MELISSA’S POV Tears streamed down my face as I wrapped my hands around his neck, my fingers running gently through his hair as we kissed. Moments later, I slowly pulled back and confessed into his ear, “I missed you” “I missed you too.” He whispered back. “What of the situation with Emily?” I asked. He let out a deep sigh but before he could say anything, “I know you didn’t do any of that. I believe those are wrong accusations.” I added, assuring him of my trust. A broad smile formed on his face as I scrutinized my whole face with passion before pulling me into a tight hug. “Thank you for believing in me….” He mumbled. I patted his back gently and said, “Don’t worry. I know she lied” “I will clear my name very soon. I have a recording of her confessing to everything.” He announced. My heart skipped with joy as I asked. “You do?” “Yes. I’ve already sent it to my Grandma and told her to do with it as she pleases. Whatever she decides to do is up to her. I’m done
MELISSA’S POVMy eyes widened in shock while my heart also started beating rapidly in my chest as I realized who it was. “Listowel?” I whispered, his smell filling my nostrils. For a moment, I let down my guard and hugged him back. I could feel his body relaxed as he leaned on my shoulders. I think my guess was right after all. From how tight he had held me, nobody had to tell me he was indeed going through a lot.Moments later, he pulled back from my embrace and grabbed my hands with force. Confused, “What?” I asked. Before I could pull my hands away, he pulled me into the hallway before closing my door shut behind.His lips parted dramatically yet no word came out. He looked like he was struggling to speak. “Come ..” he finally blurted, dragging me behind him.I yanked my hands free and halted in my steps, confused as to where we were going. “Come where? I’m not interested in—“Without warning, he forcefully grabbed my hands, my words dying on my lips as I trailed behind him lik
LISTOWEL’S POV By the time I reached the city, it was past sunset. I pulled into a quiet parking lot and finally tapped into my messages. I sent the audio file directly to my grandma’s phone, after which I made a voice note and sent it to her. “Grandma,” I started, my chest tight as I reconsidered what I would do. Even though I love my grandma dearly and confronting her about her deeds has always been something I’ve always found difficult to do; I gave myself the go-ahead. “You always demanded perfection. From the way I dressed, the way I spoke, even the way I loved. I gave my childhood, my youth, my soul… my everything for this family. I fought battles silently, wore your expectations like armor, even when it suffocated me.” I paused, breathing out. “And yet, the moment doubt knocked, you opened the door wide. You didn’t trust me to resolve it on my own. Just like you’ve always done. The only thing I’ve ever wanted was to have your faith and trust that I will be able
LISTOWEL’S POVThe city blurred past me as I continued driving. I didn’t know where in particular I was going, I just knew that I needed fresh air. Fresh air and fresh memory to get my thoughts right. I continued to ride in circles till I found myself at the beach.It was dusk. The sun had dipped low, casting reddish-orange streaks across the sea waves.I stared at it for a while before I parked. I took off my coat, loosened some of the front buttons on my shirt, rolled up the sleeves quarter-length, and stepped out of the car. The serene nature of the beach welcomed me, soothing and comforting to watch. And that was exactly what I needed.The strong wind slapped my face as I neared the sea. With heavy steps, I trailed along the shore. As I was strolling along the shoreside of the beach, I absentmindedly bumped into someone, causing her to trip and fall. Instinctively, I rushed to help her get up “I’m so sorry. It wasn’t intentional at all…” I apologized while dusting off the s
LISTOWEL’S POVIt’s been two days since the kiss-that-wasn’t-a-kiss wrecked everything.Two days since the world flipped on its head and dragged my name through the gutter.Two days since Emily’s crocodile tears and that damn video turned me into a villain overnight.And now, I sat in the boardroom of a company I built from the bones of my own sacrifice, surrounded by vultures dressed in expensive suits. My name no longer felt safe in anyone’s mouth.Not even in my brothers James and Daniel’s mouth. Grandma sat across the long mahogany table, her lips drawn into a straight line. We’ve not talked to each other since morning because of our altercation yesterday. Since I refused to marry that snake; Emily, she had motioned to the executive to go ahead with my impeachment. The expression on her face was unreadable. She was neither sad nor happy, the only thing she constantly did was adjust her glasses. The room buzzed with whispers and murmurs as the executives whom I had toasted with,
LISTOWEL’S POVThe sun was barely up, but I was already seated behind my desk at the office, the weight of everything happening pressing down on me. Every employee at my company who passed by my office window wore the same expression; tight-lipped, wide-eyed, awkwardly pretending not to be staring at me. I didn’t need confirmation. I knew they’d seen the video circulating. A soft hesitant knock on the door jolted me out of my thoughts. The door creaked open after which Kevin poked his head in. “Good Morning, sir.” He greeeted.“Come in.” I simply instructed.He stepped inside, closing the door carefully behind him like he was afraid the glass might shatter under the pressure of whatever he was about to say. I could feel his discomfort from across the room. He stood there, arms stiff at his sides, then adjusted his tie and cleared his throat.“Well?” I said, finally locking gaze with him.Kevin flinched like I’d barked at him. “Uh… I just wanted to check on you, sir. I—I mean, I su