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DIANA I arrived at work a lot earlier than usual. We were having the final meeting for the event. Gosh, it was just two days away. I watered my lips as I looked over the files, cross checking the itinerary, calling the warehouse for the decor. This had to be perfect. It meant a lot to me.The day passed like a heavy blur, documents and calls taking up most of my time. I hadnât taken a single break, hadnât even had a snack. I was literally soaking myself in my work.Iâd do anything to take my mind off him.Iâve completely abstained from his floor, avoiding the elevator like a plague. I didnât want to stumble upon him, didnât want to see him. I couldnât take it.âMiss Diana, I think thatâs all there is to the finances.â Anne turned to me with a smile. She was a real gem, handling all the finances for this event. âDare I say, weâre done?â She raised a brow as she stacked her files. I stared round the room, holding my breath as the other staff watched me. This was it. I thought to my
DIANAThe blonde lady barged in, her eyes in a squint as she stared at us. The secretary rushed in immediately after, an apologetic look on her face as she tried explaining.âSir, I told her you were in a meeting but she didnât listenâ She stressed, pushing a loosened strand of her bun to the side.I stepped away from him immediately like heâd burnt me, he didnât even look fazed by my actions, or that we were nearly caught in a compromising position.âItâs fine.â He waved the secretary off. âYou can leave.â The secretary stared at the woman with furrowed brows for a moment before walking out of the office, and shutting the door behind her.I stared at the woman, her golden hair and porcelain skin was hard to forget.How could I forget a woman that perfect.She was the one Iâd seen with Jerome the day I had left the hospital. Her eyes narrowed as she gave me a once over, before returning her gaze to Jerome.âJay, you havenât picked my call in days!" She nearly whined, walking closer
DIANA The blood surged violently through my veins as I watched them, my fists clenched tightly. The way he held her, like she was oxygen to a dying man, like her lips held the antidote to his poison⌠like she was everything to him at that moment. Like he loved her. In ways he could never love me. I dug my nails into my palms, as I took a deep breath, trying to kill the urge to fling a knife at his head and watch him bleed out. Then Anne opened her eyes, catching me staring, her eyes widened as she detached herself from Kevin, adjusting her button up as she cleared her throat.âUhm, Diana, y-youâre here.â She stumbled over her words, smiling awkwardly as she stared at me. Wow.âI just met with Mr. Leota-â I kept my voice calm, bellying the anger brimming under my skin. â-and he-â My words were cut off in my throat as Kevin suddenly grabbed Anne by the ass, pulling her to him with a wicked grin.Anne gasped, âBabe, behave.âBabe?!I held back a scoff, my brows raised.Babe?!âWhy?â
JEROME It hasnât even been ten minutes and her presence already haunts me.The way she felt in my arms, it was as if they were molded just to hold her. It just felt⌠right.I huffed as I stared at my computer screen, looking at the documents displayed, yet I was not seeing them, my vision and mind was clouded by something else instead⌠someone else. Why canât I let her go?I thought to myself as I scrolled through the files, the memory of her in front of the restaurant imprinted in my mind. All the things sheâd said. How firm she held on to her belief.Why do I keep going back?It was highly unlike me to be this persistent, to be this⌠troubled because of a woman. The last time this happened⌠No. I wonât let it get to that point. Never again. My train of thoughts were put to a halt when the door to my office was opened suddenly, Jasmine barging in with a pout.âJay whatâs happening to you??â She frowned as she began her ranting. âYouâve been avoiding me.ââAnd yet here you are.â
DIANA Itâs less than twenty four hours to the event.The grand event.It had to be perfect. I walked briskly to my office, every single person was busy. Papers being passed around frantically, workers typing rapidly on their keyboards. Absolutely everyone was busy.We could not mess this up.I noticed Anne walking by, her head low as she swiftly looked through files she held.âHey.â I greeted her calmly. After what happened, I couldnât imagine the horror she must be going through knowing Kevin had been playing her. I understood that pain.I expected her to be shocked at my warm greeting, or embarrassed at most, but the way she stared at me with obvious venom as I passed was enough to make me pause.âIs there a problem?â I asked, a brow raised.âAsides from the fact youâre trying to seduce my boyfriend, no, thereâs no problem.â Her words were sharp in the hallway. Her glare never diminishing as she scowled.âExcuse me?â I stared at her with raised brows. What?âI'm very aware of
DIANA It felt like the whole world was crashing down on me and I was buried beneath the rubble. âOh, my godâŚâ I gasped, my eyes watering as I stared at the figurines. Every single one of them, perfectly designed to highlight this event, days spent working to build this piece - shattered to pieces. I turned to the woman next to me, eyes wide from shock, âHow did this happen??â I asked, my voice laced with panic. âI donât know maam...â The staff shook her head frantically, the alarm clearly worn on her face. âWhat do you mean you donât know???â I burst out, unable to contain my frustration, âWhen the trucks were loaded I checked every single one, and they were all in perfect shape!ââI-I called you the moment I saw it maamâ She stammered, her hands clenched to the side.âWho the hell is in charge of offloading the trucks!!?â I yelled, turning to the other workers, as my blood boiled in rage.âIâm the one, maamâ One of the staff rushed out, his face paling as he caught sight of th
