SARAYA'S POV.I read the message again before sending it to Dominic. Somehow, I felt bad for training his proposal and yet he was still there for my parents.It made me look cruel and selfish but I was grateful he was taking it well.I dropped my phone and continued reading through the documents piled in front of me.Two hours passed and I yawned loudly. I still had a long way to go looking through the heap of documents I haven't touched."Here is a cup of coffee." Gabby gently placed it on the table.I looked up and smiled at her. "Just what I needed." I grabbed the mug and took a sip. "Thank you.""This is the first time in a long time, I see you desperately want to do something for yourself. You've been going through the company's document for over four hours, shouldn't you take a break?"I glanced at Gabby who stood there with her arms crossed, her brows knitted in concern as she watched me.“I can’t take a break,” I said, shaking my head. “I need to get through these. If I don’t,
IAN'S POV."Who do you work for?" I asked Peter angrily. "I work for you sir." He stammered."Maybe I should evicted you when I evicted your pass boss because I don't understand why I recieved this mail?" I shouted pointing to the rejection mail from my tablet."Are you sure you're not in cohort with Saraya to bring me down?" I added. "This is our first project since I took over and now this?"Peter’s face turned pale as he glanced nervously at the tablet in my hand. His mouth opened, but no words came out, just the faint sound of his shallow breathing."I-I would never do that, sir," he finally managed to stammer. "I’ve been loyal to you since day one. This…this must be a misunderstanding.""Misunderstanding?" I repeated, my voice dripping with disdain. "A misunderstanding doesn't make our proposal get rejected with such scathing feedback. It’s sloppy work, Peter, and if I didn’t know better, I’d think it was sabotage!"Peter’s eyes widened, and he took a cautious step back. "I swea
ARLAN'S POV.I had gone to the supermarket and stocked up on a lot of groceries. As soon as I got back to my place, I headed straight to the kitchen with my arms filled with bags.“You went grocery shopping?” Bridget’s voice was soft but laced with surprise as she walked towards me to help me with some of the bags.I nodded, placing the bags on the counter. “Yes, and I’m doing the cooking today,” I announced, I caught a shock look on her face. “Don’t give me that look, Bridget.”She quickly schooled her features, folding her hands in front of her. “Of course, sir. But if you’ll allow me, I can help you.”I shook my head firmly but kept my tone polite. “Thank you, Bridget, but I’ve got this. I need to do it myself.”She hesitated. “As you wish, sir. But please let me know if you need anything.”“I will,” I assured her, smiling at her.Bridget lingered for a moment, clearly uncertain about stepping back. I didn’t blame her, she has always took pride in her work, and I respected that. Bu
ISLA'S POV."I'm coming with you." I said as I quickly entered Mary's car and shut the door."Mother, you should stay back." Mary tried persuading but I was done being persuaded.I quickly put on the seat belt, strapping myself in. "He is my son, ever since he got admitted. I have only visited him once." I reminded her. "Does that even make any sense? I know you're worried about me but I'm also worried about him. Nothing will stop me today."Seeing my mind was made up, Mary started the car's ignition.Soon we got to the hospital, the antiseptic and sterile smell hit my nose as Mary signed us in. We entered Alex's ward and my heart broke at the sight of him.I staggered but Mary was quick to hold me. Alex looked so gaunt in his still position. I walked towards him and cupped his face gently. "Your mother is here, Alex." My face became teary. "You've been lying here for too long, is it that you intend passing away before me?""Mother, you're causing a scene, you should have stayed back
IAN'S POV.From my room, I watched Mary and my grandmother get out of the car.“They must’ve been at Alex’s,” I muttered, stepping away from the window.For two days, I had been turning over ideas in my head, trying to figure out how to get something on Mary. Something I could use. Nothing solid came to mind, so I finally decided: tap her phone. If she was hiding anything, it had to be in there.I waited until late that night. When I heard the shower running from her room, I knew this was my chance. Quietly, I slipped into her bedroom and spotted her phone on the bedstand. Perfect.Moving quickly, I attached the tapping device and started the process. My hands worked fast and it began to load. The percentage climbed steadily. 70%. 80%. 95%. Almost there.Then her phone rang, disrupting what could have a perfect job.I froze, glancing at the screen. It was Dominic. "Don't tell me it's the same Dominic?" I muttered to myself, "what have they've been talking about?" By now, the loading i
MARY'S POVI locked the door behind me and stood stark naked in front of the mirror and ran my hand through my damp hair.Ian's word replayed in my ears. "You’re doing this for yourself." He wasn’t wrong, but he didn’t know the full story."How could he? I had given eighteen years of my life to this family. Eighteen years of sacrifices, sleepless nights, and tears that no one else would ever understand and what do I get for it? Being used, made to accept every decision like my voice doesn't matter and condescension." I said in tears.No one has the right to chastise me, least of all Ian, with his arrogance and his facade of righteousness when everything seems to be slipping out of his hands."Ain't no way in a million years will I allow this chance to pass me me by." I said determined. "You can call me all sorts of names and it wouldn't matter as long as I get what I want."I looked at my stunning body in the morning, at forty one, I still had it. My round and firm breasts compliment
