LEAHFrancis looked around, before his eyes fell on me. I could see he was no longer looking at me with lust. His eyes held pure confusion and fear.He walked closer to me, covering most of the distance between us.“Leah, are you alright?”I held his eyes with mine. “No.”He took a step back, “okay, what's going on? Can you fill me in?”I watched him for a moment, then shook my head. “No.”I didn't know who I could trust just yet. I mean, this man just materialized out of nowhere, and although Lucas never liked him, I wasn't sure they were still enemies.“Were you present at my wedding?” I asked him,His face squeezed in confusion, “of course. What's that question for?” He asked, then he turned around. I could tell he was scared of being caught in a lonely situation with me, especially after what he had been through.In a way, I understood his point. I didn't want to endanger him, so I sighed.“You know what? Forget everything I said. Just go back into the hall, I'll meet you there.”
LEAHWe walked towards the car silently. Well,I was silent. Francis often tried to start up a conversation to which I didn't want to be part of.I was finally getting a chance to escape, and I didn't want to ruin it. I didn't have a full plan for survival but I at least knew what to do.First, I had to get away from Francis. That would be easy. All I just had to do would be getting him to a liquor store. Once he went in, I'd slip out of the car and be gone.Now, I was holding onto hope for the next part. Maybe he'd leave one of his cards or some cash behind that I'd be able to use to survive. If he didn't, I'd have to steal from someone else. I had never done it before, but there was no harm in trying.The media would announce my absence, but it wouldn't be soon enough. Maybe a week or more would have gone by.No, who was I kidding? I'd be lucky enough to get a day or two before Lucas made a fuss of his wife missing on the internet.I watched as a black Bentley drove up to us.The dri
LEAHI stood still as he wrapped his arms around me. Francis walked past us.“What were you doing outside?” He asked, looking around. His voice held a lot of excitement.Most people were looking at us.“I was feeling sick, so I decided to get some fresh air.” I replied,He gently grabbed my arm, and led me towards the tables.I watched as he poured me a glass, not saying another word. Others had returned their attention to the hosts.“Take it,” he handed the cup to me.I shook my head, “I'm good, thank you.”“Take. It.” He shoved it at me,Reluctantly, I received it.“Good.” He said,We both sat in silence as I drank the water.He looked around for a minute before facing me. I expected him to ask questions about Francis, but he didn't.He stood up and walked out. I looked around to find Francis sitting by himself. His attention was on his phone.Lucas had left the hall, and I was finally able to breathe properly.Francis soon walked up to me. “Hey, how are you feeling now?” He asked,
LEAHThe first whip of the belt nearly drove me mad. I covered my arm, but before I could even think better, he started wiping all around. Different strokes, and hits. He used his boots to stomp on my stomach.“Stupid bitch! You won't embarrass me! You won't!” He screamed as he kept wiping harder,I tried to stop the beating. I tried to hide the pain, but I couldn't. With every wipe, the pain grew fiercer. Unbearable. His buckle hit my teeth, and I felt something salty on my tongue.“Lucas please! Lucas! Please!” I pleaded with tear stained eyes,I could hear Kate and Stella discussing.“She deserves it. She has always been a misbehaved person,” I heard Kate say with excitement.“Yes, I've always told Lucas that she was trouble. Good for nothing!” Their words fueled Lucas and his strength doubled.He lifted me by the arm, and yanked me up. I got to my feet with pains all over my body.I watched as he stared at me in disgust. I tried to stifle my sobs, not wanting to enrage him even
LEAHI stood outside the door, waiting for Kate to invite me in.Thirty minutes ago, she had invited me up to her room, only to leave me outside.Last I had known, the time was seven am. If I was right, it would be almost eight.“I know you say you don't care about the media, but you can't forget that the anonymous blogger is still out for you-for us.” I heard Kate say.I leaned in forward.“Look, I don't care if she wants to publish shit about me. She can even say I bought an airplane or a jet for Martina. I don't fucking care!” “Lucas, we need to think about this properly. You need connections. The Irvings had wealth is not enough, we still need to make more. Remember when you said that you needed to be the richest and not just one of them?”“I do, and how does that affect any of this? Once I get the deeds, everyone will learn to respect me at some point.”“What if they cut you out?”“Then I'll win alone.”Kate chuckled, “do you really think it's that easy? You want to win alone in
LEAHWait.Wait a minute…Wait a goddamn minute…Was I day dreaming?I stared at Kate, expecting her to burst out in laughter, saying it was a prank, but her face was stoned. Void of emotion.“Are you serious about this?” I asked, in disbelief.“Unfortunately, yes.”No. It couldn't be true. This had to be some part of their plan to throw me off. There was no way Kate, who had maltreated, and nearly killed me, would want me to gain my fortune back. She knew I would come after her.“Why? Why would you want to do this?” I asked,I tried leaning towards her, but the pain that had been inflicted on me last night was still very much active.“We have both seen Lucas's new behavior. I believe it is evident that if he gains access to this money, he will not only toss you away, he will do the same to me too. At the rate he has been making death threats, you will be lucky to leave here alive. I, for one, did not risk everything-including you-just to be tossed aside.”She did have a point. We we
LEAH“Umm…” I watched Kate stutter,“Did you not hear me? I said I need to see your boss.” She snapped,Kate quickly regained composure, “I'm not a worker, just a friend of the family.”“Great. I need to see your friend. Is she in?”“Um, yeah. Of course. Come in.” Kate ushered her in,I watched as she walked into the living room. She had a black handbag and brown scarf.“Please sit, I'll get her to you.”I had expected a reply from Isabella, but she simply brought out her phone, and ignored Kate's existence.Kate quickly passed by, heading to my room.“Psst!!!” I called after her,She turned, and her eyes widened in surprise. “What are you doing here?” She whispered, “I told you to stay in your room.”“I was trying to see who it was.”Kate moved towards me, “it's Isabella Blackwood. She said you agreed to have coffee with her?”“Um, yes. I think I did.”“Why did you offer to host it?” She barked,I could see the panic in her eyes, but there was no sneer or disgust. Kate was serious al
LEAHLadies and gentlemen, I promised to be back, didn't I?Your favorite blogger never lies.I am back, and I brought enough tea with me. Grab your horses, and read very carefully within the lines. This masterpiece was crafted from pure truth, and research.Newly influential billionaire, Mr Lucas Irving has slowly decided to bring himself to stardom. As you may or may not know, the late Mr Irving left all his properties in his son-in-law’s possession. Rumors have led us to believe that Mrs Leah Irving is incapable of birthing a child.Why her father decided his son in law would be a better fit supersedes me.However, Mr Lucas Irving has decided on how he wants to spend his money.In the last three months, he has been seen with three different women on numerous occasions, splashing gifts, and having fun.I promised to bring the full gist, didn't I? Trust me on this.Mr Lucas has been entwined with Martina McBride, Andrea Ramirez, and an unknown woman for now. Martina McBride receiv
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