MATILDA'S POV:For one, I didn't know how I managed to keep myself in check throughout dinner. With every bite of food, I could feel the food hanging in my throat like a bitter pill to swallow.More than anything, I wanted to find out about this woman that could make Arlan lose appetite and make me unseen."I have some work to do, feel at home." Arlan said jolting me out of my thoughts as he excused himself and disappeared to his study.I nodded and smiled as his words lingered: "Feel at home."Home? How could I feel at home in this place, where every corner seemed to whisper of my inadequacies? Where every glance, every word, reminded me that I had lost something I never truly had?I unclenched my fists, my nails leaving faint crescents in my palms. I didn't mean to react that way, but it was getting harder to mask the emotions clawing at me.For years, I had stood beside him, hoping, waiting. A part of me had always believed that if I stayed close enough, if I proved myself patient
MATILDA'S POV"Saraya..." I called out again for God knows. "I had heard it before, hadn’t I?" I asked myself so loud.It was maddening how familiar it sounded, like a word teetering on the edge of recognition but refusing to step forward. I drove until I found myself at an empty bridge, the car screeched to a halt as I parked on the side and stepped out. I clenched my fists and let out a loud, guttural yell, the sound echoing into the night. It didn’t make me feel any better. If anything, it only amplified the turmoil raging inside me.“Saraya,” I muttered under my breath, the name lingering on my tongue like a bitter aftertaste. Why did it feel like I should know her? Why couldn’t I place where I had heard it before?My phone buzzed, snapping me out of my spiraling thoughts. I pulled it out with shaky hands, the name on the screen reading Tessy. For a moment, I debated whether to answer. I wasn’t in the mood for small talk, but Tessy wouldn’t stop until I picked up.Clearing my th
SARAYA'S POV:The boardroom felt stiff, formal, exactly how a meeting like this should feel. It was my first time stepping into Arlan’s company, and everything about it screamed business.My secretary was beside me, quietly jotting notes, while his did the same. But my focus wasn’t on the documents or the numbers being thrown around. It was on him.Arlan had this way of commanding the room without trying. It was maddening, really. I tried to focus, to stay professional, but every so often, my gaze would drift to him and our eyes would meet.When the deal was finally sealed, and I stretched my hand towards him. "I look forward to our collaboration, Mr Reef.""Same here, Miss Newman."The moment his hand touched mine, I felt it; a spark, sharp and electric, rushing through me like a jolt. His hand pulled away almost instantly, as if he felt it too. I quickly looked away like it was nothing but my heart was racing heavily.We were just leaving the boardroom when she appeared.“Arlan!”I
ARLAN'S POV: Saraya ended the call abruptly and I knew I deserved it, I leaned back in my chair, rubbing a hand down my face. She was right. I was confusing her, and it wasn’t fair. I had tried to keep my distance, to draw a line between us, but every time I thought I could walk away, I found myself reaching for her again.The thought of seeing her earlier had kept me awake all night and when I did see her, I almost lost every sense of reasoning.It had taken me a great deal of discipline to contain myself while we were in the boardroom meeting.I sighed heavily, staring at the phone in my hand as I was trying hard to resist the urge to call her again. And Matilda...The memory of her walking into my office just an hour ago replayed in my mind like a scene from a movie.****One Hour Ago*I had barely closed the door to my office when Matilda turned to me. “I hope you don’t mind me dropping by unannounced,” she said, taking a seat on the couch.I raised an eyebrow while chuckling,
ALEX'S POV:I watched Mary walked in looking gloomy as I glanced up from the tab I was holding. "What’s wrong?" I asked.She hesitated for a moment, then spoke in a low voice. "Your mom hasn’t joined us at the table since the board’s unanimous decision." Her eyes were downcast and so was her voice. "I've done everything possible to make her join us but she just won't concede.""If that is all, then you don't have to bother yourself about it." I muttered under my breath.Mary sighed. "She’s your mother, Alex. You should worry about her, as a matter of fact, I think you should stop avoiding her as well and talk to her."My hands tightened round the tab I was holding. "I’m not letting her blackmail me emotionally," I snapped. I was already tired of the emotional manipulation and wasn’t in the mood for another round.Mary stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on my arm. "I understand how you feel, Alex but I want you to remember her seventieth birthday is coming up. So you should patch th
ISLA'S POV:I don't know how long I was standing for after Alex left but from the way my knees were hurting, I could tell I had been standing for a while.I slowly walked to the sofa and sat at the edge. "How dare he open my wounds?" Tears formed me on my eyes.Reminiscing over James, my eyes fell on a picture. My hands clutched the photo that has never left my bedside. James and Alex, my two boys, the ones I have lived my entire life for.James stood tall and confident in the picture, his arm casually resting on Alex’s shoulder. His smile was warm and reassuring, the kind of smile that spoke of reliability and trust. And then there was Alex, his grin mischievous, his eyes glinting with that defiance I’d never been able to tame no matter how hard I try.James had always been my pride, my perfect son. He listened. He obeyed. He understood the importance of family, tradition, and loyalty. Alex, on the other hand, was chaos. The exact replica of his late dad, wild and untamed.From the
