After A Night With The Hot CEO

Laura

"I'm telling you, Laura, you will give me what I want, you will beg me to take it!" The monster said, dragging me across the floor.

"Leave me alone!" I screamed, earning myself a hard slap.

"You don't talk to me that way, I own you, Laura I own everything that has anything to do with you," he said, pulling my hair backward, making me look at his face.

"I'm not yours, Jack and I don't want to continue this relationship with you!" I said with all the courage I could muster.

"What did you just say to me?" He asked, his eyes looking like there was a fire in them.

"I am breaking up with you Jack, I don't want to ever see your face,"

"I've taken care of you for many years and now you want to break up with me? No baby, you are not allowed," he said, releasing my hair.

"You don't take care of me, you take care of my parents, You know I've never taken anything from you,"

"I'm only in this relationship because my parents forced me, You know that too, you can stop taking care of them, I am no longer interested and that's it," I said glaring at him.

He looked furious but I stayed strong, I couldn't afford to be weak.

"You know what? I am going to go out now and when I come back, you had better be back to your senses!"

"I am not changing my mind, Jack, I don't want to do this anymore," I said, determined to make him get the message.

He raised his hand like he was going to hit me but I didn't flinch. When he realized that I wasn't afraid of him like I usually was, his hand dropped to his side and he left me sitting in the middle of the sitting room.

I waited until I was sure he had driven out of the house, then I broke down in tears, crying my eyes out.

I'd been in this forced relationship for about two years and all I'd gotten is loads of beating, tears, and pain.

Jack started asking me out three years ago, but I always told him I was not interested he tried for months but I kept rejecting him.

I don't know who gave him the idea, but someone did and it worked, he met with my parents, showered them with gifts and money, and in no time my greedy parents started pressuring me to accept him, they even threatened to disown me if I didn't accept him, foolish me, I did what they wanted and told Jack yes.

Jack was ruthless. I knew this from the beginning of the relationship and he never tried to hide it, he always acted like he owned my body and soul and he expected me to agree to all his demands which always caused problems because he had a lot of them and they were very unreasonable.

Jack wanted me to sleep with him but I didn't want to do that, I would always refuse and he would, in turn, beat me up.

I always told my parents but they never did anything about it, instead, they would tell me to give him whatever he wanted, that it was my fault he beat me up.

I slowly realized that to my parents, I'm just a ticket to money and luxury items, and Jack only sees me as a sexual object, he believes I have nothing else to offer.

I realized none of them wanted the best for me, they were only interested in me for what they stood to gain and didn't care or think about much else.

I put myself together, carried my bag and I left Jack's house, we didn't live together and my mission had been accomplished, I was free from Jack whether he liked it or not.

I was off work so I went home, that was a bad idea because the moment I entered the house my parents didn't hesitate to tell me how displeased they were.

"What did you say to Jack?" My mum asked the moment I entered.

"That I am no longer interested in being in a relationship with him," I said folding my hands against my chest.

"Look at your daughter! Can you see her?" The man I called my father said and I rolled my eyes.

"As your mother, I say you text Jack right now, apologize to him and tell him you were out of your mind when you said those things," My mum said, as she got up.

"I'm not going to do that, I'm no longer interested and that's it," I said petulantly, my resolve had hardened and there was nothing they could have said or do that would make me get back together with Jack.

"This man has been taking care of our family for years and you are saying you are no longer interested. We didn't know we raised such an ungrateful child," My 'father' said standing up too.

"I'm ungrateful? That monster has been taking care of you and her, not me!" I said getting angrier each minute.

"I see this is what I get for accepting a bastard," he said hitting the spot that hurts me the most, I knew he was not my biological father, he married my mum and she got pregnant with another man's child after they got married, he never ceased to remind me.

"Can you see what you've done? Now you've got your father angry!" my mum yelled.

"No, he said it already, I'm a bastard," I said, hurt but trying to act like it was not affecting me.

"You will go now and apologize to Jack or we will disown you," she threatened and I chuckled, at that moment it felt like I was possessed by something.

Something primal bubbled up from inside me and gave me the strength to face my mother, usually, whenever she threatened me, I caved in and did as she said, but not this time.

"Let me save you the trouble Ma," I said coldly.

"I'll pack my bags now and leave, I'm disowning you!" I continued, gaining courage.

"Since you both love Jack so much then you can have him, go date him yourself!" I finished leaving them standing there, surprised.

