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Joanna Stories Library, Lokogoma ll, Lokoja (2026)

06/01/2026

🩶✨ THE OTHER SIDE OF DESIRE ✨ 🩶

✨In love with a stripper ✨

_______🥀 Chapter 21🥀__________

Camilla walked back wall side and picked up her phone on the floor.
The screen was cracked. A thin line ran across it from when she threw it earlier. It still lit up, slow but working. She stared at it for a moment, clearly annoyed. She’d change it later.

She scrolled through her contacts and tapped a number.
It rang...
Once...
Twice... Then more before it ended.

She frowned biting her lips with impatiens. She dialed again. On the third ring, the call connected.
“Where are you?” Camilla said immediately “Why didn’t you pick up my call?”

There was silence on the other end. Then a deep voice came through, calm but firm.
“Camilla” Ethan said “Is there a problem?”
She realized too late how sharp her tone had been and she softened instantly.
“No” she said quickly “I just… I was missing you. I called and you didn’t pick up and I got worried” her voice dipped, almost pouty. She had never lose her composure Infront of Ethan. She had always been the soft spoken and kind Camilla to him and just for a few seconds, she almost ruined that image.

Ethan sighed lightly “I’m fine” he said “I told you earlier. I’m out with my friends”
Camilla closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead. S**t! She forgot he told her already.
“We’re playing golf” he continued “You know I do this sometimes. Today just happens to be one of those days”
She felt like slapping herself right now.
“I’m so sorry, baby” she said softly “I forgot”
There was a brief pause.
“It’s okay” Ethan replied “Just don’t overthink”
" I won't " Camilla replied and then talked for a while before camilla ended the call.
Her chest still felt tight. Talking to Ethan hadn’t calmed her the way she hoped. If anything, it made things worse because she can't see herself living if she loses Ethan.. especially to Donna after she took Ethan from Donna.
She stood still for a second. Then her eyes hardened.
She needed to see Donna. She needed to make sure Donna stayed gone forever or far away.

Camilla grabbed her handbag and walked out of her room.
In the sitting room, Elise was stretched comfortably on the sofa, flipping through her tablet. The butler stood nearby with a tray of snacks.
“Where are you going?” Elise asked without looking up.
Camilla didn’t slow down “I’m meeting Patricia. From the Washington family”

Elise glanced at her briefly “Be careful”
“I will mother” Camilla replied smoothly.
She walked out before any more questions could come.
Outside, she got into her car and drove off.
She had known where Donna lived for years now through Rico, who made sure she gets update about Donna but now that he has been arrested, she will have to do this herself.

When she arrived at the apartment building, Camilla stepped out of her car like she owned the place. Her heels clicked against the pavement as she made her way to the entrance.
She walked into the building and stepped into the elevator. A few people were already inside and she hated it immediately.
The air felt tight and small. She turned her face slightly away with a clearly disgusted face.
When the elevator finally stopped at Donna’s floor, Camilla stepped out without a word.
She walked down the hallway with her chin high and stopped in front of the door she knew too well.

She knocked once then twice and waited for a response. After a short pause, the door opened and
Donna froze.
Her hand stayed on the door handle and her body stiffened like she’d seen a ghost. She never expected to see Camilla here. It has been years they have face each other this way.

Camilla smiled slow and bright. Her red lips curved perfectly
“Hi, cousin” she waved

Donna reacted fast and tried to close the door.
But Camilla was faster. She pushed the door hard and made Donna stumbled back, losing her balance as the door slammed open.
Camilla stepped inside without waiting for permission.
“ we need to talk” she said arrogantly while looking at the disorientated Donna on the floor.

Donna pushed herself up from the floor, anger flashing across her face. She can never forget what Camilla has done to her. She glared at Camilla.
“There’s nothing to talk about” Donna said sharply. “You need to leave”

Camilla laughed softly in a mocking tone. She didn’t move.
“Oh, relax” she said, waving a hand “I just wanted to see you”

Her eyes slowly scanned the small living room. The plain couch, the bare walls and the simple looking furniture around.

