ERIKAErika frowned as he looked at her, scanning her face to make sure if it was a good idea and then he gave her a very subtle smile."The beach first or the art gallery?" He asked, making Erika grin wide at his acceptance.She didn't know if he had cancelled the date but she was certain because of how the time passed after that. Nigel was more laid back as they drove to the beach, the conversations never stopped. He told her about his adventures in the city and how he loved travelling here every time possible. He drove her to a supposed "spot" that was his favourite and it was a part of the beach that was completely empty, more like a hideout. People usually visited that side which made it perfect for privacy and just uninterrupted time. They walked barefoot on the beach for some time, not running out of things to talk about with giddiness in Erika's stomach even though she knew she shouldn't get that excited about something like that because it wasn't supposed to end up well. The
ERIKA"Huh?" Nigel looked at her like she had spoken gibberish. "I am still meeting Rachel, why would I cancel the date?"He said, breaking every forming expectation in her heart like Lego and she hated the expression and shallowness dawning upon her right at that moment. It felt like a straight jab to the heart even if it was completely unintentional. He has given had what she asked her, he has spent time with her and made it up for her as nicely as possible for leaving her behind in the evening. She couldn't even complain or project her disappointment. It went out of her place to say because he hadn't been selfish.She couldn't be selfish too, she had to let go of him. "You.. are?" She asked as if confirming would change something."Yeah, at 8. When else do people go on dates, Sterling?" He said with a look on his face that called Erika an idiot, that she definitely was. She was a complete fool to trust her heart more than her brain and give in to the simple pleasures that she had
ERIKA"Huh?" Nigel looked at her like she had spoken gibberish. "I am still meeting Rachel, why would I cancel the date?"He said, breaking every forming expectation in her heart like Lego and she hated the expression and shallowness dawning upon her right at that moment. It felt like a straight jab to the heart even if it was completely unintentional. He has given had what she asked her, he has spent time with her and made it up for her as nicely as possible for leaving her behind in the evening. She couldn't even complain or project her disappointment. It went out of her place to say because he hadn't been selfish.She couldn't be selfish too, she had to let go of him. "You.. are?" She asked as if confirming would change something."Yeah, at 8. When else do people go on dates, Sterling?" He said with a look on his face that called Erika an idiot, that she definitely was. She was a complete fool to trust her heart more than her brain and give in to the simple pleasures that she had
The day she has been waiting for ages was finally here. It has to be the benefit of being one of the most successful businessman's daughter, especially a man who wants his legacy to be enjoyed by his family for years to come.He was retiring today, which obviously meant the CEO position would be passed down to none other than, Erika Sterling, daughter of Matthew Sterling. Everything was set. She had put on her black pencil skirt and a blazer on top, with her statement pearl necklace that her dad gifted her, knowing he would appreciate it. It would be the first time she was seeing him in 5 years that she has been away from LA. She gets into her cadillac and the driver takes her straight to the office, Sterling and Co., a top grossing retail company.She entered the huge luxurious building, greeting everyone back because there was not one employee who didn't know her even though she rarely ever bothered checking in with her dad's business. But she was here today, to take what belonged
"If you don't want to be thrown out of here," he leaned in and whispered in her ears, "Obey."Erika looked up to meet his eyes which were filled with malice, she couldn't process what made her dad believe this man was up to any good at all. She felt discomfort and anger, making her push him a little away from her."I belong here. Do you really think you have any authority to throw me out of here? Never-"Just when her words landed, a knock on the cabin door surfaced. The corner of his lips turned up into a smile. "Your ride is here," he smiled, making her look back to see the security guards standing, waiting for her. Horrified, Erika stared at their serious faces. They weren't joking, he.. wasn't joking. Nigel walked right behind her and leaned down to whisper in her ears, "You've lost everything. Now take your pathetic self out of this office if you don't want to lose your little self-respect by being dragged out."Erika stiffened, her face burning up with shame. She could walk out
"You can be my little plaything." He said.Erika's mouth dropped open, she tried to let his words sink in with his devious smile on her face. Plaything.. that's what he wanted.. to toy with her."No.. I wanna go home..""Go, no one's stopping you," he said, backing off like he was clearing the way out. But there was no point. Erika had nothing. "If you want to see for yourself how worthless you are, how no one wants you there, you're free to do so."Erika couldn't even take a step even if she knew a total stranger was telling her what her life has turned to. She shouldn't believe him but she was hesitant. Maybe that's what he wanted. Maybe he was playing deceiving tricks with her so she would just give up."I know you're lying.""Suit yourself," he shrugged like he knew everything. But she wasn't falling for it. She was just starting to walk away when he spoke again. "But do you know what the media is talking about?"Erika froze. The media was never a fan of her with her numerous dati
"Then why don't we start with you getting on your knees and begging?" The words immediately climbed up Erika's spine. She wasn't hearing it right, she thought, but the rigid expression on his face told a different story."Don't play around. I'm here.. I accept the offer.. so just tell me what to do," she said, trying to brush over the topic as quick as possible but he burst out into a mocking laughter. He tilted his head with disbelief and then stared back at her stupefied face."You've always had everything so easy, Ms Sterling, that you really have no idea how things work," Nigel's voice was harsh, striking at her naivety. He got up from his chair and turned to face her, dead serious now. "I'm sure I already made myself clear.""I don't get it.. you can't make me do things for you.. you just can't..", Erika took a step back, startled by how unnerving this felt. That seemed to set him off a little as he raised his hand and banged on his desk hard, making her flinch. He was not playi
The small room had white and grey walls with a single bed, bedside table, a small cupboard and an attached washroom. One window opened up to the view of the lawn in the mansion and on the sill, a cactus plant was kept. The room was clean and alright for use but not for Erika.She was shellshocked at that sight and couldn't believe her eyes. The room was 5× smaller than her own bedroom, no skincare, no hair and body care, no clothes, no designer shoes, not even her emotional support jewellery. As she closed the door behind her, she realised she had nothing. She frantically rummaged through her bag that she was sent away with but all she could find was her old clothes. They didn't pack any of her jewellery or designer clothes. If she had them, she could've at least sold a few to get by till she developed a plan. But she was ruined. The room was suffocating her even if it would be fine enough for anyone else. She was getting the ick in every corner of the room, reluctant to touch anythi