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Chapter 1
GEORGIA, ATLANTA 2017
~SIERRA~
I took a sip of my drink before my eyes roamed. Everything about the day was perfect, sunny, classy restaurant and expensive wine—perfect for a date, right? Only it wasn’t a date—well, maybe for my husband, but not for me.
I placed my glass down on the table as my gaze fell on a couple who I presumed to be on their first date or maybe just trying to have lunch. He pulled a chair out for her, and she muttered something in his ear, which he chuckled at, and he took his seat across from her. He took her hands into his, sweetly looking at her, and he started talking. My eyes wandered back to my husband, who was deep in conversation with his friends.
When I looked at the two women, my husband’s friends' wives, I started to regret coming here. They were engaged in a conversation, talking about business and fashion; I didn’t know anything about it.
I looked back at my husband; I was sure he had forgotten I was even here with him. My fingers danced on the edge of the glass then suddenly everyone at the table stood up and started screaming a name: “Cassie?” They were excited.
My eyes followed the direction of their eyes and I saw a very beautiful, model-shaped woman with copper hair and green eyes. Her curves were in the right places. I instantly felt intimidated. I was the only plus-sized woman here, and now another model joins us.
I took a sip of my wine as I watched them hug and kiss her cheeks, even my husband, who was now clinging to her arms. I cleared my throat as I started to get uncomfortable, and they pulled away.
“I know everyone except for her; who’s she?” The woman asked and my husband pulled out a seat for her, next to him.
“Sierra, Damian’s wife,” Lily answered. The woman nodded and looked at me with a little smile before she turned her attention to my husband, who was lovingly staring at her.
“So Cassie, you got divorced, tell us, was the process easy?” Lily asked and Ava pinched her.
"No Ava, it’s fine, the divorce doesn’t hurt me anymore. I cried, but not anymore. I’m glad I’m over it,” she said, looking at them just for a second before turning her attention back to my husband. She looked back at Ava and everyone at the table, then took my husband’s glass.
“It was very easy, we both agreed,” she said.
“Why did you two get a divorce?” Lily asked and Ava once again tried to stop her.
“We both want different things, one shouldn’t settle for less when they can have the best,” she said and sipped on my husband’s glass, the same glass he sipped on.
Then the conversation went on, they started talking and catching up, and I felt lost. Once again, they disregarded me as they reminded themselves of the old days. Then I decided to do something. I slightly held on to my husband's arm.
“We need to take our leave, husband, I’m not feeling well,” I said. I didn’t lie, as I felt sharp cramps in my ab-domen, I assumed my period was near. He flinched at my touch.
“You can go, I’ll catch you at home,” he said, continuing to admire the woman as she stunned everyone with her accomplishments.
“Damian here is offering me the CEO position in The Winters Company, right, Dami?” She said, still holding his arm, and he nodded while everyone’s eyes looked at me. They realized what my husband was doing was wrong, but they didn't care, they didn't like me even one bit—maybe Lily, but not the four of them, which included my husband.
As everyone turned their attention back to the woman, my husband flattered her.
“I just don’t understand men, how can they afford to lose such a gem, smart, intelligent, and beautiful at that?” He said and once again, everyone’s eyes stared at me, I awkwardly took another sip of my drink.
Did my husband bring me here to embarrass me? I asked myself but as I placed the glass on the table and felt a sharp pain in my stomach.
“Ah!” I screamed, and Lily ran to my side.
“Sierra, are you okay?” She asked as everyone else came to my side, not that they cared as I could make that up from their faces.
“I…I…” I was at a loss for words. A warm tear rolled down my cheek as I stared at my husband, who was still seated chatting with the woman.
“Damian, your wife, I think we need to get her to the hospital,” Lily’s husband suggested.
“Trust me, she’s fine, she’s just being dramatic,” he said, looking back at the woman, and that’s when I felt another sharp pain in between my th-ighs.
“Ah!” Another scream escaped my li-ps, and Lily supported me by holding my shoulders.
“Damian, we’re taking her to the hospital. I don’t know about you, but I will not have peace of mind knowing I watched someone in pain and did nothing,” Lily said and gestured to her husband, who quickly took the hint as he helped her and tried to stand me up. After succeeding, they walked me out, with Ava and her husband following.
As we reached the exit door, I felt another sharp pain in between my thi-ghs. It didn't register much as my eyes promptly closed and I lost consciousness.
******
I woke up to the beeping sound and smell of disinfectant. I quickly looked at my body at the realization, and it confirmed the green hospital uniform.
I felt a stinging pain in my head and I let out a soft discomfort sound.
