Donald's POV
I found myself staring at the magazine I was holding. But in all honesty, I wasn't reading a word. I was just staring at the pages. Instead, my mind was clouded with the thoughts of Sophia. The lawyer had told me she still haven't sign the divorce papers. I didn't know why she was taking too long. Did she think if she stalled a bit I'd rescind my decision? I wouldn't give her that satisfaction. At least that should make her learn her lesson. As a young bachelor, I wouldn't have thought of marrying a lady such as Sophia. I wouldn't have even look her twice if she had passed by my side. She's not up to the standard of women I roll with. But, despite knowing she didn't have a chance with me, she had managed to get into my life. My mother, rest her soul, had been the perfect gateway. She had warmed her way into the heart of not just my mother but also the rest of her family. And what could be worse? Mother had insisted I marry her. To her, she was the best girl for me. She was an angel — the perfect woman fit to be my wife. I had gone ahead with the marriage as my mother wanted. I had to, at least to honour her dying wish. But I saw through Sophia's charade. She couldn't fool me as she fooled the rest of the family. To me, she was just a plain gold digger, seeking treasures to loot. “Do you really have to do that every morning?” I looked up to see Laura staring at me disapprovingly. Her beautiful face was contorted in a frown as she stood with her arms on her waist. I almost laughed at her gimmicks but I knew better. For some days now, Laura has been complaining that I pay little attention to her. The last few days had been hectic as I had been on the lookout for a potential contract. It's quite a big deal and I couldn't afford to lose such deals to my competitors. Laura's eyes were still on me. She was clearly waiting for my answer. “It helps calm me down,” I smiled, adjusting slightly from where I sit. “And you have to do it always?” She inquired, raising an eyebrow at me. “Even while I'm here?” I sucked in a breath as I thought of how best to answer her. Knowing Laura, I wouldn't want to get into an argument this morning. She was and still is a fierce lady and that got me endeared to her in the first place. “Okay, just a few pages more. I'd drop it soon anyway.” I took a quick glance at my wristwatch. “I have to be at an important meeting by 9.” Laura seemed not to be pleased by my response. The look on her face told me that. I have to give up on reading the magazine. Things we do for love! “Are we still going to ‘Red cuisine’ in the evening?” She asked gently, now sitting on my lap. I stared at her face, I became lost as always, staring at her blue eyes. Her mouth was pouted as she stared back at me, expecting a response. I nodded my head still not taking my eyes off her, “We will baby, I just need to sort the meeting quickly.” Laura smiled then hugged me tight, it was obvious she was seemingly pleased with my response. For some days now, she had been talking about visiting this new restaurant in town. I had promised her we'd do that today. Laura wasn't just some quick lay, she was much more than that. She's been in my heart since we were kids and no other woman had taken that spot. Even when she was out of the country it had still remained the same. And when she finally came back, I was more than glad to have the woman of my dreams. The ringing of my phone sliced through my thoughts and I jerked up slightly. Laura got off my body and I made for the phone on the table. “What's the matter Jane?” I asked my secretary immediately and I picked the call. “Our client just confirmed he'd be on the way soon sir.” Jane's voice cut through my ears and I sprang up slightly. I glanced at my wristwatch. Shit! How time flies! “I will be there shortly.” I said before clicking the line shut. I rushed to the room then had a quick bath. I wouldn't want to waste time so as not to delay this client. It's quite a big deal for me. My eyes scanned my wardrobe, then it finally landed on a navy blue suit. I had to look good to leave a lasting impression on the client. They say first impression matters a lot. I'm willing to explore that saying to the best of my knowledge. I checked the compartment that housed my wristwatch. But I instantly became alarmed. My favorite wristwatch is gone! I tried to do a quick calculation when I last used the wristwatch. It had been a while. My mood suddenly became dampened. Who could have taken the wristwatch I spent half a million bucks purchasing? My mind only pointed to one person. Sophia. That good-for-nothing woman! She must have been the one. I remembered the golddigger of a woman's eyes not leaving the wristwatch the last time I wore it. I pranced around the room, my fists tightened by my side. Sophia had definitely messed with the wrong person. I hurriedly brought out my phone, then dialled her number. She didn't pick at the first ring and my frustration kicked straight to the edge. I dialled the number once again. Immediately she picked, I released a breath I didn't know I was holding. “What is it?” She asked. “How could you stoop so low?” I chastised, trying to control the anger within me. “I'm ashamed I ever have anything to do with a filth like you.”Donald's POV The sound of the doorbell pulled me away from the endless reports scattered across my study table. It was the kind of chime that didn’t demand attention, but rather suggested a welcome presence. I already knew who it was. My younger sister, Eva. A small smile touched my lips.I strode to the door and pulled it open, my smile widening as I saw her. Eva, my little sister, stood there, a large travel bag slung over her shoulder, her bright, intelligent eyes crinkling at the corners. She had always been the more spirited of us, the one who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, and I had missed her. It felt like ages since we’d really spent any quality time together, not just hurried phone calls or awkward family dinners.“Eva! You’re finally here!” I exclaimed, pulling her into a quick, firm hug. She smelled faintly of some exotic perfume, a fresh scent that was a contrast to the heavy, sweet fragrances Laura favored.“Donald! You old grump,” she teased, returning the hug with a