ARLAN'S POV I tried getting some sleep but it was impossible as my mind ravished with the thoughts of Saraya. I thought about what she could be doing but I couldn't mutter the courage to call her, not with what I saw at the airport."You're such a coward, Arlan. You don't deserve her." I turned on my side again.Her smile seems genuine and I couldn't remember the last time she smiled at me that way. All I remember was her tears and struggles whenever she was with me.I sighed and sat up. Restlessness took over me but I knew drinking wasn't an option. Not with Matilda, who is due with our baby anytime from now. For their sakes, I have to be sober.I decided to keep myself busy by going to my study to sort out the stack of documents that had been left untouched for days.I took off the bed cover and got off from bed. My study is attached to my bedroom so I grabbed my phone and headed there.I sat down and placed my hand on the stack of documents and I cursed my procrastination as I got
ALEX'S POV.I patted his back awkwardly, the strength of his hug catching me off guard. “I’m here, Arlan. I’m okay now.”He pulled back just enough to look me in the eyes. “Do you have any idea of how I felt when you collapsed? I couldn't focus knowing fully well it would be on me if you never wake up?”“I’m sorry I got you and everyone worried.” The words came out in a whisper, guilt settling in my chest.“You’re sorry?” He shook his head. “Don’t be ridiculous. Its all my fault, I should've told you everything...” His voice broke again, and he rubbed a hand across his face.I tried for a weak smile. "It's okay." I replied. "It would have been difficult if I were in your shoes too."“Thank you for coming around,” he said, but a small, relieved laugh slipped out anyway.I gestured to the chair by my bed. “Sit down before you fall over. You look like you haven’t slept in days.” I said pointing the eye bags beneath his eyes.“I haven’t,” he admitted, sinking into the chair. His elbows re
MARY'S POV.The meeting had gone on for what felt like an eternity. Every passing second just added to the growing frustration and tension in the room but I was enjoying each moment.I could feel the eyes of the board members on Ian as they exchanged disapproving glances. Ian was in trouble and he knew it. He was losing their support and has no major shareholder backing him up. He looked like a small fish in an ocean, looking lost and confused."Ian, this is unacceptable," one of the directors finally spoke up. "Underperforming across the board, and now the product leak? This is a disaster."Ian shifted uncomfortably in his seat, a nervous twitch in his jaw. "I... I understand," he stammered, "and I promise I’ll handle it. I’ll give everyone an explanation, just give me time. I've got the legal team on this already."He met my gaze then, instead, I rolled my eyes, just enough for him to catch it.I wasn’t about to let him squirm his way out of this one. "If I may," I said, cutting thr
IAN'S POVI stared at my phone, tapping my fingers against the table. No response from Arlan. Not even a single word or message. It was past noon, and I was expecting to have heard some news or reactions by now."Maybe I shouldn’t have sent them to him, Maybe it was bad idea after all." I said looking worried. "That weakling." I cussed. "I thought he was all crazy about Saraya."Then again, there is Dominic who had reached out to me earlier. "I guess that is enough to bring down Mary seeing how he made effort to reach out. He must have something to offer but then I can't trust that cunning son of a bitch." I said to myself.Peter rushed in, looking troubled. From his facial expression, I could tell all is not well."Don't tell me you bought another bad news to fuel my bad mood?" I asked.Peter shivered. "I'm sorry but I think you should know that the wellington just released some products similar to what we intend launching next week." He revealed.I laughed hysterically. "Are you out
ARLAN'S POV."You haven't had anything since morning, have something to drink sir." Bridget stretched a bottle of water towards me.I took it from her and wrapped my hands tightly around the bottle. "Thank you." I muttered."She will be fine." She said.There was something optimistic about Bridget words that torn my heart, maybe it from knowing Matilda wouldn't be fine not after my decision or my conscience pricking me.I felt uncomfortable. "You should go back," I suggested. "I don't know how long I will be staying here for, I shouldn't keep you here.""I know you want to be left alone but I'm sorry I can't do as you've asked right now. I think you need someone beside you. There is nothing much to do at home, so I would just sit over there." She said pointing to a seat at a corner. "You can just pretend I'm not here.""Thank you." I muttered as another round of tears rolled down my cheeks.Bridget walked away and took her seat but not without turning her back against me. She must hav
