Chapter One

15 years ago

April

Monday is the worst day for me and it's because it's the beginning of the week hence a long transition to Friday- my favorite day into the weekend mostly because i love staying at home. If schooling wasn't a necessity or mandatory, i would totally buy the idea of staying at home for the rest of my life but education is the greatest gift you can give a child.

My parents forced that quote into my brain since i was born. They wanted me to be successful, who could blame them.

I step into the hallway and something unusual caught my eyes. People staring at me like i am the best thing since sliced bread but then again, i am no sliced bread, in fact, I'm the opposite in the worst way. Overly big glasses, braces, two sectioned cornrows, bright rainbow-colored armless turtleneck sweater, calf-length pleated skirt, and flats aren't exactly a sight to see except to make fun of which i guess they're doing but then again, even that has never happened before. I was invisible even with my appearance way before now so what changed?

Did i wake up uglier?

"April!" Iris my best friend tapped my shoulder from the back and i turn to accommodate her in sight.

"Hey, sorry i took off on Saturday, i got crushed..."

Iris cut me off

"You haven't been online have you?"

"No, what's there to see?" I take out a textbook from my locker.

"This" she shoves an image on her phone to my face

"What the hell!" I whisper in shock and bewilderment

My whole fucking love confession to Jordan on Messenger was sent to the entire school.

Unable to fight back the tears, i hurry into the toilet.

"Who did this?" I sniffle as i pace back and forth, shameful tears pouring down my cheeks.

"Did you tell him about it on Saturday?"

I think it's high time i told you about what happened on Saturday. The worst day of my life.

******

Prom day, an opportunity for high schoolers to dress to kill, elect king and queen, make-out session and other engagements but i, on the other hand, was on a mission to tell Jordan i have a crush on him. Call me crazy but i own a relationship podcast that encourages the need to always express your feelings to someone you like cause life is too short to be regretful. I am about to listen to my own words and follow my podcast advice.

Thanks to Iris for encouraging me to do this cause honestly, i don't think i might be able to pull this off on my own. She gave me the push i needed. I tried to look less April tonight by squeezing my body in a bandage midi-length gown that once in a while cease my breathing and my mum's red bottom ankle straps. I part my 4c hair in the center, i ditched my glasses for black contact lens but my braces were a no-no. Asides that, i almost looked like Jordan's spec. Or so i thought.

After seeing Jordan alone at the far end of the ball, it was now or never. I took a deep breath before making my way to him. Take control God.

"Hi" i slowly reduce the size of my grin after noticing it was too wide

"Hey April" he gives me his admirable dimpled smile. He's perfect, too perfect and this was a big mistake-no it's not, you're already here so go for it-ok.

I always lose to my subconscious self.

"You know my name" definitely not a question. He literally knows my name.

Now or never.

I remained silent in the awkward situation and he seemed to notice my uneasiness.

"You good? Do you need anything?"

I hurriedly grabbed his arm into the exterior balcony and without wasting a second, i kissed him. And yes you can say that was the worst decision ever cause my braces wrecked my romantic moment.

"I like you Jordan and i sent you a message on messenger to express how i feel but i never got a blue tick nor your reply and i thought maybe if i could tell you in person..." I stopped midway my rambling.

"Errrm... Okay" still shocked i supposed

And after a while of silence, i asked myself, What.the.fuck.just.happened?.

And just like that, he walked out of sight.

I didn't know whether to cry or laugh at my stupid self for thinking and comparing this situation to my podcast relationship channel. At the end of the day, i knew for sure i didn't belong here so i went home with my broken heart.

******

So that was what happened over the weekend and now the entire school is aware of everything that transpired. Fuck.me.

"This is bad iris" i drop my face in my palm.

"You know what, screw Jordan, screw that message and screw the entire school, you shouldn't give a damn about what anyone thinks, you were brave for telling and you shouldn't regret or feel bad" she opens her arms to hug me and i trap myself in her embrace.

"Thanks"

But the truth is, i regret everything i did.

" Hey loser, did you really think you had a shot with my boyfriend?" Macy and her two minions walk into the restroom.

"Guess she thought she was Cinderella for a heartbeat" Maddy scoffed.

"Nice try weirdo, next time look the part before the interview slut"

She pours the smoothie in her hand on my flats.

"Oops, not sorry, there's more where that came from let's go girls."

They leave.

"Iris.." I burst into tears

"Oh dear come here"

It's official, today is the worst day of my life.

Chapter Two

Present Day

Today, i am looking and feeling like Tika Sumpter from the movie Nobody's Fool and by that, i mean short bob hair, perfectly tailored blue crepe trousers and polka dot chiffon blouse tucked underneath with black pumps to die for. The company i work for senior as editor and show host, 101 Corp is one of the biggest brands in the country owning a widely acclaimed style magazine and Radio station that mostly airs gossip shows in the entertainment industry. I joined the company five years ago as contract staff, working my butts off to become a prominent employee and i can tell you for free that I succeeded.

