JOANNA. *Two weeks Later.*Two weeks passed in a blink of an eye since Asher and I got back together..So far so good, everything has been going so well. The Asher I knew back then was slowly coming home. Maybe It was a good idea to give him a second chance. Everyone deserves a second chance. There was no more begging for even a bit of his care, I got everything I wanted and I felt home. Cassie hasn't been messing around so far. We stayed in the same house but we barely crossed parts for the past two weeks. Luther and I haven't been in touch. I haven't heard from him since that day I reconciled with Asher. The way Luther hung up, I couldn't exactly explain what the problem was. All I did was tell him not to tell Dad about Cassie and Asher. I have texted him a few times but he didn't reply, called him but he wouldn't return my calls. I wondered if he was annoyed at me for anything but couldn't pinpoint the issue. I let it rest for a while, I had even asked Asher and he said they h
CASSIE. It's been two weeks since Asher and I got intimacy of any sort. He barely even came to my room.. All he cares about is how to make Joanna feel special. What if he eventually falls in love with her? I can't sit back and watch Joanna take Asher away from me. I had informed him about the antenatal through text. He was the father of my baby and needed to take responsibilities. I don't care what he was planning, two weeks was already long and I'm getting impatient. I'm getting annoyed by the moment he is spending with Joanna, doing everything to please her! When I saw him making breakfast for her, anger swelled in my heart. I hated it! He told me I would be the only lady he would make breakfast for! The drive was silent before I opened up..“Asher, how long are you going to keep this thing with Joanna up? It's been two weeks already and you are barely giving me any attention!” I barked, my voice laced with frustration. Asher glanced at me and focused back on his drive. “You ca
JOANNA. My mind was racing, panic setting in as I stared at Cassie, her clothes stained with blood and a few drops on the floor. Oh God, what have I done? I thought, my heart sinking. Did I really just push her that hard? What if...what if she loses the baby? The thought sent a shiver down my spine. I felt like I was in shock, my body trembling with fear. If she does, Asher would hate me forever,I wasn't ready for that. I didn't mean to push her that hard.. I feel so overwhelmed, tears lingering in my eyes. I quickly tried to approach her, to apologize, to make sure she was okay, but she glared at me, her eyes flashing with anger. “Don't touch me!”she shouted, her voice shrill. I froze, unsure of what to do.Cassie's face, twisted in anger and pain. What have I gotten myself into?I panicked, trying to approach her for a second time., panic rising in my chest, she glared at me. "Don't touch me! I said get your filthy hands off me!" she yelled. Just then, Asher walked in and my h
CASSIE. I laid on the floor, clutching my belly and wailing dramatically. Asher rushed to my side, helping me up and glaring at Joanna. I felt a sense of satisfaction when he pushed her hard and she hit her head on the table edge . She deserves it. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice full of concern.I nodded, still sniffling. “I think so...but what if...what if I lose the baby?” I whispered, playing on Asher's fears.Asher quickly scooped me in his arms and began rushing out. I watched Joanna's face fall, her eyes wide with fear and guilt. She looked like she was about to collapse. Perfect. I loved that. As Asher rushed to his car with me in his arms, I couldn't help but smile inwardly. My plan had worked perfectly, and Joanna had taken the bait..I felt a thrill of satisfaction as Asher carried me out to the car, his face etched with concern.When he placed me in the passenger seat, I let my expression shift to one of panic "Asher, what if I lose the baby? What if….. just what if
JOANNA. I couldn't sleep or do anything. I had no peace within me to do anything. I kept wandering to and fro in the living, I was expecting the worst scenario but I also had my hopes up and prayed that nothing would happen to Cassie and her baby. Did I really push her that hard?My mind replayed the scene with Cassie on repeat – the push, her shocked expression, the fear in her eyes. Asher's fear too. All had me overwhelmed and stuck. What if something happens to her baby? The thought sends a wave of dread through me.Asher’ s anger, he would probably hate me forever. I didn't want that, the fear dreaded me. I can almost feel his hands around my wrists, his voice raised in rage. My heart raced at the mere thought.I'm scared, overwhelmed, and unsure what to do. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I wandered inside the living room: Will Cassie be okay? Will Asher ever forgive me? What's going to happen to me?The uncertainty is suffocating. I feel trapped, I really wanted
CASSIE. After dinner, I went to my room. I felt so satisfied that the plan worked! I felt so fulfilled seeing the look on Joanna's face when she watched Asher feed me. I loved it. I just couldn't wait anymore for Asher to execute so that we can finally be together. But I wanted Joanna to know her place. She has been doing too much lately. I felt lonely when I got out of Asher's sight. I sighed, trying to scroll through social media or find something to distract myself. When I felt time had passed and maybe Joanna must have gone to sleep, I picked up my phone and texted Asher. (Hey, could you come spend the night with me?) I texted but no reply came forward. I sighed deeply and laid on the bed, my eyes on the ceiling. I texted him again ( hey are you there?) but no reply came forward. Could he have slept? I stood up from the bed and walked out of the room. I tiptoed closer to their door and heard Joanna’s shrill of laughter as anger coursed through my veins. What the heck! He was
