Mallory chuckled nervously and looked away, not knowing what to say.But the Wilder she knew would never try to take advantage of someone. The question was - was he the same Wilder?"I don't think so, sir." She forced herself to reply. "But so far, you've been nothing but committed to the affairs of the company, I'm sure you small matters like that are of no importance to you. Besides, you have a fiancee, and I'm sure you love her very much."She lifted her gaze to meet his at the same time he was staring at her. Their eyes got locked for a stretched moment, causing a wave of heat to wash over Mallory.In that fleeting moment, she wondered if she'd said the truth. Did he really love Safiya?Wilder broke the contact by redirecting his gaze back to his food. Suddenly, Mallory felt stupid for her last statement. Maybe, she shouldn't have mentioned it. He wouldn't be engaged to her if he didn't love her.For the rest of the time, nothing else was discussed between them until Wilder's phon
Mallory was very anxious. The launch had started and in the meantime, they were just having work presentations going on. Her TV was already on with her kids with her in the living room. She couldn't help the panic that filled her heart. Of course, it wasn't the first time TeraFusion was launching a new product. But they'd always given a hint on the details of the product before time. This was different because there was no hint. So, Pemberton Synergy didn't knew what to expect and hence, were very worried. Mallory was anxiously waiting in the living room when she noticed Zara had been gone for too long. They had been together in the sitting room when she got a call from someone, telling her to meet outside. Zara claimed it was her friend, but she had been gone for more than thirty minutes. Mallory decided to check up on her. She went out of the house and found her farther away with some strange guy. The guy was just like Zara looked - a wild hairstyle with so many piercings. She c
It was a nightmare for Pemberton Synergy.Mallory headed to work, looking and feeling very sad. She knew it was going to be the saddest workday of her life. The new decaffeinated drink was the talk of the country. On that very day of the launch, cartons of it had been pushed and supplied into the market. And since then, everyone's been talking to about it. Even in the cab Mallory had boarded on her way to work, the passengers couldn't stop singing the praises of TeraFusion."My husband has always been scared of taking caffeinated coffee as a result of his heart rate even though he had reasons to take it due to the nature of his job. But yesterday, he took three bottles of the decaffeinated drink, and man! He was so energized, didn't get a wink of sleep," One of the women had said joyously."I'm telling you, TeraFusion is a lifesaver. Especially that Sybil girl. She spoke with so much respect and regard for her consumers." Even the driver had noted. An ache of heartache gripped Mall
Twenty-six years old Mallory could hear the giggles of her children as she climbed down the chipped staircase, into the sitting room. She was fully ready for work - robed in a blue crisp blouse with collars that framed her perfect face. Her blouse was tucked into a curve-gripping black skirt, making her look like the P.A that she was. Her eyes and fingers were on her phone, typing vigorously. "Mum!" "Mummy!" The kids chorused as she stepped into the living room. She had been so engrossed in her phone, she didn't even notice she was there. Quickly, she put out her phone as she smiled at the seven year olds. "How're my pumpkins doing?" she tousled their hair, beaming a charming smile at them. "I'm great. Although, I can't say the same for Cassius," Lyra shrugged. "Silly you. Of course, I'm fine," Cassius nudged her. Mallory chuckled as she watched them tease each other. Having both of them - male and female - had been her biggest blessing. She glanced at the small dining table w
Mallory dropped the kids off at school before proceeding to her place of work. The whole time she spent in the local cab, she couldn't stop herself from reminiscing over her grandmother's hurtful words. She felt humiliated, insulted. 'You showed up with those fatherless babies.' 'Where's their father, then?' The old woman's words haunted her. That wasn't the first time she was saying such words in front of Mallory, and each time she did, it reopened her scars. Mallory forced herself not to wet her cheeks as her mind drifted to the painful memories; to the father of her kids. Seven years ago, she had been so happy, married to her bestfriend and heartbeat. At that time, she was still living in Duskwood. Although, they married at a very tender age - she was nineteen while he was twenty-one - they were still happy and lived in the best way they could. His name was Wilder - Wilder Pemberton - and back then, his family was one of the richest in the country. His parents hated the fact t
Mallory felt her legs begin to wobble and threatening a fall. Anxiety spiralled through her as she continued staring at him. That was her Wilder - the only man she's ever loved; the father of her kids. Her heart continued to race heavily as she wondered if she was dreaming. But, she wasn't. Everything was real; Wilder being in front of her was real! But how was it possible? How was he suddenly in front of her when he's been missing for years? Were his parents the owner of the company? How come she had no idea the whole time? She was losing her mind. The new CEO - Wilder Pemberton - walked into the shared workspace and stood before the eleven staff. "Good morning, sir." "We're thrilled to have you here!" "Welcome, sir." They all chorused anxiously. Wilder didn't bother to look at their faces but turned to the two managers behind him. "Are these all of them?" He asked, his voice glacial, yet tuneful. "Yes. They're the one's in charge of this department," One of the managers
The rest of the time in the office, Mallory tried her best to remain calm and avoid getting on Wilder's nerves again. Despite how much it hurt her, she forced herself not to look at him and ignore the fact that he couldn't recognize her.Arlo and the other manager filled him in on some urgent issues. Then, they talked about his meeting with the board members happening in an hour. "Has everyone been duly informed and prepared for the meeting?" Wilder asked. "Yes, sir. I made sure to send a reminder email to every one of them yesterday." Mallory replied as quickly as she could, avoiding eye contact with him. She gulped tersely after that. "Get everything set, then."They spent quite sometime in the cozy office, until finally, Wilder dismissed them.The moment Mallory got to her desk, she hastened to the restroom. She wasn't pressed or anything but simply needed an isolated place to cry.Approaching the restroom, her steps became increasingly unsteady. She got into one of the room an
Mallory was already set for the meeting ahead of time. She got ready everything Wilder would be needing - some files and all. The meeting was very crucial as it was his first as the acting CEO. With poise and fitness, Wilder stepped out of his office when it was time. Mallory rose to her feet as quickly as she could, taking the arranged files on the desk into her hands. Wilder didn't spare Mallory's desk a glance as he walked past her, expecting her to follow. Trailing after him, Mallory couldn't help but stare at him as if he were a god. He looked too dashing in his designer suit; too perfect. He used to be hers...When they got to the open workspace, Mallory could tell her colleagues over there already heard them coming as they were seeming too busy and focused on their work. She caught them stealing glances at Wilder as they walked by. The meeting was taking place on the twentieth floor. So, Mallory and Wilder had to make use of the elevator. She stood behind him in the elevat