“Are you sure you’re gonna be okay?” Daisy Cabello, Andrea’s long-time friend questioned over the phone with a concerned tone after Andrea narrated her ordeal to her.
“I think so, I already took the day off, so…I’ll be using this time to rest” Andrea replied in a tired voice while she trailed down to the parking lot where she had her ash CUV parked. As much as she would like to focus on preparing for their upcoming show at that moment, she just wasn’t in a proper mental state to go through with it.
“Yeah, you should take a rest today. You’ve gone through a lot, I can’t imagine going through that really, I’ll probably be in jail right now because I’d have killed that son of a bitch, I must have been blind to think he was someone decent” Daisy gritted harshly over the phone, it was evident she was upset. Andrea chuckled and pressed down on her car button as she approached her car in her business casual attire and her mini bag, her peep-toe heels clicking as she approached her car.
“Yeah thanks, so, how is it going over there?” Andrea asked. Daisy Cabello is Andrea’s childhood friend, being together since middle school and seeing each other through high school and college though she’s two years older than Andrea. Just like Andrea was her bridesmaid during her marriage to that Doctor she was dating, she had wished it’ll be the same for her, but unfortunately, her wedding has been cancelled, well…Daisy didn’t mind, she knew whenever and wherever it's her turn she will be at her beck and call, for that reason Andrea was glad.
“Oh yeah, it’s not bad. Peter’s just being a little difficult” Daisy sighed over the phone. She was her brand show co-ordinator as well as manager. Because of her brilliant social skills, stuff like hiring models and recruiting photographers was left to her and this time, she had to go all the way to France to recruit a French rising photographer for their upcoming fashion show. It seems collaborating with this rising star would take more effort than expected.
“Does he not like our conditions?” Andrea asked pausing for a minute since being unable to collaborate with Peter Dumont might delay their schedule and tumble their plans.
“Yeah…but you don’t have to worry, he said he’ll get back to me in two days-
“If he doesn’t like our proposed conditions, have him state his. If it’s complaisant, we will agree to it but if it’s not, we’ll negotiate it and if he won’t agree, then we’ll have to start looking for a replacement, we can’t waste any more time. The show’s in a week and a few days, we’re tight on schedule Daisy-
“I know, I know. I’ll try harder and contact you on the details once he’s done making his decision” Daisy promised before they both ended the calls with a reciprocated goodbye after which Andrea resumed walking towards her car.
“Andrea” The voice of the last person she wanted to see boomed in the silent underground parking lot as she got closer to her car. Not wanting to respond to his call, Andrea slipped straight into her car and started the engine almost immediately, throwing her mini bag right into the passenger seat before Danny could get close. “Andrea” His persistent call never ceased as she drove out of the car garage without a second thought while looking at Danny’s fading figure through her car side mirror.
She sniffled, her eyes clouded with tears she was struggling to hold back as Danny threw his hands in the air in utter frustration. Andrea felt she’d had enough but she couldn’t stop herself from thinking about him till she arrived back at her apartment.
Dumping her bag on the side sofa, she collapsed on the longest sofa in her dark room as she felt rather lazy to turn the lights back on though she just walked past it since it was at the entrance. The darkness doesn’t scare her like her emotions, the silence doesn’t baffle her like Danny that continues to invade her mind and probe her tears while her heart throbbed painfully in her chest.
She’d always thought he was genuine with her despite his flaws and imperfection. She never had a reason to judge his smile or question his affections which appears to be overflowing for her. She must have been stupid to mistake his patience for love, those times she’d cross the line with him and he’ll shrug like he forgive her, pull her close and tell her he loves her, was she a fool to believe it all? Andrea sank in the loneliness and the darkness claimed her consciousness, while her mind drifted so did her consciousness before she gave in to the emptiness and eventually fall asleep. It wasn’t even evening yet when she slept and yet she woke up the second day.
“Didn’t think I was that tired” Andrea mumbled as she rose from her sofa, straightening her strained neck since she had slept in a rather uncomfortable position. She didn’t feel like going to work the second day so she had coffee and left for grocery shopping. Her day was at first, uneventful, but towards evening she decided to work from home. Video calling her design team who were all so worried about her since she didn’t show up for work.
Assuring them she was alright she got into selecting their main item for the show, as well as the colour that would go best. Andrea fall asleep working after instructing her team what to do, and then she woke up to a call from her dad’s housekeeper Uncle Martin.
“Hello,” She said into the phone she managed to put to her ear as she lazily lifted her head from the scattered design template and drafted patterns on her table which few stick to her chin and had to be pulled away.
“Miss, I’m sorry to tell you but your grandfather collapsed” Her eyes grow wide as she was instantly drawn out of her dazed state.
“What?” Andrea rose to her feet in her hoodie and slackers grabbing her car keys as she rushed out of her house.