“Ouch!”
My eyes fell on the IVs connected to my wrists. I almost pulled them off when the door suddenly opened and my husband walked in. Just looking at him reminded me of the reason I married him.
At 6 feet, he is muscular, with hair of medium length with waves that flow elegantly down his back. As my eyes looked at his face, I felt butterflies in my stomach, I always lost myself in his chocolate brown eyes.
I felt my muscles relax, as I realized he didn’t abandon me.
“What happened?” I pretended to ask just to have a conversation, but he didn't respond and instead looked at me with disgust. He always looked at me that way, I was used to it.
“Sierra, she’s back, everything between us ends today,” he said calmly.
Chapter 2
Who?”
"Oh, come on, you know who, don’t act stu-pid,” he said, sounding irritated.
“The woman at the restaurant is Cassie?” I pretended to be clueless. I didn't want a divorce.
"Yes, and she’s back, you know what that means, right?” He looked at me, seeking confirmation, but I played dumbfounded.
“What happens to us, what we’ve built?”
“There’s no us Sierra, when are you going to get that through your head? I’ve never lied to you about my feelings for Cassie,” he said with no emotion in his eyes.
“But you married me, I’m your wife now,” I muttered in a low tone. As much as I wanted to shout, I still felt a lot of pain.
“That’s why I’m suggesting a divorce. You will be compensated for the years you’ve been with me,” he said, and just as I was about to plead, the door opened and a middle-aged man walked in. By his dress code, I easily figured him to be a doctor.
“Mrs. Winters, how are you doing?” He asked, and I nodded.
“We have the results here, as per procedure, we always check for pragnancy in all our female patients.” He paused, then looked at my husband, who looked clueless.
“Congratulations! You’re five weeks pragnant,” he said with a smile on his face—the smile I wanted to see on my husband’s face, but who was I kidding? My husband instead had an angry face, the way his fingers ruffled his waves was proof of it.
“Fck!” He cursed out loud.
The doctor, sensing the tension, said, “I know it’s overwhelming for first-time parents, but trust me, the process emerges from overwhelm to delight.” He then turned to me and said, “I’ll ask the nurse to prepare your leave, please excuse me,” and then he walked out.
When the doctor closed the door, my eyes wandered towards my husband, who was pacing, his hands scratching the back of his head.
“You need to calm down, it's just a baby,” I tried to joke. He turned and looked at me with cold eyes. “You are not happy about the baby, are you?” I asked even when I knew the answer to it.
“Happy? You are not planning to keep it, are you?”
“What?”
“Exactly what you heard, I’ll not be tied down to you. Cassie is back, you can’t have this baby.
“How many times are you going to repeat that? I know she’s back. Now what? I should abor-t my child because she’s back.”
“Yes,” he said with no emotion in his eyes.
“Damian?”
“I’ll arrange an appointment for you, you’ll get an abor-tion, and we’ll pretend none of this happened,” he tried to convince me.
“And what happens to me?”
“Nothing. You'll keep being my wife for as long as you want, but in an open marriage, as you know well what I feel for Cassie.”
“What happens if I keep it?” I asked, wanting to know the consequences of challenging him.
“Then you should get ready to die single. I mean, look at you. Who would marry a woman who is plus size, unattractive, even the expensive clothes you wear don't hide it.”
“You’re wicked,” I said as fresh tears found their way to my cheeks.
“The choice is yours, after all, let me know what it’s going to be,” he said, waiting for my response.
The three years I’ve been married to him were hel-l on earth. I knew what I was getting myself into from the beginning of this marriage but relied on the small hope that glimmered in my heart that one day he would change and love me as much as I love him.
“You can cry afterward as of now, my friends are waiting for me,” he coldly said, his eyes looking everywhere else but at me.
He hasn't even looked at me the way he looked at Cassie today.
“Why do you have sax with me then, when I disgust you?” I asked a question I’ve lived with for the past three years.
“Because I respect myself enough not to cheat, even when I have the opportunity to, but my hor-ny dicck wouldn’t just stay in my trousers, right? That’s where you come in.”
“Damian,” I said his name in a low tone, and the door suddenly opened.
“Mrs. Winters, your papers to leave are ready. Sir, I’ll just need you to put your signature here, and then you can take your wife,” the nurse said as she handed him a paper and pen.
“Yes, while you’re here, can you schedule an abor-tion appointment? We don’t need to tell you the reason we don’t want to keep the child, do we?” He said while signing the papers.
“Yes, but that’s solely the mother’s decision, if she agrees, then we can schedule an appointment right away,” she said, turning to me.
