All of a sudden Asher decided to leave the picking of the models to me, everything… saying he trusted my judgment. yeah right- like he didn't threaten me a few days ago. the moment I saw him outside my door I realized he just did that because I was letting him see Melodie but I never agreed to him showing up in my home and how on earth did he find my house? I never left my house address on the contract
“Let him in” I responded to the security guard. why was he here? So early in the morning as well.
Was he here to threaten me again?
Or was he here to finish what we started yesterday?
What am I saying? Nothing happened yesterday
I was so lost in thought that I hadn't noticed that Melodie come to me and was calling out to me. I shook my head as I felt her light tug on my night dress.
“Mummy, someone is ringing the bell”
“oh yeah right, sorry honey. why don't you eat your pancakes while they are still hot? I’ll get the door”
I hugged myself as I walked down the stairs, I should have grabbed my night robe. he should have called at least. I opened the door and before I could tell my heart to get a grip… I skipped a beat at the sight of him in his white dress shirt and khaki colored pants and Italian shoes, his hair was tousled just like it always was.
“hey. I was almost worried you’d leave me out here” He smiled, and I struggled with the urge to roll my eyes.
“um- what are you doing here?”
“I thought I could drop Melodie off at school… she goes to school right?” he asked with a worried expression on his face.
“yes she does”
“How did you find out where I lived” I added quickly as all kinds of thoughts filled my head. the last thing I needed was to be pulled right into his father’s hands.
“Please Sam can you at least let me in before you hit me with all these questions?” he pleaded as he stared at me. I scoffed and then stepped away from the entrance.
“I never agreed to this” I ran my fingers through my hair.
“thank you”
“Is she awake?” he added
“Can you answer my question?”
“I have my sources but the details don't matter” he shrugged as he grinned with satisfaction
he walked up the stairs leaving me in confusion and a bit of anger, I followed him in hot purchase, and just as he got to the dining area where Melodie was still eating I grabbed his arm and turned him to face me.
“they do if it pertains to my daughter” I tried not to yell as I glared at him, his countenance changed to frustration as he grabbed my hand and pulled me close to whisper loud enough that only I could hear him. My breathing turned ragged from climbing up the stairs and my stupid heart reacted to how close our bodies were.
“correction, our daughter. how about this? why don't you go change while I keep Melodie company? I assure you I don't want to but we should keep things PG for now for Melodie’s sake” he said as he stared from my collarbone down to my cleavage peeking from my nightdress
“Even if Melodie wasn't here, you wouldn't be anywhere near me”
“Yesterday would beg to differ. I hope seven forty-five is a good time to leave for you?”
“Perv”
“I’m only staring at what’s mine”
“Was yours”
I wriggled away from his grasp and walked over to Melodie who was staring at us in shock and confusion so I smiled.
“Hey Bean, mummy is going to get dressed so this guy is going to keep you company okay?”
“Okay,” she replied dismally, looking skeptically at Asher.
“It's okay my love, he is nice. I’ll be back”
The car ride wasn't awkward like I thought it would be it was the total opposite. Melodie had quickly loosened up to Asher which made me antsy. she had always been weary of new people like me and her warming up to him so quickly made me wonder if she knew something… she had always been a smart kid after all but I wasn't excited to have to explain I and Asher’s past. I always thought I’d have more time.
“Have a nice day sweet”
“Bye, mummy. bye Mr. Asher”
“Have fun kid”
As I watched her wave at us and run off happily, I couldn't help but worry about what all of this will bring. if Asher’s father found out about this he would be outraged… I wonder if he knows I and Asher are working together. everything is so complicated right now and I can't deny the number of times I've almost slipped up with him. Would it be okay to do this?
“Did you hear me?” asher’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts
“Huh?”
“Where did you go?” concern shone in his eyes, I looked away and shook my head.
“Nowhere. what did you say?”
“I was saying we should go to work”“Umm… I think I'll just call my driver to come pick me up. Riding to work together would create a wrong impression” I replied as I took out my phone
“A wrong impression, huh? Last I recall we never broke up, you just vanished”
“Can we please not do this?” I said immediately
“I’m not going to stop until I get to the bottom of this but for now just get in Sam”
“No, I’m good”
“At least sit in the car while you wait” he opened the passenger door for me to get in. My feet were killing me in these heels and the drive would take at least twenty minutes.
“On one condition”
“What?”
“We won't say a word to each other” I state
“Fine by me. Get in”
This is worse than bickering all the time. the car felt so uncomfortable but I tried to focus on something else, like the materials we would be using for our new line but I couldn't concentrate. I glanced at Bim as he typed away on his phone looking so concentrated… I had forgotten how cute he looked whenever he was concentrating.
what am I doing right now?
“Are you bored?” Asher chuckled. my face grew hot with embarrassment.
“what? no, I’m not”
“Sure” he rolled his eyes
“What do you mean by “sure”?”
“I know we haven't seen each other in six years but in case you didn't realize you haven't changed much. you still drum your fingers on surfaces when you are bored” he stated as a matter of fact.
