Chapter 171: Fighting
Alec couldn't sleep the whole of the night because she can of the discussion he had with detective Josh earlier.
‘Fight for Vanessa'
The words echoed endlessly in his head, causing him a mild headache. He didn't understand why it kept echoing inside him.
He tossed to the other side of the bed, pulled the pillow over his ears so as not to hear the disturbing sound but that only made him suffocate.
Coughing, he pushed the pillows off his face, rose up from the bed, took his laptop and left the room.
The lights in the living room were already switched off. He switched them on, sat down and turned the TV on to his favorite channel.
Feeling dehydrated, he plodded to the kitchen to get himself a glass of water.
He returned from the kitchen, opened his laptop and began to work.
Sometimes, he lifts his gaze to the tv, catching and following the scenes.
Hours passed yet there was still no sign of sleep coming. He glanced at the time. It was some minutes past 2 AM already.
“Still a long night” he muttered, yawing.
After an endless battle, he dozed off in the living room without knowing it.
Lights flickered through the windows, casting a gentle glow in the living room. Alec opened his eyes faintly and rubbed them gently, suddenly realizing it was morning already. It was 6: 45 am already and Alec needed to get prepared for the office.
He fixed his muscles, heading towards his bedroom.
A few moments later, he returned to the living room, fully prepared for the office.
His security officers were outside waiting for him to come outside. Once he arrived, Alec stepped into the car and drove off.
The office was very busy that day but Alec didn't have a tight schedule since it was Friday.
Stepping into the office, he's confronted by Rose's presence in his office. She was tidying the place when he walked in.
“Good morning, Mr Sterling” she greeted politely, his voice soft.
“Good morning Rose. Trust your night went well.” Alec replied, walking cautiously, to the suit rank, undoing the buttons.
“Sure, I slept peacefully. How about you?” she asked, straightening the file neatly on the desk.
Alec was about to give an answer when he suddenly remembered the battle of last night.
“It didn't go so well,” he replied, his voice tinged in sorrow.
Rose stopped from doing her task and narrowed her eyes to him. This was the first time her boss would be honest about the way he and it touched her deeply.
Rose’s voice softens, full of concern.
“Maybe you should take it easy on yourself, Mr Sterling.”
“Yeah, I think so too,” Alec replied with a cracked voice from where he stood.
Rose continued her task before lifting up her face after remembering something—something that happened some days ago.
“That reminds me, sir. Miss Isla was here some days ago, hanging outside the company premises but the security men didn't let her in.”
“When next she visits, please tell the securities not to go easy on her” Alec's voice struck coldly without mercy. There was no place for Isla in his heart—not anymore.
Rose nodded vehemently.
“I’ll definitely inform the securities about that. I will just return to my office. Do you need anything else, Mr Sterling?” Rose asked, standing eagerly with arms crossed together.
Gasping, Alec walked back to his seat and sat. “Is the appointment with the Wilson's already shifted? Shella has been on my neck . Can't let her down” he said, turning on his laptop.
“I reached out to Miss Wilson Shella's secretary. She promised to get back to us with her boss's response” Rose replied smartly.
Alec nodded smoothly.
“Keep me posted. Thank you.”
“Alright sir. I'll be in my office now. You can call me if you need something else.” With those words, Rose stepped out of the office.
Alec clicked on the mouse, focusing on work. The Wilsons have been mad at him for not attending their gala the last time. Shella didn't let him have peace too.
Now that she's about to launch one of her new products, she decided Alec must be present. Shella wanted Alec to be part of the launch.
Hours later, he reached for his phone and was tempted to give Vera a call. They haven't spoken for weeks now after the day he visited her in the hospital.
He felt there was no need to call. Afterall, she already has a man in her life.
Alec wasn't convinced about his calling Vera yet.
What are they going to talk about? Some boring business conversation?
Yunk!
However, Josh's words kept ringing in his head, forcing him to give her a call.
Josh has been wrong about things like this before.
Alec let out a slow, measured breath, his head spinning.
With mind made up, he searched for Vera's contact and dialed it. The phone rang once and then twice.
Surprisedly, she responded with a measured eagerness.
“ I thought you were never going to call. We ain't enemies, you know.”
Vera said on the phone, her voice; a playful warning.
Alec managed to force a smile, replying with the same energy.
“ I almost thought we became silent enemies.” He giggled and withdrew from the playful retorts. Hope you're well, Miss Archibald?”
Vera’s voice softens on the phone. “I’m fine. I'm glad you called. How's business going?”
“Very well. Congratulations on your engagement.” His face turned pale but it didn't reflect from the way he spoke.
“Thank you. I really appreciate it. I guess this is why you called, right?”
A moment of silence breezed past. They could both feel the uneasiness between them.
Then, Alec cleared his throat and said softly. “ Not completely sure but I'm glad you didn't reject my calls… I almost doubted it. I thought we were never going to speak to each other again”
“Come on, you can call me whenever you want…anytime…any day. We're still friends besides, I didn't get the chance to thank you for saving my life the last time”
“It’s nothing, Vanessa. I got appreciated by your dad multiple times.” Alec replied.
He wanted to ask about Toby but waved it off.
“Thank you, Alec. And…“ She rushed her words. ”My wedding is coming up soon. I just hope you could attend.”
Vera said softly on the phone, knowing how hurting the news about her wedding would make Alec feel.
Ex r