MILES: Why the hell were business functions and meetings invented? It was just an avenue to show off and run into people you despise. Anyway, I got settled in my seat as the function began while I had a mini-meeting with my partner and his wife. We were looking into investing in an agricultural company, which seemed more sensible before they switched and brought up the hydro-electrical project idea. It wasn't a bad one. But, I wasn't looking at expanding my company considering my current state. Starting a new business was like giving birth. The procedures you go through in nurturing a newborn are what you apply to make a new business successful: groom, care, nurture, love, fight for, protect, and believe in it. And, it was best if you oversaw everything. That way, you could guide the path it took. Entrusting it to someone might not give you the satisfaction you crave when you see the result. I bent over the table, the din of the busy restaurant fading into the background as I strugg

MILES: As fate would have it, trouble always seemed to have a way of catching up, no matter how fast you tried to outrun it. They say the world is small, but did it have to be small enough for me to bump into Louis, my ex? Our history together was a whirlwind of emotions. Despite everything, I still harbored feelings for that witch. I gave her my all, only to be betrayed when she found out about the financial troubles in my company and cheated on me with a soccer star. Not only did she betray me, but she also turned me into a media spectacle, painting me as inadequate for her. Her fans rallied behind her, leaving me when I needed her the most. She was my first love, and her departure, coupled with the loss of my mother, shattered my faith in women. After Louis, they meant nothing to me. Caught in the midst of this chaos was Meredith, who seemed unable to stay out of trouble. Dealing with her ex-boyfriend was one thing, but now I had to face my ex-girlfriend too. What a day it turned

MEREDITH: As the thought of ending my life crossed my mind, my nerves trembled. Many would argue it was against their religion or label me as selfish. But was living in such agony righteous and selfless? You don't truly understand someone's pain until you've walked in their shoes. As the burning clothes turned to ashes, I scoured my tiny apartment for anything that could aid my plan. I stumbled upon a rope, though I doubted it could support my weight. Still, I set everything up, forming a loop with the rope. It was ready, my path to freedom. For a moment, I stared at it, questioning if this was what my brother Christian would want for me. Was this truly my only option? Giving up so easily felt wrong, like taking the easy way out. Suddenly, my gaze fell on the empty ice cream cup on my kitchen island, which I had forgotten to clear out. It reminded me that I still had a box of vanilla and chocolate ice cream with some pizza in the fridge. My mouth began to salivate. Eat then kill mys

MILES: The flight was smooth and swift. We landed on the helipad of a penthouse I'd rented, situated close to where Meredith was. I came with additional security personnel, complementing the hotel's provided details. Since the entire area was swarming with crowds, taking extra safety precautions was prudent. From the helipad, we rode the elevator down to the first floor, heading straight for the car. Truthfully, my emotions were numbed. I simply yearned to reach her. Throughout the flight, I had been fervently praying she wouldn't end up doing anything reckless or unwarranted. The mere thought of her harming herself caused my heart to ache violently. I wanted her safe and away from that bridge. How this emotion had stirred within me, I hadn't the faintest idea. What had caused me to feel such profound concern for her eluded me. All that occupied my mind was ensuring Meredith Tate's safety. Navigating through the throng that had barricaded the avenue leading to her was an ordeal. Th

MEREDITH: The warm hues of the sun caressed my face, prompting me to shield my eyes and turn away. Ah, much better, I thought, finding comfort in the dimmer side of the room. Beneath me, the sheets felt luxuriously soft, like silk, and the air carried a pleasant, relaxing scent. This was a level of peace and serenity I had never experienced in my apartment before. Was I dreaming? I almost wished I was, as waking up to this bliss every morning would be a dream come true. Well, almost. Did I finally give up the ghost? Because, hell yes! I'd give a kidney to wake up to this every morning. Just kidding, though. But, I'd genuinely be grateful to wake up in an environment like this. But my moment of tranquility was abruptly shattered when someone decided to draw up the blinds, flooding the room with blinding sunlight. "It's too bright," I protested, futilely attempting to block out the rays of the sun with a pillow. The damage was already done. Gradually, I stretched. Trying to open my e