“Of course, my wife and I discussed it already, right, honey?” He turned to me, with a smile. It could easily convince me, but it wasn’t just about me, it was about the baby. I shook my head in disagreement and I heard him curse.
“Fvck! Find your way home,” he said, slamming the door.
I closed my eyes to let the tears in my eyes roll to my cheeks and the nurse came to my side.
“It’s okay, Mrs. Winters, he’s just too nervous right now, he’ll come around. First-time fathers always do this,” she tried to comfort me.
I nodded and placed my hands on my flat belly as I realized life was growing there. Next, we heard a soft knock on the door and Lily came.
“Sierra, oh my gosh, don’t tell me!” She screamed as she noticed my hands on my belly and I nodded.
“Wow! Congratulations!” She said and engulfed me in her arms.
“Wait, If you’re pragnant, then why is Damian so upset?” She asked and pulled away.
“He’s just too emotional, he’ll come around.” I lied, and she nodded while the nurse gave a small smile.
“Do you need help, maybe a wheelchair?” The nurse asked.
“Can I please stay the night? I promise to double the fee if necessary.”
“Of course. You’re still in a little pain, and you don’t need to double the fee, you’re under our care. Please excuse me,” she informed me, then walked out.
“Oh gosh, do you have a name?” Lily asked as soon as the nurse closed the door.
Chapter 3
“We still don’t have a name, but hopefully we will make one soon,” I told her, and she nodded.
“Why are you sleeping here? You can come with us and have the guest room, or why don’t you go to your grandmother? Does she know you’re here?” She asked.
"No, I’m fine here, thank you so much, Lily. My grandmother doesn’t know I’m here.”
“You didn’t get a chance to call her?”
“No, I would rather not,” I said and she nodded.
“Should I come pick you up tomorrow?”
"No, it is fine, I’ll find my way. Thank you so much, Lily,” I declined, as I didn't want to invade her busy schedule.
“Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow then. Call me if you need anything. I have to go now,” she kissed my cheeks before leaving.
When she closed the door, I felt lonely. I have always been alone. Damian never reciprocated my love, but just the thought of him being my husband filled that loneliness, now that he mentioned divorcing me, the loneliness was here.
“He’s just nervous, he will come around,” I convinced myself as my hands reached to my cheeks and wiped away tears. I closed my eyes and focused on sleeping.
*******
“Mrs. Winters, are you ready?” The nurse asked for the fifth time.
“Yes,” I said, taking in a deep breath as she disconnected the IVs from my wrists.
“Please follow the doctor's instructions, no wine or any form of alco-hol until after the delivery of your baby,” she reminded me, and I nodded.
As she was done disconnecting the IVs, I made my way to the bathroom. I cleaned up and changed into my clothes. Done, I walked out of the bathroom, seeing that the nurse was not around. I took my bag and walked out.
I didn't need to go to the receptionist, as everything was already with me, so I went straight out and started searching for a cab.
I looked around, and my eyes fell on a couple. The woman was pragnant, just a few weeks from giving birth. I could easily tell from her swollen belly. The man supported her as he walked her inside the hospital. I adored them for a minute before a cab pulled over and asked me if I needed a ride.
I got inside and showed the driver my location from my phone without saying a word.
My thoughts wandered to my husband, did he perhaps change his mind?
But even deep in my thoughts, I didn't miss the time the car came to a halt as I pulled out a ten-dollar note and handed it to the driver.
“Thank you,” I said and went out. I took a deep breath before I approached my matrimonial home.
Our home was outside town, not my choice. As he said, this was supposed to be their home with Cassie. I tried to make him trade it, but it only led to arguments.
When I was inside, I removed my coat, and once again as I looked around I was reminded of her. Everything, the way the house was decorated, was all in Cassie’s style. I couldn't even change it, as I had no right.
I threw myself on the couch, and that’s when I realized someone was in the kitchen. Curious as Damian was supposed to be at work, I walked to the kitchen, only for my eyes to land on the beautiful woman from the restaurant, Cassie.
“You’re here early, Sierra, right?” She asked, pouring water from the water boiler into a mug. I remained dumbfounded as my eyes caught her nightgown, it was mine.
“Is that my nightgown?” I asked.
“Yes, Damian said you don’t use it anymore, I mean, with your body, I agree,” she responded without care as her fingers played with the spoon. It was true I couldn't fit in the gown as I gained so much weight, but it still didn’t give her the right to wear my gown.
“And you wore it because?”
“Because I didn’t have a gown, or did you prefer I wear Damian’s shirt?”
