Control
Chapter 1
Lara
Lara checked her appearance one last time and hoped her husband would approve. Her long, curly blonde hair was pulled up into a neat twist and coiffure to perfection. She applied not too much or too little make-up and the dress of silver wasn’t chosen by her.
Bryce her husband of fourteen years was in control of every facet of her life. Their marriage a loveless one - his prize trophy wife - and he owned her literally. Twenty years her senior at fifty-five he was a very rich, very powerful man and the proprietor of many companies, which fortunately kept him busy and away from the house constantly. His money being family wealth or ‘old money’ from generations passed, grown in abundance by her husband so that he was now one of the richest men in the country.
To others Bryce appeared handsome, intelligent, suave and charming. Underneath his amiable veneer lived a black heart which always showed in his eyes when he addressed his prized possession. Lara came to know there was never any kindness in his black eyes for her, just a fake façade for those outside of their family.
If it only affected her, she would have left him years ago. It would never have been a concern for Lara to receive nothing from their marriage but her children would suffer if she left, so she stayed. Her children were the only thing in the world which gave her happiness. Sheridan at thirteen was a mirror image of Lara, with long curly blonde locks and large, expressive blue grey eyes. Kyle at eleven, fortunately only inherited the nice qualities – the few he possessed – from his father. The same straight dark hair and his hazel eyes in a much lighter brown than his father’s empty ones were the only likeness.
Lara and Bryce had thankfully not shared a bed or bedroom since Kyle was born and even before that Bryce rarely slept at home stating he always stayed at the office. She knew he was going elsewhere and probably paying for it. Bryce would not waste his time with affairs where feeling or emotions could become involved. Like everything else in his life it would be a business transaction. Lara was relieved he no longer sought her out.
During the first years of their marriage life was pleasant but neither passion nor love entered their world. In those earlier years Lara found him handsome and charismatic but when the slight amount of warmth left and became replaced with apathy, she no longer felt anything pleasant towards him.
In the beginning she’d felt empathy towards him and his difficulty in showing his emotions. Bryce’s father had been an uncaring ruthless man and his mother a socialite who took no part in raising him. He was an only child brought up by his nanny. Never experiencing any love from his parents Bryce became shut off from the world and people around him. Lara thought she could help him find solace with someone who cared for him who could possibly love him but she discovered very quickly that there was only a cold, calculating mind and heart.
Being married to Bryce contained some advantages and Lara knew she was the envy of the social set to which they belonged and she played the part accordingly. Daily facials and manicures, along with rigorous gym sessions and shopping filled her days. Lara never worked a day since their wedding as Bryce did not approve of his wife being independent and earning money, instead she chaired many charity organisations. Her empty, hollow days brought little comfort to her life and her only shining light, Sheridan and Kyle. The envy of those within their ‘circle’ of Lara’s perfect existence was for the superficial things. If only people knew how much she longed for a different life.
Due to the constant pampering, Lara looked younger than her thirty-five years however looks didn’t matter to her, only to Bryce. She would sacrifice her sustained beauty for happiness any day as it was only ever a curse for her. She longed for passion, love, companionship and most of all to laugh with someone in mutual admiration.
The only child of Bill and Lorraine, Lara dreamed of becoming a fashion designer constantly reading and scouring fashion magazines and sketching her own designs. Her parents ran a catering company as they were both excellent chefs and for many years benefited from a profitable business. Lara was in her final year at design school when her father suffered a heart attack and became unable to continue working. They hired another chef to help her mother but their business suffered.
After taking out a second mortgage on their house in an effort to save their business, things grew to be dire and they eventually needed to put the business up for sale. This was when her family met Bryce McGregor. Lara still remembered the day Bryce came to their house and how awestruck she was by his power and distinguished looks. He offered to buy the business and be a silent partner only, allowing her parents to continue to make a living without having to completely lose the business. His generous offer also entailed paying off both the mortgages on the house and his generous offer surprised them all. Her parents were ecstatic and asked what they could give him in return. This is when Lara’s life changed. Her parents refused initially, stating that their daughter was not going to marry for the money. Lara insisted it would be alright, surely it would not be so awful being married to such a handsome successful man. She couldn’t have been more wrong.
