Charlie threw his head backward and drank the whole content from his glass in a gulp. He pressed his eyes against each other as the whiskey made its way to his system with closed eyes.He propelled the class to the bartender and motioned for another shot. What he needed was a drink. It was noon.After leaving Dr. Gerald's office, Charlie drove straight to the bar after concluding that a drink might ease his tension and at least make him feel better because the rage heating up in him could set the campus on fire. The bartender passed him the drink and Charlie didn't waste any time washing it down his throat. He let out a clumsy belch and pressed his eyes against each other, feeling its soreness. He knew that he had to be mindful of the quantity of drink he was shoving down his tummy else he might drink into a stupor.The clicking of footsteps inside the bar toward him caused Charlie to place his third glass on the counter. He turned around. Charlie sighed and turned around after noti
"Get away from me!" Cassie shooed Ken away after a smirk.He had just opened the door for her after she hit the doorbell. He was about to immerse her in a hug but she declined.They haven't met up in a while. Their interactions were based on phone calls and text messages. Ken was juggling between work and study while Cassie was away.Cassie resumed school last weekend. She had been in Boston for the past two weeks.Ken moved away from the door with a chuckle. He had invited her to his apartment for a movie night. He missed her jokes and was in dire need of her warm company.She made her way to the living room and crashed on the twin couch. She rested her back against the chair and fixated her gaze on the chandelier."Did you change those?" She asked pointing at the gold-colored chandelier.Ken smiled and settled next to her. He changed it that morning. He had known Cassie to be the kind of person that always pays attention to details."Next time you want to make any changes, you need
She roved her eyes around the area. Charlie knew she was wishing someone will pop out and come to her aid but there was no one coming.Charlie had always been a brutal man and she that if she doesn't put on a good fight, he might get his hands on the evidence.Without taking his hands off her, he forced her to drift backward and the moment he released her arm, he went for her bag but she quickly pushed and turned away.She clenched her fists, stationed her left leg in front, the right behind, and was ready to defend her evidence.Charlie was taken aback by her show of confidence. He had always known her to be the girl who was timid and clumsy but suddenly, she seemed to develop wings. He couldn't just figure out when.He was done trying to get her to play along. "I'm asking one more time. Hand over the damn phone else..."He was still speaking when she interrupted. "Else you are going to kill me? Isn't that what to are known for? You just go about killing people?" She fired.Charlie t
*Years ago*"She turned down the proposal?" He screamed at the top of his voice.He had come to meet up with his uncle in an underground parking lot.Charlie began to pace while biting his lower lip. It was his uncle's proposal that just got turned down but he was the one feeling the heat. It was a failed mission because the proposal would have made his dreams come true."Damn it!" He spat and punched the wall. He backed his uncle and continued struggling to catch his breath.When he turned around, he saw his uncle resting his back against the car, puffing hot air from his nostrils."I did everything I could Charlie but that bitch wouldn't accept my proposal." his uncle lamented."We have to do something.""If we don't do anything fast, we will lose the company." His uncle hinted."We are not losing the company!" Charlie vowed. "We are taking it by whatever means and nobody is going to stop us.*******Ken kept stirring his coffee in circles while trying to stabilize his gaze on a par
"Do you think it's okay?" Ken asked while sliding a blue tie around his neck.He was throwing the question at Ray. Ken was standing before his large dressing mirror. He was with Ray in the room.Ray got up from the edge of the bed and moved closer to Ken. He stood in front of him and roved his eyes around the boy, checking him out like he was a specimen."Stop acting like a fashion designer Ray. Just tell me if the tie corresponds with the dress." Ken said and tightened the grip the tie had around his neck.Ray chuckled and folded his arms across his head. "I think you should take it off."Ken arched a brow. "You think so?" He lowered his hands to his hips.He was wearing a pair of blue plain trousers and a white tee shirt."It's a long sleeve shirt and seeing that you've buttoned it all up to your neck, I don't think putting on a tie is necessary," Ray replied."Really?"Ray nodded repeatedly. "It's a dinner date, not some prom event or a business meeting. You don't want to look too
"Why didn't you tell me your stupid plan failed?" Charlie yelled at Miranda over the phone.He had been blowing up her phone for the past ten minutes and when she noticed that the calls persisted, she decided to pick up.She shut her eyes and heaved a deep sigh, imagining the fury in his eyes. If she wasn't out of his reach, Miranda knew he would strike her on the cheek because his voice was communicating anger."I'm still working on it" was her reply."You are still working on it?" He fired. "Stop lying to me. You are working on nothing Miranda. I just can't believe that I trusted you with such a huge responsibility."There was silence from Miranda's end. She feared that Charlie was going to discover that Ken and Jane outsmarted her and he might also come to realize that she planned to double-cross him. Now, it seemed what she feared was happening. He knew she failed him."For God's sake, Charlie stop acting like a dick. I need you to trust me on this. I said I'm working on it so rel
