LOGINAce's POV
“Daughter of the popular business tycoon, Brittany Anderson, leaves groom hanging at the altar.” My secretary read out a headline from the tablet and glanced at me. “What does that say?” “Here it goes.” “She seemed so brave to have broken ties with the handsome CEO, Ace Miller. This is to show that the beautiful lady, Brittany Anderson, can do anything at all. She has proven.......” “Just get down to the comments.” I chipped in before she could finish. I was beginning to get bored and not ready to hear any damn story. “Alright. A comment says, 'She didn't prove any bravery, instead showed us how stupid she was.' This was from a guy and he got numerous people who agreed with him.” “Another one says, 'Why do the bad women always get hold of the good men? This could have been me, then I wouldn't be so ungrateful like her.' This is from a lady.” She continued to say with a smile on her face. She grinned from ear to ear as she scrolled on the tablet, chuckling out at some points. “Is that all?” I inquired when she didn't say anything else. “I was just checking these comments out and trust me, ninety percent are on your side. Many are criticizing her, while some even wish they were your bride instead.” I scoffed and rested back on my chair. I didn't know if I should be happy at the comments right now or bust out in anger instead because none of the comments were helping. For a fact, I had every right to be angry at her for what she did to my family and me. She almost ruined my reputation with just that one move she took at the altar. Even if we were never in good terms with each other, she shouldn't have still gotten the guts to do that. Just because of what she did, my father has been so angry towards everyone in the house, especially me. He believed I was the reason she made that decision. According to him, if I had been so good to her from the start, then she wouldn't have had a reason to break up with me at the altar. He blamed me for it all and wanted me to do something about it immediately. But unfortunately for him, I was doing nothing and that's because Ace Miller will never beg a lady, instead they come to me and pleaded to be under me. Her case was not any different. I would make sure she comes to beg me, then I end things myself. That was the only way to pacify the burning rage inside me. “Oh my gosh!” My secretary suddenly exclaimed and I glanced at her. “What is it?” I asked icily. “You wouldn't believe me if I told you. Brittany was interviewed this morning in her car, and what she said earned lots of support from people.” She grimaced and pursed her lips. What the..... “You've got to see this.” She added quickly and placed the tablet in front of me. I let out a scoff, listening to her speech and watching how she smiled at the camera at intervals. Doesn't she feel guilty for tainting her family's reputation? I scrolled past the video to the comment section and the reactions were something else. Even when the video was brief, the engagements were surprising. I can't believe this. Just when I thought people were solidly behind me? Then I got this. “Come on, you shouldn't think about it just yet. You still have people behind you.” My secretary intruded my thoughts. Was it so obvious that I was thinking? “For example, I am here.” She suddenly added. I glanced up at her, and she was smiling at me. “I am always here to help you with all the problems, including the ones you feel inside.” She was winking and biting her lower lip. My head lowered with a sigh. She should just stop. We're in the office for crying out loud. A hand rubbed the back of my head, at the same time, drawing invisible circles on my neck. She was now standing by my side. I closed my eyes and lowered my head once again. “I will always be.” She took her hand to my suit jacket as she began to unbutton my suit jacket. No, Ace, you can't do this, not here. What if dad barged in on you? Adding to his blazing rage towards me, then I'd be totally done for. I pushed her off from me immediately and fixed back my buttons. “Not here, Melissa.” I grumbled out. “Then where should it be?” She swiveled my chair to face her. “Not now either.” My face was looking stern as I spoke. “What do you mean not now? Look, I want you right now and here.” She attempted to unbutton my jacket, but I was quick to stop her, pushing her hands off me once again. I wasn't going to let this daughter of eve get to me. “What now?” “I don't do fucks with my office staff, I believe you should know that by now.” That was totally not true though, when I find you alluring, then we're good to go. “But, you could make me an exception, just like the other night.” The last part came in a whisper, and it almost made me forget my promise to dad. “That night was just a mistake because I was drunk.” “A night that you and I enjoyed.” She corrected immediately. Melissa and I used to be fuck buddies occasionally until when father realized it, and I was almost forced to step down as the CEO. Ever since, I always tried to avoid the workers sexually until Melissa seduced me at a club one night, but I absolutely didn't regret it that night. I don't reject sex, especially when it was offered on a platter of gold, but right now, I had a promise to keep. Next time, I wouldn't spare her. “We could try that again. You just let me have my way, then I'll ride you to heaven.” “Stop it, Melissa. You should leave.” Some noises outside diverted my attention away from her. “Check what the noise is about.” I glanced at the window and rested back on my seat. She rolled her eyes before walking to the window. “The reporters are downstairs.” She announced and I glanced at her. “Are they inside already?” “No, they are outside the gate because I asked the security not to let them in.” “Alright, still make sure they don't come in no matter what.” I had nothing to say to them and until I figure out a perfect story that wouldn't make me look like a fool, I would try not to see them. The telephone rang from my desk and I heaved a sigh. “What is