“What? There are a lot of bathrobes here, you could have used that, and besides, what are you doing here?”
"Oh, spare me, it’s just a gown, and it’s not like it’s you who bought it. I’m not up for an argument right now. If you can’t guess I had a wild night,” she said and attempted to walk out but stopped by the door. “Oh yes, Damian left you the papers by the table, put your signature on it, and let me know once you're done,” she said and walked out.
I didn't stop her as I rushed to the table and saw the documents on the table. With trembling hands, I clasped the documents and read the bolded words out loud.
“DIVORCE AGREEMENT.” I gasped and immediately rushed to the bedroom, following the woman.
“Cassie!” I called her name as soon as I opened the door. She was lying on her back in my bed with a mug of coffee in her right hand and her phone in her left.
“Why are you yelling?” She asked annoyedly as she sat up.
“What’s going on here? Where did you get these documents?”
“Are you serious?”
“I’m very serious. Where did you get these documents?” I repeated myself. I felt my palms burning as I dug my fingernails into them.
“Damian left them, he asked me to give them to you,” she explained, noticing my anger.
“No, he can never do such a thing, you’re... You’re lying to me.” I stammered, and she rolled her eyes.
“Now I see the reason he wants to divorce you,” she said. “You have low self-esteem and zero respect for yourself.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Of course I do. I mean, look around, Sierra, everything in here is designed and decorated just the way I envisioned my dream home to be, from the colors to the furniture, or he didn’t mention that to you?”
“This is exactly the way I like it,” I lied.
“You can lie to someone else but not me, and let me tell you something, Damian is and will forever be mine, I’m here to claim what’s mine. You should sign those divorce documents and leave, or how long do you think he’ll stand seeing your fat, ug-ly body when my sexy one is around?”
“You have no right to say such a thing to me, my husband and I are just having a misunderstanding. We will fix it,” I told her as I walked out. Even when my heart was breaking, I couldn't give her the pleasure of watching me break.
I cleaned the tears from my cheeks as I worked my way down the stairs.
Chapter 4
~DAMIAN~
When Sierra insisted on following me on a lunch date with my friends, I was hesitant. My friends never liked her—only Lily, but the rest didn’t. Wanting to teach her a lesson for being clingy, I agreed.
We arrived, and as usual, my friends and I started talking about law. While Ava and Lily talked about women's things—brands, clothes, or whatever women talk about—Sierra looked completely lost, just like I expected. Everything went well, and then Cassie appeared. Of course, Ava mentioned that Cassie would return, I just didn’t know she was already in town.
She called me days ago to tell me about her divorce. I just wanted to be there for her, I even offered her the CEO position of my company, as it would take a weight off my shoulders. Managing a business, being a lawyer, and being Sierra’s husband was draining.
My heart felt at ease seeing her again until Sierra ruined it with her fake discomfort. Angry, I asked her for divorce just for the doctor to come in with unpleasant news. How could she be pragnant?
I demanded an abor-tion, but it seemed she was trying to tie me down with the baby. I left frustrated, and when I reached my home, I found Cassie. She had nowhere to sleep. I let her sleep in the guest room because I was still married to Sierra and cheating is not my thing.
Cassie asked for a gown since her belongings were still at the airport. I pulled out Sierra’s gown, the one she doesn’t use, as Cassie said a bathrobe was too heavy for her after I suggested it. I called Adrian to send divorce agreement documents first thing in the morning, before going to sleep.
I left this morning, leaving the divorce documents on the table for Sierra so she would get them when she got home.
I was now seated in my office contemplating when my assistant came panting behind Sierra.
“My apologies, Mr. Winters, I tried to stop her,” she apologized.
I couldn’t make out the brown in her eyes, as they were red from crying. My eyes caught sight of her hair, it was no longer dyed, it was back to its original color, copper.
“What the fvck happened to your hair?” I asked as my assistant closed the door, leaving the two of us.
“You want a divorce?” She ignored my question as she wiped away her tears.
“Oh, you thought I was joking?” I asked her, and she shook her head.
“I gave you an option last night, but your stubborn head would not listen.”
“You still love her?”
“Is there a time I told you I stopped loving her?”
“Just answer the danm question, do you still love her?”
“I do, and I will always love her. I just pray for the day you’ll finally come to your senses,” I coldly said. She was getting on my nerves.
“So you’re going to throw three years just like that, even knowing a baby is growing in my womb, YOUR BABY?” She made a piteous face, trying to manipulate me.
“The baby is a mistake, you know I never intended this.”
