Shadow Sedvction episode 4 – 5
SHADOW
SEDUCTION
WRITTEN BY : NOEL INNOCENT
CHAPTER FOUR: Unraveling Ties
Relaxing in my chair, I couldn’t fathom the idea of building a company solely for food experimentation. Money wasn’t my sole motivation, and such endeavors were far from my interests.
My phone buzzed, George calling about an unavoidable meeting. Sighing, I returned the call. “Speak.”
“Sir, where are you? You have a meeting at four this afternoon,” George urgently informed.
“Today?” I questioned, seeking an escape route.
“It can’t be cancelled,” he emphasized.
“I’ll be there,” I replied, cutting the call. My gaze wandered outside to Lacey, who was diligently managing my schedule and affairs. Dialing her office line, I summoned her over, conveying her importance with a subtle finger gesture.
As she entered, I couldn’t help but smile. “I can’t get used to it.”
“The papers?” she questioned, leaning in. I sensed her unawareness of our proximity. As my face neared hers, she turned pale and withdrew. “Sorry.”
“I need you to take care of things,” I instructed, grabbing my phone and car keys.
“What do you mean?” confusion etched her face.
“I won’t be returning today.”
“But, sir, you have a meeting in the next hour.”
“Hmm,” I mused, smiling. “Cancel the meeting or attend it for me. Your choice.”
“This is unbelievable!” Lacey exclaimed, her secretary personal vanishing. “You buy a company with no interest?”
“I told you,” I stepped closer, “to see your face. Plus, I want to marry you.”
“People’s lives are involved in this!” she yelled, not flattered. “If this company goes to ruins, do you think I’ll be happy?”
Reaching my limit, I grabbed her head and pulled her closer. “Miss Lacey,” I frowned, “I don’t appreciate you raising your voice. One more word, and I would kiss you.”
“Are you kidding me?” She slapped my hands away. “I demand you give this back to Sir Ethan.”
“Why?” I put on my jacket. “Are you in love with him?”
“I am!” she yelled.
“Are you sure?” I frowned, sensing her anger. “You mean to tell me that bastard has fucked you?”
Anger appeared on her face”That’s obviously none of your business.”
“Let me share a secret,” I whispered to her ear, “I don’t care about virginity, but whoever has fuck the person I wish to marry is in dying.” I withdrew. “Choose your words carefully. Is Ethan your lover?”
“Of course not!”
“That’s a lot better.” I finally smiled. “Cancel my meeting. I’ll be back before the second one, promise to attend that. Is that better?”
“I suppose.”
With that, I left the company, got into my car, and drove off. I was met with an angry sight of George. “Don’t tell me.”
“One of the models for the new launch surprisingly fell sick,” he explained.
“Where is she?”
“Rushed to the hospital.”
“Where’s the substitute?”
“Right here,” Diana threw herself at me, and her embrace didn’t sit well with me. “Did you miss me?”
“Why didn’t you pick someone better?” I frowned, pushing her away. “I’m sure there were better choices.”
“I’m your cousin,” she frowned. “Plus, I’m a model,” she yelled, sounding offended.
“I really don’t like seeing your face,” I told her. Handing the files back to George, I directed my attention to him. “The photoshoot will begin while the meeting continues, right?”
“Yes, sir. The board of directors is in the meeting hall.”
“Excellent,” I muttered. Today had unexpectedly become more stressful.
leaving me to face the aftermath of his absence. I had to present the report in his place, wrestling with the details of a new variety of food that now required research. The upcoming week seemed daunting.
After exiting the meeting hall, I dropped the file on my desk, exhausted. The vibration of my phone jolted me. Answering it, I absentmindedly picked at the food in front of me.
“Lacey?” Monica’s voice reached me. “Are you okay?”
“What are you saying? Of course, I’m fine.”
“You haven’t heard the news.”
“Is my father dead?” I asked, surprisingly unfazed.
“Worse than that.”
Moving to the news site, I was met with a gruesome image. ” what is this?” The sight of Edwin personal assistant dead body on the floor, if I try to look closely, his hands were cut off in pieces, eyes pulled out but left there to die.
“Someone posted it right after killing him,” Monica explained.
“Oh my god, who could do such a thing?”
“Not all, Lacey,” Monica clarified. “Edwin got beaten up, nothing serious, but enough to dislocate a bone.”
My hands covered my mouth, the shock evident on my face. At that moment, Arthur walked in, looking exhausted. Our eyes met, and he smiled, seemingly oblivious to the grim news. The mix of emotions inside me overwhelmed me as I watched him approach.
I had long wished for his demise, even prayed for it. However, the news of someone else executing it left me angry. Not out of pity, but because I wanted to be the one to end him, to carry out my own vengeance.
“The meeting is over?” Arthur asked, and I nodded.
“Come with me.”
“Excuse me?”
“I’m hungry,” he declared. “We’re having dinner together.”
“Why would I want to eat with you?”
“Isn’t it normal to eat with your boss?”
“No.”
“Then make it a meeting, discussing my schedule.”
