Robert's range rover pulled to a stop in front of the gigantic building in front of him. He got out of the car, taking in the flowers by the side and walked his way into the house. He was here to see his father that had called him abruptly to discuss something important with him in person. He hoped that he wouldn't get to see the other people who he now shared a surname with. He could only associate with Bryan, not the rest that irked the living daylight out of him.When he stepped into the parlour, it was chilly but it had little effect on him because of his thick clothes. He quickly spotted his father perched on the dining table, eyes fixed on his iPad. He ambled towards him at the dining area to make his presence known.Before his father raised his gaze, he was already aware of his presence. With his eyes still fixed on his iPad, he asked him to take his seat which Robert immediately obeyed. In silence, he took in his father's appearance. He was already in his mid-fifties but he lo
Harry ran his hands through his dreadlocks, cursing as he stepped on the used cigarette, crushing it under his feet. He adjusted his black hoodie and strolled down the cold streets with nowhere in his mind. He needed space to clear his head from the disappointment that had slapped him in the face. He had overheard his stepdad asking that dimwit of a stepbrother, Robert, to stand in for him in the digitizing construction conference. He couldn't explain how badly that piece of information had affected him. At first, when he heard it, his stomach sank, then an ache spread across his chest, leaving his head feeling heavier. A week ago, his mom told him that her husband was contemplating his decision to attend or not, and so it would be nice for him to prepare himself just in case he was chosen to represent him. He had done just that, and within a twinkle of an eye, the opportunity had slipped through his fingers and been given to someone who clearly hadn't been planning for it since a
Just then, Robert rolled down the window of his car and peered at them. He looked at Get-High first as though trying to decipher if he'd seen him around before he looked over to Harry, scanning him from up to down. "And what the hell is going on here?" Robert asked, authority lacing his tone and demanding a quick answer. Get-High looked over to Harry, and Harry gave him a deadly look, silently warning him not to speak. "Nothing," Get-High said, faking a smile. "I and my bro are just chilling." He wrapped a hand around Harry's neck. Robert didn't believe any of the theatrics, but he decided to leave that unsaid. "If you'd please excuse me, I and you, bro, who happens to be my stepbrother, would like to have a conversation." "Okay." He walked away, putting his thumb and his last finger to his ears, signaling for Harry to call him later. "Harry, get into the car," Robert commanded. Harry looked at him darkly. "Why?" He arched his brows at him. "You would not question me for the s
Harry sat on his bed, thinking about his conversation with Robert last night. The dimwit really threatened him, and he was beginning to think that maybe he really had something on him because he could have chosen to drive away, but he decided to stop. What was he up to, really? And he did mention to him that he was watching him. Obviously, Robert didn't like him that much, so he believed that he could go as far as watching him. He thought it was silly of him to be laidback and not watch Robert too; he had to be smart. He picked at a piece of paper and twirled a pen between his hands, thinking about the possible ways he could get dirt on Robert, but none were forthcoming."I'm watching you," Robert's voice boomed in his head, and he kicked his fist in the air, saying, 'Yes!'He had figured it out; he was going to pay someone to watch him. The problem now was to get someone who could do the job. But he didn't know who to tell. Or should he tell Get-High about it? He may not agree to do
Aria dressed up in her straight skirt and chiffon top, looking chic and professional for work. She looked at herself in the mirror; her red eye bags underneath her eyes had dried off. Her face didn't look pale anymore; it looked bright. She felt fit for work. When Robert came to visit her the other day, she promised to resume the next day, and he assured her that she could resume anytime she had herself back. She then took two days to recuperate. She wished she had taken less, but it was beyond her control. She hoped he was angry at her, nor did he consider her unprofessional for leaving her duties unattended to for the past four days. Although she had suggested that they communicated via phone and scheduled his meetings since the work phone was with her, he declined. If there was one thing she had noticed about him, it was how considerate he was, so she wasn't going to take that for granted.She walked into the parlor. It was void of present; Anna must have gone to work and forgot to
-It was a small room on the last floor. It was organized like a mini-restaurant. There, classical music played softly, mixing with the small voices of people who spoke to their friends and colleagues as they ate and rested. She stood in front of the waiter standing behind the counter. The brunette with puffy placed a tray of fries, ketchup, and chicken on the counter and stretched over a note to her to scribble her signature. She did that tiredly and carried her food, searching for a seat in the sparsely populated place. She was quite early today.Her gaze met Elanne's own. She was seated at the far end of the room with a plate in her front. The chairs and table were arranged in a circular format. Where Elanne sat, her seat was the only one with two chairs placed at the edge of the table. She waved her hands and pointed her finger at the chair next to her, urging her to sit next to her. Aria took the hint and walked towards the table.She took her seat, placing her tray on the table.
Robert's head throbbed slightly, and he rubbed it, taking a tired breath. For some reason, he was extremely tired. He considered retiring home earlier than usual, but he considered the work he attended and that he had to attend a meeting in the next hour.He heard a knock on the door; he assumed it was Aria coming to remind him of his meeting. He adjusted his sitting position before he said, "Come in, Aria." He did not know when he called her name because, in his mind, he thought he was just going to say, Come in, and end it there. Anyway, it wasn't a big deal, he thought to himself; he had just grown fond of her.The door opened, revealing someone who wasn't Aria. It was the least person he expected to see. His mouth hung slightly open before he pressed his lips together.He dropped the pen that was held between his fingers, then looked at her sternly. He knew he had to guard himself; if he didn't, he'd fall for her cunning ways. "What are you doing here?"He sashayed towards him, sw
Today during lunch break, Aria sat with her hambuger and juice in front of her while she texted Elanne. It's been ten minutes, and there is still no sign of her. Her reply came in almost immediately. Sorry, I'll be skipping lunch today. I had to head for an emergency.Aria knew she'd just have to bear sitting alone and eating today. She took a bite from her hambug and relished the taste. It was sweet; she hadn't had such a thing in a while. She looked around the place; most of the workers were there having fun and eating in cliques. She was just there alone. She couldn't even approach any of the cliques with free seats and ask to sit with them, so she sat alone, hoping that Elanne would be here before lunch break ended.From her side, she saw Robert taking confident strides, and then he collected his tray of food. The room had become a little bit rowdy with greetings, which he responded to with a wave of his hand.He took bold strides in Aria's direction, and just when she thought he