ALEX'S POV."Are the documents ready?" I asked Arlan the moment he stepped in."Yes, here they are." He replied before pulling them out from his briefcase.I carefully went through them one after the other, satisfied. I nodded. "Great job, Arlan.""Don't mention."I sighed. "All that is left is to sign the transfer paperwork to another hospital and serve her a copy then I can tell Saraya everything about Mary and Dominic.""You're still recovering and the transfer is going to take some days, are you sure you will be able to sulk it in with Mary visiting you everyday?" Arlan asked."I have no choice though I won't deny how much I'm holding back not to wriggle her neck from her body. Especially when he touches me, I feel like exploding." I confessed.Arlan sighed, taking a seat across from me. “I must admit, we are playing a dangerous game, Alex. One misstep and this could blow off to our faces.”I scoffed. “I’m done playing games.” My fingers tapped impatiently against the documents. “
DOMINIC'S POVI settled into my seat, buckling the belt as the plane began boarding. People shuffled past, stowing their bags, murmuring to each other, but I wasn’t really paying attention.All I could think about was Saraya.More specifically, the way she looked when she told me what I’d done.'You tried to kiss me.' Her words echoed in my head.I rubbed a hand down my face. "Damn it."I didn’t even remember doing it, but the second she said it, I could feel it. Like my body had stored the memory my brain refused to hold onto.I could picture it too easily. Her lips inches from mine. That brief moment of hesitation. The way her breath might’ve hitched and the disgust on her face enough to have avoided my kiss.I shook my head. "Stop." I cautioned myself.I exhaled, staring at the seat in front of me. It didn’t happen. It didn’t matter how it would’ve felt. It didn’t matter what might have happened if I hadn’t been drunk out of my mind.I leaned my head back, closing my eyes for a seco
SARAYA'S POV.I pulled up to the hotel just as Dominic stepped out of the lobby, rolling his suitcase behind him. He looked awfully pale, tired, and was moving slower than usual.He barely glanced at me before turning to the receptionist. “Yeah, that’s the card. Just email me the receipt.”The woman behind the desk nodded. “Safe travels, Mr. Leo.”Dominic muttered a thanks, grabbed his receipt and walked over to my car. He tossed his bag into the backseat and shut it with more force than necessary.“Morning,” I said, watching him closely.“Morning,” he replied, rubbing his temples.I raised an eyebrow. “You okay?”“Fine. Just—” He let out a heavy breath. “Probably had one too many drinks last night.”That explained the way he looked like he wanted to curl up and throw up. I didn’t say anything, just got in the car and pulled out of the parking lot.A few minutes later, I turned into a pharmacy lot.Dominic frowned. “What are we doing here?”I didn’t answer, I hopped out, went inside,
DOMINIC'S POVI was standing outside, adjusting the cuff of my vintage shirt when Saraya pulled up and parked. She stepped out of the car, looking effortlessly beautiful in her black short gown and I couldn’t help but smile.“I should be the one picking you up,” I said as she approached me.She grinned. “Remember, it’s my treat.”I shook my head. “Still, that doesn’t mean you have to drive.”“Well, I did.” She shrugged.We both laughed, and I pulled her into a hug. She smelled nice but I didn’t let myself linger too long so she doesn't get uncomfortable. When we pulled apart, I took a step back and gave her an approving look.I chuckled and held out my hand. “Keys.”She raised a brow. “Excuse me?”“You’ve been at work all day. Let me drive.”She hesitated for a second before dropping the keys into my palm. “Fine. But only because I’m too tired to argue.”I took the keys from Saraya and got into the driver’s seat while she settled beside me.“I’ll take what I can get,” I said, opening t
IAN'S POV.I turned to face her, my jaw tightening. “Grandmother, you have no idea...”She held up a hand, silencing me. “I heard enough, Ian.”Mary let out shaky whimpers but not without giving a quick mockery smile on seeing my grandmother's burst in and her reaction towards me.Somehow I felt like I had fell for her trick again with my impatience. Mary was a master manipulator, and my grandmother had walked in just in time to save her.I clenched my fists as I turned to face my grandmother. My pulse was pounding, I could barely contain my anger."Grandma, you don't understand," I said, forcing myself to stay calm.She looked at me sternly. "Oh, I understand plenty, Ian. I see exactly what's happening here. Even after talking to you, you still made your way down here to accuse. I overheard your conversation, despite her genuine plead for you to stop, you keep coming hard at her."Mary sniffled, wiping at her already tear-streaked face. "Mother, I don't know why he is doing this to
ISLA’S POVAs soon as Mary left, I reached for my phone and called Ian. “Come to my room now.”He didn’t ask why. Within minutes, he was standing in front of me, looking as confident as ever.I kept my hands folded behind my back, studying him carefully. “What do you think you’re doing, Ian?”His expression remained neutral. “I don’t understand what you mean, Grandmother.”I narrowed my eyes. “Don’t play games with me. What is this about bugging Mary’s phone and threatening her in the middle of the night?”He let out a short laugh. “Is that all she told you?” He asked.I took a step closer. “You're not even denying it? I guess it's true then.”Ian shrugged. “I did what I had to do. Mary’s been scheming behind everyone’s back. She’s manipulating things to her advantage. I just evened the playing field.”I exhaled sharply, shaking my head. “Let's assume you're right, do you think blackmail is the way to do that?” I asked. "What happens to coming to me?" I added."You've weakened grandma