DIANA Oh my God. The woman stared with parted lips, Jerome glared hard at her, her eyes widened when she realized she’d been looking too long for comfort before averting her eyes. “Oh! Oh My god, I’m sorry sir!” She blurted out turning and slammed the door behind her as she fled. Oh my God. How did I not hear her?? It seemed I was the only one having an internal breakdown. This man went back to kissing my neck like we weren’t just caught. “Just stop.” I pursed my lips, staring to the side in embarrassment. I just needed a hole to fall in right now… “Are you sure?” He smirked at me. “Y-yes.” I responded, my voice quivering. He stepped away from me, a smirk still playing on his face. God, he was handsome. But that wasn’t what was important right now!! “Now she’ll tell everyone that she saw me shoving my tongue down the CEO’s throat!” I huffed as I took a step back, my back leaning on the sink. “Well, She's not wrong.” He chuckled, his hands sliding into his pockets
DIANA The drapes lifted to reveal the piece.I held my breath as it was unveiled, at first glance, the bulbous texture of the glass work made it appear like crystalline clouds, but the way it flowed upwards, each glass cloud intricately rising and stacking together, revealed a futuristic tower, the hues of blue on the piece dancing together and separating under different angles and rays of light.My work.I stared at it with furrowed brows. It was hard not to judge myself, my work. But I knew I put so much into this.So much. It was so hard to put the pieces back together, and create this.Luckily for me, there was a welder not too far from the hotel, and he understood my vision. Hopefully everyone else understood it too. And they did. The collective gasps that filled the room and looks of astonishment littered the faces of the guests in the room as they gazed at the piece made a smile grow on my face. They loved it.Like they were on a hunt for the biggest photo opportunity, Th
DIANAMy phone wouldn’t stop ringing on the drive home, I sighed as I slipped it out of my purse, checking the caller I.D.Mr Leota.I shoved the phone back into my purse, ignoring the call and wiped my tears with trembling hands. You think a few people singing your praise means you are worth something?What have you done tonight that no one has ever done?Kevin’s voice was omnipresent in my mind, no matter how far I ran, he’s there.I stared out the window, my chest tightened as I fought back a fresh onslaught of tears. I reached my apartment in half an hour, my hands shaky as I shut the door behind me.I could still feel my phone ringing in my purse, I swallowed as I walked in, barely present as I threw the purse to the couch, taking off my gown In silence as I walked towards my bedroom.I stilled as I slipped out of the dress, the burn marks on my thigh stretching upwards and disappearing under my underwear.Any man that makes the mistake to fuck you will only dump you in the end
DIANA.My eyes popped open in utter shock as I fell to the chair, an anvil of disbelief weighing me down. “Dee?” Lily’s voice was sharp through the speaker as I stared at my screen. “Dee, are you there??” She cried out, but I couldn’t hear her.All I could focus on was the video playing. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I hoped so hard that it wasn’t, but it couldn't be mistaken. She was wearing the same gown as I. She was pinned to the wall. He kissed her. Mr. Leota. Me. My heart thumped frantically in my chest, my throat tightening as I read the headlines written in bold letters;CEO OF LEOTA INDUSTRIES AND COMMON EVENT PLANNER CAUGHT INTIMATE ON CAMERA!!My fingers shook as I scrolled, my eyes scanning through the words. Oh god! Oh god! Oh god!“… small scale event planner has become the latest victim of the latest victim of the charming CEO…”“Dee? Dee!” I dropped the phone on the couch when Lily called out to me, unable to stare at my phone screen anymore.“How did this
DIANAHis blue-gray eyes stared down at me, searching my face deeply.“What are you doing here?” I asked, my tone filled with surprise. He must have seen it too.“Why weren’t you picking my calls?” He questioned, his eyes narrowed as he walked past me, into the apartment.There was no way I could avoid him now. I sighed and shut the door, turning to him, “ I was just a bit overwhelmed by...everything.” Lily stared at him with raised brows, obviously as surprised as I was to see him here.“Uhm-“ She stood up slowly, grabbing her bag and walking straight to the door, her eyes flashing between the two of us. “I’m gonna go now.” She held my hand, giving it a tight squeeze, “I’ll come back tomorrow.” She said quietly, offering me a small smile.I returned the gesture, holding the door open for her as she walked out. And she was gone.“Who is she?” I had barely even shut the door when he asked sharply, a brow raised in question.“She’s my friend.” I sighed as I turned to him, my arms cro
DIANA “Is there something on my face?”I hadn’t realized I had been staring, I quickly looked away, feeling my cheeks heat up in embarrassment.Jerome only smirked at my reaction, walking past me and straight to my fridge.“Just as I expected.” He chuckled as he opened it.“What?” I raised a brow, turning to him.“Have you been living off coffee and air?” He raised a brow as me, disappointment clear on his face.Oh.I stared into the nearly empty fridge, the sad carton of milk staring back at me.“I was going to cook today,” I tried defending myself, turning to the side with pressed lips. “I just got a bit carried away.”I couldn’t help noticing his gaze shifting to the bags on the counter“So, What did you get from the store?” He made his way to the counter reaching for one of the bags before I spoke up.“Uhm… I got some icecream…” I walked towards him.“Icecream?” He scoffed, staring at me with slightly parted lips.“You can have some, if you’re into that…” I shrugged, pulling out
DIANA I woke up with a jolt, staring at the darkness of my bedroom ceiling with squinted eyes, I groaned as I turned to the side, staring out the window.The sun wasn’t even out yet.It wasn’t long before nerves took over my every movement, my fingers twisting the edge of my shirt as I sat up.I had to go to work.I bit my lip, reaching for my phone on the side table. I squinted almost immediately as it came on, the light almost blinding me. It was 5:30am.I stood up from the bed with a low sigh, walking out lazily to the living room. I stared at the empty home as I took a sip of water, my brows furrowing as I fingers tightened their hold on the cup. My heart began to hammer in my chest just thinking about it. I couldn’t avoid it. I had to go to work. I couldn’t let the nerves get to me, I needed to get rid of them. I walked back to my room, pulling out joggers from my closet and slipping on a long sleeve turtleneck, my running shoes following after, before walking with determi
