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
MATILDA'S POV.I stepped into my office and took a deep deep breath but it didn’t feel like relief, rather I felt so overwhelmed.“She doesn’t want him,” I whispered to myself, the words barely loud enough to reach my own ears. “That’s good. That’s... good.”My heart wanted to celebrate, wanted to feel triumphant, but the hollow ache in my chest wasn’t budging.“Why does I feel so… empty?” I muttered placing my hand on my chest. My thoughts jumped back to Arlan, his worried and sorry face, the way his voice softened every time he said her name. Saraya. The name twisted in my mind like a thorn.And then it came back to me... 'Butterfly'.I stopped dead in my tracks, few steps away from swirling chair. "Wait... butterfly?" The word tumbled out of my mouth, I could feel my mouth go bitter as another wave of disgust washed over me. “Seriously? Butterfly?” I scoffed, a small laugh escaped from my lips. “He has known her for long? And she gets a nickname?”The sting of the realization hit
SARAYA'S POV.While I had headed meeting upon meetings, each passing second felt like a drag, making me feel empty.By the time the day finally ended, I wanted to do something different from work and bring a little fun to my hurting heart.I decided to take a drive round the city to clear my head but I happened to see a billboard of Cartier Collection."What about I do some shopping and maybe hit the club afterwards?" I suggested to myself and made up my mind to visit.I walked into the store and it exceeded my exceptions. The store was nothing but sleek, with racks of designer clothes arranged like art displays.A young sales attendant who could be mistaken for a model walked up to me and smiled. “Welcome to Cartier Collection. How can I assist you today?”“I want something bold,” I said. “Something that stands out.”She nodded. "Then you're at the right place, come with me while I recommend some of our luxurious and limited designs to you ma'am." She said and led the way.I tried o
DOMINIC'S POV.From the moment, she walked into the club, she held me spellbound."Who is she?" I asked one attendant.The attendant stared at her and was drooling at her beauty. I smacked his shoulder lightly to snap him out of it."Stop ogling her like a fool and tell me who the hell she is," I barked.He stammered, "S-sorry, sir. She seems like a new face. I don’t recognize her."A smirk tugged at the corners of my mouth. "New, huh? Perfect. I should take my chance before these ravening men begin to take their chances with me. You can go." I dismissed him.To my surprise, she took over the dance floor putting herself on the spotlight. I saw the way other men fed their eyes on her body and I knew I shouldn't wait any more time before approaching her.As I approached her, I wanted others to know she belongs to me and me only. So I had placed my hands on her waist.Her fierce eyes locked with mine. "Take your hands off me." She snapped.I loved the fierce look on her face and imagine
SARAYA'S POV.I opened my eyes and winced as pain shot through my head. It felt like my skull was splitting in two.Groaning, I closed them again, but the pain didn't subside. Slowly, I tried again, opening then gently and then I froze.“Finally awake, are you?”The voice made my eyes snap open. Sitting at the edge of my bed was Grandma, her arms crossed and her face tight with anger.“Grandma?” I croaked, my throat dry. “How long have you been sitting there?” I asked, trying to shake off the grogginess and the eerie feeling of being watched.She didn’t answer. Instead, she pointed at the small table beside me. “Drink that.”I turned my head slowly, spotting a glass filled with some golden liquid. “What is it?”“Honey water,” she said, looking away.On a good day, I would have laughed out loud. Such acts doesn't suit my grandmother in any way. I stared at the glass, eyeing it suspiciously. “Why would you bring me a glass of honey water?” “Because your head is pounding, isn’t it? Or d
DOMINIC'S POVI parked at the same spot as yesterday, waiting for Saraya to come outside.She was all I could think about last night. Her face, her energy, the way she ignored me continued to taunt me and I couldn’t shake it off. I woke up early, determined to see her again. Maybe it was a little creepy to follow her like this, but I don't care.I leaned against my car, watching her front door, my heart racing when she suddenly appeared.She looked simple but stunning, wearing a black hoodie and gray joggers, her hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. She didn’t try to stand out, but somehow, she did.I stayed a safe distance behind her as she jogged through the neighborhood. She ran like she was preparing for the Olympics. Her speed was tenacious.Running after her was exhausting as hell as I gave up twenty minutes into the sprint but she went another forty minutes before stopping to catch her breath.When she finally slowed down and stopped by a bench to catch her breath, I knew it w
DOMINIC'S POV.I walked up to the man whom Saraya had just walked out on, staring at him dangerously.I had followed her to the restaurant and my heart broke when I saw she was having a date. Imagine how elated I become when the date ended on a bad note.But I wasn't one to let things to end that way. "I should rub in some salt in the injury before leaving." I had thought to myself."Who are you?" He asked, adjusting his glasses."You see the lady that just walked out on you right now, I'll advice you stop all communications with her." I declared."And how dare you tell me what to do?" He stuttered while trying to put on a strong font.I seized his collar. "I dare to do whatever I want, Saraya is mine and mine alone. You don't stand a chance anyways."He swallowed hard, his eyes darting to the exit. He wasn’t going to argue, not with the deadly look on my face.Satisfied, I released him with a shove, watching as he stumbled back. He didn’t say another word as he turned and practically
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