MasukI came around to cold. So much cold. My hands were numbed, my teeth rattled. I was cold everywhere. My eyes opened to the white ceiling. I looked sideways and the white walls was what greeted my sight.So much white and so much pain.My stomach felt like it was being split into various halves. I was sprawled out on the cold tiled floor of the kitchen. I reached for the closest thing my hand could touch. A small kitchen stool, and slowly pushed myself up.The pain that ricocheted trough me sent another bout of dizziness through me.I panted with the exertion of standing. Picking my phone off the sink, I made my way out. I was almost crawling when I got to the stairs. Abort plan. I definitely couldn't walk up to my room for a change of clothes.Thankfully I was in a pair of shorts and a tee. It was modest enough to be worn out. Even if it wasn't, I didn't think I had other choice. Like that, I slowly dragged myself out of the house.I had just hailed a cab when I felt a trickle of wetn
I woke up feeling ready to take on the world, but brainstorming for Dynamite turned out to be harder than I expected. The lead admin had sent over this year’s theme; we were to develop an AI-powered system to improve healthcare and medicine.I started mapping out a few ideas, but nothing felt right. I mean this isn’t just any project — it’s a global competition expected to make waves across London and beyond. I couldn’t settle for something ordinary.And no way was I doing another public survey. I just knew that secrecy was everything here. I went back and studied past winners. The pattern was obvious: they won because their products were unique and outstanding.I was so deep in the work I lost track of everything else. I didn't notice the figure at my back until the shadow reflected on my laptop's screen .My heart caught in my throat."Christ!" I jerked back. Nathan was staring at me with an expression I couldn't read."What?""I don't understand," I muttered. "You're the one
Nathan pretty much avoided me the next morning. Good for him, let his conscience; if he still has any, beat at him.Personally I felt so good. I was able to keep down my food and that was saying something.I gave a mental note to book an appointment with doctor Jones. It was way overdue.Earlier that morning, I’d gone through the online phase of the Dynamite audition. Fortunately I passed, and they sent me the project topic.I was to make research and create a outstanding uniqueness on Ai diagnostic software. It was a huge project that attracted investors all over the world. It was still surreal that I was a part of it.Already I knew the next days would be tasking, but I was looking forward to it.Away from that, I had to be there for Samantha's musical show.I whistled to soft music from the Tv playing in background and breezed through dressing up.Since I was not sure of how tightly packed the theater was going to be, I settled for joggers and a tank top made from breathable cotto
I shrugged. "I'll do it."It was a crazy decision but I agreed anyway. Then I purposely angled myself toward him, using the excuse of picking the salad cream from the shelf when in reality I wanted to see his expression. "But I do not need your job."Nathan reared back in surprise. "So the other catch do not apply?""Yep. Count it a favour."He frowned like he hadn't thought of it that way. "Well, okay. I guess."The doorbell rang, cutting though the quiet.Nathan drew away from the doorframe crossing his arms over his chest. "Hurry, my guests are here."*********************Nathan's business colleagues included two strange men and Jerry; one of his closest business associates that I had come to know since I arrived London.While they caught up on business discussions, I set up the table for dinner and went upstairs to freshen up.I came down to meet them seated before the newly replaced TV, voices loud and laughter boisterous over a football match . They were done with business talk
I entered warily. I walked slowly into the house, hoping they wouldn't bug me. I just had fun and didn't want anything to spoil my happy spirits. I wanted to curl in the tub, finish my romance novel and munch on the remaining muffins I had sneaked into my bag at the cafe.I mumbled greetings and walked passed the living area when Mrs Evans voice got to me;"Is this how you intend to give Nathan a child? Walking around the city in a miniskirt instead of finding ways to improve your home?"I rolled my eyes. She only wanted to talk. I knew that deep down she didn't want me to even have a child for her son. It pleased a twisted part of her deranged heart.If it wasn't for grandfather Evans, she probably would have found a way to stop our wedding."Mother is talking to you," Zoe snapped."I heard her," I mumbled, taking the turn to walk up the stairs.Suddenly, a hand pulled at my hair, stopping me from moving further.I turned around, wincing as my hair tug painfully on my scalp."Let me
{Ariella's POV}I came to a stop at the entrance of the brightly painted cafe, my eye scanning the small shop for my friend."Ariella!" A small hand waved at me from the corner.There she was.Weaving pass a couple of cafe tables, I followed Melinda's beckon."Hey, Lin," I called cheerfully, leaning over to hug her tight."Ariella, it's enough time," Melinda grumbled, wrapping her arms around me. She turned to the other figure searing by her right. "Remember Sam?""Oh, hi," I waved at her. It was the girl from Karina's perfume launch. "Good to see you again."To my surprise, she threw her hands around my neck. "Ariella!" She leaned back, her brown wavy hair bouncing all over. "I searched for you after Zars testing was over, you were no where to be found.""That's true," I said, lowering to the empty seat on Melinda's left. "I had to rush out for an emergency."Melinda arched a brow, probably wondering why I didn't say what the emergency was about."Oh. Good to see you again.""Same he







