LEAHAs soon as I turned around, every feeling in my stomach dilated. I watched as he had a frown on his face, and a beer in the other hand.Lucas was always one to be found with a beer, but never found drunk. Most times,he didn't even ooze it. I dropped the rags in my hands, “I don't have the energy to be beaten up one more time,” I said out loud.I watched as he raised a brow, but then his eyes fell in realization as he saw my face and the way I held my arm.I expected him to cackle or ignore me, but he didn't.“I’m sorry,” he said,I paused. I looked around, trying to see who could be watching us for him to use such a nice word on me.“Why?”“You're confused, and I get it.” He said, walking forward.I took three steps backwards. He noticed, and paused. “I won't take a step closer,” he saidy raising both his arms.I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Why was he being nice to me?“Have you eaten today?” He asked, “you look famished,”I shook my head. He groaned, and then dropped
LEAH. “Tell me Leah, in these few days that we’ve been apart, haven't you missed me?”My heart skipped, Once, twice. Thump, thump. I wanted to think rationally, I wanted to think like a normal person in the situation. Why on earth was Lucas suddenly interested in me? After all the maltreatment I had gone through? After all he had done to me?I didn't want to be anywhere near him, but I was betrayed by my heart. My body craved him. The one person it shouldn't.How disgusting could I be? The man that had shown me hell, just in the space of a few weeks, was now offering an olive branch, and here I was, wanting to grasp at it with everything in me. How pathetic was that? How pathetic was it that I still wanted him this much?“No, I haven't.” I said with the little shred of dignity left in me. “I haven't missed you,” I ground out. I couldn't let this man take everything from me. Literally all I had was already in his position.“What are you saying?” He asked, flinching back, with surp
LEAH. “What is going on?” I heard an all too familiar voice ask.I looked past Lucas to see his wife, Kate. The woman who had meant the most to me.As I watched her approach us, I realized the memories between us would never fade. She would always be etched permanently on a side of my brain, and her presence would hurt every time.I had taken her as my sister, and family, but it seemed to me that she wasn't appreciative of that. She didn't take our friendship for what it was, she saw me as something else. I still couldn't understand what she meant when she said my parents had been the reason for the loss of hers. They had literally taken her in even when she had nothing!I sighed…If Kate so dearly believed that my parents were responsible for the death of her loved ones, I would ensure that I proved her wrong. No one loved her as much as my family and I did.“What's going on?” She repeated, as the silence lingered.“It's your best friend.” Lucas snorted, his eyes never leaving mine
LEAH. I woke up to the dogs barking and the birds singing. I felt so cold; I looked around and saw how bright the day was, only to remember what happened the previous night: I was thrown out. I looked at where I had slept; it was out in the cold, on the bare floor—something I had never done in my life. I touched my arm, trying to wipe off the dust. If only I had gotten the chance to wear an appropriate cloth for the night, maybe I would have felt better than I was currently feeling.Although I wanted to cry out, I didn't. It wasn't that I was strong, or extremely brave, but I just had to spite Kate and Lucas. I couldn't let them see me cry, or be weakened. They didn't deserve it. If I cried, it'd make her feel like she had successfully broken me, and I would rather die than watch the satisfaction on her face. I dusted my body and sighed. As I walked to the tree shed and waited for the door to be opened for me, I pondered on the things I could do to leave the horrendous situation t
LEAH.“Well, fuck you, Lucas. Fuck you, you're never getting any part of me again. I really don't know why, however. Is it not Kate that you want? The slim Kate? Was that not why we wanted her in the first place?” I asked, my voice shaking from anger and hurt. “Well, you're not totally wrong. But she's pregnant now, and I can't have sex with a pregnant woman. A man, however, has his needs.” He said. It was the audacity that triggered my anger further. The fact that he could say all these to my face.“Fuck you and your needs. I don't give a damn, pregnant women have sex all the time. I'm sure you and your wife can try that out too.”“You're still my wife too, you know, so anything I do to you won't be considered illegal.” He said. I didn't have the energy within me to argue, so I kept quiet. As I folded the laundry, I felt his hands grab my ass and I jumped.“Lucas!” I screamed,A smile crept up his face. “You do like it when I touch you,”I forced a frown. “No, I don't. Please don
LEAH. I trudged through the chores, my body aching with exhaustion. I had been up since dawn, scrubbing floors, washing dishes and doing laundry. Kate’s demands were endless, and Lucas seemed to take pleasure in watching me suffer. It was the same as his mother. Lucas always wore that expression, the one where he was certain that I'd later come to him for help. I've been in the kitchen for a whole while, preparing lunch. Kate stormed into the kitchen, her face twisted in a scowl. “This is pathetic.” She spat, surveying the spread. “You call this a meal?” She asked me, shouting my ears off. She was doing this intentionally; I never had to go into the kitchen in my life. I was always served and cooked for. I swallowed hard, trying to keep my tears at bay. “I-I did my best,” I stammered. Kate sneered at me, and I almost broke down. “Your best? You call this your best? And you call yourself a boss? A boss without culinary skills? You must be a joker.” She hissed,“Kate, please, y
LEAH. “What's happening here?” His mother asked from the stairs. I looked up to find her in a pink robe, and three gold rings on her fingers. With the aura, she exuded, I knew she was most definitely out for trouble. There was no way in hell she would tell them to stop. “Chew,” Kate's voice pulled me out of my trance.I turned to face the platter of food again, and my stomach churned. Although I knew the good wasn't in the trash, I couldn't take out the mental picture of it just laying there. The flies, and rotten meat that were there too.“Hi, mummy,” Kate said, and they both smiled at each other.Lucas's mother came down the stairs and walked towards us. “What's going on?” She asked, eyeing me warily. “I asked Leah to prepare lunch for me, guess what she made?” She asked, then pointed at my plate, “That's what she's eating right now, and I went behind the counter to inspect if the kitchen was kept clean, only to find that she already wasted some previously while she was trying
LEAH. I lay on the floor, my body wracked with sobs, and my back throbbing in pain from the whipping. I couldn't believe what had just happened; I had never been trapped like this before in my whole life, never been subjected to such cruelty and brutality. It felt like I was living in a nightmare—a never-ending cycle of pain and suffering. Even my dead parents didn't whip me when I was a stubborn kid- in fact, never at all- but here I was, being beaten by the people I used to call a family once upon a time. How could I be so stupid to think they actually had my back? How did I not see this all too soon? Why did I not notice something? Anything…Was there someone I had offended in my past life that was causing this karma effect on me? Was this the reason for such a life? It didn't make any sense.As I lay there, I couldn't help but think about how I ended up here. I had trusted Lucas so much, with my heart and my life. And this was how he repaid me? By standing and watching his wife
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
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
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
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