The rest of the time in the office, Mallory tried her best to remain calm and avoid getting on Wilder's nerves again. Despite how much it hurt her, she forced herself not to look at him and ignore the fact that he couldn't recognize her.
Arlo and the other manager filled him in on some urgent issues. Then, they talked about his meeting with the board members happening in an hour.
"Has everyone been duly informed and prepared for the meeting?" Wilder asked.
"Yes, sir. I made sure to send a reminder email to every one of them yesterday." Mallory replied as quickly as she could, avoiding eye contact with him.
She gulped tersely after that.
"Get everything set, then."
They spent quite sometime in the cozy office, until finally, Wilder dismissed them.
The moment Mallory got to her desk, she hastened to the restroom. She wasn't pressed or anything but simply needed an isolated place to cry.
Approaching the restroom, her steps became increasingly unsteady. She got into one of the room and collapsed to the floor, her body wracking with sobs as she let go of all the emotions she had been holding in. It was as if a dam had burst as her tears flowed freely, soaking her cheeks and the cold thighs beneath her. Her cries echoed off the walls, and in that moment, she felt utterly alone, lost in her despair.
For seven years, she looked for him, cried for him, and hoped for his return. For seven years, she lived in the nightmare of losing him and at some point, feared something bad might have happened to him. So, how was he overseas the whole time? And how couldn't he recognize her? What the hell happened to her Wilder?
For a long time, she cried within the walls of the restroom. She's never felt so broken, so dejected. The pain was even worst than when he'd left, 'cause it was more painful having him in front of her but not being recognized.
Finally, as her tears began to subside, she slowly rose from the cold hard floor, her fingers trembling as she gingerly wiped the remnants of her tears from her face. A sense of calm washed over her, tho, she knew that pain would never go away.
She ambled to one of the washbasins, and as she washed her hands while staring at the wall mirror in front of her, she made a resolution. She was going to hire a private investigator to carry out a search on Wilder. Yes, that was the best thing to do. She had a good friend she was sure would do a good job for her. She'd carry out a search on Wilder and know what really happened to him.
She put her hands under the hand-drier and made sure there were no traces of tears on her face. Just when she was about leaving, the door of the restroom went open, revealing Arlo. Mallory flinched upon seeing him.
"Mr Arlo?" She furrowed her brows. "What are you... doing here? This is the female restroom."
Arlo, his hands dipped into his suit pockets, glanced round the place with a grin on his lips.
"Well," he shrugged, looking at Mallory. "I kept waiting at the door, hoping you'd come out. But you were taking too long."
Surprise washed over Mallory. He had been waiting for her? A hint of his intentions lingered on her, but she waved it aside, not wanting to think about it.
She watched unsteadily as Arlo walked towards her. "What was the meaning of that display you put up at the CEO's office, Mallory? Did you really know him from somewhere?" He titled his head.
Mallory creased her brows and shook her head.
"It's nothing," she tried walking away, but Arlo gripped her hand, making her stop.
"Now, calm down, will you?" He teased. "If it wasn't for me, covering you up every now and then, you'd have probably been fired by now."
Mallory took a deep breath. "I really think you should let me go. We're in the female restroom, and I wouldn't want anyone to find us here and have the wrong impression."
"And what if they do?"
Mallory was stunned. She tried freeing her hand from his grasp, but it was futile and too firm.
"Can you let me go?" She groused.
Arlo chuckled, loving the fact that she couldn't get away.
"Relax Mallory; the last thing I'd do is eat you up," he grinned. Then, with his other hand, he dipped his fingers into his hair with a sigh.
"You know you're special to me, right? And you know I've always admired you. Go out with me, I promise you'll never regret it. You know me, Mallory; I was the previous CEO before Wilder showed up. You were new in the company, but I had chosen you as my secretary. Can't you see I have good intentions for you?"
Mallory blinked severally. If only he knew the pain in her heart, he wouldn't bring that up.
"Please, Mr Arlo, I need to..."
"What exactly is the problem, huh?" Arlo cut her off, desperation kicking in. "Take a look at me - I'm young, I'm rich," he scoffed. "You'll never have a problem with money. Just go out with me, even if it's for a night."
