Gray's Siren

Prologue

Cassidy

"It's time bro! Hurry up let's get you to church before your mother comes barging in here!" rang Randy's voice my best friend and best man, coming to tap me on the shoulders with excitement. I returned the smile taking a final look at myself in the mirror.

"You look good, buddy...Sophia will tumble over herself today once she sees you" he chipped in, trying to straighten my necktie. I looked at him and chuckled lightly.

"It's all your doing, man. Thanks very much. I appreciate. Let's go" I quipped, moving towards the door with my tuxedo on a shoulder. I extended my hand to open the door and then hesitated. I turned slowly towards Randy to confide in him on something that has been gnawing inside at me since this morning.

"What Cass?" He asked perceiving my inner struggle.

"What if she never shows up?"I intoned in a perturbed manner, standing close to the door I was about to open.

"That's crass, Bud...how will you say such a thing? You of all people know how much Sophia loves you. Don't forget you broke so many hearts just to be with her, she'll never do that. You are just having wedding chills, don't worry. After all, you have a child together, there's no way she will do that. C'mon man the thought is crazy" Randy reassured me, managing to soothe me a little.

Sophia could be indecisive a lot. Getting her to marry me had been by chance, she has gone on and on about us waiting till her next promotion and how she wanted to visit Argentina for a modeling deal, and Paris for a life-changing contract.

From the first day I set my eyes on her, I always knew I was going to marry her. There was something about the way she had carried herself with a high air of confidence. And when she smiled, I couldn't help but fall for her orbs of chestnut brown eyes. I had been hooked since then. I liked her charisma and pizzazz, her flawless magnetism and soft words, they just tend to draw one in when you least expect it.

I opened the door and we walked down to my waiting Audi as the driver congratulated me, rushing to open the door. I cheekily responded and entered, followed by Randy who appeared more excited than I am.

When we got to the church, several cars were packed everywhere in front of the courtyard, which I had anticipated. It wasn't every day one got to attend the wedding of one of the richest people in New York City, not to mention a renowned world bachelor and rake like myself.

I alighted, quickly shrugging on my tuxedo which Randy helped me to button up. The church door flung open, and my mum exited from inside, looking all gorgeous. She couldn't contain her joy at seeing me 'do the right thing' in her words. She crashed into me, peppering me with kisses that had me shrinking back in disgust.

"Mum, I told you to stop with the baby kisses" I complained as she crushed me to herself.

"C'mon sweetie, you know you will always be my little baby. I am super proud of you" she wept into my shoulders. I reached out and caressed her shoulders to calm her down. When she finally let me go, we all walked into the church with all eyes goring at me.

I stiffened as I walked towards the aisle praying none of my ex-lovers come barging in to disrupt my wedding.

I stood in front of the priest, we exchanged a nod of understanding and then the wait began.

~

It has been 3hours now and we are still waiting.

I was so scared.

I had feared this. Randy assured me that it's nothing, and goes out to put a call to her which she didn't pick. I soon got frustrated waiting and excused myself.

Going outside, I called her so many times. Nothing. I called her friends, none picked. I roared in anger about to break down.

My mum came out in panic, but I wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone so I just sat in a corner praying this wasn't what I was thinking. That she'll come, say any excuse which I'll happily accept, just let her come. Beads of sweat fell from my hair down my face in agitation.

I couldn't wait again so I trudged to my car, ordering my driver out of it. I rushed in with Randy at my heels.

"Where are you going to, Cassy?" He asked but I didn't reply. I powered the engine and did a mad turn, to the bewilderment of my mum who yelled in fright. Randy had already rushed into the car and I sped off towards Sophia's house.

When we got there, everywhere was deserted. I pounded on the door angrily enough to wake the dead. " Sophia can't do this to me. She can't.." I wailed, falling to the ground. Randy rushed to my side trying to placate me, but I was beyond pacifying and let the tears fall like the ocean had no bowel to sustain them.

I jumped up, remembering my child, and rushed to the car still dumbfounded by everything.

When we got to my mansion, I sped into the house, up to the nursery. I stood at the door in relief as I beheld his tiny yelps in the arms of Chloe, his day nanny. I went in and snatched him away, crashing him to me as I poured out all my pains and bitterness in that hug, consoled that she didn't take him away from me.

(Hey darlings?I hope you like the beginning?, Please drop your comments below on anything you think I should add or any suggestions at all. It would mean a lot to me. My next chapter is going to be a bom!, Hopefully, ?)

