Later at night, after Melanie asleep, I get up from my bed. I stayed in bed to wait for sleep, but it didn't come. This is happening to me since I've shifted to this house. My stress keeps me restless all night. Straightening my pull over, long-sleeved, V-neckline, orange pink sweater, I move a brush in my long hair to remove the tangles. Casting a quick glance at the wall clock, I grab a bag of salted, potato chips and wander to the swimming pool lounge. It's 1'o clock in the morning. The lounge is located at the backside of the mansion. I'm going there since three consecutive nights to get some fresh air. The calm and silent environment of that place helps me to sleep. Moreover it's the only place for me nowadays where I can see the sky and inhale fresh oxygen. I roll up my ankle-length pants and about to dip my legs into water when I suddenly hear voice. My heart skips a beat and I involuntarily stand up. All of a sudden, Ashar appears, talking on his phon

I'm standing at some distance from the front entrance of the mansion because Ashar is going to arrive here any minute. I got that piece of information from Melanie. She said he usually visit mansion at this time for about an hour. I'm going to catch him today and ask him to help me in my college work.  I have tried all my ways, used all my contacts to find a business owner who can be ready for a short interview with me, but so far I'm failed in my attempts. Big proprietors are not ready for meeting on such a short notice and since I'm running out of time, I have to put aside my pride and think on Melanie's suggestion. I hate to confront Ashar for his help and give him a chance to insult me. The submission is now just a week away. My anxiety and pessimistic thoughts force me not to waste any more time and at least try my best although I know he'll never agree to help me.  I get a hold on myself when I see Ashar enters into the house. Instantly, I scu

"One by one brief your assignment to the class and summarize what you have learned from the business owners." Teacher orders.Final submission of that problematic assignment is today. Thankfully I managed to complete the work on time so now I'm hopeful that I'll get a good grade. After all I went through a tough process, tolerated the same, humiliating allegations.Samara's doubts about me remained like a lump in my throat. My heart aches every time I think that there are so many people who are misunderstanding me. I'm bearing the fruit of my own action. It was wrong to trick Ashar and his family. I should have been strong enough to condemn Samara's scam that day instead of acting like a chicken and trusting her.I can't blame her entirely when I'm at fault too. Hobsons's fury for me is legitimate. Their accusations are obvious. I'm a stranger to them. I can't expect them to know me or my intentionsAll I want is to clear my name, get out of that cag

Few minutes later, Ashar leaves Samara's side and start gathering all the reporters in front of him. Some young guy comes to him and fix collar microphone on his blazer. Ashar smiles in front of the cameras and speaks, "Good evening, everyone. I thank each one of you to be a part of my small celebration. I proudly announce at this occasion that Hobsons enterprise is going to the next level of success. We are launching our whole new set of latest electronics coming month. They will be better in quality, less battery or energy consumptions and cost effective." Crowd cheers for him. Few of the guests congratulate and shake hands with him. He continues, "Moreover, I want to talk about the nasty rumors related to my married life. The rumors are utterly nonsense. I'm very happy with my wife and we still love each other." Yeah, right. A fake wife.  I scowl. Samara comes forward and stands beside him. She holds his hand and smiles at the cameram

I don't want to give him my birthday gift. He's not worth it. Now I think Samara and Ashar both suit each other. They both are same; plainly rude and not ready to think other people's problems. They think their issues are most important.Just what Ashar wants me to do now to prove him my innocence? To prove him that I don't have any hidden agenda against him or his family? I'm sick of this.Regardless of my anger, I still decide to give him the present I bought because I should thank him through it about my college assignment. It will be rude and mean and I'm not like him who doesn't acknowledge others' efforts for us.I go to his study half an hour later like he said and wait for him. He takes fifteen more minutes to come back. Environment in the room begins to tense as he enters. His eyes fall onto the gift bag I'm holding."What's that?" He walks further to me.Tentatively I move it up in front of him, "It's a birthday plus thank you gift for yo