She knew she wasn't supposed to kiss him back. Everything between them was too heavy to be playing house, but she couldn't help herself.How many nights had she dreamed of this? After that night in his arms, she had longed to be with him again.Now the opportunity had presented itself. She couldn't possibly let it pass, could she?“Can I?” She thought, suddenly remembering Laura Anderson's words.She stilled, and Elijah felt it and pulled away.“What is it?” He asked with concern in his voice as he stroked her cheeks.“We should stop,” she said.“Why?” “You kissed Rhonda. There's still something that should be explored between you two. I don't want to come in between anything.”He wanted to argue. To counter her claims. To tell her why that kiss had happened in the first place. But that would require telling her the entire truth.The night had seen enough truth to last for a while. Maybe some other times he'd be bold enough to confess.“You're right. I kissed Rhonda. It's wrong to ki
Elijah woke up with a start. He turned to see Winnie still fast asleep.Carrying her head gently out of his chest, he placed it on a pillow.He rose to his feet, his ring glowing. Marching out of the room, he walked straight out of the house.It was barely dawn. Just the first break of lights shone through.Everywhere was silent, as everyone slept. He walked behind, to the garden, his footsteps leading him there.He stopped when he saw the frame of a man standing with his hands shoved into his pocket.Asher turned around, a grin forming on his face as he faced him.“What beautiful land you have here. Have you thought about expanding?”“What do you want Asher?”His eyes went down to the ring, and his smile brightened. “That thing is like a morning wood, right? It wakes up and just glows. Damn, I envy you!”Elijah hissed between his teeth. “Why are you always in my house? I'm getting sick and tired of you trespassing?”“Why? Do you feel guilty?” He grinned mischievously.“Guilty? Why s
“You're joking right?” He chuckled nervously.She looked around her as if he was talking to someone other than her. “Me?” She pointed to her chest. “Why would I be joking about seeing her? I really want to see her. Take me to her.”“I can't do that.”She frowned. “You've not forgiven me?”He hissed. “I told you I hold no grievances. I just don't think you need to see my mother. Not just anyone can go into her room.”She swallowed her hurt and shame at his words and pushed forward. “I'm not just anyone. I don't care what you choose to say, or believe, but I'm not anyone. I want to see your mother. She's the reason you wanted that herb, isn't she?”“Nicely deduced. What gave me away?”“Your persistence. It was the reason I found you hot in the first place. You knew what you wanted, and went for it.”“Why then did you lie to me that you went through great troubles to find it?”Her face flushed, unable to keep up the back and forth with a straight face. “How do you know I didn't?”“Becau
“Hey, are you already on your way?” Elijah looked at the bed to see Tobias popping up on his screen.“It's not my fault you got stuck with party planning with Laura Anderson. Don't rush me,” he said, as he buttoned his suit shirt.“Well if you had followed me to the City parade, I would have had a reason to escape with you before this party. It's not even started yet and I'm on my fourth drink for the night,” he said all the way from his hotel as he dressed up too.The weekend had started with a bang. The City recorded its biggest attendance record for a parade day.It seemed everyone had come out to walk around the City.Who wouldn't? When you had billionaire building architectural designs no one had ever seen before, it was bound to attract viewers who would never get another opportunity to be at its premises. Elijah had woken up determined not to leave the house. After calling and failing to reach Winnie, he called her grandfather.John wouldn't let him speak to him. He apologized
“Laura said she secured a spot in the VIP section for us. I almost wish she didn't,” Tobias said as they made their way to the big leagues.“Why? Don't you like mingling with the high and mighty?” Elijah asked sarcastically.“Not on a night where I'm drained. I don't think I have the patience to withstand their bullshit.”“Fair. But you don't have to. If they move mad, you move crazier.” He shrugged.Tobias' eyes squinted towards him. “What are you planning to do, Elijah? You're talking very recklessly.”“Worried I'm going to ruin your hard work?” He smiled mischievously “Actually, yes. I didn't have sleepless nights with Laura appearing in my dreams at intervals to remind me of the City's festival to have anyone ruin it.”“You think this is a success? Look around you, bro. What do you see?”“People having fun?” He raised a brow, curious about where Elijah was taking this.“No, you're seeing the biggest patronizing act since dawn. Everyone is demarcated by their social class. Where's
“Let me go, Elijah!” She dragged her hand away when they were out of earshot.She could feel prying eyes on her, but she was too pissed off to give a damn.“What was Mr Jay talking about? Are you and Winnie really a thing now? So why did you kiss me?” She asked, her voice rising in frustration.“I need you to calm down, and listen to me,Rhonda.”“No!” She spat furiously. “I don't have to be calm. All I've ever been is calm, and look at where it's gotten me. If you like Winnie so much, please don't try to lead me in. I can't stand being a hypocrite!” She whirled, and walked away.“Shit!” He muttered between his breaths.He looked up and found everyone's eyes on him. Taking a deep breath, he walked forward.“You've fucked things up, haven't you?” Colin Trust asked as he passed by.He was going to ignore him, when the man slid into his way.“Hey, I'm talking to you.”He was fishing for trouble. Everyone could see, but no one was going to intervene until things actually got violent.“Excu
“What do you know about him, Tiana?” Alice asked, interested in what she had to say.Maybe it would help her understand why the man always looked at her as if he knew her. Or why he was always so brusque and harsh in his approach towards her.She didn't care very much but was always amused by the reasons people came up with concerning her.“How curious are you? Would you pay top dollars to get an answer?”She hissed. “Why would I pay to get information about a nobody? I'd pass please.”Tiana laughed. “Oh, I don't think he's a nobody. Anyway, my role is to watch how things evolve henceforth.” She sipped from the wine she had mixed with a little vodka, planning to be intoxicated enough to drown this strange empathetic feeling that had erupted in her.“Elijah Crawford,” she whispered in her mind, but chuckled out loud. It was still hard to believe.Alice, realizing Tiana was acting like a crazy person, moved away from her.At the same time, Winnie moved in her way. They almost crashed bu
“Do you want to leave, Elijah? I understand if you want to leave the party,” Tobias said.“Why would I? Because of the hostility, I'm already used to?” He scoffed.“That's the spirit!” Laura cheered. “You hear that, Tobias? Let's go mingle with other people.” She tried to drag him away but he didn't budge.Rolling her eyes, she stepped behind and allowed him to continue to converse with Elijah.Maybe she shouldn't have stepped into the scapegoat Elijah escapade. But if she hadn't done that, Tobias would have left.“You're being so obvious, Laura,” her mind whispered, but she didn't care.The way she liked people was pretty intense. It was the very same way she could just stop liking someone. Case in point, her feelings for Colin Trust.At first, she had thought her life was nothing without him. Her mother forcing her on him was another reason she felt they were meant to be together. Then Tobias happened, and now she couldn't remember what it felt like to be in love with Colin Trust.I