LOGINThere’s an envelope sitting in the middle of my desk. White. Unmarked. Perfectly centered, like someone placed it there with intention. My name is typed across the front. “Termination of Employment.” My stomach sinks. I scan the rest—employment ended effective immediately… final paycheck processed… return company property… Thank you for your service. He even dared to say thank you. The signature at the bottom makes my throat tighten. His name. Bold. Clean. Like this is nothing but routine paperwork to him. “Xavier Crest. CEO of TechUp” So this is what “no” costs. I stared at the letter filled with rage. Just when Sydney thought her life was starting to come together, her ruthless boss just had to bring chaos into her peaceful and organized life — bringing along his terrible ex who is hell bent on making Sydney’s life a living hell. Forcing her into a marriage, neither of them wants, he realizes Sydney is not as docile as she seemed which only infuriates him the more because NO ONE dares to cross Xavier. She said no. He fired her . Then claimed her. What happens when saying no to the most powerful man in the room costs you everything?
View More“Good morning Mr Crest”. I greeted my arrogant boss and as usual, he strolled past me with a frown on his face not even acknowledging my existence. “Asshole,” I muttered under my breath. I continue to type away at my desk as I am very busy. It isn't like there’s ever a day that I am not busy or overworked, I thought to myself. I took this job, in hopes of working for just a few months to raise money to start a business and be self-employed but I find it hard to leave now because my boss constantly threatens to give us a bad review should we want to leave his company and go elsewhere and I haven't been able to raise enough capital for the business yet.
I have lots of bills to pay and I have to strategize properly before starting so I wouldn't incur losses and debts. So for now I’m absolutely stuck in TechUp.
“Sydney!” I suddenly heard my boss call out.
“Yes sir!” I answered scurrying to put the files on my desk in order while also hurrying not to waste this evil man’s time as his temper is very short.
“Have you booked my flight to Italy?” he asked as soon as I entered his office.
“Yes, I have, sir,” I replied.
“Have you confirmed my 10 a.m. meeting with the investors?”
“Yes, sir. It’s on your calendar”
“Have you drafted the announcement for the new feature launch?” he shot at me again
“Erm I’m actually still currently on it, I just need to add the template—” I was stuttering, intimidated by his queries.
“Can’t you see the time?” he snapped, cutting me off mid-sentence.
“I see, I was very occupied with the new launch so I couldn’t com—”
“I don't have time for your excuses. Are you done with it or not?” he asked glaring at me
“I would be in say, hmm 30 minutes—”
“Finish it up in 10 minutes and get it across to me before I start my meeting with the new investors" he said dismissively, already setting up his desk for the day. I sensed that he was done with me, I was heading out when he said.
“Also get me my coffee, the usual— and I mean right now” he said with a bored expression, without even looking at me.
I wonder how he expects me to meet up with the announcement now that he asked me to make his coffee, knowing it takes more time because of how specifically he likes his cup of coffee. I made the coffee hurriedly and came back to my desk to start working on the product launch in order to meet the 10-minute time frame he gave me. I was typing away when I suddenly heard a noise coming from the reception area of the office.
I was about to go get a view of what was happening when I saw her. The boss’s girlfriend- more like the boss’s bitch, I thought to myself. Bianca strided past me, with a scowl on her face, obviously very furious. She hit my desk, almost knocking off my laptop. I looked up at her shocked but she had almost gotten to Xavier’s office by then and I could see her smirk from her side view. I went back to work, ignoring the rising anger within me. She was so rude and it's not like I was the reason behind her anger, I thought.
“How dare you end things with me?! And over text for that matter. What is the matter with you?!” I heard Bianca shrieking very loudly. I rolled my eyes— this situation has played out way too many times than I can count. They basically do this at least twice a month.
Just then, the new receptionist, Jane, zoomed past me without having any knowledge of how Xavier’s and Bianca's relationship worked. Apparently, Xavier gave her a stern warning not to let Biancia into his office, he has always done this with the last receptionist as well but she got tired of Bianca's threats and stayed clear of her way whenever she came to throw her monthly tantrums.
Jane, oblivious to the situation at hand, barged into Xavier’s office trying to stop Bianca. I would have warned her not to go but she had already gotten herself into the mess.
“Get out now!!!” Xavier and Bianca screamed simultaneously
“Stupid bitch, out now!” Bianca added
Jane zoomed out just as she entered, cheeks red from embarrassment. I felt sorry for her, poor thing, she’d learn, just as the last girl learnt.
