Awkward silence. That was what filled the office when Vanessa and Armand returned. It was clear they both had so much to say and questions to ask, but who would say something first?The silence lingered longer than it should, creating a palpable sense of discomfort and tension between both of them.Despite being in such close proximity, they avoided making eye contact .They were both searching for something to say but struggled to come up with anything, leading to further silence.The absence of conversation was particularly noticeable because of the previously lively discussions they were having before Miriam left .The silence seemed to stretch on endlessly, making Vanessa and Armand feel awkward and uneasy.Overall, the silence felt like an eternity, and Armand decided to break it."So, how's it going with the UKL project? I haven't heard any updates recently, " Armand asked."Sorry?" Vanessa responded"The UKL project," Armand repeated."Yes, about that, we've been m
"How was your day?" Miriam asked."It was okay. I've been working on different business ideas and seeing which would work best in different geographical locations, " Jude said."What a lying bastard," Miriam was tempted to say. However, she didn't."That's good. I'm so proud of you. You just got laid off, and you're already working on something new. You're such a hard worker, " Miriam replied."Thank you. I am working hard, so I can be the type of man you deserve, " Jude responded.Miriam didn't respond to that. She simply smiled. She proceeded to tell him how her day went, but soon, it was clear Jude was getting anxious and bored.Miriam was surprised she didn't notice how he easily got bored when he was with her. How could she have missed it? He wasn't even trying to hide it.He kept looking away and avoiding eye contact. He was fidgeting and shifting in his seat.Whenever he felt she was talking for too long, he kept interrupting or finishing her sentences in an attempt to
"I can explain!It's not what it seems like. I know I went to her place without telling you, but trust me, there's an explanation for that," Jude said.Vanessa ended the recording, which was playing, crossed her legs, and focused her attention completely on Jude. From her facial expression, it was clear she didn't believe him."Jude, I never said it was you and the recording has not even gone half way, what exactly isn't what it seems and why're you trying to explain when I haven't asked for an explanation?" Vanessa asked."Baby, please. We both know that's my voice, and that's Antonia's voice. I can't believe she was recording us!" Jude screamed."Why do you seem so bothered by the fact that she was recording the conversation? Did you say something you don't want me to know?" Vanessa asked."Of course not. Whatever I said at her place that day, I can always say it to your face. Vanessa, please tell me, what exactly did she tell you and how much of our conversation from that day
Miriam stumbled out of the dimly lit bar, her face contorted with anguish. Tear-stained trails streaked her cheeks, mingling with the remnants of once-flawless makeup. Her chest heaved with every breath as she fought to contain the sobs that threatened to escape her trembling lips. With disheveled hair cascading around her face, she appeared as a tragic figure caught in the midst of a personal storm. Her eyes, usually vibrant and full of life, now held a profound sadness within them. They glistened with unshed tears, reflecting the pain that consumed her soul. The weight of heartbreak bore down on her shoulders, causing her once-confident posture to slump in defeat. Each step she took seemed to carry the burden of shattered dreams and lost love. Her attire, once meticulously chosen, now looked haphazard and disarrayed. The elegant dress that once accentuated her curves now clung to her form as if it mirrored her vulnerability. Her high heel clicked against the pavement, echoing t
"My 3 o'clock appointment? Miriam, what're you talking about?" Jude asked."You heard me clearly. You can get the money to offset your debt from your 3 o'clock appointment. You were in such a hurry to meet up with this person, I'm sure the person can be of assistance to you" Miriam answered."Miriam, you've gotten it all wrong. The person I'm supposed to meet with isn't personal, it's work related" Jude said"Just stop, please. You made it clear that work isn't your thing, so, why the lie?" Miriam asked.Jude paused, he knew he wouldn't easily get out of this one, even if Miriam broke up with him, there was no way he would allow her to take the money with her.He stood nervously, his body language reflecting a mix of anxiety and desperation. His eyes dart around, searching for the right words, while his hands fidget, betraying his inner turmoil."I'm seeing a relative of mine. She's someone related to my mum and she agreed to help my parents. I'm supposed to meet with her an
"My what?" Jude asked"Behind you" Miriam replied.Jude turned and noticed the car that just drove in, at first, he thought that the car looked familiar and soon, he remembered why, however, he kept muttering a silent prayer to God, begging him that he should be wrong about the owner of the car.Suddenly, the car door was open and a lady stepped out, Jude kept looking at her feet, the sound of her heels was the only sound Jude could hear at that moment.Jude's heart raced as he scanned the parking lot, desperately trying to find an escape. He had been weaving a web of lies, carefully constructing a facade to protect his secrets, but now his worst fear was about to come true.He finally gained the courage and he looked at the face of the lady walking towards them, it was a lady with piercing eyes and an unwavering gaze—a person they never expected to see, Vanessa Chapman.As she walked towards them, Vanessa possessed an air of discernment, an aura that hinted at her ability to se
"To true friendship," Armand said."To true friendship," Vanessa echoed."Cheers," Miriam said and the three of them clinked their glasses.Miriam and Vanessa met up with Armand and the three of them agreed to have a drink to celebrate their victory against, not just Jude, but the entire Morris family.The atmosphere was filled with a mix of emotions and dynamics. The energy in the air is charged, a potent combination of relief, vindication, and perhaps a tinge of lingering skepticism on the part of Miriam."You guys have no idea just how glad I am that the charade is over, finally, I rest without worrying about getting a call from that imbecile" Vanessa said.Miriam concurred. There was a collective sense of relief among the three of them, as they had successfully revealed the truth and brought Jude's deceptive actions to light.Between Armand and Vanessa, their shared experience of uncovering the lies strengthened their bond, reaffirming their trust in each other and their ab
"Us?" Vanessa asked."Yes. I think we should be open and plain here" Armand replied."Okay?..." Vanessa responded, sounding unsure."If we're being honest, you'll agree with me that something has changed in our relationship," Armand said."You're right about that" Vanessa concurred."Well, I think I should start from the beginning, where it all started for me," Armand said."And where is that?" Vanessa asked."It started when you decided you would hang out with Jude. I knew it was strictly in order to find out what he was up to, but still, it didn't sit well with me.And it wasn't just because I was concerned about your safety, it was something else. I tried to fight it off, I even told myself I was confused, but I don't think I am any longer" Armand said.Armand paused to gather his thoughts together. He was about to explain to Vanessa, a woman who has been his friend and representative for a long time, his feelings when she told him about her decision to go out with Jude.