"I'll show you to your room." I said. She nodded in reply, looking around.I didn't want a repeat of what happened to her this afternoon since we were alone so I smiled at her to ease the tension in the room.She smiled back at me."You have a nice home." She said."Thanks. It's yours now." She didn't say anything and just rolled the ring around her finger."It's this way." I said, leading her up the stairs. I had given her the room at the far end of the corridor, as far away from mine as possible. "You can customize it to your liking.""It's beautiful." She gasped. She went in and drew apart the curtains. She turned to me, her eyes shining. "Thank you Byron.""It's nothing. Dad bought us tickets to the Maldives for our honeymoon." I watched for her reaction, she tried to control her expression but she couldn't stop the furrow of her eyebrows."Don't take it the wrong way, you can just take the trip as a vacation." I informed her. Ever since I saw her cry coupled with her session in
I slumped on the bed, my hair still slightly wet from the shower. I stared at the ceiling, the intricate hexagons that designed it. This was going to be the sight I wake up to every morning now.Vacation in the Maldives. I was so busy trying to balance life and trying not to fall in the red, a vacation was a huge expense that I didn't dare think about. At most on weekends, I'll treat my siblings to ice cream. I was going to a tropical island.After tossing and turning though I was quite tired I couldn't find sleep. It was probably because I was in a new place. I sat up, might as well pack for tomorrow. I opened the door to my closet still not understanding why I needed a separate room for my clothes.It wasn't that big but had a little walking space. With the different drawers, compartments and hangers. My clothes were neatly arranged while some of them were hanged up by colour. I smiled that was Kayla's doing no doubt. I thought about what to pack as I looked through my clothes when
Although I made my way to the room as quickly as I could, Regina was already asleep when I got there. Quietly, I went to her side careful not to wake her up as she was a light sleeper.In my attempt to be quiet, I almost knocked over a flower vase. I looked back at her and saw that she didn't stir and heaved a sigh of relief. She must have been really tired from the flight.I sat by her side watching her serene face. Regina was a born seductress. From her gaze to the tilt of her head, the smile on her face and every spring in her step. Every movement she made even unconsciously, played with the hearts of men, like she was born to dominate. That's what set her apart from her. Now that her cat-like gray eyes were hidden behind her eyelids, she exuded a kind of innocence that was impossible to see if she was awake.When I was done admiring her expression, I dropped a kiss on her forehead and laid beside her. I closed my eyes in an attempt to calm down but the scene of Lilian being sho
I didn't want to believe what I heard. He definitely wouldn't have brought another woman on our honeymoon.That was probably why he insisted on us enjoying our separate vacations.I decided to ignore all thoughts about Byron and focus on my vacation. This may be the last time I'm out on vacation before my illness gets worse.I soaked myself in the bathtub. The whole setting was very romantic and if I could have allowed myself to fall in love, I really would have loved it all.But I didn't like men. They irritated me. They all looked the same and behaved the same. Except Byron.I got out of the tub after a while feeling refreshed and put on a bikini bra and shorts.After rolling my hair up in a bun, I proceeded to rid the room of all roses and candles. The room looked much better and I was finally able to breathe. I didn't know what to do so I sat down on the chair in the room, looking through the brochure.I wish I could still drink alcohol. I glanced at the minibar across the room a
I always knew the relationship between Regina and I was quite shallow. She stayed with me because I sponsored her extravagant lifestyle and I promoted her career. I was with her due to nothing but her face.Last night, I realized I've never conversed with Regina for more than a few hours. Despite being together for two years, I felt like I was talking to a stranger. Our thoughts and interests didn't align. Our relationship was superficial."Byron..." She whined. "You have been zoning out a lot. Pay attention to me." she pouted like she had suffered a huge grievance. "Come, I want you to take my pictures." She pulled my arm, dragging me towards a waterfront. "Do I look pretty?" She struck a pose. She was wearing an off shoulder neon green romper, her dark hair was in a fishtail braid, she had sunglasses in her hair and on her feet were gladiator sandals. ‘Was that a trick question or she needed me to boost her ego?’ I thought.I stared at her. She looked away holding her cheeks. "Do
I changed into jean shorts, a blue sleeveless top with a white kimono jacket."Are you ready for your best day yet, Lili? You don't mind if I call you Lili, do you?" Nathan asked as soon as I joined him outside."I do not mind." I assured him. "And yes, I'm ready to have fun.""Trust me, you're in the best hands." He said, shoving his hands in his pocket."I'll hold you to your words. Though you look very suspicious, hiding your hands like that."He laughed, holding his hands up in the air. "Do you trust me now?" I nodded, chuckling."You've had breakfast, right?" He asked, bringing out a car key from his pocket and opening a Range Rover."Yes. Is this your car?" I gasped. He nodded in response and opened the door for me to get in. "How much do you get paid as a tour guide? I'm contemplating joining you here.""I'm not sure your husband will be very pleased with that." He replied, igniting the car. At the mention of Byron, my supposed husband, my smile turned to a frown. I almost f