5 years later.

I walked into my company as everyone scrambled about to their posts, knowing how much I frowned at tardiness. I caught Simeon for the third time in Greg's corner probably engaged in his usual gossip. I bellowed at him to come to me and he scurried forward knowing very well he was in deep trouble.

"Simeon, you are the most incompetent nitwit to ever walk the planet, you know that?." He nodded frantically pinning his eyes to the ground and shifting uncomfortably on his feet.

"This company is not meant for lazy ass people. I sweat my ass out to keep things running around here, and to place this company in its present position, and you get your monthly cheque, not to run about engaged in vain gossips. This is the third time, so for that, follow me to the office for your job relief letter" He fell to my feet in tears groveling for pardon, which irritated me the more. I turned and walked to the elevator, punching in the number to my floor.

I walked into my office as my assistant ran in to drop a file on my desk. He stood as I went through the file, his hands crossed in front of him with his eyes to the floor.

"Get out" I barked at him and he took off. I started the business of the day going through my laptop to complete the work I was doing at home before coming.

I looked up as an advert got my attention. I glared at the television in outright hate, deep down appreciating the work of my topmost competitor, Phillip Norman. I reached out to pick up my coffee but met an empty space, to add to my chest pain.

I shrieked the name of my assistant that came running in immediately.

" Where is my coffee you insolent Buffon?"

" I...I ...I went to the usual spot to get it for you but the place was locked. Something about being under renovation" he stuttered.

" You are very outrageous Timothy, So I won't have any more coffee because of a ridiculous unserious supplier huh? the next three minutes I don't get my coffee, you will join the rest of the 3 thousand groups of job seekers out there" I threatened, turning back to my laptop as he scurried off.

My chest was heaving in rage. I looked at my CCTV, looking for who to vent it on when my iPhone shrilled. I turned to look at it to see it was my mum. I huffed what does she want? I picked.

"Cassidy Trevor Gray, What in God's name do you do to your workers to get them sprinting off?" She bellowed from the other side of the phone.

I rolled my eyes."Mum, I'm at work, can we talk later?"

"You won't dare cut the call on me, young man. Your nanny just dropped off your son. According to her, she quit!" She yelled emphasizing the quit.

"Mum, she is lazy, and if she quits, it's nothing to worry about, I'll pick him up after work and by tomorrow, I'll get someone else." I drawled, not in the mood for her non-stop rattling..

"I didn't bring you up to be a dunce son. If you have enough sense in you, you will recognize that this is the tenth person running off already" She rambled on. I was getting pissed.

" Mum, it is not my fault they can't do their work. Why then should I take the fall for it? I will talk to you later I got to go" I cut the phone before she'll utter another word, huffing out in anger.

I stood and started pacing in my office before Timothy ran in with my coffee. He placed it on the table and turned to leave.

" Hey, wait"

I picked up the coffee and drank, spewing everything out the next minute back to the cup. I looked up at the fidgeting Timothy.

"What the fuck is this, you idiot?!" I roared, flinging the cup to the ground, its content spilling everywhere. "Timothy you are beginning to get on my last nerve. I am trying to be patient with you, but it's waning day, after day. Get that fuck out of my office now! Whatever you have to do, I need my Coco's best tomorrow!" I trudged to my chair, sitting down. I placed my elbows on the chair with my hands clasped together, irritated with everything going on.

"Can I go, Sir?" Timothy frightfully asked, still looking down.

"Contact the home care center after this, I need a housekeeper by tomorrow" He nodded and quickly took off.

I bent to type an email to send to my HR to submit the file of all the workers. I needed to run a background check and know who to fire since they weren't coming up with classic ideas.

For as long as I can remember, my company; Grayscales has been in the top front of America's advertising agencies. I have put in time and effort into building my business empire to be the best among others. I had only five major competitors with Fleexon owned by Phillip Norman, being the lead.

I enjoyed the competition as it worked to spur me on at every turn. This will not be the first or the last time Phillip tried to nab a major client under my watch. It was the pecks of the business, I do it too. But this, this is a major one, as Saskatoon was the hit for me, and we were about to secure a deal. A deal which has obviously been taken from me by the cretin!

