I felt disgusted by his gentle smile as he greeted me. I felt angry at his inquiring words. I did not want to be in his presence, so the next thing I did was move back to my room.He foolishly tried to stop me. How dare he touch me! Those same hands must have held Regina close. How could his deceptive lips utter my name. The way he told me he liked me, he must have confessed to Regina the same way. I shut the door in his face and locked it for good measure. I heard a knock at the door. "Lilian, could you talk to me. If you don't tell me, how will I know what's wrong and how can I fix it?"That calm understanding voice which I fell for it. I didn't want him to fix anything. All I wanted was for him to stay away from me. But it seems like I couldn't even have that as he knocked the door every few minutes, as if to remind me of his unwavering presence.I would have unwittingly cracked by his determination if I hadn't seen the way he held her in those pictures.I felt a tear run down m
After getting no response from Lilian, I got up from the floor massaging my stiff limbs. It was already dark out, that's how long I've been seating here. I thought she would at least talk to me through the shut door, if she didn't want to see me but I guess I thought wrong. I went downstairs to get a drink of water. As I walked back to her room to resume my position, I saw the door crack open and she peeked out. I hid away when I saw that. Seeing no one, she snuck downstairs. After a few moments she returned with a plate and shut the the door again.There's no doubt about it, she's avoiding me but why?At least she wasn't starving herself. I returned to my room and I noticed the difference as soon as I stepped in. Apart from the room being scattered, Lilian had cleared the room of her things. I sat on my bed with a sigh, running my fingers through my hair, messing it up. Why was she acting like this? Was it what I said?Is it because I was teasing her this morning? Is that why she
Nina went all out for the dinner. The Christmas tree and decorations were still there but there were new additions."They are here." Rose shouted, barraging towards us. She was the first to see us. She engulfed me in a hug, almost lifting me off the ground. Almost."How are you?" I asked her, brushing her hair away from her eyes which gleamed with excitement."I'm fine. It feels like it's been a year since I last saw you." She grinned."I saw you last week." She pouted, turning to face Byron."Hey brother of mine." She greeted. Byron gave an awkward smile as he led the way to the dining room."What's wrong with my brother?" She asked. "Now that I think about it, your smile seems so fake. Did you guys fight?" "Where are the twins?" I asked instead, not answering the question. She gave a knowing smirk."They are with your dad. They should be coming down soon.""My dad is here already?""He got here not too long ago." I nodded as we made our way to the dining room. I heard footsteps beh
The house was decorated as per usual. This was normally enough to put me in high spirits but nothing could cheer me up this evening.I watched as Lilian spoke with Rose, a small smile on her face and immediately felt jealous. I wished she'd look at me that way."Hey brother of mine." Rose suddenly called out, catching me off guard. I smiled at her, not saying anything instead walking towards the dining room. For a moment, I felt like an outsider as I watched her converse with everyone. She got along so well with my family as I saw Mum's eyes light up at the sight of her.I had the entirety of last night and this morning or think about what she told me. The guilt was eating me up. What I did was unacceptable. I could imagine how hurt she felt when she learnt everything from Regina no less. She would have felt all what I told her. My feelings, my actions, my words, everything will seem like a lie to her.I sat on the dining table. Lilian sat beside her brother earning looks from the fa
"I'm sorry." He whispered, his breath fanning my ear as we hugged. My resolve broke completely and I decided to forgive him. A new year, a new slate.But it wasn't going to be that easy. Since he said her words were lies, I'd give him a chance to explain his part."Let's talk about this later." I whispered back. His eyes shone with hope."Thank you." He said. I nodded, leaving him to hug my dad. We walked away from everybody."Happy New year Dad." I said to him. "Happy New year my angel. I love you so much and I'm sorry for everything I've put you through this past years. I should have been there with and for you, not left you to fend for your siblings and yourself.""It's fine dad. Let's forget the past and look forward to a better future with a happy family." I smiled. His eyes crinkled when he smiled back at me."I'm trying my best to get better so that I can be there for the twins. I shouldn't have left you all alone after your mum died and I feel so guilty. When you needed me th
Lilian resignedly followed me to my room as she had no other choice but to stay with me. Her eyes travelled around the room as I opened the door taking it all in. The room had way more details than my room at home as I spent most of my childhood and teenage years within this four walls. "Don't you have any baby pictures?" She asked settling on a beanbag. My eyes dimmed a little. My Dad's family took over the house after the accident. When Nina and I went back they already threw out most of our stuff, keeping only the valuables."They are not here." I said solemnly. "What do you mean?" She asked "Did it get lost or what? Rose's pictures are all over the house.""Thing is," I started, sitting at the edge of the bed "Nina and Kane aren't my biological parents."Lilian's green eyes that were staring at me with indifference widened in surprise. "Nina is my aunt. My parents died in a car accident when I was ten years old. She and Kane took me in and raised me like their own child." Whe
The thumping chest beneath me and the warm arms wrapped around my waist were the first things I noticed as I stirred awake.I opened my eyes and lifted my head to see Byron staring at me. Creepy."Hi. Good morning." He said, sounding skeptical. He was probably wondering if I had forgiven him or not. I returned my head to his chest, not feeling like getting up from his warm embrace. The memories of last night came rushing back and I felt embarrassed at my show of ‘affection’. He visibly relaxed when I didn't run from him and instead wrapped his arms tighter around me."Good morning." I muttered in response to his greeting."Are you good? Did you sleep well?" He asked, his hands running down the length of my back.I nodded. He must have seen my head move because he let out a sigh of satisfaction."You don't have a headache? You cried a lot last night." He said to which I shook my head. "Don't you want to speak to me?""I have morning breath." I mumbled but he caught on to it because
This chapter contains mention of sensitive topics. Viewer discretion is advised.________The first thing we did when we got back home was move Lilian's stuff back to our room. "You don't mind me invading your space?" She asked when she moved my clothes to make room for her stuff in the closet."I'd choose having no where to put my stuff than an empty space any day." I told her."Good, you have no choice in the matter. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. I'm staying for good." She said with a self-satisfied smile.I hugged her from behind, my head resting in the crook of her neck. "I wouldn't have it any other way."I pressed a kiss at the side of her face. She shoved my face away. "Why are you so touchy? We still have things to do." She chided. Though she sounded angry, I saw that tips of her ears were red and her anger was a front to hide her embarrassment.I didn't call her out on it and enjoyed being in her presence though we were organizing the closet.After our reconciliation,
⟩⟩ 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