When Salsa got a phone call from Rod, she thought he was waiting for her at a nearby café, not until she came to Rio’s airport and saw Rod with his security and aides standing next to a private jet.Salsa gagged her mouth in surprise when she met with Rod, “Welcome to Rio Hondo once again, Rod. I can’t believe you came in a private jet just to see Melissa?”Rod was all smiles as he said, “Thank you, Salsa. Each time I find myself in Rio Hondo, I wish I could return home with my wife, Melissa, but she keeps repelling my admiration.” He beckoned to Salsa, “Do you mind joining me in my private jet?”Hastily Salsa shook her head, “Yes, of course I am willing to get on your jet. This will be my first time to get on a jet.” She said and covetously looked at Rod, wishing she could be his.The security led her into the cabin and Salsa sat down with Rod, while the security fetched wine and cupcakes.“Thank you for giving me the privilege to get on a private jet for the first time.” She smiled
The wind was whirl but cozy. Brian was standing at the shore while I ran to him. With his wide arms open in embrace, we hugged for a time which seemed eternal.I smiled in a remarkable kind of way and I could feel my veins get filled up with bubbles of excitement. We looked around and caught sight of our twins playing with the white sand at the shore. Shortly afterward, they scurried, and giggled as they joined us.“Jamie and Jean,” Brian called, stroked their hair and bent to kiss them on the brow. He was all smiles, the smiles of rare fulfillment, “You are the reason I am alive. If anything should happen to you or your mother, I will die.”The twins, who were smiling at him, frowned.“Shhh,” I shut him up by placing my finger on his lips, “You are not going to die. I will always be there for you. I only want you to do one thing for me,” I demanded.Brian locked gaze with me and asked, “And what could that be? Mention it and it shall be done.”I replied, “I want you to stand by us in
After a few days, I was walking past Fanny’s chamber when I overheard Opula and Kate nag at Fanny over the celebration of life party for Brian.“Father, do you realize that Fanny Group has unpaid tax and you are busy spending millions of dollars to throw a party for your son, who is as good as vegetable now.” Opula said, “Why don’t we use the money for the party to sort out this unpaid tax?”Kate sounded as she sighed, “Oh my God! Are you kidding me? Do you know how much it takes to spend a night on Saint Kennedy yacht let alone two nights? You are being wasteful…”Fanny interrupted her, “Keep shut you daughter of shame,” He stood up, his arms shaking hugely, which was a sign of his fury, “What do you call wasteful? Is it because I chose two nights? I wanted to make it seven nights but for the engagement of my guest.”“Seven nights?” Opula and Kate exclaimed in tandem, “We know Brian is your favorite child and if it were possible for you to gift him your life, you would have done it a
Ever since I had that dream, my impending trouble had been about the safety of Brian at the hospital. I couldn’t tell why my instinct told me there was trouble in paradise; obviously all wasn’t well with Brian. Each time I beheld Opula and Kate I had the conviction that they were up to no good.When I walked past the mirror, I took time to observe myself and I noticed my pounds was beginning to increase greatly, even my cheeks were getting thicker and thicker and my feet were greatly beginning to swell.I had to do something about it. Opula and Kate would begin to suspect pregnancy. “Jamie and Jean,” I called as I rubbed my stomach and smiled. “Thank you so much, Brian, for naming our twins,” I said to his photo on the wall, “I pray they resemble you in all ramifications,” I said yet further and about to say more, “I..”A sudden knock came on my door. The knock resounded with a familiar tone, “Melissa, it is me Salsa,” she sounded and knocked so impatiently now, that I was prompted to
Salsa was putting her wardrobe in order and whistling Brian’s favorite song when she perceived a heady fragrance close by. Throwing caution to the wind, she never took it seriously and so continued with what she was doing.Not until she got tickled in the ribs that she turned around to see Ken having a flower handy and a package dress in a bag.“Happy birthday sweetheart,” Ken said, smiling cheek to cheek and about to give Salsa an engaging hug, when she pulled back, dragged a knitted brow and gestured at him to stay away.Ken made a face at her and wondered what could be the problem. “Hey, you seem not to be in a good mood on your birthday. I bought you nice gifts for the forthcoming yacht party. I guess you will like it.”Salsa interrupted him by snatching the items from him, “Thank you for the gifts, Ken, and I appreciate the birthday wishes. If you don’t mind I was very busy when you barged in,” she turned around, “I would love to continue…”Ken surged close, “Hey, darling, what i
Opula writhed in pain as she collected the gown, handbag, and shoe from the servant. “Why don’t you go and attend to other chores? I will assist you to attend to the gown, okay.” She said humbly, smiling and giving the servant the impression that all was well.Feeling honored, the servant bowed, “I am indeed honored, ma’am. Thanks for finding it easy to assist me.” she willingly gave the items to Opula and walked away feeling excited. Little did she know what Opula was up to.Through gnashing of teeth, Opula gazed upon the royal gown with so much scorn decking her eyes. Not only was she envious, also she felt disrespected and abandoned by Fanny.“This poverty-stricken Melissa has taken my place in my father’s heart,” she said within herself, as her chin puffed in fury.Right about now, as she dimmed her eyes in space, she could recall Fanny’s promise to her when she was very much younger. “Nobody will take your place in my heart. Because I am the richest man in Rio Hondo I will provi