"That will never happen," she gritted at him. Hearing a night from him made her eyes glint with so much anger.
"I acknowledge the fact that you've helped me a few times, but I never asked for it, Mr Arlo. I had no idea you even had such thoughts in your head, not until few weeks ago. There are many other beautiful ladies in this company, so please, pick someone else and just let me be." She struggled to break free from his grip, but he didn't let her go.
"There is no woman as beautiful as you are, Mallory," his eyes shadowed with lust. "And even if there is, I still want you. Badly."
"Well, that will never happen. Now, let me go!" This time around, she struggled with all her might and was finally able to pull her hand from his grip.
She became more upset, panted heavily and tried going to the door, but Arlo still pulled her back. His eyes simmered with rage.
"You know what they say about biting the finger that fed you?" He grumped. "Don't try that with me, Mallory; 'cause you'll regret it. Trust me."
"I'm never regretting it. Now, let me go!" She pushed him off, making him stumble backwards.
Throwing a sharp glare at him, she opened the door and scurried out of the restroom before he'd reach for her hand again.
She returned to her desk and took in a deep breath, fear still washing over her over Arlo's display. It all started two weeks ago. For the past two weeks, he's been rubbing it in her face that she was only there because of him. He's been making her feel indebted, and that her body was the only form of payment he needed. This made Mallory anxious because she learnt Arlo was Wilder's cousin and had his influence in the company. Why did she have to be so unlucky?
She lowered her head on her desk in pain, trying to overcome the conflicting thoughts in her head.
Mallory was already set for the meeting ahead of time. She got ready everything Wilder would be needing - some files and all. The meeting was very crucial as it was his first as the acting CEO. With poise and fitness, Wilder stepped out of his office when it was time. Mallory rose to her feet as quickly as she could, taking the arranged files on the desk into her hands. Wilder didn't spare Mallory's desk a glance as he walked past her, expecting her to follow. Trailing after him, Mallory couldn't help but stare at him as if he were a god. He looked too dashing in his designer suit; too perfect. He used to be hers...When they got to the open workspace, Mallory could tell her colleagues over there already heard them coming as they were seeming too busy and focused on their work. She caught them stealing glances at Wilder as they walked by. The meeting was taking place on the twentieth floor. So, Mallory and Wilder had to make use of the elevator. She stood behind him in the elevat
Mallory was about questioning the lady when the CEO's door opened, revealing Wilder. His presence was abrupt and interrupted the tensed atmosphere.Mallory saw how the strange lady forced herself to composure the moment she saw Wilder. Pulling a smile, she ran to him, her heels clacking hard against the floor."Wilder!" She beamed, giving him a hug.Mallory felt her heart skip a beat. Her throat got constricted and she had to take a very hard gulp. Did she know Wilder? Why was she giving him a hug?Wilder glanced at Mallory before looking away."Safiya," he called, pulling away from the lady's hug. "What are you doing here? You didn't tell me you were coming.""Seriously?" The lady chuckled, walking her hand on his chest. Mallory could see so much obsession and lust in her eyes. "Do I need to call the love of my life before showing up at his office?"Mallory couldn't stop the shock from reflecting in her eyes as she watched them, even Wilder noticed. Who was she to him? There was no w
Ronan had a bright smile on his face as he stared at the love of his life. He was the very picture of understated elegance.He was dressed in a plain black trouser that clung to his tall lean frame, with his crisp white long-sleeved shirt tucked into it. He had rich sleek hair that fell in thick waves, just enough to be ruffled by a playful breeze. And his face was perfectly sculpted to charm it's way into the heart of anyone.Man was facially and financially handsome.Mallory's heart summersaulted in her chest as he advanced towards her. Her hands turned damp from sweat.Everyone was present. Her grandma, her kids, Isla, and two of Ronan's friends. Although, Isla had a glum on her face. Her grandmother looked the happiest.Her breath caught up in her throat when Ronan got close enough and went down on one knee. God, no! Not now.His eyes, a deep and soulful