I punch in level 15 in the elevator praying earnestly that no one joins because i hate getting cramped up with people on the ride. My Prayer was almost answered until i saw someone's leg halt the complete closure of the door.

"....my elevator is broken, send maintenance to come check it out. I need it up and running in fifteen minutes Grace." He hangs up on the call.

I go back to praying no one else enters and praise be to God it was answered.

I kept my focus on the door, resisting the urge to peak at the face of the man who owned the incredible baritone voice and intoxicating smell. I didn't pay attention when he stepped in and i regret not checking him out that instant.

When i finally arrived on my floor, i released the breath i didn't even know i was holding and when i turned around thinking the elevator had closed, he gave me a corny side smile and i managed to act unmoved. I arched a brow, turned around and headed to my office. That went well.

Over the past five hours, amid editing articles and creating the budget for this week's expenses for shoots and miscellaneous, i would be lying if i said the Greek god from earlier didn't cross my mind. He is so good looking and looks like a playboy, trust me i smell people like that from afar and I'm always right. Take it from someone who was stood up on her wedding day because her supposed groom fell in love with someone else.

"Starbucks? KFC? Or Milano's?"

It dawned on me that Corrine my assistant meant it was time for lunch.

"You can sit this one out Corrine, I'm heading out and will be back in one hour."

Time to go meet one of my mom's prospective intended blind dates for me. According to her, age thirty is seventy. But at the end of the day, none of these guys end up on my taste bud. Let's just say i gave up on romance and no one interests me anymore except of course the elevator dude.

Who the hell is he?

We arrived at Grazella's and i couldn't be more impressed he took me to one of my favorites knowing fully well my Mum must have spilled the deets like she always does.

The rest of the lunch went well and by that, i mean eating in silence.

"Do you live with your mum?"

Who lives with their mum at the age of 30?

"No, i own a house on mortgage"

"That's very impressive, i own about ten houses in the city"

Now he's gloating and i hate it.

Seeing that i didn't budge he apologized.

"It's okay, men like to sway ladies with their wealth forgetting that we are not the same."

We arrive at my sixty storey work building. He's been trying to fix our date gone awry by asking reasonable questions during the ride but a turn off is a turn-off.

He opened my side of the door.

"So i was thinking maybe we can have a do-over this weekend? I am sorry i blew this but i really want to get to know you and want a second chance"

I know he's genuinely sorry but there won't be a second chance.

"I'll let you know when is suitable for me."

"I'll await your response April"

This is the last straw i can take from my mum. I can't continue to go on meaningless dates when i have other things to do in the office. I'm already working late because of the show today and now the one hour off is one hour more.

"...Thank you for tuning in this wonderful evening, let's do it again on Friday same time and same station. I remain April Denver"

I close the live channel and play a song through the monitor.

If i had known five years ago how tiresome running two positions would be I wouldn't have taken the second even though it was the only way i could afford my car and pay my mortgage as fast as possible. Just two more months. Once my house has been fully paid, i can resign as show host and focus on the magazine before finally resigning to let's just say chasing my dreams. Besides, Gossip journalism has never been my thing.

I decided it was time to leave after sorting everything on my desk because I hate having spillovers into the next day.

"Good night Ms. April" Jackson the ground floor front desk security official bid me.

"Good night Jackson" I waved

As I approach the sliding door, my sight fell on another elevator opening.

It's the guy from before except this time he wasn't wearing sunglasses. That must be his elevator I guess.

Who the hell is he to own a private elevator?

I hurry to the car park beside to get my car and as I opened the driver's seat, I felt someone's presence behind me.

"If I didn't know better, I'd say you're stalking me"

I turn to face him.

"Quite the opposite I'd say"

He started to walk closer.

"If that were true, why are you having goosebumps"

My back slammed against the side of my car, I was trapped and he was getting close, too close I could smell all of him. I was trembling and I guess he could tell because he immediately circled my waist in his arms, our eyes glued to each others.

I knew this would be the death of me and I was totally inclined.

"You want me, don't you? You all do" he whispered into my ear and it further numbed my legs.

Before I could object, he kissed me in the most ravaged manner and then let go before I could savor the moment. What the hell!

"I don't usually do this in the parking lot but you leave me no choice lady"

He flipped me around and cupped my tits from the back, I felt his hard-on against my apple butt.

"Do you want me to do it here?" He asked.

"Maybe" I managed to say.

"That's not an answer lady"

"April, my name is April Denver"

"This is not the best moment to exchange pleasantries April, do you want it here or we go to my office?"

No one will see me except Jackson. Can I risk him seeing me?

