*Andrea*
The Uber was already waiting for me outside when I walked out of Alejandro's apartment. I got in fast, greeting the driver and telling him the address as he drove off. I rechecked the message to confirm what I saw. Alison's message stared back at me. ‘Hey, where are you? Lucas is here.’ My body revolted at the message, and I couldn't believe Lucas had the nerve to show up late at night at the apartment. I would have loved to spend a little more time with Alejandro, but I had to cut the time off to go and face my cheating ex-boyfriend. I sat back in the backseat, massaging my temples, this is not what I needed now. The car stopped abruptly. “We are here.” I peeked out the window; we were already at my house. I wish the ride had been longer so I could be ready to face Lucas. I got down, closing the car door behind me after paying the driver and walking slowly towards the door. I took a few deep breaths before opening the door to my apartment. I walked in, shutting the door behind me. The house was dead silent, and I wondered if Lucas got tired of waiting and had already left. I pulled off my shoes in the doorway, walking barefoot into the sitting room. Allison was already waiting for me and probably heard the door. She looked concerned and stressed. “Sorry.” she mouthed as she stepped away, revealing the horrible sight of Lucas on the couch. He shook his leg impatiently and immediately approached me as if sensing my presence. He jumped up from the chair with a tight expression on his face. “Where the hell have you been? I've been waiting here for so long.” Allison walked into the room to give us some privacy, but I knew she could still hear us clearly because Lucas was so loud. “I was out,” I responded calmly, dropping my bag on the chair. “What do you mean by out?” He nearly shouted. “You know what I mean, Lucas.” He boiled in rage at my nonchalance at his anger. “Where did you go at this time of the night?” he looked down at his wristwatch.” it's 3:30 am in the morning.” “ And?” I asked him, looking him squarely in the face. “I'm an adult and can be out as late as I want. I don't answer to you; I want to know what you're doing here?” He calmed down a little, sitting back on the chair. “I've been calling you nonstop for days, leaving so many messages, and you never responded.” “That's not the answer to my question.” I spat out. “I just want to explain.” “I changed my number because I don't want to hear anything from you; we are over.” “Just let me explain myself,” he begged; the desolate look on his face would have worked on me before, but I know the truth now. “And what do you want to explain?” I asked slowly, walking towards him. “How you've been fucking different women behind my back, or how you've been lying to my face all this time?” “I haven't been lying to you; that was the first and the last time, I promise.” My body shook with anger at his blatant lying; he didn't even have the guts to come clean about everything. “Do you take me for a fool? I don't care if you've slept with a hundred women or if it's one, we are done.” I responded with finality. My head was aching from the futile argument; seeing him after everything was like a fresh reminder of his betrayal. I need him out of my house now. “Look, Lucas, let's just leave this behind us. I've moved on, and you should, too.” His eyes widened at my words, looking enraged as he stood up from the couch, staring at me menacingly. “You're seeing someone else.” He gritted through his teeth. “Who, is it someone I know?” “No, I'm tired of arguing with you; please leave.” I gestured to the door. He stood for a while, debating whether to leave or keep trying to make his point. He made a good decision as he started walking to the door. “I'm leaving now, but you can't get rid of me; we will get through this. I still love you, and I know you still love me.” I looked up at him; a tiny part of me still loved him. I liked what we had together, and that is all gone now. “All that love disappeared when I walked in on you balls deep in another woman.” He turned back, standing in the doorway, his bloodshot eyes dull through me. “It's all your fault.” He screamed, pointing his finger at me. “If you had just had sex with me, I wouldn't have to get it elsewhere.” “You asshole,” I screamed as my blood rose, as I unconsciously picked up a glass cup from the coffee table, flinging it across the room at him in anger. It smashed against the door as he slipped out in time, escaping the cup as it shattered in pieces. Alison ran out of the room, concerned