“That isn't true. whatever, I just have a question” I scoffed
“You said we shouldn't talk”
“I can talk to you but you can’t talk to me. I set the rules” I shrugged.
“How childish but sure. what’s your question” he drawled
“Melodie has heterochromia. no one in my family has it so I was wondering if your mom had it”
“No, she didn't, it’s my grandmother who does,” he said after a minute of silence
“Oh okay” I replied worried because his mom had always been a tough subject for him.
“I hope she doesn't get bullied for it. my grandmother was stereotyped a lot when she was younger”
“I don't think she does, but as far as I know, people compliment her a lot and Melodie loves her eyes”
My phone rang, it was my driver.
“yes. I’ll be there in a minute. okay”
“See you later,” he said as I stepped out of the car.
“Sure. please next time, call before you come over”
“You want a next time?” he joked, a smirk splayed on his lips as he leaned out to see me. I chuckled.
“It's not like if I said no you would agree with me so knock yourself out”
******
I couldn’t help but notice Melodie’s worried countenance as we prepared for our weekly movie night. Moana was her favorite movie but she didn’t seem very excited that we were watching it tonight which was unlike her. She got comfortable on the living room sofa as I placed our bowls of popcorn on the table. I stroked her curls away from her face.
“Are you okay bean?”
“Yeah” he replied, her eyes still trained on the television screen
“You don’t look it, or seem it. Want to tell mummy what is bothering you?”
“Are going to get married?” she turned to look at me. I sat up.
“What?”
“Sofia said when your parent starts seeing someone their age, it means they are going to get married soon” she explained while she played with her fingers
“Are you talking about Asher?” Melody nodded.
“Oh, honey. No, mummy isn’t getting married, not anytime soon at least. Tell Sofia not everyone who hangs out gets married” I giggled taking her little hands in mine
“But in the picture, you were smiling at him”
“We are just friends bean” I stated
“I’ve never seen him before like in real life until that day”
“Do you not like him?” I asked worried. if she didn't like Asher, it was going to be my fault.
“I like him very much I think he will make a good daddy” She nodded, the sparkle in her eyes couldn't be mistaken. I felt my heart skip a beat.
of course, she likes him, he is her father after all and there is only so much I can do to protect her from him and his family but family will always be family.
“You want him to be your daddy?” I asked
“Is that bad? I just wondered why everyone else got to have daddies and I didn’t” Her voice sounded so sad. This was expected but I hadn't realized she had started noticing things like this. my heart felt broken all over again.
“Oh-” I carried her into my arms
“Are you going to ask Mr. Asher?”
“Ask what?”
“To go on a date… duh” she rolled her eyes
“We’ll see but if it doesn’t work out I’ll be your daddy too” I giggled
“It doesn’t work that way, mummy” she groaned as we both burst out laughing
“Okay, okay fine”
I watched Melodie as she cuddled into my arms fast asleep. No one ever prepares you for this moment as much as I want to explain to her how to tell her that the man she wants to be her father is her father but can’t be her father for her own sake.
HI EVERYONE!!! FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING MY BOOK. THE OLD CHAPTER 7 IS NOW THE NEW CHAPTER 8 BECAUSE I WAS ON A WALK AND GOT THE INSPIRATION TO ADD A LITTLE SOMETHING SO... ENJOY.
Those big green and gray eyes would be the end of me soon enough, all I did was leave Melody with Asher in the sitting room while I did some laundry and by the time I got back she was already begging me for permission to go over to Asher’s and I could just “tag along”. It was no rocket science that I lost. I let out a lengthy sigh as I watched Melody and Asher swim in his infinity pool from the lounge chairs, her giggles filled the air as Asher showed her funny new tricks. I wondered how they could swim with the sun as hot as it was, I was under a shade and I felt like I was going to have a heat stroke, I only swam an hour before I decided I was over it… I’d rather guard the refreshments. “Mummy come join us. We want to play tag and only two people would be boring” Melody complained while she floated across the water. “Aren’t you tired already? It’s way past your nap time bean” “Tag first then nap time. You don’t want Mr. Asher thinking you are boring, do you? It’s best we keep it
Transferring to this stupid school filled with stuck-up *ss holes was a huge mistake. What the heck was I thinking? That I’d fit in? That I’d make friends? That I’d live a drama-free life? I was so wrong… so wrong that I hate myself so much right now. I can barely afford lunch and my old tennis shoes were on their last legs while everyone here can afford a more-than-they-can-eat buffet and they have shoes for every week. I don’t fit in here. “Gonzalez wait up” Why… why… why?? “Just f*cking leave me alone!” I yell, increasing my pace. “Come on. Don’t leave” “Why?! What does it matter to you? You are just like the rest of them” “I don’t think that way about you” he turns me effortlessly by my backpack “Sure” “Damn it! I’m serious right now Sam. I think you are the most interesting person I’ve ever met” “You can’t fool me. I won’t become one of your booty calls Stone” I roll my eyes and fold my arms as I stare up at him. his blazer was nowhere to be found, as usual, his uniform