“But it happened. I know you’re a bit nervous right now, but like the doctor said, it always gets better.” She said with a little smile on her face, “I will do anything for us not to get a divorce, just name it, please. I want us to raise this baby together,” she added, and I let out a sound of annoyance.
“You are never going to get it, are you? I don’t care what you do, whether you keep it or not, what's important is that you sign the divorce agreement.
“Please,” she begged and fresh tears rolled down her already pink cheeks.
“You’re wasting your time, Adrian already sent you one million. I know you don’t deserve it, but still, I can’t just let you walk out as you came, sign the documents, and leave. If I were you, I would go straight to the hospital and get an abor-tion,” I advised.
She was sobbing while I spoke. She constantly wiped her tears, but to no help as more fresh ones were produced.
“Now leave my office before I call security on you!” I yelled as I pointed at the door, and within just a second, she ran out.
I kicked the table stand out of frustration. I sat back in my seat and ran my hand through my hair.
“She is annoying,” I muttered.
I took out my phone and sent a message to my assistant not to disturb me. After that, I buried myself in work and got most things done.
After hours of no break, I realized it was already late. I stood up and started gathering my things, as most people were gone. I walked out to the empty hall, and in the night sky when I reached my car, I got in and started driving to my house.
I reached my home, locked my car, and got inside my house after unlocking the door.
My shoe stepped on something as my eyes wandered around. I saw flowers everywhere. I removed my coat, my eyes still wandering, and then my eyes spotted Cassie. She was in black lingerie, her curves hugged perfectly, her li-ps full and red, and her hair tied in a messy bun with some strands falling on her face.
“Welcome home,” she said as she walked towards me.
I looked around, and my eyes searched for Sierra but they caught a document on the table. I grabbed it and realized she signed it. I felt my che-st tighten when I saw the tear mark on the document.
“What’s this?” I asked, and Cassie smiled as she took two glasses of champagne and handed me one, which I refused.
Chapter 5
~DAMIAN~
I woke up earlier than usual. I looked at the beautiful woman who was in a deep sleep. The sheet barely covered her body, her perfect ass was exposed, and I beat myself for even doubting or caring for Sierra’s leave last night.
I carefully crawled on the bed to her side and started kissing her legs and she giggled.
“Damian… I’m still not awake,” she said, half asleep.
“I know, I’m just trying to cover up your body, I don’t want the people on TV to start gawking at my woman,” I said. She let out a small, attractive laugh.
After securely covering her body with the sheet, I removed strands of her hair from her face. I tugged it behind her ear and kissed her cheek. When I was done, I got up and walked to the bathroom.
I let the tap run as my hands ran through my hair. I took a bath net and started washing my body. When I was done, I closed my eyes to wash off the soap and that’s when I saw her face. Out in the dark, I immediately shot my eyes open, wrapped a towel around my waistline and walked out of the bathroom, straight to my closet.
I was now applying lotion, I looked at the bed, and realised Cassie was not there. Did she perhaps find a hotel? I felt a sense of relief as I looked in the mirror to reassure my look, but I saw her again, SIERRA.
I ran to the bedside table, grabbed my phone, and searched for her number. When I found it, I attempted to dial it, but I remembered what I told her yesterday, so I stopped myself.
“What do you think you’re doing, Damian? It’s good she’s gone. It’s what you wanted, right?” I scolded myself, and just when I was about to put my phone back on the table, it started to ring, I quickly picked it up.
“Sierra?” I said without thinking.
“No, it’s Adrian, Mr. Winters. The divorce has been finalized,” he informed me.
“How? When? I haven’t sent you the final documents yet.”
“Mrs. Robertson sent them to me,” he said, and I nodded.
“Thank you, Adrian,” I said and hung up without waiting for his response.
I dialled Sierra’s number.
“I just need to know if she’s fine, not that I care,” I convinced myself, but my heart ached when the number didn't go through. I tried it again and again, but still got the same response.
I dialled Lily’s number, I knew she knew Sierra's whereabouts.
“Damian, king of heartbreaks. You just never change, do you?”
“Is Sierra with you? Not that I care, of course, but can you put her through or put the phone on loudspeaker? I want...”
“If it’s about the divorce, then don’t worry, give her copies to Lucas, I’ll send it to her,” she sidestepped me.
“What? Where did she go?”
“That is not your business, listen, I have to go now. Have a lovely day,” she said and ended the call. I knew she couldn't tell me anything.
“So Sierra left, but where?”
I quickly rushed to my closet and wore clean clothes. I didn't even get to style my hair and I rushed down the stairs.
“You’re in a hurry?” A teasing voice caught my attention, it was Cassie. She was in one of Sierra’s pyjamas, and looking at her, I could tell she was cooking.
