LINDEN The nurses dressed in white tried to hold me down with words when I barged in, but I shoved past, chest pounding heavily. I ignored the stares from the patients and staff, focusing on my clenched fists. I wanted to unleash my anger on just one person but when I looked around, the person was nowhere to be seen.A petite nurse with a pen sticking from her cap, came forward and tried to talk to me. “Mr. Rawlings, sir, please… you're in the hospital.”My jaw clenched tighter. “Tell me she’s alive.”“Your sister is fine, she is receiving treatment, just calm down.”It wouldn't be news that Willow Rawlings was in this hospital. I wasn't an ordinary billionaire, half of the town knows me and what I do. I wouldn't hesitate to destroy whosoever messes with any of my family.“What room is she in?” I demanded.The nurse sighed and answered, checking the file in her hand. “She is in…”My patience was wearing thin and I yelled at her. But then, through the tension came Jensyn's gentle voic
JENSYNCinnamon scent drifted through the air and hit my nose. It was too strong and I had used scented candles to mask the burning smell rising from the oven, but that didn't help at all. The kitchen smelt like cigarettes and burnt wood. I had yet another disaster in trying to make bread. In fact, what I made was not edible in any form. Andrea sat with her legs dangling on the kitchen counter, a lollipop was trapped in her mouth like a vice. She had been home since the beginning of this week and all I could say was that: I love Andrea too much to let her go. “If it’s Christmas,” Andrea said between her licks and I turned my attention to her, “then I want mashed potatoes. And turkey. No chicken. No, wait. Turkey and chicken. And the fluffy bread. The one with butter inside, I think that'd make a difference because we've always had chicken. The two would make sense.”I wiped my hands in the apron, which was now covered in oil and flour. “You're talking like I'm one mighty cook here.
LINDENMy morning was already eating at my insides, and then when I saw my inbox filled with flagged emails (one from the police department. I viewed it and it was still the sad story that the person who called Jensyn hadn't been found. The rest of the mail's were just random). The realisation of what I was about to face pressed heavily on me.I had a meeting today to secure a high-pitched contract and the sad thing was that my competitor in the business world was also after that contract.My hands worked on straightening my tie and I breathed through my chest. It was then my assistant knocked. She stepped in. “Good morning, sir. The investors have arrived.”I nodded. “Alright, thank you. Take them to the boardroom.” She nodded once. “Okay.”Before she turned to leave, I asked, “is Derek around?”“Yes, sir.”“Thank you.”Well, he and I had some talking to do. I had to see Willow to explain some certain things to her. Yes, she felt betrayed but she had to understand it was for the fam
Chapter 53 - A GROWING BUTTERFLY JENSYNThe silicone spoon fell, clattering to the floor for the second time. I growled, picked it up and dropped it into the sick. The cooker hissed loudly while a kettle and pan sizzled behind me. The counter was scattered with chopped onions, garlic and ginger. A trail of spilled oil laced the table and eggs I probably wouldn't use, sat whisked in a small bowl.Why did I think I could do this?I couldn't cook for fuck’s sake. The fridge door was hanging open, mocking me for my dilemma. I glanced at the recipe on my phone—this thing was meant to be simple. According to what it reads, I was supposed to make roast potato and herb skillet. But somehow, I had used six pots and still hadn't achieved anything.Dinner would be skipped with the way I was doing. I could have Andrea take cereals but Linden might not want that. The kitchen door creaked and I didn't need to turn to see who came in.“What in the world?” Linden's voice broke the sizzling noise
The sunlight stretched across the driveway as three cars waited, loaded with suitcase and bags. I hovered by the trunk, adjusting the straps of a bag one of the maids added. But amidst the noises that rose in the garage, my mind replayed the night I shared in Linden's arms. I remembered the way his hand found my waist, kissed my neck till his breath was hot against it, and sucked me till my legs shook.My pulse fluttered at the memory.“Mrs. Rawlings, you alright?” Madeline's voice made me blink back to the present. She stood beside me, hand on her hip, a teasing glow dancing in her eyes. I swallowed past the heat rising in my chest. “I am fine, Madeline. I will miss you guys.”She gave me a pointed look. “I saw you smiling now and you look happier than a cat in the sunshine. Allison nearly called to ask if she’d missed something.”I straightened, trying to smooth my expression. But Madeline didn't look fooled. “I am fine, really. Yes, I am happy, but it's nothing.”She chuckled, sha
THIRD PERSON'S POVThe scent of ginger bread drifted faintly from the kitchen, clinging to the air that filled the sitting room. Willow rested her arm on the sofa, staring at her head maid, Alora. Her knuckles were red, worn from the cold, but her posture remained straight.It hadn't started snowing but Willow felt like she had been submerged in the cold for too long. The snow wouldn't have any effect on her if it came. “You should go home for Christmas,” Willow said, her voice soft, but not unsure. She had made up her mind to celebrate Christmas with Derek. It would be the first Christmas with him as his wife. She wanted it alone. Alora shifted uncomfortably on the sofa. It wasn't every day she got to talk to her long time boss like this. “Ma'am, I don't…”“You should,” Willow interrupted, her hands smoothening the edge of her blouse sleeve.. “You have three daughters, right? And a grandson now?”Alora nodded slowly, unsure of what to say. “They will want you home, Alora.”Willow