at the noise. I flung myself on the couch, never wanting to see him again. “Are you alright?” I looked up at her, her brows furrowed together in deep worry. “Yes, I'm just angry I missed his head.” I looked up at the ceiling. I thought the worst was over, but it seemed Lucas wasn't ready to let me go. Alison left the sitting room and came back with the broom and dustpan. “I'll get it.” “Never mind, just get some rest.” She responded as she started cleaning up the mess. My phone dinged beside me, and I picked it up to check the time, but I noticed a message from an unknown number. It read: ‘ it's Alejandro; I just wanted to be sure you got home safe. ʼ I couldn't help but smile at the sweet and thoughtful message. I instantly saved his number, messaged him that I was already home, and thanked him for asking. I finally stood up from the couch, picked up my bag and shoes, and entered my room. I dumped them on the floor, pulled off my wrinkled clothes, and showered. The warm water flowed down my body, loosening the aches all over my body. I noticed blue-purplish hickeys all over my shoulders and even on my thighs. I blushed bright red as my mind returned to my night with Alejandro. He came through on his promise and made sure my first time was memorable for me. I washed my body, avoiding between my thighs because I still felt very sore and tender there. After a while, I stepped out of the shower, water dripping on the carpet; I wrapped myself in my towel as I walked into my room. Alison had already set a sandwich and snacks for me on the bedside table with a cup of juice. I smiled at her thoughtfulness as I took a bite. I didn't even realize I was famished the whole night. I finished eating, throwing on my sleeping shirt and a pair of shorts. I know Alison was curious about the whole night, and she would want to know everything that happened, but I was too tired, so we would have to talk tomorrow. My phone beeped just as I was lying in bed; it was a text from Alejandro. He replied ‘Good’ to my previous message and asked if he could see me again. I typed ‘yes’ fast, smiling down at the message. He told me to get ready by 7 p.m. to be picked up by his driver. I agreed and told him goodnight. I was about to set the phone down, but when a text from Lucas popped up, my smile dropped. ‘I love you, Andrea, don't leave me. ʼ My heart squeezed at the text. I hated how everything ended between us. I wish it weren't like this, but Lucas had created a huge rift between us that could never be fixed. I woke up smiling, my thighs rubbing deliciously together at the dream I had of Alejandro. I dreamt I was back at his house, but this time, we made it to the bed, and we had mind-blowing sex all night long. I rose up, pulling my duvet away from my body. I stood by the dresser, pulling down my shirt to admire the marks on my body. Yesterday was like a dream. I could still feel his hands slowly moving down my body, parting my legs. I heard Alison's gentle knock on my door; before I could open the door, she barged in, ambushing me. “Tell me everything to the tiniest details, and don't you dare skip anything.” She pulled me to the bed. “I slept with Alejandro, Lucas's father.” I blurted out. Alison's eyes grew big as saucers as she watched me in disbelief. “OH MY GOD!” she screamed. “ How, where, when?” She could hardly breathe, trying to get her words out. “I met him at a bar, and he took me to his apartment.” “You lost your virginity to your ex-boyfriend's dad.” She shouted, and I had to hold her mouth to stop her. “The walls are thin, Alison.” she kept on talking even with my hand in her mouth, her words coming out in inaudible noises. “Calm down.” When she seemed a little bit calmer, I released her. “How did you pull that off?”. I told her everything that happened in the bar and how he took me home, but I brushed over the details of our lovemaking that wasn't to be shared. “Wow! Does Lucas know?” “ No, not yet.” “Isn't that the plan to tell Lucas so he can regret cheating?” she asked, a little confused. “ Yes, but I want his Dad to fall deeply in love with me, so it hurts Lucas more.” I smile at my little conniving plan. “That's crazy. I just hope they don't find out and you get hurt.” Alison has always worried about me; I know she has cause to worry now. I've never done anything like this before, and if both Lucas and Alejandro find out my plan, I would be in big trouble. However, I wouldn't back down because of a bit of trouble. “I'll be fine, trust me; the only person going to end up hurt out of all of