LEAHI couldn't believe it. I was tongue-tied, in front of cameras.“Are you alright?” Jennifer asked.The fake concern was raw in her voice.I cleared my throat, “I am.”“He did tell you about the new development, didn't he?” “Yes, he did.” I lied, “I just didn't think we'd be announcing it so soon, as it is just in its planning phase.”“Oh. He was probably just excited about the new development.”“Right,” I agreed.The rest of the interview passed by a breeze. I could only count down the minutes for Jennifer to throw her minor shades.Soon enough, she closed up. “Cut!” The director's authoritative voice spoke.Jennifer plastered a smile on her face, “thank you for letting us host you.”“You're welcome. Thanks for the invite.”“This was fun. I hope we get to do it again.’I would rather chew on my husband's balls.“Sure, maybe after I achieve another great feat.”She threw a fist slightly in the air, “I'm sure that won't take too long.”She eventually got her cracked ass off my cha
LEAHI didn't know what to say.“What do we do?” I managed to ask.“Nothing. We watch him ruin his life with his own hands.” He replied,I took a deep breath, still almost speechless.“Well, thanks for informing me.” I thanked him,“Yeah,” he replied.The call ended immediately. I sighed. How did we let this happen under our nose?I exhaled heavily. There was just too much going on for me to even think clearly.“Mary,”“Yes, ma'am.” She replied, scurrying in.“Could you reach out to Clark Ink, and see if they can send the videos to you before release? I'd like them to crop out some parts.” Especially those that involved Jessica asking about my private life.I dug my teeth into my bottom lip.My phone buzzed, and I turned to find a text from Francis.“No congratulations?” It read,I sucked in my teeth, dropping the phone back on the desk.Exhausted, I decided it was time to take a break. Maybe it was time for me to just leave this environment.The constant need, and obsession for re
LEAHI studied her carefully. Almost just as much as she did, me. She didn't flinch, or seem the least bit surprised. Well, what could I expect? She was a therapist. She had probably heard, and seen worse.“We've all had that kind of thought at some point in life.” She finally replied, “more apples?” She nudged,I hadn't realized I had stomped on the one I had taken.I picked up another one. “I don't think anyone has experienced such emotions as I do. I literally have vivid dreams of me digging my hands into his chest, and plucking his heart out. It's getting too realistic. Sometimes, they're not even dreams. They're like visions.”“Do you have imaginations of murdering numerous people, or just one person?” She asked,Her seemingly feeble hands rubbed her knee. “I am experiencing some knee pains.” She explained,I nodded. “Sorry.”“Thank you.”“So, go on.” She nudged,“Most of the time, I dream of my husband. Soon to be my ex husband.”“Is there any reason you'd want to murder him?”
LEAHWait a minute. This had to be some sort of joke, right?I took a deep breath, trying to stabilize my nerves before I spoke.“I'm sorry, I didn't quite get you clearly.” I said to them, still dwelling in denial.“Your friend Kate was murdered on the seventeenth, three days ago, and we have reasons to believe that you were the culprit.”What? I squinted my eyes trying to see them clearly. Tears had clouded my vision.“That's impossible. Kate cannot be dead.” I denied it.She had just given birth to a child, and never did she make mention of any complications.Yes, I hadn't called her, but she had only texted me with information that she had a child. Nothing else whatsoever.I sniffed in, wiping my nose.“Madam, we would appreciate it if you came to the station to talk to us.”“I-” I tried to reply, but the words wouldn't leave my mouth.“It makes no sense,” I whispered.“Let's get to the station. From there, we'll put the pieces together.” His voice was firm, yet gentle.From the
LEAH“No!” I screamed out, but from the look on all their eyes, I could tell no one believed me. “I'm serious, I didn't murder anyone. The hell! Why would I do that?”“That's what we're trying to figure out.” He replied calmly. I watched as he opened up another file, and brought out a laminated paper.“What's that?” I asked, irritated.“It's a note. Just one page from Kate's diary. Here, have a look at it.”I took the paper, and my hands quivered as my eyes scrolled through it.“Diary,I don't know how to explain it without seeming insane, but I see Kate everywhere I go. She's literally at every corner, every hook, every door, every window. At first, I thought I was hallucinating, and being paranoid, but I can swear on my life that I did see her last night. I was closing up the windows to my apartment when I saw her long blonde hair. I leaned in closer, and true to my word, it was her. I saw her face.What is she doing all the way up here in Atlanta? I'm scared she'll come after
LEAHI nodded. Then, I nodded again. And then again. I kept bobbing my head like a mop on a stick.Vivian could solve this. She was a pro at this. I had a brilliant team. They would help me out.“Could you reach out to Drew for me?” I demanded,Drew wouldn't let me die in here.“Sure thing. As soon as we're done with the interview.”That sounded fair.“That being said, Leah, where were you three nights ago?”I chewed on my bottom lip. Three nights ago, I was…with Drew.“I was with Drew!” I exclaimed in excitement. I had something to prove I was innocent. “It was the day I moved into Drew's house.”“Good. Very good. That's something.” She commended me,I gave myself a mental pat on the back.“Now, for the rest of this interview, if you're uncomfortable with their questions, just know you don't have to answer. You don't even have to say a word, you'll be well within your rights.”“I understand, thank you.”She touched my shoulders gently.I watched as she walked to the door. “We are r
LEAHThat wasn't what I had expected, but I couldn't say it was a surprise to me.With the visuals in my head of them on the couch that night, I knew it was bound to happen soon enough. Although, this was quite sooner than expected…I didn't say a word.“He could have used a protection,” Drew ranted, “I don't know how stupid that boy can be.” I wanted to correct that Francis was almost thirty five, and himself, forty five. None of them were children.“It happens sometimes, you know, even with protection and all.” He clicked his tongue. “Excuses,”Our silence ensued, and soon enough we had arrived at his home.The driver parked right in front of the entrance, and I was helped down.I immediately walked up to my room without another word.As I took off my stiletto heels, memories of Kate flashed by. The first night we had met.I was six by then, and she, seven.“Leah,” my mother's crispy voice had called me.I remember running to her with my tiny legs, and almost falling on the floor.