it?” I said immediately I picked it up. “Sir, there is someone looking for you.” My receptionist replied. “Who?” “It's a lady you know, sir.” A she? Who the fuck was here to see me? “What did she say her name was?” “Sir, she has forbidden me to say, but she is a business partner of the company.” A business partner? “Do we have a business meeting today?” I asked Melissa and she raised a brow. “No, except for the one we have with the board of directors, and that is to take place in two hours time.” She replied, walking to my desk as she picked up her tablet. “Yes, that's all.” She added after probably confirming it on her tablet. “Let her in.” I said over to the telephone and dumped it back to its place. “What meeting are you having?” Melissa asked. “I don't know.” I was still uncertain on whom it was, even if my mind was trying to go to someone right now, but why would she try to see me when obviously she didn't want to see my face? Shortly after, we heard a knock and the door open. I peeked up, only for my eyes to widen at the person in front of me. What was she doing here? “May I come in?” She was still standing at the door, and when she saw that I didn't say anything, she walked in and made herself comfortable on a seat. “I will take my leave now, sir.” Melissa walked out of the office. I was so speechless to find her in my company. Was she here to finish what she started? A quiet sigh left my lips and I rested back on my seat, trying to look unaffected by her unexpected visit. “Mr Miller, I know you must be wondering why I am here..........” She paused and tapped continually on my desk. Mr. Miller? Was she kidding? “Well, it's simple….” She trailed off and halted the tapping on my desk. “I want to apologize for the way I left you hanging at the altar. Trust me, it was never intentional.” “Why are you saying this?” I asked, even before she could say anything else. This was so unlike her, so what could be the reason? “Why? Can't I apologize?” She asked back and I scoffed. “Well, the Brittany I've known would never apologize.” I blurted out. There was no point in sugar coating things. “Then you're wrong because I do apologize when I'm wrong.” She muttered something else which I wished I heard but didn't. “Well, it seems like a different thing here.” I shrugged out and she rolled her eyes. “Anyway, back to why I'm here.....” She let out a feigned smile. “I have a proposal for you, and it is something that would interest you quite much.” She brought out some files from her bag and tossed it on my desk. “And how do you know what might interest me?” I scoffed out, glancing at the files on my desk. “Well, as a business lady, I am so much aware of the offers that are competent in the business world and I believe you're smart enough to know that also.” I peeked at her then at the files before opening it. Immediately, I checked the file, my eyes almost popped in shock. It was a fvcking contract! I raised my gaze instantly and she had one of the most unbelievable look on earth. “Let's get married again.” She stated, increasing my shock.~~ Ace's POV ~~"You must be so proud to have a competent son who can run the company without issues, Chairman. Not only did he bring home a trophy wife to increase the company's infrastructure, but he keeps closing deals and even bringing more golden collaborations that could make the company more unstoppable."Laughter erupted in the air immediately. My father was enjoying most of the entire conversation with a boastful smile smeared across his face."Yes. That's why a son is so important. They are the ones fit for these things." My Father, the chairman responded still with that smug look, a look that mostly looked down on everyone else.I suddenly wished to be everywhere but there, just like Brittany who had managed to slip out of our midst when she went to attend to some acquaintance from her company. From where I stood, I could watch her every movement. Just as she had gracefully gotten out of that car outside, my eyes couldn't leave her from that moment onward.I studied her ele
The ride to the exquisite hall was as silent and quiet as a graveyard. Except for the low humming of the car and the mellow, low-pitched sound of the tires against the tiled road as we drove, everything else felt awkward.Shantel sat in the front seat, her side of the window open as she stared outside, completely resting on her seat. She hadn't said a word to me since our intense bicker on the back porch of the house. Throughout the reapplication and readjustment of my makeup, it felt so uncomfortable looking her in the eyes most times while we said nothing to each other.Unlike our first makeup session where everything felt at ease. And every conversation came with smiles and laughter.Charlotte, on the other hand, sat next to me in the backseat and I knew she had quite a lot to say to us - Shantel and me. Especially me. But she was barely withholding on while pretending to type away on her phone. I felt her constantly stealing glances at us while she thought I wasn't looking. Or ra
If it had been in the past, I would have no worries. It would have been a normal thing. But this was the present Charlotte we were talking about. The same Charlotte who never failed to show how much she despised me. Who believed I did so many wrongs to her brother. Even when I still didn't know what I did wrong."You didn't even say a 'thank you'." She muttered, breaking away from my gaze. "This would have been less awkward."I was dumbfounded. Wondering why she changed all of a sudden when I saw Shantel coming out of the house. She was completely dressed, her curly hair bouncing behind her as she walked. Red heels to match the royal blue dress that stopped above her knees and a red clutch by her right hand.But rather than the calm and cool-headed Shantel I left behind, she looked furious. Infuriated. Rather disappointed. Betrayed. And I felt all the emotions were directed towards me.When she saw us, she tried to mask her emotions. Maybe because she saw Charlotte standing beside me.