I was thinking on how to coax Regina as I walked out of the room, pushing my dark hair away from my eyes. Regina was relatively easy to please. She just wanted something that looked nice and was expensive. The key to her anger disappearing was the money factor and fortunately for me, I didn't lack that.I would just promise to take her shopping. Like a collector, she made sure to buy clothes any where she went. Just wearable memorabilia.I spotted her figure up in a distance, after taking a deep breath I made my way over. When I got closer, I heard her let out a giggle and saw she wasn't alone. A tank top wearing guy – who was too tan for his own good in my opinion – was talking to her and she looked like she was hanging on to his every word.I cleared my throat "Am I interrupting something?" They both looked my way but I kept my eyes on the guy, who just raised an eyebrow at me."Oh, you are here" she looked annoyed by my apperance. "Sorry Chad, I've to go. My boyfriend's here for m
I flopped on my bed, exhausted from the day's activities. There was so much to do here and so many beautiful sights to see, especially when you are with someone so interesting. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face as I thought about my new friend.Nathan.I finally found the strength to have my bath and do my skincare.It was a long time ago but the last time I had this much fun was with a boy at the orphanage my Mum used to work at. He was so innocent and always pleaded with me to stay with him.Maybe if I had stayed with him... No, he ended up leaving. He couldn't have saved me from what happened years later.I heard my phone ring and went to pick it up from where it was charging.It was James.I felt guilty for forgetting my siblings but convinced myself saying I had lived most of my life for them and they were in capable hands."Hey little brother of mine," I hailed, "how are you doing?""Good morning... Or what time is it over there?""It's 9pm.""Oh, it's morning here. Rose cal
⟩⟩ Two years later ⟩⟩"...Happy birthday to you." They sang, rounding up the birthday chorus.Lilian was all smiles as she hugged each member of her family and friends.All her loved ones were present and she couldn't have been happier."Thank you all for celebrating this joyous occasion with me. I'm grateful to have you all as my family." She said, holding her glass of juice.Byron wrapped his arm around her waist as he lifted his wine glass. "Let's toast to Lilian. Thanks for being an amazing wife, amazing sister, amazing friend, amazing boss and last but not least, an amazing mother. We are all lucky to have you in our lives. Cheers to a long life filled with happiness."Everyone raised their glasses as they cheered Lilian on."Hey sis, the girls are awake. Can I feed them?" Christie shouted from up the stairs."Bring them downstairs, Nina wants to play with her grandkids." Lilian replied. A few minutes later, she and Rose came down the stairs, carrying my girls.Byron walked towar
The fact that I went through a near death experience and was in a coma for over a week and I was entirely clueless about it is crazy but at the same time scary. I would have remained oblivious if I died. Oblivious to the pain of my loved ones, oblivious to my own death.I was beyond surprised to find out I had a heart transplant. I still felt weak from time to time as my body was adjusting to this new organ but there was a notable difference. I was put under observation and had to undergo different examinations. It was nice to hear that I'll be making a full and steady recovery and I was healing up nicely. The moment Kayla saw me, she burst into tears before hugging me. "Do you know how frightened I was? I really was so scared" I patted her back to comfort her. "I'm sorry"She pulled away from my hug looking at my face her eyes rimmed with tears. "Never do that to me again or else I'll never forgive or talk to you again." she threatened."This would be the first and the last time" I
The bright light was beckoning to me but the darkness felt more comforting. That's why I chose to stay here.Until I heard their voices.It felt like years since I last heard anything but now I heard them clearly."Be in good spirits. She won't like to see you guys moping around like this." It was Rose that spoke and though I could hear the sorrow in her voice, she seemed to be trying to cheer them up.I wonder why they are sad."I will get to decorating the room. She should wake up to a beautiful sight." It was Christie that spoke this time."With as minimal noise as possible please, I'm nursing a headache." Byron's strained voice let out.‘Hey guys.’ I said, happy to hear from them. I didn't realize how much I missed them and if going into the light and leaving my comfort zone meant I could see them, then I will.No one replied me and there was silence which I didn't like."I think she likes purple. James, help us pump up some purple balloons." Rose said again, breaking the deafenin