"Here's good," I said.

"Perfect answer April"

He continued to kiss me and I was totally ready for him until he backed away.

"What's wrong?"

"Nice to meet you April"

I watched him walk to his car and then drive off. What just happened?

I felt used except I consented to it.

Chapter Three

April

Whatever happened last night is in the past and I won't hold it against myself for giving in to him. Today is a new day, the dawn of redemption.

"Good morning Jackson" I, as usual, gestured towards the security official guarding the ground floor.

"Good Morning Ms. April" he took a bow

I mount on the elevator all smiles until what felt like a Dejavu from the previous morning emerged.

Someone halting the elevator door. Crap!

My panic attack almost transitioned to a heart attack and only eased down when I saw who.

Always slutty dressed Zendaya. 101 Mag junior editor.

"Morning," she said as if forced to speak with no respect for courtesy.

"Morning" I take a sneak peek at her outfit and my jaw dropped.

"Isn't this too short for a workplace Zendaya?" I arch a brow, gesturing towards her overly tight silky gown that only went as far as the curve of her butt.

"No one's complained of my outfit so far"

That didn't surprise me. No one's talked bad about her dressing because they love to watch a mini porn. If only the company was owned by a woman.

And don't say it's because I'm Thirty and not in vogue. I know a slut when I see one.

The whole 101 corp is no longer what it used to be. The Magazine only preaches nudity as fashion and gossip as news. I still run my podcast now called Angels and Demons Corner every Saturday night at eight from the comfort of my Bedroom. It's a channel where I discuss relationship dooms and how to amend those that can still be salvaged. I intend to quit 101 in six months and invest fully on the channel.

Six more months and I'm done with 101 Corp.

"Corrine!" I called out, carefully opening the parcel on my table.

"Who dropped this here?" I turned to face her.

"The delivery guy said from JC"

"You can go"

I walk around my desk to sit.

Chocolate boxes, Champagne, Macbook Air, and a see-through G string.

First off, who is this JC?

Second, I don't know any JC

Third, since I am sure I don't know him, why send me all these especially the G string?

Fourth, secret Admirer? Most definitely. But this admirer got it all right except the pant. Unless he's trying to prove he's just after sex, right?

I take out a wrapped note placed beneath all the items.

- I don't know what you like but I hope you fancy them all especially the pant because I'm sure I made you ruin the first one.

JC.

The last part replayed in my head before it hit me like a bowling ball.

Elevator dude.

Crap.

I look at the items from the chocolate box to the Champagne, the Laptop and the fabric. I'm definitely keeping them. Who rejects a Macbook these days? Absolutely No one.

I'm taking this as a consolation prize for the humiliation I received.

I go back to starting the day's work by going through the articles to be published this week from the junior editors before taking the appealing pieces to the Editor in chief for final approval.

Plagiarism. That's what came to my mind immediately I read the first line from Zendaya's print in vogue. I'd seen this article somewhere but I can't pinpoint the origin. She changed a few words but this is definitely not original and something I read on a website.

My most visited website to catch up on fashion because by now you can tell I am obsessed with fashion and I love to stay updated on trending fabrics, prints, and designs.

That bitch stole someone's work.

Not giving a damn to question or confront her, I head straight to Cavanaugh's office, the Editor in chief.

"I'd like to report that Zendaya plagiarised her article, Mr. Cavanaugh"

I take my seat to explain further.

Mr. Cavanaugh joined 101 corp two years ago when the previous Editor in Chief resigned for personal reasons. I had hoped the position would be given to me since it was obvious how committed I was to the job and the company. Then a few months back, rumors circulated that he was having an affair with Zendaya.

Call it an environment with Melodrama.

Now would be the time to see if the rumors were true. If he justifies her actions instead of giving her a red flag, I would have to report both of them to the CEO.

I won't let anyone rubbish my reputation.

"You can go, I'll deal with it," He said.

"Excuse me, sir?"

"I said I'll deal with it" his voice was harsh.

If there wasn't a rumor, I would have believed he's going to take action but with everything said, I doubt he meant to act on it.

Son of a bitch.

I angrily left his office into mine. Should I let him approve the article and then anonymously inform the owner of the work about it letting them sue 101 Mag for intellect theft?

The company's reputation would be marred and that's something I can't watch happen.

The only answer is to inform the CEO because HR has no power over this.

Still angry, I decided it's best to cool off at my self discovered sane place in the building.

The rooftop.

Getting there, I began to break down emotionally. All the emotions I'd bottled up the past few months including insignificant things were erupting and I cried into my palms.

My failed wedding with Luke, the stupid blind dates, the job I love no more, the workers, my lonely puppy kinglee at home, my mum's constant nagging and frustration and my life in general.

I stopped crying when I felt someone's presence behind me and when I turned,

Holy crap, JC.