Ronan had his hand wrapped around Mallory's wrist as he walked her out of the house and stopped in front of his car. He let go of her wrist, inserted his both hands into his side pockets and darted his eyes around, taking a deep breath.Mallory felt a quickening in her chest. That gesture of his. He was definitely angry.She stayed quiet and just watched him for a long minute until he was finally able to pull himself together."Sorry about all of this." He finally said, his eyes on the ground. "I should've... I should've done this in private, maybe. You wouldn't be exchanging words with your grandma right now.""Stop blaming yourself, okay?" She spoke soothingly. "My grandma has always been like that, not just because it's you. And I'm sorry I turned down your proposal. I'm just not ready right now...""Hey, it's fine." He reached for her hand. "You don't need to explain anything. I should've waited, and I'm ready to keep waiting."Mallory had a heart-thumping moment right there. Was
Krester aggressively uncorked the wine bottle, swiftly filling a glass with it's crimson contents. He grabbed the glass and almost emptied it into his mouth. "Careful, Krester. Don't forget we still have work tomorrow." Kreeya reminded, resting her head on the bar counter which was just beside the living room. "Oh, fuck it. Fuck work. Fuck the company." He emptied the last content in his glass and reached for more. "Frankly speaking, I hate that I'm a part of this family.""Watch your tongue, Krester. The Pembertons are the most powerful family at the moment. Do you have any idea the thousands praying to be in your position?" Their mother scolded him, showing up in the living room and walking towards them. Krester rolled his eyes halfway and swigged from his glass. In no time, Valerie was with them, but didn't sit. "I understand things aren't going your way right now. But that's the point. Nothing good comes easy." She added. "Well, having a sane grandmother would have made t
The following morning, Mallory got the kids ready for school, and herself ready for work, as usual.She had breakfast with the kids in the room because she didn't want to sit with Heather at the dining and listen to her nags.Done with the kids, she proceeded out of the house but was greeted by Ronan's familiar car parked some feet away.Mallory paused to throw a keen look his way. Good lord! Why was he there so early?He was robed in a plain white curve-hugging shirt, which was tucked neatly into a pair of black tailored pants. His relaxed hair had a sheening texture. And man, he looked handsome.Mallory advanced forward and stopped in front of him."Good morning, uncle Ronan," Cassius and Lyra chorused happily."Hey... look at these cute pumpkins," Ronan leaned over, enough to tousle their hairs with his fingers.They giggled."Hi." Mallory tucked some strands of hair behind her ear. "Seems you're getting fond of coming over without informing me lately," she added a subtle chuckle.
Getting into the company, Mallory hurried pass her colleagues' place because she wasn't in the mood to fake laughter and smiles. She knew they'd definitely question her about it, and perhaps, she'd be ready for that time.She reached her desk and glanced at Wilder's office to know if he was there yet. Able to spot him from the large, glass-made transparent door, she confirmed he was in.She exhaled deeply, preparing herself to go meet him.She'd be lying if she said it wasn't difficult, addressing her ex-husband like her boss. A man she had been waiting on her whole life.She went for the door, knocked and walked in when he answered.He was there on his seat, an aura of authority surrounding him. His suit jacket was casually draped over the arm of his chair, leaving him in his crisp white shirt, elegantly tucked into his sleek black trousers.It was undeniable that he exuded an undeniable handsomeness. Good lord! Mallory was almost tempted to run into his arms. She wanted to lay on hi
The realization struck hard at Mallory. What the hell?! What did she do?Clam chowder was indeed, his favourite. What she didn't realize was that getting it for him would raise suspicions. She was used to getting him what she knew he liked. It happened effortlessly.But... How did he remember Clam chowder was his favorite? If he'd forgotten her, wasn't he supposed to forget that as well?"Miss Harrington?" Wilder called when she kept mute.She dropped her gaze to the floor immediately, her heart pounding heavily in her chest.God! She wanted to say it to him. She wanted to tell him she was aware it was his favorite because she had learnt how to make it just for him. She wanted to tell him it was a meal they'd walk for hours just to get at Curry-N-Spritz. And oh! Those evenings they'd sit under the moonlight and have naughty discussions while scooping some of it. She'd give anything to go back to those moments.She parted her lips to speak, but the opening of the door interrupted her.