LEAH.“This fucking tie!” I grunted, slamming the tie on the ground.Nothing was working for me this morning. I picked the tie up, and threw it into the bin. Fuck it.I hissed as I walked back to the mirror. I was in a milk tailored suit, and black Prada heels. I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I had gotten my hair styled last night. My cheek bones were high, and I had dabbed red lipstick on, brightening the shade of red my lips already were.There was no need to panic. Today would go well.I let out the breath I had piled up within me.As I remained still, I recalled what had happened at that dinner with Lucas. He had ensured to make a mockery of me, using every chance to show them I was an incompetent wife. His snobby back handed jokes didn't go unnoticed.I couldn't wait to see the look of surprise on his face when he would see me.I walked out of the room. As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I came across Francis. He was equally dressed, and on his phone. I heard him la
LEAHMy eyes were intent on him as I walked in. I watched his eyes widen in surprise as soon as he saw me, then it morphed, stoning in anger. Finally, he forced a smile, but there was no twinkle in his eyes.I could tell he thought he had figured out my plan.“Good day, everyone.” I said, walking at the podium.All eyes were now on me. I took one moment to acknowledge Francis's presence.“What are you doing here, Leah?” Lucas asked,His voice was uptight, and I watched as his eyes roamed around the sockets. I smiled at him broadly.I was about to respond when Mr Grump cut in,“-I hope this meeting is actually about something official, and not about your fight with your husband.” He said,I turned to him, “I'm not fighting with my husband.” I gently replied,I stepped down from the podium. “As you all know, I have a degree in business marketing, and I am also the only daughter to the late Mr Irving. Well, I am here to make an announcement.”All eyes were still focused on me. Good.I co
LEAH I tightened my jaw, refusing to show any spot of emotion. Lucas voting for me wasn't worth an appreciation, I deserved it.“We have seven out of ten votes. Quite impressive,” he said, and flashed a smile my way. “Congratulations”I was confused, but I played along. “Thank you,”“Scarlett,” he called,His assistant walked forward. I recognized her. The blonde hair, long legs, and polite smile.“Yes, sir?”“Get Mrs Irving's office ready, and help her move in.” He instructed,She nodded, and quickly walked out.I stood as each member of the board, walked up to me, and extended their congratulations.As soon as they did, I turned to Xander and signalled him to give us the room.Lucas and I were left alone.“Say whatever it is you have to say,” I said, taking a seat.I hadn't had any actual meal that day, and my legs were acting like they wanted to betray me.“I have nothing to say to you, at least not yet.” He replied,I raised a brow. Soon enough, he began to speak, “what do you w
LEAHFrancis pressed the break on the car, bringing it to a halt.I turned to him, watching in surprise. We were still on the highway, and he had parked at a highly unsafe location.“Do you have any issue with Carla?” He asked,“No,” I replied, swiftly. Was he risking our lives just to ask about his girlfriend?“Are you sure?” He furthered,“Yes, I'm sure.” I responded.For the best, he didn't bring up the topic again. We drove through in silence, as I munched on my ice cream.Soon enough, he had met with Carla, and we had both returned home. I walked to my room immediately. Swiftly, I took off my jacket, and tossed it on the bed.Maybe Carla was right. Maybe I needed to get my own place. Having my personal space would just reduce a lot of stress.I sat on the bed. I couldn't even explain why I was so furious. I had gotten what I wanted, hadn't I? I was supposed to be overjoyed, and ecstatic, but I was rather enraged, and irritated. I hissed.A knock on the door pulled my attentio
LEAHHe was first to break the kiss. Our eyes were still locked, and I could see the desire warming within his.I reached out to pull him towards me, but he pushed my hands off. We had switched positions, and he was above me. I slowly released my legs, giving him way to walk off.He did so.I remained silently in bed.Why had I done that? Why did I kiss him?I couldn't explain it. It felt like one minute Francis was there, and the next minute he had morphed into something different. His presence felt ethereal, divine. I just couldn't help but want to touch his lips. And he had consented too, right? I mean, he had frozen at first, but he later pulled me towards himself.I touched my lips gently. This couldn't be happening. Francis and I were just friends, and it was meant to remain that way. A kiss could ruin things. I poured my lips.Could a kiss really ruin our friendship?I looked around the room. Maybe it was really time I left this house. Living with Francis was proving not to
LEAHWith a confused mind, I walked up to the table of women. There were specifically eight in number. I didn't even bother looking at all their faces when I took a seat.“Philip said the Maldives would be better for vacation, although I believe Bali would be better,” a woman said,Another agreed, “Bali is beautiful. I was there just last month, and I had an amazing time.”I signalled a waiter and he walked up to me, “how may I help you?” He asked,“I need a drink.” “What kind?”“Anything alcoholic,” I was about to reply, but then I thought better of it.If some people were already seeing me as a stubborn, and less than capable woman, then I had to seem the opposite.“Surprise me,” I eventually replied,“Would you mind anything alcoholic?” He asked,“Actually, yes. I don't want anything of that sort.” I replied, pitching my voice a tad bit higher.“would you prefer something sweet or sour?” He asked,“Anything would be lovely.” I silently replied.His numerous questions was already s
