Chapter 3 - His Motive

• The light from the huge floor to ceiling windows had him turning uncomfortably. He stood up promptly to find his phone. Noah staggered immediately falling back into his king-sized bed.
• He propped himself up with a pillow with a look of disbelief on his face. His eyes narrowed when he found the anklet he had given to Sophia, vividly remembering his warning to her, “Take it off at your own risk.”
• In a house filled with luxury, the poor girl stood out like a sour thumb. All he wanted was for her not to get accustomed to the comfortable life he had provided. Noah stared at himself in the mirror, he looked pathetic. It was another night of drinking himself to sleep.
• Ever since his father died, he found it really difficult to sleep properly. He had to be on medication or scotch, which to him was medication. His head spun a little when he remembered all the terrible things he had said to Sophia. The guilt engulfed him like a large quilt.
• He didn’t know what to do with himself. Noah shot out of bed. His head was completely occupied with images of Sophia.
• In a moment, he mustered all the staff that worked in the mansion. Normally when he gathered them it didn’t mean anything good, someone was getting punished. Sweating profusely and practically panting, they stood with arms crossed behind them.
• “Can you all relax; I just came with instructions.” Noah had to clarify. The temperature in the room had already dropped to a negative. In that moment, he remembered the fearful look in Sophia’s eyes as his staff mirrored the same expression. Noah noticed how their shoulders slumped almost simultaneously.
• “If Lady Sophia Milton enters this house, make sure to inform me immediately. I don’t care whether I’m in a meeting or even on top of a helipad. Do you understand me?” He asked to make sure they understood him clearly.
• Noah wanted her back, and fast. He couldn’t bring himself to ask her back, his pride wouldn’t let him. He didn’t know how worked up he would get without her by his side. He dismissed the staff immediately.
• His golf clothes were pressed and carefully laid out on the bed. He walked into my bathroom to take a shower switching the temperature from hot to cold, trying hard to wash away the thoughts on his mind.
• All he could see was the look on Sophia’s face. He didn’t know how much of a monster he had become. ‘Was that really how she saw me? As a monster?’
• Noah wrapped a towel around his waist and walked out of the bathroom. This has never happened before, was this warm feeling in his stomach, guilt? His heart sunk to his feet.
• Since the day he met Sophia at the office during her interview, he loathe her. In as much as she was educated, she was clumsy and annoying. She couldn’t even try to compose herself knowing fully well she was the only candidate personally interviewed by the CEO.
• Her physical appearance, every curve and corner, reminded him of his ex-girlfriend who abandoned him on the alter. It was like his past had come to haunt him. He had his reasons for hiring her, first Sophia was the most suitable person for the job because of how humble she was. And the other reason was Chantelle who had personally recommended her for the job.
• It was only a matter of time before she grew and fit perfectly into the position. But she had grown too much. Noah couldn’t count the number of times his business partners and colleagues had made an offer with him to have Sophia transferred to their company, he refused each time.
• She was a meticulous and very hard worker, and above all, she was his. He never gave her credit for anything. Even after their marriage, he would always tell her that she wasn’t good enough for him.
• He always played back those drunken nights when he slept with her. After his ex-girlfriend, he never slept with anyone, expect Sophia. Even Kira didn’t have the privilege of seeing him shirtless.
• There was something about Sophia, so different, it made him crave her more each time. Maybe George saw something he couldn’t, she was the only girl his father ever approved of for him. His marriage contract was for a limited time. All he needed was to use her claim his inheritance. After that they would get divorced.
• His father’s sudden death changed the narrative completely. But now, he was starting to regret. His father demanded he bring home a wife. George already knew his health was declining and he needed assurance his company was in good hands. Sophia was the only girl he ever approved of.
• Noah knew fully well George wouldn’t approve of Kira even with her wealthy and respectable background. He rather preferred someone of a humble background and Sophia was perfect. ‘Do I miss her?’
• A knock on his room door pulled him back to the present, “Sir, lady Kira said to ask if you would still be attending?” Sarah, his personal assistant and office secretary explained.
• “What? Why couldn’t she call me directly?” he asked feeling disrespected that she could call the landline instead of his personal phone.
• “She claimed she called you severally without getting a response,” Sarah explained. Noah glanced at the phone in his hand, ‘why didn’t I hear it ring?’ he asked himself staring at the numerous calls he had missed. Was he that distracted? Noah faced her again. “You may leave,” he instructed.
• He pulled open a drawer in his walk-in closet. After picking a watch that matched his car key, Noah made his way to his and slipped into his red sports car. He drove straightway to meet his girlfriend, Kira Robinson at her father’s country club. If he didn’t get there soon, she’d nag the hell out of him.
• Immediately he got out of the car, a valet emerged almost immediately grabbing his key out of his hand. He walked through a small passage way to meet his girlfriend and some other members of their elitist group.
• He often referred to them as ‘insufferable bastards’ but had no other choice than to associate with them for the sake of business. “What’s good man,” Gerald, his best friend stood up immediately after spotting him. Gerald Buford was his best friend, their parents were very good friends and business partners.
• “The latest orphan,” Randall Walton called. He hadn’t been long since his father passed and they couldn’t show him even a little sympathy., Randall wasn’t the best with emotions and had a very strange way of showing empathy. Noah chuckled regardless.
• Randall Walton was a doctor, so he had seen too much death to be moved. The Walton’s family owned the world of medicine. Randall’s father’s hospital saw George, Noah’s father through his treatment until the end.
• “And also, the latest billionaire,” Brad sputtered. Brad Astor’s family were the law and controlled most state and national offices, it gave him a huge ego. The only reason Noah hung out with him was because his spoilt sister, Tanya was his girlfriend.
• His family also had connections in high places so there was no need to throw him away.
• Noah gave a wry smile. No matter how upset he was, he couldn’t lose his cool, “He was still my father guys, show some respect.” They responded with an eruption of laughter. Noah gave a half smile, clenching his fists tightly.
• “Hey, chill out you dickheads, I know you wouldn’t mind putting a bullet in your parent’s heads but unlike you some of us actually like our parents,” Savannah defended. She was practically the only voice of reasoning in the group.
• Savannah Windsor’s family had good military power. Apart from Kira, Noah’s girlfriend, Savannah was the only girl in the friend group. She was the smartest of them all.
• “So, you aren’t going to say anything,” Kira pouted. As always, she had to make herself the object of attention. Kira was always so self-centered. She couldn’t even bother enough to send her condolences after his father’s death. Showing up would be a stretch.
• “I’m so sorry,” he blew her an air kiss but that didn’t seem to satisfy her.
• Noah turned his attention back to the others, nothing he was going to say would make her feel better. She tugged his shirt slightly, “Noah, you’re not going to say anything,” she batted her eyelash.
• “I’m really sorry Sophia, I’ll make it up to you.”
• Until Kira’s eyes widened Noah didn’t hear the words he spoke. Why was Sophia all he could thing about, it was starting to drive him crazy. His friends shared surprised glances.