I should have called in sick.
I was sick...at heart. I thought I could handle being single again, but I was wrong. When I saw Hardin in the elevator, my heart had a seizure and broke like glass. I blew snot in another wad of tissue and dumped it in the bin. I look... unattractive.
'Thank God for make-up', I thought to myself as I re-applied concealer around my eyes. The restroom door opened, and a woman stepped in. With a surprised gasp, she gave a tiny bow, avoiding my eyes, and shuffled to one stall.
What's up with her?
I sauntered into my office with my bag. The title, Market Research Analyst, signed on the door. Hushed whispers filled the air. I pretend to dig through my purse for something as I glanced at the surrounding people. Strangely, they peered at me while they muttered something to one another.
What is going on? They could not possibly know Hardin and I broke up, could they?
“Maya,” I called for my secretary, “In my office. Now!”
The dark-skinned young lady scurried to my office. As soon as she closed the door behind her, I quietly asked, “What is going out there?”
Her eyes roamed everywhere but me as she stuttered, “Actually...”
“What?”
“The thing is—”
My phone buzzed in my bag. With a groan, I pulled it out. There was an unread message from Hardin.
Come to my office now, it said.
Not hesitating, I dashed to the first floor.
“What is it?” I asked, as I stepped into the office. Theresa greeted me with a warm smile, but the glint in her eyes said something else.
“You mean the fact that everyone in the office knows you're infertile?” She said.
I gasped in horror. Only Hardin and I knew that. How could everyone know?!
“Did you tell them?” I asked the man, who leaned back in his chair. When he did not reply, I asked, “What exactly did I do wrong? Why would you tell people that!”
“Brie, listen.”
“Listen to what exactly?!” Anger bubbled in my chest like an inferno. To think that someone I trusted with my darkest secret could throw it back in my face hurt.
“I am sorry.”
I clenched and unclenched my fists and fought back my annoying tears. “I will take a break! A long break.” I stormed out of the office in anger, ignoring the scornful and pitiful stares of the employees. As soon as I got my hands on my belongings, I exited the building.
“Welp! You look amazing with the puffy eyes and never ending waterworks.”
I rolled my eyes with disdain at the man relaxing in my chair like he owned it. Victor Bill is brother to my other beat friend, Anna. He was also the only person available to listen to me whine about my heartbreak.
“So, he didn't tell you why?”
I nodded slowly, feeling another flood threatening to pour out of me.
“And you didn't ask why?”
“I did. He said he could not tell me. He just wanted me to know we were over. After five fucking years! And then he tells the entire office that I can not have a baby! It was our secret. Why did he have to tell the entire world?” I dug my head into my pillow and sobbed.
He made a loud groan. I felt the bed dip and a hand pat my hair. “Well, that was mean. Stop crying. How about you cherish the memories you two made instead of crying over what you think you lost? He lost you.”
I sniffled and turned my head to him. “Is that what you tell yourself when you get dumped?”
“Yes, and it works every time.”
“You make it sound like it's easy. What am I going to do about those plane tickets?” I turned my head to get the tissue box and blew my nose with another wad again.
“What plane tickets?” He asked. The next time I'm looking at him, he had his hand in my handbag.
“The ones for the brief holiday. It's the one I prepared for Hardin and I. What are you looking for?”
“To where?” He asked, ignoring my other question.
“Cuba. Why?”
“Let's go together.”
“Don't you have work?”
“I need a break,” he whined, seizing his search through my handbag.
“Okay. Just so you can make sure I don't jump a bridge,” I said.
“I said I needed a break, not a rescue job.”
I burst into tears again, patting his leg. “Please,” I pleaded.
“Fine.” He grinned, showing all teeth. Vic hummed and toyed with my hair.
Revenge will be sweet, don't you think?
It would be better if you took the necklace off.
I read with disdain and curiosity. Who had given this person my number and why was this person sending vague texts?
Who are you, I typed back?
Within a minute, the person replied with, Someone who wants to help.
I do not need your help; I typed back and blocked the number used to text me.
“What are you looking at? Our plane is ready to take off,” Victor said, slurping a smoothie.
The aroma of fried chicken filled the air.
“Thanks,” I said to the server as she placed a plate of a whole chicken in front of me. In the first class suite, we slouched in our seat like royalty. But then again, we kind of were. Speaking of royalty, I remembered Anna.
“When was the last time you talked to your sister?” I asked as I switched off my phone and wore my seatbelt.
“Last week. It was a video call, though. Elian stayed over at my house when she and Nolan went for that trip to Manhattan,” he explained.
Anna and her husband, Nolan had a son named Elian. Nolan is actually King Nolan of Lilaria, which makes my best friend Queen. They got married back in high school. I remembered there were quite a lot of rumours and scandals involved. Now, they solved national matters together and often left Elian with a family member.
I looked out the window and see that we were airborne. The earth below looked like a sea of green and black dots.
Cuba would hopefully bring a distraction to my newly single life.
I nodded in satisfaction at the sight of our hotel suite. With its wide range and neatness, it had an ultra-modern look. There was a small living room, a clean bathroom, a small fridge filled with refreshments and snacks, potted plants and flowers, and a bedroom. The downside was the red rose petals lying on the floor. I kicked at them with my shoe.Without another word, Victor emerged from the bathroom and splayed on the bed. “Call me in two hours,” he mumbled.“Get up. Go and bathe.”“Bathing is for peasants,” he moaned.I kicked off my shoes and tapped him with my foot. “Vic, Get up!”Victor groaned and grumbled. He hurried out of bed and made for the bathroom. Soon the sound of running water drowned the silence. Waiting for my turn in the bathroom, I propped my laptop open on the bedside table. As I read on a detailed finance report from Maya, a video call from Anna came in.