LEAH.“What's your plan?” I asked, intimately intrigued.I held Vivian to a high esteem, and I knew that if she had something, it would be substantial.I watched as she looked over my shoulder. I turned to Jennifer, “just give us one more minute, please.” I excused, then returned my attention to Vivian.“It's quite simple. I've been studying your husband for quite some time now, and I learnt something important about him. He changes every woman after the span of two weeks.” That was true, but irrelevant.“I’m quite confused, how does that mean anything?”“He sleeps with each one of them. I spoke to one of them last night, and your husband allegedly promises to change their lives if they behave properly, thereby causing them to be at his beck and call. After that, he seems them unworthy with a flimsy excuse, and they flee.”“And they keep falling for his scam?” “They do.”“So, what's your point now?”“Your husband needs a woman with a strong back bone. You are one too, but we need s
LEAHDrew pulled the bottle from his mouth, and I immediately retrieved it. I could feel his body stiffen as soon as I did so.I handed him a towel, “you might want to clean your mouth.”“I didn't spill any water.” He rebutted, but he took the rag either way.He studied my face, and I watched him blankly. “Leah, what are you trying to do?” He asked,“Nothing. Is it wrong for me to offer care to you?” “No, but it's awkward.” He replied, honestly.Of course, he was often honest.He eventually wiped his mouth, and my eyes trailed back to the men taking by the field. Drew's eyes trailed mine, and I watched as he nodded slightly in confirmation.“You heard what they said about you,” he said,“Yeah,” I sighed, looking at him, “I did, and I'm trying to prove them wrong.”“Why?” Wasn't it obvious?“I need them to accept me so we can all eventually work together some day.”Drew shook his head yet again,“There you go again with your immaculate plan of making everyone love you. You're not supp
LEAHI shook my hand off her grip. “The next time you threaten me, I will show you the clear difference between a woman born in wealth, and a woman who stole her way there. Don't test me.”With that, I pushed her hand off, and walked off.Her eyes followed me as I strolled out of the building. As soon as I got to the driveway, I took a pause, taking in a deep breath.Francis was a pimp. Yes, he was. How dare he go ahead and tell her about the kiss making it look like it was my fault?We both kissed each other. I didn't force myself on him. I had initiated it, but that didn't mean-“Leah!” A sharp voice called my name,I turned to find Xander sprinting towards me. As soon as he approached me, he quickly corrected himself, “sorry, Mrs Irving. I only called you by your first name-”“What can I do for you?” I asked, crossing both arms over my chest.I could still feel my cheeks flushed in anger.“Here,” he handed me a brown file.“What is this?” “The divorce papers.”“I just authorize
LEAH“You're joking, right?”I shook my head. “I'm not. I'm serious, I want to adopt a child.”“And you want me to be the co parent,” he completed,“Exactly.”“No.”“Why?” I cocked my head, “I thought we were a team?” He closed his eyes, then I heard a deep groan. “Why do you want a child?”“Because she's important to me.”“Whose child do you want to adopt?”“Yours.” He was silent for a second. He leaned back on his chair, then finally leaned towards me. I was still by the door, with it slightly adjusted.“That's Kate's child,” he corrected,I clenched my jaw, biting back the words.“What do you say? Are you with me on this or not?”“I'm not with you on anything. You want to adopt a child? Go on, I'm not stopping you, but I won't be a part of it.”“This is your child!”“It's Kate's child.”My lips parted, and I was about to preach on how insensitive he was, but I clamped my lips shut. It was Lucas. Why had I expected better?I turned around, and walked out of his office.As soon as
LEAH“I'll work on it,”He didn't respond, but with a huff, he was out of the office.Lucas walked in immediately, “what did your uncle want?” “Since when did we become a team?” I snarled,He walked in fully, and closed the door behind him.I looked through the glass, ensuring he knew that everyone could see him. He tucked at his suit, and straightened his shoulders.“We need to be a team. Your uncle is the enemy, not me.”I glared at him, but didn't say a word as I retreated back to my seat.“Do you like your position in this company?”“Why? Do you want to take that away too? Haven't you taken enough from me?”“I'm not taking anything. Just listen to me. I can give you a permanent spot at this table, but you and I know your uncle is the common enemy. One chance, and he'll displace us permanently.”I looked him dead in the eye, “There is no way in hell you're trying to negotiate my father's company with me.”“Look, I'm not negotiating, I'm just-”I saw the desperation in his eyes, a
