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Joanna Stories Library, Lokogoma ll, Lokoja (2026)

13/01/2026

🩶✨ THE OTHER SIDE OF DESIRE ✨ 🩶

✨In love with a stripper ✨

_______🥀 Chapter 22🥀__________

Donna sat there long after the door slammed shut.
The apartment was quiet again. Her heart was still racing but the anger had begun to fade, leaving behind something heavier.

'Why won’t they just let me be?' she thought.

She leaned back against the couch and stared at the ceiling, then sighed.

This city had taken enough from her. Her family and her self.

She rubbed her face slowly and sat up. Breaking down wouldn’t help. It never had. She has now finally decided that she was going to leave the city itself. She and Ariana, somewhere new, where they can be themselves.

The thought of that settled her.

Just a little longer, she told herself. Then I’m gone.

She stood up, walked to the window, and looked out at the city lights. For the first time that night, her breathing steadied.

She turned away, already thinking ahead.

_____________ Later that evening _____________
(Rothwell Group ...... Executive Floor)

The office lights were still on and everyone had left the building leaving the securities, mark and Oliver.
Oliver sat behind his desk, jacket off and his sleeves rolled up. Documents were spread in front of him as he read through it one after the other.

The office door opened but Oliver didn’t look up at first. He thought it was mark, his assistant.

“Working this late is bad for your health” a cheerful voice said.

Oliver paused, then looked up and was aback “Grandpa?!”

Frank Rothwell walked in like he owned the place with his cane in hand. He actually did own the place. Relaxed. Smiling.

“I knew I’d find you here” Frank said “ since I didn't see you in your condo ”

Oliver leaned back slightly “You’re not supposed to be here this late, grandpa”

Frank waved it off “I was bored at home because it was too quiet. Since you don't want to fill the lonely house with my grand children”

Oliver gave a faint smile and ignored what his grandpa said at the end “So you came to disturb me?”

“Exactly” Frank said, dropping into the chair across from him “A grandfather’s duty”

He glanced at the papers on the desk “Busy day?”

“Same as always, grandpa” Oliver replied

Frank watched him closely “I heard you handled a situation today”
Oliver’s fingers stilled for a second “What situation?”

Frank shrugged lightly “Nothing serious. Just heard you stepped in personally for a loan shark problem”

Oliver stayed calm “It was minor”

Frank chuckled “Everything is minor when you say it like that boy”

There was a brief silence. Frank leaned back, smiling again “Anyway, I didn’t come to lecture you”

Oliver raised a brow “Then why are you here?”

Frank stood up, tapping his cane on the floor “There’s a new restaurant uptown. Top floor. Good food. Even better view”

Oliver frowned slightly “You came all the way here for dinner in a restaurant?”

“Yes” Frank said easily “I’m bored, remember?”

Oliver studied him “You don’t leave the house just because you’re bored”

Frank laughed “You’ve always been too smart for your own good”

He moved toward the door “Come on. Eat with your old grandfather. Unless you’re planning to sleep on that desk again”

Oliver hesitated, then stood up “Fine. But let it be quick. I need to finish this”

Frank smiled wider “That’s my boy”

As Oliver picked up his jacket, the office door opened again. Mark stepped in and stopped short when he saw Frank.
“Oh good evening, sir” he said quickly

Frank smiled at him “You must be the one keeping my grandson alive with paperwork”

Mark chuckled nervously “I try sir”

Oliver grabbed his phone and keys “Mark” he said calm and firm “take the documents on my desk. The blue and brown files. Put them in my car”

“Yes, sir” Mark replied immediately.
He moved toward the desk, gathering the files carefully.
Frank glanced at Oliver “Always prepared”
Oliver just casually shrugged in response.

Mark finished and walked back “I’ll take them down right away”
Oliver nodded “That’s all for tonight. You can head home after”
Mark smiled in relief “Thank you, sir. Have a good night”
Oliver nodded and Mark bowed his head slightly and left.

Oliver and Frank stepped out together, heading for the elevator.
The company garage was quiet. Almost empty.
The sound of their footsteps echoed as they walked toward the black sedan.

At the black sedan, the butler was already waiting. He opened the door for Grandpa frank as they reached the car.
Just as Frank was about to step in, a voice came from behind.

“Grandpa!”

Frank turned. His brows lifted slightly in surprise to see Oliver's step brother standing there in his office wear.

“Desmond?” he said “I didn’t expect you’d still be at the company this late”

Desmond stepped closer, respectful as always.
“I had a few things to finish up” he replied “I also heard you stopped by. I hope everything is fine”

Frank smiled faintly “Nothing serious. Just checking on this grandson of mine”

Desmond followed his gaze briefly. Oliver stood by the car with the butler, one hand in his pocket, expression unreadable. He didn’t look Desmond’s way. Not even once.

Desmond noticed. He hated how Oliver makes him feel, like he was unworthy of his presence.He clenched his jaw for a second, but he kept his tone calm.

