Laura
I walked into my office with a scowl on my face. My morning had already been soured thanks to a Morrison and just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, I heard my name from behind.
"Laura," Kyle called out.
I froze mid-step and turned, only to be greeted by the unpleasant sight of my ex-husband, Kyle, with Mandy, my so-called best friend who wrapped herself in his arms like a cheap fabric. Their presence together was an eyesore, and I felt my expression harden.
"What brings you here?" I asked with a frown on my face.
"We'd like to talk," Kyle replied.
Mandy was wrapped in his arms in one of her signature body-hugging gowns that left little to the imagination. She kept on staring at me with a smile that read 'I have your man' and I couldn't help but curl my lips slightly into a sarcastic smile.
“Unfortunately, my schedule is packed. If it’s an emergency, feel free to meet with my assistant,” I said curtly and turned to leave.
But then Mandy grabbed my wrist.
“Please, Laura. I know you’re angry, but hear me out,” she said with a faux-apologetic tone. I didn’t even flinch. I’d learned long ago that her mouth was the most deceitful part of her.
“We want to propose a partnership, Bizarre and Morrison Corporation,” she continued. Her tone might’ve aimed for sincerity, but the smug tilt of her lips ruined the act. She spoke like someone who thought she still had leverage. 'What a pity' I thought.
“This is my territory, Mandy,” I said, stepping forward with a cold smile. “You don’t hold any power here anymore.”
Her smug expression finally faltered.
“If you’d bothered to show up for work, you’d know,” I continued. “Your termination letter awaits you at your desk.”
“And if you're wondering whether I can fire you—well, the lawsuit for your little trail of fraud during your time here should answer that.”
I turned my gaze to Kyle. His face was a mix of disbelief and anger. By then, Mandy's arrogance had fully melted into panic and it was a satisfying view to see.
I tilted my head slightly toward the security team at the end of the lobby.
“Now, do yourself the favor of walking out before they help you.”
And with that, I turned on my heels and disappeared down the corridor leaving them both frozen in a silence they deserved.
*******
The day went by smoothly and it was evening in the blink of an eye. I had dinner scheduled with one of Bizarre’s investors who also happened to be a friend of my Dad so I made sure to wrap up all pending tasks before 7 p.m.
Since taking over the reins as CEO, I had to constantly attend meetings, either with top players in the business world or with skeptical board members determined to challenge my position.
My assistant, Amber, sat beside me as Josh drove us to the restaurant that had been booked. I was still in the business suit I wore to work; I hadn’t bothered to change since I was meeting an old friend of my father’s. There was no need to go all out so I simply touched up my lipstick and scrolled through my phone as we made our way to the restaurant.
I'd not had time to check my socials due to how tight the past two weeks had been. Between preparing for the conference meeting with other CEOs and working tirelessly to get approvals for the project to finally kick off, things had been nothing short of hectic. Life as a CEO was no joke but somehow, I was managing to pull myself together. Especially after Kyle.
I was absentmindedly scrolling through i********:, chuckling at a funny reel, when his page popped up. A wave of nostalgia hit me. It was a video from a year ago, one we had taken during a vacation on a secluded island. It had been just the two of us, a whole week that had felt like it belonged to another lifetime.
In the video, I had been lounging in my swimsuit, sipping a cocktail under the sun, when Kyle walked up behind me. His abs were still dripping wet from swimming. He wrapped his arms around me, flashing that radiant smile of his. Just when I had thought he was leaning in for a kiss, my eyes already closed and lips parted slightly in anticipation, he snatched the cocktail from my hand and bolted.
I had laughed really hard. That unfiltered, joyous kind of laughter that only love can stir. The camera was propped nearby and it captured it all—me chasing after him all breathless with a smile until he stopped and pulled me back into his arms like the world outside didn’t matter.
Back then, everything felt right. Everything felt like a dream I never wanted to wake from.
And in that moment, he had held me like he never wanted to let go. And his ever so attractive face came down on me and he kissed me sweetly- A kiss filled with love I wasn’t sure I’d ever feel again.
"We're here miss," Josh's voice brought me out of my thoughts. I quickly exited i********: and after placing my phone in my suit jacket, I stepped out of the car with Amber following behind me.
This restaurant was the best in all of Beverly Hills and it belonged to Mr Johnson, the man I was to meet tonight. A young gentleman who happened to had been waiting for our arrival came forward and led me and Amber to a private room booked on the 4th floor of the restaurant. This floor only had a single room and it was clear no ordinary person could dine here.
We walked into the room together, and I was immediately greeted by the exotic view of a lavishly furnished space. The room was wide and warmly lit by soft night lights embedded in the ceiling, with a grand chandelier hanging majestically at the center. By the side, a pianist played a melodious tune that seemed to calm my nerves as I made my way towards Mr. Johnson, who had already noticed my presence.
“Laura! Or should I say, CEO Blackwood. It’s such a pleasure to see you,” Mr. Johnson greeted enthusiastically.
“The pleasure is mine, Mr. Johnson. Thank you for having me,” I replied politely.
“Oh, don’t mention it. The last time I saw you, you were just a little girl running around with Lincoln. And now, look at you running one of the most successful empires under the Blackwood name. You’ve grown up so much,” he said with a proud smile.
My father had mentioned Mr. Johnson to me recently, telling me he was back in town after years abroad. He was one of my father’s close friends, though I barely remembered him. I’d been too young the last time we met.
“Come, have a seat. Waiter, bring in the dishes,” he called out loudly. His warm demeanor put me slightly at ease. My father had also told me Mr. Johnson would likely propose a partnership tonight, but he seemed more thrilled to see me than interested in business.
“So, how have you been, dear? When I heard you were back, I told myself I had to return and see you in person. You've really come a long way,” he chuckled with excitement.
“I’ve been well, thank you. Taking the reins of the company is a lot to tackle, so it’s been a lot of work lately,” I replied lightly.
Amber was seated at the far end of the room, chatting with Mr. Johnson’s assistant who had followed us in, and I was left alone at the table with Mr. Johnson. As we made small talk, I began to notice something odd. He kept asking about me personally, rather than anything related to the company.
Just as I was about to steer the conversation in a different direction, the door to the private room swung open, and a young man in a silver suit walked in.
“Dad. Sorry I’m late," He said to Mr Johnson.
He turned his attention to me and for a second our eyes met.
"Apologies for coming late for our date. I hope I didn't keep you waiting?"
"Date? " I glared hard at him.
What the f**k was going on?