~~ Brittany's POV ~~ I stared at the huge dressing mirror in front of me, face blank. Contrary to the beautiful figure in a dazzling black stone dress. Off shoulder dress, long enough to touch the glassy floor underneath me. I was looking far beyond the physical appearance that stared back at me in an expression that clearly explained one thing - worry. My last conversation with Emma didn't stop ringing in my ears. "Mummy, who is my father?" "Where is he? And why isn't he with us?" Days had passed yet those words still lingered in my mind like a memory meant to haunt and taunt me in every possible way until I gave way to its demands. I barely did any work for the past few days without the words crossing my mind. And when it did, it gave me the fear of the unknown. I knew it wasn't unexpected. In fact, I had expected the question from her for a long time, and it had become my constant fear. Was it on her second year birthday? The birthday afterwards? I think the fear crept in a
~~ Brittany's POV ~~A gentle knock at the door shifted my attention for a moment."Come in.""Good morning ma'am." Clarissa walked in seconds later. "I hope you took care of yesterday's emergency." She dropped a mug of piping, steaming espresso on my desk.I muttered a 'thank you' while taking the coffee to my lips. It lingered there for a while before I took a sip."Yes, I was able to handle the emergency." I responded, my mind drifting back to yesterday's scene.Before I left the office in a hurry, it was an emergency I had told her. But turned out the situation was more than an emergency. Almost a deadly situation that shook every being in me if not handled quickly.Until now, I still found it so strange that Ace had found me there. Even if he said it was just a coincidence, something in my gut didn't believe it. I only decided not to push it.At that moment, protecting my daughter's identity was what mattered. Despite not getting my answers. Despite still being in the dark of who
~~ Brittany's POV ~~"I'm sorry for the way I judged you. I was so desperate to find Emma and had become too anxious when I found her with you, so I didn't think before reacting."Thanks to the little boy whom I believed was the same age as Emma and probably in the same class. He had quickly explained that Emma was standing all alone when they met her which was why they took her with them to find her guardian. But, when they couldn't find her, they thought to contact her through the school. It was in that moment that I arrived.Emma also agreed that everything was true, so I made sure I wasn't tricked."It's fine. Everyone reacts differently especially when anxiousness sets in." She replied, holding a cup of coffee.After the small commotion outside, we were seated in a small coffee shop where I wanted to get to know her better. As I had said earlier, she had looked quite suspicious when I first caught her watching Ace from a distance, and I was sure she also saw me that day."You st
~~ Brittany's POV~~I gripped the wheels tightly as I stomped on the brakes, my heart racing like hell. My hands vibrated silently when I pushed the car door open and my legs shook as I stepped out of the car and raced towards her, my daughter's nanny."What happened to my daughter? How did she get
~~ Brittany's POV ~~Running down to the hospital, Mom was the first person I saw when I reached the VIP ward. She was standing beside Dad, staring into nothingness. Not until, the door slid open and I walked in. Surprisingly, Dad was still lying on the bed, the machines beeping loudly as always a
~~ Ace's POV ~~I pressed my hand down to the paper, my fingers clinging around the pen as I signed the necessary parts in the documents.Another contract signed. Another business deal bagged. Another collaboration made. My new partner and I shook hands, and I left, my secretary and a few member
"Mr. Fox was your boyfriend, true or false?"There was no response."You both still contacted each other secretly even though the late Mr. Fox wasn't permitted to make phone calls, am I right?"There was still no response despite the long silence that followed in the dimly lit interrogation room."







