-Lauren-My stomach growled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten since my coffee and bagel at breakfast. It was now near sunset. I gave up standing on the porch and went in. I tried to put aside the imagination of Christian reacting when he finds out I came back here. The usual made was at the entrance, waiting for me. Things seemed off as she didn't flash her usual welcome smile. I moved past it and relayed my pleasantries. 'Please, wait in her drawing room. She's out for now but I'm sure it's not going to take long'Why did she go out when we chose this time to meet ourselves. The maid took me to the room, offered me some fruit juice before leaving me alone. Seconds ticked by into minutes and she was yet to arrive. Getting washed up by boredom, I chose to do a little exploration. I walked into the small main patio at the back of the mansion. The view was beautiful from there. One could see the garden, the sun set, the beautiful view of the estate too. I walked towards a large hall, the din
Eight years before~ 'H..I..d...e..' she choked out, coughing out blood the more. I covered Aiden's face so he won't witness the scene. There was no where to hide even if we tried to. This was an open space. No enclosed area to escape in. She wiped her mouth with the back of her palm, struggling to get on her knees. She didn't make it halfway when a man's feet landed harshly on her back, causing her to crash back to the ground. He pressed down the side of her face. Her cheeks rubbing against the floors. 'Stop! Stop hurting her!' I cried He didn't listen. 'You silly wench, why are you still here?!' Didn't you take the money? Isn't it time for you to leave?! No one's coming to find you.' he growled. He lifted her by the collar of her dress, tightened his grip on her neck. 'Leave her alone!' I yelled again. My shouts came out as a tiny sound against blaring speakers. No effect. Another tear rolled down her eyes. She struggled to breathe. My heart churned. I'm witnessing this yet I'm
~Christian~ Apparently, a call from Lauren was all I needed to rouse myself from my chair. The same man Linda is allegedly dating is the one behind the article publishing. Birds of a feather, flocks together... Isn't that how the saying goes? 'Sir, Are you leaving already?' Ava questioned when she bumped into me in the hallway. 'I won't be coming back today. So leave once you're done for the day' She nodded in acknowledgement. 'Yes, sir' ..... Lauren pulled me in the instant I got to her home. The manner at which she grabbed my wrists, dragged me up the stairs into her room, hastily, made me realize the urgency of what's going on or whatever she's got to say. She panted heavily when we finally arrived the confines of her room. While I found a chair to relax on, she paced the room unrelentingly. Hands on hips, lips pursed, skin covered in sweat. Her uneasiness spoke volumes but I couldn't guess what exactly it is if she doesn't say to me herself. Following few moments, she decided
****Twenty two years ago**** A young aged woman stood in front of the mansion gate as it rained heavily. She held a baby whom she tried to protect from rain drops. 'Open the gate. I want to see him!' she said at the top of her voice, startling the infant in the process. For almost two hours, she'd been standing there, waiting for a response from the guards. Perhaps, he authorized the guards to never allow her assess into his house anymore. 'Go home, madam. The boss won't see you' 'He has to see me! I'm not leaving here till he does!' she clamored. Following several more minutes of obstinacy, the black metallic gates swung open. She scurried in, seeking shelter under an enclosed compartment. 'Follow me' the guard asserted. Without complain, she trailed behind him, shivering terribly from the cold she felt. She was handed over to a maid who helped her as well as the infant with new dry clothes. Memories lingered. This was once her resolve when she felt down or the need to get aw
~Lauren~ 'You came earlier than usual today' the receptionist mentioned, narrowing her gaze on me. I rolled my eyes, feeling slightly offended. 'But I do come early, you know..' She threw a piece of cookies into her mouth. 'Well, I didn't say you're a late comer' I leaned closer, controlling my voice to come off like a whisper, 'I heard he's visiting today.' She frowned, opening her bottle cap. 'Who?' 'The President' She froze mid way to bringing the bottle of water close to her mouth, her eyes growing twice its normal size. 'How come you know about that? And I don't?' 'I over heard from some of the workers' I responded. 'What workers?' I slouched my shoulders. 'what other workers would I be referring to?' I wheezed out, tired of her petty questions. It's a trait particular about her although but for someone like me, it gets tiring except it's coming from Joan or Aiden. Her face scrunched up in dissatisfaction. 'I wonder why he's coming again. He visited only few days ago'
~Lauren~ As usual, she pushed past me into the house, eyes filled with emotions and tears. Relief washed through me. How many days has it been? Two.. three?? since I heard last from her. She had shut everyone out, including her father and always indifferent guard. I was truly flabbergasted when he had infact visited here consistently to seek her. Indifferent Rhodes. I guess he's got a soft spot for her, after all. 'Joan. Where did you run to? Do you have an idea of how you made everyone worried?' 'They're still gonna get even more worried. I just want to be left alone! I don't care what any one thinks' she hugged the small pillow on the couch. I sat down beside her, my palms covering hers. 'Slow down, Joan' She shied away from my touch. 'I should slow down? From what exactly, Lauren? I had thought he was going to stop setting me up with men when he apologized and pleaded with me to come home but you know the funny thing? He had the guts to set me up with some weird guy using an
~Christian~ A satisfied grin crossed my face when I caught a glimpse of the pleased expression on her face.. 'You keep amazing me. Don't ya?' she winked, taking a seat by the table. I joined in also. 'Well, to say you look dazzling in that dress is an understatement'. She flushed at my compliment, shyly avoiding eye contact. 'Thank you'. She was dressed in a wine satin, full length dress which had a slit that ran from her thighs to her ankles. I've noticed she enjoys wearing more of this design. It shows her simple but unique taste in things. A waitress approached our table, requesting our orders. 'I'll have crispy seaweed crackers topped with tapioca, abalone sauce and salmon roe' 'I'll have the same too' She collected the menu book then proceeded to leave. 'So, how has work been?' I decided to engage in a conversation before our meals come. We promised to deviate from any talks involving Linda or her mischievous plans tonight. She squirmed on her seat. 'Work is fine'
Christian~ Weaponless, I tried to figure out the next thing to do. If I were to try to make it into the kitchen to get a night, there is a high level of certainty that I won't even make it halfway before I get spanked or killed. He approached, with every dreadful step he took towards me, I walked backwards. 'Who are you? What do you want from me?' All of the lights were out, I couldn't make out what he looked like. 'Don't you recognize me anymore, brother?' He switched on the lights, giving my full assess to what I wanted. 'Audrey?!' 'Of course, it is me. Why do you appear so shocked? Were you expecting someone else?' he laughed heartily, gently patting his chest as he did so. 'What is it you want from me this time? Aren't you done trying to get to me? You know very much every attempt is always a failure. Just give up, will you?'. He shoved the flower vase on the table to the ground, turned the table upside down, growling vigorously or preferably.. like a beast. 'Are you