Donald's POV
I waited for her to say something but apparently, my words must have been more surprising than it was supposed to be. “Cat got your tongue?”
David's mouth moved and he glanced at Rose as if waiting for her to give him a sign before he said something.
Rose pressed her lips stubbornly together, not saying a word. David chose to improvise, taking a step backward. “Rose, I thought you said this wouldn't be difficult but now, it sounds like he's unhappy with me being here.”
I rolled my eyes heavenward, shaking my head. Oh, so that's how he wants to play huh?
Rose shifted on her feet uncomfortably. “It's just a question he asked, David.”
I crossed my hand over my chest, watching the both of them with amusement played across my face. “Yes.”
David sighed, not looking happy. “Do you not want to hand over the position to me?”
“With your inexperience?” I arched a brow.
He scrubbed a hand down his face. “I know I'm not experienced but just like I told Rose, I'd be willing to do anything to learn. The rest of left to you…”
“To me, to do what?” I said, pretending to be clueless. It was fun toying with him.
David scratched his beard, looking uncomfortable, to say the least. “I was wondering…if you're not comfortable with letting me take over so soon, then maybe you could put me through?”
“What are you saying?” I crossed my legs too, portraying a serious person.
Rose tilted her head to the side, a small encouraging nod, and David went on. “I’ll offer to come on as a regular employee and learn from you…study for the position until I'm as good as you.” He reached out to hold Rose’s hand. “One day, I'll be good enough to handle the position, don't you think?”
Not to sound pompous or anything but even with the best tutors and a hundred years to learn this skill, I wasn't certain that he would be as good as I was.
Not even close.
There were some talents that were learned and some that were God-given. There's a clear difference between the two.
Rose placed a hand on her hips, expertly sliding her other hand from David's. “So, what do you say Donny?”
“Fine, I'll agree to it if he does.” I shrugged.
As long as that dumbass didn't come close to my office, we were golden.
Rose beamed, looking at David like a cat that ate the cream. “Good…it's just that I have one little condition.”
I stiffened, knowing that whatever she was interested in asking wasn't something that I'd like to do. “What is it?” I asked warily.
“I had a feeling you might be hesitant towards allowing him to work here, so I have a proposition…” she paused dramatically and I could almost hear the drumroll sound. “I’ll allow you to continue working here if…you give up the divorce.”
I was as shocked as David, only I hid mine much better. David was slightly behind Rose so she couldn't see his expression. His eyes widened, staring at Rose’s profile in shock.
From the look of his face, it's safe to say that he wasn't aware of Rose's plan.
Her lips were curled, her face smug as she was certain that I would agree to her demands.
After all, I was a gold digger…. desperate for some gold.
“What, are you expecting me to jump up in excitement that you want me back?” I pushed the desk, dropping my hands down. The smile vanished from Rose's face when she heard my words.
“ Wh…what a…are you trying to say Donny?” she stammered out.
For the first time in a long while, it felt like I was winning, like I was on top and I had every intention of enjoying it to the fullest. “What I'm trying to tell you, Rose, is that I wasn't being difficult earlier because I wanted to stay. No, I was merely contemplating decisions.”
Her hands tightened into fists, and I could tell she wasn't appreciative of me trying to drag out the suspense. “Are you going to tell me what you're yapping on about or you'll just continue being silly?”
“I was thinking about interesting places that would make for a good vacationing spot.” I mused, not to her annoyance.
As I said it out loud, it felt right. The thing is, for the past three years, I've practically devoted my life to this company and Rose, both of which didn't belong to me and now it was time to do something for myself.
Such as planning an amazing treat and getting the rest I had missed out on all those years.
“Are you fucking serious right now or is this some sort of sick joke?” Rose spat, glaring at me. “I'm giving you the deal of a lifetime and you're saying no?”
The smile on my face remained, not moving a centimeter. “That's right.”
Rose's face got so red that I feared she might have a coronary or at the very least, burst from all the suppressed anger but then, her face cleared and smoothened out. “Okay, then.”
