c'mon Alex, don't be like this...I literally said that out of anger and the flare of the moment". He tried to come close and touch me but I st
The two doctors came into my room with their equipments. They were dressed in white lab coats. One of them headed towards me, I recognized him as Dr Charles, our family doctor while the other one who I didn't know was speaking to Clark."It's nice to meet you again Mr Alexander. How are you doing?", he asked as soon as he got to where I was. "Just get this over with, Dr Charles". I laid down on my bed ignoring his question. The other doctor and Clark came towards us."This is Dr Scott, Mr Alexander. He's my new assistant doctor", he said while putting on gloves in his hands and taking out the stethoscope on his neck to check my temperature. My gaze swept over the assistant doctor, he looked quite young. Merely looking at him you'd know he's inexperienced and new to this field. He must be an intern.Clark brought my gloves to me so I could put them on. I quickly wore them and closed my eyes, I just want them to get this over with.Dr Charles was almost done when my father walked into
Leaning against the balustrade glass in my balcony, with a glass of tequila in my hand. The morning breeze was cool and soothing to the body. I looked down at my house keeper who was busy trimming the overgrown flowers in the garden with extreme care. I heard the door of my room opening and closing and I turned around to see my personal maid, Claire, standing some feet away from me with her head lowered a bit.Claire became my personal maid two years ago, after her parents were killed by my father's rivalry. Her dad was my father's driver before he died. My father offered a job to work for me while she was still in campus. She graduated three months ago. She's too quiet, shy and timid for my liking but I guess that's her nature. "What is it, Claire?", I sighed taking a sip from my drink and relinquishing the taste as the liquid scurried down my throat."Your suit just arrived, Master Alex. It's on your bed", she uttered with her head still lowered to the floor. I raised an eyebrow a
IvoryWiping the beads of sweats off my face with the back of my hand, feeling the dampness and the relief that came with it. I sluggishly slumped myself into one of the chairs and dumped the little piece of cloth I was using to clean the chairs and tables on it. Today, we are expecting the CEO. Mr Sebastian informed us yesterday that the CEO will be here for a meeting and we should make sure everything was in order. The restaurant has been closed off for today and am still wondering why because the VIP section has been reserved solely for them."Miss Addams, why are you sitting when you're supposed to be preparing for the arrival of the CEO?". I turned around to see Tory, the secretary standing behind me with her usual pointed look."I'm sorry, I just wanted to take a little rest. This is actually the last one I'm cleaning", I said standing up to face her."We do not tolerate lackadaisical behaviour here Miss Addams, so you better put your shits together and get back to work." I alm
AlexanderI sat still on my sit, glancing around the VIP section taking in the cliche and exquisite design of the restaurant. The soft glow of chandeliers danced off the polished marble floors, while plush velvet chairs surrounded elegant mahogany tables. Intricately designed artworks adorned the walls, and the aroma of fresh flowers permeated the air. The soothing music created an atmosphere of sophistication and tranquility. Every detail was meticulously thought out, creating a luminous and inviting ambiance. I've never been to this restaurant ever since it was established five years ago. All I know was that it was built in my name and given to Clark's father to manage."Alex?", I was drawled out of my thoughts when I heard my father calling my name. I looked up at him to see him gritting and glaring at me."Sorry, what were you saying?", I said sitting upright and clearing my voice at the same time."This is Mr Pedro. He's a well known business man from France. And Pedro my friend
"You mean you didn't feel anything at all?" Clark, with an unexpected expression of surprise visible on his face, directed his question towards me. In response, I chose to simply give him a nod, without uttering any words.We came back just few minutes ago with Clark's father, Mr Sebastian. My father sat on a single chair while Mr Sebastian sat on the same couch as Clark."Who's that girl, Seb?", my father asked Mr Sebastian. "How come Alexander's body didn't react to her touch?""What if you're healed? Or, maybe, she was an angel in human form sent to heal you?" Clark blurted out."Oh please, shut up Clark", I said as I stood up to grab a drink from the wine cellar."Her name is Ivory Addams, she just started working with us few days ago and so far, she has been a nice and hardworking girl," Mr Sebastian said adjusting the collar of his shirt."Hmmm, come here Jake," my father signaled to his personal bodyguard who has been standing just close to the sitting room's door."Yes boss."
