7.

*Carlin*

"She's still alive?" I mutter to myself as I hang up on the call.

Uncle Kelvin didn't really have to lash out at me and Dad like that.

How did she survive though?

I was told the man did a thorough job of getting rid of her. Was it a lie?

With my files in hand and my phone in the other, I turn to leave for my office.

I work in the Administrative department of this company. I'm one of the two Administrative Managers. I can't exactly say that I fit the role but what can I do when I get the job on a platter of gold? I'm supposed to be next in line after my uncle's and I won't fail them.

At least she doesn't know I'm behind her murder attempt. That way, I can still get close to her and attempt it again.

The elevator doors into the seventh floor pings and someone comes out.

I adjust my glasses.

It's Akeelah in the flesh.

She stops for a second in the lobby and looks around.

Our eyes meet and for some reason, this doesn't seem like a pleasurable meeting.

I unconsciously take a step back while she strides towards me.

She hasn't changed much. She looks much prettier than the last time and in the last picture I saw of her.

She reaches my side and stops for a second and looks straight at me. I return the gaze.

And suddenly she reaches out and grabs me by the throat.

What the actual fuck?!

*Akeelah*

I never imagined how furious I was going to be whenever I set my eyes on Carlin.

But there she stands, like she has been expecting me.

I'll grant her expectations, only in like manner like the last time I heard of her.

I walk up to her, I am going to take my time.

Why?

I'm the victim who is the out for blood and revenge.

I reach her and look at her for any sign of remorse but there she stands, shamelessly looking back at me like she is the supposed victim in this situation.

This makes me extremely angry and I give in to my desires.

I wrap my hands around her neck and slam her into the wall. I smile to her like a maniac they've made me to be.

"You know? I didn't expect to be this angry when next I laid my eyes on you..." I started, ignoring her wiggling under my palms

"...I was even willing to give you another chance to prove yourself as the cousin you used to be to me."

She continues wiggling, a bit harder. I'm not even pressing so much on her neck.

People start to gather around us but nobody is interfering in our meeting.

Our very peaceful meeting.

"Before I died, I asked the bastard you sent to me who sent him. You know, villains tend to rattle everything out when they think they've won and this bastard was just that kind of chatty villain."

Carlin starts to gasp, I'm not done yet.

"And he gave me a particular name. The one of the bitch I'm holding right now. You know, it would be very easy for me to kill you right now but doing that will only foil my plans from the very beginning and I don't want to stoop so low as becoming a murderer on the run from the law. I will get total rid of you when the time is right. But for now... Enjoy the day." I rush out in one breath and leave her neck.

She slumps to the floor like a rag doll who's breathing heavily.

I look down at her and don't say another word to her. I only turn from her and go back into the elevator, which thankfully, was right there on time.

I enter the elevator and see Carlin looking at me, I look straight into her eyes and give her a one sided smile.

I whisk my phone out of my bag and makes a call.

"Is my office ready?" She asks

"It is ma'am."

"Okay. I'm on my way already."

I press the button for the fifteenth floor and lean in the elevator.

The elevator pings open.

Damn all these pinging. Makes me wonder what that jerk is up to with his 'darling'.

I leave the elevator and step straight into my lobby.

I take in the space belonging to my secretary.

She leaves her desk and walks up to me.

"Welcome ma'am. Your office is ready. Would you like to see it now?"

"Sure." I say and she leads the way.

She opens the door and the fragrance hits me.