Behind her, David looked all too happy to hear that he was no longer interested in being married to his lover, and his face was wreathed in smiles.
“From tomorrow, David's going to be the new manager, taking over your position and you're going to be okay with it?”
“One hundred percent.” I nodded.
She frowned and without looking at David, she instructed. “Can you please give us the room?”
For a moment, David wasn't sure that he was the one she was addressing pointing to himself. “You mean, I should leave?”
“Yes, David, I meant you.” This time she glanced at him.
David at the both of us for a moment before nodding, even though she could see him. “Of course.”
On his way out, he paused and twisted his face into a mocking look behind her back that was directed at him. I just shook my head in pity, looking away.
For me, David was just a clown and he wasn't even someone I could place much importance on.
When he was gone and it was just the two of us, I trained my full attention on Rose, raising an inquiring eyebrow at her.
“So you really want to do this?” She asked, placing her bag on the table. “You're not going to take me up on my offer?”
“No, Rose. I told you before, I'm done with being your slave. I want to do things for me and no one else.”
“Fine then,” her eyes hardened and she stretched out her hand. “For someone who talked so big, put your money where your mouth is then. The compensation money?”
I smiled, having been waiting to hear that from her. Whenever she doesn't get her way, she resorts to blackmailing people.
I turned my back on her for less than a second, rummaging around for my wallet where I kept an array of credit cards.
Even though I loved Rose deeply, I'd always been smart. While I made money for the company, I wasn't foolish enough to squander all that I received, saving some and investing the others.
“Here,” I handed her my black platinum card. “There should be over a million dollars in there.”
She hummed at the back of her throat, inspecting the card. “Are you sure about that? Why don't I check”
Directing a sly look my way, she proceeded to confirm if it was true or not, reaching out to the bank manager since it was the same one that handles all our accounts.
Even though I was fairly certain that I had money in that account, there was a bad feeling in my gut saying this might not swing my way.
Donald's POV You know that bad feeling that you get in your gut before something bad happens, almost like a premonition of sorts?Yeah, it's true.I just confirmed it after Rose confidently sat her down on his very expensive leather chair, her lips raised in a pout as she dialed Mr Warrens, the accounts manager for our banks.To spite me and show me who's the boss, she placed it on speakerphone so I could listen in. Mr Warrens was a very busy man but not to people who paid half of his monthly wages. He picked up on the third ring. “Ms Waters, it's a pleasure to hear from you!” His sugary sweet voice rang out from the phone, sounding as excited as ever.He should be, whenever you hear from your clients, it usually means there's a paycheck involved.“Mr. Warrens, it's a pleasure to hear from you too. I reckon you're a very busy person like myself so I'll go straight to the point and not waste any time.” She peeked at me from beneath her lashes, her victorious smile obvious. “I'd like t
Donald's POV Hector's resounding laugh boomed across the phone. “What the hell are you talking about?” It was clear that my request threw him for a loop momentarily.I need you to listen to me, it's urgent okay? I need your help.” My fingers tightened around my phone. I could almost feel the moose tightening around my neck with each minute I spent married to that witch.Hector became alert, sensing the seriousness in my tone. “Man, I can't really talk where I am…buh are you free to come by the office?”My heart had sank when he began drumming up excuses but they were promptly lifted soon after. “Can I do that today?”“Of course.” He easily agreed. “I'll tell my secretary to pencil you in. See you soon, buddy.”He ended the call soon after, probably attending to business. The same thing I should be doing, instead I'm racking my brain for ideas on how to cut loose from Rose.For some reason, she's seeking for ways to keep me tied down to her.Quite annoying, especially as she's the one
