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
SARAYA'S POV.The door behind opened but I was just too weak to see who it was. It's not like I cared about who came in or went out. I was already lost in a world of my own.My room was dark and the curtain were drawn to give me the feel of my state: lonely and dark. I could only close my eyes that way.I felt a hand on my hair and sniff a feminine scent. I don't need to be told who it was.She caressed my hair gently. "You wouldn't leave your room, are you okay?" She asked gently.I couldn't reply because I was choked on my tears."Good gracious, are you crying?" Mary asked alarmed. She switched on the lamp beside the bed. "What is this about?" She asked.I only pulled her close and cried out loudly, fortunately she didn't press any further. She just allowed me in her embrace and patted my back.Minutes passed as I sobbed into Mary’s embrace. My chest heaved with the effort of crying, but I couldn’t stop. It was as if every emotion I’d buried for days, weeks, maybe months, had erupte
ALEX'S POV:"Girls time ended sooner than expected." I said teasing Mary."Oh, yes." Mary replied. "Saraya was feeling dizzy and we decided to end our rendezvous sooner.""Dizzy?" I asked alarmed. "I think I should call the doctor.""Easy, she is fine, I just helped her to bed now, let's watch her for sometime." Mary said and started going through the items she had bought."Aren't these a little too much?" I asked."I bought a wallet for Arlan and some baby items for Matilda, you should invite her and Arlan together for Christmas." She said going through the items. "It would be nice to have both of around."I shook my head. "I don't think that is a good idea."Matilda gave me look that suggested I'm was saying gibberish. "What do you mean by that?""Those two are currently like cat and rat and I think inviting them both before they sort out their differences isn't a good idea."Mary stopped what she was doing and turned to me completely. "What is the bone of contention?""I'd rather n
ARLAN'S POVI stood in front of Matilda's apartment, my hands in my jackets, envisaging how our discussion would turn out. "Let's do this." I said, unsure if I was ready for Matilda's tantrums.Though I know her password, I decided against intruding her privacy and pressed the doorbell instead."Arlan!" She rolled her eyes in a disgusting way, the moment she opened the door. "To whom do I owe this visit?""Can I come in?" I asked."Of course." She opened the door wide and stepped aside. "I'm not like you who would rather lock others out because of your differences."I stepped inside, ignoring her words before meeting her gaze. "We need to talk," I said plainly. "About the baby.""Of course. What about the baby?" She asked and walked pass me to have her seat."I wanted to discuss how we would take care of everything," I explained. "Both pre-natal and post-natal care. The responsibility is ours, and I want to ensure you and the child are taken care of properly." I replied, sitting oppos
MATILDA'S POV.I grabbed the lamp stand beside my bed and threw it hard against the wall. "Fuck!" I screamed. I couldn't believe he had the guts to turn me down despite threatening him with the child.I paced around, "I have to do something and do it fast.""I can't let him have his way, he either be with me or I'll make the rest of his life miserable." I said angrily."Its time to stop beating round the beat and find a way of getting Saraya out of the way, once she is out of the way, Arlan would have no other choice than to crawl back to me on his feet."Just then, an idea hit me, making me smile broadly. "Let's do everything we can, Matilda."**The next morning, I stood outside the Newman's mansion, my pulse racing as I smoothed down my tailored coat.The biting December snow couldn’t compare to the chill in my heart. "I'll retrieve what is rightfully mine and render you totally defenceless, Saraya Newman."I pressed the doorbell and the door opened within the twinkle of an eye, an
SARAYA'S POVMy body shivered with anger as I stormed into my room, slamming the door behind me. "That crazy bitch," I hissed under my breath. "How dare she show her face here!"I paced the room, my hands clenched into fists. "What else does she want from me? Hasn’t she done enough already?"The memory of her smug expression as she wept those crocodile tears flashed in my mind, and my stomach churned. It was clear she was up to something, and the thought of being dragged into her schemes made my blood boil.A soft knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. "Saraya, are you decent?" Mary’s voice called from the other side.I sighed, forcing myself to take a calming breath. "Come in."Mary entered, her warm smile doing little to ease the tension in my chest. "You’re not dressed yet," she observed, her tone light."I’ll get to it," I replied flatly, crossing my arms over my chest.Mary stepped closer, her expression softening. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"I hesitated, then nodded. "
ARLAN'S POV:I'd been ushered into Saraya's office by Peter, the moment I arrived.I sat on the cushion, awaiting her arrival. Her call earlier was the first time I've heard her voice since her outburst during the meeting.It was overwhelming, I couldn't afford to keep her waiting and had pend everything scheduled for that morning to see her.The moment I heard footsteps approaching, I got on my feet. The door opened. "Butter ..." I had hardly completed my words when I saw another figure entered instead. "Matilda?" I was more than shocked to see her standing right in front of me instead of Saraya.Rolling her eyes and dropping her bag right on the cushion opposite me. "Yes, it's me." She replied. "You should see your face, you look like you've seen a ghost.""And what are you doing here?" I asked when the shock finally wore off my face.Saraya showed up, "she is with me." She replied, her voice cold."What?" I couldn't believe my ears. "And why would you two come ....""Because I'm ti
MARY'S POV.I dialed Dominic’s number again, drumming my fingers against the desk. This time, he picked up."Oh, see who finally decides to put on his phone." I said sarcastically."What is it this time?" He asked me impatiently. "Can we get this done with as soon as possible? I'm so exhausted."“How was your meeting with Ian?” I asked, keeping my tone light.He sighed. “You need to stop prying into my business, Mary.”My lips curled into a smile. “Oh, really? So you’re finally growing a spine?” I laughed softly, savoring the tension. “You think I don’t know what you're trying to do? You have no idea how deep you’re in. You really want to betray me, knowing I’ve got you cornered?”“I’m just trying to survive, alright?” he shot back. “And I’m done being your puppet.”I could hear the anger in his voice, and it only made me more curious. "I figured that out already. But hey, You should think about your parents.""Take their names off your filthy mouth."Ignoring his rants, "I’m willing
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