Two weeks later.SARAYA'S POVI walked to the dinning table and the whole place was lively, livelier than it has been for in the past two weeks. The decoration and lightening were beautifully made.My dad, Mary and Evan were already seated when I got there. A cake was sitting pretty with the inscription 'Happy seventieth birthday, mum!'"Are you sure she would show up?" I asked, my tone was pessimistic as I took my seat."Don't be so pessimistic, Sara." Mary said with a smile. "It's your grandmother's birthday. Of course, she will come."Grandma walked in, looking moody as usual. "Good morning mum!" Mary greeted her all smiles while dad pulled the chair for her.Mary leaned towards me and mouthed. "I told you she would come.""Happy birthday, mum." My father began, "I wish you long life and sound health."My grandmother looked at the table for a brief second, "you shouldn't have gone the trouble of making all these, a simple breakfast would've suffice.""Still, it's your birthday,
ARLAN'S POV.I couldn't sleep the whole night, I had turned side by side and paced when I could until the sun started rising and its rays flashed into my room."What a night!" I muttered. I grabbed my phone and scrolled through my call logs staring at Saraya's number, contemplating whether or not it was a good time to give her a call. Just then, Matilda call came in. "I have to give her some space for her to get over me." I had repeatedly told myself while ignoring her call.Staring at Saraya's number, "If I'm going to call her later, then is no point delaying." With that, I dialed her number.The phone rang and just when I thought she wasn't going to pick my call, she picked up."Hello."Her heart started racing at the sound of her voice and somehow, I couldn't find my voice."Hello!" Her voice came again with a hint of frustration.That gave me room for conversation. "What is wrong with you Saraya? You sound so down.""And that is none of your business." She yelled."Easy, butterfl
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
MARY'S POVI didn't sleep a wink the entire night, I kept on thinking of what I could do to gain leverage over Ian.The alarm rang on my bedside interrupting my thoughts. I angrily pressed the off button. "Shut the fuck up!" I yelled at the bed clock.Taking a deep breath, I got up from bed and walked to the mirror and studied my reflection. I ruffled my hair, letting it fall messily around my face, then rubbed my pale eyes until they looked swollen. My nightgown was already slightly wrinkled, which worked in my favor. "This looks perfect." I said, taking in my disheveled look.Once I was satisfied with my appearance, I stepped out of my room and walked down the long hallway to Isla’s room. My footsteps were slow, hesitant, like a woman in labour.I needed to get in character and I was doing a great job. When I reached her door, I didn’t bother knocking. I turned the handle and pushed it open, letting the door slam against the wall.Isla jolted awake, her eyes wide with shock as she
SARAYA'S POV.I turned to my side when I noticed a figure hovering over me. I stirred and open my eyes and couldn't make sense of who it was so I screamed."Easy, it's me." Gabby held me."You scared me" I said breathing heavily. "What's going on?""You were sleeping longer than expected, it's already 10a.m in the morning so I came to check on you." She explained."What? 10a.m?"Gabby stood up and drew off the curtains and opened the window. "You believe me now?"I quickly grabbed my phone, there I saw Dominic has replied my message and he had also called severally.I sat up quickly, my heart racing as I unlocked my phone. I read his message and he had also sent another message about an hour ago.Dominic: Hey, how are you doing? I called a few times. Call me back when you see this.Guilt settled in my stomach. I had been so lost in sleep that I hadn’t heard my phone ring. I tapped on his contact and called him back, my fingers trembling slightly.Gabby sat on the edge of my bed, watch
MARY'S POV."That little rat, I wish I could just yank his neck off his body this instant. How dare he spy on me?" I asked breathing heavily at the realization that I was about to drag down.Arlan aside, if Isla gets to find out about this, she will never look at me the same way again."I've built my reputation to be a submissive wife, respectful daughter in law and dutiful mother and all of that is about to come crashing down because of that idiot! I can't stand that let that happen." I told myself.I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms as I paced the room. "I have to do something very fast." I kept reminding myself as several thoughts ran through my mind but none of my ideas were good enough for the situation I had found myself.Ian thought he had me cornered, thought he had the upper hand? "That fool had no idea who he is dealing with, I will show him that I'm not to be disrespected.""But you have until tomorrow morning, what can you do before then?" A tiny voice ask