Her lips curled “It’s almost… humbling” Camilla said “Seeing how you live now”

Donna clenched her fists “You came here just to insult me?”
Camilla stepped further inside, heels clicking against the floor like she owned the space. She turned in a slow circle looking unimpressed.
“I came to make sure” she said lightly “To see things for myself”
“See what?” Donna snapped while glaring at Camilla.

Camilla stopped and looked at her. Really looked at her...from head to toe. She still has that unchanged beauty and she felt like scratching that face of hers.

“That you’re still nothing” she said calmly “Still struggling. Still exactly where I left you”
Donna clenched her jaw and her nails dug into her palms.

“You don’t get to say that” she said. Her voice shook, but she didn’t back away as she stared at Camilla with hatred “You don’t get to stand here and judge my life” because she was here because of them. And seeing Camilla kept bringing back memories she tries to bury so hard.

Camilla tilted her head, amused “Oh, but I do” she replied. “Because no matter how hard you try, you are always going to be at the bottom”

She gestured around the room again “ just like this pitiful place of yours and your pathetic life”

Donna took a step forward. She was done with all this treatment “At least it’s mine” she said “I’m not stealing what belongs to someone else”

Camilla’s smile stiffened for a split second. Just a crack then it was gone.

Her eyes narrowed "Careful with your words, Donna. No one stole from you”

Donna let out a bitter laugh “Careful?” she repeated. “You should be telling that to yourself”
She took another step forward. Her hands were shaking now, but her voice grew steadier as she tried to suppress her anger.
“ do you want to lie to my face right now?”

Camilla crossed her arms trying not to feel intimidated by Donna “I don’t have time for your drama”

“Oh, but you made time for it years ago” Donna shot back. “When your family decided mine was disposable”

Camilla’s expression darkened “Don’t drag my family into this”

Donna’s eyes burned.
“They dragged themselves in” she said “ you all took our house. Our business. Our name. Everything my parents worked for”

Her voice cracked for a moment, then hardened “We went from living comfortably to trying to survive. And you stood there and watched. Now you're coming here to mock me?”

Camilla scoffed “That wasn’t our fault. You should blame your incompetent parents...” She didn’t get to finish when she was interrupted.

“SHUT UP!” Donna screamed. Her eyes went red with rage.

The sound tore through the small apartment. It was sharp and loud. It startled Camilla so badly she flinched.

Donna stepped forward again, her whole body shaking now.
“Don’t you ever talk about my parents again like that” she yelled “Not with that filthy mouth of yours”

Camilla took an instinctive step back.

“I want you to leave” Donna continued, her voice trembling with barely controlled fury “Get out...Now. Before I do something I can’t take back”
Her hands were clenched so tight they hurt. Her breathing was heavy. She looked dangerous in that moment. More like she is so done with the oppression.

Camilla stared at her, stunned. This wasn’t the Donna she remembered. She has always been quiet, careful and always backing down to keep the peace. Always swallowing her pain.
But this Donna wasn’t swallowing anything.
For the first time since she walked in, Camilla felt fear.

She straightened quickly, forcing her shoulders back, trying to regain control.
“Tch” she said with a stiff laugh “Look at you. Still so emotional”
But her voice lacked its earlier confidence.She grabbed her handbag.
“You should calm down” she added coolly “This kind of temper is exactly why you’ll never amount to anything”
She moved toward the door, then paused.
“And don’t get ideas, Donna. About the past. Or about what doesn’t belong to you anymore”

Donna didn’t reply. She just stood there, her eyes blazing, watching her.
Camilla opened the door and walked out, heels clicking fast against the floor this time. The door shut behind her with a loud bang.

Donna stood there for a moment. Then her legs finally gave way and she sank onto the couch, her chest rising and falling.....
........

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01/01/2026

Happy New Year, my lovely and amazing readers ☺️ 🤍
Thank you for reading, supporting, commenting and staying with my stories.
This year, I’m bringing more drama, more romance, more chaos 😌
Let’s do this together😁😁

30/12/2025

🩶✨ THE OTHER SIDE OF DESIRE ✨ 🩶

✨In love with a stripper ✨

___________ 🥀 Chapter 19🥀____________

Hi lovely readers ☺️, I'll try to make the chapter a bit longer since I noticed the ones I've been posting is a bit short...
_____________________________________________

The lobby went quiet...
Tasha noticed the change around and turned and there he was.

