DAHLIA
My heart thumped in my chest, which rose and fell erratically. Stepping back I looked at the clearly drunk and dishevelled Warren. It was the first time I was seeing him since that day and although I had invited him to show him that I didn’t need him, I did not expect him to be in such a state.
“Dahlia! So is this the bastard who you left me for?” He spat coldly as he staggered towards me.
“Security!” I heard father thunder. Warren was ruining their relationship as much as he was his own.
Warren glared at me; I could see the anger he felt as he looked me over. He had spent the last 2 weeks pleading, begging and promising to do better through texts, emails and every other way possible. I refused to listen. Once a cheater, always a cheater. The only interaction from my side had been when I sent him the divorce papers. Papers he would never sign without a fight.
“Mark my words! I will destroy the both of you!” He hissed, keeping his voice low as he advanced. Dane stepped forward, placing an arm in front of me. He moved me behind him, making my eyes widen.
“I knew you were a loser from the start, but if you’re trying to bully a woman then you're worse than I thought.” He said icily, my heart raced as I looked at his broad back. No matter how arrogant he was, he had some compassion.
“I’ll show you who a loser is, just you wait.” Warren said dangerously as a few security guards reached him, pulling Warren away from them. “Dahlia is the one who was having an affair! Not me!” He shouted to the now quiet room.
I gasped in shock; how dare he accuse me when I was not the one who had destroyed this marriage!
“Everyone saw her in the office kissing him!” He shouted before he was dragged from the room. I remained still, knowing my face had lost a lot of its colour My heart was pounding from what had just happened. Just then two men from the company board of directors hurried over. Both were strong supporters of Warren and didn’t really approve of Dane.
“Is this true Ms. El Nazari?” Mr. Jameson said, he was a rather short man with a bushy moustache.
“I did hear the rumours.” Mr. Arash said, his dark eyes glaring accusingly at me.
“No… it wasn’t like-” I tried.
“Did you kiss him?” Mr. Jameson cut in.
“She did.” Dane said coldly, his hazel eyes filled with anger and for once I was glad there was someone who didn’t care about being liked. “It was one kiss out of anger, there is nothing between us. Whilst Murdock has been engaging with his secretary in more than just kissing and yet you think Ms. El Nazari is in the wrong here? Why, because she’s a woman? Let me get one thing clear. I’m the CEO now, and I demand respect. Remember who you’re speaking to, the acting head and the CEO. One more word against her and you can leave the same way that piece of trash just left.”
The two men were struck silent, never had they expected Dane to speak so disrespectfully towards them. I was as shocked as them, but a part of me felt proud of the fact that Dane wasn’t pretending to be anyone for anyone's sake.
“You will regret your words boy.” Mr. Arash hissed before they walked off. The crowd was slowly beginning to disperse and the hum of conversation started once again. I could see my father watching us and I knew he was curious about the kiss. I didn’t want to talk about that now.
I gave a small smile, showing him I was alright but I was shaken. Warren's words and the scene he had caused had left me hurt. I was beginning to feel as if I had control but once again it was spiralling out of it. I looked at the finger where my wedding ring once sat and felt a pang of pain. Stay strong, I told myself.
“Thank you.” I said quietly to Dane, looking up at him. His face was once again unreadable.
“Don’t thank me, just stop going around kissing random men.” He said in his low deep voice, his gaze flickering to my lips before his eyes met mine and my heart skipped a beat remembering that kiss. His lips had been as warm as his personality was cold. He looked away first, breaking our trance and I was glad. He downed his alcohol.
“Well then… should we meet the rest of the assholes?” He said, making my eyes widen as he referred to the Company Board of Directors so disrespectfully.
“Uh yes…. let’s…” I said, taking a breath as I led the way, suddenly feeling very self-conscious that my back was fully on display.
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The evening had gone by in a blur. I remained strong although I heard the whispers that crossed through the room like a passing breeze. Some snippets sometimes caught my ear, and at other times I tried to not even hear them.
I spent the night stuck by Dane's side, introducing him to everyone. I learned aside from being devilishly handsome and arrogant, he knew what he was doing when it came to business. He was smart, witty and confident. Which only made me increasingly satisfied with my choice and it was enough to outweigh the negative comments that swirled the hall tonight.
My father had looked rather tired and had left shortly after dinner. I knew his health was only getting worse and it scared me too. The party was now almost over and I decided to take my leave too. I felt tired from all that walking and talking, and I knew Aria would be waiting for me when I got home.
The few dances I had agreed to from the elderly gentlemen who tried to cheer me up had worn me out. I had refused all the young vultures who now saw me as a piece of meat to dig their claws into.