“Yes, I have to rush to... to a meeting.”
"Well, that meeting has to wait as I’ve prepared your favourite, at least I still remember it’s your favourite, right?” She said as she took steps towards me. When she reached my side, her fingers started working on my tie.
“Thank you, but I’ll have to come back early then. I really can’t miss this meeting.”
"Yes, you can, you’re the head,” she said, and ran her nails through my che-st. I felt my dicck stand but got down again.
“I promise to be back early, just after the meeting, okay?” I said, as I kissed her cheeks and ran out. I didn't even hear the last words she said.
As I got in my car, I drove at a fast speed, which made me arrive at my office in just ten minutes.
“Where the he-ll did she go?” I asked myself, as I pulled over.
I hastily got out of my car and ran inside.
“Good morning, Mr. Winters,” my assistant, Jane, greeted. She was probably surprised that I was here so early.
“Good morning, is Lucas here?” I asked her, and she shook her head.
“It’s still six, they all come in at eight,” she said.
“Yes, I know. Listen, call him, and tell him I need him here before seven.”
She looked at me weirdly, as I’ve never done this.
“Do I need to repeat myself?” I angrily said, and she rushed and took the telephone.
“Mr. Lucas,” she said.
“I hope Lucas’s office is open.”
"Yes, Mr. Winters, it was just cleaned,” she responded and continued talking on the phone. I walked out, heading straight to Lucas’s office.
As I reached inside, I pulled out my phone and dialed Adrian’s number.
“Mr. Winters, I’ll send the...”
“Sierra is gone.”
"Yes, I heard you divorced her. Is that not what you wanted?”
“No, I mean a part of me, but now that she’s gone, her image can’t leave my mind, it’s like she’s tormenting me,” I said and roughly ran my hands through my hair.
“Wait, the same Sierra, the plus-sized woman, the mistake of a wife, the...”
"Okay, stop!”
“Alright, calm down. What do you want me to do?”
“Lily mentioned she left, I want to know where she went.”
“Lily didn’t tell me anything, you know how Lily is.”
“I know, but she’s the one who booked her tickets that I’m sure of, so your job is to go home and find out which country Lily bought the tickets for.”
"Okay, sir. I’ll do it, but first I have to attend a meeting with an important client.”
“Ask Bruce to replace you.”
“The client specifically asked for me.”
“Alright, it’s fine, but please don’t forget to do what I’m asking you to do,” I reminded him, and as he nodded, I took out my phone and dialed a number.
“Detective,” I said as the man on the other end picked up. I heard Lucas giggle, and I turned to point at him before I walked out of his office.
Chapter 6
~DAMIAN~
"Yes, Mr. Winters, how are you?”
“I’m doing well, how are you, detective?”
“I’m also well, how may I assist you today?”
“My wife is missing.”
“Sir, Mrs. Winters is missing?”
“No, she’s not missing... I mean, we had a misunderstanding, and she’s nowhere to be found,” I explained. Why did he even care?
“Oh, alright, sir, maybe she’s with her grandmother, or...”
“No, she left the country, I just want you to find out which country she went to.”
"Okay, that’s simple. I’ll get back to you before the end of the day.”
“That’s what I thought,” I said and hung up.
Just as I sat in my chair, I heard a soft knock on my door.
“Come in,” I said, and the person walked in. It was Jane. I ignored her as I searched for a document in my drawer.
“Mr. Winters, you have a meeting with Mr. Fosters at three, I’ll come ten minutes before to remind you. Do you need anything?”
“Clear my schedule for today.”
“Sir your…”
“I said clear it!” I yelled, and she nodded.
"Alright, sir,” she said, sitting back in her chair.
As I exited the firm and got into my car, I drove at a fast speed, not minding the traffic. It only took me ten minutes to get to my destination.
“Mr. Winters, good morning.” Most employees greeted me as I walked in. I just nodded, my focus was to find Lily. I didn't even bother to pass by the receptionist as I walked straight to her office.
“Oh, you don’t even know how to knock?” She complained as soon as I walked in.
“Why should I when I own the building?” I said, and she rolled her eyes.
"Okay, what do you want? If it’s about your girlfriend, I’ll have the one under me contact her about the day she starts and everything.”
“It’s not about Cassie.”
“I’m confused,” she said, unpleasantly batting her eyelashes.
“I see what you’re doing, I’m still your boss.”
“Well, here we’re not talking about the company, right? Don’t forget, I’m your friend too.”