Her face changed instantly. The anger melted away, replaced by something softer. ..hurt...wronged and delicate.
"Oliver” she said, stepping forward while she called him like she was very familiar with him.

Mark moved before she could get close.
“Ma’am” he said flatly, blocking her path.
Tasha blinked at him, looking offended “I need to speak with him”

Oliver stopped.

His eyes swept the lobby, took in the receptionist’s stiff posture, the stares, then landed on Tasha.
His expression didn’t soften.
“What’s going on here?” he asked, clearly annoyed.

“Sir, this woman” the receptionist began, relief flooding her voice “doesn’t have an appointment with you and has been causing a disturbance”

Tasha turned back to Oliver quickly.
“That’s not true” she said, voice trembling just enough “I came to see you and they treated me like I was a nobody”

Oliver looked at her.
“I don’t recall scheduling anything with you” he said calmly.
Tasha’s smile faltered for just a second.
“You said you’d get back to me” she replied, forcing a small laugh “I waited and You didn’t call”

" That doesn’t give you the right to cause a scene in my building” Oliver said coldly.
Her fingers curled around her bag.
“I just wanted to talk” she said softly “Is that so wrong? After what happened....” she tried to use that night to guilt trip him.

Oliver didn’t answer right away.

Mark glanced at him, already reading the situation.
“This is a corporate office” Oliver finally said “Not a place for threats or noise”
Tasha swallowed.
“I didn’t mean....”
“If you want a meeting” he continued, cutting her off “you book one properly. Like everyone else”
The distance in his tone stung.

Mark stepped slightly closer “Security will es**rt you out if there’s any further disruption”

Tasha felt embarrassed.
The heat creeping up her neck. And the weight of eyes on her back didn't make it easy.
She forced a small laugh, brushing invisible dust from her sleeve.
“I only wanted to clear something up” she said lightly “About that night at the club.....”

Oliver didn’t let her finish.
“Mark” he said without looking at her, already turning away “handle this”
And that was it.
He walked past her toward the elevators, long strides, no hesitation. The doors slid open. He stepped in without a glance back.
The doors slide closed.

Tasha stood there, frozen in embarrassment.

Mark’s voice cut in " miss, you should leave”

Her jaw tightened. She straightened her shoulders, lifting her chin.
“I was leaving anyway” she snapped, turning on her heel.
She walked out on her own, heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. But the moment the glass doors shut behind her, her composure cracked.
Her hands shook in anger as she unlocked her car.

Did he know?

The thought slammed into her chest.
Had he figured out she wasn’t the woman from that night?
And if he had… then who did he think it was?
Donna.
The name surfaced uninvited.
Tasha grabbed her phone and dialed.
It rang once then twice.
“Hello?” Donna’s voice came through, bright and... Happy.
Too happy.
Tasha frowned “Why do you sound so happy?”
There was a pause, then a soft laugh.
“Because I am” Donna said “Tasha, come over. I have something to tell you. Something worth celebrating
”
Suspicion curled in Tasha’s stomach.
“What kind of celebration?” she asked carefully.
“You’ll see” Donna replied “Just come”
Tasha hesitated, then forced a smile into her voice.
“Fine. I’m on my way”
She ended the call, eyes narrowing as she started the engine............
At the Rothwell Group, the elevator doors opened on the top floor.
Oliver stepped out and walked straight toward his office, his expression unreadable.
His secretary hurried up beside him, tablet in hand.
“Sir, about the documents you asked for.......”
“Bring them in after I settle” he said, not slowing.
“Yes, sir” She hesitated, then added “Also… someone is already waiting for you in your office”

Oliver stopped.
“Who?” he asked.
" Miss whitemore" she replied.

Oliver’s jaw tightened slightly.
“ Rose?” he repeated.
“Yes, sir” the secretary nodded.
“Leave us” he said after a beat and she quickly walked away.

