Lilian JacksonNo matter how much I prepare my mind I am still terrified every night. I gave myself a long hard look in the mirror, “Remember why you are doing this, Lilian Jackson. You are fine. Everything will be fine” I whispered the words of inspiration to myself. I proceeded to cover the dark circles under my eyes with powder and apply a pale pink lipstick on my lips. I gave my skirt a tug downwards but of course it didn’t budge. The body hugging uniform – an all black, off-shoulder top with a matching skirt that stopped at my thigh. It pushed me past my comfort zone but I had to put up with it.“Let’s do this.” I said aloud making it out of the changing room.I had been jostling around, trying to serve everyone. My partner had suddenly come down with the flu and left me all alone on this busy night. The manager was trying to see if anyone was available.** It was a little after twelve midnight and the bar was almost empty. I stared at the man in front of me, trying to keep the
BYRON BLADELLI hung up on Irene, my secretary, after telling her to pay off the victim’s family. The elevator came to an halt and I stepped out. I held Abel’s hot chocolate far away from my favorite suit. It was a gift from my younger sister, Rose when we – Abel and I- launched the company. I looked up in time to see a young lady making a beeline for the elevator. She looked so familiar. Like someone I’ve spent my entire life searching for.I stared at her in shock. Her red hair framed her face perfectly. “Could it be her?” I wondered aloud. The green eyes were the same as I remembered.The girl ran blindly towards me and almost fell. I caught her in my arms but she had already spilled the hot chocolate on my white suit. She was very different from her though. She never ran anywhere even when I begged her to run with me. She always walked like she owned the world even at such a young age. “Hey!!” I yelled, annoyed. Rose would surely have my head now. “Could you be anymore careles
After I was discharged on Sunday, my best friend, Kayla came to pick the twins and I – they were here throughout the weekend- up. We stopped at the bar to get my phone and purse.“Good morning Mr Timothy.” I said, knocking on the manager’s door. “Come in.” He called out. After two minutes, he finally looked up from his phone.“Lilian.” His face contorted into an angry look. “How dare you show up here again? We were almost sued, all thanks to you. Why on earth did you break a bottle on a customer’s head?” He shouted.“I’m..I’m so.. sorry sir.” I stuttered out. “It won’t happen again.”“Of course it won’t.” He said, a sneer on his face. “You are fired.”“Please sir, I need the money to cater for my family.” I pleaded with him. “I don’t think you need the money, afterall, you have a rich boyfriend.”I was confused. What’s he talking about?“Why do you look so confused, you thought we wouldn’t know? It’s all over social media. Anyway, just leave. I don’t want to see you again.” He said
"Marry me." She stared at me like I had suddenly grew horns. I stared at her back."What?!" She exclaimed. "I said, let's get married." I repeated. She looked more beautiful and relaxed than when we met at the hospital. She downed the glass of water that was placed in front of her. "Why should I do that?""Because you need it. You need me." I replied." Mr Bladell or whatever it is you're called, I do not need you for any reason whatsoever.""Are you sure, miss Lilian?" I smirked, picking up my cutlery to eat. I motioned for her to eat but she ignored me."I'm quite sure. I'm well aware of my needs.""Can we talk after dinner? I'm famished." I requested. "And please, eat. I'm certain you've not had dinner."She mumbled but picked up her cutlery anyway. On taking the first bite, she moaned softly, then flushed brightly as if she had been caught doing something wrong. I chuckled.After eating, our plates were cleared and I decided to not waste anymore time."Miss Lilian," I called ou
Kayla was already waiting outside when I was done."Hey. How'd it go? I was seconds away from coming to look for you." "I'm getting married." I blurted out."What?" She spat out. "You don't spring news like that on someone without prior warning, Lili.""I'm sorry. I don't know what happened back there but I'd like to go home and rest."I sighed, quietly hinting at the fact that I didn't want to say anything."Okay. Talk to me when you're well rested." She said, giving me a hug. "Thanks Kay. You're the best." She squeezed my arm and ignited the car.**A billionaire heir telling me to come over for dinner is what I woke up to this morning. My state of mind was unsettled. How could any of this be real?If anything was sure, it was the relief I felt from finding a solution to the matters that have been plaguing me. I didn't have to worry about our expenses or money for that matter. I had nothing to worry about and I couldn't remember the last time I felt this unburdened.I dug through
"It's you!" Dad exclaimed. I watched Lilian's face scrunch up in confusion."You're so much more beautiful than the pictures." He said, extending a hand towards her.She blushed and shook his hand. "Thank you, Mr Bladell.""Call me Kane. Please, feel at home.""Thank you for having me."She replied. I could see how excited everyone was and it made me happy. They could never find out that all this was fake.My mum led her towards the dining room while gushing over her, closely followed by my sister."She's really beautiful. I can see why you're so eager to get married." Abel said, patting my shoulder.I shushed him. "Don't ruin the surprise! I've not told any other person yet. I'm planning to tell them over dinner.""Okay." He made a mouth zipping motion. "Can we go eat? Hospital food sucks.""Why don't you go ahead? I'll join you."He nodded and walked away.I went to my room and brought out the diamond ring I had made for her this morning. Proposing in their presence will cancel any
I let out a sigh of relief as I relaxed on my bed. Christie was working on an assignment when I got back while James was already asleep. "You're back sis. How'd it go?" She asked, looking up from her assignment. "It was good. Went pretty well." I said, hiding my hands in my coat's pocket. "You must be tired. Why don't you go sleep? I'm about to round up here." "Did he come here?" "Dad?" She asked. I nodded in reply. "He did. A few hours after we were back from school. He probably just got off work because he seemed sober." "I wonder why his boss is so lenient with him." I hissed in dissatisfaction. He spent all his income on alcohol. If he was left with anything, it could only afford us a week's groceries. "He asked about you. I said you went to work." "Okay. I'm going to bed now." I said, my mood dampened. "Lili," Christiana called out to me. "I know you are angry at yourself and dad. But, I'm pleading with you to let go of your grudges. Mum didn't die because of you. Ple
I couldn't stop myself from touching her."What?!" She said, her eyes widening."Nothing. Let's go."I shut the door and walked ahead of her, trying to gather my thoughts.Seeing her shy smile and the blush on her cheeks, how easily we got along made me feel weird. 'It's all just a show for my family to see, after the wedding we'll live our separate lives.' I thought to myself.Just because we had a contract didn't mean we couldn't be civil.I felt better after settling that.She also kept her distance and we had breakfast in silence.**When we got to the designer's shop, there was an array of dresses out already. Mum, Rose and a lady I didn't recognize were checking them out."Lili!!" The lady shouted, running towards Lilian. She enveloped her in a hug and lifted her up the ground. Lilian giggled."You're here early, Kayla. How are you?" Lilian asked the lady, whose name was apparently Kayla."I'm good. Really good. This people are so nice." Kay said in an attempt to whisper but I w
⟩⟩ 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