LEAH. FLASHBACK. I pushed the door into Bella’s open and I looked around to find my date. He was sitting at the far end of the cafe and I walked towards him with a smile on my face. I was almost an hour late, and I didn't know if he was going to be angry or not. I wanted to make a good first impression outside school, so I had to put my time into dressing properly because I didn't want him to feel like I didn't look good. It was Lucas, so it took a while for me to find the perfect dress to wear. I finally got the table he booked and I cleared my throat. He looked towards me and the moment he saw me, a smile appeared on his face immediately. He stood up and was about to hug me but he stopped and I raised my brow. Why did he stop? I asked myself. “Can I?” He asked and I rolled my eyes and nodded. “Of course you can.” I said and opened my arms to him. He smile and stepped into my embrace. Oh lord, he also smelled so freaking good. He was basically ticking all the boxes in my b
LEAH. After we finished eating, we were served with dessert. It was ice cream. I loved the mint flavour and Lucas tool the chocolate flavour. “So tell me, what do you like doing?” Lucas asked. “Oh well, I really do not do much. I just read, research and eat.” I told him and laughed. “Do you have hobbies?” He asked me and I nodded. “Everybody has an hobby. Mine is reading novels.” I told him and he nodded to himself. “Romantic novels, yes?” He asked and I nodded. “Yes.” I replied. “So you're a woman of high standards.” He said and I also nodded. “Yes.” I replied with a laugh. “Why do you feel like women that read novels are high standards?” I asked him. His eyes twinkled with amusement as he answered me. “Because, you can't be a woman that read mushy stuff and sweet things and then want below what you have imagined. Every woman as this imagination in their head, but women that read, their imagination is on another level. Some people count it as being delusional, but those wom
LEAHMy body had accustomed to getting up as early as four am, so I only had the benefit of a two hour sleep.I wiped my eyes, and I nuzzled words even I couldn't understand. As I stood up from the slim, scrunchy bed, I dusted my skirt.I picked up my shoes, and was about to walk out when I recalled what had happened last night.Lucas had a girlfriend?I passed by the door. Had I been dreaming or was that real? I couldn't even tell. I hissed as I walked towards the kitchen. It was probably a dream.I guess I had been wishing so much for negative things to happen to them that I had somehow created a version of them where Lucas was a cheat. As soon as I approached the kitchen, I turned the lights open. I paused in shock. The same red bull can I had seen last night was on the table, and so was the half eaten pizza. I wasn't hallucinating! Lucas was a two-faced, deceitful, conniving, cheat! I knew it!I threw my fist in the air, jumping with excitement. I was right! I was so fucking ri
LEAH“Are you fucking kidding me, Lucas?” Kate's voice jolted me from my sleep.I wiped my eyes, only to realize I had slept off on the kitchen floor.“Are you seriously fucking kidding me?!” Her screams erupted again, and I stood up.I looked at the wall clock, only to realize it was almost midnight. Kate had returned. Wasn't she supposed to be spending her weekend somewhere?“Who was that woman?” Kate's uptight voice pulled my attention once more.I looked at the door. I could hear their footsteps grow closer. I tiptoed towards the door, trying to get a clearer view of the ongoing drama.“Who is she?” Kate asked, her arms bent akimbo. Lucas was hovering over her, and I watched as she, with her protruding stomach, raised her chin at him.Her face was swollen, and although her jaw was locked, I could tell she was holding back tears.“I asked you a question, who is she?” She asked, again.Lucas dipped his hands into both of his pockets, and took a deep breath.“She is not important.”
KATEI would never have believed that Lucas would betray me in such a way! Me! After all we had been through!After years of waiting for him. After years of plotting and planning. I had given up every man that had come my way. I had made myself Leah's pet. Yes, I wanted revenge, but I wasn't ready to act on it until he brought up the idea. He made it seem like he was doing me a favour.He told me to wait for him. He told me he would stand by me! I was carrying his fucking child! And then he left me for another woman? Not just any other woman. Martina! Everyone knew who Martina was-the public hoe. She was tossed around different men. None of the women wanted her around their husbands.How did I let this pass me by? How had I been so stupid as to let him wander off? I should have known. I should have been wiser. I should have been more careful, but I was stupid enough to let him get full access to all the funds and properties! Now he felt inevitable.I threw my shoe under the bed as I
LEAHAt the mention of my name, I ran towards the door. Kate was glaring at Lucas who had his hands in his pockets. “Trending? What do you mean she's trending?” Kate asked,“Don't you have a phone? Check it out.”I watched still as Kate brought out her phone. Her brows creased as she scrolled through.“Who brought this up?” Kate asked, running down the stairs. Her fingers clenched and her slippers fell from her feet.“This is bad. This is really bad. Why are they talking about her all of a sudden?”Kate asked, pacing around.“I don't know. Someone just pointed out that she hasn't been seen since the death of her parents and they're worried that I am mistreating her.”Kate side eyed him. “Did anyone see you with Martina last night?”“How does that have anything to do with this?”“Don't be stupid Lucas. That has everything to do with this! If someone had seen you cheating on your wife then they would definitely ask about it! Didn't you think of that before going out? Or were you too ob
LEAHThe loud cranking of equipment around the house pulled me up from my sleep. Kate had let me have her room, and although I wanted to stay on the floor, she had insisted I slept on the bed. I knew it was all a part of her plot.Why hadn't I thought of this earlier? As long as I needed to make a public appearance, they would always feel the need to treat me properly. It was perfect.I slowly opened my eyes to find about five people in the room. I scrambled up quickly, but soon calmed down as I noticed all they had brought with them. Two make up boxes, a closet of dresses, and shoes.“Oh, you're awake. That's good!” Kate exclaimed as she walked towards me. She placed her palms on my face, and kissed my forehead. “Oh, poor thing. I hope you slept well?”I was too dazed to speak. How was this any part of her plan?“I did.” I finally managed to answer.“And how's the headache? Is it gone now?” She asked, and I nodded.She handed me a glass of water. I stared at it continually trying to
LEAH “What does Michael have to do with what we're talking about?” Kate asked with a stern voice. I could tell her tone had changed-slightly decreased. “What doesn't he have to do with this? You think I don't know he fucks you?” I gasped silently, covering my mouth. “You really think I don't know about your little sneaky links here and there? The money you steal from me to give to him. I'm not as dumb as you think, Kate. I see everything.” “Oh please, you're just trying to use him as a cover up for your infidelity. You know there's nothing going on between Michael and I. I haven't even seen the man in months!” “Oh really? What were you doing at the hotel where you caught me?” For the first time in the argument, Kate stuttered. “It was private.” She finally answered, “Of course it was private, because you were hoeing around. With a baby in you for that matter.” “That's enough!” Kate's voice thundered through the house, “ I won't have you disrespect or accuse me any further. Y
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