LEAHI wiped my eyes one last time. He was right. It was up to me to ensure that Lucas paid for all he has done.“Yeah, you're right.” I admitted,His eyes finally stopped piercing into me, as he looked away.“Do you still want to see her or…?”“No. I just want to go home, and lay my head. The coroner can give us any updates once they're discovered.”He didn't argue further, but led me as I walked to the car.The drive back home was silent, but as soon as we got home, I pulled one of the maids to my side. “Please prepare a meal for me. I haven't had anything since morning.”My stomach grumbled right on cue.I sat lazily on the chair, as I inspected my knuckles.For the first time in a while, I hadn't accessorized before leaving the house.Soon, a plate was brought before me. Pasta and sauce.I looked to Drew to see if the perfectionist in him would complain about me dining in his living room, but he didn't say a word.I dug in.“What am I hearing about a murder case?” Francis's voice
LEAHI knew Lucas was a terrible man, but finding this out was a real change to my perspective.I turned to find her staring at me. She raised an inquisitive brow, then turned to her sister who just shrugged.“I thought I pushed you off the balcony,” I revealed.“You-”“I know. You said I wasn't there, I know.” I cut in. I didn't need to hear it again. I touched my thighs, and then the chair, but I didn't know what to do. “You're sure I wasn't there?”“Yes,” she replied in a low tone. She wasn't harsh anymore, just confused.I rubbed my lips on each other, staring into nothing.Was every part of my life a lie? How deep had my husband cut in?“I was drunk that night,” I began to explain, “drunk, and intensively high, so my memory is jagged. I honestly don't remember all that had happened. Based on what I had been told, I saw you trying to kiss Lucas, and in jealousy, pushed you off the balcony.” I let a breath pass through my lips, “all my life, I have been feeling so guilty. Everyday
LEAHI shook my hand off her grip. “The next time you threaten me, I will show you the clear difference between a woman born in wealth, and a woman who stole her way there. Don't test me.”With that, I pushed her hand off, and walked off.Her eyes followed me as I strolled out of the building. As soon as I got to the driveway, I took a pause, taking in a deep breath.Francis was a pimp. Yes, he was. How dare he go ahead and tell her about the kiss making it look like it was my fault?We both kissed each other. I didn't force myself on him. I had initiated it, but that didn't mean-“Leah!” A sharp voice called my name,I turned to find Xander sprinting towards me. As soon as he approached me, he quickly corrected himself, “sorry, Mrs Irving. I only called you by your first name-”“What can I do for you?” I asked, crossing both arms over my chest.I could still feel my cheeks flushed in anger.“Here,” he handed me a brown file.“What is this?” “The divorce papers.”“I just authorize
LEAH“You're joking, right?”I shook my head. “I'm not. I'm serious, I want to adopt a child.”“And you want me to be the co parent,” he completed,“Exactly.”“No.”“Why?” I cocked my head, “I thought we were a team?” He closed his eyes, then I heard a deep groan. “Why do you want a child?”“Because she's important to me.”“Whose child do you want to adopt?”“Yours.” He was silent for a second. He leaned back on his chair, then finally leaned towards me. I was still by the door, with it slightly adjusted.“That's Kate's child,” he corrected,I clenched my jaw, biting back the words.“What do you say? Are you with me on this or not?”“I'm not with you on anything. You want to adopt a child? Go on, I'm not stopping you, but I won't be a part of it.”“This is your child!”“It's Kate's child.”My lips parted, and I was about to preach on how insensitive he was, but I clamped my lips shut. It was Lucas. Why had I expected better?I turned around, and walked out of his office.As soon as
LEAH“I'll work on it,”He didn't respond, but with a huff, he was out of the office.Lucas walked in immediately, “what did your uncle want?” “Since when did we become a team?” I snarled,He walked in fully, and closed the door behind him.I looked through the glass, ensuring he knew that everyone could see him. He tucked at his suit, and straightened his shoulders.“We need to be a team. Your uncle is the enemy, not me.”I glared at him, but didn't say a word as I retreated back to my seat.“Do you like your position in this company?”“Why? Do you want to take that away too? Haven't you taken enough from me?”“I'm not taking anything. Just listen to me. I can give you a permanent spot at this table, but you and I know your uncle is the common enemy. One chance, and he'll displace us permanently.”I looked him dead in the eye, “There is no way in hell you're trying to negotiate my father's company with me.”“Look, I'm not negotiating, I'm just-”I saw the desperation in his eyes, a