Donald 's POVHer lips were soft under mine, momentarily distracting me from pushing her off. Anna took that for me being interested in her and she sank her fingers into my hair deepening the kiss.My eyes flew open in surprise, wondering how I could push her off without coming off as annoying.She must have realized I stopped kissing her shortly after because she pulled away, her face contrite.“Oh my gosh! I'm such an idiot, I shouldn't have done that. Did it feel like I harassed you?”There were a lot of things that I wanted to say to her but my eyes darted towards the elevator, eager for the doors to open so that I can get the hell out of here. My no response was also answer to her because she pressed her hands to her face looking as though she was about to cry. “Donald, please say something…”“Can we talk about this later…?” I asked. “I have to see Hector and I'm sure he will be expecting me so…”Luckily, the doors dinged open and I was able to get out in the nick of time before
Donald's POV Hector's resounding laugh boomed across the phone. “What the hell are you talking about?” It was clear that my request threw him for a loop momentarily.I need you to listen to me, it's urgent okay? I need your help.” My fingers tightened around my phone. I could almost feel the moose tightening around my neck with each minute I spent married to that witch.Hector became alert, sensing the seriousness in my tone. “Man, I can't really talk where I am…buh are you free to come by the office?”My heart had sank when he began drumming up excuses but they were promptly lifted soon after. “Can I do that today?”“Of course.” He easily agreed. “I'll tell my secretary to pencil you in. See you soon, buddy.”He ended the call soon after, probably attending to business. The same thing I should be doing, instead I'm racking my brain for ideas on how to cut loose from Rose.For some reason, she's seeking for ways to keep me tied down to her.Quite annoying, especially as she's the one
Donald's POV I was practically over the moon with the good news. According to Hector, I would need to get the cheque cashed and then I would have the money transferred directly into my bank account.I was feeling like I had just walked on the moon because the thought of divorcing Rose…. it's put a slight pep in my step.I called back to the office telling them that I would not be available for the rest of the day and to move my schedule till tomorrow.On getting to the bank, I reached out to my account manager handing over the check so that he could cash it and transfer the money to me. He directed me to a lounge to wait while they had all the nitty-gritties I ironed out.Since I was a VIP client it didn't take much time at all and in less than an hour I got the notification on my phone and the man showed up shortly after handing me documentation that the wire was successful. Now that I had more than enough money to get me through this escapade with Rose, I didn't really feel like g
Donald's POV Slightly infuriated, I marched up to the desk angrily confronting the lady.“I was just here a couple of minutes to go and you told me that there were no rooms available yet that man came by and you offered him a room key. Why?!”“Sir… I said that there are no rooms available for you, I didn't say that there were no rooms available in general.” She said tartly.The anger that I was trying to suppress reared its head with a vengeance and I leaned forward, clutching the marble countertop. “Who is your manager? Call me your manager now! I think I need to speak to him because this kind of behavior is not as acceptable. Why would you treat me like that?”It was baffling why they would choose not to offer me a room even after I checked their company page and they treated everybody with respect…why was my case different?“Sir those rooms are for VIP guests. I'm sorry but you clearly are not VIP.” she slid a pointed look my way, focusing on my cheap-looking clothes and shoes. O
I picked up my bag, about to hoist it over my shoulder but Sally stopped me.She snapped her fingers twice and a stoic-looking guard rushed up to her, his hands behind his back with his shoulders ramrod straight as he adopted the military style.“Ma'am?” He's spoken directly to Sally not offering me a glance.“You're to help him with his luggage and show him to his room. It's on the first floor, so ring ahead and get everything ready for his arrival. “Thank you.” She said dismissing him soon after so I tend to other customers. The man finally my way stretching his hands forward. “This way sir,” he took the lead, with me with me walking close to him. He would glance back from time to time as we walked down the hallway to ensure I was following him.We arrived at an elevator and he stopped, pressing a button for the first floor which was where the suite was located.He stared directly in front of him, not bothering to communicate or even start up a small conversation. I kept myself to