Later once they were married, Bryce confessed that upon laying eyes on her he knew she would be perfect as his dutiful wife. How he knew he could mould her to be what he required as she was young and her family indebted to him. Her spellbinding beauty was merely a bonus.
The pre nuptial agreement sealed her fate as – with no other choice – she signed a document giving her no right to any of his money, the children if they had any and her parent’s debt to be repaid if she left him. This is how she became the property of Bryce and thus stayed in her unhappy world. Her parents long since retired would be out on the street if she were to selfishly walk away.
Turning away from the mirror, Lara took several deep breaths to pull herself together, put on her socialising cool demeanour and walked downstairs for her husband’s inspection.
If Lara was materialistic in any way then she would be in heaven due to their large – ridiculously large – house and servants. She wasn’t required to do any cleaning, laundry or cooking and they also acquired a nanny whom Lara rarely used over the years. Lara wanted to raise her children and only used the nanny when she was to attend social events with Bryce.
This evening they were attending a dinner for the launch of another new company which Bryce was having built. He hired a renowned architect to design a state of the art contemporary building and tonight was its unveiling. Knowing it would be the same boring, pompous people at the dinner, Lara felt unexcited as usual.
She strolled down the grand marble staircase and located her husband waiting by the door. His icy stare and tapping foot indicated his impatience at her delayed arrival. As she approached, he gave her a deliberate once over to ensure she was up to standard. Although her body was trim and lithe, Lara would gladly be a little soft around the edges if it meant not having to slog it out at the gym as frequently as she did. Bryce also monitored her eating habits which were healthy to the extreme and a treat or indulgence was never allowed. Lara couldn’t remember the last time she enjoyed dessert or a simple piece of cake. Even a glass of wine at dinner and social occasions was condemned therefore she hadn’t enjoyed an alcoholic beverage since before meeting Bryce.
“Lara, you look perfect,” Bryce told her in his cold manner.
“I’m glad you approve, Bryce,” she replied dutifully.
The transportation to dinner was in their chauffeured limousine and Bryce talked on his phone for the entire journey which suited Lara perfectly. She didn’t talk to him unless she needed to. Upon arriving at the Ritz Hotel, the ever present feeling of dread in having to perform, be someone she wasn’t, filled her chest. Image was everything to Bryce who required Lara to be perfect and cool at all times.
After being greeted by several of his business associates they proceeded to the head table. Bryce deposited Lara in her seat and strode away to mingle further without the burden of his wife. Glancing at the name tags on the table, Lara realised she was sitting between her husband and the architect who designed Bryce’s building. No doubt so he could show her off and rely on her to be charming and demure to impress his new associate. Probably another old lecherous boring man he usually stuck her with. She stifled a yawn and became impatient for the night to begin so it could be over.
Chapter 2
Owen
Owen attempted for the third time to fasten his tie without much success. He looked up into the mirror to manipulate the impossible knot again and saw his daughter’s reflection as she entered his room.
“Do you need some help with your tie, Dad?” Ariel, his fifteen year old daughter enquired.
“Yes honey, you know I’m lousy at tying these things. I really wish I didn’t have to at all but this new client of mine insisted on this fancy dinner for the unveiling, you know it’s not my thing.” His bright blue eyes crinkled as he smiled.
He watched his beautiful daughter complete his tie with ease before stepping back to admire her father. They were almost mirror images, both tall with black wavy hair and the same warm eyes, vivid against their olive completions. Their sharp chiselled features softened with cheeky smiles and smooth skin. Keira, Ariel’s ten year old sister, resembled their absent mother. With strawberry blonde straight hair and deep blue eyes she was petite and elegant but with the sincerity and compassion which Angela lacked.