I went to my room and packed the little I had, I didn't have a plan but I knew I would figure everything out with time, I had no intention of spending another night in a place where I was not wanted.

I dropped my luggage downstairs and my mum blocked my path.

"If you leave now, don't come back again, I don't want to see you ever again," she said, warningly, She expected that I would change my mind if she made me think about the consequences of my actions.

"That's the plan, Grace," I said, calling her by her first name to let her know I meant business.

"Bye forever," I said moving past her.

I could still hear her yelling till I was away from the house.

It felt like I had just broken out of maximum security prison. I called my best friend to let her know I was on my way, then I flagged a cab that took me to her place.

Laura

Tracy, my best friend, was more than shocked to see me with my luggage, but she didn't ask any questions until I had settled in, washed, ate, and she was sure I was satisfied.

"Now tell me everything," she said sitting beside me.

"I broke up with Jack," I said, looking into space.

"Finally! You broke up with that monster!" She screamed happily.

"Congratulations girl, I'm so happy for you," she said, making me laugh slightly.

"Thank you," I said weakly.

"Tell me why you have your luggage then," she asked with a puzzled expression on her face.

"I disowned my parents," I replied clapping my hands together with a smile on my face that was somewhere in between scared, shitless, and hopeful, her mouth slowly contorted to form an 'Oh'

"Tracy, those people don't care about me, they only see me as their ticket to fame," I said tearing up.

"Jack told them that I broke up with him, and my mum told me to apologize to him, the man I once called my dad called me a bastard because I told them I wouldn't do it," I said getting angry again.

"My mother threatened to disown me and I saved her the trouble, I told them I'm leaving their house instead," I said with a look of resignation.

Tracy knew what I needed, she knew I needed to pour my heart out.

"They never cared Tracy, I could have died and they would only be sad because of the opportunities they wouldn't get, I know Evan is not my father but my mum, I'm her biological daughter, her only daughter but she treats me like trash, nothing but a source of income,"

"I fetch them money Tracy, and that is all I am to them, someone that fetches money. I always tried to excuse their behavior and I tried to convince myself they were doing the best they could for me, but you know what Tracy?" I asked, it was becoming harder to speak as my throat was constricting.

"They did nothing, and I'm not going to care about them anymore," I said, trying not to cry.

"They should do what they like, I'm better off without them, I hate that I feel so weak right now," I said looking up at her.

"Come here," Tracy said, pulling me into a tight hug, I broke down in tears, Tracy started crying too and we cried for a long time, but when we eventually stopped I felt better.

"You see Laura, to me you are the strongest person I've ever met, you knew what your parents were doing and you endured, you see? That is being strong, I'm glad you've broken free of their bondage and as for that jerk, we both know he doesn't deserve you and you don't deserve what you went through in his hands, but now it is over and I'm proud of you girl," she said making me tear up again, I hugged her in gratitude.

"Thank you, Tracy, You are the best friend anyone can ever ask for," I said, thinking about how lucky I was to have such a great friend.

"Oh girl, believe me, I know that," she said and we laughed.

"I'm sorry I ruined your day off," I said guiltily.

"No you didn't, let's do something since it is your day off too," she said smiling.

"What do you have in mind?" I asked.

"Make some popcorn, drop the curtains and watch movies the rest of the day, what do you think?" she said, grinning maniacally.

"I agree," I said, feeling better already.

We made popcorn and watched movies all day, when it was time for dinner we ordered pizza and watched more movies while we ate.

When we got sleepy we said our goodnights and went to bed.

I woke up the next morning feeling very tired and heavy, but I was up early probably because my body was used to waking early.

Tracy was still sleeping so I cleaned the place and made breakfast, when I was done with that, I did the dishes, then I took a bath and I was dressing up when Tracy woke up.

"Good morning," she rolled over and said with a sleepy smile on her face.

"Good morning, Tracy," I said, smiling.

"Am I dreaming of pancakes?" she asked yawning.

"You are not dreaming, I made breakfast,"

"You made pancakes and it is not even Saturday, how about you live with me forever ma'am," she asked and I chuckled.

"I'll think about it, now go take a bath so we can have breakfast,"

I finished dressing while she had her bath and when she finished dressing we had breakfast and then went to work.

I work in a restaurant from 8 am to 6 pm and I also help people deliver groceries on the side after work till about 9 pm.

