1- Desperation

VINCENT.

There are events in our lives, some we tend to forget, some we ought to remember and some… which we don’t want to exist but they stay in our hearts forever.

You never know what you love might hate you. You never know what you consider love is only a suffocation for someone else. 

In all, you can never truly know what another person thinks of you.

And that’s my tale, my lesson, the past I want to burn along with 'her'.

But, when I couldn't forget her from my past, could I erase her from my present too?

Or is it all going to become ashes?

Let’s see where my hate would lead me…

I was in my office, engrossed in my work. My coat resting over the throne of the empire built upon my name.

I am Vincent Beckham, owning clubs and factories of alcohol, I am at the peak of one’s success. The ruler of greatest temptation. Alcohol. 

Being only 27, I was at the peak of women’s gaze too, they needed me as much as they needed my supply of drinks, they died for my attention but my heart didn't yearn for them. 

They are a distraction, I don’t need them and I shouldn’t. 

‘I am not a cheater like someone else’

“Dammit.” Cursing under my breath. That’s why I hate my own thoughts, they all lead to one thing- Her.

With the sleeves of my white shirt rolled to the elbow, my pitch-black hairs slightly messy as a strand fell on my face but not paying heed to it.

My emerald eyes were affixed on the papers. Working hard to maintain this position I have gained with extreme efforts.

“Sir.” The voice of my P.A, Linda, came, entering my cabin after knocking three times.

“What is it?” I asked, not lifting her head from the file, my hands working without any intention to stop.

“I told you about my substitute. She is here now.” 

My hands stopped for a second, trying to recall who she was talking about- Oh, yeah, I totally forgot about it. 

Linda is pregnant and her condition was critical. She was given complete bed rest so she put her friend in for her place. I forgot to take a look at that file but I know if Linda had chosen someone to take after her, it would be someone capable.

“Honestly, I forgot, Linda.” I sighed, shaking my head and looking back up at her.

“I knew you would but don’t worry, I have told her everything, she won’t disappoint you. Should I send her in?” She asked with a giggle.

She had been with me for years, ever since I started. I hope this new girl won’t mess up.

“Yeah.” I nodded.

Straightening my back, resting one leg over the other to assert my dominance, waiting for the new girl.

My eyes searched for the file as I picked it up but the instant my eyes fell upon the undesirable name, my heart rate dropped. 

“What the-” 

Left with no words, I couldn’t believe the unwanted ways fate works. How small this world is.

This has to be a sick joke.

Annalise White.

“Good Morning, Mr Beckham.” 

Looking up, I saw that nightmare standing before me with her dead hazel orbs in comparison with her light brown hair color. 

But seeing her face only hurt me. 

A grimace plastered on her face with no shine used to exist but why would I care if she is no longer how she used to look?

She deserves all the misery of this world.

Scowling, I threw the file away and rose from my seat, walking up to her with a glare, standing before her. Still so petite compared to me.

“Annalise White.” She shivered when I called her name.

“Yes, Sir?” She whispered, trying to maintain her facade but I won’t let it.

“I praise your audacity or should I say shamelessness? How could you present your face before me?” 

Growling, I took a step closer but she moved back instinctively.

“I thought you don’t blend personal and professional matters.” She whispered hurriedly, forcing her heavy eyes to lock with mine.

“You are much more than a personal matter.” I hissed and she knew it.

“I am just here to work.” She continued, forcing the lump in her throat. Clearly frightened of me but it didn’t take her long to show her true color.

“I would do anything for money.” She whispered, moving away from me. Her lips were trembling as if she might cry but trying not to.

But, I don’t give a fuck. 

“Of course, you have always been selfish.” I scoffed, folding my arms at my chest, rolling my eyes off.

“Let me work, your P.A had handpicked me. I won’t cause any trouble at work, I swear.” She pleaded desperately but I couldn’t understand why.

“Let’s say Linda’s standards have fallen too low to call you ‘befitting’ for this job.” I retorted, not wanting to listen to anything. 

A brief silence came between us and all the scars of the past hit me constantly, enraging me. My patience broke and unable to bear this, I ordered.

“Leave.” 

Blinking, she thought she heard me wrong and didn’t move an inch.

“I don’t want your shadow to cast anywhere near my life and before I lose my cool. Get the fuck out.” I growled dominantly, coming closer.

“Vincent, Please-” 

She tried to plead with me but I put my index finger in between to dismiss her useless words.

“Don’t. Don’t call my name.” I hissed, losing my tolerance and fearing my anger issues, I was afraid I might not do something I might regret.

“Please, I need the money, Sir. I would do anything but let me work for these six months. I need this job.” She whispered, tears brimming in her eyes.

And her request was increasing my fury. 

How dare she think she could work in my corporation? 

“If you think faking tears would melt my heart then no. I don’t care about anything. You are, you were and you will always be a liar.” I growled, barely stopping my hands from holding her arms and pulling her close to me.

But I was used to touching her… not anymore.

“Please.” She whispered, losing her breath as a tear rolled down her cheek and even after five years.

Her one tear made my heart clench but I was not a person she could manipulate anymore. 

“Leave, Annalise, before I call security. You have no place in life anymore.” I enunciated coldly, pointing at the door for her to leave.

Closing her eyes in defeat, she knew none of her meaningless justifications could alter my perspective.

And if she didn’t want to fall more low in my eyes then it would be better to leave and never return.

Turning her back on me, she turned to leave but stopped when she held the door knob. Narrowing my eyes with a ruptured mood, I waited for her to leave.

“I came here to work for the industry the whole country dies to; like a normal person.” 

Taking a pause, she glanced over her shoulders with a teary gaze.

I was bewildered but she hit where it hurts the most before leaving.

“But sadly, all I found was a cluster of resentment who still cling onto a juvenile mistake.” 

‘They were not mistakes but choices.’

“You are still where you were five years ago.”

We both glared at each other with blended and mutual agony. Our expressions were enough to know that whatever used to exist between us was now dead.

We stood in utter silence. 

I, in anger. She, in sorrow.

And lasting this link for two seconds, she sniffed, breaking the gaze before it affected her heart too. 

“Have a good day, Mr Beckham.” Whispering, she wiped her tears and walked away after refreshing my scars.