“His blood pressure rose beyond normal” Martin’s tired voice scared her even more. Her thoughts grow muddled since she was sure her father had always kept his blood pressure under control and never once joke with his earth. She never had to worry since he was earnest and diligent with his meds schedule after all, he told her he intended to stay hale and healthy until he’s gotten a grandchild. Why would he suddenly collapse now she wondered, her heart racing as she rushed down to her car and straight for the hospital as fast as she can. Even when she asked Martin, he only insisted she comes in person.
“Martin” Andrea rushed to the over 50-year-old bald man standing in front of the VIP hospital room she guessed her grandfather had occupied.
“What happened?” Andrea was panting as she pulled herself to a stop in front of the hospital room.
“The president fainted after receiving a call from the bank,” Martin’s croaky voice was laced with remorse and his sympathy was evident in his feature. “Apparently, 700 million was pulled out of the company’s account, claiming to be the show funding, all in cash and the bank approved of the withdrawal before they called your grandfather but the president never approved of that money but-” Andrea fell to her knees.
“Danny…it’s Danny isn’t it?” Andrea was shaking after hearing the news. Her brain was a mess, the fatigue of having to race to the hospital in a hurry piled with her mental exhaustion nauseating her.
“I’m sorry Rea, we’ve already reported this to the police and they’ve started looking for him, I’m sure they’ll catch him soon” Andrea was no longer listening. She couldn’t stop calculating, where Danny could have gone.
“I have to find him” Andrea muttered to herself before turning rising to her heavy feet that were weighing her down. It was all her fault, she should have never agreed to promote Danny to the financial team manager, how is she supposed to solve this?
“I’m sure it’s gonna be alright, I just have to find Danny” Andrea mumbled. Hastening out of the hospital just as fast as she rushed in. She drove to Danny’s apartment and though it was locked she felt grateful for once that she had his passcode even though she hardly visit him. Judging from his empty closet and empty rooms, she was sure she’d fled and then she started to regret not knowing much about him, not even his family home that was in Ohio. She felt stupid she could only look for him in three places and she wasn’t there, not even his best friend Brian knew where he was.
“Miss Morgan, don’t worry too much, we promise to bring him back and get back every penny he took” Those were the police promises after having her told them everything she ever knew about Danny, their relationship and his relationship, at least the one which she was aware of.
Andrea didn’t have the energy to drive back home after visiting the police, feeling drained, empty, confused and dejected Andrea dragged her weak body back home. Walking the rain that looms above her. Not minding the shrilling cold as she took sluggish steps back home. She wished the rain could wash away the disappointment and betrayal she felt but it only made her heart as heavy as her drenched clothes and how she wish the clattering sounds could drown the noise of her wailing heart.
Andrea halted in her steps on meeting Oliver in front of her apartment door waiting for her, her purple set pajamas were just as wet as her hoodie and slackers and those home slippers he had on brought her attention to hers as well, she’d forgotten to change while rushing out in the evening.
“Andrea” He called gently, her voice laced with worry and concern but Andrea just stood, staring at him with a blank expression on her face as the voice in her head kept whispering for her to die, after all, feeling like she’d reached her limit.
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Rio was already used to the emptiness that comes with being Oliver’s alter ego. Locked deep down in his consciousness until his fear brings him to the surface. Forever wrapped in the airy loneliness and forever roaming in the loathsome darkness but he never hated it, he only wanted to protect Oliver after all, well until now.For the first time, he found himself battling the darkness and hating the loneliness, he wanted to see the bright light again and the gentle and warm amber eyes of Andrea that somehow gave him a purpose different from that he was born.Although it wasn’t that easy, he could never win against Oliver no matter how much he tries, it was his first fight for control after all. His struggle gave him a chance to Oliver’s consciousness even though their thoughts and actions were normally hidden from each other. Oliver was seated in a black swivel chair, fitted close to his office desk, he rested his head on his hands while staring down at the single paper he just sighed.
