We were supposed to celebrate after my successful divorce the other week, but something urgently crossed us inevitably. An unimaginable surprise knocked on my door before dawn. I was supposed to leave my surprise gift for both of them, but saving something important matters the most.
I didn't expect to immediately book a ticket back to California to where I grew up. I know after two years seeing my family again is really strange and shameful. I am an ungrateful daughter exchanging them for the man who will just dump me. I shivered thinking of it and my stomach churned.
I keep pacing back and forth in front of our house clenching my fist. What should I say to them? 'Aahh!' I muttered, frustrated. C'mon Alison! If you have the guts to leave them for two years, then you should have the face to face their wrath. Stop whining! I scolded myself, still staring at the door almost a few steps just to reach. I was startled when my phone rang!
"Alison! Pull yourself together and knock on that damn door!" Cali demanded. Yeah! I should, she's dangerous when she is hungry. She has a beast in her stomach.
"Just a few minutes, Cali. I can't do this!" I hissed, trembling. Before I could ponder, Cali was already at the door ringing the door bell. I panicked about what to do. I was supposed to run off when the door swung open.
"Alison!" My older brother's voice. I stop in my tracks, unable to move. I miss that voice calling me every morning to eat my breakfast.
"Alison. I know it's you!" He uttered. I slowly turned my back holding my tears. Before I could completely face him, I bumped into his hardened chest, almost falling on my butt, but he managed to catch me. I looked at his eyes to see if he was mad or wanted to drive me away, but I saw tears shielding his beautiful blue eyes. I cried, lowering my gaze. I am ashamed to call him my brother.
" I'm sorry!" I mumbled, clenching my fist tightly. He didn't say any word, instead he hugged me tightly.
After we chatted, he ushered us inside, almost forgetting my best buddy. I stopped to pull her beside me.
"Cali!" I call her. My brother stops abruptly, turning his back toward us, startling me. As their eyes met, they both completely froze, staring at each other mouth agape. I'm astonished, stuck on my feet, unable to move and utter any single word, gawking at them as my eyes grew like saucers.
I don't know how long we stared like fools outside. We were startled when my father called us. I'm still in shock, trying to contemplate what had just happened. Before I could properly recollect myself, my father pulled me inside.
I almost got a whole day scolding from my father, especially now that he learned I am divorced. In order to make amends for what I had done, I promised to stay here while working. I must thank Cali for doing something that never crosses my mind. I will start from scratch to achieve my goal. I want to prove to Dwight that I am capable of something beyond his imagination. His father never trusted me that I could do better. They believed being a plain housewife was the best I could do, nonetheless.
I smiled, leaning on my swivel chair. Days passed by quickly and unimaginably. I never thought working out of my league would teach me a lot of stuff beyond my imagination. Success doesn't define what you finish and where university you came from. Success comes from your ability executed through patience and persistently learning.
I would say thanks to Laude Thomas who gave me the chance to learn and explore when I was just an amateur. I was scared and couldn't manifest things, but he gave me flickering light to move forward. Not all rich people are dangerous and greedy or maybe it depends on how they were brought up. Laude's parents were scary, but kind and sweet people.
"Knock knock! Penny for your thoughts sweetheart!" I chuckled. My ring a ding, always interrupting my thoughts.
"Hi! You didn't tell me you were coming!" I bleat, turning my swivel chair to face him.
"You know sweetheart. I do love to surprise you." He replied playfully, walking like a model.
"Have you eaten lunch?" I asked him. He shakes his head, leaning on the wall infront of me.
I have known him for almost 4 years, he will just look at me flirtatiously if he needed something. He is not the type of person who can easily express his thoughts. Mostly, you will read his actions and facial reactions. His eyes can already tell you what you need to know. Some people misunderstand him, especially in his ways. Only a few can exactly get his point immediately without repeating himself.
"I know you Laude! You can not hide anything. What is it bothering you? Tell me!" I asked, raising my eyebrows playfully. I always used to corner him. He chuckled, touching his nose and shrugging his shoulders, slumping his big body at the sofa crossing his legs.
"That's why I love and trust you, Ali. I will never find someone like you. No need to beat around the bush. I might not be surprised when, next time you see me, you can already exactly read my mind." He enunciated. I laughed, walking to my guest table. I served him green tea, which is not his favorite.
"What will you do then if I am not around?" I teased him laughing.
"Oh! I will be a lonely eagle who keeps on finding a branch to land since you are not there." He replied in anguish, forcing his face to look pitiful and miserable.
I cried, laughing, covering my face with my palm how funny and touching he was. I will miss him definitely. He was always there for me, whether I was solitary or jubilant.
