Standing next to the French window of a spacious office, a man in a well-tailored suit stood with his cell phone in his left ear.
His right hand was in his pocket as he listened and waited for the person on the other side of the line to pick it up.
It rang twice, but there was no answer as he was redirected to voicemail.
He put down his cell phone and drew a sharp breath, his eyes darkened, he rubbed his forehead with his hand and glanced at the image of the lady he used as his cellphone wallpaper.
He ran his hand through his hair and made his way back to his desk.
Furthermore, he placed his cell phone on the glass-top desk, which fits perfectly with the modern hi-tech interior.
Likewise, he pulled his chair back and sat down on it as he pressed the intercom. “Roy, to my office now.” He ordered and soon the automated door of his office was opened and Roy, a young man in his late twenties, stepped into the office.
“Mr. Asher, you sent for me.” Roy quickly said as he approached his desk.
Asher glanced up at him. “I can't get a hold of Jane Wills, find out where she is and what she is up to, and report back to me.” He ordered.
“Okay, sir,” Roy replied.
“Also, check how the marriage arrangements are going, I wouldn't want any mistakes in any of the preparations.” He added, a thin smile on his lips.
“Sir,” Roy responded with a smile on his face, this was the part of Asher Lincoln he loves, the lover boy part where he smiles.
“You may leave now.” He dismissed Roy, and Roy lowered his head and left the office to carry out Mr. Asher's order.
Asher exhaled sharply and turned on his tab as he scrolled through the tuxedos he was sent.
He stopped when he saw one that attracted him, he picked up his cell phone and dialed a number, and the call connected immediately.
“Hello, Mr. Asher.” A female voice from the other side of the line responded so politely.
“I saw the samples you sent, I will be sending the one that attracts me more.” He said and paused his lips as he glanced at it closely.
“Although there are a few things I would like you to change,” He zoomed in on the picture. “Eventually, I will schedule an appointment to meet.” He informed her.
“That would be better, Mr. Asher.” She said, and Asher smiled.
“Then I will let you know when.” He finished and ended the call.
Asher pressed the intercom and Roy answered. “Make me an appointment with Ms. Rosy, it should be between tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.”
“Okay, Mr. Asher,” Roy answered.
Asher glanced at the tuxedo again with a grin. “I wonder if Jane would like me in this outfit.” He scratched the corner of his hair.
He glanced at his cell phone and his forehead creased. “I hope you are alright, Jane.” He said softly and leaned back on his chair as he stared at her image on his cellphone.
***
Olivia made her way out of her room dressed in blue Jean trousers, a white v-neck top, and white sneakers.
Her brown hair was poured down behind her back, and she applied light makeup and her face was bright with a smile on them.
She glanced around the living room but couldn't see her parents, she heard some clinking sound coming from the kitchen.
She made her way toward the kitchen to see her mother making breakfast. “Hi, Mom,” She called out as she approached her and kissed her on her cheek.
“Hey baby, how was your night?” Juliet asked her as she took off the dish gloves she wore.
“It was good, mom, how was yours?” She asked, opening the fridge, she took out a bottle of water and drank it.
“T'was good, going somewhere?” Juliet questioned, glancing at her daughter's outfit.
“Chloe offered to show me around, but would stop by her house to greet her parents.” Olivia closed the fridge.
“Okay, what about breakfast? I will set the table in five minutes.” Juliet put on her apron.
“It's okay, mom, I can eat at Olivia's place.” She glimpsed around and then turned to her mother. “I don't see my dad, has he gone to the office?” She asked, raising her brows.
“Um…” Before Juliet could answer, she heard the doorbell.
“It must be Chloe,” Olivia exclaimed with a smile on her face. “I will get the door.” Olivia rushed towards the door and opened it.
“Chloe!” She embraced her with a smile on her lips.
“Hi, Olivia, I see you're already dressed, we're leaving now?” Chloe asked as Juliet made her way towards the door.
“Yes.” Olivia grinned.
“Morning, Mrs. Parker.” Chloe, who spotted Juliet, greeted her.
“Morning Chloe, take care of my girl,” Juliet said and Chloe crossed her arms around Olivia's shoulder.
“I won't let any harm come near my sweetheart,” Chloe assured her, and they both chuckled.
“Take care of yourself, Olivia.” Mr. Parker who just came out of the room said as he saw Olivia and Chloe.