“What…what are you doing here?” Andrea asked Rio wearing a blank expression as he stared at Rio with lifeless, stone-cold eyes.“Andrea” Rio moved closer, maintaining the concerned look he had on his face. Andrea hated that he had to see her that way, soaked and miserable but none of that mattered since, she doesn’t give a flying fuck at this time, not with everything on her plate right that moment. “Are you alright-“Leave” Rio flinched to her cold tone. Andrea didn’t mean to be rude, she just wasn’t in the mood to entertain him, she’s got so much going on, she had no intention of playing house with him. “I’m sorry…I just-” Her voice turned brittle, ready to break at the slightest push. “I just-” Her words wouldn’t come, thinking about everything again just brought tears to her eyes. How could she put her suffering in words? She wondered. While many people might think it’s no big deal, they could deal with the damage, her heart wouldn’t stop hurting, would it have been less differen
“I can’t believe she yelled at me…not only did she yell at me, she literally throw me outta her house, did she think I wanted to be there too, it it wasn’t because of Rio, I’d be in my goddamn room Sleeping!” Oliver ranted on and on then Ben sighed and adjusted his hands on the wheels.Oliver had managed to reach his assistant who because of Rio found out about his condition 2 years ago but had kept it a secret for him, so, he decided to trust him on it, but Ben felt like he was starting to regret it now because he’s always sent to clean up after Rio or Oliver cause trouble.“I mean…what did Rio even see in that crude girl by the way?” Ben let out an exasperated sigh but felt relieved they were slowly approaching his family home. He couldn’t believe Oliver ranted through the entire ride back to his house, complaining about ‘this Andrea girl’. Just why is he doing this to me? Ben thought wearing a look on his face after they pulled over and Oliver still kept going on about how that gi
As Andrea predicted, the reporters caught a whiff of the situation and before she knew it, it spread throughout the company like wildfire, but more than anything, Andrea hated the pitiful looks and sympathetic glances her co-workers wouldn’t stop giving her as she treads the company hallway in her feminine brown suit and clutch purse of a darker shade of brown to her clothes but matches either way. She had promised to wear a confident smile and calm demeanour as she walked in but it was hard to keep her composure as their eyes continue to escort her down to the president’s office.To Andrea’s dismay, her father’s secretary was in her grandfather’s seat and it had her already cold expression turning dark.“What are you doing?” Andrea demanded and Jenny shoot to her feet.“Sorry, I was helping the president clear his table” Suspicious, Andrea narrowed her eyes at her while Jenny moved away from the desk.“What brings you here Andrea?” Since she was way older than her and had always been
The bitter scents of antiseptics, the strong smell of disinfectant and the faint fragrance of soap tickled Rio’s nose as he found himself opening his eyes to the pure white ceiling and somewhat familiar environment.Rio blinked a couple of times, as his view got clearer to see Ray sitting on the chair opposite him in his usual overlay of lab coat, simple white collared shirt and carefully matched tie. His black leather oxford shoes glistened to the peeping rays of the sun as he sat cross-legged while flipping through the pages of what looked like a patient file he’s seen him hold plenty of times. His hair slicked back in a usual way and his glasses hung low on his nose lower than usual.“Ray” Rio called aloud and Ray instantly looked up in his direction.“Hi, Rio…how have you been?” Ray smiled, not hiding his usual excited self and enthusiastic attitude.“It hasn’t been long since we met, why are we meeting again, you clearly said we won’t be meeting for the next session-“Why are you
“Mr. Owen offered me a deal one time, I just need to take that deal. I pray it’s still on the table” Andrea groaned as she recalled what she told the executives at the executive’s meeting while their eyes were all on her. Everyone could guess what their next reaction would be. The way their eyes went wild in their sockets.“I must be insane, what would I do if he refuse to work with me? How can I rely on strangers like that” Andrea muttered while anxiously tapping her feet during her elevator ride up to the 40th floor of Owen’s company building. If he decides not to work with me, I don’t think I know what I’ll do, she might have managed to calm the executive's mind this time but the moment Owen rejects her, it’s over. Do we need to appeal to the bank to loan us money again, 100million debts isn’t a lot to generate back since our output and input is pretty decent, and our stats over the years have been over the graph, we’ve had more sales even recently, but because of what happened, ou
“Um, did someone want to tell me what in the world wants going on?” Oliver asked with an eerie smile that sent chills down Andrea’s spine. “You’re awake- “Obviously and I want to know what the heck is going on, I was supposed to be at the hospital if I remember correctly, ” Oliver said still maintaining his creepy smile while Andrea shifted away from him as she kept getting danger signals from him. “Just because you’re awake doesn’t change my plans,” Owen shrugged before turning in Andrea’s direction. With a casual smile, Owen asked, “So, what do you need my help with?” His eyes darted from Oliver to Andrea just as quickly. “Nothing too much, I won’t ask for something big because that would mean me crossing my boundaries, I just want to borrow some money and resources- With a loud raging tone, Oliver shouted. “Dad!” his fists clenched in anger. Oliver couldn’t take it anymore, the negotiation going on in front of him was infuriating, the girl was annoying, and his father was no
“It’s been such a long day” Rea thought as she stretches her body and approached her fridge for some water. She wasn’t able to return back to the office after meeting Owen and met her grandfather instead to tell her about the deal, well not explicitly. Rea couldn’t bring herself to explain the truth behind the sudden engagement deal he accepted from Owen, she didn’t feel comfortable enough exposing Rio without permission.Well, her grandfather still seems pretty pissed though since she told him Owen offered to help if she gets engaged with his son. Christopher who thought his granddaughter was forced raged about it for a while until Andrea insisted it was her choice.Andrea chuckled softly after recalling his father’s angry look after telling him of his plan. “He can be so dramatic,” Andrea thought out loud placing on his kitchen counter the glass cup she’d just drank from. Then the doorbell sounded and she quickly walked over to check who it was. Andrea didn’t want to admit it but sh