MasukThere’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?
Lihat lebih banyak“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.
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.I loosen my tie roughly and step out into the hallway, my jaw tightening.“Kendrick,” I call after him sharply but he doesn’t stop walking.“Stop.” He does and slowly turns around, eyes blazing — not shocked anymore, just angry.“What the hell was that?” I demand.He laughs—bitter, humorless. “You really want to ask me that?”“You don’t get to disrespect her in front of our parents.”“She disrespected me first.”My jaw flexes. “You dated her. Past tense.”“It was literally last month dude.” He paused, “I loved her,” he snapped, frowning. The words land heavier than they should but I keep my face neutral.“And she’s with me now,” I say evenly.“Is she?” he shoots back. He is oblivious to
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 who was glaring back at me. The same face I memorized is softer. The same eyes that once looked at me like I was something worth choosing. Except now they’re burning.“D-Drake?” I blurted out softly, my head spinning.“How?.... W-what?... Sydney?’’ Drake stuttered trying to form a sentence.“W-what are you doing here?” I asked dumbfounded after finding my voice.“This is my home” He says matter-of-factly, answering my question.“What did you just call him?” Xavier’s mother asks sharply.Drake’s lips press into a thin line.“Kendrick,” she says again, turning to him. “Why are you standing there?”Kendrick?The name slams into me like a second punch.No.No, no, no.He steps into the room, his
“Are you nervous?” Xavier asked, looking down at my fidgeting hands on my lap. I didn’t respond. I sat rigid on the passenger seat, my seatbelt awkwardly fastened, staring outside the window and wishing this whole situation away. I was meeting the Crests—I mean the famous Crests.I had a headache thinking about it. I was beyond petrified and nervous. What if they don’t like me? Are they even obligated to like me since I’m only a fake wife? What are his siblings like? What are his parents like? Questions kept piling up, and the more I pondered them, the scarier the situation looked. “Hey,” Xavier says softly. “It’s going to be fine and they are going to like you” He says reassuringly, caressing my hands softly. I couldn’t help but blush at the physical contact. My cheeks reddened at his touch. It was the first time he was physically tender towards me. There have been a lot of firsts these days. The first time I hung out with Xavier was after work. First time I’m in his car, dr
I stared at my almost-empty cup. I have been sitting in the cafe for almost 45 minutes now and Xavier is still nowhere in sight. I wish I didn't have to do this with him. I took out my phone and opened Instagram to while away the time, since Xavier decided to keep me waiting. I was scrolling through several posts when I caught a glimpse of one that caught my attention. ‘Xavier… Marriage….’I immediately scrolled back, clicked on the blog post then the news filled my screen. “Xavier Crest's Marriage Plans to Someone Other than his long-time ex-girlfriend, Bianca Wilson.”I read through the post in a state of frenzy. I was both anxious and curious at the same time.I read through hurriedly until I got an answer to the question that had stuck in my mind since I started reading the blog post. “The woman he was said to have jilted Bianca for, remains hidden and kept away from the media” I let out a breath of relief, I didn't even realize I was holding my breath. I dropped my phone so I


















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