JEROME Tonight was different. The same it had been for the past six years. You would think time would have been a bit merciful, and relieve me of this burden Iâve involuntarily carried in my chest. But it only seemed to get heavier, my soul caving into the weight of the grief. I reached for the framed photograph on the table, my finger grazing the face lightly, as I stared at their faces. Their eyes held a warm light that had been missing from mine since that dreadful night. I would give anything to see it again, to enveloped by that warmth again.But deep down, thereâs a part of me that has become perfectly accustomed to this glacier that has settled in my soul. Could I ever feel anything other than that? Cold? The ring of my phone dragged me back to the present, interrupting my thoughts.I dropped the frame, my eyes lingering on their faces for a moment, scenes of the past flashing through my mind.With a heavy heart, I tore my eyes away and picked the call. âIf it isnât
JEROMEAn ambush awaited me as I reached the hotel. My brows furrowed as the incessant flickers of flashing lights attacked relentlessly. Iâve grown used to this assault, itâs the same every single year, and unfortunately, not in any way less irritable. âBoss, are you ready?â My bodyguard said, from the front seat, his eyes on the rear view mirror. I gave him a nod of approval, and he stepped out of the car and opened the door for me.I immediately squint my eyes, filled with annoyance. Iâve never enjoyed interactions with the press, and I avoid them when I can⌠like now. I straightened my suit and strode into the hotel, paying deaf ears to the calls of the pests clinging on to their cameras. As I walked into the hall, a small smile grew on my face as I was greeted with nothing short of an air of elegance. The entire hall was bathed in soft golden lights from the crystal chandeliers above, wisps of rainbow light bouncing off the glass as it refracted. The drapes wrapped round t
DIANA It felt like forever since I felt his soft lips on mine, it was only then I realized I had been starved. His hands tightened their hold on my waist, pulling me closer to his chest as he dived deeper into my lips, his tongue breaking through and claiming me. I threw my arms around his neck, locking him on my lips. But I was not strong enough. He departed from my lips, his eyes fixated on my lips, dowsed in desire. His finger came up to my lips, grazing them lightly, âYou really have no idea how beautiful you are.â He breathed out, as he gazed into my eyes. His finger left my lips, moving slowly down my neck, to the buttons on my shirt, and then paused on the last button. It was right above the band of my trousers. What was this man planning to do? I swallowed as he ventured further, his finger dipping passed the band, rubbing the lace over my crotch - just inches away from my core. It became hard to breathe, my heart pounded against my ribs as he looked at me, âIâll sto
DIANA In less than an hour, I would see him again. I didnât if the knot in my belly was that of excitement, nerves or fear. What would I even say to him? What would he say to me? Was there even anything to say? Any explanation to give? Nothing any of us would say would change my reality. This was how my body would look forever⌠irreversibly flawed. âMaâam, weâre here.â Williamâs voice brought me out of my thoughts, and I stared at the skyscraper before me with near dread.âThank you.â I said, giving him a small smile before exiting the car.I had actually insisted on using a cab, but if it wasnât obvious, Williams wasnât the type to take no for an answer⌠especially if heâs been given an order.Yes, I would talk to him about that. I no longer require Williamsâ services. I donât feel comfortable with it anymore⌠not that I ever did, but now itâs different.Things just arenât the same anymore.I walked into the building with only one thing in mind - go for the meeting, tell him t
DIANA Sleep has been difficult this past weekâŚShe has refused to bestow her presence upon me, drifting far beyond my reach.Maybe itâs because I have been chugging down coffee now more than usual. Iâd like to believe that was the reason, and not because the darkness has now become an unsolicited invitation for my demons to come out of their hiding place, and feast.I took another sip of the coffee in my hands as I read the email again on my laptop.There was a meeting happening tomorrow, and every one on the committee must be present. I couldnât avoid him any longer.I had spent the last week confined to the walls of my apartment, desperately dodging any reason to go the office⌠stalling the inevitable. I leaned back on the couch as I sighed, shutting the laptop on my lap. I would have to see him eventually, there was no escaping it. That, and I had a job to do.I wouldnât let my brand suffer because of a personal matter. Iâll just go for the meeting and leave immediately. I won
