Sydney
After a week, Mark moved to a different floor in the same apartment building, and I was given her own room. Mike and Leah had become close friends. The three of us would occasionally go shopping at the local market. Meet up for late-night supper at Mike's steakhouse, where we received a 50% discount since the eatery used to clear out its old stock. My art school was doing well, and I hoped to find work as a designer after my studies were through. My favourite pleasures were walking around art galleries, theatres, and museums, which never failed to fascinate me.
I got a call from Leah on a Thursday afternoon.
"Hey! Do you want to go dancing tonight?" She made a chirping sound.
"That sounds fantastic," I remarked as I shut my laptop.
"Wow, where are you now?" She inquired.
"I was about to leave school."
"Come over to Montague Theatre; I'll be here for the next few hours, and then we'll be able to go together."
"All right, I'll be there in a flash," I said.
The set of an opulent living room was bathed in dazzling lighting. On one of the antique sofas, an attractive lady sat daintily. "You'll be up next, Leah. Prepare yourself! "
The director yelled !
I waited anxiously as Leah, clad in a pinafore and a white apron and holding a tray, went onto the stage. "Your coffee madam," she murmured gently as she placed the tray on a table. Marilyn, the nicely dressed lady, gave a curt nod and took up the cup of phoney coffee. Marilyn placed the empty cup to her lips delicately. She yelled and threw the cup down, her face scrunched in rage.
"What exactly is this? Is this something you call coffee? It's chilly and muddy. You can never get anything right."
Marilyn flung her palm towards Leah's cheek with these venomous comments. Leah squirmed and made the appropriate facial expression. Marilyn's palm made contact with her cheeks on the left side.
SMACK!
The sound echoed across the empty auditorium. I noticed a smear of blood on the corner of Leah's lips. Was it just me, or did that phoney slap feel extremely real?
A crimson ugly handprint disfigured Leah's delicate skin as she held her cheek. My blood began to boil as I realised that the mark on her would remain for two days.
"CUT!" The director screamed. "Marilyn, you did a fantastic job. Take a five, everyone!"
"Are you okay, Leah? Let me have a look at this." I said as I approached Leah.
"I'm fine. It's nothing." She swallowed a sob.
"Please accept my apologies. I hope I didn't ruin that lovely face."
Marilyn said, her syrupy voice grating on my ears.
"I was so immersed in the character that I didn't realise how hard I had struck; after all, I wanted to appear genuine. What if we don't rehearse it properly and end up messing things up when we go live?" Marylin said.
"True, but did you have to strike that hard? Her cheek has been marked by your hand." I expressed my disapproval with a sneer.
"If she can't handle a little discomfort, I suppose we can always ask someone else to fill in for her. It's not like portraying the suffering maid is tough." Marilyn seemed unconcerned about what she was saying.
"Sydney, it's not so horrible. Everything is well with me. Please don't tell the director about it, Miss Marilyn. I am fine." Leah attempted to defuse the situation.
"I'm overreacting..." I started to say.
Leah gave me a harsh gaze before I could finish my remark, signalling that the talk was over.
"So she's a buddy of yours?" Marilyn gave me a chilly stare.
While I was fuming, Leah clarified, "Yes, I invited her to see the rehearsal."
Stage acting was not something I was unfamiliar with. Marilyn acted in an extremely unprofessional manner. Marilyn huffed and walked away from the stage, her hair thrown back.
"Why did you stop me Leah ?” I asked.
"I know you meant well, but I really need this role. I require the money to pay my rent. This is a job I can't afford to lose." Leah remarked.
"Marilyn has gone to great lengths to make my life as miserable as possible since I joined the cast of Wedding Blues. I get nasty and harsh words from her no matter how much I try to be kind. I know she's annoying, but there's nothing I can do about it. This job is extremely important to me."
"That bitch is only cruel to you because she is envious of your natural beauty. Don't be fooled by her nonsense "I stated.
Leah grinned.
"You're far too generous, Sydney." She said.
I sympathised with her.
"Come on, let's have some food. It will be my treat." I said.
Mike appeared out of nowhere, and I had completely forgotten that he was also a part of the same production. I'd been wondering where he'd been all this time.
"What happened?" He asked.
"Nothing," Leah said, "Marilyn was being a bitch as usual."
He hugged her and tenderly whispered, "I'm sorry you had to go through this."
"My sensitive brother, don't worry, I'm OK. Come on, let's get out of here and help Sydney spend her money." Leah smiled.
********************
Aiden
I was quick to get to the hospital as soon as I got the call. Dr. Matt Morrow, a long-time friend of mine, was the in-house cardiac specialist. "How's he doing, Matt?"
"He is going to make it. But I have to warn you, he won't be around for long, maybe a year or two. Simply keep him comfortable and amused." Matt warned.
"How about the surgery?" I inquired.
"Aiden, he's ninety years old. Surgery is not an option for him because he is too fragile. “He gave me a sympathetic look.