Once I caught sight of father relaxing to some bottles of beer and wine at the poolside, I decided to meet with him; for the past three nights that particular dream had repeated itself.I perceived my husband was conveying a message to me which needed urgent attention. And the message was no other thing than his safety. My nights have become more fun than my day. Although I enjoyed meeting Brian in the dream world, I couldn’t wait to tell my father-in-law about Brian.“Good day father,” I greeted him once. I pranced to his side and he lit delightsome laughter on his face as usual, expecting me to return the compliment. But I kept to my frown, “Permit me to have a seat, father,” I sounded yet further.Fanny shook his head firmly and dimmed her blue eyes at me, “My daughter-in-law is looking moody. Obviously, someone has got on your nerves. Or don’t you like the royal gown I bought for you?” he asked politely.I forced a smile, my thoughts still hovering around Brian, and wondering how
Upon receiving the urgent invitation from the doctor, Fanny and I hopped into the car and drove down to the hospital.At the time, Opula and Kate were having a sun bath at the garden and once they beheld the rate at which we drove away, Opula burst into a mocking laughter before Kate joined her.“I guess the doctor has put a call across to them. Brian is not supposed to remain alive on or before the yacht party,” Opula said through smiles before fetching her wine to gulp down.Kate’s face widened in surprise. She chuckled and sat up to listen to Opula, “Come on girl, give me more gist. I wasn’t getting what the doctor said over the phone when he mentioned his strategy and how can eliminate Brian.” Kate sounded and asked yet further, “How does he intend to do it?Opula cleared her throat before she said, “The doctor is such a smart ass and with his strategy no one would suspect we eliminated Brian. In fact, all the blame will be on Melissa.Kate interrupted her and asked, “Melissa?” sh
A mountain of frown crept into my face as I shot an investigative gaze at Salsa. “What is happening, Salsa? My mom is here?” I asked, stood to my jerking feet and advanced to the window.I could hear voices at the third gate, and it was obvious the security had restricted her from barging in and they were yelling at one another now.“I should be asking you that?” Salsa snapped and shot crimson gaze at me. “How did your mom know that you are here? Did you tell her the last time you visited?” Salsa queried as she joined me at the window.A sudden rain of sweat descended on my body; nervousness enveloped me as my lips shook with anxiety. I stroked my French hair confusedly and paced up and down. I was locked in utter confusion.“I never did,” I replied at a breath, “Why would I reveal my destination to my mom, knowing how furious she would be? After I lied to her that I have reaccepted the divorce, I told her I had relocated to Ohio where I worked as janitor.” I paused as suspicion jumpe
Having waited for Salsa to show up in my chamber, but to no avail, I decided to check her up in the kitchen where I knew she could be found. I needed to appreciate her for saving me from being implicated the other day.Salsa gave me a second chance to stay at the Fanny villa; of course, she had saved my marriage the moment she told a lie about the gift.“Hey, I have come to say thank you for saving my marriage,” I said softly , standing at the door as she got startled under the sound of my voice.“You startled the hell out of me,” Salsa said calmly, her lopsided smile dragging from ear to ear as she turned on the gas cooker, “What are you doing here, Melissa? I hope you know I will be punished drastically if you are found in the kitchen.”I was all smiles too, as I glanced around for any onlookers, “I know family members are restricted from the kitchen. But it is taking you too long to take breakfast in my chamber,” I whispered and glanced around.Salsa seemed to be scared; it was evi
On this day, mom was in her garden harvesting some bunches of flower which had posed as weed to her vegetables, when a Ferrari sped and halted at her compound.She never expected a visitor and since she wasn’t expecting any, she busied herself with the weeding and didn’t consider checking who it was.“My mother-in-law! Where are you? I am here!” a voice called and my mom raised her gaze from the ground. Suddenly, she had familiarized herself with such name because she was certain I would get married to Rod Benson, whether I like it or not.And emphatically, no one called her by this name except Rod Benson. When she raised her gaze she saw a young man in a T-shirt and jeans, having dark shades on his eyes, with luxury hanging around him.Indeed, mom was aging; she couldn’t recognize who it was until Rod took off his dark shades and lit his face with a smile.“Rod Benson,” mom called, and tossed her hoe to the ground before dusting her hand on her wrapper to go forth to him. “My son-in-