DIANA My eyes widened as I stared at the men as they walked into the alley. I walked backwards till I felt back against the wall, my heart palpitating wildly in my chest.âWhy were you running pretty girl?â The first man leaned in, the stench of alcohol and cigarettes hitting my nostrils as he spoke.No no no no no-âShe wanted us to go somewhere private, guess she wants to give us a show.â The other guy said, a disgusting smirk on his face as he slurred, more under the influence than the one holding me down.âP-please, let m-me go.â I pleaded, my voice coming out as a stutter. They both laughed, âYou brought us here and now you want to leave?â The second one slurred, yellow teeth glinting under the moonlight.âIâll g-give you anything y-you want!â I sputtered, my hands shaking as I gripped my purse. âJust name your p-price.â âYou hear that Jim?â The first man turned to his friend. âShe said anything I want,â then he turned to me, his eyes darkening as he grabbed my neck, callo
DIANA My vision blurred with tears as I rushed to the elevator, ignoring his voice. âDianaâŚDiana!â I could hear him calling after me, but I couldnât look back. I couldnât face him. How did he view me all this time?? An unfortunate case to be pitied? Enough to have around but never lust after? What went through his mind when he touched me? When he kissed me? Is that why he always stopped? Because he knew what I looked like underneath. I should have known. As I entered the elevator, I rapidly pressed the button to take me to the ground floor. As the doors closed, I looked at the mirror and I could see it all. Even though I was covered head to toe, somehow, all I saw were the scars⌠finally exposed.I wiped my tears angrily as I rushed through the lobby. As I broke through the doors, the chill in the wind hit me almost immediately. It was unusually cold tonight⌠or maybe it was just me, the sudden realization that he knew what I was. Heâd always known. I decided to run, at
DIANA It was Mr. Leota at the door. He didnât have the usual smirk on his face, he looked serious⌠too serious.âYouâre hereâŚâ I mumbled. He didnât say anything, just walking past me into my apartment.My heart pounded as I stood by the doorway, turning to him slowly as I shut the door.Did he already know?He wasnât even looking my way, his back was turned to me instead, and my mind raced as I imagined what heâd do next.Would he yell? Cuss me out? Fire me? The suspense was killing me as I stood there.Finally, he turned to face me, walking towards me and closing the gap between us as my breath hitched.âI wasnât expecting you to come here..â I watered my lips, staring at him with drawn brows.âWhy?â He only raised a brow.âYou were with your friend, soâŚâ I looked away, hiding the anxiety I felt.âHm.â He hummed, his eyes regarding me for a moment.âYou guys seem really close...â I swallowed, my gaze flashing to his for a moment to catch his reaction.âWe are.â The smile that rose
DIANAI tried so hard to conceal the shock on my face, as I stared at the man before me. He was almost the same height as Mr Leota, tall with a lean figure, his perfectly cut beard framing dark eyes that eyed me in judgement.I hoped deep down as I stared at the man that Mr. Leota was mistaken. What kind of Ill luck did I have??âNice to meet you.â I managed to say said with a shaky smile, but he didnât smile back, he only nodded and turned to Mr. Leota, completely ignoring me.âShall we go?â He raised a brow. â-weâll miss the reservation if we spend more time here.ââRelax, old man, weâll make it in time.âMr Leota waved him off with a scoff.Old man? I stared at the man with slightly raised brows.How old was this guy exactly?âYou say that everytime and we miss it everytime.â Ryan rolled his eyes.âHave a little faith in me.â Mr Leota smirked.âAnd where exactly has that gotten me?â He raised a brow at him.âDesperately in love with me.â My eyes widened as Mr Leota nudged him sligh
DIANA I had this pressing urge to slap whoever just knocked on the door, but to also thank them - who knows what would have happened if we had gone on with it⌠I tried to distance myself from him, but his grip was rock solid.âMr. Leota, thereâs someone at the door.â I tried prying his hands away, but he didnât even budge.âAnd?â He raised a brow, shifting closer:âTheyâre probably here to see you.â I furrowed my brows in amusement at his nonchalance.âThen they can wait.â Then he leaned in, placing kisses on my neck, each one a spark flying through my body.âThey could w-walk in at a-any moment.â I managed to breath out, desperately holding on to the last thread of restraint in my head. âI donât mind that.â His hands around my waist fastened their grip, with no plans to release me.âWell, I do.â I strained to say, my voice coming out weak and airy. He wasnât listening to me. His tongue danced on my neck like a paintbrush on a canvas, I couldnât tell what he was painting, but all
DIANA Why must the universe always be against me???âWhatever nonsense you have to spew from that smelly mouth of yours can wait, I have a meeting to be at.â I scoffed, rolling my eyes at his scowling face.âSo you think you can talk to me anyhow you see fit??â He took a step closer as his scowl deepened, his grip firm on my arm. âI would have said worse if I had more time.â I sneered. I tried to release myself from his grip, but it was futile. âLet go of me!â I frowned at him as I let out a breath.âWhat did you do to get into his bed??â He practically spat out, his eyes wide in rage.âIâm not having this conversation with you.â I pressed my lips together, turning to the side in irritation.âAnswer me!!â He yelled, his tone dark as he pulled me closer.âI owe you no explanation! You hear me??â I pulled back, my anger rising as I stared at him. âNone.ââSo the rumors were true after all?â He smirked bitterly suddenly, â-you did find at fuck your way into the company.ââKevin!â I ex