As soon as I pressed the button and sent the text, I switched off my phone and rested my head on the steering wheel. I never thought I would come here. When my grandfather was alive, I refused to come here as I could not embrace the fact that Mom had left me. I took a deep breath as I entered the cemetery. My steps quickened as her gravestone appeared before my eyes. The water almost gathered around my orbs which I quickly blinked. Evelyn Ford was beautifully carved on the marble. Pursing my lips, I placed a bouquet in front of her, her favourite white lilies, "Hey, long time no see, Mom. How are you?" A rush of wind went past me, making me exhale. "I... I came here to tell you something," I swallowed. "Your husband, Stefan Ford, remarried and lives happily with his new wife and daughter." Talking about them left an astringent taste in my mouth. I would have to tighten the security if he
"Today we are gathered here to witness the matrimonial ceremony taking place between Miss Ford and..." I could not take a good look at the people I knew. Jackson had a sour/betrayed face. Michael and Stacy's faces wore grim looks. Uncle Victor had some emergency regarding the troublemaker trio, so he could not come. Sarah's lips were pursed. And Ben? He was not even here. What happened in the cemetery, should not have occurred. Ben had a pained expression, something I had never seen him wearing except for the time he lost to me by one mark in our biology quiz. I was sad inside my heart, stoicism seen from my face, and blank when it came to mind. Marriage. This word kept on repeating like a broken record. I was getting married today. Victoria Ford was getting married, and people were cheering her on for it. Media coverage. News broadcasting of our marriage on television. "Sweetheart," A charming and irritating whisper invaded my ears. "You don't think you could have gone
Maximus Leinster. A person who never once crossed my mind when I made plans, was here in the flesh."You're back 2 weeks earlier, Uncle." I walked up to him.His tall figure donning a black coat while wearing a greyish turtleneck, became clear. He put down his luggage and assessed me like he always did when he came back."Oh, is this supposed to be a bad thing considering how pale you look?" He tilted his head, his moves slow and phlegmatic."No, it isn't. I'm just... astounded. It would have been great had you informed me in advance," I said slowly."That's fine. I simply wanted to surprise my pretty niece," Uncle Max waved his hand in dismay, suddenly smiling lazily. "Anyways, what are we having here? A party?"He observed the surroundings keenly. Taking in the sight of the well-decorated lawn. His eyes were of a hawk. Observation skills were one of his strong suits.Did I tell the lawn attached at the back was a part of our old house property where Grandfather and his children use
"He is begging for your mercy, Boss. He says he has got a family to feed." "Is he still inside the building?" I checked the time and asked Michael, my trusted assistant. He has always been there with me, helping me with the business I had to take over years ago. In a way, he is my mentor who has taught me everything I know and has assisted me to become who I am now. "Yes, he says he won't leave until you meet him." I sneered, "Heh, the sheer audacity. Call security and have him escorted out." Michael nodded and started to go out until I stopped him, "Michael." "Yes, Boss." "I don't want any drama." "Noted, Ma'am." "And for the last time, stop calling me with words like Boss and Ma'am! You are free to call me by my name." "I can't afford this privilege, Ma'am. It will be burdening for me." Like a professional, Michael refused. As always. Sighing, I stretched my arms, feeling a dull ache due to working constantly, "I can't argue with you. Go and settle that Murphy. We can't t
"Help me reserve a seat in that auction. I will go there myself." I told Michael on the earpiece and started the engine. I wanted to meet the owner who backed away from his words and have a friendly talk with him. The work hours ended. Thus just like everyone, I too left the office. At this moment, I wished I had more work and more reports to check and go through. Going back to that place was the most dreadful thing I evaded at any cost, at any chance I could get. Yet here I am, going to that place again. "I'm here," I informed and the entrance door opened instantly. Taking slow steps I was met with an old woman who was there waiting for me in the hallway. She looked down when I bravely locked eyes with her as if wanting to hide away from me. But did she hide and run away? Nope. She stood shamelessly without flinching when she saw me again. She even smiled like she was glad to see me. "Victoria..." She came forward but I created a distance between us, stepping back. "It's M
Once we had taken seats in his study, Stefan Ford started. "I heard you have been wanting to buy a piece of land and preparing for it for a year or two." I raised a brow. I thought my movement was subtle. Or maybe someone was bought off by him behind my back. "Yes, it's going to be in the auction next week." "I can help you." "You can?" I looked at him. "S.A Ford Inc. is sponsoring that event this time. With my one call, the land would not be shown to others and you can keep it for yourself," Stefan Ford said. I am confident he is not this nice. He would never help me for nothing. "Yes, but I have a condition that you have to fulfil first." Of course, a condition. I sneered. I did not want his help, but I wanted to see for myself how could my dear father help me. "You have to merge S.A Ford Inc. with the Empire Group of Industries and make me have 40% authority in the company." 40%? Stefan Ford was surely playing smart. He wanted to be merged with the company my grandfathe
"Boss." The young bartender was shocked as he first glanced at me and then at his Boss. "You two know each other?" "She's the Vicks I told you about last time," His boss replied. His vibrant-pink spiky hair came into my view. Last time it was green, wasn't it? "I'm sorry for earlier, Ma'am." The bartender whose name was Brody, his eyes widened and he bowed, apologetic. "I d-didn't know." "That's fine. Don't bow." I nodded at him, "And about my order..." "Virgin Margarita." His boss told him on my accord. "On it." The bartender started mixing the drink at a rapid rate. Quickly, he placed the drink in front of me and scurried away. "Is he intimidated by me?" I asked. "He's new. Harry left 2 weeks ago." The Boss answered. "That British guy? He was cute." "He was depressed after not seeing you for a long time and he was making mistakes. One customer almost beat him to death, so he resigned the next day." Poor guy. He was polite. "So, finally you decided to show up, huh? Thou
7 days had passed in a blur. It was true when they said that time passes and you don't even know it when you are happy in your space. Taking out a black dress from the closet, I was alleviated. I was finding an occasion to wear it, and this current time could not be any better. "All the preparations have been done, Boss. We're waiting for your orders." I nodded, my words oozing with confidence, "It's time to get our land back." Reaching there, the first thing I did was to meet the one who allowed the land to be a part of the auction. "Nice to see you again, Mr Kingsley." "M-Miss Ford, you're here..." Douglas Kingsley let out a nervous laugh. "You indeed look busier than I thought. Might be the reason for not picking up the calls." "Haha, ...yeah. Busy, yes." I noticed how he kept averting his eyes. "Mr Kingsley, you don't seem happy after seeing me." I raised a brow. "N-No, I am! I am delighted to have you here. It's just... I'm surprised to see you attending today." "Wel