Owen had not seen or heard from his wife for seven years. They’d been high school sweethearts and Owen always thought her to be the most beautiful sweet girl. Short, petite and popular she was the envy of most of their peers. Falling instantly in love with her strawberry locks and large blue eyes, Owen spent a month wooing Angela before winning her over. Their time at school together was surreal and they’d married at twenty.
After five years of blissful marriage they were blessed with Ariel but before long this blessing became a thorn in their marriage. Angie changed, she was not the fun, warm girl he fell in love with. She was a wonderful mother but her feelings for him became shut off and cold.
When Keira was born five years later her affections stopped completely. She devoted her life to the children but became ignorant to him and his devotion. Owen by nature was playful and kind and felt saddened by his wife’s lack of feeling towards him. Throwing himself into his work, he started his own architectural business when Keira was twelve months old and he enjoyed some success.
Over the two years following, leading up to her abandonment, Angela became indifferent to the children and he suspected she was also having an affair. After she went back to work as a personal assistant, things grew increasingly worse. Owen believed being the narcissist that she was, Angela probably started a relationship with her boss who was older and would be dotting on her. Owen thought he’d been a good husband but Angie wanted someone to worship her, put her on a pedestal and a happy loving relationship wasn’t what she wanted.
When Keira was three her day care centre called him at work; Angela hadn’t collected Keira from day care or Ariel from school. Owen was working late as he often did, to avoid going home and realised it was after seven. His concern for his wife’s safety suffocated him. He found out very quickly this was a wasted emotion.
Upon arriving home with the girls he discovered a note and Angela’s belongings gone. The note simply stated ‘I can’t do it anymore. I am in love with someone else who gives me the freedom to be who I am and not tied down to a life of boredom and homemaking.’ It now appeared that Owen and Angela possessed different ideas about the life they wanted to lead.
He raised his daughters alone for the last seven years and was proud of how well they all adjusted and coped within a single parent family. Owen showered his daughters with love, kindness and affection, always available for every need they required. His fun, playful nature transcended to Ariel and together they helped Keira through the early years without a mother. Keira possessed a very serious, sensitive side which was endearing to both Ariel and Owen and kept balance in their lives.
“So Daddy, do you think you will meet anyone special tonight? Will there be lots of eligible ladies there?” Ariel enquired.
“You never know, Ariel. We could get lucky.”
“You look handsome, Daddy.” Keira entered looking pretty and poised.
“Thank you, my darlings. Now I have to go or I’m going to be late.” As he walked to the front door the girls followed. “You must lock the door after I leave and if you need anything run next door to Mrs Johnston, okay?”
“We know, Daddy, we’ll be fine, go and knock em’ dead,” Ariel encouraged and reassured her father as they gently eased him out the door.
“Ring me if you need anything and behave,” he told them with a smirk before setting off to unveil his latest creation.
On the drive over he speculated the chances of meeting someone special, the true love of his life as he thought Angela to be. Having never seen or heard from Angela again they were still married. He filed for divorce but had been unable to locate her to complete the deed.
Owen was surprised by her lack of contact assuming that she would want to divorce as well, so she could continue her free life with her new man. He was in a stale mate situation, even if he were to meet someone else, he wouldn’t be free to marry again just yet.
His girls had been without a mother figure for too long and even though he did the best he could for them, he believed it wasn’t enough. Owen dated over the years but had never been interested enough to form any kind of serious relationship. He was lonely and longed for the companionship, love and passion in his life with the right woman. Everything Angela hadn’t been. He was sad his marriage failed but he didn’t miss or love her still.
Owen was blinded and deceived by a beautiful woman who thought that he would always hold her in the same high esteem as he did in high school. Yes he had been in awe of her in the beginning but the awe turned to what he thought to be real love, nevertheless this is not what Angela required from a man.
Was there the perfect woman for him out there? Someone who wanted to love and to be loved in return?