“It seems you're forgetting that you’re just on Sierra’s side, you don’t even want to consider my feelings in this matter.” I tried to manipulate her.
"No, Damian, you know it doesn’t work like that. I always stand by the truth.”
“I know, listen, I fcked up, okay. I just need to know where she is.”
“No, Damian, You didn’t fvck up. With the way you mistreated her all these years, she never once said a word against you, she has been by your side despite your ill-treatment. Who will stand and cook for a man who loves someone else? She doesn’t get the right to decorate her own home, she stands in a space decorated in another woman’s style. That’s Sierra, because I, or any other woman out there wouldn’t. Even with that, she still stood by you, and now your ex is back after what she did to you, and you throw divorce papers at her face, the mother of your unborn child? Not even the dumbest person will do that. I know Cassie is my friend, but with this, I stand by Sierra.”
“I know, I’m sorry, I just...”
“I’m never telling you where she went, you can fire me or torture me, but you need to learn a lesson,” she sidestepped.
“Consider our friendship.”
“I could, but what’s making me furious is you asking her to abor-t the baby that I’ll never forgive. You don’t deserve her, Damian, you don’t.”
“Lily….”
“I’m currently busy, if you have nothing relating to the company to say the door is that way,” she said, pointing at the door.
“You’re asking me to leave?”
“Yes,” she said and looked away.
I could unquestionably terminate her contract considering that the company belonged to me, but I didn't want to lose a friend and the only person connected to Sierra, so I obeyed her and walked out.
“Mr. Winters,” the employees all started greeting me again as I walked through the company corridors.
When I got in my car, I realized the sun was already setting. I took out my phone, and I saw that I had missed over twenty calls from Cassie. I played her voicemail.
“Damian, I don’t know what’s going on with you. I went to your office and didn’t find you there. Jane told me you went to a meeting, but I doubt it. That’s fine, but I’m giving you an hour to get home, otherwise, you will not come find me here.”
As the voice message ended, I started my car without hesitation and drove in the direction of my home. It didn't take a long time before I found myself inside my apartment.
Roses, soft music in the background, and a fresh scent. I stopped in my tracks as I looked around, and my eyes fell on Cassie. She was just in red lingerie, seated on the floor. She was looking at me with disappointment written all over her face. Then my eyes fell on the bottle in her hands.
“Cassie!” I screamed and ran to her side. I forcefully took the bottle from her hands.
“Let me drink,” she said in a sluggish tone.
“No.”
“You were not here before, you were busy searching for her. ”
“I'm sorry,” I muttered.
“Sorry does not solve it. What happens tomorrow? You will still leave me here feeling stu-pid and chase after her.”
"No. Listen,” I cupped her face, and she stared into my eyes expectantly. “I’m going to be the boyfriend you want. I think I just lost my senses for a second, but I’m done.”
“I was scared, I thought…" She started to confess, but I placed my finger on her li-ps to stop her from saying any more words.
Chapter 7
TEXAS, HOUSTON 2017
~SIERRA~
"Shiit, where’s that belt?” I cursed as I started looking for my belt. It’s a challenge for us plus-size women to wear an office skirt without a belt, it makes you look unprofessional.
When I found it, I placed it around my waist. It would also help in case no one wanted to hire a pragnant woman, as my bump was already showing.
“I should register for a yoga class,” I reminded myself as I looked in the mirror. My hands unintentionally reached my bump.
“We need to get this job,” I said out loud, and my eyes caught sight of my hair, it was copper, my natural hair color. Three years ago, I had to dye it to my husband's —well, now my ex-husband’s demand. Lily sent me a copy of the divorce last week.
I’ve been in Houston for two weeks now. I have been looking for a job but with no luck. They all either wanted to be bribed or get into my pants. I was not going to lose my dignity, especially now that I was pragnant.
After I admired my hair in the mirror, I grabbed my qualifications and purse before I ran out. I still didn't know how to get a cab, so I took out my phone and used the GPS to locate the restaurant.
I saw the job opening on social media, and I was confident with this one.
When I spotted the restaurant, which was just a five-minute walk from my small apartment, I breathed in and approached it. There was a lady by the door, so I walked up to her.
“Good morning,” I politely greeted.
“Good morning, ma’am. Welcome to Wine and Dine Restaurant.”
“Thank you, I’m here for the job opening, yes, I saw it on social media.” I smiled.
"Oh, the chef's position?” I could tell she was in shock as she looked at me from head to toe.
“Yes.” I ignored her rude behavior.
“The position is closed. See, that’s the supervisor and right now she’s talking to the new chef,” she said, pointing at the women, and my eyes followed the direction of her finger.
