Mr. Blackwood paced around on his Balcony, looking over the large frontage in his mansion, he was in a state of unrest and needed ecstasy of some kind to relieve him of this burden. His heart was pounding against his ribs, and with each beat, Maxwell had his gaze darting around the sprawling compound below.
He owned and lived in a three floor building, and below in the compound were a gleaming fleet of cars, all expensive and shiny, a symbol of his wealth and success. Yet, despite that beautiful sight below, Mr. Blackwood couldn’t help but worry, his mind was in a state of restlessness.
Maria Forbes! That was the name that troubled his soul. Why did she have to come there? Why did she have to come back? That name had been dead to him for nearly two decades, why did she choose to come back? Her appearance at this company early today had been a torment to his soul, leaving him restless.
As he paced, his fingers tightened into fists, his knuckles turning white under the strain and he gritted his teeth. His mind raced, conjuring up scenarios of betrayal and loss, of the empire he had built around him, crumbling like a house of cards.
No, he wasn’t speaking of the physical empire he had built, he was worried about the mental wall he had put up for years, the one that protected him from invaders, the one which kept him without emotions in exchange for a great deal of success, the walls he had been forced to build when he realized how wicked the world was and how family can never be trusted, but this woman had the power to destroy those walls, she was the only one who could change him from Maxwell Blackwood, ruthless CEO to Dave Murphy Forbes, son of Business Tycoon, ex-politician and Ex-convict.
Maxwell didn’t want to be that person anymore, Dave was a loser, a weakling who was rejected by the society, he didn’t want to be that guy, he preferred his new persona which had brought him all the riches and success that Dave could only dream about.
With a sigh that escaped him like a wounded animal, Mr. Blackwood turned away from the cars and resumed his restless pacing. The worry etched on his face was a stark contrast to the image of power and control he had so carefully cultivated.
In that moment, the Billionaire CEO was not a ruthless tycoon, a man who commanded empires and dictated destinies. He was simply a human being, burdened by his fears and uncertainties, haunted by his past, just like any other human.
Maxwell sought closure, and ecstasy, he wanted peace and a good rest. The first thought that crossed his mind was Anna, perhaps a few bottles and a good sex will help him take his mind off things, but was it wise to show this side of himself to her, he was pathetic at the moment and he never wanted anyone to see him in this state, else they might lose the fear he instills in them.
But the pressure was too much, the pain he felt right now was worse than his ego. Maxwell immediately picked up his phone and dialed Anna’s number, he couldn’t help but wonder why she was the only one who crossed his mind, why her?
He had more time to answer that question because Anna was not taking her calls. Mr. Blackwood knew that it was late but he doubted she was asleep by this time, he tried a few more times but she still didn’t answer. The thought of going to her house crossed his mind but he waved it off, he didn’t want to appear desperate.
Finally, Mr. Blackwood made up his mind to visit his club, he would get drunk and spend the night over there, by tomorrow, this wave of emotions should have passed.
** **
** Anna’s POV **
The rays of sunlight peeking in through the gaps in the curtains put an end to my beauty sleep, I groaned and stretched my body on the bed without opening my eyes. Who opened the windows already?
I stretched my hand to the other side of the bed to touch Jimmy but I could only feel the cold bed, Jimmy wasn’t there. Just then a tantalizing aroma wafting through the air made their way into my nostrils, it felt like they beckoned on me and I yawned, before snapping my eyes open.
I looked to my right and Jimmy was gone, but from the sounds coming from the kitchen, I knew he was making something. I threw off the covers from my body, jumping off the bed. I was only dressed in a white panties and a baggy shirt that I had managed to put on after sex last night.
Fitting my legs into the flip-flops by the side of the bed, I immediately padded towards the source of the enticing fragrance- the kitchen! The aroma grew stronger as I approached and I could already guess what he was making, but I still needed to be sure.
As I got to the kitchen, I found him frying something with his back to me, his hands deftly maneuvering a spatula over a pan, with a White Apron hung around his neck. My lips broke into a smile and I tiptoed closer.
Jimmy had always been a morning person, his energy bubbling over like the coffee he brewed. And myself? The self-proclaimed night owl, I always found comfort in his infectious enthusiasm.
I hugged him from behind and inhaled deeply. Jimmy smiled and turned his head to me, without taking his attention off his spatula.
“Hey Princess, Good morning.” He said in that soothing voice, his eyes twinkling with excitement; I still don’t know why the men in my life refer to me as Princess. “I hope you're ready for a feast." He added.
“Hey,” I said with a grin, “It smells amazing," I replied, my voice still laced with sleepiness. "What did you make?" I asked immediately, even though I already had an idea.
"Your favorite," Jimmy answered, gesturing towards the plate on the counter. "Bacon, eggs, and toast. I even threw in a little fruit salad for some extra goodness."
My eyes widened in delight as I let go of his waist. I loved Jimmy’s cooking and there was no doubt that I had missed it, his meals were always infused with love and a touch of culinary magic. I seriously couldn't wait to dig in.
“Wow, you are the best.” I echoed and made to grab the plate.
“Uh-uh!” he stepped in and stopped me from taking it. “Not so fast, how was your night?” he asked with a smirk.
“Perfect, thanks to you.” I said excitedly and curled my arm around his waist, before giving him a quick kiss.
“Good to know that, I could tell you slept like a baby. By the way, do you have a new neighbor?” he suddenly asked with curiosity etched on his face.
“New neighbor?” I muttered with furrowed eyebrows. “No, none that I am aware of, why do you ask?”
“Oh, not a big deal, it is just that last night, after you slept off. I got up to get water and I saw a black Mercedes parked across the street, the driver seemed to have his eyes in this direction and he was there for a while but then he left, I thought perhaps he moved in across the street.” Jimmy announced.
I wrinkled my face while brainstorming. “Wait, did you say a black Mercedes? What kind?” I asked quickly.
“I think that was a GLC, if I am not wrong. Why? You know him?” Jimmy asked immediately.
My jaws dropped. Could it be him? Mr. Blackwood had an S-class and a GLC, but why would he show up at my place by that time?
“No,” I immediately lied. “Doesn’t ring a bell, can I go have my breakfast now? I don’t want to be late for work.” I pleaded, giving him the puppy eyes.
“Sure, just don’t forget to brush.” He chuckled and got out of the way.
!