Oliver pushed the door open and walked in. Rose stood by the large glass window, her back to him, watching the city move below. Cars flowed like veins through the road. Sunlight washed over her figure.
She wore a soft cream silk dress that hugged her frame gently, long sleeves falling loosely to her wrists. A thin belt wrapped around her slim waist. Her hair was pinned halfway up, neat and graceful, a few strands resting against her neck. Simple pearl earrings caught the light when she moved. Nothing loud.... Just quiet elegance.

She looked delicate as if she might break if the world leaned too hard.

Hearing the door close, Rose turned slowly and her smile bloomed in warmth when she saw him.
“Oliver” she said softly “You’re busy as always”
He stopped a few steps inside the office and didn’t return the smile.

“Miss Whitemore”
The formality landed between them and that made her smile dimmed, just a little before forcing it back.

“You don’t have to call me that” she said gazing at him with a softness behind her eyes.

He didn’t respond and just moved towards his desk. He sets his jacket on the chair, while keeping a careful distance with Rose.
“I was told you were waiting” he said finally “Is something wrong?”

“No” Rose replied quickly “I just…....wanted to see you”
She paused, then added softly “Your grandfather said you’d be busy. I didn’t want to take much of your time”

He turned to face her properly now. His expression was polite.
“We already met yesterday” Oliver said “If this is about showing you around, my assistant can arrange that”

Rose’s fingers tightened around her coat “I know” she said “I just thought… since it’s been nine years, maybe we could talk. Like before”

Before??
The word hung there.

Oliver’s jaw tightened for half a second.
“A lot has changed” he said calmly “For both of us”

Rose nodded.
“I know. I’ve changed too”
She hesitated, then smiled again, softer this time “But some things haven’t”

Oliver didn’t return the smile “I hope your health is holding up” he said instead.
She looked surprised then became quietly pleased.
“It is. Thank you for asking”

And then silence followed. Not awkward but just heavy.
Oliver glanced at his desk and said "If there’s nothing urgent, Rose, I have work to attend to”

She swallowed after hearing that
“Of course”
She stepped back, smoothing her gown, gathering her composure.
“I’ll let you work then”
As she reached the door, she stopped.

“Oliver” she said quietly, without turning around.
“There’s a charity gala this weekend. My family will be there. Your grandfather wants you to come”

He didn’t answer right away.

“I’m telling you now” she added, voice gentle “So you don’t feel cornered later”

Oliver exhaled slowly “I’ll see” he said not giving an exact answer.

Rose nodded then she turned, meeting his eyes one last time.

“It was good seeing you" she said and left before he could reply.

The door closed softly behind her.

Oliver stood still for a moment. Then his phone buzzed on the desk.

A single message lit the screen.

Unknown number:
~She's safe at home~
......
Rose’s heels clicked softly as she walked out of the office, but her mind wasn’t in the present . She was thinking about nine plus years ago.

She had come back from a date, excited to tell Oliver all about it. She imagined, laughing and sharing every detail with him.
But before she could, she heard the news about how his mother had died earlier that day. She then remembered the call she received from Oliver while on the date and had hung up on him after cutting him off that she was on a date. She had thought he wanted to ruin the date since she was aware of his feelings for her.

She tried to be there for him during this tragic time but he was distant and close off. Then she realized that she has feelings for him too that she wasn't even aware of but she understood why he was close off with her. When he needed her the most, she ignored him.
Since that day, he continued to keep his distance. She had tried to make things right but it never worked. And when her health got worse, she had gone abroad for treatment and school, leaving both the city and him behind but haven't stopped loving him.
Now, leaving his office, she felt that same ache. He is still polite and distant.

Rose pressed her hand briefly against the door, took a deep breath and stepped into the hallway. The sunlight caught her earrings, glinting softly.
She is back now and she will make everything right with him no matter what it takes.
........

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27/12/2025

🩶✨ THE OTHER SIDE OF DESIRE ✨ 🩶

✨In love with a stripper ✨

🥀 Chapter 17🥀

The next morning came too fast
Donna sat in the back of a taxi, her hands resting on a small bag on her lap. It was lighter than the one she carried yesterday. Much lighter. And yet it held more than money to her....
Freedom

The delivery had come early, just like Oliver said it would. A knock at her door before the sun fully rose. A man in plain clothes was standing there with a small bag. He handed her the bag and told her he was sent by Oliver.

