Chapter 5 A Blast from the past!

Laura's POV:

Running into him in the elevator was already too much for me. I felt the anger well up in my chest, and still like six years ago, when his father got him off the rape and assault charges the next day— I felt powerless. I felt like I was eighteen again, helpless and crying inthe corner of my small room, holding my pregnancy test strips in my hands and shaking with rage and pity.

I stood there, legs rooted to the ground watching him, the man I loathed so much walk-in. as the elevator lights illuminated on his face like an image from a terrible nightmare and I was helpless against him.

How could he send his stupid secretary after me, requesting for a private session?

He must really think too much of himself.

I scoffed.

I was shaking with anger, back in the car as I was been driven home.

immediately the car, drove into the basement and halted. I jumped off, took a deep breath to calm myself, tried to walk steadily to the door and ended up pulling off my heels halfway in, and just bounced inside.

The living room was empty. I was glad it was, I pounced on the stairs, shoved my bedroom door open. And just walked straight up to the bed and fell straight in.

My throat was sore and dry, matching my entire mood just fine.

I stayed there, lying face down for almost ages.

Today had been a total blast from the past!

My back ached from the exhaustion, stimulated by the soft feel of the bed against my skin, I slept off.

Feeling the first pang of comfort after unease.

Two weeks later

“Hey, mom.” Ria jumped on me, a wide grin plastered on her face.

I stirred, opening my eyes. The scent of her shampoo wavered into my nostrils.

I pulled her closer, hugging her tightly to my chest.

“Oh, my icky-little baby girl.” I smiled at her. Poking her ribs.

She giggled happily, slipping into the duvet beside me.

Just when Gwen's voice came through from the door “Are you there Ria?”

Ria's eyes widened.

Clearly, she hadn't expected to be caught so soon.

She quickly snuggled up beside me and soon pretended to be fast asleep.

I chuckled softly.

Rubbed her head, then stood up from the bed.

“You can come in Gwen.” I called, walking off to the window. Pulled at the curtains, and drew them apart.

The morning sun poured on my face, sending it's rays all over the room.

My room was a large apartment, fully furnished with expensive tasteful things.

A portrait of me, Gwen and Ria hung on a section of the wall. Pale-blue curtains encompassed almost the whole wall to my right.

Everything here looked sleek and modern.

I was still standing at the window, my window showcased a prime view of the city.

I stood there watching the bustling streets.

Wishing today would not be so bad.

I still had an interview with that nosy journalist.

I sighed and turn back to the room.

Gwen had already entered the room and pounced on the pretending Ria on the bed.

“You icky-little girl, think you can outsmart me?” She pulled off the duvet from her.

But Ria still pretending to be fast asleep, bending over her. She poked at her ribs.

Ria groaned, stiffled a pretended yawn and at another poke in her ribs, she started laughing rolling off the bed.

I smiled as I watched them, then slipped off into the bathroom. Let the shower run over me.

Minutes later, I was sitting at breakfast with Gwen. When my phone rang.

“Hello, Ryan.” I picked up the phone, a glass of milk in hand.

“Good morning boss.” His voice was a bit hoarsed and rushed.

“What's up?” I took a sip from the glass, and carefully placed it on the table.

“You need to rush over to the studio now.”

Something might have happened.

“I thought I was to meet up with Rolling today.” I asked, eyebrows raised.

“Why do I need to head to the studio?”

There was a pause from his end.

Hesitation.

“A new owner just took over. He wants everyone in the conference room. Now.” He said.

“A new boss?” I asked, surprise etched into my voice.

That was strange.

“Yes.”

“Okay, I'm on my way.” I muttered. Dropping the call with a worried look.

“Anything the problem?” Gwen shot a questioning glance at me.

A new management meant a new way of doing things.

And as no one knew the character of the new employer, it wasn't actually a good thing.

I sighed.

“It's just work.. I'll be heading out.”

I smiled at her, and stood up from the table.

“Momma, you said you'd drop me off at school today.” Ria complained.

I reached over and pecked her gently on the forehead.

“I'm sorry sweetie.” my voice was barely a whisper.

She shook her head in disapproval.

“Next time alright, I promise.” I tried coarsing her, while looking into her eyes which were almost becoming teary.

Gwen reached over and hugged her.

“Don’t worry, your momma's gonna take you next time.” She rocked her gently.

I felt my heart knot in gratitude. Gwen was always there, taking care of me and now Ria.

“Thank you Gwen.” I said softly. She smiled back at me.

Ria calmed down a bit. I kissed her goodbye and left the house.

Took out one of the cars in the garage and drove out, I stepped on the gas and drove past the speed limit on the highway.

It was a sport I found amusing and enjoyed.

I smiled lightly, fingered a knob on the dashboard. Music blasted from the stereo. Wind poured out through the open window, it whipped my hair and slapped my face, taunting me.

When I reached the recording studio, I pulled off the highway and parked my car in front. I climbed out, strolled into the big building.

I knew my around here, so well.

I nodded at a few persons. Took an elevator to the second floor and went straight to the conference hall.

Ryan was already there waiting, not alone him. Almost everyone signed to the label and the staffs sat there, muttering and whispering.

“Have you seen the new boss?” I asked Ryan.

He shook his head.

“We're all waiting for his arrival.”

Well, whoever it was— I just needed know how he planned on treating us. Not that I could affect that anyway.

I stopped thinking about it and instead, started chatting with the other artists. We rarely met up like this, it was a very good time to socialize.

Five minutes later, things quieted down. Everyone was tensed up, some even kept shooting nervous stares at the door, watching out for the new boss.

The entire room seemed to have been bottled up with the rising tension. I was trying in vain to hold a conversation with Ryan. Who was equally distracted and nervous.

The door suddenly opened, Mr. Paul— the former boss stepped in, and right behind him….

Was that— Jaxon?

My eyes widened in shock.

Why was he here?