JOANNA. The light shone from the window and I blinked my eyes reflexively, stirring slowly. I gently sat up in bed, trying to adjust to the light. I turned to the side and saw that the bed was surrounded by gifts.. I furrowed my brows slightly and rubbed my eyes, perhaps I was still sleeping or something or in a dream because why was I seeing boxes of gifts on the bed? But the gifts didn't disappear even as I rubbed my eyes. I lifted my gaze and saw Asher standing in the corner, looking dashing in his suit, a knowing smile on his face. I looked around at the boxes and packages, my confusion deepening. "Asher what's going on?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper."Good morning, beautiful” He greeted..“Why not open them instead of asking questions," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. A gentle smile played on my lips as I wondered what Asher was planning. I couldn't even contain my excitement. “Okayy” I replied. I reached for the nearest box and unwrapped it, revealin
ASHER. I held the agreement, smiling in victory. This was all I wanted. I stared at Joanna who lay unconscious on the couch and shook my head. She is just so easy Now whether Joanna’s Dad pulls away his support, I don't give a fuck! My parents have always compared me to these people. They had always belittled my hard work because no matter how hard I work, I can't seem to pass Mars group and Wright group of companies! Our fathers were friends but in secret competition or maybe my father was the one secretly trying to bring himself to the top. Why didn't I think of this brilliant idea since Joanna and I were married. I would have divorced her long ago and stayed with the woman I wanted, Cassie. I felt so fulfilled even though something seems to be missing. I accomplished the mission yet I felt a certain way. But either ways, this was an easy route to becoming one of the biggest men in New York. Joanna can go back to her father, at least the agreement didn't touch his asset but only
JOANNA.I nodded at Gina, who kept her undying gaze fixed on me."Wow! This is amazing news, ma'am!" Gina squealed, her excitement bubbling over. I furrowed my brows, confused by her reaction."I knew it! I knew it had to be someone big sending you all those gifts. And it turns out to be the almighty Luther Martins of Mars Group. How romantic!" She threw her hands in the air, practically dancing in place. I stared at her, stunned. Was I the problem here?"Gina, we’ve been friends since childhood," I told her carefully."Exactly! That makes it even more romantic!" she chirped."Gina, he’s Asher’s best friend. Doesn’t that strike you as… weird?""Ma'am, are you from the 80s or something?" she asked bluntly, folding her arms. "I’m sorry, but your ex husband doesn’t deserve that kind of loyalty from either of you. If his best friend wants you, that's his loss, not yours."I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of my fears. "Gina, I’m scared. I don’t know if I can bring myself to love him...
JOANNA. I watched Luther leave with the woman he came with as my heart stung. I had no idea what to feel at the moment. I left Luther for space to think.. It just felt like nature was messing with my head. Everything was super weird to me and I'm trying to give myself time. But I felt extremely guilty for leaving Luther in that condition after he did everything he did to save me. I felt shitty. At the same time I had no idea what to do. Go home to Luther? I wasn't sure yet.. The confession, everything came as a shock or maybe I'm the one assuring myself that because Luther gave hints countless times, I wasn't just paying attention. I was occupied with the thoughts that I saw him as a brother and friend to the extent that no matter how my heart skipped, I didn't want to give in. I wanted a break from love. It was scary.. I haven't recovered fully from what went on with Asher, the pain of it all still lingered and Luther had been a great friend. Would it be okay letting myself lov
JOANNA I forced a smile as I sat down across from him, smoothing my skirt over trembling knees. For a moment, Luther just stared at me. Then, with a calmness that didn’t reach his eyes, he said, “Ms. Wright.” Professional. Cold. It stung more than I expected. Luther had never been that distant with me no matter what. I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the way my chest tightened. “Mr. Martins” I answered, keeping my voice steady, even though my heart was hammering against my ribs. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her — the woman he brought. She leaned forward, smiling sweetly as she poured water into Luther’s glass. Her hand brushed his, careful and tender, as she set the cup down in front of him. I looked away quickly, heat rushing to my face. It shouldn’t bother me. Why the fuck was I so bothered? It was nothing. it meant nothing. But every small, careful touch felt like a dagger twisting deeper into my gut. Luther shifted in his seat, wincing slightly