“How could you do this to me?! After what— three years! Wasting my time with you Xavier!” Bianca kept screaming at the top of her voice
“I can’t do this anymore Bianca, I am done, I can't keep doing this with you” Xavier replied, his voice icily calm and composed, almost like he was used to her tantrums, therefore he wasn't moved at all.
“How can you say that baby? after everything we've been through, how can you?” I heard Bianca say, sounding like a rejected child.
“Look, Bianca, listen and listen good, I am not interested in whatever this is anymore cos I’m darn sure it doesn't count as a relationship anymore. I'll send my driver to pick the rest of your things from my loft and get them across to you and I'd very much appreciate it if you keep me blocked permanently and I'll keep the same energy” Xavier said keeping his voice level-headed. Suddenly there was a loud splash.
“Bianca! What the hell!” Xavier yelped
“What is wrong with you? Can't you fathom the idea that we cannot be together anymore? This is exactly why I can't be with you, you're too toxic!” Xavier's voice thundered, finally giving in to anger. I was so curious to know what was happening so I sat up slightly while stretching my neck to see what was happening but in a few seconds, Xavier stormed out of the office.
I sat back down immediately, pretending to be very engaged with work. Then I stole a glance at Xavier without lifting my head and I instantly understood what had happened. Bianca had spilled the coffee I spent my precious making all over Xavier’s blue suit and white inner shirt. I gasped, entertained and shocked at the same time, at how far Bianca went this time.
Xavier stormed to the reception and I could see how everyone who gathered to witness the altercation disappeared instantly as Xavier gave them a death stare. He was pacing, clenching, and unclenching his fists, trying to control his anger. Then he stormed to my desk.
“Order me a new suit and inner shirt now!” He roared at me
“Erm s-sir, h-how do I-I pay” I stammered, cowering in fear. He then threw me his credit card after telling me the pin. I took it and ordered him new clothes, my hands shaking as I typed because he stood opposite me, drilling holes in my head. He asked to wait in my office until his clothes arrived.
In about 30 minutes his clothes came in and he wordlessly collected them and went into his office. Almost as soon as he entered, Bianca resumed her confrontation but this time she was hysterical. She started crying loudly.
“Baby I didn't mean to do that, I was just really upset. I'm so sorry” she cried
“I was really hurt that you called me toxic, it's like calling me an animal, like someone that has no control but I just love you a lot hence my behavior. Please forgive me Xavier” she kept saying amidst tears, sobbing, and hiccupping. There was a pause from Xavier and Bianca's hiccups filled the air. Then he replied when he saw that she wouldn't stop crying.
“You know you aren't sexy when you cry like this. It's okay hmm” Xavier said soothing her. Then they were silent for a few more minutes and this must be the making up part, I thought—having studied the dynamics of their relationship I knew this would happen and it played out exactly as I thought it would except I was shocked when I started hearing kissing sounds.
Following the kissing sound, came groans and moans from Xavier and Bianca, taking their makeup session to another level. I listened dumbfounded as the two adults who were just in a heated fight minutes ago were now settling it in a moment of passion.
“Oh yeah, Xavier— yeahhh— deeper please! hmmmm” Bianca moaned. I was so disgusted that I had to plug in my earphones to drown out their lustful sounds.
After several minutes I started to hear Bianca yelling at Xavier again, I unplugged my earphones to hear what was going on again.
“So you mean to tell me that you still intend to break up even after what we just did! Why did you have sex with me if you don't want to make up with me?!” Bianca screamed shamelessly at Xavier.
“Well you basically forced yourself on me, it's not like I can say no to all that” I heard Xavier say.
“You're such an arrogant asshole that doesn't even deserve a good woman like me, fuck you, Xavier!” Bianca screamed while shoving Xavier aside as she stormed out. I could see her puffy, tear-stained eyes with mascara as she hastily rushed out.
“What a pity” I exclaimed under my breath, shaking my head. I was tempted to feel pity for her but I suddenly remembered how bad-mannered she is and I remember why she deserves what she keeps subjecting herself to.
“Sydney!” Xavier called out. I jumped up remembering the announcement I had hastily prepared during the whole scuffle. I entered his office and I can see his shirt unbuttoned while wiping a lipstick stain from his lips which I'm assuming is from Bianca. I couldn't help but stare at his chiseled chest, pumping rapidly and shiny from sweat. A full pack of six abs staring deliciously back at me. Without thinking, I licked my lips.
“Erm h-here is t-t-the package— sorry I mean file” I stuttered, suddenly unable to concentrate. Xavier looked up and traced the direction of my eye to his chest, he looked down and upon seeing the reason for my discomfort, he looked directly at me and smirked.