As I stood up, I voiced my intentions. “Sir Arthur, I have no desire to get close to you. I also need you to cancel this wedding.”
“I can’t do that,” he frowned. “You might not know it, but you belong to me.”
“I am no one’s property.”
“You’re mine, Lacey.” He ran his hand through his hair. “Too tired for this. Get ready for dinner.”
“I love someone else,” I stated, but Arthur seemed unfazed as we left the company.
“You said that earlier,” he remarked.
“So why are you still trying to marry me?”
“Because I’m offended,” he frowned. “No one rejects me. What do you need that I can’t give you?” He opened the car door for me, and as we drove, he continued. “I’m handsome, rich.” His brow lifted. “What else could a woman want?”
Looking at his face this close, I frown ” I like blond hair ” that made him exhale as he retreat ” you have dark hair ”
His proximity made it hard to deny his charm. “You’re unbelievable,” he said, noting the silence that engulfed us during the drive. Arthur’s phone rang, and he answered on speaker.
“You finished the yoghurt again!” the voice on the other end complained.That made me laugh, had no idea when I burst out ” you have someone in there?”
” Just get a new one” Arthur growl, his voice always seem deeper and full with command when talking to others but not me.
I wonder why?
“Stop coming to my apartment.”The man on the other side growl”Have you seen the news?”
“Don’t have time.”Arthur explained
.
“It’s done.”
“Excellent,” Arthur responded, leaving me curious about their conversation.
“Edwin is asking to see you,” the voice continued. Hearing Edwin name, my heart suddenly beat faster ” he is in the hospital ”
“I’m too bu—” I wave him, making him stop what he is about to say”Fine, we’ll be there,” he said, ending the call.
“You should see him; he’s obviously hurt,” I suggested.
“Hmm,” Arthur replied, the car ride steeped in silence. once again silence engulf us, I had no idea what he is thinking but the thought of seeing Edwin again is making me excited, I have missed him. ” Get out ” he mumble, rather in a harsh way, is he angry?
Stepping out, I followed him into the hospital. He briefly spoke to the receptionist before guiding me towards Edwin’s ward. As we entered, I saw Edwin lying there, severely injured.
“Arthur, you b—” Edwin began but stopped upon seeing me. “Lacey?”
“You know her?” Arthur asked, holding my hand and pulling me close. “She’s my fiancée.”I quickly look at Arthur who is grinning but in his eyes, he is super upset ” isn’t this world just small ”
Pulling my hands out of his, I frown ” am not your fiancee”
” Wait outside” I look at him then flinch, his glare intimidating ” I said you should wait outside, now.”
Read – Thorn between episode 59
SHADOW
SEDUCTION
WRITTEN BY : NOEL INNOCENT
CHAPTER FIVE: A Warning Given
As Lacey stepped out, the door closed shut behind her, leaving me alone with Edwin. Accusations filled the air, and his rage was palpable.
“Did what?” I furrowed my brows. “What exactly are you accusing me of?”
“Killing Gavin!” Edwin growled. “And then sending those same thugs to kill me.”
“Hmm.” I moved closer, anger rising. “Edwin, if I wanted you dead, trust me—you would be.”
“You’re unbelievable,” he snarled. “I am your brother!”
“What’s your relationship with Lacey?” I changed the topic, hands curled into fists. “Why do her eyes light up when she sees you?”
He shrugged. “I have no idea. We haven’t talked for years. I’m sure she still loves me, a needy child always looking for me.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do not turn this on me!” he growled, and I exhaled, growing tired of the situation. “Fine,” he relented. “We dated.”
“Hmm.” I noticed how he seemed disgusted talking about it.
“I didn’t even reply to any of her letters, and she is still head over heels in love?” Watching him lay back on the bed, my face remained emotionless. “She’s stupid. It’s clear I don’t give a flying fuck about what happens to her.”
“Are you sure?” My question made him sit right back up.
“Of course.”
“From now on, stay away from her.”
“Don’t tell me you like her?” His voice filled with shock. “Unbelievable.”
“Did you sleep with her?” I asked, holding the door. Receiving no reply, I turned and looked at him. “Did you fuck her?”
“Of course not,” he growled. “She kept saying she wanted to wait until marriage, and then Gavin did that to her. It was obviously her first time.” Hearing that made me frown; regret filled my heart. Killing Gavin was a simple punishment; I should have dealt with him myself.
“Diana has returned,” I mumbled. “Make sure you call her.”
“Why would I do that?” he frowned.”I called you here for a warning. If you try shit like this again,” our eyes remained fixed on each other, “I will make sure Lacey is mine. Trust me; she will gladly run into these arms.”
“Try it, Edwin,” I smiled. “I dare you.”
After that, I walked out of the room, shut the door, and Lacey immediately stood up, looking worried.
“Is he okay?”
“Let’s go.” Holding her hand, I had to literally drag her out of the hospital. Her words about visiting Edwin fell on deaf ears. She wasn’t meeting him again until I was sure she only thought of me.