this is that asshole Lucas and I'm going to make sure of it.” She hugged me and left the room not long after; I checked the time, jumping cause I was already late for a job interview I was planning to attend. I quickly got in the shower and got dressed in a formal black dress, my brown caramel hair in a tight ponytail, a little bit of mascara, and pink lip gloss. I fished out my CV before I left my room, my bag and shoes in hand. “I'm leaving Alison,” I shouted across the apartment. “Good luck,” she shouted back. I left the apartment, got into my car, and left for the recruitment agency. I said silent prayers when I got to the interview on time and joined the queue of other people here for the interview. The day wore out as the interview man slowly came out to call people into his office. It was hours before my turn, and I was already tired, but I put on a bright smile, giving it my best. I walked out a few minutes later. The interviewer seemed impressed with me and said I might get the job at the agency; although he thought I was overqualified for the secretary position, I assured him it was no problem for me. I was in high spirits, walking out of the recruitment agency, when I received a text from Alejandro.*Alejandro* I opened the door to the meeting room filled with directors. I walked straight to my chair, and they all stood till I had my seat. I was in high spirits. My day has been going well. I pulled the chair back and took my seat behind the chair. I opened the laptop on the top of the table. Mark, one of the board of directors, passed me a file, and I flipped it open. “This contains a report on the mail which has been built in the city's outskirts,” he said. I nodded. I flipped through the file. There were so many errors. “Who prepared this?” I asked. Everyone went silent; the air became heavy. I raised my head, not hearing anyone speak. I looked around. Everyone's attention went to a cranny-looking girl with enormous, round-rimmed glasses. She put up her hands unsteadily and stood up. “That's Lisa. She is from the planning team,” Mark leaned closer and whispered. She looked so young; this seemed to be her first time organizing something big. I was in a good m
*Andrea* The evening would have gone better if I hadn't seen Lucas striding into the restaurant with the same girl he had cheated on me with. I couldn't afford to have him see me with his dad. So I left first. I was glad I had seen him first. It wasn't fair to Alejandro, but I had no other choice. I walked to the bathroom to avoid bumping into him at the entrance. Lucas can be an ass sometimes and could create a scene though he is with another woman. Our last encounter hadn't gone quite extraordinary. His hands were wrapped around the woman's slender waist until they reached the seat he had reserved, which was adjacent to ours. I walked out of the bathroom and took the back door one of the waiters had shown me, which cost fifty dollars. I hailed a cab. I sent a text message to Alejandro. I was sorry we had to end today like this—a day that was going well. I'll make up for it by buying him dinner next time. When I got home, I opened the door and stepped in roughly as if I wa
*Alejandro*I couldn't bring myself to look at Anna for long, fearing that I may want to pull her up, so I treated her a bit cold. Not because I wanted to but because I had to. I tried to keep my work life from my personal life as I have always done. How did she suddenly start working here? The last time we spoke, she never mentioned looking for a job. She was slightly startled by how I treated her, but I'll have to apologize afterward, just not now. I pushed the file I was reading to the side. I couldn't concentrate anymore. I bent down and massaged my template. I raised my head when I heard a knock on the door. Slowly, the door pushed open, and Anna stepped in. She walked gently towards me, and I had to force my head to keep looking down. I only raised it when she stopped in front of me. “Sir, there's some…” The door opened abruptly, shutting her up. She swallowed and turned. Their heels clicked sharply on the floor. And she stepped in, Clara. I stood. “Honey,” she called and