It was safe to say Stephanie and I sat there staring at each other for ten minutes, she didn't look as surprised as I was so she obviously knew I was the one she was going to meet. Did Asher have to make this week even worse for me? I cleared my throat and was about to talk but Stephanie beat me to it.“When Asher had told me about everything I thought it was a lie” she scoffed, flipping her blonde hair over her shoulder“Yeah, I can't do this right now”I grabbed my bag, stood up, and made my way to the exit.“I begged him to let me come. he tried to tell you about it but you had been avoiding him all week” she chased after me“Oh, so it's my fault now”“No, it’s no one's fault” She shook her head, coming closer. I take a step back.“Are you really here as the head of models or are you all just here to make my life worse”“Both but only if you insist on still running Sam. Despite what you think, the reverse is the case” I narrowed my eyes at her and took a step closer.“what do you m
I guess he was pretty pissed. In my defense, I didn't do anything. It's not like I flirted with Mike or anything, Asher and I are dating anyway. I haven't seen him in over a week. I couldn't care less… in fact, I haven't been happier. “Mummy? When is Mr. Asher going to come over again?” Melody stares at me from the mirror “I don't know bean. He's been swamped”. I flashed her a smile I hoped was somewhat comforting. She looked out the window. “He promised he was going to teach me some new swimming tricks.” “I know honey. We are trying to work things around okay. He'll come around soon," I replied. “Okay mummy” my heart was breaking at how sad her voice sounded. No doubt she had grown attached to Asher in such a short time. Where the heck is he? I take it back. I care, as much as I don't want to… I do. Anna joined me as I sashayed into the building. the clacks of our heels against the marble floors were all that could be heard for miles. “Good morning Miss Norman” “Good morning
It’s been two weeks since Asher went to Japan. Still nothing from him, not even a response to my voice message. Best believe it has been the most agonizing two weeks of my life, but it also gave me time to sort out my thoughts. Steph helped for the most part, which helped us fill in the gap we had missed as well.“I can’t imagine how scared you must have been doing this all on your babe”, Steph sighed, throwing her head back while I looked through some documents and pictures she had brought to me and placed them on the coffee table.“It got better with time. I got accustomed to my new life because my mom was there, which made things easier, especially when I was pregnant with Melody”. I shrugged, not wanting to let my anger overwhelm me for now.“Ugh, I can’t believe this. I’m so mad… I’ve been so mad with my father since that night, but before. I couldn’t help but hate myself for being quiet for so long”“It’s okay, you were drugged by your father and whisked to rehab just because it
Asher’s private plane had gone off the radar for the past four hours after the first seven hours of the flight and no one knew where the plane was. I and Steph had only been informed two hours ago. I was going crazy with fear and anxiety. I couldn’t help but imagine the worst. Images of different possibilities floated into my mind as I tried to remain calm on the outside but was going through an emotional turmoil inside me.What we were hearing from the staff in the control room correlated so much with the Bermuda Triangle cases. Gone… suddenly lost and never to be seen again. My head felt tender from pulling on my hair in frustration, all I could do was pace back and forth in the control room while Steph kept yelling at the control room guys.“What do you mean? F*cking find him! If he dies, you all die!” Steph screamed before she paced over to me.“He’s going to be fine, okay, don’t worry.”“The storm is so bad though,” she added, as she glanced outside.“You need to calm down Steph.
*Samantha Ceril Gonzalez* It has been a week since I and Asher talked about the past, even with that aside we barely had time to exchange mere formalities. We had become busier than ever. I had planned on telling Melody the truth about Asher but had put it on hold till the press conference announcing our official collaboration.Asher haIt had been a week since I and Asher talked about the past even with that aside we barely had time to exchange invitations since he had a better network and I handled food picking and tasting for the event while we got an event planner to handle the rest Steph was in charge of explaining the prototypes of our gym, lounge, and underwear and the short show of what the consumers and investors were to expect.I strutted into the conference room where Asher sat at one end of the table and I at the other while we waited for the board of directors of both our companies to fill the conference room. I could feel Asher’s gaze on me even when I tried to avoid the
Everything went thus…I provided Kira with the footage of Mr. Herman trying to force himself on me and a voice recording of very implicating conversations he had with many other female staff he had approached before suddenly firing them and ruining their lives in the process. I also got the footage of Mrs. Herman slapping and abusing me after believing the lies her cheating pig of a husband had fed her. Finally, I also provided a lot of pictures of Mr. Herman with his many girlfriends he had gone to visit whenever he had ‘gone on a business trip’. I had gotten all this evidence when I became successful. I learned early that you only mattered when you smelled like money.Kira took the pains of contacting many other news agencies and urged them to publish the stories which they obviously couldn’t turn down because of how juicy they were. Of course, they were paid to keep their mouths shut about who had leaked information to them. It only took an hour for the news to spread like wildfire