I started working the moment I got to work, helping in the kitchen and helping with serving, it got busier by noon, rush hour as we liked to call it as a lot of customers came in at that time for lunch.

I was helping serve customers when the manager told me to take a break because someone was asking for me, I took off my apron carefully and set it on the counter.

I asked the manager where the person was as I wondered who it could be and he told me the person was at the car park.

I got there to find Jack leaning against his car, I rolled my eyes when I realized he was the one asking for me.

"Hello, my feisty lady," he said moving closer.

"What do you want?" I asked, not having any of his bullshit.

"What do you mean by what do I want?, can't I visit my girlfriend?" he said, looking genuinely confused

"I am not your girlfriend and I have work to do," I said with a tone of finality.

I turned to leave and he reached to grab my shoulder. I ducked out of the way and prepared to run but he held his hands up like that would help me forget all the years of abuse I had suffered at those same hands.

"Look here Laura, we had a little argument yesterday, that doesn't mean we should break up," he said innocently

"Little?, I don't care, we are done and that is it," I said decidedly, reminding myself that he wasn't worth my anger

"Let's settle this amicably Laura, what do you want? A vacation?, So you want to go shopping? A spa day? Gold?, Tell me, baby, I can..." he started.

"You are shameless and I am not interested, I was never interested, so leave me alone," I said, shutting him down.

"Watch your tongue Laura, don't get me mad. You will listen to me and we will sort this out now," he said coming closer. He did that whenever he was trying to intimidate me.

"Get out of here Jack, I am not interested," I didn't see his hand coming and before I knew it he had slapped me hard on my cheek, still reeling from the pain, he grabbed my hair and tried to drag me into his car.

"I tried to sort it amicably baby, but you refused and now you have to pay for disobeying me," he said pulling me towards his car.

I continued resisting until I realized he had a knife, I was so scared that I stopped struggling.

"Look here baby, I'm not here to play. You will get in the car or I'll hurt you real good," I knew what was going to happen to me if I went with him, he would beat me to a pulp, I had to think fast.

I acted like I was going to cooperate then I pushed him hard, making him land on his butt.

I ran as fast as I could and as expected he chased me but I knew something he didn't, the shortcut in the area.

I ran until I got to a house, I pressed the doorbell continuously and I was glad when a beautiful lady around my age opened the door.

"Please help me, please someone is after me," I said out of breath and she let me in immediately.

"Are you fine?" She asked looking worried and I nodded trying to catch my breath.

"You are not a criminal, are you?" She asked and I shook my head.

She told me to sit on the couch while she got me a glass of water.

"Here," she said and I drank the water gratefully.

"Thank you," I said handing her back the cup.

"You are welcome, what is your name?" she asked with a concerned expression on her face.

"Laura," I said.

"I hope you don't mind me asking, why were you running,"

"A monstrous person was chasing me,"

"A friend? Your father? Who?" she asked getting worried.

"My Ex,"

"Oh, I'm sorry about that," she said and I nodded.

I waited for about fifteen minutes before I decided it was safe to leave.

"I'm leaving now," I said and she nodded

"Thank you," I said as I went out.

"You are welcome, stay safe, and don't get back together with him," she said and I nodded.

There was no way I was getting back together with Jack, not even death threats would make me get back together with that monster.

Liam

"The estimated budget for the project is 30 million dollars and it will run for 6 months, that is our proposal for the Divinity Garden Project," the vice CEO said, concluding the presentation. It lasted only about 30 minutes but felt like hours.

The contracting company gave him a round of applause, the looks on their faces indicating that they were satisfied with the presentation. Of course they were, my company is the best company that they could have chosen to handle their project. The project is brilliant and has a lot of potential but it could do with a name change.

"Mr. Miller, if we can reach a positive conclusion, when would you commence?" The general manager of the company asked.

"As soon as we get the funds," I replied professionally.

"Okay then, we would get back to you in about 12-24 hours," she replied and I nodded in acknowledgment.

We concluded the meeting, shook hands, and were escorted to the elevator. I could hear ladies in the elevator, squeaking and giggling. I can't blame them, I am Liam Miller, one of the richest businessmen in North America, I have all that going for me and I am a handsome 33-year-old and an ambassador for many popular brands. It's no surprise that the ladies find me appealing.

"Finally, the fresh air of the outside world, It's nice to be able to breathe air that is free of different perfumes and body mists, girls try so hard to get your attention, Liam," Ethan said, patting my back.