Lara
Lara checked her appearance one last time and hoped her husband would approve. Her long, curly blonde hair was pulled up into a neat twist and coiffure to perfection. She applied not too much or too little make-up and the dress of silver wasn’t chosen by her.
Bryce her husband of fourteen years was in control of every facet of her life. Their marriage a loveless one - his prize trophy wife - and he owned her literally. Twenty years her senior at fifty-five he was a very rich, very powerful man and the proprietor of many companies, which fortunately kept him busy and away from the house constantly. His money being family wealth or ‘old money’ from generations passed, grown in abundance by her husband so that he was now one of the richest men in the country.
To others Bryce appeared handsome, intelligent, suave and charming. Underneath his amiable veneer lived a black heart which always showed in his eyes when he addressed his prized possession. Lara came to know there was never any kindness in his black eyes for her, just a fake façade for those outside of their family.
If it only affected her, she would have left him years ago. It would never have been a concern for Lara to receive nothing from their marriage but her children would suffer if she left, so she stayed. Her children were the only thing in the world which gave her happiness. Sheridan at thirteen was a mirror image of Lara, with long curly blonde locks and large, expressive blue grey eyes. Kyle at eleven, fortunately only inherited the nice qualities – the few he possessed – from his father. The same straight dark hair and his hazel eyes in a much lighter brown than his father’s empty ones were the only likeness.
Lara and Bryce had thankfully not shared a bed or bedroom since Kyle was born and even before that Bryce rarely slept at home stating he always stayed at the office. She knew he was going elsewhere and probably paying for it. Bryce would not waste his time with affairs where feeling or emotions could become involved. Like everything else in his life it would be a business transaction. Lara was relieved he no longer sought her out.
During the first years of their marriage life was pleasant but neither passion nor love entered their world. In those earlier years Lara found him handsome and charismatic but when the slight amount of warmth left and became replaced with apathy, she no longer felt anything pleasant towards him.
In the beginning she’d felt empathy towards him and his difficulty in showing his emotions. Bryce’s father had been an uncaring ruthless man and his mother a socialite who took no part in raising him. He was an only child brought up by his nanny. Never experiencing any love from his parents Bryce became shut off from the world and people around him. Lara thought she could help him find solace with someone who cared for him who could possibly love him but she discovered very quickly that there was only a cold, calculating mind and heart.
Being married to Bryce contained some advantages and Lara knew she was the envy of the social set to which they belonged and she played the part accordingly. Daily facials and manicures, along with rigorous gym sessions and shopping filled her days. Lara never worked a day since their wedding as Bryce did not approve of his wife being independent and earning money, instead she chaired many charity organisations. Her empty, hollow days brought little comfort to her life and her only shining light, Sheridan and Kyle. The envy of those within their ‘circle’ of Lara’s perfect existence was for the superficial things. If only people knew how much she longed for a different life.
Due to the constant pampering, Lara looked younger than her thirty-five years however looks didn’t matter to her, only to Bryce. She would sacrifice her sustained beauty for happiness any day as it was only ever a curse for her. She longed for passion, love, companionship and most of all to laugh with someone in mutual admiration.
The only child of Bill and Lorraine, Lara dreamed of becoming a fashion designer constantly reading and scouring fashion magazines and sketching her own designs. Her parents ran a catering company as they were both excellent chefs and for many years benefited from a profitable business. Lara was in her final year at design school when her father suffered a heart attack and became unable to continue working. They hired another chef to help her mother but their business suffered.
After taking out a second mortgage on their house in an effort to save their business, things grew to be dire and they eventually needed to put the business up for sale. This was when her family met Bryce McGregor. Lara still remembered the day Bryce came to their house and how awestruck she was by his power and distinguished looks. He offered to buy the business and be a silent partner only, allowing her parents to continue to make a living without having to completely lose the business. His generous offer also entailed paying off both the mortgages on the house and his generous offer surprised them all. Her parents were ecstatic and asked what they could give him in return. This is when Lara’s life changed. Her parents refused initially, stating that their daughter was not going to marry for the money. Lara insisted it would be alright, surely it would not be so awful being married to such a handsome successful man. She couldn’t have been more wrong.
