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
LEAH “I'm sorry to inform you, but…” the doctor's words trailed off as he spoke. I didn't need to listen to the rest of his words to know what he would say. I had heard this all too often. Five years of trying, and giving my best, just to get the same news repeatedly. I tried pulling myself out of my thoughts and tried focusing on him. “As I said earlier, your uterus is not fit for childbirth,” he explained, and I could swear I heard my heart crack. I wiped my eyes with the back of my palm. My lips quivered but I couldn't find the words to speak. My husband, Lucas, wrapped his arms around me. “I'm sorry, baby. I'm sorry this is happening to you. Please don't cry, please stop crying.” He muttered the words into my ear. For some reason beyond explanation, his words only fueled the tears. The dam broke even further and my vision blurred as the tears poured fiercely. Last time, I had promised myself that I wouldn't cry if I lost another baby, but here I was bawling like a baby. “
LEAH.My fears were indeed confirmed. My parents were the victims of the car crash.For twenty six hours, I had been sitting in the hallways of the hospital. The one place I wanted to leave so badly had found a way to trap me in.I watched as nurses sprang into and out of the intensive care unit. I wanted to stop one, and ask about the wellbeing of my parents, but I held myself back. My last three trials had been futile.Lucas' hands were clasped, and his jaw was locked. He hadn't moved an inch in over an hour, but I could tell he was deep in thought.“Hey,” I called out to him. He turned to face me, and his reddened eyes were all I could see. In all the twenty six hours we'd been here, he hadn't slept. I couldn't either.“How are you?” He asked, pulling himself closer to me. His hands brushed through my hair.“I'm fine,” I sniffed.He searched my eyes, and I hid nothing. “You do know they will be fine, right? Your parents are the strongest couple I have ever seen. They'll survive.”
LEAH.Three weeks had gone by since the passing of my parents, and we had finally arrived at their funeral.Lucas kissed my forehead, as he wrapped his arms around me.I touched his palm, trying to give a sense of peace.“I still don't know how I was able to plan this entire thing,” I admitted out loud, “at first, I thought I wouldn't be able to move, or even talk.”“You did this because you're tough, and strong. Your parents would be so proud of you.” Lucas added,I smiled gently at him, and he placed his lips on mine. “Thank you for everything,” I thanked him.He simply nodded, and murmured a reply.Throughout the preparations, he had been running around trying to ensure everything was perfect while I had given most of my focus to the grounds where my parents would be laid. I wanted them buried in my home, where I would always feel close to them. Lucas hadn't objected. In fact, he had even helped me get the men to dig the grounds.The bell rang, gaining our attention.“I think it'
LEAHTime had been moving fast. Two months had gone by since my parents died, and my father betrayed me. What else was I supposed to do? I accepted my fate.Kate had followed through on her words in helping with the surrogacy. I tried talking her out of it, but she was hell bent on doing it.I sighed, pulling out the page from my book. “Fuck,” I muttered, moulding the page into a bowl. I tossed into the trash can, and as expected, missed.I hissed, walking off my bed. I had unofficially given Lucas the permission to take over as CEO. If my father thought he was good enough to take everything while I was just some ornamental part of his life, I wouldn't go against his wishes.I looked outside the window, awaiting their arrival.For two months, I had pushed off my father's brothers and today, I had finally decided to host them. It was time to clear the air.As I looked out the window, I saw two cars pull up. Soon enough, three more followed. They were arriving in their numbers. Good
LEAH At the revelation of his affair, I expected a little bit of remorse, or even surprise. He huffed his shoulders, placing his hands on his hips. “Did you really not know about this?” He asked, I was too stunned to speak. Seeing the reaction on my face, he chuckled, “you actually believed I loved you.” His chuckle turned into a full laughter. He wiped his eyes, grinning, “let's be serious, Leah. You actually believed I loved you?” I opened my mouth to speak, but I was at a loss for words. Wasn't that the point of a marriage? “Give me my phone,” he demanded. With no resistance, I handed it over. I was too stupefied to even think of words. How was I just finding out? How did I miss the signs? “How long has this been going on?” I asked, He was putting on a fresh pair of clothes. “It's best you don't know,” “I need to know.” I ground out, “how long has this been going on?” He grunted. “Fine. If you want to know, Kate and I have been in love for three years.” “Three years?