Putting her in the car, I shut the door and started the engine. “You can’t do that!” she yelled. “I’m not something you can push around.” I decided not to reply, just listening to her words.
“Why won’t you let me see him?” I heard her sniff, indicating she was crying. Still, I refused to look at her. “Do you know how long I’ve waited to see him? Do you have any idea how long I’ve…” Stopping the car, she fell silent in shock, and I looked at her.
“This should be the last time you talk about him right to my face.” My blood was boiling. “Are you fucking blind? He doesn’t give a flying fuck about you.”
“You’re lying.”
“What?” I muttered, turning around to face her completely. “Why would I lie to you?”
She turned and groaned at my face. “Because you want to marry me.” Staring at her, I could see how madly in love she was with Edwin, but why? What did he even do for her?
“Don’t be stupid.” I turned around when the traffic light turned green. “If he cared for you, he wouldn’t have believed Gavin over you.”
“How did you…?”
“How did I know?” I chuckled. “It’s all over the internet.” Silence engulfed us throughout the rest of the road, her steady breathing indicating that she was no longer crying.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“Restaurant.” My reply was short.
“I’m not hungry.”
“I am.” Parking the car, we went into the restaurant. A reservation had been made in one of the VIP rooms. Stepping in, I shut the door, leaving just the two of us. I watched how she moved closer and sat down.
Sitting down, I glared at Arthur. He should be the one angry; he stole my excitement about seeing Edwin. How could he?
“Your order.” Five waiters walked in with different varieties of food, dropped it on the table, and left.
“I had no idea what you like, so I ordered everything.”
“That’s fine,” I mumbled. “This will be my treat. I will pay.”
He furrowed his brows. “Are you sure?”
“Of course.” Looking at the food, I didn’t hesitate to eat. If I ate a little more like a man, he might lose interest. The truth be told, I was really hungry. My gaze moved to him, and I noticed he was just leaning on his chair, watching me.
“Are you okay?” I mumbled. “You aren’t eating.”
“I know.”
That made me frown. “You told me you were hungry.”
“I am.”
“Then eat.” Stating the obvious, I watched a smile creep into his face. Surprisingly, that made me frown—not a pleasant surprise.
“Feed me if you’re so worried.”
“Don’t eat then. It’s not like I will feel better whether you eat or not.” Forgetting about him, I continued to eat: shrimp, chicken, pork, noodles, rice—everything was there.
“Live with me.” His words made me choke on the food; he hurriedly handed me a bottle of water while I slowly drank it. “I mean it.”
“What are you saying?”
“Pack your load and move in with me.”
“Why would I do that?” Looking at him confused, he just smiled.
“I want you to.”
“You have to be joking.”
He shook his head. “I’m not. I want you to be the first person I wake up and see every day.” Looking at him, I couldn’t tell if he was serious or not.
“Do you perhaps…” I leaned close. “Love me?”
“No.” He stated, not even looking bothered. “Everything about you keeps seducing me.”
“Excuse me?”
“I don’t love you, Lacey.” He grinned. “More like lust.”
“Wow.” Folding my hands, he furrowed his brows.
“I thought girls love honest men.”
“They do.”
“Then be grateful I’m one.” He finally took a spoonful of his rice. “So what’s your answer? Will you live with me?”
“No.” I stood to my feet. “I won’t be sleeping with you either.”
“I doubt that.” He replied when I moved close to the door. Turning around, I gasped when he pinned me to the door. “I’m not a patient man, Lacey. I do know I will have you in my bed one of these days. They did say the patient dog eats the fattest bone.” He leaned close and whispered, “But you see, I’m not a dog, nor am I patient. Prepare yourself; you will be coming to my apartment tomorrow.” After that, he stepped back, and I looked at him.
No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t catch my breath. “I thought you were leaving?” He furrowed his brows, and I cleared my throat. “What about the bill? You said you would pay.”
“I will when I get out.” After that, I rushed out of the VIP room, towards the cashier. “The bill.” Collecting it, I gasped at the moment. “Five million?” I looked at him. “For food?” Everyone in the restaurant turned to look at me. I had to apologize, then my gaze back to the cashier.
“He will be paying.” I pointed to the room where Arthur was. “Excuse me.” Successfully leaving that place, I called a taxi. Picking up my phone, I texted him. *I WILL PAY FOR OUR NEXT MEAL*. The message was short, and before two minutes, I happened to get a reply.
*TOMORROW BY SIX, HAVE BREAKFAST WITH ME.*
*NO.*
*FEISTY, I LOVE IT.*
I smiled at his last message before looking outside the window at the hospital building. I had no intention of going home. I needed to see Edwin. I just had to.
Getting off it, I moved into the hospital, straight to Edwin’s room, knocked twice. “Come in.” After that, I try to catch my breath stepped in, shut the door, and looked at the shocked expression on his face.
“Lacey?” He muttered, looking surprised.
TBC
Is lacey doing the right thing?
What do you think Arthur will do to get her into living with him?
Do Edwin really hate lacey, if he did…why date her?