"Can I have a look at him?" The terror of the unknown was pounding in my chest.
"Sure, come along with me. When he initially awoke, the first thing he did was ask for you."
Matt whisked me away from the prying eyes of the media and photographers to the hospital's privileged private section. I was hailed by two big bodyguards stationed near the door. "Mr Reiner, good evening."
"Thank you for your assistance," I said to the security. Grandfather was out on a morning walk with his bodyguards when he suffered a stroke. My granddad was still breathing because of their prompt response. I shuddered at the thought of what might have happened if he'd been alone.
"No issue, sir," one of the bodyguards answered, "it is our duty."
The aroma of Amorem Rose assailed my senses as soon as I walked into the room. She'd already arrived. Fiona, my stepmother, and William, whom she affectionately referred to as Will, were already in the private room's velvet sofa. I ignored them, like I normally did, and walked over to the bed. With many tubes poking in and out of his nostrils and arms, Grandpa appeared feeble. I took his hand in mine and carefully squeezed it. Grandpa's bright blue eyes sprung awake.
"That's my boy. You've arrived.” He croaked.
"Don't talk, you should rest. I'm here, close your eyes and go back to sleep.” I said.
He closed his eyes and offered me a shaky smile. I could soon feel his chest rise and fall as he slept peacefully. I shifted my weight away from his grasp and turned to face my stepmother and Will. I motioned for them to exit the building.
"What are you doing here, you two?" As soon as we went outside, that was my first query.
"Where else should we be ? Will is his legitimate grandson as well. In case you forgot, I'm still his daughter-in-law, which means you're my legal stepson, whether you like it or not!" Fiona replied arrogantly.
Her pricey designer outfit and artistically applied cosmetics didn't disguise the reality that she was still a selfish evil witch! My father thought she was gorgeous back in the day when he fell for her charms. I turned around when I heard a snap and saw Will trying to light a cigarette. The security quickly approached him and removed the cigarette from his mouth.
“Mr William, I'm afraid you cant smoke here."
My grandpa's bodyguards were hired particularly for this purpose, to protect him from them. Will raised his eyes to the towering bodyguard, murmured 'fuck,' and collapsed down on the sofa. I shifted my focus back to Fiona.
"Let me make an educated estimate. You came here sniffing about for the old man's will, assuming he would pass away for good this time?" It wasn't so much a question as it was a statement.
"Oh, my goodness, you're so conceited! Who looked after him all those years while you were frolicking throughout Europe? Me!" She let out a snort.
"This is what I get for sacrificing my youth on this ungrateful family; no one appreciates me," she said, her dainty handkerchief dabbing the corner of her eyes.
I turned away from her, disgusted.
"If you try not to screw the gardener, chauffeur, or chef right under my grandpa's nose, you'll receive that respect." I said wryly.
I gave Will a quick glance, who appeared to be stoned as usual.
"That includes managing that scumbag of a son of yours."
"Aiden......" She began to speak.
"Get out ! I don't want you to come close to Grandpa." I stated unequivocally.
Fiona answered stiffly, "Very well."
Aiden A touch on the back greeted me. "Are you all, right?" As he approached my side, Matt remarked. I reassured my pal, "I'll be alright." I tried to breathe normally while closing my eyes. Those two had a habit of infuriating me. "Apart from his physicians, nurse, and bodyguards, I don't want any visits for Grandpa. No one should be permitted to enter his room. Those two, in particular." I murmured, nodding at Fiona and Will as they walked away. "Done! Do you want to stay the night?" Matt inquired. I gave a nod. "I'll arrange for an extra bed for you. Please contact Wendy if you require any other assistance. She works as a nurse. She's
Aiden "Wait, what?" she inquired. She shook her head, noticing my deplorable condition, and said, "Please accept my apologies. Are you all, right?" She seemed to be truly concerned. I grumbled, "You damaged my favourite shirt." Her smile became shaky. "You were blocking my path. I didn't intend to run into you." She stubbornly crossed her arms over her breasts and glared at me. Feisty. I loved feisty. "I said sorry," she said. I blocked her again as she made a move. I told her, "Sorry, it isn't enough." Her lips were stunning. Just a whiff of those cherry lips was enough to drive a man insane. I said, "It's not fair, I lost a shirt, and you lost your coffee." "So, you'd like me to go out and purchase you a shirt?" Her gorgeous eyes enlarged as she was taken aback. "No, I'll buy you a cup of coffee." I made an offer. She locked her gaze on me for another minute before tilting her head to one side, revealing her neck to me. I wanted to kiss it. "I'm OK; I don't want any coffee