Alison Pov... As much as I hate it, I have to go back where my heart was torn apart. I cursed LA that I would never step foot there, especially that city, but here I am booking a flight going to Los Angeles. "Laude, do I really have to go there?" I asked him, dejected. I can't understand my emotions keep on flipping me this time. "I'm sorry sweetheart, but you really have to." He replied, desolate. "But how about my business? You know I can't leave like that." I retorted. "Ali, you know you can not fool me. I can take care of your business here. I am sending you there because I can trust you. My company needs someone like you that I fully trust to handle all the matters there. Besides, I'll be there after three months. I just can't leave my business here right now." He clarified, not leaving me any room to complain. "Fine! I'll try my best, Laude." I still replied, dejected. He smiled, coming closer to my desk. "I know you will, Ali. Thomas Corporation needs you." He emphasized,
Alsion Pov... The night was almost fading when we decided to leave the bar. I am a woman who stayed faitful to her husband even though he didn't care about me. I have lived as a gracious woman and incapable of anything before when I am married. No one will expect me to become who I am right now. I'm used to all the inevitable crossing my path. I asked Cali to drive since I was already tipsy. I'm still learning to hold on longer not to get wasted. I can just be who I am when I am with Laude. He will never get me into trouble nor let me see wasted and pitiful. He always wants me to become someone feared, but in a gracious way. This strong will I had was because of his undying help, but even though I have the guts now, I am still not ready to face my estranged husband. "Cali, we need to leave now." I pleaded, dragging her out. I felt she needed this more than I did. "Just a little more time Ali." She cried, but the beer isn't her best friend today. She keeps on drinking but she is sti
Dwight Pov...I woke up still exhausted and undefinable, rolling on my bed. Shit Dwight! Pull yourself , it's just Thursday and you have an important meeting at Thompsun today. I ranted to myself, getting up, still limping. How much did I drink last night to look pathetic like this?I stared in the mirror while brushing my teeth. The glimpse of the past suddenly appeared, startling me, falling on my knees. What the fuck was that! I roared, picking up myself, glaring at the mirror. I grab my throbbing chest, still shaking. If there's someone who should be embarrassed and bothered like this, it wasn't me. It creeps me into seeing Alison's face all of a sudden. It's been four years since we parted, but the pain of yesterday isn't gone, still lingering around. I shrugged it off and prepared myself to go to work. She is not worth the sacrifice and moments to remember.I prepared my food quickly, sitting in front of Jack, who was almost done with his food. He is still wearing his outdoor cl
Alison Pov... I asked Linda to organize everything before visiting the restaurant and attending the conference later. Laude asked me to represent Thonas Group as he can't fly right now. I don't want to be here, but I can maximize my time representing the Thomas Group. I don't want to disappoint them. They help me when I need help, and so do I. Representing them is a piece of cake since I know about their business too. The fact I love kitchen work makes it easier for me to move and navigate things without Laude. I studied what the conference would be all about. I didn't know this was a bidding for the rising of downtown city. Why would Laude want to get a piece of the city? It is just a small city. I ask myself confused. "Linda, do we have spare time later to visit the downtown city?" I asked while still engrossed in reading tons of paper on my desk. The Thomas Group is famous because of their cuisine and later they added to invest in hotels with a mix of traditional and modern Medit
Alison Pov...I am not comfortable and easily get shock after that terrifying incident at Thompsun building. All I want now is to finish everything and run away. Another two months is like a ticking bomb cringing on my nerves. The grand opening of Thomas Cuisine in Thompsun building will be on Saturday, just hoping Dwight won't be there! I don't want to miss this day and mostly to ruin this beautiful day.I leaned on my chair closing my eyes to calm myself while waiting for Linda."Madam A, we are ready to go!" She called out.I followed her out of my office vigilantly. I don't want anyone from the Smith family to recognize me here. My business is not done yet.Our ride going to the Downtown City is quiet enough to help me calm. Linda notices how I am uncomfortable and disturbed."Madam Alison, are you sure you are alright?" She asked, skeptical."I am now Linda. Thank you!" She nodded and looked outside again, watching every place we passed by. I look at the opposite to have a glimps
Alison Pov... I dumped my body on the sofa curled like a child who lost her favorite toy. Alison, can you not forget him and start a brand new life? Isn't four years enough for you to bury that fucking feeling? I muttered to myself dejectedly. "Alison!" I was startled, falling on the sofa. "Oh fuck Cali!" I roared, picking myself and touching my nose. "Ouch!" I cried, touching my nose again. "Why do you look like someone dumped you?" She asked, frowning. "I think our small world is starting to collide now, Cali. I saw Dwight at the Thompsun building today. Luckily he didn't recognize me!" I elaborated, not missing a tiny bit of what happened. "What? Really! Isn't too early for you to see him. It's just a month, but something is starting to shake you up!" She uttered unbelievable at the same time horrified. "I don't know what happened here after I left, but something is bothering me. I'm not just scared to see him, but terrified enough to make me shiver." I cringed. She sighed.
Jack Pov...I still can't get over the other night. I saw Alison that I used to know but she is somewhat changed. She wasn't the Alison who was to be my sister - in - law. She has a fierce and bold identity. Unlike before, she was simple, quiet and obedient. Whatever my family told her, she wouldn't budge but complied. The thing that I saw her at the bar and at Downtown City is already a big change. Something might have happened to her in those four years she was gone, but why is she here? Is she planning to get back with my brother since he is still single or is she here for revenge? There are things that are puzzling me, but I know Alison will not do such a thing. Being called the murderer and boyfriend stealer wasn't true, that's for sure.I need to quickly work out my plan now to save them both. I know Georgina is hiding something else. I saw her the other night talking on the phone terrified. The fact she has a hidden phone is something to be bothered about. I need evidence to sh
Dwight Pov... I'm not just terrified about what happened to the bidding. I caressed my forehead to reduce the pain as my anger flared. What the fuck happened out there? I mumbled, cursing. I did all my best to meet their required standard but I still lost that bid. Who owns that Flavors of Asia anyway? What do they have to win? We are famous here in Los Angeles. We own almost all the functional kinds of businesses here, but why? I had never heard that name and yet they won the bid. Fuck! I cursed loudly, kicking the wall. I knocked on my table, furious about losing the best city to do business. "Felicia!" I roared, impatient. "Sir Dwight!" She responded scared. "Find who owns the Flavors of Asia and don't miss anything about that company." I ordered. I should have asked Devon regarding this matter but he has a lot on his sleeve already. I should have checked all the contenders. Damn! I growled, throwing my stuff. "Hey! What's the matter?" My brother exclaimed. He was shocked to