My Turn, Mr. Bully

SOFIA The music hit me like a slap as I shoved the door open. It was loud—very loud. The kind of loudness that made your chest thump and your thoughts scatter. The party was even wilder than I imagined. I tightened my grip on the duffel bag in my hand and froze by the entrance, swallowed by lights, bodies, and music. Everyone here was dancing, screaming, living wildly. I was just… standing. Of course, I hadn’t been invited. They had a strict no-nerd rule. Erica’s so-called “emergency” was the only reason I was here. Her emergency? She demanded me to bring the expensive jewelry dad bought her—without even thinking of getting me anything. Typical. She probably wanted to show it off to her friends. I adjusted my glasses nervously and scanned the place. Yes, I was at the right address, even though I already knew that. I just... double-checked for good measure. A shaky breath left my lips, forming a cloud in the chilly night air in front of me. I wasn’t planning to stay long. I’

The crowd of information-hungry students fell silent as they awaited Ashton's statement of affirmation.To be honest, a tiny part of me hoped he would acknowledge it. Then, everyone would know that I was not undesirable—that I was even worthy of Ashton Hall's attention and bed.But, wishes weren't horses..."I hate pointless rumours. It's appalling. Let me make this clear right here and right now that I would never in my right senses hook up with this... thing. I deserve better!" He snapped, his gaze pointedly staring at the crowd like a king addressing his subjects. "And you—" he turned to me. "Stop spreading such disgusting rumours."With that, he walked away with the crowd parting from him.Just like that, my heart shattered into a million pieces. Ashton Hall would never love me back. All I was and all I would ever be was the nerdy, ugly duckling that was never meant to be noticed or amount to anything.Mocking giggles erupted from the crowd as he left. "So she was the one spreadi

Seven Years Later."Ladies and gentlemen, welcome with me, Kara Reed, the first of her kind to found the world's leading payment system, the tech queen and the CEO of Reed Technologies for the award of the most influential woman in the world!"The crowd of guests on the expensive five-star event center rose to their feet and erupted in loud applause for me. Whispers ensued on the side as people compliment my looks."Oh my God, she's so beautiful and so young too.""She must have worked so hard for her to get to this spot.""What wouldn't I give to be in her shoes.""Such beauty! She's so slender and curvy in all the right places. I could wife her!"I made sure to take my time as I walked towards the podium. The host of the show, Dylan Stewart, a high-profile individual himself and one of the many admirers who flocked my DMs stood there with a broad smile, flashing me a wink.This was the world I had carved for myself. A world where I stood ten feet above every other person. A world w

What was going on? Who could have left a package for me at my house? I had ensured my house address was private to avoid things like this—countless gifts from secret and public admirers who oulsmt take a hint. My office was already full of so many gifts that I even had to give many of them away to my staff.Couldn't a lady have a moment of peace?"Richard!"My voice was stern as I stepped out of the car. My gateman almost tripped over his foot as he ran to respond to me."Yes, miss Reed?""How did this get here? Who dropped this here?" I asked sharply, my eyes narrowing in his direction.He scratched the back of his head, looking remorseful as he stated, "I'm sorry, miss Reed. A dark limousine drive by two hours ago with the package addressed to you. I tried to find out who it was that sent it but the driver said you'll be contacted by the person."His words fuelled my rage the more. "What were my instructions about these anonymous gifts?""You said I must never let them be dropped ov

My heart skipped a beat. I knew something was up even though I couldn't place my finger on it. The expression on Mr. Eric's face already told me to be careful with the too-good-to-be-true contract. I sat up instantly, giving him my full attention. Eric had been my lawyer since the beginning of my company and had been able to help me sort out all my legal issues without a hitch so I trusted him wholly. He held up the document and read out loud, "Clause 14b: Client reserves the right to include Ms. Reed in promotional activities, including but not limited to press features, media campaigns, and public brand representation, as deemed necessary by Deluxe Conglomerates." I stared at the document, following him as he read and waiting for him to read out the issue but he stopped there. "Uh-uh?" He shot me a quizzical look. "This clause... Are you comfortable with it?" I stared intensely at it for a couple of minutes, proofreading it over and over again. Media campaigns, public br