*Andrea*He couldn't even stop me from leaving. As I walked to the restroom, I thought of the girl I had seen him with that afternoon. How she had pressed her body into his and how she had spoken to me without respect, and Alejandro had sat there watching her.Maybe I judged him wrongly. Maybe he was a bastard like his son. Take a deep breath, girl, and don't stress yourself over a man. I repeatedly told myself. I walked to the restroom and went into a cubicle. Soon, I heard water running, and then two girls started talking. “She came again today. Everyone was so tensed.” One said.“It has been ages since she visited. Why did she come today?” She sighs and continues, “It isn't as if she is the boss's wife of anything; why does she have the power to boss anyone around here?” The second girl asked.“She had some relationship with the boss. I heard he was madly in love with her. He allowed her to do whatever she wanted until they ended. Maybe he is not over her yet. Rumors have it that
*Alejandro*Anna was in pain, though she was trying to hide it, and for some unknown reason, I felt a tug in my heart seeing her flinch because of it. I opened the door of my study in the apartment. I walked to the table and placed my hands on it.I closed my eyes and opened it, then stood up straight and loosened my tie. Anna is not the type to be troublesome. Not that I've known her for a long time, but from the little moments we've spent together, I could tell that she wasn't that type. But the truth is that you can never really know a person.Scratch that.Whether she is troublesome or not doesn't matter. The fact was that someone had raised their hands on her, and I was surely going to make that person pay, whoever they were.My phone rang. “What's up, man,” Williams's voice rang from the other end. “Why are you calling me at this time?” I asked. It wasn't usual. “Do I need a reason to call you when I want?” He asked back. He was speaking at the top of his voice. He seems to b
*Andrea*“Did you stay together last night?” Clara asked, and I couldn't help but wonder what it had to do with her. Granted, she dated Alejandro, and though that didn't quite sit right with me for some unknown reasons, I couldn't change it. But they’ve broken up.Alejandro has obviously moved on, and it is clear that her presence is not something he looks forward to, so why can't she just leave him alone in peace?“Yes,” Alejandro said. Clara's face turned livid with anger. “Why did she sleep at your apartment?” She turns to me, “From the first time I saw you, I knew that you weren't qualified for this job. Did you take the job to sleep with your boss!” She asked.“Clara!!” Alejandro yelled.I should have felt offended by what she said, but I wasn't. “I see no reason I have to explain to you,” I said. She raised a brow and slanted her neck. “I have some files to give to the research head. I think I'll pass on today's lunch,” I said politely. I'd love to have lunch with Alejandro, bu
*Andrea* Alejandro stared at Mr.Johnson without any effort to budge. Mr Johnson dropped his fork carefully and wiped his lips with a disposable napkin. “You should know that when you agreed to my terms, they had some underlying meaning.” He said. I raised a brow, not completely understanding what he was saying. “Speak clearer so I'll understand better,” Alejandro said. I understood the wording of the sentence he just said, but I'm trying to make sense of it to no avail. “You must agree to other things before we can sign the contract and shake hands.” Mr.Johnson said. Alejandro lowered his head and let out a low chuckle. “I know it's funny, but it's true.” Mr. Johnson said. “Oh, I didn't know that's what you mean, things like what”?” Alejandro asked. I felt Alejandro understood what he said. Mr. Johnson picked up his fork again and gently sliced through his steak. He placed it in his mouth and hammed. This man was crazy. He should check himself. I couldn't help but wonder
*Alejandro*The bar was lit by a blue light, which changed occasionally. The smell of solid drinks lay heavily in the air. Soft music resounded in the background. People chatted quietly. I watched as a bartender poured a drink for a man in front of me with skill. Williams is seated in front of me. A blonde girl leans on him, speaking about what only they know. Williams and his women weren't what I was bothered about right now. Two hours ago, I went to the bar where Anna was bullied. I took a slow sip of my drink, my eyes settling on the sleeve of my white shirt, which had dust stains on it. My Rolex wristwatch was missing from my hand. I leaned into the chair and hung my head behind it. *TWO HOURS AGO* ( flashback )When my phone beeped during lunch with Mr Johnson, I waited patiently to check it inside the car. It was a message from Williams. It took him a pretty long time to text me. I had asked to see the girl and the others that had surrounded Anna and stopped her from leaving