Donald's POVThat night, I slept like a baby making sure to switch my phone off so I wasn't interacted by any calls or messages from anybody asking for my whereabouts.For the first time in a long while, I slept in the next morning, waking up a couple of minutes past 10 am.Thanks to the luxurious suites I was in, I had a floor-to-ceiling window in the bedroom which offered me a view of the nighttime and in the evening and also a beautiful view of the clouds and birds chirping in the morning.I sat up on the bed, stretching my hands above my head while I let out a yawn. The nap in the bed was the best one I had in years, the bed feeling like a soft cloud not to mention the sheets made of soft, Egyptian cotton.Now I could see why the rich always wanted to get richer, this kind of lifestyle was easily addictive.I'm sure if I spent a month in this suite, then I would be motivated to work harder than I ever had.I didn't feel like getting up yet so I spent a couple more minutes in bed s
Donald's POV The ‘beep beep’ of the monitors woke me up from my deep slumber.I open my eyes slowly to meet the white, sterile ceiling of a hospital. I knew it was a hospital because it had that familiar disinfectant smell to it…also because it makes sense, given the fact that I was shot at three times a couple of hours before and yeah, I remember every bit of that story.It was like a clip of a very bad movie except this happened to me, the distant yet eerily familiar feeling of being shot invaded my senses and I had to inch my hand up to see if I could check out the wound. “I wouldn't advise you to do that.” A pretty blond nurse wearing scrubs walked in, a clipboard in her hand.“Hel…Hello..” I croaked out, realizing that my throat was as dry as a desert.She must have come to the same realization because she walked over to my bedside, reaching for a cup of water and she handed it over to me.I greedily slurped it down like a greedy man dying of thirst, only stopping when I emptie
David's POV Just like I expected, the media circus around Donald's death blew out of proportion.As I'm packing my bags, the entire area in which Donald was shot had been taped off by the police.Apparently they were opening a case into the incident, searching for who shot him.I would like to feel relaxed on that point but it's just my luck that the homeless guy I usye turned out to be something else.For the rest of the day, I kept on trying his number but he never picked up soon enough, the number became unavailable which I took to mean that he had either discarded of it or he doesn't want anything to do with me anymore. When Boone asked me about the progress report, I lied to him stating that I had taken care of the homeless guy but I knew it was just a matter of time before the police found him and he blurted out the truth…which was why I was booking the next available flight and getting the hell out of this cursed city.The moment I left the borders of the city and I was on my
RoseTo think that it was Donald's death that brought me and my family together, it was mind boggling to say the least.I received the call from my sister early the next morning and to say I was surprised, is an understatement.“Hello, Tanya. Wh-hat's going on?”She was breathing heavily which made me worried. “Have you seen the news, Rose?” She asked.My brows furrowed in confusion. “The news?” I repeated. “No. What news? I'm just waking up!” I say, flipping the covers away from my body so I reach for my laptop.Suddenly the speaker went mute as I could only hear muffled words float through. it seems like she was talking to someone else.I ignored her, checking up on the latest news.I quickly scanned through a number of them, realizing that no one stood out to me. “Tanya, I don't know what I'm supposed to be looking at here but nothing is making sense to me. Can you talk to me and tell me what happened? Is it Mom or Dad? Are they okay?”Immediately, my mind jumped into the worst sce
RoseI knew the exact moment I fell for David all over again was when I heard the words, ‘you’re free to go’.That faithful Tuesday morning, I was laying face up on my cot, thinking of new ways to distract myself from a boring and predictable day when the buzzer sounded.Unlike the last time when I ignored the guard, I turned around to look at him but this time he wasn't holding a tray of food in his hands.He had the bunch of keys in his hands and he was walking slowly towards my room, an unpleasant in his eyes.“Hey, you. Get up!” He boomed loudly, startling me.“I was already up…” I grumbled, flipping my legs around the tiny cot. “Where's my food?”He didn't respond, only grunted and shoved me not too gently toward the bars, handcuffing me. “Move!” He ordered and I obeyed, shuffling my feet.We did the same walk routine, similar to when I visited Donald but this time…it seemed different.“Where are we going?” I twisted my head around to ask him but he just shoved my head forward.W
