Confusion. That was what Joy and Billion felt. They were still trying to process Joy screaming so loudly when a knock on the door startled them."Mr Boulevard, is everything okay?" Billion's secretary asked and immediately entered his office."Sure, everything is okay." Billion replied."I heard the scream and I rushed to find out what the problem was." the secretary replied, her eyes fixed on Esther."You don't have to bother yourself. Our friend here, Esther, just received really terrible news, so she just needed to let it out." Joy explained."Oh, I see. I'm really sorry about whatever it is she's going through. I'll leave you guys to comfort her." the secretary said and left.Esther had stopped screaming, she just sat in her chair weeping profusely. After exchanging looks, Joy went over to console her. She moved one of the chairs so she could sit in front of Joy, however, she still maintained a reasonable distance so it wouldn't seem like she was crowding in Joy's personal spa
Esther paused. She stood in front of her cousin's door but somehow, she couldn't get herself to ring the bell.She contemplated knocking instead, but she hesitated, she couldn't believe she was about to go through with the plan.It was a plan she had come up with, but if she had been told a week ago that she would be standing in front of Thelma's door and about to test her fiance, she wouldn't believe it.The plan was simple. She would go to her cousin's house, hide and then Thelma would invite Xavier over.When he got there, Thelma would look for a way to make him reveal a bit of his plans to her and she was convinced he would because he was already opening up bit by bit to her.Esther couldn't believe that, not only did Xavier not really love her, he was willing to disrespect her by having a thing with her cousin.A part of her wished everything they had planned out would go accordingly, but a tiny part of her still wished it would all be a lie, but in her mind, she knew better.
It was a cool evening. Joy definitely did not like Xavier, but she couldn't deny that his choice of hang out spots were always top notch.She had gotten off work about thirty minutes ago and Xavier had asked her to meet him up.The place they had met up was a serene environment perfect for an evening hangout.The park was quiet and peaceful and had a beautiful view. Also, there was plenty of natural beauty to admire.She and Xavier were sitted on a grassy field with a few scattered trees and some flowers blooming.The sun was just beginning to set, casting a warm, orange glow over the landscape. The air was still and calm, with only a light breeze blowing gently through the trees.In the distance, Joy could hear the gentle sound of a stream trickling softly, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.As she sipped on her cold drink and munched on the snack that Xavier had gotten them, she couldn't help but picture coming back to this park with someone she truly loved and cared for, Billion.
"Here's the plan. Joy, you'll tell Xavier you'd send the money via check and you'll be really busy, so, you won't be able to give it to him personally, you'll tell him you'll send someone you trust to give it to him. Esther, you'll meet up with him. Both of you will discuss and then, I think you should show him the recording between him and Thelma.It doesn't matter how much he begs or tries to deny it, you'll end things with him and let him know he won't be getting a cent from you, are you okay with that? Do you think you can go through with it?" Billion asked."Well, I guess so." Esther answered."We need you to be certain. We know it won't be easy, but if you feel you will not be able to go through with it, or you'll be too uncomfortable, we can come up with another plan." Joy said."I can do it." Esther affirmed."Alright then, that's settled." Billion said."So, who would I be sending to deliver the check to him?" Joy asked."You will not be sending anyone. You'll give him no che
There was no answer to that question.The absence of conversation was particularly noticeable because of the previously lively discussions they were having before Esther left.The silence seemed to stretch on endlessly, making Billion and Joy feel awkward and uneasy.The silence felt like an eternity, and Billion decided to break it, "So, how's it going with the LXY project? I haven't heard any updates recently." he asked."Sorry?" Joy responded."The LXY project." Billion repeated."Yes, about that, we've been making good progress. We have completed most of the major milestones and are on track to meet the deadline." Joy answered."That's great to hear. Can you give me a bit more detail on the progress?" Billion asked. He didn't want that awkward silence to return, so he needed this conversation to linger."Of course. We have successfully completed the first phase of the project, which involved extensive research and analysis. We also have completed the development of the key feature
"How was your day?" Esther asked."It was okay. I've been working on different business ideas and seeing which would work best in different geographical locations." Xavier said."What a lying bastard." Esther was tempted to say, however she didn't."That's good. I'm so proud of you. You just got laid off and you're already working on something new. You're such a hard worker." Esther replied."Thank you. I'm working hard so I can be the type of man you deserve." Xavier responded.Esther didn't respond to that, she simply smiled. She proceeded to tell him how her day went, but soon, it was clear Xavier was getting anxious and bored.Esther was surprised she didn't notice how he easily got bored when he was with her. How could she have missed it? He wasn't even trying to hide it.He kept looking away and avoiding eye contact, he was fidgeting and shifting in his seat.Whenever he felt she was talking for too long, he kept Interrupting or finishing her sentences in an attempt to speed up
"I can explain!It's not what it seems like. I know I went to her place without telling you, but trust me, there's an explanation for that." Xavier said.Esther ended the recording which was playing, crossed her legs and focused her attention completely on Xavier, from her facial expression, it was clear she didn't believe him."Xav, I never said it was you and the recording has not even gone half way, what exactly isn't what it seems and why're you trying to explain when I haven't asked for an explanation?" Esther asked."Baby, please. We both know that's my voice and that's Thelma's voice. I can't believe she was recording us!" Xavier screamed"Why do you seem so bothered by the fact that she was recording the conversation? Did you say something you don't want me to know?" Esther asked."Of course not, whatever I said at her place that day, I can always say it to your face. Esther, please tell me, what exactly did she tell you and how much of our conversation from that day did she r
Esther stumbled out of the dimly lit bar, her face contorted with anguish. Tear-stained trails streaked her cheeks, mingling with the remnants of once-flawless makeup. Her chest heaved with every breath as she fought to contain the sobs that threatened to escape her trembling lips. With disheveled hair cascading around her face, she appeared as a tragic figure caught in the midst of a personal storm.Her eyes, usually vibrant and full of life, now held a profound sadness within them. They glistened with unshed tears, reflecting the pain that consumed her soul. The weight of heartbreak bore down on her shoulders, causing her once-confident posture to slump in defeat. Each step she took seemed to carry the burden of shattered dreams and lost love.Her attire, once meticulously chosen, now looked haphazard and disarrayed. The elegant dress that once accentuated her curves now clung to her form as if it mirrored her vulnerability. Her high heel clicked against the pavement, echoing the em