“You could perfectly draw me naked at this point because your eyes have stripped me bare” He said mockingly, smirking in amusement. I instantly flush, my cheeks reddening and hot in embarrassment.
“Sorry sir” I quickly muttered, dropping the files on his desk dashing out of his office.
“What was that?” I asked myself when I got to my desk.
The boutique smells like fresh fabric and has a faintly floral note.Soft music hums in the background as racks of white dresses surround me—lace, satin, tulle… all of it overwhelming.“I feel like I’ve walked into a cloud,” Ava mutters, running her fingers over a rack. “A very expensive cloud.”I let out a small laugh.Evelyn smiles warmly. “It does have that effect.”A consultant approaches us, all smiles and polished elegance.“Good afternoon. Are we here for the fitting?”“Yes,” Evelyn answers smoothly. “For Sydney.”The way she says my name makes something in my chest shift.The consultant turns to me. “Lovely. Do you have a style in mind?”I hesitate.“I… not really.”Ava snorts softly. “She’s been too busy being dragged into a marriage to plan aesthetics.”“Ava,” I hissed.“What?” she shrugs. “I’m just saying.”Evelyn chuckles lightly. “We're here to figure it out together,” she smiles reassuringly. I tried on the first dress and it was… a lot.It's a ball gown. Layers of tull
“What’s going on here?”The voice is soft. Feminine.Not the deep baritone I was expecting.I use the distraction to yank my arm out of Bianca’s grip, swallowing my disappointment at who came to my rescue.Bianca’s expression shifts instantly.Her eyes gloss over, her face crumpling as if she’s on the verge of tears.“She attacked me!” she shrieks, pointing at me.Jane straightens, folding her arms, a deep frown settling on her face. She doesn’t look convinced.“She attacked you,” Jane repeats slowly, her gaze flicking between us, “yet her wrist is bleeding… and you’re the one with those claws?”Bianca stiffens.Jane takes a step forward, her voice dropping so low, firm, and controlled.“Look… if you don’t want to embarrass yourself further, I suggest you leave. Quietly.”A beat.“Or I’ll have security escort you out.”Bianca glares at her, fury flashing across her face. Then she turns sharply, her heels striking the floor as she storms out.Silence.Jane exhales.Then she turns to me
“So when are you flying in, Mom?” I asked over the phone. “Erm… this is such a rush. I had things planned.” She says slowly, as she always does. “So you’re not coming?” I ask, a frown forming on my face as I brace for the worst.“Oh no, honey, I will,” she says finally then pauses. “Sydney….. not that I don’t support this union, but… isn’t this a bit rushed? Are you under duress?”For some reason, that puts a big smile on my face. This is the most reaction I’ve gotten from my mother in a while. She has always seemed like a brick—no emotions or whatsoever—so hearing concern in her voice feels… new.It feels good.“Oh mom, you’re worried!” I say, my voice lifting with surprise and affection.“Of course I am. I care about you. “Of course I am. I care about you,” she says quietly. “I know I don’t always show it well, but I do.”My chest tightens.“Well….. something is going on right now,” I say carefully. “That’s why we have to move things along.”Maybe I was expecting too much when I
Hey, lovely readers. I’ve been working on this story for a while now, and it truly means so much to me to know that people are reading and connecting with it.I’d really love to hear your thoughts! What do you think about Xavier, Sydney, Bianca—or even Kendrick (Drake)? 👀Let’s talk in the comments!Also, if you’re enjoying the story, don’t forget to leave a rating—it really helps and means a lot to me as an author.Thank you so much for being here.
XAVIER’S POV“What the hell?!” The word leaves my mouth before I can stop it.I should have seen it.The familiarity in his tone when he said her name. The way she froze. The way Kendrick’s expression shifted from confusion to recognition then to fury in seconds.My brother.Of all men in this city
The dining room freezes. I sat in turmoil, the food in my mouth instantly tasting like dust. He stood at the other end of the table, staring me down. A confused expression on his face as well.His jaw tightens and his shoulders stiffen. I met his gaze and our eyes met. There was no mistake about wh
“Come on, let’s get out of here,” Xavier says to me, reaching for my shaky hands. Xavier's parents rushed into the library. His mother immediately turns on Kendrick, scolding him, though she doesn’t hide her disappointment in Xavier for hitting his brother.His father says nothing.He simply stan
I was utterly alone in the dining hall for the past 45 minutes. Xavier's parents and his sister left a while ago and I was here, sitting with my thoughts. His mom left a few minutes ago. I sat rigidly, tears gathering in the corners of my eyes, threatening to spill. My mind raced as I tried to und






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