Semua Bab The False Facade: Bab 1 - Bab 10

From the rare view... The hot Australian sun was at its peak, casting splashes of white against the blue canvas of the sky. From the mouth of penthouse to the distant stationing of the horizon, buildings in varying sizes and heights, filled the space. Across the streets, pedestrians and motorists appeared to be in a tussle with road use. And everywhere was a crisscross of activities.That was the view of Duncan Eaton from his penthouse window. As a groom-to-be, he ought to be anything but relaxed- at least, that was the case with most bridegrooms. However, dear young Duncan was an exception to the 'rule'. If anything, he was balanced on his swivel chair, taking in the beauty that surrounded the city.Diane had succeeded in pulling his heartstrings, the same way he was intermittently tugging at a yoyo. There was no denying the fact that he loved her. And by all accounts, she felt the same way for him.

 To the back roads...Laura.The bell jingled as I pulled the door open."Hey, Chloe," I greeted the chocolate skinned lady as she stepped from an adjacent room."How far did you cover this time, Mrs. Usain Bolt?""Well, good morning to you too." I sought for the register on the counter."You know, my granddad's friend's son works in the NBA."I smirked, knowing where this was going."How's that my problem?""He should know one or two persons in Diamond League or even World Athletics."Entering my name on the register, I jawed, "Wow, you don't say.""He could...you know, hook you up with some officials. And boom, you're signed in."I chuckled."No, I'm serious. Such talent you've got shouldn'

Laura2:30PM was all I could think of throughout the day and as soon as it came through, I made to retire. The hell load of work plus my frantic effort to get ready for the Bronx trip was a pure definition stress. So, my desire to get home was justified.I dropped by at a pet store to get hold of some catnip but one a second thought, decided against it. Sahara, my cat, had been giving me concern, and this morning was a drastic addition to my worry. He had retched his gut out; I needed not to be told to have him checked immediately. Since I wasn't sure of the problem with him, I ditched the thought of getting a catnip. That might worsen the situation.Being friends with a vet doctor had many pros, one of them being that I got to be properly attended to even with cheap rates. Mike's clinic had become Sahara's second home as I always dropped him there before getting to work. Hopefull

 BlakeI watched as my assistant made his way through the flight of stairs. He reached for the door handle, letting me step out of the car."Good morning, sir.""Shoot." That was my response to his greeting. And almost immediately he began talking."The Chairman of West World Suite will be meeting with you by 12PM prompt. Precisely by 10:30 AM, today, the contract with H.M. holdings will have been signed.""Are there any other morning schedules?""No sir.""Good. Get the board members ready. We're having a meeting now," I said as I climbed the stairs leading to the entrance of the building.I turned the revolving door and was greeted with a number of stares and of course, greetings from most probably my employees. Not even acknowledging their presence, I walked to the elevator.

 Laura. I had just finished coating the last cake, thanking my stars I was through for the day. Even though it was showering outside, the kitchen was blazing hot.Phew! Enough for the day. I wiped my face clean, picked up my bag and headed for the bathroom. I turned the door knob and..."Tarrrrraaaaah!"The shrill that escaped my mouth was unrecognisable to me."Oh shit!" I clutched my chest. "What in the weirdest world are you doing here?""To see you since you wouldn't visit.""And you could only do that by scaring the life outta me?" I said, stepping into the bathroom.Faith was the last person I expected to see. She'd been away for a month and I wasn't expecting her to be back any time soon. As a well-sort-after freelance writer, she wa

Laura. "Then what do you say about our trip for The Eastern Business Summit?" "What?" I must have misheard her."What do you think about a trip...our t-r-i-p...as in journey, moving from one place to ano–""Of course I know what a trip is." I frowned.She stylishly sipped her drink. "Well, you kinda looked confused as though I spoke Dutch.""Well, you kinda did," I said, "By inviting me to the Eastern Business Meeting.""Summit." she corrected."What?""The Eastern Business Summit. Not meeting.""Well, what's the difference?""A summit is kinda a gathering for people in the same sector while a meeting...well a meeting is just a gathering, you

 Laura We were set to leave on a Saturday. Faith had been busy coursing through the entire supermarkets around, packing and re-packing her stuff, paying for our tickets and rescheduling her appointments. I, on my part, had been racking my brain, trying to come up with the perfect lie for Benny. I finally decided to call in sick. That was the most plausible excuse I could give. My permission was granted, but not without a litany of conditions, warnings and even threatenings.The days went by quickly and, rolled into Saturday. I'd gone over to Faith's place the night before, alongside Sahara. It was at that point I realised how lonely I'd been: we had spent the night chit-chatting.We booked a morning ticket for us to arrive early enough to check some pla

 Laura.I turned over again. For the hundredth time, hoping that the noise would stop. It took me some time to realise the disturbance was coming from my bosom friend. She was in the bathroom, I guessed.I sandwiched my ears in between the pillows, pushing them close and as hard as I could. The splatter of water against the tub together with Faith's hum was ripping sleep off my eyes. I shut my eyes harder as I wasn't ready to leave the comfort of the hotel's bed. The best I'd ever laid on.The shower soon stopped and I mumbled a thank God.But I was far from having my peace. Faith had diverted from humming to screeching, all in the name of singing. Cussing, I pulled the blanket up.I could hear the door open, then close soon after. I felt Faith move close to the bed. Whatever it was she was doing, I didn't care. I just wanted

  LauraIt was a long boring week for me. A storm after the shine. I'd been in Neverland, the previous week, frolicking around the streets of Atlantic city with Faith; not prepared for the fun-lacking life that awaited me in New York.At first, I swore never to step my feet at the bakery. Not after the spoiler Benny threw. However, the ever present bills and other responsibilities, swept the little pride I had, away. I found my way back to the misery of a job.I couldn't forget the carefree demeanour Benny had, when I met her at the store. For Heaven's sake she'd given me financial grief and she still had the grits to act normal. As though nothing had happened. I thought of giving her the silent treatment but scoffed at the idea.Giving Benny the silent treatment. Who was I kidding?I, however, decided to call it quits to

 BlakeI groaned as the hot seeping water coursed down my skin, smoothening out the cold induced bumps that spanned around. I closed my eyes, sinking deep into the tub to get my feel of the lifesaving liquid.My day at the office was, as the Americans called it, hella hectic. I was utterly submerged in sealing of deals, signing of contracts, reviewing proposals, creation of models and all worth not. Well, I was usually tied but today was different. Very different. I just couldn't wait to head home.The torrential rain didn't help matters a bit. It'd been pouring for an hour now, non stop! I bet my driver had had a hard time driving through this storm as the windscreen was blurred by the sliding rain. How I hate the bloody rain!I flung my eyes open and I could see steam rising from the pool I was in. I wished I could stay longer in the tub, m