Ken sat up. Did she just say she knew about Raspberry?"I mean no!' Jane sharply replied.Ken displayed a blank expression. A while ago, she had admitted to knowing about Raspberry and now, she was switching sides."You said yes a while ago and now you are disagreeing?"Jane cleared her throat loudly and put on a broad smile. Ken wondered whether she was smiling to cover up all she knew or whether the smile was an assurance that she was telling the truth."Let's just say it's a slip of the tongue babe and by the way, why are you suddenly asking me about your workplace." She replied and pressed the menu card on the table."Jane, if you know anything about Raspberry and you want to share it with me, kindly do so." He implored, staring at her straight in the face.The moment Jane averted his gaze by casting her eyes on the table, he sensed something fishy."Come on babe. I said Yes because you threw the question at me and when I later realized what I'd just said, I gave the fitting reply
The ride from the restaurant to Ken's apartment was a silent one. No words were spoken. Ray was sensitive enough to detect that the boy was pissed and he knew starting any conversation might fuel his rage.Ray drove to the estate and pulled the Lamborghini to the parking lot. Before he could turn off the car, Ken was already taking off his seat belt in his bid to get out.He jumped out of the vehicle and dashed to his apartment while Ray stood behind, pondering the reason behind the sudden change in Ken's countenance.Ken made his way into the bedroom and began taking off his shirt aggressively. He didn't even bother to turn on the lights until a button fell off his sleeve."Useless button!" He cussed and turned on the lights.He swapped his outfit for his overall pajamas and jumped on the bed after turning off the lights.He laid on his back, and grabbed a pillow but couldn't fall asleep.The moment he turned left, his phone began to ring and without checking who the caller was, he k
2 pm!Ken smiled when he saw the limo pulling toward his apartment. He had been waiting outside for about ten minutes. Jane promised to show up by 2 pm so they'll hit the airport. Their flight was scheduled for 3 pm that evening.Jane stepped out of the vehicle clinging to a brown leather handbag. It was a large bag that contained some spare clothes and other items. Since Cassie's reception was scheduled for 6 pm that evening, it was evident that they were going to spend the night in a hotel so Jane came with luggage.Ken walked up to Jane and took the bag away from her. "I thought you wouldn't show up."She smiled and wrapped her arms around him. "Oh come on Ken, you know I wouldn't do such a thing."He smiled and led her into the house. They crashed on the twin couch in the living room."I'm so happy for Cassie," said Jane.Ken turned to Jane. "You don't know how excited I am for her babe. She has been looking forward to this day and I can't wait to see the excitement on her face. I
Ken and Jane kept exchanging mischievous glances. She could see the uneasiness in Ken's eyes. She gave him an assuring blink and darted her gaze to her father.Ken watched the non-verbal communication ongoing between father and daughter. In a flash, Jane rose to her feet and Ken's eyes widened in horror.Was his basic support system about to leave him? He couldn't imagine sitting opposite Mr. Carter without her.Jane turned to the tensed Ken with a warm smile and the look that says 'Relax!'"I'll be right back." She said and began walking away from the dining.Ken collapsed on the chair and couldn't take his eyes off Jane's departing figure. Mr. Carter called his attention by clearing his throat loudly. He sat up, turned toward the CEO, and displayed a sheepish grin.Soon, domestic staff smartly dressed in their uniforms traced their way to the dining majestically carrying food trays and tea jugs. They began to set the table while Ken's eyes were fixed on the stairs, patiently waiting
Ken waved at Jane after she stepped into the back seat of the Range Rover that had come to pick her up from the restaurant. It was a few minutes to 9 pm and their chit-chat was over. Ken sighed and strode to his Lamborghini. He stepped into the car and zoomed off.While driving home, Cassie kept calling but Ken couldn't pick up her calls. His wireless Bluetooth wasn't in the vehicle and there was no way he could pick up the call while he was driving so immediately after he drove to his parking lot, Ken grabbed his phone and dialed Cassie's number.He stroked his forehead several times as he waited for her to pick up the call. They haven't spoken much lately and he wouldn't want to miss any of her calls. After she explained to him that she was occupied with the responsibility attached to her handing over as CEO, Ken Gave her space so she could adequately prepare."Hello!" The phone speaker filtered her voice.Ken sighed in relief. Finally, she picked up the call."Sorry I missed your c