LEAHI laid still, unable to move as my head banged.I heard Kate walk up to me, and as soon as she saw my eyes open, she hissed.“She's alive,” she said to Lucas.“I knew that already. You were panicking for nothing.” His nonchalance was all too obvious.I felt the tears brimming up in my eyes.“Get up!” Kate barked at me,When I didn't move, she stomped my legs with her shoes.I whimpered, as I crawled my way up.Tears had formed on my eyes, and I could feel my bones jittering as I rose to my feet.She sneered as she crossed her arms around me.Lucas moved forward, and placed an arm on her shoulder. I watched as he kissed her forehead.The same man that had claimed that I was the best thing that had happened to him was kissing another woman right before me.I watched as he kissed her neck, and she moaned, grabbing his shirt.He chuckled, then buried his nose in her neck. “Babe,” he called,“Yes,” we both answered.I covered, bowing my head as they both glared at me.“My sunshine,” L
LEAHI couldn't believe it! She was here! I smiled broadly, wrapping my arms around her. “Thank God you're here, I didn't think I'd ever see you again.” I sighed into her shoulders.Her presence felt like a breath of fresh air. At least she would return stability to the craziness that was going on.I had expected her to pat my back, and tell me all would be fine, but she simply pushed me off. “Get off me!” She thundered at me,I jumped back in surprise, “mom…”“I am not your mother.” She ground out, casting a glare on me, “where is my son?” She asked, walking into the house.My shoulders fell and my mood faltered as I followed her. She walked in, placing her bag on the couch. I couldn't understand what was going on. How did everyone turn their backs on me? What had I done wrong?I watched her sneer as she looked at the room, “why is this place such a mess?” She asked, turning around. I couldn't muster up the courage to answer. This wasn't what Lucas's mother acted like. What had got
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
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
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
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.“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
LEAH“Why are you even so interested in my character, and attributes? Do you fancy me?” I teased,“No,” he replied curtly , “The better I understand you, the easier it is for me to help you.” I nodded. It sounded fair enough.“I'm not a mean girl,” I corrected him,He raised a brow at me, “if you feel so.”I hissed. Soon enough, he was equally getting on my nerves.“Carla looks like-”“Why do you have to keep bringing her up into our conversations?” I asked,“Do you have a problem with that?” “Yes. I just need a break from always hearing about or seeing her.”“Why?” “I saw her, and Francis last night. On the couch.”“So?”“They were naked,”His lips twotched in a smile. I waited for him to ask the intended question, but he never did.“It doesn't explain why you hate her still.”“I don't hate her.”“Okay.”“I just don't like always hearing about her. Like, she doesn't even like me. She tried to mean girl me today.”“She tried to mean girl you?” Drew asked,He had hints of doubt in h
LEAHHaving those two at the house made me appreciate the current silence more. I stretched my feet on the table, embracing the serenity that came with the silence. The television played in the background, but I was lost in a train of thoughts. I couldn't wait for the day I would be able to lay my hands on that godforsaken bastard that claimed to be my husband. I occasionally thought about our plan, trying to find faults. I hadn't realized how hard it would be, trying to get the votes of the board. I had automatically assumed my uncles would give me their votes, alongside the Mountains, but what if they refused? I was only certain of two votes. It wasn't news that my uncles hated me to their bones, but would they really let a stranger take what one of us could?Surely, they had to just think that it would be easier to take the properties from me, than Lucas. Moreover, with me, the properties were still in the Irving's name, and they stood more chances at that.I sighed. And then C
LEAHMy grumbling stomach made me turn in bed. I groaned, gripping myself together. It felt like I was starving, but I couldn't bare to leave the room. I clenched my arms together trying to suppress the hunger.Nothing would make me go downstairs, especially not after all I had seen last night. My memory still had a clear image of a naked Carla, and Francis on the couch. They were naked!I shuddered, trying to shake off the feeling I got in my body. Immediately I had seen them, I turned around, and ran straight to the room. I even locked the door, because I was too scared to speak to any one of them. It was admittably awkward. It was even beyond awkward.Hm.How would I face them?I looked at my phone. It was an hour to noon. I waited to hear their voices when she was leaving, or at least an indication that both of them had left.I got up, and walked to the window. All of Francis's cars were still parked on the driveway. Even if she had left, he hadn't.I sighed, slumping on the empt
LEAHShe kept on talking.It was never ending. I turned to look at Drew, but he had a mischievous smile on his face.I watched as she pulled her husband, with her free hand, “honey, don't you think they look good together?” She asked,The man eyed me then he silently nodded,“I think so too. Drew’s a much better option than the other guy. He was such a people pleaser.”I laughed, “thank you, ma'am, but we're not together.” I finally got the chance to correct her,I watched as she gasped loudly. Her hands covered her mouth. “Oh, my big mouth always get me in trouble. Darling, when I saw him holding your hand-”“It's alright, it was a mistake,” I tried to sooth her.“It was. You know, back in my day, whenever a man and woman held hands and walked in such proximity, it was a silent indication that he had claimed her,” she started to rattle, “when I saw you both, I forgot that we were no more in my prime, and we are now in yours, where this is normal. I'm sorry, darling.”“It's alright.”