“It is a Rose Petal Heart necklace,” I explained to the police officer, “It is gold and features a rose petal attached in a circular band.”Rocking back on my feet, I ran my hand through my hair. That necklace was an heirloom from Hardin's maternal side of his family. I should go bury myself six feet now.I watched as the officer wrote the details. “When was the last time you saw it?”“This afternoon. Before I left the hotel,” I explained.“What did you do when you left the hotel?”“I checked out an open bar, then bought a cup of mojitos. I followed the map to the beach, and that's where I realised I lost the necklace.”“Don't worry, Miss. We'll do our best to find it. Please, write your details.”“How long do I have to wait?” I asked as I filled the form he gave me. I capped the pen when I finished and watched him expectantly.“Depends. It co
“Why, yes,” she replied with a lopsided smile.She looked quite the villain when she does that. Theresa does put Cruella to shame. Except Cruella had more fashion sense that this person standing in front of me.“Say whatever you want to say and get out,” I growled. I tapped my foot on the floor and drummed my fingers on the table.“Do not worry too much about Hardin. I will take good care of him in your absence.” She brushed her hair over her shoulder with her left hand. Like a cat, I got enraptured with the bright glint on her finger.I ground my teeth and glared at the diamond ring on her finger. That should have been mine.I forced a small smile onto my lips. “Congratulations, future Mrs Kingston.”Theresa frowned for a moment. She must have expected a tantrum. She stepped in front of the door and spat, “Try to be less arrogant, will you?”
Maybe this was not a good idea.A week had passed, and I resolved I planned to do the right thing. But now, I was not so sure. I had only good ideas that resolved things perfectly. This, however, felt messed up. I am going to meet a stranger who shared a few words with me over the phone. How did this stranger even get my private number?!I gripped the steering wheel while I eyed the restaurant with outdoor seating. I probably should have texted Victoria my whereabouts, just in case something bad happened.But as my best friend always says, when in doubt and fear, wear sunglasses. Sunglasses helped contain your emotions.I pulled open the compartment and took the stylish sunglasses I bought myself some weeks ago. My view of the world turned grey as it stayed firm on my face. Grabbing my purse, I stepped out of my car and made for the restaurant called, Beaumont.“Reservation for E. P?” I
I grinned at the man and said, “Hello.” I closed the file and got to my feet, putting my palm forward for a handshake. “Miss Brianne Delmont.” His palm was interestingly smooth as he gripped my palm. Hardin's were coarse from hard work. I remembered massaging his palms with healing ointment after a long tiring day. Shaking off my nostalgia, I put some distance between the man and I. Looking away from his piercing gaze, I asked, “What is in it for you? You would not help without getting something out of it.” Edward peeled off his suit jacket, revealing an austere white shirt and green tie underneath. His shoulders heaved a bit as he sank into his seat. “I want just one thing; the end of Atlantis.” “But the organisation is an ant compared to yours,” I said, with my arms folded. “But there are other men deserving of you,” he quipped. “Have you been spying on me? How did you get my private number?” His eyes twinkled as his mouth quirked at the corners. “I have many sources.” Or h
An alien invasion could happen right now and I'd be glad. Anything could happen as long as I do not have to wake up at five in the morning again.I trodded out of the elevator and into the twenty-first floor. The time on my wristwatch ticked six oh one as I sat in my new chair.“You are late.”Seething, I took notice of the well-dressed man leaning against the CEO's office door. “Good morning to you, Mr Paxton.”“Punctuality is key to unlock greatness in the business universe,” He continued, ignoring my greeting.Not interested in silly little talks, I noticed the post-it notes and files on the desk. One post-it said, bring Mr Paxton a cup of black coffee with lots of cream and two teaspoonful of sugar in the morning.Really?“I should go get you your coffee.” I got to my f
“No.”“Excuse me?”“No.” His cold gaze intensified and I shut down the urge to shiver. Tilting my head higher, I stepped closer to him and said, “I will not send you the documents and the location for the photoshoot.”“Why is that?” Edward asked.“When do we start plotting my revenge? I feel like I'm doing free labour here.”“But I'm paying you for your 'free labour'.” Rolling his eyes, he pushed me to the side and sat at my seat. His fingers repeatedly clicked the keys on the keyboard as he stared at the monitor screen.“Atlantis' stock keeps rising every week and we are doing nothing. I feel like a fool right now. I trusted you to help me but I'm working myself to death for you. I haven't had a proper meal in a while,” I said, slamming my hands on the table
The silver barred gates drew open and Paxton drove us past it. Tall palm trees arched and covered the moon. The streetlights bathed the road with a warm glow.“I was nine the last time I came here,” I said, keeping an eye out for the monkeys I once saw.“You were?” He asked.“I do not remember what I came here for but I recall it was hot and boring.”Slow music danced to my ears as we rode closer to the mansion. It remained as large as I remembered. Paxton pulled to a stop in front of the building and got out of the vehicle. I did the same, drawing stares from the people around. Drawing my purse to my side, I took my sweet time walking around the car to Paxton's side. He curtly held out his arm and I held it.The mint green dress I had on swished around my feet as I walked up the stairs to the house. Uniformed servants greeted