Now the taxi slowed as it turned into a familiar street. Her chest tightened the closer they got. She knew this road too well and the memories tied to it.

"Stop here” she said loudly enough for the driver to hear.
The driver pulled over. Donna paid, stepped out and stood there for a moment. The house loomed in front of her.

She adjusted her grip on the bag and walked to the gate. Pressed the bell.
It buzzed once then twice..

The gate opened.

Inside, two men waited. Same cold eyes and unreadable faces.

One of the men lifted a hand to his ear, eyes never leaving Donna.

“She’s here” he said flatly.

Donna’s spine stiffened

A moment later, the front door opened.

Rico stepped out.

He stopped when he saw the bag in her arms. His brows lifted in clear surprise. It lasted only a second before it melted into a slow, mocking smirk.

“Well, look at that” he said, dragging his eyes from the bag to her face “Did you rob a bank or something?”

Donna didn’t react.

She walked up to him, stopping a few steps away.

“I’m here to pay” she said calmly “The remaining money”

Rico laughed under his breath

“Sure you are” he said, then je**ed his head toward the back “Follow me”

She followed.

They walked through the side of the house, past glass doors and tiled floors, until they reached the backyard.

The smell of chlorine hit her first.

A wide swimming pool stretched across the yard. Men stood stationed around it, arms crossed, eyes alert. At the center, on a reclined chair, lay the boss.

He wore only shorts.

Two women in bikinis were leaning against him, their hands moving slowly as he let out low sounds of satisfaction.

Donna’s stomach turned in pure disgust

“Boss” Rico called “She’s here”

The man lifted his head.

He waved lazily, and the women stopped immediately and stepped aside. He sat up, his round stomach coming into full view, sweat glistening on his skin.

His eyes dragged over Donna.

Slow and ugly which made Donna's skin crawl.

A grin spread across his face.

“Ah” he said “You again”

Donna stood still, holding the bag tight.

“You really have a way of ruining my good moments” he continued, clicking his tongue “Every time”

He leaned back and stretched his arms.

“So” he said, eyes gleaming “You’ll have to compensate for that”

Donna felt cold.

He patted the space in beside him.

“Come” he said lightly “Massage my back. When I’m satisfied, I’ll listen to why you’re here. I might even make things… easier for you”

The way he smiled made her feel like throwing up.

Donna’s grip tightened on the bag.

“I’m here to pay my loan” she said firmly “That’s all. I won’t do that”

For a second, the backyard went quiet.

Then the boss laughed.

It was loud and cruel.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

“You don’t get to tell me what you won’t do,” he said calmly “Not here”

The men around them shifted slightly.

Donna’s heart slammed against her ribs.

“I'm here with the money" she said again, forcing her voice to stay steady “ That is the main thing I'm here for”

The boss tilted his head, amused.

“Oh, I will attend to you” he said “After”

His smile widened

“And if you refuse” he added softly “you should know what will happen since you haven't paid. Now you are still owing me in papers”

Donna knew...

Her sister’s face flashed through her mind.

Her breath shook

She stood there, trapped between disgust and fear, realizing too late that money alone was never going to be enough for men like this.

A memory cut through her thoughts from the banquet. Her cousin was likely behind this.

Donna swallowed.

this was never going to be simple.

She lifted her head and spoke before her courage could leave her.
“Fine” she said quietly “I’ll do it. But you’ll keep your word”
The boss’s eyes lit up.
That same lewd smile spread across his face.
“Of course” he said smoothly “I always keep my words”
He snapped his fingers.
“You” he said to the two women. “Give her the oil”
One of them handed Donna the small bottle they had been using on him.
The boss settled back on the inclined chair, stretching out comfortably. He motioned lazily for her to come closer.

“Begin”

Donna’s throat tightened.
She stepped forward slowly, dropped the bag of money near her feet, and poured the oil into her palm. Her hands trembled for just a second before she forced herself to move.

She touched his back.
Her stomach twisted.

The oil was warm and his skin was slick. She pushed the disgust down and kept going.
She told herself this was temporary.
Just a little longer...just until she was free.

He grunted in pleasure, muttering crude comments every now and then. Each word scraped against her nerves but she stayed silent.

