ISLA'S POVI had stayed up thinking about Ian and how to make up with him. "Poor child, I think I was hard on him. I should call him very early in the morning, I miss him so much." I was soliloquizing when I heard the main door creaked opened.I have lived and stayed in this place to know which object or person made a sound without turning my head, so I was certain it was the main door of the mansion."That sneaky bitch is at it again." I turned to the direction of my door, contemplating whether or not to see what she's up to but I was closer to the window and decided to see what she was up to from there.I waited to see her but there was no shadow of her, I found it disturbing that there was no one in sight but I heard voices.I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The voices I thought I heard outside suddenly went quiet and I heard the door closed again."What is going on? I should go see what she is up to this time." I said and headed out of my room to Saraya's room.
MATILDA'S POVI paced round my living room with my phone pressed to my ear. "You won’t believe that girl, Tessy," I hissed, my voice was loud and filled with hatred."She had the audacity to stand there, look me dead in the eye, and sprout such nonsense as if she owns Arlan." I continued.Tessy’s amused laughter rang through the line. "Saraya again? That girl doesn’t know when to stop. You’ve got to teach her a lesson, Matilda. Don’t let her think she can walk all over you.""Exactly," I snapped, running a hand through my hair. "She’s arrogant, entitled, and entirely too bold for her own good. I mean, Alex has spoiled her rotten, and now she thinks she can challenge me over Arlan.""Don’t let her steal your man," Tessy warned, her tone dripping with mock sympathy. "I can’t believe Alex’s daughter is so wayward. She’s no match for you, though."I smirked. "She won’t get the chance. I’ll make sure of it. It's such a pity, Alex doesn't know he has a slut for a daughter, but I know exactl
ISLA'S POV.The phone rang and Ian picked almost immediately. "Hello, grandma!" His lively voice came on sending a wave of relief over me."Still mad at me?""I dare not, I'm sorry I've not been in touch with you since your birthday." Ian voice softened with regret as he apologized. "I just didn't know want to say to you.""Silly boy." I said teasingly and drew a small laugh from him. "You really do not have to apologize, Ian. I would've been angry if I were in your shoes and I apologized for my actions.""You don't have to apologize, grandma." Ian said. "I understand you perfectly, anyone would have thought of me as the culprit.""But I'm not anyone, I'm your grandmother." I reminded him."Still, the Newman's empire is your sweat and blood and Saraya's reputation is tied to it at the moment. From that perspective, I can understand you trying to protect it from harm.""You're so like your father, Ian." I complimented him. "Thinking from other people's shoes. You've grown, my boy.""It
ARLAN'S POV.When my secretary, Charles announced isla's presence, a million and one thoughts ran through my mind but I wasn't going to chicken out without knowing why she had come."Good morning, Ms. Newman." I greeted while showing her to the sofa to have her seat. I walked towards the sofa very slowly, trying hard not to show myself leaping."Nothing is good about the morning, Arlan." She retorted."Whatever she is here for, in certain she is up to no good." I told myself. Forcing a small smile on my face.I sat opposite her, studying her as she crossed her legs and leaned back, her piercing gaze locked on mine. Isla always had a way of commanding attention, but this time, I wasn't going to let her have it easy if her intention was to undermine me in my own space.“So, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, Ms. Newman?” I asked.She didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she let her eyes sweep across the room before finally settling back on me. “Let’s cut the pleasantries, Arlan
MATILDA'S POV."Congratulations girl." Tessy hugged me. "I can't believe I'm going to be an aunt.""And a godmother." I added."Everything seems to be working in your favour but have you informed Arlan that he is going to be a father?" She asked still giggling.I shook my head. "This news is too big to be shared over a phone call or text. I want to tell him in person to see his reaction for myself."Tessy nodded her head approvingly. "I agree with you, I wish I could see the look on his face too."I placed my hand on Tessy's. "You don't have to worry about a thing, I will be sure to get you a full details of everything that happen once I break the news to him.""I trust you." She hugged me again. "This feels so good after the hectic day work."I raised my glass to her. "Cheers!" But Tessy grabbed the glass from me."You're pregnant and should cut down on drinking." She placed the glass down and gave me a glass of water.I chuckled, shaking my head as I took the glass of water. "You’re
ARLAN'S POVI traced my thumb over the edges of the sonogram and my hand trembled. It was such a small thing—this picture but it was about to change the course of my life. The walls felt like they were closing in and I felt so trapped. Trapped by my own feelings, by circumstances I couldn’t control, and by the fear of losing her.The thought of having a child, a life that I now have a responsibility to protect and what I would do with Saraya threw me off balance.I laid my back on my king size bed but my buzzing phone which was on the table got me up almost immediately.I checked and It was Alex. I hesitated for a moment before answering.“Yeah?”“Arlan,” He called out. "Congratulations, man. I just can't believe what I just heard.""What is this about?" I asked, not in the mood for long talks."Oh come on, don't play dumb with me, Arlan. Matilda just called me and told me you two are going to be a parent. Finally, I'm so happy for you.""God damn it!" I cussed under my breath, runni
SARAYA'S POVI stood in front of the mirror, struggling to gather my hair into a ponytail, but the knots kept getting in the way."Ugh," I muttered under my breath, running my fingers through the mess I've made of my hair."Need help with that?"I turned around to see Mary standing behind me.I smiled. "I could use all the help I can get."Mary chuckled softly, taking the brush from my hand. "Let me handle this."I sat down, letting her work through the tangles I’d created."You're so good at this," I said, watching her expertly untangle my hair."You know," she began, a soft smile tugging at her lips, "after I had Evan, I always wanted a daughter but was too scared to try again." Her voice softened and she had this vulnerable look on her face."When he was little, I used to style his hair all the time. It feels like..." Her voice faltered, and she sniffed. "I'm reliving those moments of Evan’s childhood right now.""Mary..." I whispered, unsure of what to say."And we are done," she
MATILDA'S POV."Gosh! Girl, you're something else." Tessy covered her mouth and her eyes widened. "Your tactics gives me goosebumps, it's the way you involved Alex without spilling the milk for me."I shrugged my shoulders. "Well, I'm sure one way or the other, my message would have been relayed to Saraya." Tessy chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. "Poor girl, I feel so bad for her."I rolled her eyes, "you feel bad for her? I can't believe you're saying that right now." I was disappointed and I didn't hide it. "So what about me?" I asked. "You don't feel bad for me?""Easy girl, you know, not many people can pull off what you just did. Saraya is probably in one corner crying her eyes out as we speak.""That’s the plan," I said. "Not only to make her cry but also to get her to retreat from my man. I can't share Arlan with any other woman and definitely not with her.""So tell me, have Arlan come in terms with being a father and a husband?"A smile played on my lips. "What other
IAN’S POVI stormed into my office, slamming the door shut behind me. My head was pounding, my heart racing. The meeting had been a disaster. The way they all looked at me—doubtful, disappointed, like I was already a sinking ship.Her voice echoed in my mind. "If you're unable to provide a satisfactory answer, be ready to resign."I let out a bitter laugh, running a hand through my hair. Resign? After everything I've done? She wanted me gone, wanted to strip me of everything, and the worst part? The board was actually considering it."I swear, I will kill you, Mary." I vowed. "I'll make you wish you didn't challenge me in the first place."I grabbed my smashed phone from the desk, my hands trembling with rage. I had to get control back. I had to move fast. I ripped the SIM card out, shoved it into another phone, and scrolled through my contacts until I found the name I needed... Dominic.He picked up on the third ring. "Where are you?""Ian?" His voice was cautious. "We are not meetin
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