LEAH“I'm staying for the meeting, but please help me reach out to Drew's home, and see if you can speak to him.”“Alright, do you have any message you want me to pass on?”“No,” I shook my head, slightly, “just let him know that I'm checking in.” She walked out abruptly.I took one look at my phone, and typed in Martina's name on the search bar. She was the first to come up.As I scrolled through, I searched for whatever I could use to debunk whatever he was trying to do.Martina had a master's degree in finance and accounting. A first class degree. She was good.I had submerged myself into reading her profile, until Mary's voice pulled me off guard.“I called, and Mr Drew is not home.” Where the hell could he have gone to?“Were you informed on where he could be?” I asked,“Yes, he's at work.”I released a deep sigh, as I pinched my forehead. “Don't worry about it, thank you.” She nodded, and walked out.The intercom buzzed, and I heard Scarlett's voice.“We are all expected to
LEAH“Why are you staring at me?” He asked with his eyes semi closed.I shook my head, “nothing.” I didn't bother lying.“You should get dressed and go to work.”“You're not fine, I'm not leaving you here.”“I have a hundred staff here,” he argued, “I'm sure I'll be fine.”“I'm not leaving.”He glared at me, “go to work. There are already whispers about you, missing a day will give them a topic.”I didn't want to move an inch, but he had bit the bullet at the right point.I walked into my closet. I heard the doctor's voice as he came in, and I blocked their voices out.Soon enough, I had picked what I wanted to wear, and I changed into it.As I walked out of the room, Drew's eyes met mine one more time. “Get well soon,” I wished,He nodded, and I left the house.I knew I was an hour late for work. Eyes had lingered on me as I walked into the office. Mary ran to my side as soon as she sighted me. She smiled at me politely, “Good morning, ma'am. Let me help with your bag.” She offered
LEAH“I can't make any decisions right now. I'm going to bed, and you should too.”“Okay. Fine.” He didn't argue,I ended the call abruptly.As I wrapped the bed sheet over myself, sleep cuddled me like a warm blanket.THE NEXT MORNING.The blaring sound of the alarm woke me the next morning. With a groan, I picked up my phone, and swiped it off. What was even the time? I looked at the clock. Five am. It was good enough, I could start preparing for work.I got off the bed, and was about heading into the shower when I recalled none of the maids had brought in my outfit for today last night.Drew's perfectly worming team had forgotten my clothes, but they were somehow perfect at gossiping.I sucked in my teeth, and opened the door.To my surprise, a body fell on the floor. My pupils widened as his head hit the carpet.“Drew!” I screamed out, surprised.His eyelids flickered twice, and then a silent groan escaped his lips.In a bid to help him up, I grabbed his arms. His temperature h
LAEL“I've solved your problems”I opened my eyes immediately. He walked past me, and towards the bench.I closed my lips, and wiped the shame from them.The lights were dim, but bright enough for me to see his full physique. He took off the black gloves on his hands.“What do you mean?” I asked, not moving.“Your problem, I solved it.”“What problem?” “The murder accusation.” He replied, as he threw the leather gloves into the trash can.“How?” That was all I could ask. Nothing seemed to make any sense.He started to unbutton his equally black shirt, “Do you really want to know how?” “Yes,” He grunted, as he took the shirt off, and tossed it into the trash can too. He then took off his socks, and shoes. They got the same fate as the rest of his clothings.“Call a guard for me,”“No.”His eyes flickered, “Don't be stubborn, call a guard.”I refused to move.He sighed, picked up his phone, and I heard the buzzing sounds.“Boss,” I could hear his right hand’s voice.“Come to the gard
LEAHHe didn't say a word to me as he walked off.I heard his footsteps disappear, and I walked to the living room.Less than a minute later, his car revved. The metals of the gate clanked on each other, and his car soon disappeared from the compound.I touched my lips gently, still able to feel Francis's lips. What had I done? No. What did he do?He kissed me in his brother's house!He was married, and he kissed me in his brother's home.I took a deep breath, trying to stabilize myself. This was all shades of wrong.I headed straight for my room. It was impossible to deal with everything at the moment.As soon as I laid on the bed, I picked up my phone, and scrolled through. Kristy had made a post from my account.With a picture attached, she wrote,“I have heard your concerns, and I have seen your posts. The slander, the defense- all of it. Here I am to clear the airIt is not a rare occasion for someone of my stature to be seen at a police station. Was I escorted by two cops? Yes
LEAHI squirmed uncomfortably in my seat as the conversation moved forward.Xander brought up the issues to expect, and then so did Vivian.Kristy immediately got to work, typing furiously on her phone. Not once did she look up,nor acknowledge the rest of the conversation. I liked her at that moment.“With all that has been said, and done, I believe this meeting has come to a considerable end.” Drew acknowledged.They all nodded.“Have a goodnight,”One after the other, the room was emptied. Drew, Francis, and I were the last three.Francis stared deeply at his brother who refused to acknowledge his presence.“Dad wants to see all of us”Francis winced, “why?” “Why?” He chuckled, “Take a good guess.” His reply was crisp.“Is he coming to us, or are we going to see him?” Francis enquired, yet again.“I came to you,” a deep voice replied.I turned to find their father standing at the doorway.We all rose to our feet immediately.“Dad,” Francis's voice shook slightly.His father walked