Anne approached me after I had gotten into the restaurant. She had a worried look on her face."You're late, Ivory. Are you okay?" I quickly gave her a nod, not wanting her to see the gloomy look on my face."Yeah, I was stuck in traffic. Just get back to work, I'll be fine." She smiled before she left to attend to a man who just walked into the restaurant.I swiftly turned towards Mr Sebastian's office. He had actually called me yesterday to check up on me and to inform to be in his office first thing in the morning.My heart thumped in my chest as I stood in front of his office, contemplating if I should go in or not. Taking in a deep breath, I gently knocked on the door."Come in". I heard Mr Sebastian's voice from the other side of the door. I breathed in again and muttered a little prayer before turning the door knob and stepping into the office.I shut the door behind me and turned to approach his table when I halted on my steps. My heart started thumping rapidly at the sight of
The car stopped in front of a fancy hotel which exudes luxury and opulence, with exquisite decor and upscale amenities. The driver immediately got down from the car and came to my side to open the door for me. I came down from the car and cast a quick and curious glance around briefly before being guided inside. "Good evening, sir," I greeted the CEO after I had sat down. He simply replied with a smile. I subconsciously looked around the vicinity and noticed we were the only ones here excluding the man who brought me here. He just stood stoically at the door, and looking at how ravishing this place is, I'm guessing it's a VIP section.I slowly breathed in and out and looked back at the CEO who was intently staring at me like he could see through me. He still had this sophisticated and powerful aura around him."What's your full name?" I jolted back to reality at his question."Ivory...Ivory Addams," I answered while consciously rubbing the back of my neck."How old are you?" he que
FIVE MONTHS LATER I clutched Alexander's hand, my nails digging deep into his skin as a contraction ripped through my body like a wave crashing on the shore. "It's time," I panted, my eyes locked onto his, my voice barely above a whisper. Alexander's face was etched with concern, but he smiled reassuringly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "We're almost there, my love. Just a few more minutes." He stroked my hair, his touch gentle and soothing. But I knew it was more than that. The pain was intensifying, like a fire burning brighter with each passing moment. I could feel the baby's head crowning, the pressure building. Suddenly, Theresa burst into the room, her face set with urgency. "It's time to go! We need to get her to the hospital, now!" she exclaimed, her voice firm but laced with worry. The next few minutes were a blur as Alexander scooped me up and rushed me to the car, Clark and Mr. Sebastian following close behind, their faces set with concern. Samantha and Mr. Marco b
As the black SUV came to a stop in front of Alexander's mansion, I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Alexander got down and rounded the car to open the door for me, his eyes locked onto mine with a warm smile. I took his hand, and he helped me out of the car, his touch sending shivers down my spine.As I stepped out, I saw Theresa standing outside the patio with Mr. Sebastian, her tears-filled eyes fixed on me with a mixture of happiness and sadness. Samantha stood by the side with Mr. Marco, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Alexander's grandfather, stood with them, his eyes piercing as he gazed at me with a small smile on his lips.Alexander's hand tightened around mine as he led me towards them. Theresa immediately rushed towards me and engulfed me in a tight hug. Sobs racking through her body. My own eyes immediately clouded with tears as I hugged her back, feeling a deep sense of connection and love. I could feel her heart racing with excitement, her breath coming in s
IVORY'S POV It's been two days since I saw Ezekiel at the diner. And surprisingly, I haven't seen anything unusual. I had thought that they would've stormed here already, and I've been holding on to that small hope that Ezekiel was considerate enough not to tell Alexander my location. I've been living in this small, shabby apartment for months now, trying to lay low and avoid detection. It's been a lonely existence, but a necessary one. I've missed Alexander, missed him more than I thought possible. I never stopped loving him, but I couldn't go back to him, not to his world. It was too dangerous, too suffocating. As I looked around my apartment, I felt a pang of sadness. It was small and empty, except for the bed, a table, and a few other sparse furnishings. Joe had given it to me, and I was grateful for his kindness. At least I had a roof over my head, a place to call my own. But it was a far cry from the life I had left behind. I missed the luxury, the comfort, the sense of secur
