EMILY'S POV
I was about entering my apartment when someone stopped me “Good day. I'm here to deliver a package to this address,”—. “I don’t remember purchasing anything.I think you are mistaken,” I cut in sharply . “ This was the address I was told to deliver to.You can confirm and sign on the receipt here, ” said the delivery man . “ Thank you,”I reluctantly signed on the receipt and entered my cozy apartment. ‘Who could have sent this?’ I muttered , unboxing the package. The box was sealed with a red ribbon. I loosen the ribbon and brought out the contents;a red gown , black heels,a black purse and a letter printed on a black card. The letter reads ‘ “wear these for today's date.Ronald,". I let out a deep sigh and landed my butt on the sofa, ‘Emily are you really ready for this?’ I said in my thoughts, staring into space. After a while I dragged my lazy body to the bathroom and soon I was done with my makeover,wearing the clothes Ronald sent to me. I glanced at the mirror one last time as I stepped out of my apartment and entered into the car that was to drive me to the restaurant . I got to the restaurant and was bewildered by the grandeur of the restaurant. I kept looking around stylishly as I was led to where Ronald sat. I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw a lady in a green bodycon gown, sitting side by side with Ronald. She was practically all over him . ‘Men!!’.I mused, rolling my eyes with disgust. I guess he couldn't wait for the date to be done with'. Not wanting to think about what I just witnessed ,I walked to the table elegantly, dropped my pause on the table and kissed Ronald on his cheeks. “ Hey babe,you didn't tell me we are expecting someone on our date tonight,” I started looking straight into Ronald's eye. “Em— babe,she's just an old friend,we were just catching up,”Ronald replied.His smile mixed with worry. “Oh…, I had no idea you were an old friend, it's nice meeting you. I'm Emily, Ronald's fiancee ,” I said to the lady stretching my hands for a handshake. “It's nice meeting you , Emily. I'm Ronald's acquittance,” she introduced herself and faced Ronald “ it's nice seeing you too , Ronald.I will see you again” she said smiling went over to Ronald to peck him on the cheek and walked out of the restaurant. ‘'What could be their relationship?” I said in my thoughts, seeing how Ronald was not himself throughout. “ You suggested this dinner date and here you are, acting lovey dovey with your so called acquittance,” I said blowing hot, crossing my arm . “ I wasn't expecting to see her here. Meeting her here was just a coincidence. I'm sorry,” he apologized “It's okay. It's not like this is real anyway,” I said raising the glass of wine to my lips. We ate in silence. I glanced at him while eating and noticed that he looked striken with worry. “ Are you okay?” I asked, placing my hands over his on the table. “It's nothing you have to worry about,let's focus on our food,” He replied, avoiding my eyes as we ate our food in silence. ‘ I wonder what could have made Ronald avoid my eyes,what could he be hiding? Well…that's none of my business’ We finished our meal in no time and headed outside and enter the car waiting for us.I got done in front of my apartment and bade goodbye while Ronald came down from the car and whispered into my ears. “ I had a nice time with you today. I will pick you up again tomorrow” He whispered, bringing his lips to the side of my ear, and I could feel his breath on my neck . “Same here” I forced out a smile, knowing that this gesture was for the paparazzi to feed on. “Good night” He drew back,a little distance between us . “ Bye “ I bade as I entered the car. **** My heart felt heavy with grief as I stood at my parents grave site. With heaviness of heart,I cleared out the dried leaves on the grave and placed the flowers I bought on it. A tear slipped down my cheeks I suddenly felt cold. I sat down under the shade where they were buried. My mind slowly and painfully drifted to memories I would always cherish,times I spent with my mum and dad. Our happy home was short lived when dad committed suicide, leaving I and mum behind. Dad was a happy man and couldn't end his own life. Now mum is gone too,leaving me all alone. “I feel lonely Mum,Dad”. I cried silently wiping away the tears that escape my eyes with my palms. “I will get back the things you worked hard to build.I would make sure I find out those who took you away from me,I will get to the end of this.I promise , I won't come back here until I fulfill this promise,” I left the gravesite with a burning determination to avenge my parents death and deal with those who betrayed me. “We are meeting my family today. I just want to give you a heads up about it,”. A message popped on my phone. ‘ A meeting with the family?I mused shaken with fear. ‘ What would they think of me? what's his family like?’ “ You don't have to worry about pleasing them.You just have to be you,” Another message popped in from Ronald while I was trouble by the first .I heaved a sigh of relief when I saw the last message. I boarded a cab that drove me to the my apartment ,as I get prepared towards the dinner with the Hoffman's. I got home to meet four people with fancy boxes waiting for me. “ Good day ma'am,we are from Royal glam and these are my colleagues. Mr Hoffman sent us here to get you prepared for the dinner date,” The first lady carrying a make up kit said. “ Oh…I wasn't aware of these,” I said with a furrowed eyesbrow. “ Wait a minute,” ‘Some people are on the way to make you beautiful,' A message from Ronald five minutes ago. “ Make me beautiful? I'm not some doll,” I scoffed under my breath. “ You can come in,” I said ushering them into my small apartment. “ Girls let get to work,” the first lady who I assumed to be their boss ordered the other three girls. “Ma’am, you can go in to shower, while we make other arrangements,” I came out of the shower and the ladies started to work on my face. Few hours later ,they were done making my face up.Then I wore the cloth brought for me.An hour later,we were finally done with the make over. I couldn't recognize myself as I looked into the mirror. ‘ I look beautiful,’I mused. “ We will get going now , ma'am,” the lady notified. They left leaving me to admire myself more.I took the silver purse prepared for me and went out of my apartment and entered my ride . My palm felt sweaty as we approach the Hoffman's mansion. ‘I can do this,' I said encouraging myself. The