The cleaner came in, greeted me, and started cleaning the place hastily, as I continued working. I loved the way they all cowered in front of me. It proved that what I was doing, was truly working. I hated lazy ass people who felt entitled. they do less and yet expect a paycheque, especially the women. I always made sure to put them in their right place, not letting them become too comfortable and then develop wings.

My reputation in New York City preceded me. All over, people had ogre stories to say about me. Where ever I entered, they scurry around to meet my needs because one second lost, and you lose your job. Even if it wasn't my company, my money and influence did the magic.

Sophia turned me into this. She made me see the worst in everyone. I became so paranoia and uptight, that even spending time with my child was an irritating quest.

There was a knock and Randy worked in, rocking his six-inch designer Armani purple suit with his sun-bleached brown hair ruffled. He smiled causing his grey eyes to sparkle. He sat down in front of me, crossing his legs, and looked up.

"Hey, how you, bud?..." I shrugged, still clicking away on my laptop.

He snorted "Look, I didn't come all the way here from my office to have that aloof look. Some ant bit your ass, keep it to your self but you gat to pay me attention, understand?" he cautioned, instantly getting my attention.

I smiled.

I always like the way he manages to control my temperament with his words. We have been like this since high school and he knew when just the right words to get my tantrums in check.

"I'm fine, Rand...I'm sorry. Just that, that stupid old lady just quit this morning and she didn't even do it in front of me, waited till I've gone to work, before running off to my Mum's place to drop Luke" I whined, scratching my eyes.

Randy chuckled unfolding his legs and pushing his chair closer.

"You of all people know she fears your wrath. So she couldn't quit, knowing she won't get off easily, especially as she knows about Luke" Randy clamored, standing up to pick a wine and glass from my minibar.

He came back and poured for the both of us. I rubbed my jaw thinking about what my friend just said.

"You know you are right, that woman is up to no good. This is why I always wanted Luke abroad, but mum insisted I bring him back, for what?, get to know his father" I mimicked my mum and scoffed, snatching the drink off the table to take a sharp swig.

I have to do something about that woman. People don't have to know about Luke, not for now. I have lied to the previous nannies about his parentage, but one day Luke had divulged to the stupid woman that I was his father which she had to her advantage, being the first to last to a week. I rolled my eyes picking up my phone.

"Be careful Gray, whenever you are like that you are up to no good" warned Randy turning to watch the television.

"How's Stacey?" I asked Randy, diverting the topic. He turned sharply to look at me, a smile crawling up his face.

"She's as beautiful as ever. Come to think of it, I'll let her know about the latest development. She might be of help or something since she runs a women's aid center" Randy said, sipping his wine.

"That'll be nice, though I've told Timothy to call the damn agency, however, it'll be nice to work with a trusted person, not that anyone is anyways" I growled, punching the send button on my laptop.

"You know you have to loosen up man. You have to give love a chance once again. Sophia was bad news. Both of you were never matched anyway, you just didn't want to listen. Loosen up, you might never know" Randy pitched in, gaining himself a glow from me.

"I don't know how many times I have to tell you or the others not to mention that name ever again close to me!" I barked at the dismayed Randy who lifted his hands up.

"Wo! Mahn, calm down, I'm sorry" he told me, making me relax a bit. I hate blowing off on my friend as he is the only one who understood my pain.

"I'm sorry for shouting bud, it's just that I hate the sound of that name, especially on a day like this"

"It's okay. Any gist for today?" Randy asked me in his usual gossip tone. If he wasn't my friend I will be very repulsed with his appetite for gist like some woman. No wonder he liked Stacey, she never failed to provide him with tons of it.

"Nothing much, bud, just that pain in the ass Phillip, he nabbed my client again" I muttered bitterly, to produce a peal of high-pitched laughter from Randy, earning him more of my spiteful glares.

Afterward, he left and I prepared to head home, bearing in mind to stop over and pick Luke up from my mum's.

I thought about the run-away housekeeper and what dangers she may pose to my son's existence. Not many knew about him being my son, for reasons best known to me. For now, I didn't need him exposed to the insatiable thirst of the press.

The less affiliation he had to me, the better to his freedom. She has to be handled and on time too.

(Jane's pov)

The alarm shrilled aloud, almost driving me crazy. I reached out to hit the damn thing shut and pushed at it until I heard it fly to the ground, raising the blanket to wrap myself and snuggle in, not ready to wake for the morning.

"Get your lazy ass behind out that bed, Jane, you can't come to my house and sleep like some lousy idiot" Stacey screeched from the kitchen making me roll my eyes. I ignored her and remained in bed.