Later once they were married, Bryce confessed that upon laying eyes on her he knew she would be perfect as his dutiful wife. How he knew he could mould her to be what he required as she was young and her family indebted to him. Her spellbinding beauty was merely a bonus.
The pre nuptial agreement sealed her fate as – with no other choice – she signed a document giving her no right to any of his money, the children if they had any and her parent’s debt to be repaid if she left him. This is how she became the property of Bryce and thus stayed in her unhappy world. Her parents long since retired would be out on the street if she were to selfishly walk away.
Turning away from the mirror, Lara took several deep breaths to pull herself together, put on her socialising cool demeanour and walked downstairs for her husband’s inspection.
If Lara was materialistic in any way then she would be in heaven due to their large – ridiculously large – house and servants. She wasn’t required to do any cleaning, laundry or cooking and they also acquired a nanny whom Lara rarely used over the years. Lara wanted to raise her children and only used the nanny when she was to attend social events with Bryce.
This evening they were attending a dinner for the launch of another new company which Bryce was having built. He hired a renowned architect to design a state of the art contemporary building and tonight was its unveiling. Knowing it would be the same boring, pompous people at the dinner, Lara felt unexcited as usual.
She strolled down the grand marble staircase and located her husband waiting by the door. His icy stare and tapping foot indicated his impatience at her delayed arrival. As she approached, he gave her a deliberate once over to ensure she was up to standard. Although her body was trim and lithe, Lara would gladly be a little soft around the edges if it meant not having to slog it out at the gym as frequently as she did. Bryce also monitored her eating habits which were healthy to the extreme and a treat or indulgence was never allowed. Lara couldn’t remember the last time she enjoyed dessert or a simple piece of cake. Even a glass of wine at dinner and social occasions was condemned therefore she hadn’t enjoyed an alcoholic beverage since before meeting Bryce.
“Lara, you look perfect,” Bryce told her in his cold manner.
“I’m glad you approve, Bryce,” she replied dutifully.
The transportation to dinner was in their chauffeured limousine and Bryce talked on his phone for the entire journey which suited Lara perfectly. She didn’t talk to him unless she needed to. Upon arriving at the Ritz Hotel, the ever present feeling of dread in having to perform, be someone she wasn’t, filled her chest. Image was everything to Bryce who required Lara to be perfect and cool at all times.
After being greeted by several of his business associates they proceeded to the head table. Bryce deposited Lara in her seat and strode away to mingle further without the burden of his wife. Glancing at the name tags on the table, Lara realised she was sitting between her husband and the architect who designed Bryce’s building. No doubt so he could show her off and rely on her to be charming and demure to impress his new associate. Probably another old lecherous boring man he usually stuck her with. She stifled a yawn and became impatient for the night to begin so it could be over.
Chapter 2
Owen
Owen attempted for the third time to fasten his tie without much success. He looked up into the mirror to manipulate the impossible knot again and saw his daughter’s reflection as she entered his room.
“Do you need some help with your tie, Dad?” Ariel, his fifteen year old daughter enquired.
“Yes honey, you know I’m lousy at tying these things. I really wish I didn’t have to at all but this new client of mine insisted on this fancy dinner for the unveiling, you know it’s not my thing.” His bright blue eyes crinkled as he smiled.
He watched his beautiful daughter complete his tie with ease before stepping back to admire her father. They were almost mirror images, both tall with black wavy hair and the same warm eyes, vivid against their olive completions. Their sharp chiselled features softened with cheeky smiles and smooth skin. Keira, Ariel’s ten year old sister, resembled their absent mother. With strawberry blonde straight hair and deep blue eyes she was petite and elegant but with the sincerity and compassion which Angela lacked.