“That’s good to hear, grandpa” he said to Frank “but you shouldn’t be out this late”

Frank chuckled “I’ll survive. Try not to work yourself into the ground”

“Yes, grandpa” Desmond replied.

Frank turned back to the car and stepped inside. The butler closed the door carefully.

Oliver walked around to the other side and got in without a word.

The engine started and the black sedan pulled away smoothly, disappearing into the night.

Desmond stood there, his hands slowly curling into fists as he watched the car drive off. The respect on his face faded, replaced by something darker.

Then he turned and walked toward his own car.

________________At the Restaurant ______________

The black sedan rolled to a stop in front of the restaurant.

A staff member opened the door immediately. Frank stepped out first, straightening his coat as another attendant greeted him warmly. Oliver followed, hands in his pockets, eyes already scanning the place.

“This way, sir” the staff said politely

Frank nodded and followed with his cane in hand.

They walked through the softly lit interior, past quiet tables and low conversations. Halfway down the corridor, Frank slowed.

“Well, I’ll be damned” he said with a laugh.

Oliver looked up just in time to see an elderly man approaching with a woman beside him.

“Frank” the man said cheerfully “Still walking around like you own the city”

Frank laughed and opened his arms slightly “Eric. What a coincidence”

The two men shook their hands, laughing.

“ Rose” Frank added turning to her “Still as lovely as ever”

Rose smiled politely “You’re too kind, grandpa frank”

Oliver already knew where this was going.

“Out for dinner?” Eric asked.

“Yes” Frank replied smoothly “Private room upstairs”

Eric chuckled “Same here. What a coincidence really”

Frank waved a hand dismissively “Then cancel it and join us”

Oliver shot his grandfather a look but frank pretended not to see it.

Eric laughed “You haven’t changed at all”

“Why start now?” Frank replied.

Rose’s eyes drifted back to Oliver. She studied him quietly with her bright shiny eyes. She could feel he was avoiding her.

Oliver felt her looking at him but he didn't react or look at him.

They all headed upstairs together as the two old men continued to chat.

The private room was spacious and elegant. Soft lighting, a medium sized rectangular table and the city view through the tall windows.

Grandpa frank and grandpa Eric looked at eachother and quickly took their seat right beside eachother. There were only four seats. Two on either side of the table.

Oliver saw this and just exhaled slowly before he took the seat without comment.
Rose sat beside him, smoothing her dress. She glanced at him again, this time with a small smile.

The two old men laughed, clearly pleased with themselves.

Oliver leaned back slightly, his jaw clenched.

He knew it..

This dinner wasn’t about food.
.........................

Author's note: i disappeared for a few days because low engagement really got to my morale 😅 and it makes writing feel heavy when it feels unseen to me but seeing some of you guys likes and comments always lifts me up 🖤
so shout out to everyone who engages, it honestly means the world. your support keeps this story alive. Thank you 😊 😊 😊

20 likes + 2 comments and the next chapter drops ✨

Photo credits: Pinterest

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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03/01/2026

🩶✨ THE OTHER SIDE OF DESIRE ✨ 🩶

✨In love with a stripper ✨

_______🥀 Chapter 20🥀__________

Tasha pulled up in front of Donna’s apartment and stayed in the car for a moment. Donna had sounded… happy on the phone. That alone made Tasha uneasy.
She grabbed her bag and went inside.

The door opened almost immediately after she knocked.
“TASHA” Donna said, pulling her into a hug.
It caught Tasha off guard. Donna wasn’t big on affection.

She stiffened and then relaxed “Okay?!” she said. “What’s going on? You are behaving differently”

Donna stepped back, a small smile on her lips. “Come in first "
The apartment felt calm with soft music played in the background. Tasha sat on the couch slowly, studying her “You look like someone dropped a weight off your chest”

Donna exhaled and nodded “They did”
Tasha folded her arms “Talk to me”

Donna sat across from her with a smile on her face.
“My loan" she said quietly even though she was excited inside “It’s settled”

The words hung in the air.

Tasha’s brows furrowed “Settled how?”
Tasha knew that the money from sleeping around won't be able to pay off the debt of Donna in months even though Donna didn't sleep around.

Donna met her eyes “The loan sharks were arrested”
Tasha straightened. “Arrested?”
“Yes"
“When?”
“Yesterday"

Tasha stared at her “Donna, you’re telling me the loan sharks just got arrested and your debt vanished?”
Donna nodded “The authorities have been investigating them for a while. I didn’t know. I swear”
Tasha searched her face “And the debt?”
“There is no debt anymore” Donna said with a huge relief on her face “The case wiped everything and all their records"

Tasha went quiet. She wasn't expecting that. Does that mean Oliver Rothwell hasn't found out about Donna?
Thinking of that she felt happy. Seems she can still try her luck with him and she will make sure he won't find her.