Time dragged

Minutes blurred into hours.

Her arms began to ache. Then burn. Then go numb. Still, he didn’t stop her. Didn’t say a word about the money.

She kept going.

By the second hour, her shoulders were stiff, her fingers sore. Sweat trickled down her back but she didn’t dare slow down.

She was almost at her end.
Then.....

A sudden commotion broke out near the doorway.

The boss snapped upright, annoyed “What is it?”
A man rushed in from the front yard, breathing hard. Rico stepped in front of him, blocking his path.
“What’s wrong with you?” Rico barked.
The man leaned forward, panicked “Boss… someone’s here”
“Who?”
“The Rothwell heir”
The boss frowned “Rothwell?”
He scoffed. “That Rothwell? They don’t deal with people like us, so what is he doing here”

Donna’s heart slammed.
Relief rushed through her, sharp and dizzy. Then questions followed
Why is he here?
Is he here for me?

Footsteps echoed again. Heavy and confident.

Oliver appeared

He wasn’t alone. Armed men walked around him, calm and controlled. One of the loan shark’s men led the way, visibly tense.

Oliver’s eyes lifted.

They met Donna’s with oil still coated on her hands. Her arms trembled. Shame and relief crashed into each other inside her chest.
Oliver’s jaw tightened. He seemed visibly displeased.

And for the first time that morning, the boss’s smile disappeared...
.....

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25/12/2025

🩶✨ THE OTHER SIDE OF DESIRE ✨ 🩶

✨In love with a stripper ✨

🥀 Chapter 14🥀

Oliver lowered the cup of tea without drinking it. He didn’t trust anything made in this house especially when there's someone his grandpa is trying to hook him up with.... Not after last time....

The scent of the tea rose gently, warm and harmless but it only reminded him of that night.
He set the cup down on the table and didn't touch it. His grandfather shot him a quick side eye, pretending not to notice but the slight twitch in the old man’s jaw told Oliver he did.

Oliver leaned back in his chair, his gaze distant.

That night…
That stupid night Jake dragged him to the club…

He hadn’t wanted to go. Jake had insisted, claiming he needed to “touch grass and live a little” Oliver gave in because Jake never shut up once he started talking

He remembered the club lights flashing, the loud music pounding through his head, the heat of too many bodies packed together and the strange feeling of something being wrong.

He remembered finishing half a drink......just half....and suddenly his vision distorted. His skin got hot and his heartbeat sped up.

Even drugged, he had still been aware....too aware to know what was happening.

Someone had come to take him. A man he didn’t recognize.

He had been pulled away while Jake was busy flirting with someone at the bar, not even looking in his direction.

The person brought him upstairs. His balance was off but his mind was alert enough to understand the setup the moment he saw the room.

A woman...no....not just any woman...
A naked heiress on his grandfather’s list of “good potential brides”

She sat waiting on the bed like she had rehearsed the scene in her head a hundred times.

When she got up and tried to come close, he pushed her away with more disgust than strength. His head spun but he still staggered toward the door and left without looking back.

He remembered fumbling for his wallet or phone... but they were gone..... Just gone..
He remembered the cold air outside hitting him
He remembered hearing footsteps and voices

“Catch him...now”

A group of men had appeared at the far end of the street....Suspicious.... Too suspicious. He stumbled back into the club on instinct. Dizzy and sweating, barely able to stay upright.

He pushed blindly through the hallway, choosing a door at random, and that was when he met her.

Nina...
Unknowingly he started replaying what happened between them.. her every moan and whimper still filled his ears.

A hand touched his shoulder gently, pulling him back to the present.

“Oliver?” Rose asked softly, worry in her voice “Are you alright?”

He blinked once... And then twice...

Oliver didn’t like her hand there. The discomfort was small but sharp.

“Fine” he replied shortly

Once upon a time, he’d had a crush on Rose. Back when they were young and she’d follow him around with that bright smile. But after she left nine years ago, he grew up. He changed. He moved on.

Rose didn’t feel like the past he wanted anymore.

His grandfather cleared his throat loud enough to snap anyone’s attention.

