Miriam paused. She stood in front of her cousin's door, but somehow, she couldn't get herself to ring the bell.She contemplated knocking instead, but she hesitated. She couldn't believe she was about to go through with the plan.It was a plan she had come up with, but if she had been told a week ago that she would be standing in front of Antonia's door and about to test her fiance, she wouldn't believe it.The plan was simple. She would go to her cousin's house, hide, and then Antonia would invite Jude over.When he got there, Antonia would look for a way to make him reveal a bit of his plans to her, and she was convinced he would because he was already opening up bit by bit to her.Miriam couldn't believe that. Not only did Jude not really love her, but he was willing to disrespect her by having a thing with her cousin.A part of her wished everything they had planned out would go accordingly, but a tiny part of her still wished it would all be a lie, but in her mind, she
It was a cool evening. Vanessa definitely did not like Jude, but she couldn't deny that his choice of hang out spots were always top-notch.She had gotten off work about thirty minutes ago, and Jude had asked her to meet him up.The place they had met up was a serene environment perfect for an evening hangout.The park was quiet and peaceful and had a beautiful view. Also, there was plenty of natural beauty to admire.She and Jude were sitted on a grassy field with a few scattered trees and some flowers blooming.The sun was just beginning to set, casting a warm, orange glow over the landscape. The air was still and calm, with only a light breeze blowing gently through the trees.In the distance, Vanessa could hear the gentle sound of a stream trickling softly, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.As Vanessa sipped on her cold drink and munched on the snack that Jude had gotten them, she couldn't help but picture a picture coming back to this park with someone she truly loved
"Here's the plan. Vanessa, you'll tell Jude you'd send the money via check and you'll be really busy, so, you won't be able to give it to him personally, you'll tell him you'll send someone you trust to give it to him. Miriam, you'll meet up with him. Both of you will discuss, and then, I think you should show him the recording between him and Antonia. It doesn't matter how much he begs or tries to deny it. You'll end things with him and let him know he won't be getting a cent from you. Are you okay with that? Do you think you can go through it?" Armand asked."Well, I guess so," Miriam answered."We need you to be certain. We know it won't be easy, but if you feel you will not be able to go through with it, or you'll be too uncomfortable, we can come up with another plan" Vanessa said."I can do it," Miriam affirmed."Alright then, that's settled," Armand said."So, who would I be sending to deliver the check to him?" Vanessa asked."You will not be sending anyone. You'll give
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