Olivia blinked. “ You were inside all along?” She said as she looked at her father, and Juliet glanced at her husband.
“Yes,” Mr. Parker responded and glanced at Chloe. “How are you, Chloe?” He asked.
“I am good, Mr. Parker, I see you are okay,” Chloe said with a smile on her lips.
Olivia observed her mother's expression and then turned to her father. “I thought you already left for the office, dad,” Olivia spoke up again.
“I---”
“You should both go now,” Juliet told Chloe and Olivia, interrupting Parker from what he was about to say.
Olivia squinted as she saw her father lower his gaze, she then glanced at her mother.
She had been feeling this energy that something was wrong ever since she arrived yesterday, but she still couldn't wrap her fingers around it.
“Okay,” Olivia said reluctantly, and then she saw her father force a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
“Bye,” Juliet said, and they waved at her before leaving as she shut the door.
She turned to her husband. “It's becoming difficult for me, Juliet,” Parker spoke up this time. “We have to tell her about it, she will find out eventually.” His expression turned pale.
Juliet rubbed her forehead with her hand on her forehead and closed her eyes gently.
“I also want to tell her about it, but I just can't see tears in her eyes.” Juliet's voice was hoarse.
“I know, but she is old enough now, and we don't have to take her by surprise, she should know what situation we are currently in.” He explained.
Juliet broke down in a sob. “She may not be able to take it.” She clasped her hand on her mouth and closed her eyes.
Parker walked over to his wife and held her shoulder as he gently pulled her into a hug. “It's all my fault, I am sorry, it's my fault, I should never have put either of you in a situation like this.” He apologized.
Juliet sniffled and glanced up to look at his face. “Fine, we'll tell her tonight.” Tears rolled down her cheek. “I hope she accepts it just as I did, it's going to be hard, but we have to watch our daughter crumble, and that is all on you!” She stabbed her finger on his chest and walked away, leaving Parker devastated.
Olivia and Chloe left Chloe's family home after spending some time with Chloe's parents.It was late afternoon when they headed towards the bus station. “I didn't get to see your brother today?” Olivia asked Chloe.“Oh, him?” Chloe turned her attention to Olivia. “He went hiking,” Olivia said nonchalantly, like none of her brother's business was hers.“He still does that?” Olivia's eyes dilated, she could still remember that was one thing she admired about Chloe's brother, his hobby.“Yes, but he has become so annoying lately,” Chloe frowned. “He does things in excess, most times he leaves for one of his travels without informing anyone, he causes numerous headaches for my parents, they worry about him when he is old enough, and it pisses me off most times since he doesn't even care for our parents.” Chloe was vexed as she said this.Olivia drew a sharp breath. “That is too bad of him.” She now wished she had not brought the topic up, seeing how paranoid Chloe had become.“If only he
Olivia and Chloe finished their sightseeing at the Waterfall Garden Park.It was late and there seemed to be a celebration around the corner, so they decided to stay and watch the fireworks.“I heard the fireworks would start by eight this evening,” Chloe told her, and Olivia's eyes dilated with excitement in them.“I would love to watch it, but right now, I feel so hungry.” Olivia rubbed her lower abdomen and Chloe glanced at her.“I thought you wouldn't say that, but since you mentioned it, I know a place where we can get meat close by,” Chloe told her.“Aren't we going to miss the fireworks if we leave now?” Olivia blinked, glancing in the direction of the event.“We still have an hour before the fireworks, and the place is close by,” Chloe said, pulling Olivia by the hand. “We better hurry and get back if we want to see the fireworks.”“Okay, let's go.” Olivia agreed and they both made their way with Chloe leading her.All these while she had recognized some places, but other part
Chloe halted and was in shock when she saw Olivia bump into him and was caught by him, she blinked when he saw how he had gripped her arm and how her friend was struggling to free herself.“Hey, let go of her!” Chloe shouted as she rushed over and Asher glanced at Chloe but didn't pay much attention to her, he turned his gaze back at Olivia.“Answer the damn question!” He said again, this time, his forehead creased, and it terrified Olivia, Chloe stiffened, she was easily afraid, and she had no strength of her own to fight him.Roy had watched Asher all these while and could see what was going on, and he understood how Asher can be when he is angry.So he rushed over to stop him after remembering what Asher had said about making the first lady he sees his wife.“Mr. Asher,” Roy called out and quickly stood between him and Olivia as they turned their attention to him, this giving Olivia the perfect chance to free herself.“We have to go, Mr. Asher, I'm so sorry.” Roy apologized in Ashe