"Jane!, I am serious. What is wrong with you? you just lost a job, a good-paying one for that matter and you still sleep? I ain't giving you a dime again and remember your rent is up and soon your landlord will have your things sky bayed to you" she quipped from the kitchen, probably making breakfast coz I perceived the aroma of scrambled eggs and toasted bread.

"Thanks for the reminder Sty, can I go back to sleep now? or do you still have more to remind me of my miserable life?" I returned to her pathetically.

The door flung open as she came in already dressed for work, her face scrunched in remorse. Stacey was my best friend since grade one and we have remained inseparable since then. I often found myself envying her easy life, without no hassles.

After college, she had done her master's and gone on to open her own business. She was in a healthy relationship with one of the richest potential bachelors in New York and the guy was really into her.

On the other hand, after dropping out of college, I've been hopping jobs for survival. My parents have been separated since I was 15 and found other partners with more babies. I was hardly the last thing on their minds except on some Christmas when they called to wish 'Merry Christmas' without no invitation.

I have grown used to it.

Without Sty as I fondly call her, I probably would have fallen off the bridge. Almost all the jobs I've done were found by her even though I ended up messing up and losing it and then she'll go on and get another. The first time I tried working for her, I had resigned in 3days due to how stressful the job was. Ever since then, I've come to respect her more, for her input. She was simply the best thing that has ever happened to me.

"I'm sorry, Jane, you know I'm just kidding. But babe, we have to do something about your joblessness and you have to help me" She calmly blurted out. I turned to look at her as she combed her already well-arranged blonde hair, and she turned from the mirror smiling at me.

"I suck at them all, you know that" I whispered in self-pity.

"Hey" she came to sit close to me, brushing a hair behind my ear. "you underestimate your capacity. Let's try something new. The next job we land, you do all you can; wake early, be active, pretend to like it" She drawled, showing off her well-set dentition which got me chuckling and nodding. I hug her middle from my lying position.

"I will Sty, I just have to try. I have no choice. Right now am practically stranded. Mr. Granger has already called five times and I've been ignoring his calls" I chortled, still in self-pity, lying back on the bed. " I've got so many bills to pay, I can't keep depending on you" I surged on looking up at the ceiling in thought.

" Hey, don't say that. What are best friends for?. You know I don't mind. And by the way, I will be coming in late today, I have a date at Randy's" she stood, snickering, her cheeks red as tomatoes.

"Aww...When are you even inviting him over? at least let me meet the man that moves the life of my best friend" I gleefully said, sitting up to place my elbow on the bed with my head in my hand, my long red hair pouring all over my body.

She chuckled lightly picking up her Gucci bag from the chair. "Soon Jane. He is a little bit of a shy person but hopefully, he'll come around soon" she provided moving towards the door.

"Your breakfast is on the table. I will see you soon, be good" she finished shutting the door behind her.

I grunted, falling back to the bed in thought for a while, after which I climbed off the bed. Picking up my night robe, I wrapped it around myself and moved out of the bedroom towards the dining room.

After munching down my breakfast, I remained at the dining thinking of what next to do to raise money.

"Maybe I'll check up job blogs for any vacancy," I said to myself, pushing off the chair while picking up my plate. I dropped it off at the kitchen and went straight to the room to pick up my phone to surf for jobs online.

I went to the living room and laid on the sitting room sofa with Kee, Sty's brown pup. He was busy nibbling on my left thumb as I searched different sites on the internet. All kept demanding for some damned certificate. I got tired of it all and flung my phone to the side grabbing Kee to my side and scratching his ears.

"Kee, what do you think I should do?" I asked the little hound who stared at me with its teary orbs. I kept rubbing its furs lost in thought.

My phone rung beside me, jerking me back from my drift. I picked it up at the third ring and waited to hear the voice at the other end. It was Caleb my ex. I rolled my eyes a thread away from cutting the call.

"Hey Jane," His revolting voice boomed from the phone.

"What do you want, Caleb?" I hauled at him becoming more irritated.

"Can't I check up on you again?, it's been a while and I really..."

"I don't have time for your games Caleb, take your confusing life elsewhere. I told you I am no longer interested" I reminded him, still scratching Kee's ears. He whined and snuggled in deeper.

"Jane..., I already told you that I am sorry, what else do you want me to do?" He intoned in his usual arrogance.