Sydney - My hand was still in pain. I'd slapped the jerk in the face with all my power. I kept running till I arrived at the art school and slumped on a bench. What was the matter with me? And what was the matter with him? Even if I tried to ignore it, the man was a walking dreamboat. He was much taller than my 5'8" height. Probably 6”4. His stunning appearance, tanned skin, and dark hair were enough to make any sensible woman want to hurl herself at him. However, if only he had not been such a jerk. He was unlike any other man. At the thought of that lengthy drawn-out kiss, a flush crept up my cheeks. The way his lips brushed against me. I could still detect his scent. I felt a tremble run up and down my spine just thinking about it. I said to myself, 'No.' 'Why am I thinking this way?' I shouldn't be doing this. He kissed me without my permission. Instead of thinking about those deep blue eyes and muscled arms, I should be pressing charges. He had not followed me; I was sure of t
Sydney- Mike wished me luck for my interview as he dropped me off near Reiner towers. "Thank you," I said, my gaze fixed on the enormous structure. "Don't be worried; you'll do fine." Mike patted the top of my head. The Reiner tower resembled the standard metal and glass high-rise tower. I crossed the road and entered a huge foyer. It was crowded with people coming and going. The brown granite floor reflected them like a mirror. I approached the reception desk, where a nicely dressed woman handed me a visitor permit and directed me to the 30th floor. I took the elevator to the 30th floor. It opened into a stylishly decorated foyer with a plush green carpet that gave it a grassy impression and an entire glass wall on the right side. I could see the entire city's skyline. "How may I assist you?" My reverie was broken when a lady at the smaller reception asked. I replied, "I'm here for the interview, for the intern positions." "Please provide me with your name and photo ID. Mr. Ra
"Come on, Sydney, open the door!" For the past half-hour, Leah had been beating on her door. Sydney screamed from inside her room, "I don't want to talk Leah, just leave me alone!" Her eyes were red and puffy when she returned. She had obviously been crying. She then locked herself in her room and refused to eat her meal. Leah had given her a couple of hours' time alone, but she was suddenly concerned. "This is it, I'm calling Mike," Leah declared emphatically before dialling Mike's number. He was on his way downstairs in no time. **************** Sydney ************* Mike's calming voice asked me to open the door when I heard a knock. "Leave me alone," I yelled back. "I'd leave, but who would prepare the dinner? You know Leah is a terrible chef, and I'm starving." Mike yelled out loud. "Hey! I'm not a terrible cook!" Leah shut him down. "Oh, no! Yes, you are; you can't even make good mac & cheese." He retorted with a snide remark. I couldn't keep a smile from appearing on m
"Would you like to dance, Miss Rosbak?" Aiden inquired, oblivious to the girl standing next to her. Her expression was priceless, and she was breathtakingly lovely up close. Her clothing matched her green eyes. It's all the more tempting because of that. Her dress, which appeared modest from the front, but it didn't have a back and ended in a deep V at her waist. Her soft, gorgeous skin was on show, beckoning him to touch it. Why is God so cruel? He sighed. He had put his hand on her delicate waist and steered her to the dance floor before she could say anything. Her eyes had narrowed into slits by this time, and she was furious. She gave him a panicked expression. He chuckled to himself, 'Still feisty.' "What are you doing here?" She asked. "I have the same question, but to be honest, I don't give a damn. Isn't it wonderful to see each other again?" He grinned. She froze and frowned at him the instant he smiled down at her. "Are you stalking me?" she inquired. "Stop thinking so
Sydney I was still smiling as I moved towards the bar. A hand stopped me, and I whipped around to face Mike. "Gosh, you scared me!" I spoke. He inquired, "Where were you?" I explained, "I was just out for some fresh air." "What happened earlier? That man. You know who he was?" Mike asked. I nodded, "Aiden Rainer, the CEO of the Reiner group." "How do you know him?" "He took my interview, and I refused the offer," I sighed. Mike's eyes swelled to the size of saucers. "Why?" "Because he is an arrogant man who believes he can have any damn woman because of his looks and his absurd bank balance. He has a lot of delusions about himself. He believes he is charming and that ladies will fall at his feet begging him to take them, but he is mistaken. The only ladies he can ever hope to attract are those feather-headed, goose-brained, clingy knuckleheads. I don't want to see him again because he is a shallow man." "Ah, I see." "Thank God, you see," I murmured, and then it dawned on me
Sydney To spend time on Monday morning, I awoke early and worked on some of my projects. My internship, which I would be undertaking at the Reiners, was my last semester of art school. Except for submitting my report, I didn't need to return to school. On the other side of the flat, I heard Leah's door open. "Coffee?" I inquired happily as I peered out of my room. Leah pouted and rubbed her eyes sleepily. She despised getting out of bed in the morning. She offered a half-hearted nod and walked inside the bathroom. I grinned and began preparing breakfast for the two of us. Leah reappeared half an hour later, happily sniffing the warm aroma of fried bacon and coffee. "You really do seem cheery," she commented as she sat down at the dining table. "Smells fantastic." "It's the beginning of a new life, so of course I'm glad and joyful," I said with a smile. "Sure," Leah responded, a mysterious smile on her face. I made a funny face at her and returned to my coffee. "Mike isn't going