Sophia's POV The weekend arrived like a gentle breeze of relief after a particularly turbulent week. The relentless pace of my cleaning job, the unexpected drama at the gala, and the encounter with Lydia had left me feeling stretched thin. So, when Saturday finally rolled around, bringing with it a quiet calm, I embraced it fully. It was just me and my father in the sprawling house; I had made sure to give the maids the weekend off, and I, too, was taking a much-needed break from my duties at the office. The silence in the house was much needed for me to relax after such a stressful week.I decided to treat myself, and my father, to a home-cooked meal. There was something deeply satisfying about creating something delicious with my own hands, especially after a week of scrubbing and polishing. The kitchen, usually an array of professional culinary activity, felt cozy and personal as I busied myself with chopping vegetables and stirring sauces. My favorite dish, a rich, aromatic chick
Sophia's POV I froze, feeling like a deer caught in headlights. “Good morning,” I managed, my voice a little tight. My mind was scrambling for an excuse, a way to deflect any recognition. Please don’t remember me from Dad’s house. Please don’t remember me from Dad’s house.He leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful look on his face. He tapped a finger against his chin, his gaze unwavering. “You know,” he said slowly, a small smile starting to form, “I do remember seeing you. But it wasn’t at… well, it wasn’t here.”My breath hitched. Was this it? Was my cover about to be blown? I braced myself for the inevitable question, the piercing look that would reveal he knew exactly who I was, or at least who I used to be.Then, his smile widened. “Yes, I remember now! You were at the gala last night, weren’t you? You were one of the ushers.”A wave of immense relief washed over me, so strong it almost made my knees buckle. The gala! He remembered me from the gala, not from the house. My identi
Sophia's POV I stared at my reflection in the mirror, and I found it quite hard to recognize the woman that stared back at me. What the hell was that with Donald? I berated myself, finding it hard to believe I could let him rile me up like that. I didn't want to think of the glint I saw in his eyes when he mentioned me refusing the divorce settlement. That had broken the calm within me. I had tried to keep a straight face, trying to act all formal but just like I knew him, he had chosen to be petty. It took all my will power not to hit him across the face when he brought up the divorce. I mean, why the hell would he do that when he was the one who wanted out of our marriage? I shook my head, refusing to allow the anger burning inside me to continue. If Donald still has the ability to make me react this badly, then I'm not yet over him. I heaved a breath, telling myself I wouldn't sulk or let Donald's nasty attitude get to me, and that did the magic. The door to the general
Donald's POV The cool evening air swiped hard on my face as I drove through the streets of New York. The night was still young but the clouds had turned dark with no stars appearing in the sky. Laura was beside me, giggling every now and then as her perfectly manicured hand continued to fly through the keyboard. I had deliberately given my driver the night off as I want to experience the thrill of driving through the night, just like the old times. Thank goodness there was no traffic, else, that might have ruined the night for me. A few minutes later, I got to the venue and slid the car into a halt. As we stepped down, I stared at Laura's artistic beauty. She was a vision in emerald green silk, designed to catch every eye, a perfect picture of elegance and expensive taste. As we walked towards the grand entrance of the gala venue, a burst of high-pitched laughter cut through the hum of the crowd. Laura’s head snapped up, her eyes sparkling. “Oh, Donald! It’s Brenda!” she exclaimed,
Sophia's POV The familiar weight of exhaustion settled deep into my bones as I unlocked the back door of the house. It was another day at my cleaning job, and the day had been relentlessly demanding. Floors five through ten of the administrative department felt like a lifetime ago, and my muscles ached with a dull, persistent throb. All I wanted was the quiet solitude of my room, a chance to crash hard on the bed, so as to help the fatigue in my body.As I slipped inside the house, I caught sight of one of the staff in my father's company. I wasn’t entirely sure what his role was. He seemed to be everywhere, always but mostly near my father, looking important. He was engaged in a hushed, intense discussion with my father, their voices low and serious in the hallway. A prickle of unease shot through me. I didn’t want to be seen. That would raise room for questions. My new job was supposed to be about observation, about learning how people were treated, but it wasn’t about revealing my