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,
Byron and I sat in the library, going through books quietly, our legs intertwined."This book is about childhood friends. It's cute but not the type of book I'd normally read." Byron said, putting the book in the already growing pile beside him."Then why is it in your library?" "Most of the books here are for Rose, I'm not an avid reader. If it's not self-help books, count me out." He replied, surfing the shelves for another fiction he could manage."You're too serious to be real." I teased, picking up the book he dropped. I opened the first chapter and skimmed through it. It seemed interesting and catchy."Am I?" I heard him say from behind me before I felt his hands tickling me."Stop it, Byron." I pleaded in between bouts of laughter."Call me a sweet name." He requested. I threw my head back and saw him looking over me. "My love," I whispered, not able to hold my laughter, "please, let me go." He smiled and dropped a kiss on my lips.I shook my head at him. "You know how tickli
Every moment spent with a loved one was special. I didn't know how true that statement was until I fell in love with Lilian. It didn't matter what we were doing as long as we were together then I was content.We were just reading books in the library when she said. "The male lead's younger self reminds me of this boy I once knew. Now that I think about it, I realize I've not thought about him in years.""Was he a neighbor?" I asked not thinking much of it. "Not quite. We met at an orphanage." My head shot up its own will as I stared her, waiting for her to continue. What was the possibility that... "Do you remember his name?" I questioned trying to keep the anxiety from my voice. She looked up in thought. "Not at all. It's been almost fifteen years.""Oh." I relaxed into the beanbag flipping open my book. So what she met someone at an orphanage. What was I thinking? I was with Lilian now and she deserves my unadulterated attention. I shook away the thought. "What about the male
I squinted at the rays of sunshine coming from the drawn curtains. The light snore beside me stopped my train of thought and what we did last night came back to me. He looked so peaceful as he slept. I kissed his cheek and gently got out of bed, reaching for my shirt that was flung over the sofa. I made my way to the bathroom for a shower, my mind replaying every moment from last night. Byron made me love my body again as he complimented me last night. I stood in front of the mirror and admired myself, feeling much better and more confident. After my shower, I stepped outside and saw Byron picking out clothes from his side of the closet. "Babe, you're awake." I said, drying my body. "Yes love. How'd you sleep?" He asked, pulling me in for an embrace. I leaned into his hug and let his warmth surround me."Good." I mumbled into his chest. He stroked my hair carefully."How do you feel?" He asked again, referring to last night."I'm okay babe. Shouldn't you get ready for work?" I re
REGINA THOMPSON"This can't be happening" Regina ran a hand through her scattered hair. She sat on the floor staring at her cracked phone. "Why isn't it going through? Dammit!" She screamed, throwing a flower vase. The apartment was unrecognizable. Pieces of discarded clothing were flung about in weird places, the tables and countertops were littered with chocolate wrappers, boxes of takeouts and cigarette butts. There was the addition of the broken vase pieces on the floor.Just like the house, the owner also looked different. Gone was the put together, seductive Regina with the perfect hair and nails. Her hair looked like a bird's nest from lack of care and running her hand through it too many times, she had on a baggy tee with food stains on it and brown shorts.She picked up her phone. The screen had various cracks from her bouts of anger, it's a miracle it was still functioning.She paced around the house. "Byron can't be doing this. Did he.. block me?!" She walked barefoot on
"Babe, are you sure you don't want me to accompany you to the hospital?" Byron asked, staring at me as he put on his shirt."I am certain and don't worry I'll be fine. Irene told me you have an important meeting this morning so why don't you get going?""Are you sure?" He asked again. I got up from my comfortable position on the bed and walked towards him.I reached for his tie and adjusted it. "Lucas should be here soon. You really don't need to worry."He looked unconvinced but after much persuasion, he dropped the matter."I made breakfast. We don't want you going to the turning point of your career with an empty stomach." I smiled, pulling him out of the room."Thanks love." He said, wrapping his arms around me, making me stop. "You'll be late for your meeting, Byron." I chided."I still have a few minutes to spare." He said and placed his head on my shoulder, kissing my neck."Byron...""Fine. If you later say I'm no fun, I'm going to hold it against you." He pouted, marching dow
⟩⟩ 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