THE CEO’S VENDETTA

He starts to speak, and his words are like a hammer blow. “I find the defendant guilt…”

murmurings were heard.

less…” he added.

“I arise, Court!!!!” a loud voice cried.

The room goes silent, and Grace let out a shout. She can’t believe what she’s hearing.

“I am guiltless,” she continued saying.

Everyone gathered, each wrapping a hand around her with congratulations on every lips.

(Alex POV)

I had already arranged a car to get Claire to my home, I wanted to treat her well she deserves it.

I couldn’t wait, I prepared a special room, made food and got her some clothing.

Soon, she arrived.

Daniel ushered her in.

Claire walks into my living room, feeling nervous and a little overwhelmed. I stood up and smiled when I saw her. “You’re here!” I said, I approached her and gave her a warm, welcoming hug.

“I’m so glad you’re free,” I said. “I know it’s been a tough time for you, but we’re going to get through this together.” She nods, and I smiled again. “Now, I have something for you,” I said.

Narrator POV

Alex reaches into his TV drawer and pulls out a small box. He hands it to Claire, and she opens it with shaking hands. Inside is a necklace – a simple gold chain with a small pendant. She looks up at her boss, her eyes brimming with tears.

“I can’t accept this,” she said. He smiles again, shaking his head. “Yes, you can,” he said. “It’s a symbol of my gratitude and my respect for everything you’ve been through.

“Thank you so much Alex.” she said letting out a small warm smile, she was obviously tired.

“Alright, stay here tonight, clean up and we will see tomorrow morning. The maid will show you your room, anything you need, please feel free to ask her” he advised.

She turn and decided to leave for the night, but Alex dragged her close, and hugged her from behind.

“You remembered me right?” he said

“Yes I do, I am sorry for the way I behaved then” she said looking down

“I won’t forgive you” he said s he turned her to face him. “No no no… You will bear the consequences of your actions” but tonight I want you to sleep and get some rest” he said and bade her Goodnight

She couldn’t respond but watched him as he went up to his room,

“How do I repay my debt” she thought

Alex in his room had a quick bath and laid on his bed, it’s 7:34pm, and the night is still young

One of the very unusual days of his life, he never comes home early as he can’t grasp his sleep, his inability to sleep is a not a curse but a ripple effect of Claire’s actions towards him in school

“Maybe, I’ll sleep tonight” he shrugged and soon Claire came to his room to bid him goodbye, “I won’t be able to stay tonight, I have to go home, especially to meet my parents the night is still young this is 7:50pm, thanks for everything, I will see you at work”.

She said all these at the door and was about to leave when she heard an unusual grumbling, she rushed in and saw Alex being choked in his sleep, he ran towards him, tapping and calling is name

Alex being hyperactive this moment, stood up and held her neck, shouting on her

“Why are you doing here?” he regained his sense a little and tightened his grip “it’s all your fault” he said. “All your fault” he slowly released his grip as he realized he is hurting her.

“I’m sorry, really sorry” he said “please leave my room, please” he continued but Claire couldn’t, she gasp on the floor very weak.

Alex stood up and carried her on his bed, made her sit and catch her breath, soon she opened her mouth and said she’s sorry for coming inside

Alex told her to lie down and rest that he will step out later.

“No no, I can’t” Claire objected

“Listen to me, it’s all your fault and you will pay for it, ever since what you did, this had been my problem, you will pay with fulfilling 10 wishes of mine. No negotiation” he said as he knelt bedside the bed

“Wish one, forgive me for tonight by sleeping here on this bed and rest, you have no right to object” he concluded as he tried to make Claire lie down

Claire had no choice but to follow his wishes, no matter how Claire sees it apart from the fact that he claims she’s indebted to him, Alex is an handsome man whose eyes you can’t say no to

“9 more score to settle right?” Claire said as they both laughed when Alex nodded in agreement

So after school, what happened? Alex asked as he placed his head on the bed looking at Claire

“Well I don’t know what to say tonight, I am really tired maybe…..”

That was all Alex heard, he is fast asleep, Claire thought he didn’t say anything because she said there was nothing to talk about tonight

******

(Claire’s POV)

I woke up late and I saw Alex sleeping in the kneeling position since last night, “thought he says he can’t sleep” I thought as I saw his screen, Daniel already called 15 times.

And at the 16th time, he opened his eyes and was shocked at his environment, I could red it all on his face, like “what’s going on?”

“Pick your call” I said.

“There’s no need to” a voice spoke from the door and came in

“Oh shit, it’s not what you think” I said in defense.

“Oh I never said I thought anything, just that Alex is still around and also sleeping.” Daniel said.

“It’s okay” Alex said “I can skip today, whereas, the miraculous happened I had a deep sleep”

“Impressive, I can see two is better than one, and it’s almost time you make Mrs Reynolds proud, don’t you think” Daniel said as he tries to steal a glance from both me and Alex who is this time closer to him

“Do not give me that look, I’ll go to work tomorrow” Alex said.

“Is it because of you me he didn’t go to work?” I asked myself.