Very few people speak to me in such a casual manner, but Ethan is not just the company's vice CEO, he is also my best friend of over 15 years and a major shareholder in my company, the only other shareholder.

"Are you jealous man?" I asked and he scoffed.

"You know I don't care much for ladies' attention, I just feel like we would breathe better without girls embarrassing themselves before us," he said stuffing his hands in his pocket.

"Well, that's a 'you' problem, I quite like the unending adoration of the fairer sex," I said smugly.

"Spoilt!" He said and I chuckled.

"Nice presentation man," I said patting his shoulder.

"Of course, I'm the best at what I do and I didn't fly from NYC just to mess things up, bro.

"True, you are the best of the best," I said and he grinned.

"Let's get out of here before your internet wives see us," he said and nodded, chuckling.

We walked to my car where the two trusted bodyguards that I hired to keep the 'internet wives' away were waiting.

"So where are we going next?" I asked Ethan in the car.

"It is your call Liam, we are not meeting the guys till later this evening,"

"Okay, take us to the hotel," I told the driver.

"Liam..." Ethan said with a warning tone.

"What?" I asked with a puzzled expression growing on my face.

"Are you not going to check up on your mum?" He asked and I sighed before answering.

"No," I said resignedly.

"It's been over six months since you last checked up on them and you haven't called in almost 2 months now, why don't you seize this opportunity to check in on them," he said and I sighed.

"That place reminds me of him," I said as memories of my abusive father flashed through my mind, I'm super glad he's dead but I still can't shake that feeling of him being there,"

"Why don't you get them out of there then?" he asked.

"Really?, Do you think they'll let me?" I said in despair.

"Why not? You can just bring them to New York City with us, you can clean up one of your houses for them," he said.

"What would my mum think? I'm like a bad child at the moment, all I do is send them money. No calls, no visits," I said raking my hands through my hair.

"Trust me, man, it is for the best, just try," he said patting my shoulder and I nodded.

I gave the driver the house address and he drove us there.

We got down in front of the house and I half expected to see my dad on the porch sipping whiskey like he always did when he was alive, but there was nobody there. The porch was empty, and the chair my father used to sit on had been removed.

I pressed the doorbell and a few minutes later my younger sister opened the door, she hugged me tightly the moment she saw me when I released her she ran inside leaving Ethan and me at the door.

"Mooooom, Liam's home!" I heard her scream.

I couldn't help but smile, we entered and sat on the couch waiting for her to return with my mum.

"Liam?" My mum called the moment she got downstairs, I noticed she moved slowly and carefully but I didn't think much of it until she told Isabella to go get her glasses, hearing this, I looked at Isabella and she shook her head. She went upstairs for the glasses and she came back a few minutes later with them.

"Liam!" My mum exclaimed after putting on the glasses, I hugged her and she patted my back.

"My son, it's been a while. How are you doing?" She asked as we took our seats.

"I'm fine,"

"I'm jealous ma'am, I'm here too," Ethan said and my mum chuckled.

"Ethan darling, how are you doing?" She asked smiling.

"I am fine thank you, I see you are aging backward, Mrs. Miller,"

"You flatter me, darling," my mum said and we laughed.

"Stop flirting with my mum," Isabella said smacking Ethan lightly.

"Isabella, would you please get some snacks for your brother and his friend?"

"Sure mum," she replied then she left for the kitchen, I excused myself and I followed Isabella.

"Tell me," I demanded the moment I got into the kitchen.

"Chill bro," Isabella said and I glared at her

"Tell me, why does she need glasses, what's wrong?"

"You'd know that if you checked up on her," she said glaring right back.

"I know and I'm sorry for not coming, now tell me what happened," I said guiltily.

"Last month mum woke up and was unable to see anything well, she said everything was blurry, we went to the hospital and the doctor did some tests, the results came back and they said mum had temporarily lost her sight due to the beatings she received before. She seemed okay at the time but the effects are now catching up with her,"

"Oh Lord, he is dead and his actions are still affecting my mother, why didn't you call me?" I said weakly as I fell back onto the counter.

"You know she doesn't want you to worry about her, thank goodness you sent enough money for us to start treatment," she said and I sighed.

"Go and pack your bags and everything, you are both coming to New York City with me,"

"Finally!, A change of location, I knew something was going to happen when she came into the house today," she said making me frown.

"Who?"

"A pretty lady came to the house today, what was her name again?" She said and I watched her as she struggled to recall.