Tasha’s expression softened. She smiled and nodded slowly.
"That’s really good news” she said “You’re free now”
Donna let out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding.
“For the first time in a long while… yeah”

Tasha tilted her head “So” she asked lightly “what do you want to do next?”
Donna went quiet. She stared at her hands for a moment, then shook her head slowly.
“I’ve never thought about that” she admitted " all I've been thinking is how to survive”

Something sparked in Tasha’s eyes "Well” she said, sitting forward “now you can actually live for yourself ”

Donna looked up at her

" You should leave the city” Tasha continued “Start fresh. Somewhere new”
Donna frowned slightly, thinking “That… actually makes sense”

She leaned back, her voice turning softer.
“This city has only brought me pain”
She paused and continued “I couldn’t leave before. I was scared because those loan sharks could track me anywhere. I didn’t know what they’d do to me or to... ariana”
“But now you can” Tasha said smoothly “And you should decide fast. Before anything changes”
She smiled and added “I’ll help you. I even know a city you’d love”

Donna’s eyes filled with gratitude “Tasha… thank you. For everything. You’ve really been there for me”

Tasha laughed softly “What are friends for?”
She smiled again but this time it was cunning and Donna didn't notice.
Tasha checked her phone and slipped it back into her bag.
“I should get going” she said casually “I have something important to take care of”
It was a lie but Donna didn’t know that.
“Oh, okay” Donna replied “Thank you for coming”
They walked out together. The elevator ride was quiet. When they stepped outside, the mid afternoon sun hit them .
As they reached Tasha’s car, Tasha stopped and turned to Donna.
“Are you still going to the club?” she asked.

Donna nodded “Yeah. I need the money since I've never gone to college to be qualified for any job”

Tasha didn’t hesitate and said “Then you should try another club”
Donna looked surprised “Another one?”
“Yes” Tasha said quickly “There’s a place I know. They pay better...Way better. I’ll link you up with someone who can show you the way tonight”

Donna didn’t think too much about it. Tasha had helped her so much already that she trusted her.
“That would help a lot” Donna said “Thank you”

Tasha smiled“I’ll text you the details”
They hugged briefly before Tasha got into her car and drove off.
Donna stood there for a moment, watching the car disappear.
She let out a slow breath and Oliver Rothwell crossed her mind.
He had asked her to be his company and she didn’t fully understand what he meant by that.
And now she was thinking of leaving the city.
Should she tell him?
After all, he had helped her. More than he should.

Her thoughts were cut short when her phone rang.
She frowned slightly when she saw the number.
Ariana’s school.
She answered quickly “Hello?”
“Hi, Donna” Ariana’s voice came through.
They exchanged greetings. Donna asked about her studies and Ariana asked how she was doing.

Then they both spoke at the same time “I have something to tell you.....”
They both paused and Donna smiled faintly “You go first”
There was a short silence on the line.
“The school wants you to come in this weekend” Ariana said carefully.

“Why?”

Another pause.
“I… I got into a fight” Ariana admitted, her words stumbling over each other. “But I didn’t start it.....”
Donna’s voice hardened immediately “Ariana!!! Why would you fight in school?”
“I was just defending myself...”
“I don’t care who started it” Donna cut in, now angry “You shouldn’t have engaged at all”
She started pacing in front of the apartment building.
“I’ve told you to keep a low profile, focus on your studies and stay safe. Is it that hard to understand”

Ariana tried to explain but Donna didn’t let her.
“I don’t want trouble” Donna continued “I just want you okay. That’s all”

There was silence on the line. Then Ariana spoke again, her voice small “I’m sorry”

That was when Donna stopped. Her shoulders dropped. Her tone softened realising she over reacted.
“Hey…” she said quietly “I didn’t mean to yell”
She rubbed her forehead “We’ll talk about it when I come, okay?”
Ariana sniffed “Okay”
Donna ended the call and stood there for a moment longer. She didn't even tell her sister what she wanted to say.

She sighed and went in

≥>>>>>>>>>>>

_________CALDWELL'S RESIDENCE ____________

Camilla’s room was silent except for her breathing.
She stood by the bed, phone still in her hand. Then she threw it across the room. It hit the wall and dropped to the floor with a dull sound.

“How is this possible?” she muttered, pacing.
“How did she get free?”
She ran a hand through her hair, anger burning under her skin.

Madonna.....

That name again.
She stopped in front of her dresser and slowly sat down. The mirror stared back at her. Perfect makeup. Perfect hair and yet her eyes were wild.
“What if she comes back?” Camilla whispered.
What if Donna returned to the family now that the debt was gone?
What if she walked back in like she never left?
Her fingers curled on the edge of the dresser.

Ethan!.
The thought tightened her chest.
She knew that no matter how hard he tried to hide it, Donna was still there...still buried in his heart. They had been lovers long before Camilla entered the picture as the other woman.

“What if he leaves me?” she said out loud.
Her reflection didn’t answer.
Camilla stood up suddenly.
“No” she said firmly “That won’t happen”
Donna might be free now. But she wasn't done with her.

________________________________

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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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