I stepped out into the cool air, two bodyguards accompanying me when the blinding flash of cameras went off making me stop in my tracks.
“Is it true Dahlia?! You’re the one who cheated on Warren Murdock?!”
“Dahlia, is it true you’re having an affair with the new CEO?!”
“Was this all your plan to oust Warren to make space for your new lover!?”
The shouting made my already pounding head worsen. I hadn't drunk much but the pressure of the night had built and I felt overwhelmed.
“Please give us space.” One of my bodyguards said firmly. However no one listened, the cameras flashed blindingly surrounding me.
Suddenly I felt vulnerable, how easy was it to make the woman look like the one in the wrong? Why was I the one who was being portrayed as the villain? The reporters didn’t relent, pushing closer. A few other security guards hurried out to assist us. I was trying to keep up my mask of calmness, but it was getting harder. Even when the first drops of rain began to fall I didn’t notice, only the hurtful comments and accusations echoed through my mind like a never-ending recorder on repeat.
“Dahlia! Tell us how many men you have been with behind your husband's back?!” The last comment made me snap back to reality and I glared at the reporters.
“None!” I said, but my voice was drowned out by all those around me. They didn’t want to listen. The rain began pouring down, only adding to the chaos. Suddenly a hand appeared on my back making me tense and turned to see none other than Dane, his shades were back on making it even harder for me to read his emotions.
“Walk.” He said firmly, guiding me through the crowds, the security was doing its best to keep the angry crowd back. Markus was already waiting by the car but it was completely surrounded. “I’ll drop you.”
I looked up at Dane, surprised that he even offered. He guided her over to the valet, who was standing next to a sleek yet modest black car. The reporters were so hyped about stopping me from leaving they didn’t even notice the other car present. Dane grabbed the keys from the valet and we both got in quickly. We were already turning to leave before the reporters realised what was happening.
“She’s getting away!”
I closed my eyes leaning against the leather seat, placing a hand on my chest.
“Address.” Dane said curtly. I gave my address keeping my eyes closed, my heart hammering in my chest. I didn’t have the energy to open my eyes, I could feel his eyes on me at times but I was grateful he didn’t say anything.
Only when we slowed down at the mansion and the security let us through the gate did I open my eyes. I turned to Dane as he slowed down, stopping outside the steps that led up to the mansion entrance.
“Thank you.” I said softly, not knowing what else to say. I shivered looking up at the night sky, the rain was pouring down in buckets now and I realised we were both rather wet.
Dane took his jacket off and held it out to me not even glancing at me. A frown on his handsome face. I took it, my fingers brushing his making me slowly look up at him, the next words left my lips before I could even stop them.
“Would you like to come inside for a coffee?” I asked softly.
DANE “Would you like to come inside for a coffee?” I looked at her, trying not to look at the way water trickled down her collar bones and into her cleavage. This was not a good idea… I glanced at the mansion hesitating. Should I agree? “Sure, I guess I could use a hot drink.” I said quietly, not missing her eyes widened in surprise. I raised an eyebrow. “Why ask if you didn’t want me to agree?” I asked. She shook her head vigorously, a tendril of hair falling in front of her face. My fingers itched to brush it aside. “No, no that’s not it. I owe you, come on in.” She said getting out of the car as she hurried to the door, my jacket around her shoulders. She reached inside her purse and took her keys out. Unlocking the door, she stepped aside allowing me to pass. I looked around the entrance hall that was dimly lit by the rectangular wall lamps that glowed warmly spread across the soft brown panelled walls. The floor was marble and the
DAHLIA The following morning dawned rather cold; I was sitting in the car with Aria. We would drop her at school before I headed to work. When Warren was around, he forced me to stay home from work more often than not. At the time I didn’t mind, loving to spend more time with Aria. Ever since baba became ill, I had worked a lot more. I wondered if Warren's reason was so he could mess around at work. Were there other women at work he had been sleeping with? Just the thought sent a pang of pain through me. I was annoyed at the same time. I sighed until I felt someone watching me and looked at Aria who was watching me thoughtfully. “Is everything ok darling?” I asked her, caressing her hair that was in two pigtails. “Is mama sad because daddy left us?” She said. I froze, my smile vanishing. “Who said daddy left us?” “Kids at school, and Mrs Riddle was telling the other teacher…” Aria mumbled. I frowned, feeling anger spike inside.