"You are glowing tonight and I must say that you've been glowing a lot lately." Mr. Carter remarked. He was seated in the living room downstairs and was going through his phone when Jane stepped out of her room.She waved her hand down. "Oh come on dad. What are you saying?" She stared at her shoes and flipped her hair, wondering whether she had invested so much in her look that night.Her father cleared his throat loudly and blinked at her. "I must say that love is a beautiful thing. I'm glad it's making you glow and step up with your appearance." He said and broke into a laugh.Jane shook her head and aimed for the exit. "You are so funny, dad. I always dress to kill. Meanwhile, have fun till I return.""Have fun Jane and stay safe!"Jane traced her way to the water fountain where her chauffeur was waiting for her with the Range Rover. She sat next to him in the front seat and he drove away.It was a few minutes past 7 am and Jane was certain that Ken was already seated in the VIP l
Ken kept shifting his gaze from the door to the files littered on his table. It was Monday morning and he was already seated in his office. This week, he'll be only handling administrative tasks.After Ray pulled the car to a halt in the parking lot earlier, Ken kept searching for one of the vehicles that usually drop Jane at the hospital but none was in sight. It was evident that she was yet to arrive at the office.He stared at his wristwatch. Should he give her a call? He sighed and darted his gaze from the door back to his table. He had just spent about twenty minutes in the office so Jane might be on her way.Ken shook his head and continued going through the papers before him. He wondered why he was feeling like a teenager in love even after being with Jane for three years. He had spoken to her on the phone about a hundred times during the weekend and still didn't get enough. He was hopelessly in love.A few minutes later, the door to Ken's office was pushed open. He let the pen
Jane stared at the phone screen and shifted her gaze to Ken. "It's my father calling. I think I need to go." She said and flew to the bedroom.Ken hurried after her. He wanted to pull her back, tell her to stop, and spend more time with him but he knew it was impossible to do that. Her father must have noticed her absence and was probably worried.When Ken got to the bedroom, he met Jane hurriedly slipping into her clothes. He grabbed her bag and went for her shoes under the bed.He helped her wear her jacket and ensured her buttons were in the right holes. "I'll get the car key." He said and left before she could speak.Jane sighed and shook her head. Ken seemed excited and she knew he was going to be sad when she turns down his offer to drive her home.He returned to the bedroom waving his car key. "I'll just grab my shirt," Ken said and moved to the closet."I just called my driver!" Jane spat.When Ken turned around, he caught her waving her phone.He arched a brow. "I thought I w
"This whole revelation is driving me insane!" Cassie remarked after taking her head into her hands.Master Yohi sighed and reached for her hand. "You must stay strong Cassie. I understand how hard it is for you."She turned to him with a fierce look. "How do you expect me to stay strong or act calm? I can't believe I've been living with a liar all my life. After I confronted him, he told me that he knew Ken's parents from a distance and since Ken had no guardian, he was entrusted the right to the boy's property till he was of age.""Your father lied to you. His younger brother Trent, handed the papers to the company to him the week he died. I think his brother knew that there were a couple of bad men on his tail and no one knows why. He planned to come home from Brooklyn the following week and introduced Ken and his mom to you guys." The master explained.Cassie began to nod repeatedly. "Now I'm beginning to get the hang of this story. Ken's father set up the company in Boston while h
Ken rose to his feet and pointed a cheerful finger at Jane. "Before you tell me about the men in your life, I'll go grab us some snacks.""Okay!"He placed a kiss on her left cheek and before heading into the kitchen, he mumbled. "I'll be right back!"Jane fell back on the couch with a warm smile. After speaking to Ken about her past, she felt as if a huge burden had been lifted off her chest. She hugged herself and breathed the fresh air that she was ready to take in. If she had known that speaking about the whole thing was going to be easy and uplifting, she would have done it a long time ago.A few minutes later, Ken returned to the living room with a plate of cookies. She quickly sat up and went for a piece the moment the plate landed on the stool."You made this?" She asked after taking a bite.Ken smiled and took a piece. "Well, miss Jane there are a lot of things you must learn about me and yes, I baked those yesterday and kept them in a jar."Jane hummed and took another happy
Cassie clenched her jaw with her arms still folded across her chest. "Give me one reason why I should listen to you Master Yohi?"He sighed and held up her malicious stare. "You are angry my child and despite your anger, you decided to show up here."She turned away and he continued speaking."Even after hearing my conversation with father last night, you took the risk and showed up here. This can only prove the point that you have doubts about my involvement in the situation and I implore that you give me the chance to speak.She turned to him with trembling lips. She pulled the stool and sat. Master Yohi was right. After eavesdropping on them last night and after pondering the issue several times, she still had doubts about the Master's loyalty and decided to confront him."Stay calm. Get rid of all your rage because I need you to listen to everything I'm going to say to you, Cassie."She nodded and shut her eyes."Take deep breaths and clear your mind." The master advised.She inha