JOANNA . The decision I made, I wasn't so sure if it was the best decision to make but I really needed space. Everything was too much, too overwhelming, I needed space to breathe,to think. What would I do now? This is entirely the turning point of our relationship and every decision I take right now will have a huge impact. I was trying to be careful.. I left very early in morning and decided to lodge in a hotel for a few days until I make a decision. But whenever I remembered how everything happened, how my heart pounded fast when I saw his bare body. There was slow tension between us when I was pulling off his shirts, his abs, his muscles , his dick. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. I wanted to convince myself that it was purely nothing but lust. I don't any feelings for Luther, I don't. I need time to process myself before giving love another chance. For the past few years, i wasn't loved properly. I was forcing a man to love me. Now I don't know what to thi
LUTHER. I woke up, blinking my eyes.. I sat up and for a second, I stayed still, letting the memories of last night settle over me. The way the words had slipped out — raw, honest, unplanned. Joanna never returned to the bathroom yesterday. The way everything happened was quite unplanned and I couldn't hold myself together. I let out all my emotions last night without thinking of consequences. I bet it was too much for Joanna to handle. I wanted to control my thoughts of her but I couldn't, not when she was bare.. I made that ridiculous request last night, it just came out naturally. I didn't even think Joanna would agree to it but it just happened and we found ourselves in the bathroom. I couldn't keep my eyes off her perky round breasts. I couldn't keep my eyes off her sexy curves, not to talk of her features. Joanna might eventually be the end of me. I wasn't in my right senses when I made that confession but I had to keep it going because I couldn't keep that secret forever,
Joanna’s POV Luther’s voice was steady, even as something raw trembled beneath it. "So, what did I do?" he said quietly. "I stayed close. I helped you when you needed it. I guided you when you felt lost. I protected you — even when you didn’t realize you needed protecting." He stepped closer, the distance between us disappearing until I could feel the heat of his skin against mine. "I had to be there for you," he said, softer now. "Every time. Always." I stared up at him, my chest tightening painfully, my heart hammering so loudly I could barely hear anything else. "And now you’re here," he whispered. "With me." He gave a small, broken laugh. "I know I’m not even courageous, saying all this now. I should've said it sooner. But I needed you to know. I couldn't hide it forever. I couldn't place myself as just a friend and a brother when I'm not. I just couldn't keep letting it go that way." His hand brushed lightly against my jaw, a touch so tender it almost undid me. "
Joanna’s POV. I swallowed hard and turned away slightly, tugging my shirt over my head. My fingers trembled, fumbling with the hem, but I forced myself to keep moving, to pretend this was just... normal. Just helping. Out of the corner of my eye, I could feel Luther watching me. Heavy. Focused. When I finally tossed the shirt aside and reached for the clasp of my bra, I heard it — the sharp intake of his breath. I dared a glance at him He was biting his bottom lip, his eyes dark and intent, like he was struggling to keep still. "Luther," I said, my voice a little too high, "you're acting weird." His mouth quirked at the corner. "Everything about this is weird." And somehow, the way he said it — rough, almost hoarse — made my skin flush hotter. I hesitated, every part of me screaming to run, to hide. But something deeper, something reckless and stubborn, made me move toward him instead. I followed his lead. We stepped into the bathroom together, and the door clicke
JOANNA. I felt bad that Luther hurt himself because of me and I wanted to do anything to make him feel better. I was still reeling from the shock of everything. I still couldn't place any thoughts on who would have wanted me dead but I also had to recover because I couldn't dwell on that forever. The Important thing was Luther showed up and I couldn't be less grateful. Luther was such a great person. What if he wasn't available to save me? I followed Luther into his room and he faced me. I helped him pull off the suit jacket before reaching my hands to the inner shirt. I reached for the top button, my fingers brushing lightly against his chest as I undid the buttons as requested . I realised we were too close and my heart kind of skipped but I tried to focus on the task, on the simple motion of button after button, but it was impossible not to notice how close we were. How still he was beneath my touch. "I'm sorry you had to go through that because of me.," I said quietly.
LUTHER. I winced as the paramedic wrapped my hand, the sting of the injury a reminder of what could have been a much worse outcome. Thank goodness I arrived on time to save Joanna. I know how I felt when the thought of something happening to her hit me, I dreaded it and I had to do anything to keep her safe. It doesn't matter if I got injured as long as Joanna was safe. Joanna's eyes met mine, still wide with fear, but she managed a weak smile and I smiled back at her. Dickson stood beside her, his expression grim. "Dickson, I need you to find out who tampered with Joanna's brakes. The car was fine" I said, my voice low and urgent. Dickson's eyes narrowed. "I will get right on it, sir. I will carried out the investigation" I turned to Joanna, who was still shaken but calming down. "Joanna, did anything happen to your brakes before they malfunctioned?" I asked gently. She shook her head. "No, they just suddenly stopped working." Her voice quivered, the shock of everything