“So” Grandpa said with a dramatic and an innocent smile “since you two are reunited, why don’t you help her get familiar with the city again? She’s been away too long”

Old Man Eric chimed in with a chuckle “It’ll be good for her and you. Young people should spend time together and builds bonds”

Oliver stared at both of them

They were so obvious it was almost embarrassing

He sighed, Fighting them would only drag this longer.

“Fine” Oliver said at last “I’ll help her settle in”

Grandpa’s grin stretched from ear to ear, pleased like a fox finally catching a chicken.

Rose’s smile softened “Thank you, Oliver. I… really appreciate it”

Oliver didn’t respond. His thoughts were already drifting back to Nina.
Oliver stood up abruptly, straightened his shirt and said “I need to go. There’s work waiting for me at the company”

His grandfather let out a loud, dramatic grumble “Work, work, work. Do you ever stop and spend time with your family?”

Old Man Eric only laughed “Let him be. That’s how the young ones are now. Always running somewhere”

Oliver didn’t bother responding. He just nodded politely at old man Eric and walked toward the door, his steps steady.

The moment he stepped out, he came face to face with Christy, his father and his stepbrother. None of them said a word.
Their eyes met his for a split second but Oliver simply gave them a cold unreadable look and walked past them like they didn’t exist. Not even a single greeting.

Rose followed after him and stopped when she saw the family blocking the hall. She gave them a polite nod nothing more and then hurried out to catch up with Oliver who was already nearing the sedan parked outside.

“Oliver, wait!” she called out

He turned

She stopped in front of him, trying to catch her breath “Let me come with you. I can....”

“No” he cut her off in a calm voice “Rest, When I have time, I’ll take you around”

Her smile wavered for a second. She felt the sting of rejection but she hid it quickly.

“Of course” she said, her voice soft “I’ll wait. I just… missed you that’s all”

Her hand reached for his, squeezing gently. She wanted to say more but the impatience on his face stopped her. His mind was somewhere else entirely.

She forced another smile “Go on. Don’t let me keep you”

Oliver nodded once “Bye, Rose”

He stepped into the car, closed the door
and the driver pulled out of the estate. Rose stood there watching the car speed down the long driveway until it disappeared through the gates. Only then did she turn back, her steps slow and graceful.

>>>>>
Across town, Donna sat on the couch in Tasha’s luxurious living room. The place was furnished like someone with too much money. marble floors, soft rugs and everything glittery.

Tasha flopped beside her and crossed her legs “So… what’s going on? You said you want me to link you to clients. What about Alexander blackwood? He's one of the best clients to have”

Donna lowered her gaze and played with her fingers. “We… didn't go through the deal”

Tasha raised a brow “Why? What happened?”

Donna hesitated for a long moment. Then she sighed “The deal just didn’t pull through for reasons unknown” Donna didn't want to tell Tasha about being paid 200 million that has somehow not her personal use.

Tasha didn’t believe her, not for a second. But she leaned back and tapped her nails on the arm of the chair and shrugged “Alright. If that didn’t work out, it didn’t work out. Alexander is not the only big fish. I still know a few people who pay well and don’t cause trouble. I’ll help you”

Donna let out a tiny breath she didn’t know she was holding “Thank you, Tasha”

“Relax” Tasha said with a small smile that didn't reach her eyes “You know I’ve got you”

More like she wishes to get rid of Donna

>>>>
Later that evening, Donna stepped out of the taxi and handed the driver the fare. She hugged her bag close and headed toward her building.
Her body was tired but her mind was worse. Everything felt heavy.

Inside, she took the elevator up. The ride was quiet because no one was in the elevator. When the doors slid open at her floor, she took one step out and froze.

The least person she expected stood in front of her apartment door.

Tall and calm with both hands in his pockets. Back straight like he owned the hallway.

Oliver Rothwell!!!!....

Her throat tightened. Her fingers trembled around the strap of her bag.

He lifted his head slightly at the sound of the elevator and their eyes met from across the corridor. His expression didn’t give anything away but it hit her like a wave all the same.

Her pulse spiked. Thoughts started running in every direction.

Why is he here?... Did she do something wrong?

.........
Author's note: 2nd chapter of the Christmas bonus

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