A week. 7days. 168 hours. 1080 minutes.When looking at it, a week doesn't look that long yet a lot can happen in just one week.It's been a week since Regina's scandals were strategically released into the world. It's been a week since Abel took control of Hetero hotels and has been managing it's affairs with the same vigour as his predecessor.A week since Hotel owner Aldridge Sharp's branches of hotels were raided and put under investigation for trafficking and possession of drugs and forced prostitution with other illegal activities. A week since Byron smiled, ate or functioned properly.It was during this week that the search for a heart for Lilian came to an end and she had the heart transplant done.During this week when the family waited outside the operating theatre with bated breath and anxious minds for 11 hours during Lilian's surgery. During this week when the family was greeted with the good news of Lilian's successful surgery.It's been 604800 seconds and counting si
Dr Miller rushed in to the hospital and after speaking with the doctor in charge, he was directed to Lilian's room.All the Bladells were present including some people he didn't know. They all stood in the hallway, pacing, none of them daring to sit down.When Byron sighted Dr Miller, he stood up straight and walked towards him, meeting him halfway."I came on the next available flight. How's she?" Dr Miller asked. Byron sighed and bowed, his eyes trained on the ground."She's no better. Please, go and see her. You know her history more than these doctors." Byron pleaded, ushering him towards the room. "I'll be right out." Dr Miller replied, patting his back as he greeted the family and went in.Everyone waited with bated breath for him to come back out and after a while, the door was opened and he stepped out.Dr Miller cleared his throat in preparation to address the family, his eyes meeting with Byron's as he confirmed if he could tell them.Byron nodded in reply."Everything the
Byron was granted access to stay in the room with Lilian provided he kept a distance from her. He agreed hastily and went to join her in the room.She looked so peaceful that if not for the injuries on her body, she'd have looked like she was asleep. Byron sat on the chair opposite her bed and watched the slow rising and falling of her chest which gave him a bit of relief.His mind still reeled with possibilities of what could have happened. If he hadn't acquiesced her and had just taken his car, she wouldn't be in this situation.He had his men out looking for both Lucas and Regina. Though he expected it from Regina, Lucas was one of his most trusted workers. The man had been with him for over four years and he had proven worthy of being trusted over the years. Byron was definitely not letting them go scot-free.Though he felt tired and sleepy as it was already late in the night when the doctor allowed him in, the beeping of the heart monitor couldn't allow him sleep."I just found
According to Byron's wishes, Lilian was moved to a private room and was still under strict supervision. It wasn't until a few hours later were people allowed to see her."Two at a time" the nurse instructed. "You shouldn't crowd her and please be quiet." Before the nurse could finish giving her instructions, Byron already rushed into the room.The room had a warm light giving it a calming ambiance. The windows were shut with the blinds closed not allowing any outside air to invade the sterile room. Like it was a sealed space. In the middle of the room laid Lilian, at least what looks like Lilian.She was a sight to behold. She had a gauze wrapped around her head for her head injury. Her face was covered in different cuts and bruises making her skin purple, red and blue. Her arm had a cast. You could pretend she was sleeping if not for all the wires and tubes connected to her and the beeping of the heart monitor.Byron stopped at the door. Just hearing about her injuries scared him, se
It'd been a while since Byron was this disoriented. He didn't know what to do but hope and pray that his Lilian came out alive.Irene came running down the hallway, her footsteps loud as it was quite quiet."How's she?" Irene breathed out, sounding very out of breath.Byron shook his head in reply."No news?" She asked to which he nodded in reply, putting his head in his palms. "I dismissed the shareholders and explained that an emergency came up, though they weren't very happy that you left without saying anything."Byron didn't say anything, his gaze fixated on the doors of the operating room. After a moment of silence, Byron turned to face Irene."Could you call my parents and let them know Lilian has been in an accident? It's only a while before the press finds out about it."Irene nodded sharply and whipped out her phone to call the Bladells. Nina picked up on the second ring. "Hi, Irene. What's the occasion? You never call me." Irene could hear the slight accusing tone in her c
Irene wasn't thinking as she barged into the conference room. The discussions stopped at her interruption but they didn't say anything and instead looked on to Byron to handle the situation.Byron was surprised to see Irene was the cause of the intrusion. Irene had been a diligent worker for years and she knew the rules better than anyone and followed them religiously. He wondered what caused her to act out of line."I'm sorry for interrupting." She apologized going to Byron's side. "Sir, could you step out for a minute. It's an emergency." She whispered. "Can't it wait?" He asked."I'm afraid not sir" If it was someone else Byron would have asked more questions but he heard urgency and panic in Irene's usually monotone voice."One moment." He stepped out of the conference room with Irene."What's the matter?" He questioned Irene."Sir, it's Mrs.. I mean Lilian, she was in an accident and.." Irene almost burst into tears."Which hospital!" Byron asked, immediately Irene told him the