Asher returned home and placed down his coat on the chair and sank into the sofa.He shut his eyes as he recalled the video he had seen of Jane kissing Gray, but what annoyed him more was hearing that they had been meeting for two years, and he had no idea all this while.“Shit!” He groaned and curled his hand into a fist, opening his eyes.He picked up his cell phone and glanced at it, there was still no call or message from Jane, he angrily tossed the phone on the chair and got to his feet.Taking off his shirt, he walked into his room, took off his trousers, and walked into the bathroom to take his bath.He stared at the mirror in the bathroom, his eyebrows furrowed, and his eyes were red even though he hadn't cried, but deep in his heart was bleeding.This was a betrayal he never foresaw, he wanted to have her as his wife, and he loved her so much.He was ready to give up everything just for her, but what did he get, her betrayal, she was in love with another, she cheated on him a
She got dressed in her pajamas and was about to climb on her bed when she recalled the noise she had heard from her parent's room.No one had called her for dinner, and although she was filled with eating dinner with Chloe, still she was disturbed by the feelings she had been getting ever since she got back.Olivia decided to head out of her room to check on her parents, if Lawrence hadn't called her, she would have heard what they were saying.She pushed her door open and walked out of her room, making her way to her parent's room. She knocked on the door and didn't hear a response, so she let herself in.Once she peered in, she saw her mother sitting on the bed sobbing and her father wasn't there.Olivia was shocked, as this was the first time she had ever seen her mother cry.She rushed over to her side. “Mom, what is wrong?” She quickly asked, a worried line appearing between her brows.Juliet glanced up, she hadn't expected Olivia to see her in this state, she quickly wiped off h
Asher arrived at the company the next day, his driver pulled over in the parking lot.He got down wearing a well-tailored black suit, and a coat over his shoulder as it was cold.He made his way into the company, his expression was hard, the twinkles in his eyes gone.Not only that, but he was greeted by staff who said his name as he made his way towards the CEO'S exclusive elevator, but he didn't glance at them nor respond.It shocked a few staff who knew him to be more of a friendly person, he usually came in with smiles all over his face and his eyes twinkling, but now there were no sparks.“Do you think Mr. Asher is having problems with his marriage preparation?” Clara, one of the staff who had just greeted him and gotten no response, asked her colleague.Rita scoffed and turned to Clara. “Seems like you are hoping something would go wrong with his marriage preparation.” She knew Clara didn't settle well with the news of Asher's marriage.“Everyone knows that it should be me and A
Olivia turned to her side on the bed, it was late afternoon yet she hadn’t eaten breakfast and has lost all appetite for a meal, she hadn’t answered any call from who had called her more than seven times. Her parents had also knocked on the door, yet she didn’t leave the room but called out from inside telling them that she wanted to be alone. She still thought of what she had been told last night, how she won’t be going back to Hawaii, how she won’t be able to complete her studies because of her father’s huge debt, and how they were going to leave this home she had grown up in. They had told her they would be moving to a country side, far from here, next to the oceans, a place with no modern job, perhaps she would become a fisher or a trader, her expensive life would be wash down the drain. She would be separated from Lawrence and from Chloe, it was going to be extremely lonely, yet that is the life they wanted her to live right now. She heard a knock on the door and turned to th
The words that have just come out of this stranger’s mouth has shocked and angered Parker at the same time.“What---“Asher held up his hand to silence Parker who was about to say a words. “I know you must be confused, but so I am, because I never planned to meet your daughter, or to discover that your have a huge debt, but it all happened and I think it has to, so before you jump into conclusion, hear me out first.”Asher glanced from the anger Juliet to the furious Parker, but he wasn’t scared, so he continued what he was saying earlier.“My wedding is next week and I am in need of a wife, and your house will be sealed tomorrow and you would be homeless and go back to staying in a shabby place or relocated to some countryside, starting from scratch again,” He saw the anger that filled Parker’s eyes, but he continued immediately.“But, all that can be avoided with this money, you can pay off your debts and not risk losing this beautiful house that is filled with happy memories, and w