(Ivy)I shake his hand and ask. “Why am I having this meeting with you, Mr Phillips?” I mutter, my eyebrows lifting in question.He gives me a polite smile and replied. “My boss had something urgent to take care of, so I'd be finalizing this in his stead,”“Oh, I see.” Is all I say, forcing a small smile.He narrows his eyes on me. “Shall we?”I nod. “Sure,” I retort, taking my seat.But as the meeting progresses, I can't help but wonder what was really urgent that Ethan had to disappear for days.That's my own thought though. I don't ask. It really isn't my business. So I put it out of my mind and focus on what is.Grayson was as good as his boss, I had no doubt he was a loyal one too. And by the time we came to a final conclusion, I was quite impressed.I gather my things and stood up managing a small smile. “Have your boss take a look and if it's still unsuitable, we'd reduce some mechanical designs to better control costs,” I tell him.He nods but says. “He's given order to procee
(Rihanna)I spoke to Anthony on my way out, apologizing for the stunt Calvin pulled last night.He was fine with it, and he wants a make up lunch date. But I told him I'd think about it and with that I killed the call.Amanda's call came in later, apparently I hadn't seen her text, she was worried sick that I wasn't at work and was wondering if I was okay.But what really got my attention was her first words as I answered her call. “The boss came in late today and you're nowhere to be found, Rih.”I blanch at her words, Calvin's echoing in my head. “You have the day off Rihanna.”Why'd he grant me a day off knowing he would be at work?I swallowed. “I took a day off, I'm sorry I didn't text you about it earlier.”She goes silent for a second. “He let you?” There's skepticism in her tone, like she's finding it hard to believe.Calvin never really grants a day off quite often and if he does, it's with a very good reason.But he let me take the day off, twice in a row.I exhaled and admi
(Ivy)I hadn't seen my supposed neighbor up until this very moment and I promise you I wasn't looking out for him or anything.But it does feel off.He has bothered me to no end these past months just to go mute all of a sudden?I sometimes catch myself refreshing my emails to check if he had sent anything, but there's nothing.I sighed. Why do I even bother?It's a good thing he had let me be. I will see him on Friday anyways.I managed to put it out of my mind and focus on what's important, family and work.Anything else is just a distraction, one I can't risk right now.Tracy's been pretty busy with work and so have I. I got her text earlier that she’ll be going to Europe for a three weeks business trip.That simply means she won't be able to listen to my rants as often as she used to and that's very much okay. Just three weeks and I will have my best friend back.I can bother Bella while she's gone.I got busy, like really busy. I got new clients, workload doubled but that also me
(Rihanna)I watch as Calvin strutted out of the room and only then did I release the breath I didn't realize I was holding.I glance down at my body and I have a fluffy nightgown on, which leaves me thinking, was it Edith's? Or that weird lady's own.Speaking of weird, the look she threw my way as she stormed out of Calvin's office, a deadly glare, filled with venom and disdain. I wonder why.The beeping of my phone pulls me back to earth, I look around for it and found it at the bedside table.Reaching for it, my eyes widens as I see tons of missed calls from Anthony, and texts.I did see two or three missed calls from mom but I ignored it, tapping on Anthony's message.“Hey, where are you?”“Did he take you home safe?”“Are you sure you're okay? Please respond as soon as you see this?”I let out a deep breath. I'm staying off alcohol for a really long time.I quickly typed back a response. “Yes, I got home safe alright. Thanks for inviting me out and I'm sorry for what happened,”I
(Ivy)Ethan stood less than two feet away from me. His dark hair was combed up, exposing every magnificent angle of his face. His full lips curved into a sinful smirk.I stared, not completely from the shock of seeing him here but I catch myself actually checking him out.I must have had holes in my lungs because my breath became too shallow the second he said he's our new neighbor.That leaves me thinking — quite a lot alright.I'm not gonna lie, I have never seen a man as persistent and strong-willed as him.For everything I've done to force his hand, to leave me be, he always found a way to get even more closer.Something I thought would put me off, suddenly interest me, overwhelms me.I hate to admit it but I'm aware that my heart is no longer as stoic as it was towards Ethan.I don't know when it happened or how he did it but hating him just flew out of the window because somehow he's managed to get to me without me even realizing it.After I gave up on love and men, I just —- pu
(Calvin)As the water runs down my body, the image of Rihanna visualizes in my head, picturing her beneath me, the thrill of her lips against mine. Her legs wrapped around me as I bury myself deep inside her. How hard would she clench? How would she look coming all over my face?“Stop it, Calvin.” I caution.And with that I step out of the bathroom, dried my hair and throw my clothes on before reaching for my laptop to handle some work.Halfway in, and a knock comes to my door. I knew it was Edith.“Come in,” I say, snapping my eyes to the door.Edith walks in, she nods at me as I throw her a knowing look. “She’s in the last room down the hallway, but she's asleep now,” she tells me and I don't miss the smile in her voice. She seemed to have loved Rihanna the second she walked into this house.I nod. “Thank you,”She hesitated and I look at her again. “Uhh… if there's anything you need me to —,”I cut her off even before she could finish. “That'd be all, Edith. You may retire for the