Owen had not seen or heard from his wife for seven years. They’d been high school sweethearts and Owen always thought her to be the most beautiful sweet girl. Short, petite and popular she was the envy of most of their peers. Falling instantly in love with her strawberry locks and large blue eyes, Owen spent a month wooing Angela before winning her over. Their time at school together was surreal and they’d married at twenty.
After five years of blissful marriage they were blessed with Ariel but before long this blessing became a thorn in their marriage. Angie changed, she was not the fun, warm girl he fell in love with. She was a wonderful mother but her feelings for him became shut off and cold.
When Keira was born five years later her affections stopped completely. She devoted her life to the children but became ignorant to him and his devotion. Owen by nature was playful and kind and felt saddened by his wife’s lack of feeling towards him. Throwing himself into his work, he started his own architectural business when Keira was twelve months old and he enjoyed some success.
Over the two years following, leading up to her abandonment, Angela became indifferent to the children and he suspected she was also having an affair. After she went back to work as a personal assistant, things grew increasingly worse. Owen believed being the narcissist that she was, Angela probably started a relationship with her boss who was older and would be dotting on her. Owen thought he’d been a good husband but Angie wanted someone to worship her, put her on a pedestal and a happy loving relationship wasn’t what she wanted.
When Keira was three her day care centre called him at work; Angela hadn’t collected Keira from day care or Ariel from school. Owen was working late as he often did, to avoid going home and realised it was after seven. His concern for his wife’s safety suffocated him. He found out very quickly this was a wasted emotion.
Upon arriving home with the girls he discovered a note and Angela’s belongings gone. The note simply stated ‘I can’t do it anymore. I am in love with someone else who gives me the freedom to be who I am and not tied down to a life of boredom and homemaking.’ It now appeared that Owen and Angela possessed different ideas about the life they wanted to lead.
He raised his daughters alone for the last seven years and was proud of how well they all adjusted and coped within a single parent family. Owen showered his daughters with love, kindness and affection, always available for every need they required. His fun, playful nature transcended to Ariel and together they helped Keira through the early years without a mother. Keira possessed a very serious, sensitive side which was endearing to both Ariel and Owen and kept balance in their lives.
“So Daddy, do you think you will meet anyone special tonight? Will there be lots of eligible ladies there?” Ariel enquired.
“You never know, Ariel. We could get lucky.”
“You look handsome, Daddy.” Keira entered looking pretty and poised.
“Thank you, my darlings. Now I have to go or I’m going to be late.” As he walked to the front door the girls followed. “You must lock the door after I leave and if you need anything run next door to Mrs Johnston, okay?”
“We know, Daddy, we’ll be fine, go and knock em’ dead,” Ariel encouraged and reassured her father as they gently eased him out the door.
“Ring me if you need anything and behave,” he told them with a smirk before setting off to unveil his latest creation.
On the drive over he speculated the chances of meeting someone special, the true love of his life as he thought Angela to be. Having never seen or heard from Angela again they were still married. He filed for divorce but had been unable to locate her to complete the deed.
Owen was surprised by her lack of contact assuming that she would want to divorce as well, so she could continue her free life with her new man. He was in a stale mate situation, even if he were to meet someone else, he wouldn’t be free to marry again just yet.
His girls had been without a mother figure for too long and even though he did the best he could for them, he believed it wasn’t enough. Owen dated over the years but had never been interested enough to form any kind of serious relationship. He was lonely and longed for the companionship, love and passion in his life with the right woman. Everything Angela hadn’t been. He was sad his marriage failed but he didn’t miss or love her still.
Owen was blinded and deceived by a beautiful woman who thought that he would always hold her in the same high esteem as he did in high school. Yes he had been in awe of her in the beginning but the awe turned to what he thought to be real love, nevertheless this is not what Angela required from a man.
Was there the perfect woman for him out there? Someone who wanted to love and to be loved in return?