" I don't care what you have to say, Caleb, I am not in the mood for your theatrics right now, move on. I have. Or better still go find yourself some slender Barbie doll. I am so done with your too many expectations, you hear?" I hissed at him in finality.

The line was silent for a while as I was drawn to the television where a very dark, hot, handsome devil, was advertising a Cromberg hamburger. I forgot I was on a call for a sec, my mouth watering up for such an Adonic creature.

"Helloooo" Bellowed Caleb from the phone dragging me back from my reverie.

"Caleb, I got to go, something came up sorry"

" But Jane..."

"Bye..." I said, cutting off whatever he wanted to say. I sat up straight, placing Kee on the couch, and looked back at the television to discover the advert was over.

"Shit!" I yapped in disappointment. Standing up, I made my way to the room to refresh myself.

~

It was almost dark when the doorbell jiggled and I flew from the room to get it.

I opened it to let in Stacey who was beaming from ear to ear.

"Hey, durling" she gave me a bear hug with her usual annoying nose kisses.

"How was your date?" I asked going to sit on the couch.

"It was fine...I missed you so much. I told Randy he has to meet you and guess what?"

"What?" I drawled, stretching out on the couch, ready for my ears to be busted with her countless rattle which is usual, every time she comes from a date.

"He accepted!" She squealed in glee, making me turn, not believing it. The shy secret mission beau wants to meet?

"Are you serious?" I quizzed, not believing my ears.

"Yes! and that's not all...Wait for it...I have major good news" she stood, dancing to my side on the couch. I couldn't help but be more curious.

"Spill it already, Sty" I rolled my eyes.

"You have a job!" She shrilled, crushing me in a hug.

"Stop kidding with me Sty, you know I'm vulnerable right now" I uttered in disbelief.

"I'm serious Jane. Ok, after our date, Randy was like if I had anyone that could be a good housekeeper?, and I was like for who? and he said his friend the all-mighty Cassidy Gray's housekeeper, bailed on him this morning" She said, making the hyphen signal with fingers on air.

"So apparently he needs an urgent housekeeper as soon as possible. So I had told him you are in need of a job too and will resume first thing tomorrow morning" she finished still smiling broadly.

My heart skipped. I have heard a lot about the New York Adonis heart wrecker and aggressive employer. How can I work for such a man? More tolerant people haven't even managed me talk more of...

"Sty, I can't!" I announced sitting up straight. The smile disappeared from her face immediately.

"Why not?" She interjected, her brows raised and her hands spread.

"You know the kind of person he is, Sty. You of all people know I can't cope. I would probably be kicked out of there by tomorrow night. His reputation precedes him." I murmured the last part hoping she understands.

She exhaled and removed her shoes, sitting properly on the couch. She folded her two legs underneath her.

"Jane, I understand that you are scared. To be frank, I was too. But that doesn't mean you won't try...You need this job and the pay is fuckenly cool. $500 per hour " She said, my eyes widening abruptly.

"You see? so you need the job. All you have to do is to avoid him as much as you can. Randy said he has strict rules which if you abide by, then you have nothing to worry about. But if you don't want it, then fine, we keep searching. Just said I should tell you though" she concluded in a disappointing tone and moved off the couch, packing up her bag, and then she flung something at me which I caught midair.

" Thanks" I mumbled.

"You're welcome, I need to shower, I'm super tired." She murmured, moving towards the bedroom.

"I made some Pasta's In case you're still hungry" I proclaimed to her, opening my package to discover my favorite hamburger from Frisbee.

"Awwwn... thanks Sty, you're the best" I shouted hoping she hears it.

"You are welcome. I am full by the way" she told me from somewhere in the bedroom.

I sat chewing away at my burger as Kee trotted down from greeting Sty, and jumped on top of the couch, rising on her hind trying to sniff my burger.

"Here, you bully, you won't let me eat in peace" I muttered, giving him a bite. My eyes were pinned to the television, but my mind was on everything Sty told me. I needed this job but working for that man was duper scary.

I have heard a lot about the New York City adonis, and how mean and ruthless he is especially to women.

I haven't really gotten a peek at him to confirm the theory about him being the hottest dude in America, as the paper says. But one thing I was sure of is that I wasn't ready to work for some solipsistic man who thinks his mere existence is a gift to the race of womanity.

Not now, not ever. But then, what's the way forward?