David's POV Contrary to what Donald thought, I was right there behind him the whole time.He was so easy and gullible. Just one mention of Rose and he came running exactly like I thought.All I needed to do was play the pity card and he sucked it up like a starving man drinking water.It was quite hilarious if I was being honest.I wanted the first location, simply because it would be easier to dispose of him when the homeless guy was done with the job but Donald being a hard ass…he insisted we change it, probably suspicious of my actions. Well, at least he was smart… just not too smart to avoid dying though.My phone buzzed with a text.Donald: Where are you?Me: I'm right behind you. I'll be there soon.When I sent the text, I burst into laughter, muffling the sound.I kept checking my watch, waiting for the homeless guy to show up. This was not the agreement. He was supposed to be here a couple of minutes ago, do the job the moment Donald showed up and get out of here.I gritted
Donald's POV I was woken up by my phone buzzing needlessly.Groaning, I twisted around in bed to reach for the phone only to see a name I never thought I'd see flash across my screen.Immediately my eyes flew open, sleep deserting my mind and I nearly jumped out of bed.Wait, why the hell was David calling me?To make matters worse, shortly after the call ended he dropped the text followed by another.David: Hi, I know I'm the last person you want to talk to right now but I need your help. David: Please respond, it's urgent.I debated, responding, wanting to shrug it off but I sat up on the bed so I could think logically.From the little I've known and observed about David, I know that he's a snake and he's very cunning, always thinking three steps ahead of everyone else which is why it bothers me so much that he's texting me.What the hell does he want from me?While I was contemplating on whether to pick up or respond to his text messages, he sent another.David: Please.Because I
David's POV “Hey guys, do you have any news yet?” I asked barging into the basement. All through the night, I could barely sleep a wink as I tossed and turned, my brain producing new ways on how to help Rose.After I went to visit her, I became spurred on to double down on my efforts and for the past two days, my team and I have been up through out the night, working tirelessly on breaking into David firewalls.At this points, I didn't care about whether it was illegal or not, all you wanted to do is to get Rose out of that filthy place.“We don't have any leads yet.” Shawn spoke up. “We still haven't gotten those parts that we needed and decrypting the messages by hand is taking us way longer than it should. At this point, we'll probably get done by the end of the year.”Groaning, I slapped my hands over my face. “That's not going to work. You're sure there's no other way to get this going faster?”If I could get my hands on some incriminating messages that David exchanged with his
David's POV Popping a chewing gum, I sucked it back in, tapping my feet impatiently on the brakes.I decided to make use of Boone's advice, doing the extra work to cement the plan that I have already started and that begins with…A loud honk from a passing car jolted me out of my thoughts and I popped my head out, raising my middle finger as a response.“Fucking asshole!” I muttered under my breath, stealing a glance at my watch. It's been over an hour and this guy is nowhere to be found.He's got to know that he's playing with his life.I am a gentle and mannered man until I was pushed to the wall forced, to do certain things…one of which is to make good on the threats I told him.A couple of days before I decided to meet with the homeless man who placed the tip in the police station for the cops to find, I spent some hours out of my day to watch him and like clockwork he always appeared at the same time every day.It was tad boring and predictable but it saved me time to look for h
RoseThe minutes turned into hours and the hours into days, each day more horrible than the last.My nightmare of being trapped in here was slowly coming to pass and I was too helpless to do anything to stop it.Reaching out to my family wasn't an option and none of the guards agreed to let me use their phone to make one more call to Donald, leaving me stranded.The food was probably the good thing about the place.I don't know who the chef is but he's doing a really good job of keeping me happy…temporarily though.I sighed for probably the hundredth time, staring vacantly at the ceiling.You know, when you first have your freedom taken away from you, you think that the first few hours or days at the worst but it's not. It's actually quite easy because there is a list of ways you can distract yourself but as the day grows longer, that's when reality sets in and the sadness begins.The possibility that this could become your new normal starts to haunt you and in as much as your mind w