“Please, I desperately need this job,” I begged, but she didn't respond, instead, she looked at me with judgy eyes, like I didn't fit in here. I ignored her, and I approached the supervisor.
“Miss, I understand the position is taken, but I’m willing to do anything, I can even clean. I desperately need this job, please.” I pleaded, and my tears threatened, but I held them back.
“I’m sorry, but we currently don’t have any openings.” She tried to sound sweet, but her tone betrayed her.
“I can do anything —serve, wash plates, please,” I begged, and she started to look uncomfortable.
“Like I said, we don't currently have any job openings, just leave your papers and we’ll call you once we have an opportunity,” she said, faked a smile, and continued to talk to the new chef. I realized nothing I could do would change her made-up mind, so I started to walk away, but she stopped me.
“The CEO’s parking spot is 2B, try to talk to him,” she said and then continued her conversation. I didn't even thank her as I started running. I didn't know where the spot was, but I still ran, as I didn't want to miss the chance.
When I reached outside, I spotted the parking area. I made my way to it even when I didn't know where to start, luckily, I spotted a guard, and I approached him.
“Sir, where's the 2B parking spot?” I asked, but he didn't respond.
"Sir, please help me, it’s urgent.”
“I could help, but your body is not my type, I prefer my ladies to be sexy and slim. Have you heard of the gym?” He teased me.
I felt a cold tear roll down my cheek, and just when I was about to wipe it off, I saw a car reversing my way, and the guard screamed, “Watch out!”
I jumped as I tried to save myself, but I fell to the floor and hit my head, and then everything stopped.
**********
I forced my eyes open, and they wandered to the white ceiling and then the little window. I felt the stinging pain in my head.
“Ouch!” A painful scream escaped my li-ps, and I touched the spot where the pain was coming from.
“Careful.” I heard a manly voice, and unintentionally, I called Damian’s name.
“Damian?”
“No, I’m Gilbert, the man you collided with at the restaurant, remember?” He asked with worried evidence in his tone. He came to my side and helped me sit up. I nodded, as everything was still fresh in my memory.
“I just hope you’re okay,” he said worriedly, and then the door opened. A middle-aged man walked in.
“Good morning, Ms. Reid,” he greeted me, and I nodded.
“We checked for everything, and you’re perfectly fine.”
“And my baby?” I asked as that was my main concern.
“Oh, they are fine.”
“They? I'm having twins?”
“No, they are triplets. Congratulations, Ms. Reid, you’re expecting triplets,” he said, and once again, fresh tears found their way to my cheeks.
“I’ll be right back,” the doctor said, and he walked out.
“Wow! Triplets, congratulations! I must see the men behind this, I need to learn his trick. Where is he?” Gilbert asked, and I wiped away my tears.
“Dead,” I responded. Yes, Damian died the moment I got on that plane.
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” His face changed from that of happiness to that of pity.
“It is okay,” I said, as thoughts of raising three kids stole my mind. How was I going to manage three kids with just a million in my account? I was not going to bother my grandmother with this, but three kids required an assistant. ”
“You’re not too happy about it?” He asked, bringing me out of my thoughts. I nodded, as I was not able to bring out words.
“Listen, life is tough, especially in such a big city. Everyone is fighting a battle. We’re all here struggling with one or two things, but we just have to face it, the aim is to survive.” Fresh tears rolled down my cheeks as he spoke.
“Take me, for example. People assume that I’m living my best life. As the owner of a successful restaurant, I should be good, right? But if you ask me, I would rather live someone else’s life.”
“Why?” I was now intrigued.
“I’ve been burdened with managing a family restaurant that is now going down. My wife just divorced me, I just want to find an honest buyer, but no one wants to bu-y it because it's going down,” he said, and then I remembered the reason I collided with him.
“I’m sorry for the divorce. Are you the CEO of Wine and Dine?”
“Yes, and trust me, it is a burden, especially with this divorce and buyers offering nothing for the restaurant.”
“I was going to talk to you. I wanted a job, but since you are thinking of sell-ing, I might have an offer for you.”
“Really?”
“Yes,” I said as a smile found its way to my li-ps.
“Are you proposing you purchase the restaurant from me at a reasonable price?” He asked with a voice full of hope.
“Yes, it’s a good business, right?”
“A very good one if you know how to manage it,” he said.
I used to help Damian manage The Winters Company, even when it was from home. He had a lot on his shoulders —the law and the company. I did almost everything the CEO was required to do for him, he forced me to learn.
“I’m confident,” I said, as my hands were now caressing my bump. Three babies? It was overwhelming.
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