"Thanks for coming, Nina. Your presence means a lot to me." I said, hugging her."If I didn't come, who will? All that's left is for you to make waves in the fashion industry." She replied, patting my back. "My driver is here. I have to go now, take good care of yourself."I stepped out of her embrace and put my hands in my coat. "Okay. My regards to everyone.""Sure. Also don't let the bodyguards scare you, with time, you'll get used to their presence."I nodded and waved as she got into the car.I went back in. The girls - my workers- had left already, leaving Irene and I alone."Mr Bladell wants me to inform you that this is an extension of the Hotel but it is registered under your name and you get to choose the name you want." Irene said, looking through her phone. "The launching ceremony will take place next weekend and he has invited all his business associates. He said you and your crew should try to get everything in place before then.""Today is Friday. I think there's still
Not feeling guilty was easier said than done. Especially with my thoughts going back to her. My mind kept replaying her frightened eyes when those reporters asked her those questions.Should I have checked up on her? Did it make a difference if I went to see her or I sent people to ensure she was okay. It was stupid how I felt. Apart from not seeing her, I fulfilled all my responsibilities. She had a nice place to live, I got a store for her, my card hadn't left her hands since the Maldives.Though it was part of our contract, I helped her find her feet and took her siblings to a prestigious school. She didn't need to worry about money or work or her Dad acting out. The Lilian from when we first met and the Lilian now were living two different lives and it's all because of me. The only inconvenience that she had to face was the reporters and I already took care of it. On a logical standpoint, I had no reason to feel guilty.Lilian was bugging my mind and in return causing a distractio
It was that time of the month once again. It always felt like I was reliving that moment every second of the day. It was the time of the month in which I became an insomniac and if by luck, I get a bit of sleep, I'm woken up by my nightmares.I pulled my duvet up to my neck as I stared at the intricate designs on the ceiling. This had become a routine and I think by now, the designs have been etched permanently in my mind.December wasn't my favourite time of the year and I always wished I could sleep through it and wake up to a new year.The gentle tune that was playing was lulling me to sleep. I turned off the bedside lamp and let the darkness envelope me. ×||×'Isla, wait up!' Someone shouted from behind me but I didn't listen. I walked faster and I could hear the patter of feet behind me. I broke into a run but I could still hear them behind me. All of a sudden, I was pulled to a stop and my back was thrown against the wall. 'You should have listened when we called you.' one of
The weather was much colder as the winter months rolled in. I had the heater turned up to the max in my office in attempt to regulate the room temperature. I also ditched my suits for turtlenecks and blazers with a scarf wrapped around my neck. As much as I would have liked to switch out my coffee for hot chocolate, I didn't as I needed the caffeine. At least, the steaming cup of coffee warmed me up. Though I was born and raised in this country, I couldn't get over the way the winters got so cold. The cold couldn't hinder my work as I worked overtime to meet up with my previously disrupted schedule. I watched the first snow from my office windows with no more than a glance.Just like that, a month passed. I would have loved to say for the past month I didn't see Lilian but it wasn't so. There was the launch of the brand, Himalayas is what she decided to call it. I had to be there, not only to show support for my wife but also as the CEO of Hetero hotels. Playing the part of a lovi
My siblings were coming for the holidays and their timing couldn't have been worse. They knew it was that time of the year and that's probably why they wanted to come over.They'd expect Byron to know about my condition, especially James who had insisted I told Byron. I splayed out on my queen-size bed, lost in my thoughts.I'd have to cohabitate with Byron and actually pretend we are a loving couple in the presence of the kids. We would have to sleep in the same bedroom! I pulled my hair as I thought about how to make his presence bearable. I was able to tolerate him before because he was nice, at times and I even dared to think for a moment —at the Maldives— that we could be friends but ever since the incident at his office, I hated him. Maybe hate was too strong a word to use for someone I was married to. I strongly disliked him.My stomach grumbled bringing me out of my spiraling thoughts. We were not able to have dinner at the dinner party which was just an excuse for rich peopl
After taking a shower and getting comfortable in my home clothes – a white shirt and gray sweatpants – I laid on the bed tiredly trying to find some sleep. Not a minute passed when I heard the loud grumble from my stomach.Right, I haven't had dinner yet.I barely had anything to eat today. I had a slice of toast for breakfast and a sandwich for lunch, a piece of cake at the party and that was it. It made sense that I was hungry. I got up reluctantly and went to kitchen. I stared at the counters, the cupboards, the gas top. The whole kitchen was spotless, not a morsel of food in sight. I guess I have no other option but to cook.I tied my black apron around my waist. "Let's get to work" I got out the ingredients and prepared to make the only dish I was sure of 'Ramen noodles.' I stared at the empty pot in front of me feeling tired all of a sudden. "Why don't you go wait in the living room? I'll whip up something quick." I was startled by Lilian's voice. She was standing there in a
After what seemed like hours, I stood up from the corner I had hid in. My mind felt numb, unable to think about anything. I slid the closet open a bit at first to check if Byron was still in the room. The room was empty but my bed had been made and everything was in place.I got out fully and went into the bathroom, hoping for a nice and warm soak in the tub. I took off my clothes and dumped them at the entrance of the bathroom.After my bath, I put on a green long sleeved shirt with a black skirt. I laid on my bed, not willing to face Byron. There was a knock on the door and when I didn't reply after a few seconds, Byron came in. I didn't acknowledge his presence and instead, trained my eyes on the pink curtains.My line of sight was blocked by a pair of black joggers. Byron was looking down at me and in his hands was a tray."You didn't have anything to eat last night." He said, setting the tray on the bedside table and sitting on the couch. "I made breakfast."When I didn't say a
I stared at the closet doors that she closed behind her. She's been in there for a while now. Was she crying or she was avoiding me?It's better I just leave. I hit myself in the head. ‘What was I thinking asking her to talk about it?’ I thought as I walked out of her room.Why would she want to talk about her trauma? No less with me, someone she does not trust or feel comfortable with. "I really should watch my mouth" I thought. I stopped in front of the kitchen and ran my hand through my hair. I looked at the char marks on the gas top and the unusable pan and grimaced. Right there was also this.I was so invested in making sure Lilian was okay that I forgot the pan on fire. Luckily, the smoke detectors made the sprinklers go off extinguishing the fire before it could do any real damage. I had to get that fixed before the kids showed up.The pan reminded me that Lilian didn't have dinner. She must be famished now. I couldn't make her anything, this was so annoying. Maybe I should
⟩⟩ 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