LEAHI received the papers tentatively from her. “You couldn't wait till tomorrow to serve me the papers?” I questioned,“It was an emergent situation, and I was ordered to deliver it before midnight.” She replied,I waved her off, and she walked away.As I scanned the papers, I realized that he had indeed filed a restraining order with proof of me stalking, and being abusive towards him.“This is bullshit,” I cursed, passing the paper to Francis.He scanned through it, took pictures of it, and handed it to Drew.Drew didn't spend so much as five seconds on it before he handed it over to Mr Phlux. “Is there any way we can combat this?” He asked,“I'll have to go over it. Give me a minute.”I watched as Mr Phlux read through the papers, “He's trying to make you seem like a lunatic,” he said folding the papers.“What the actual fuck? I am not the one who showed up at his house threatening to beat him to pulp.” I defended myself,“According to this, he said you stalked him to a restaura
LEAHGold jewelries would always glow on a red dress. A smile curled up my lips as I watched my reflection in the mirror. A trimmed hair, long lashes, slender body, and a mood for revenge. I walked forwardy towards the mirror, taking in my appearance. This look could conquer the world.As I picked up my brown bag, I heard a knock on the door.“Are you ready yet?” Francis's voice pulled me from my thoughts,“Yes,” I replied, stashing my phone in my bag.I opened the door, and walked out.“You look... beautiful,” he complimented me,“Thank you. I can definitely say the same for you.”“Thanks,” he replied,We walked down the stairs, and headed straight for his car.“Why do you like to drive yourself?” I asked, as he pulled the door open for me.“I like to be in charge, and it's much safer that way.”I sat in.As soon as he got in, I continued, “I like to believe it's safer having professionally, and well trained drivers moving you around.” He chuckled, “You've always being a controversi
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.”
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
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
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
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
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