driver dropped me in front of a golden gate.I was let in by the security after my identity was confirmed . As I walked into the mansion, I forgot how nervous I was and couldn't help but look at the decorations and setting of the hallway.It was indeed beautiful….. I was still lost in the beauty of the environment when I heard a familiar voice call me. “ Emily? Is that you?” I turned around facing the one I onced loved and now hated. ‘ What is he doing here?' I said clenching my fists.EMILY'S POVAs I sat at the kitchen table, sipping my coffee and staring blankly at my phone, I couldn't shake off the thoughts of Ronald that had been plaguing me all morning. I had made up my mind to avoid him at all costs when I get back to work on Monday. But the thought of avoiding him only made my heart ache. Mia's sudden return, beaming with a bright smile, caught me off guard. "Emily," she called out, her voice low and sweet, like a gentle breeze on a summer day.I looked up, my curiosity piqued, and raised an eyebrow. "What's making you smile like that?" I asked, my tone laced with a hint of amusement.Mia just chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief, and said, "I have something to show you." My curiosity was piqued, and I found myself leaning in, eager to know what Mia had in store.Just then, Colin walked in, followed by Ronald. My heart skipped a beat as our eyes met, and I felt a rush of emotions: anger, hurt, and a hint of longing. My expression changed instantly, my
RONALD'S POV Ronald went about his morning routine, tackling his tasks with his usual efficiency. But just as he was getting into the swing of things, his phone buzzed with an unexpected call from Calling."Hey, meet me at the usual spot," Calling said, his voice low and mysterious.Ronald's brow furrowed in surprise. "What's up? It's only 2 pm. We don't usually meet until evening."There was a pause on the other end of the line before Calling responded, "Just trust me on this one, Ronald. I need to show you something."Ronald's curiosity was piqued. What could Calling possibly want to show him that couldn't wait until evening?As I drove to meet Colin, the city streets blurred together in a haze of worry and anxiety. The sound of the engine and the hum of the tires on the pavement were the only sounds that filled my mind. I navigated through the crowded streets, my eyes fixed on the road ahead, my mind racing with thoughts of Colin's call. I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease
EMILY'S POV As I lounged on the couch, lost in thought, the door swung open and Mia burst in, her energy infectious. She dropped her bag with a flourish, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Emily, let's eat out today!" she exclaimed, already moving towards me.I opened my mouth to protest, but she was too quick. Her hand shot up, palm facing me, and I felt a familiar sense of resignation wash over me. Mia always got her way, and I knew better than to argue.With a sigh, I let her pull me up from the couch. She propelled me towards the bedroom, chattering excitedly about her day. I shrugged, letting her fuss over me as she rummaged through my closet for a change of clothes.As Mia dug through my closet, her voice bubbled over with excitement, recounting the highlights of her day at the office. I couldn't help but smile as she giggled her way through a story about her boss's misadventure with a cup of coffee. "And then, he stood up, and coffee just dripped down his shirt!" Mia's laugh
RONALD'S POVI sat at my desk, staring blankly at the papers in front of me. It had been a week since I'd sent Emily packing, and I couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness that had settled in my chest.I missed her. I missed her smile, her laugh, her sleepy face under the morning light . I even missed the way the calls me, the way my name rolled out of her tongue when we were intimate .But my pride refused to let me admit it. I had to maintain my tough exterior, my confident demeanor. I couldn't let anyone see the vulnerability that was eating away at me.As I glanced around the office, I noticed my subordinates whispering and glancing at me. I knew they were speculating about my relationship with Emily. The fact that she hadn't been coming to work only added fuel to the fire.I felt a surge of anger and frustration. Why did they have to gossip about my personal life? Bunch of gossipers. But deep down, I knew it was my own fault. I had let my pride and ego get the better of me. I ha
EMILY POVI felt like I was drowning in a sea of despair, unable to escape the crushing weight of my grief. My body ached from crying, my eyes burning from the constant flow of tears. I couldn't remember the last time I'd felt such overwhelming sadness.As I lay there, I felt Mia's gentle touch on my shoulder, her soft words of comfort whispering in my ear. But I couldn't respond, couldn't even muster up the energy to push her away. I just lay there, numb and broken, as she tried to reach me.I knew Mia was worried, I could sense it in her touch, her voice. But I couldn't reassure her, couldn't even look at her. I just felt too much pain, too much sorrow.As the minutes ticked by, I felt Mia's presence fade away, leaving me alone in my darkness. The silence was oppressive, the only sound was my quiet sobs. I felt like I was suffocating under the weight of my grief, unable to escape.I don't know how long I lay there, lost in my sorrow. Time seemed to stand still, the world outside my
RONALD'S POVI stormed into the conference room, my face a thundercloud. My team, seated around the table, exchanged nervous glances. I couldn't help it - I was still reeling from the pictures I had received the previous day. My mood was in a jumble of mess. "Alright, let's get started," I growled, slamming my fist on the table. My team jumped, taken aback by my outburst."Uh, yes, sir," one of them stammered. "We've got the quarterly reports ready for review."I snatched the report from the team member's hand, my eyes scanning the pages with a mixture of disdain and anger."This is unacceptable," I snapped, my voice rising. "You call this a report? It's a joke!"The team member who had presented the report looked taken aback. "I-I apologize, sir. I'll make sure to-"I cut him off, my face red with rage. "You'd better. I expect to see a revised report on my desk by the end of the day. And if it's not up to par, there will be consequences."The team nodded hastily, eager to escape my