Massages were one of the things I grew to enjoy over the years. After a stressful contract was dealt with, I liked to indulge myself in this little pampering. That's probably why I couldn't understand Lilian's refusal for a massage. I guess there were other things that she could do to relieve stress. Facials, a soak in a mud bath, manicures and pedicures, the sauna was also a great choice. To each their own, I guess. I let out a sigh as a knot in my shoulder was released. I enjoyed the smell of the aromatic oils used on me. This was my kind of life. I couldn't imagine opting for the acupuncture plan over this. Just the thought of those needles stuck into my pressure points freaked me out.In no time at all, I was done with my treatments. I was so relaxed, I fell asleep on the massage table. My hands were silently taken care of as the staff didn't wake me up until they were done. My facial mask and pedicure was done simultaneously, my feet being scrubbed and whatever was being done t
Byron telling me he was going to invest in my startup brought about such a feeling of happiness and hope. To him he might just see it as investing in something profitable but for me it was more than that. Someone believed in me and was investing in my dreams.The last time I was this happy was when I met Kayla. It was my first time back in school after the incident and I was in my first year of high school.My parents had spent a hefty amount of money to pay the fees for a private school which would provide more security for me. I felt out of place as everyone in that school was way richer than us.I had made up my mind to blend into the background as much as I could which was quite difficult as a redhead. But it was important I blended in, if I wasn't so popular back then, I'd not have been in the position I found myself.My peace of mind only lasted till I got to the cafeteria for lunch that day. The girls in that school were one of the biggest bitches I've ever come across. A few o
I felt at ease immediately the plane touched down. It felt good to be in a familiar environment once more and the thought of seeing my family brought a smile to my face.Being in the plane for eighteen hours made my legs ache. Lilian had a smile on her face as we walked towards the car park where my driver was waiting.It was twelve noon but the sun wasn't as scorching as it would have been in theMaldives."Good afternoon sir, ma'am." My driver, Lucas, greeted."Good afternoon." Lilian and I replied almost simultaneously."Where would you like to go sir?""Home." He nodded and got into the driver's seat.**When we alighted, Lilian went in without saying a word to me. I wondered what was up with her. Probably her mood swings.The driver brought our luggages out and took them inside.I went to the kitchen and got a bottle of water, downing it all in one gulp. The house was neat so I knew my housekeeper was coming in to maintain the house.I had just found a comfortable position on th
When the plane landed, I let out a breath of relief. Though the Maldives was interesting and nice, I was beyond glad to be back home. I followed Byron as he walked to the car park. He looked pretty tired."Good afternoon sir, ma'am." The driver greeted. "Good afternoon." I replied at the same time Byron did. The driver put our luggage in the trunk of the car as Byron and I got into the back seat of the car. **When we got home, I went straight up to my room without saying a word to Byron. I could feel him staring at me but I didn't look back or give him a reaction. I was feeling a slight discomfort in my chest area on the plane but I counted it as nothing but ever since we got into the car, I have been feeling lightheaded and the slight discomfort had fully blown into a throbbing pain. I rushed to my room as soon as I was out of Byron's sight. I popped my pills into my mouth and gulped down a bottle of water. I flopped on my bed, feeling very tired. The jet lag and fatigue, wh
Habits were hard to break away from. I had spent two weeks away from work for the wedding and the honeymoon. When I got up in the morning, my body had fallen back to my routine.Almost mechanically, I woke up and got ready for the day and back to work. For a moment I forgot about Lilian and that I was married. I was brewing my coffee, munching on an apple when Lilian came downstairs.It wasn't until I laid my eyes on her was I reminded of her existence. She looked surprised to see me, I wonder why.It seemed like she just rolled out of bed as her eyes were still a bit clouded with sleep, her hair in a messy bun. She was wearing a robe over her nightgown which she tightened around herself upon seeing me. "Good morning." I greeted focusing on my coffee."Good morning." She replied, walking past me to grab a bottle of water from the fridge."I'm going to work now. My secretary will be here in a few hours to take you shopping." She just drank out of the bottle as I spoke."I'll pick y
Today was interesting, from being stunned silly by Byron's existence in the morning to shopping with Irene and finally the dinner.Shopping was the thing I enjoyed doing most today. Being surrounded by so many nice clothes, I was a bit intimidated. I instinctively checked the price tag and flinched not wanting to purchase something with that many figures.If it wasn't for Byron's secretary I would have run out of the store. Irene wasn't much of a company but she was perceptive and had a good eye. After following me around, she probably noticed my hesitancy to pick something so she took charge. If she saw my eyes lingering on an outfit for a while, she took it off the rack or requested for it in my size. I had to stop her from buying everything I laid my eyes on. Her actions made the shop attendants happy and it reminded me of a domineering CEO. She did have that stoic face and a cold aura, it reminded me of my first impression of Byron.I didn't realize how fun it was to buy things
I stretched and yawned, feeling much refreshed after a good night's rest.Yesterday's dinner had gone well and I felt fulfilled as the Manchesters were one of our biggest clients and it'd have been a huge loss if they withdrew their contract.I stood up from the bed and put on a tank top and shorts. I grabbed a face towel and made my way to the gym.As I got downstairs, light snoring reached my ears. I turned towards the sound and saw Lilian sprawled out on the couch. Her bare, long legs were splayed out in display, leaving nothing to the imagination.I cleared my throat.She stirred awake and looked around, probably checking for me. I turned to the other side, going over to block the sunlight that bathed the whole room."Over here." I alerted her."Byron?" She called out."Yes. May I know why you like sleeping on the couch when we have more than four rooms in this house?" I asked, a bit annoyed and partially flustered at her state of dressing."Lilian, are you with me?" I asked agai
Kayla's gossip seeking gaze on me made me feel a bit awkward, giving what I was about to tell her. I stuffed my mouth with chips then emptied a tall glass of water before starting my story."You know how Byron abandoned me on our first night in the Maldives?" I started. "Of course, I'm still quite mad at him for that." She nodded urging me to go on."Well, the next morning he sent me a tour guide. Maybe he didn't want me to get lost or be bored. I don't know the reason for his actions but because of Byron, I met Nathan" I could feel the familiar butterflies just at the thought of him."Wait. Byron sent you a male tour guide. I know he doesn't love you or anything but could he have made it less obvious and sent a female tour guide. I mean what kind of husband leaves his wife alone with some random guy" Kayla adjusted her sitting position, she looked like she wanted to strangle someone, preferably Byron. It seems I made her anger towards Byron grow without meaning to."At first, I was
⟩⟩ 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