DANE I looked up at her not missing the anger and pain she was fighting and closed my laptop. “Don’t be foolish.” I said now standing up. I looked down at her. She was still a few inches shorter than me even with her heels. She wore a red silk blouse and a black skirt that hugged her figure perfectly. “Excuse me?” She said glaring at me, I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow. “Don’t be stupid. If you fire those women they’ll just realise you really are affected by it all. Let them carry on, they're not worth it.” “This is my company Mr. Altaire!” She snapped. I raised an eyebrow. This woman really did know how to give someone a headache. I frowned. “Look. This company is already at a very rocky point. So, tell me what do you want? To fire a few women for having an affair with your ex. Or to stabilise it? Your ex-husband is mostly to blame. He’s the one who cheated on you.” I said coldly. She looked away but I knew that had hit home.
DAHLIA I turned away from him, I had no idea why I even told him that. The fear of something happening to Aria ate at me like maggots ate the flesh of a dead body. I felt sick and the anxiety was building. I made to run down the steps but I had only taken two steps when he grabbed my wrist making me gasp as I almost stumbled. If he had not been holding me, I would have fallen. I turned and saw him frowning deeply as if struggling with himself. “I’ll take you.” He said curtly, walking past me and down the stairs still holding me. My heart skipped a beat as I looked at his back. He was helping me? We had just reached his car and drove out of the parking lot when my phone rang. The name Markus flashing on the screen. “Ma’am! The school CCTV showed that it was Master Warren who took her!” He said, it was clear he was rather panicked. At least Markus was one of the rare ones I trusted and knew he took care of Aria with genuine care. “Thanks
WARREN I looked at my reflection. That bastard! How dare he strike me! Middle-class scum! I slammed my hand into the mirror. This wasn’t going to work. I had seen the look in Dahlia’s eyes when he dragged her out! Jealousy reared its ugly head and I felt it spread through me. She was mine. She couldn't leave me. I frowned thinking back to our time married. She had been the perfect wife… but a man couldn't just be tied to one woman. Why couldn't she see that? I took my phone and looked at the hundreds of miscalls from Kendra. Maybe it was high time I used her. An hour later, I had stopped the bleeding and had my nose set back in place. I was fuming. Kendra had just arrived, and she was more than happy that I called her. She ran into my arms and I simply caressed her hair. Now noticing all the differences between Dahlia and her. Her hair wasn’t as thick or silky as Dahlia’s. She smelt of strong perfume whilst Dahlia’s was always subtle yet seductive… Ev
DAHLIA The following day had dawned cold and wet. I had just dropped Aria at school before heading to work. Last night consumed my mind. I had awoken hours later in the hall. Glass shattered and a few embedded into my skin. All I remember is that voice that instilled fear within me. I wanted to put it down to just a prank call, but the words still rang in my head, like a chilling chant of dread. I had removed the glass and made sure to cover up well so no one saw the cuts on my arm. I was wearing a blush pink silk blouse and black fitted pants paired with some pink heels. I walked into work so lost in thought I didn’t even realise where I was walking until I knocked straight into someone. I gasped stumbling back until an arm wrapped around my waist catching me before I hit the ground. My eyes widened when I looked into a pair of piercing hazel eyes that were becoming so very familiar. Not to mention the arrogant cocking of his brow. “Are you naturally
DAHLIA He smirked irritatingly at me and I glared back before composing myself. “What did you want to talk to me about?” “I just wanted to ask how long Cook’s been in this company and about the shopping centre that the El Nazari wanted to make a few years ago. A process that seems to be put on hold.” I walked around the table looking at the computer file he had just opened and perched on his desk. “He’s been on the board for years, nearly two decades if memory serves.” “With your age, I’m wondering if I can trust in your memory. Anyhow, I do think he’s been having some odd involvements. I want to visit that building.” He said, not giving me a chance to even say anything. “But that building is…why?” I asked. He stood up, leaning down and looked into my eyes. “I just have something I want to confirm.” He said making me move back. His seductive scent filled my nose. The man wasn’t only handsome and well dressed but somethi
DANE Night had fallen and I was heading to my parents’ home for dinner. Mom had been after me for the last few days to come home. I’ve been pretty busy lately and I knew I couldn't avoid them forever. Ever since they had heard of where I was working dad had lost it. I unlocked the apartment door and stepped inside. The smell of home-cooked pizza and something else filled the air making my stomach rumble. I was definitely hungry, and I won’t deny I missed mom's homemade food. Surviving on takeaway was a bit crap. “You’re home!” Mom said spotting me as she came over, and pulling me into a hug. She was a short woman with brown hair now streaked with grey. Her tired blue eyes looked me over. “Have you been eating well?” “Bella, leave the boy. I’m sure he’s eaten fine.” Robert my dad said grumpily, not bothering to look up. “Dane!” Amanda, my 22-year-old hot-tempered sister, said running over. I gave her a small smirk,