The No-show Novels & Stories

When he saw me, he did not look surprised. The office cleared out, leaving only me and him inside. “Zayden, why do you look so grim?” Julian raised his coffee cup and studied me with sharp eyes. “Mr. Moore, you already know, don’t you?” I lost no time asking. “Yarden has been back in the country for three years. He is still living in a Moore Corp apartment and is spending Natalie’s money. You have people everywhere in the company. There’s no way you didn’t know.”

He glanced at the camera and added softly, "We're family. Boltie still needs to go to school." I finally gave up on this family completely. I had nothing else to say. After all, I'd already given them one last chance. "Diana, hand me the documents," I said. She passed me the briefcase, and I pulled out a stack of papers. I held them up in front of the live camera. At that moment, the live audience had reached 2.3 billion. "If I'm really the person you say I am, what do you call this?"

“No, Alpha. I was pulled away earlier for a weird disturbance outside in the back.” “What kind of disturbance?” “Just some stupid kids egging the back door and the camera.” There was a pit of dread forming in my stomach. “Call Beta Sophia, please. She’s expecting me.” The guard shrugged, and his eyes lost focus for a few seconds, trying to mind-link her. The guard frowned. “I can’t seem to reach her. It’s either that she’s blocked or too far away.” “Can you call her apartment?” I offered. The guard picked up the phone and dialed a few numbers. We waited for Sophia to answer the apartment’s comm, but after a few minutes, the guard hung up in frustration.

The freshmen were busy enjoying the last night of Sotus at the beach. Theo was standing at the end to give gears to the freshmen. They were all partying. Booze, food and music. The beach was alive. Even when it was night time. Except Noah. He was even silent when he received his gear. "Jasper. Theo. I am leaving. I am sorry I can't stay. I have to visit my family. Will be back on Sunday". Noah had arrived in his own Range-rover.

MY BUDDY, CHLOE HAS GROWN UP. Yes_you_suck LET ME JOIN YOU, CAL. Cereal_killer DON'T FORGET TO BRING TISSUES, GUYS. Noah's_wifey -_- YOU ALL ARE OVER ACTING. ALSO, BYE, I AM NOT STAYING HERE FOR YOUR CRYING FEST. OH AND, UM...PACK YOUR BAGS FOR WHENEVER WE ARE GOING TO NOAH'S PLACE. I_love_my_mommy CORRECTION: PALACE.

Useless. Still there. Noelle’s phone vibrated on the table. She checked the screen and sighed. “Mom.” “Of course,” I said. “She wants to know why the foundation chair hasn’t apologized yet.” “How long has it been since the event was canceled?” “Forty-seven minutes.” “Embarrassing. People have lost their work ethic.” Noelle stood as she picked up her phone. “I need to use the restroom before I call her back, or this conversation is going to traumatize my bladder.” She smoothed her skirt, then pointed at the pastry box. “Don’t finish the lemon one.”

The day of the Ndum Project presentation arrived, and Noah convinced himself he could handle it without Mia. He had no choice. The conference room was already occupied by the time he walked in. The clients had worked with them before, and most of them were familiar faces. Pleasantries were exchanged before everyone settled into their seats. The first question came before Noah could even begin. “Where is Miss Mia?” Noah forced a smile. “She isn’t available today.” The room fell unusually quiet.

“Fine.” “Good.” Noah straightened his coat, looking satisfied. “There’s a list of rules on the desk, If you break one, the deal is off.” He walked toward the connecting door, and disappeared. My phone buzzed in my pocket just then, It was a text from Miller.

He’d turned it off after the twentieth missed call. Now, sitting at the long conference table, he looked like a man who hadn’t slept, sleeves rolled, jaw tight, hair slightly out of place. Across from him sat the board of Taylor Global Holdings twelve men and women whose expressions ranged from disapproval to panic. Noah stood by the door, silent. He wasn’t supposed to be in this meeting, but Ethan hadn’t let him leave.

Gosh, why does it feel like this heart can't stop beating anyway? Key must be responsible, I don't care. I looked at the uncle who shook his head at me. The mysterious man—uncle's friend—also joined in and looked at Frans first. But I couldn't help but grin widely. It's a shame, really a shame. Making the image of a great Aldo just shattered. Luckily only people close to me saw my true nature. If I act like this at the office. It is certain that I have become a building material. And the news will spread to other offices and grab the attention of infotainment which will definitely immediately make their headlines "The CEO of GH-GROUP COMPANY HAS A DIFFERENCE!" Yes, I'm sure with the scary ti