Donald's POV
“Okay sir, but what do you think about this?” My secretary, Luna leaned over the table showing a bunch of new files that I had to sort. The templates we used for the last job got rejected, our client insisting that they were outdated as opposed to the recent ones.
I sighed, perusing the new templates that she'd created. “They're good, better than anything I could have come up with.”
Luna hesitates, peeking at me from the corner of her eyes. “But?”
“But nothing.” I push the templates back to her. “I'm being serious, these designs are really good. If the Fowlers don't like it, then it's their problem, not yours.”
She beamed, relaxing back on her chair. We kept working in silence as I went through some backlog I'd forgotten to clear out in my haste from the previous months. I hadn't told Lana yet but as soon as the ink was dry on the divorce papers, I was hightailing it out of here.
It's not like Rose will want to keep him around so it was best he left, which was why he was clearing up his workload.
Being the manager of a company such as this was a huge task to fulfill and he only hoped the next person would have the capacity to carry it out.
The doors swung inward, cutting his thoughts off, and the last person I expected to where came standing in, claf in a power suit, makeup, and the entire thing.
I stood up at once. “Rose, what are you …?* The rest of my words died on my tongue when David strolled in behind her. “You didn't knock.” I finished lamely.
“I didn't need to.” She smirked. “I figured you'd be in here, which is good because I have some information for you.”
His teeth clenched against his jaw, bristling on the inside but I managed to keep calm. “And what might that be?”
Rose opened her mouth to talk but she caught sight of Luna cowering in a corner and frowning. “You…get out!” She ordered.
Luna didn't hesitate, racing out of the office like her pants were on fire but before she left, she turned around to give me a look I couldn't decipher.
Almost as though she was feeling sorry for me.
David, on the other hand, was smiling oddly and the suit he was wearing… looked new.
Now that they were alone…
“I don't appreciate you barging into my office and talking to my staff like that, Rose,” I say sternly. “If you wanted to visit, you could have told them I'd do some about it. By the way, why are you here?”
Rose set her bag down gingerly on the table. “It's quite simple. I realized that now that I've filed for divorce, there's no reason for you to be here anymore since you're going to be no longer my husband. I'd like you to hand over all your work to Donald.”
My eyes swung over to David who stood behind here, looking smug with his chest puffed out. “Really? You want this position?”
It was highly unlikely but I was intrigued to hear what he'd might say.
David looked around, pretending to be humble even though the proud set of his shoulders didn't come down an inch. “Look, it's no hard feelings man but yeah, when Rose asked, the thought hadn't even crossed my mind. I know that it's a lot of work but with a lot of study and time, I'll be the best manager they ever needed.”
I wanted to laugh in their faces at the ridiculousness of all of it. What David just spouted sounded like something he read off an article on the ‘Net.
Turning my focus away from David, I looked at Rose letting a small smile play around my mouth. “Are you sure about this, Rose? Letting a total stranger with no experience whatsoever rut around the company?” At his words, her mouth stilled around the retort that was on her lips but she recovered faster.
“David is no stranger! I've known him longer than I know you!”
“You knew him back then in college and are getting reacquainted several years later? Do you honestly think that he's the same person he was back then?” I let her stew on that one for a couple of minutes. “What about your parents, did you inform them about this new change? More importantly, did they approve?”
She grew uncomfortable with all his questions, vibrating like a well-tuned fork. “You don't have any right to question the decisions I make! And about my parents, I am the CEO of this company, not them and it is my work and my strategies that has brought about a sweet boom in the sales.” She said defensively. “It's been me, so yes, I will employ and fire whoever I want to.”
“That's right!” David backed her from behind her like the weak and spineless coward he was. He placed his hands on her shoulders, his eyes shining with love. “Rose, here has a good head on her shoulders, so I go with whatever she says.”
“That's because you're interested in kissing her ass ‘cos of the money.” I snarked, sick of the asshole.
Pretending to be chivalrous to win a few points, David walked up to me putting a finger in my face that I desperately itched to break. “What how you talk about her!”
I looked away from him, deciding that he was not worth the mental energy that I'd use to think about him.
Rose’s words echoed in my mind and I couldn't help but chuckle under my breath.
She thought it was her hard work that boosted the company's sales up 50%.
It's laughable because this is the same woman who barely showed up for meetings, briefings, or conferences until I had to drag her to come. The same woman who can't be bothered to add to the creative team's budget because as long as we're bringing in money, there was no need to panic.
If it wasn't for my sacrifices, my sleepless nights spent plotting and dreaming up new ideas on how to grow the company out of the horrible state it was into something as beautiful as this…she might not have a company to brag about.
“If you're certain that you did all this by yourself then I just commend you,” I say slowly, stepping out from behind the desk, all the while staring at her. “I really can't wait to see what else you'll do with it next.”
I got a little bit of satisfaction knowing how uncomfortable she now felt.
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 anyt
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 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