Ryder My phone rang and I grabbed it at the first ring. Alim was sleeping beside me and I didn't want to wake him up. I was sleeping in late. “Trevor,” I answered groggily, dropping my feet over the side of the bed. “I know you said not to disturb you but something came up. We have a bit of a situation here,” Trevor sounded agitated, rushing through his words. “What’s so important?” I questioned, unbothered by the panic in his voice. Trevor has a habit of overplaying a situation or downplaying it, whenever the mood suits him. “She is here. Came in about five minutes ago, unannounced. We weren't informed. No correspondence was sent. She is rounding up the staff for a meeting.” “Trevor, what are you talking about!?” I scolded, clearly irritated by now. “Sarah is here, with her team and—” “What has Sarah got to do with this?” “She’s the new partner. She bought the shares.” Trevor wasn't making sense. But I knew I had to get down to the office, fast. “Nothing happ
Sarah I stood outside the familiar house. My mind racing with a mix of emotions. I haven't been here in years, not since Ryder kicked me out. Lucas’ arm wound around my waist. It had been a struggle trying to convince Lucas to escort me down here. He had insisted that I didn't need to grant Ryder any favours and even threatened to lock me in the house if it would keep me from going. I nestled into his arm, grateful he had finally decided to see reasons and follow me. That afternoon had been nerve-wracking. I had gone straight home from the office and cried myself to sleep. He was allowed to have a normal life with a little boy running around the house while I held on to nothing but painful memories. I could still feel the heat of his hand on my skin, where he had grabbed me, earlier today. How was it possible to feel anything towards him? Even after what I just found out? I haven't mentioned my findings to Lucas. None of this would be happening if I had told him. I kne
Ryder I sat in the office ruffling through a bunch of files, looking for any legal advice to halt Sarah in her tracks. Last night hadn't gone the way I had expected. She had thrown me off by bringing Lucas with her, unannounced. I should have expected it. That had been an oversight on my end. The memories of them cuddled in each other arms and Lucas running after her in her distressed state were seared into my brain. Jealousy blinded me for a millisecond and I instinctively, charged towards Lucas. But, then I halted mid-way, remembering that Alim was sitting right beside me. And Alexis did nothing to help last night. Only worsening the already tense situation by being her usual self— a nutcase. She wanted to create a scene and she had her moment. Sarah’s anguished face when she saw Alim, danced in front of me. I had barely held myself from taking her into my arms and kissing her pains away. But her trained pitbull sat there, watching me with cold eyes. Right now, she th
AlexisI entered the dimly lit bar, my eyes scanning the almost empty space before moving towards the table, far from the exit.A waitress appeared immediately and I waved her away. My anger was over the roof. I needed to distract myself before he arrived.I took a quick glance at my wristwatch. He was late, again. He knew how important it was to me to stick to the time we agreed on. But, he had always been that way. Always exhibiting signs of a lesser man. Never punctual, and never finishing a darn job.I couldn't wait to be done with him. But right now, I needed him. I needed him to believe I was in love with him and everything he was doing was to have me all to himself.The bell above the door jingled as someone walked through it.My guest stood for a second, lost, as his eyes scanned the room. I waved my hand slowly to grab his attention. He smiled in return.Every time we met in secret, I would wear a disguise to reduce the risk of being spotted. I didn't want my plans to be jeop
Sarah The lunch crowd was starting to filter into the Śalvon restaurant as I exited the car. I instructed Rob to drive around the block and be back here in thirty minutes. Though reluctant, he left without a word. After the incident at the parking lot, Rob has been more protective every time we stepped out. It was difficult to shake him off my side. But I knew it was his way of apologizing and showing appreciation. Lucas didn't carry out his threat on Rob but, he made sure Rob knew I was the reason he was still breathing. I stood back, letting an older couple go through the revolving doors first, taking the time to rehearse my speech. I was meeting an investor, Mr Ken Portley. Lucas had given me his contact and asked that I set up a meeting with him. All I had to do now was convince him that SC Atlantic Enterprise wasn't a lost cause. One of the hostesses took my coat and asked for my name. “I'm here to see the Portley party.” I smiled at her warm reception. The restauran
Sarah The car came to a halt with a screech. The urgency with which Rob had rode throughout the journey back to Lucas’ mansion, left me baffled. Tossing his behaviour to the back of my mind, I stepped out of the car and was greeted by a distressed Valeria. I hardly had time to grasp the situation before she laid it out on me. “He is furious,” she whimpered, almost close to tears. “Everyone is getting the brunt of it. He…he threw a vase at me. I ducked out of the way in time. His temper is worse than I have seen in a long time.” “What are you ranting about?” I asked curtly. I wasn't in the mood for any of it. Ryder’s little interruption had unnerved a part of me. And now, I was feeling vulnerable and ashamed. Ashamed that I couldn't stop replaying that silly kiss in my head. Ashamed that I had gotten tongue-tied at the meeting due to his presence. It wasn't fair. Still being flustered by his presence after everything he had put me through wasn't fair at all. “I'm talking a
Ryder “You've gotten over your head if you think you can get rid of me that easily,” Alexis shouted, her voice could be heard from across the room. “I'll make sure you have no one to run back to.” “Lower your voice!” I ordered. Alim was in the next room and I didn't want him to have to listen in on our conversation. “No, I won't.” “Yes, you will and you'll do so right now. Or I'll take your precious little card and put an end to your excess spending.” “No, you wouldn't,” she retorted, but her voice was down a notch. “You're not denouncing me to run back to your infertile ex.” I ran a hand through my thick mop of hair. Ever since I had kissed Sarah, I haven't been able to shake it off my mind. Every day, relieving the memory was torture, knowing she was only a few miles away from me. After our brief meeting at the restaurant yesterday, I knew I couldn't pretend anymore. I couldn't pretend to live a lie with Alexis. Not anymore. Not when my heart beats for someone else. I
RYDER“The investigation is still ongoing. They have given us no names. Only a piece of metal. Everything is still in…” I banged the table, interrupting Addo’s speech. He’s the second commander of the battalion stationed on the outskirts of my land, patrolling the border separating our lands from the WitcherWolves.The round table housed five battalion officers, Trevor and myself included. The meeting was held in an underground room, away from prying eyes and ears.Whatever was said here, never makes it out of the room.I had asked Trevor to call the meeting after he had handed me Sarah’s bracelet—the one I had given her on our first wedding anniversary.I had it custom-made for her with her initials and mine, engraved in it. She loved it and wore it every day.It's been a week since the attack on my business and yet, no tangible information has been provided. No fingerprints, and no cause of the incident. Just Sarah’s bracelet.I needed to take matters into my own hands.“We know wh