LEAH“I'm staying for the meeting, but please help me reach out to Drew's home, and see if you can speak to him.”“Alright, do you have any message you want me to pass on?”“No,” I shook my head, slightly, “just let him know that I'm checking in.” She walked out abruptly.I took one look at my phone, and typed in Martina's name on the search bar. She was the first to come up.As I scrolled through, I searched for whatever I could use to debunk whatever he was trying to do.Martina had a master's degree in finance and accounting. A first class degree. She was good.I had submerged myself into reading her profile, until Mary's voice pulled me off guard.“I called, and Mr Drew is not home.” Where the hell could he have gone to?“Were you informed on where he could be?” I asked,“Yes, he's at work.”I released a deep sigh, as I pinched my forehead. “Don't worry about it, thank you.” She nodded, and walked out.The intercom buzzed, and I heard Scarlett's voice.“We are all expected to
LEAH“Why are you staring at me?” He asked with his eyes semi closed.I shook my head, “nothing.” I didn't bother lying.“You should get dressed and go to work.”“You're not fine, I'm not leaving you here.”“I have a hundred staff here,” he argued, “I'm sure I'll be fine.”“I'm not leaving.”He glared at me, “go to work. There are already whispers about you, missing a day will give them a topic.”I didn't want to move an inch, but he had bit the bullet at the right point.I walked into my closet. I heard the doctor's voice as he came in, and I blocked their voices out.Soon enough, I had picked what I wanted to wear, and I changed into it.As I walked out of the room, Drew's eyes met mine one more time. “Get well soon,” I wished,He nodded, and I left the house.I knew I was an hour late for work. Eyes had lingered on me as I walked into the office. Mary ran to my side as soon as she sighted me. She smiled at me politely, “Good morning, ma'am. Let me help with your bag.” She offered
LEAH“I can't make any decisions right now. I'm going to bed, and you should too.”“Okay. Fine.” He didn't argue,I ended the call abruptly.As I wrapped the bed sheet over myself, sleep cuddled me like a warm blanket.THE NEXT MORNING.The blaring sound of the alarm woke me the next morning. With a groan, I picked up my phone, and swiped it off. What was even the time? I looked at the clock. Five am. It was good enough, I could start preparing for work.I got off the bed, and was about heading into the shower when I recalled none of the maids had brought in my outfit for today last night.Drew's perfectly worming team had forgotten my clothes, but they were somehow perfect at gossiping.I sucked in my teeth, and opened the door.To my surprise, a body fell on the floor. My pupils widened as his head hit the carpet.“Drew!” I screamed out, surprised.His eyelids flickered twice, and then a silent groan escaped his lips.In a bid to help him up, I grabbed his arms. His temperature h
LAEL“I've solved your problems”I opened my eyes immediately. He walked past me, and towards the bench.I closed my lips, and wiped the shame from them.The lights were dim, but bright enough for me to see his full physique. He took off the black gloves on his hands.“What do you mean?” I asked, not moving.“Your problem, I solved it.”“What problem?” “The murder accusation.” He replied, as he threw the leather gloves into the trash can.“How?” That was all I could ask. Nothing seemed to make any sense.He started to unbutton his equally black shirt, “Do you really want to know how?” “Yes,” He grunted, as he took the shirt off, and tossed it into the trash can too. He then took off his socks, and shoes. They got the same fate as the rest of his clothings.“Call a guard for me,”“No.”His eyes flickered, “Don't be stubborn, call a guard.”I refused to move.He sighed, picked up his phone, and I heard the buzzing sounds.“Boss,” I could hear his right hand’s voice.“Come to the gard
LEAHHe didn't say a word to me as he walked off.I heard his footsteps disappear, and I walked to the living room.Less than a minute later, his car revved. The metals of the gate clanked on each other, and his car soon disappeared from the compound.I touched my lips gently, still able to feel Francis's lips. What had I done? No. What did he do?He kissed me in his brother's house!He was married, and he kissed me in his brother's home.I took a deep breath, trying to stabilize myself. This was all shades of wrong.I headed straight for my room. It was impossible to deal with everything at the moment.As soon as I laid on the bed, I picked up my phone, and scrolled through. Kristy had made a post from my account.With a picture attached, she wrote,“I have heard your concerns, and I have seen your posts. The slander, the defense- all of it. Here I am to clear the airIt is not a rare occasion for someone of my stature to be seen at a police station. Was I escorted by two cops? Yes