ALEXANDER'S POVI sat in my dimly lit study, gazing out the window, surrounded by the shadows of my own despair. It had been four months since Ivory left, and I was no closer to finding her. Every lead, every hint, every rumor had turned out to be a dead end. I was starting to lose my grip on reality, my mind consumed by thoughts of her, of where she might be, of whether she was safe.I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep. I couldn't focus on anything except finding her. My business was suffering, my relationships were suffering, my very sanity was suffering. And yet, I couldn't stop. I couldn't rest until I found her.Because I loved her. I loved her more than life itself. I loved her more than I ever thought possible. She was my everything, my reason for being. And without her, I was nothing.And then, the news had come. She was pregnant. My baby was growing inside her, and I wasn't there to see it, to feel it, to be a part of it. The thought was almost too much to bear.I remembered the d
FOUR MONTHS LATER...I stood at the edge of the small town, my eyes fixed on the horizon. I had been on the move for months, never staying in one place for too long. I had to keep running, had to keep hiding. I couldn't let them find me.I had been living off the grid, using cash and fake IDs to survive. I had cut my hair short and dyed it brown, trying to blend in with the crowd. I had lost weight, my eyes sunken from lack of sleep.But despite the hardships, I felt free. I felt alive.I thought back to the night I escaped, the rain pounding against my face as I ran. I had never felt so alive, so exhilarated.I had made my way to Ravenwood, a small, quaint town nestled in the heart of Oregon, where I had managed to find a work as a waitress at a local diner. I kept to myself, never making friends or connections. I couldn't afford to get close to anyone.But as the months passed, I started to feel a sense of belonging. I started to feel like I could finally start over.I walked into t
As I watched Alexander leave my room, I roughly brushed away the tears that were streaming down my face, my hands shaking with anger and hurt. Damn him for reducing me to this state, for making me feel so vulnerable and weak. Damn him for making me love him so deeply, so completely, only to shatter my heart into a million pieces. Damn my body for always reacting to every of his touch. And, damn my heart for still loving him after his lies and betrayal. I slowly walked to the door and slammed it shut, hardly. But, just as I was about to turn, another knock sounded on the door. Angrily I opened it, ready to bark at Alexander for not wanting to leave me alone. "What part of get out don't you under..." My words hung in my throat, when my eyes met with Theresa's. Her face was glistening with tears, her eyes swollen and puffy. A look of hurt, guilt and sadness was etched on her beautiful face. My heart almost almost melted at her pitiful sight and I wanted nothing more than to go int
Laughter echoed in my mind, a cold, mirthless sound. I felt like a pawn in a game I didn't understand, used by everyone around me. My legs trembled beneath me as I reached the top of the stairs, my hand grasping for the door handle to my room.I flung the door open and stumbled inside, slamming it shut behind me. I leaned against the door, my heart racing, my mind spinning. I felt like I was trapped in a nightmare, with no escape.I slid down the door, my legs giving out beneath me. I buried my face in my hands, tears streaming down my face. I felt so alone, so lost. My hands wrapped around my stomach protectively, as if to protect the life growing inside me from the unknown danger surrounding me. A soft knock on the door broke the silence. "Angel, please let me in," Alexander's voice whispered through the door.I shook my head, even though he couldn't see me. "Go away," I whispered back.The knocking stopped, but I knew he wouldn't give up. He would keep trying to reach me, to expla
IVORY'S POVI stood frozen at the foot of the stairs, my eyes fixed on the scene before me as five pairs of eyes locked onto me, their gazes piercing and intense. Alexander's words hung in the air, a confession of secrets and lies that threatened to upend my entire world. My mind reeled, struggling to process the words he had just dropped, as if trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces.My head spun, a dizzying sensation washing over me like a wave, leaving me breathless and disoriented. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, the wind knocked out of me, leaving me gasping for air. My legs trembled beneath me, and I reached out for the stair railings, grasping for support as the room seemed to tilt around me.Alexander immediately took a step towards me, his eyes filled with concern, but I stopped him with a raised finger, my hand shaking with a mix of anger and fear. I shook my head at him, a silent warning to stay back, to give me space to process the chaos that was erupting in
ALEXANDER'S POVI paced back and forth in my dimly lit study, my mind consumed by the events of the past few days. If only I had arrived sooner, maybe Ava would still be alive. Maybe Ivory wouldn't be lying on a bed, her heart broken and her spirit shattered.Three days ago, our mission to rescue Ivory and Ava from the clutches of Russo and his brother had gone catastrophically wrong. We were racing against time to reach the docks where they were being held hostage, but fate had other plans. Russo's men ambushed us, and we found ourselves entangled in a fierce battle that seemed to have no end. Wave after wave of his henchmen attacked us, each one more relentless than the last. We fought valiantly, but the sheer number of opponents slowed us down, and precious minutes ticked by.As the fight dragged on for over two hours, my anxiety grew. Every second counted, and I knew that Ivory and Ava were running out of time. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we emerged victorious, bu