Once the Lamborghini halted, Rod furiously opened the door and alighted as lightning struck through the sky. His face was filled with thunder and brimstone. He had handy the gift items which I rejected. Snubbing the servants that greeted Rod was an understatement; he almost hit some of them that got in his way.He almost bumped into some of them, and he didn’t stop rolling his eyes at those that murmured about his anger. The fact was that the son of a billionaire was furious and prancing like a bull to confront his father .When he barged into the penthouse, he met his father, addressing a few of his domestic servants about what to do at his new site.“Everyone leave now. I want to have a word with my father!” Rod commanded through clenched teeth.And promptly under the sound of his voice the servants took a walk, leaving father and son.“What the hell was that, son?” Mr. Benson groaned as he gaped at Rod, who was fuming with despair and scorn. The task of getting an eligible wife was
Salsa was standing idly; despair crowding in and humiliation hung over her. Opula, Kate and Fanny surrounded her. Earlier the next day, Kate had given Salsa a sack letter, which Salsa presented to Fanny.When everyone saw the fallen countenance on Fanny this morning, they knew he was going to blow hot at his Kate.But then Fanny had nullified the sack letter and invited the girls, “Why would you sack my chief chef? Do you realize Salsa has rendered a selfless service to this family? She has come a long way with us that the only thing that remains is to bear our surname.”Kate fumed at Salsa and pointed at her, “Did you report me to my father?” she queried her and turned to Fanny to say, “Father, Salsa has overstayed her welcome as the chief chef. It is time for her to leave. We are going to hire another chief chef who is respectful and loyal…”Salsa broke down in tears and couldn’t raise her gaze at her accusers.Fanny queried Kate, “What the hell did she do to have warranted a sack?
I was having a wash in the bathroom when I overheard the creaking of doors. I wouldn’t have perceived who it was if I hadn’t heard the shrilling of china at my dining table; it was obvious Salsa had come to serve me breakfast.“Once you are done, don’t leave, Salsa. I want to have a word with you,” I said right from the Jacuzzi.“Okay, ma’am,” she replied, tone stiffened and easily quenching without much echoing. She knew I was pissed off and my groaning tone which hummed Brian’s favorite song could show it.It was when I stepped out of the bathroom that I saw Salsa had quite a couple of stuff in her hand; I could see a sizable box, a stylish Italian gown, a piece of paper.“Without telling me to wait behind, I would have waited,” Salsa said, all smiles a she placed them on my bed, “You will like them. Rod is out to shower you with priceless gifts. This is an Italian gown worth two million dollars, this is a check for five million dollars and this is a beautiful pearl…”My face thicke
Salsa was out of the villa to meet with Rod after she got a phone call from him. When I thought Rod’s visit was just going to happen once, it suddenly became a habit which might not stop soon.Salsa was all smiles once she got on Rod’s private jet, and she brought out some flasks of food. “I made you some intercontinental dishes which you will like. You can’t find it anywhere around,” she said and placed the food flask in front of him.Rod shot a delightsome smile at the food flask before sighing and asking, “How is my sweetheart, Melissa?Salsa forced a smile after corking her eyebrow. Although she was too thrilled about the day to let anyone offend her, she couldn’t stand Rod snubbing her just to ask her about me.She took a few steps towards Rod, and she was so close now that her warm breath burnt his nose, “Red tie doesn’t fit this sleeve shirt,” she said as she stretched the collar of his sleeves and the edge of his tuxedo. “Next time you could wear a black tie. You are too hands
Opula and Kate were having a nice time at the poolside, and whenever they gathered at such a time, the two names that never left her mouth were Brian and my name. She regretted it all now; she wished she hadn’t contracted me for this marriage.“I thought she was naïve and timid the very first day I met her,” Opula said to Kate, who was busy popping wine, “I never knew this poor Melissa wasn’t actually poor in mind. Today she is being problematic …”Kate shrugged, “You hired a beast and forgot to tame its fire. That rotten kitten is going to be our endless nightmare if we don’t act fast. I don’t need to remind you of the wings she has grown.”Opula caught sight of Fanny and I driving out in the Rolls-Royce, and she clenched her jaw and said, “Father is not even helping issues. But I know the problem with him. My husband mentioned it to me the other days and I doubted him. But right now I am beginning to believe him.”Kate’s face scowled in anxiety as she asked, “What could that be? Gis
Standing before the microphone, with the earpods tightly worn on my ears often reminded me of Brian. The last place I saw him before slumping into a coma was his studio, where he sang his favorite song.As I stood before the microphone to sing a little, nothing else sounded from me than a sobbing tone. To say I had missed Brian was an understatement. I saw him virtually in everything I did.And right about now, I could see him standing over there just behind the glass door, smiling cheek to cheek and hearing me sing his favorite song.But it was only imagination. Imaginations had ways of playing chase with our emotions, and I was only a victim. I couldn’t continue with the singing practice.I had broken down in tears several times and wasted precious time reminiscing about Brian and what our marriage would look like if he were around. I knew if he were here all these fights and quarrels wouldn’t have happened because he would have assumed his rightful position as the heir to the Fanny