DIANA “I still can’t believe it.” A woman spoke as their steps drew closer to the sink in front my stall.“I know right?” Another woman added “Of all the women he could be with, he chose her??” I stilled at their words, my brows drawing closer as I recognized the second voice.That sounds like Annie. “You should know the type of man he is by now, he probably just wanted to taste something different.” Another woman spoke with a condescending scoff, I leaned back in my seat, blood draining from my face.“Well, he has had his fair share of different kinds of women.” The first woman chuckled.“You mean unfair share-“ the second lady stressed, her voice laced with amusement. “-that man has half of the women in New York swooning over him.” “Including me!” The first voice laughed, heels clicking and the tap rushing when someone turned it open.“Well, It’s not a surprise. Not only is he a billionaire, he has the face that could rival with a Greek god.” The third woman was so close to my st
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, “You really have no idea how beautiful you are.” 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, “I’ll sto
DIANA In less than an hour, I would see him again. I didn’t 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. “Ma’am, we’re here.” William’s voice brought me out of my thoughts, and I stared at the skyscraper before me with near dread.“Thank you.” I said, giving him a small smile before exiting the car.I had actually insisted on using a cab, but if it wasn’t obvious, Williams wasn’t the type to take no for an answer… especially if he’s been given an order.Yes, I would talk to him about that. I no longer require Williams’ services. I don’t feel comfortable with it anymore… not that I ever did, but now it’s different.Things just aren’t 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 week…She has refused to bestow her presence upon me, drifting far beyond my reach.Maybe it’s because I have been chugging down coffee now more than usual. I’d 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 couldn’t 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 wouldn’t let my brand suffer because of a personal matter. I’ll 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.“Why were you running pretty girl?” The first man leaned in, the stench of alcohol and cigarettes hitting my nostrils as he spoke.No no no no no-“She wanted us to go somewhere private, guess she wants to give us a show.” The other guy said, a disgusting smirk on his face as he slurred, more under the influence than the one holding me down.“P-please, let m-me go.” I pleaded, my voice coming out as a stutter. They both laughed, “You brought us here and now you want to leave?” The second one slurred, yellow teeth glinting under the moonlight.“I’ll g-give you anything y-you want!” I sputtered, my hands shaking as I gripped my purse. “Just name your p-price.” “You hear that Jim?” The first man turned to his friend. “She said anything I want,” 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. “Diana…Diana!” I could hear him calling after me, but I couldn’t look back. I couldn’t 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. He’d always known. I decided to run, at
DIANA It was Mr. Leota at the door. He didn’t have the usual smirk on his face, he looked serious… too serious.“You’re here…” I mumbled. He didn’t 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 wasn’t even looking my way, his back was turned to me instead, and my mind raced as I imagined what he’d 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.“I wasn’t expecting you to come here..” I watered my lips, staring at him with drawn brows.“Why?” He only raised a brow.“You were with your friend, so…” I looked away, hiding the anxiety I felt.“Hm.” He hummed, his eyes regarding me for a moment.“You guys seem really close...” I swallowed, my gaze flashing to his for a moment to catch his reaction.“We are.” 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??“Nice to meet you.” I managed to say said with a shaky smile, but he didn’t smile back, he only nodded and turned to Mr. Leota, completely ignoring me.“Shall we go?” He raised a brow. “-we’ll miss the reservation if we spend more time here.”“Relax, old man, we’ll make it in time.”Mr Leota waved him off with a scoff.Old man? I stared at the man with slightly raised brows.How old was this guy exactly?“You say that everytime and we miss it everytime.” Ryan rolled his eyes.“Have a little faith in me.” Mr Leota smirked.“And where exactly has that gotten me?” He raised a brow at him.“Desperately in love with me.” 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.“Mr. Leota, there’s someone at the door.” I tried prying his hands away, but he didn’t even budge.“And?” He raised a brow, shifting closer:“They’re probably here to see you.” I furrowed my brows in amusement at his nonchalance.“Then they can wait.” Then he leaned in, placing kisses on my neck, each one a spark flying through my body.“They could w-walk in at a-any moment.” I managed to breath out, desperately holding on to the last thread of restraint in my head. “I don’t mind that.” His hands around my waist fastened their grip, with no plans to release me.“Well, I do.” I strained to say, my voice coming out weak and airy. He wasn’t listening to me. His tongue danced on my neck like a paintbrush on a canvas, I couldn’t tell what he was painting, but all
DIANA Why must the universe always be against me???“Whatever nonsense you have to spew from that smelly mouth of yours can wait, I have a meeting to be at.” I scoffed, rolling my eyes at his scowling face.“So you think you can talk to me anyhow you see fit??” He took a step closer as his scowl deepened, his grip firm on my arm. “I would have said worse if I had more time.” I sneered. I tried to release myself from his grip, but it was futile. “Let go of me!” I frowned at him as I let out a breath.“What did you do to get into his bed??” He practically spat out, his eyes wide in rage.“I’m not having this conversation with you.” I pressed my lips together, turning to the side in irritation.“Answer me!!” He yelled, his tone dark as he pulled me closer.“I owe you no explanation! You hear me??” I pulled back, my anger rising as I stared at him. “None.”“So the rumors were true after all?” He smirked bitterly suddenly, “-you did find at fuck your way into the company.”“Kevin!” I ex