JENNY POV"Why are you telling us to get out?" I asked Samuel, the confusion and hint of annoyance in my voice, like a puzzle yet to be solved. The words hung heavy in the atmosphere, as it felt like a challenge, a gauntlet thrown down; Samuel's expression also seemed to morph from an unfriendly smile to something threatening."Haha, don't start proving to me that Superwoman is here now, or we shall have to black-list your company's name," Samuel said in an exaggeratedly sarcastic manner, as if the words were reverberating within the throat of an anaconda. The words slapped, a tight comment that narrowed my eyes a bit, like a detective going over some clues."Julian, even you?" Adrian grumbled, disappointment intertwining with mock fury at his friend's betrayal, the barometer of the soul hinting at stormy weather far off. It also appeared as if they hung in the air, a question mark, a puzzle to be solved.The voice of Adrian cleaved through the air, sharp and piercing as a surgeon's s
JENNY POV"Oh my God, what do we do now, baby?" I asked Adrian almost inaudibly, it slipped out like a keenly uttered prayer, with panic and doubt glittering in my eyes as I held his gaze."I don't know, darling," he replied in soft tones, one of the soothing voices hanging on the air like an aura, "just go baby, up to the hostess, tell her you want to give your proposal," I suggested and almost rushed through the words. Adrian's eyes narrowed, contemplating my reply like a puzzle piece that reluctantly fit."Okay, are you sure it helps?" he asked skeptically. I bobbed my head for yes as if it were attached to a buoy on a swell. "Yes, go ahead, just do it before the government officials reach the stage," I added with an urgency intensifying by the moment.Another "ok", and now Adrian was striding up to the proscenium, his long legs devouring distance like a ravenous giant. The bouncers tried to intercept him, massive and intense in stature, arms like offending barricades blocking his
JENNY POVI stood beside Adrian, my heart racing in excitement as he ended his proposal to the crowd. He seemed to sense the moment's emotion as a lovely smile replaced the tension in his face."Now, I'd like to introduce the person who has played a pivotal role in finding out the truth regarding Samuel and Julian's deception: my wife, Jenny."The audience was utterly still, all eyes on me as Adrian took my hand and brought me to the stage. At that moment, I was stun-not sure how to react. Wife? He never mentioned it in public before.As I scanned the room, my gaze fell upon Samuel, who besides busy whispering into his brother's ears, seemed confused as he and Julian were not connected the minute before nor even knew what happened.Adrian spoke through the mic, "And now, I have something to say." The whole room held its collective breath as some kind of climatic twist was about to unravel.I gazed at him. Then Adrian began to speak, and with it, of course, my eyes were there to see h
JENNY POV"Goodbye!" said one of the guards as he led Julian and Samuel away through the door. Samuel, with great effort, rose to his feet. Fumes of anger and humiliation filled his eyes, yet he was aware that he had lost, and the game was over.A bright cacophony erupted in the room as the reality of the matter sank into everyone's minds. Rage and humiliation burnt on Samuel's face, and tears welled up in Julian's eyes as he was being escorted in handcuffs.His grip on my wrist got tighter, and Adrian beamed, "It's over," with satisfaction etching his voice.The feeling of vindication washed over me; Julian was getting what he deserved. The board director came forward, stealing the attention from every corner."Esteemed ladies and gentlemen, the evidence presented today has shown the grave betrayal of trust. Samuel and Julian have brought dishonor to our organization, and they shall bear the consequences of their utter treachery."Silence engulfed the room once again, and the focus d
STAFF POVMrs. Jenkins told the personal assistant Mark that they should stay together in the kitchen, closely huddled, with the anxiety clearly written in their faces. The news just broke of Samuel's arrest, and panic was creeping in."What if the police come to us next?" Mrs. Jenkins whispered, tremulous voice and all."That's what we need to think about," he whispered, "how we're going to tell them. They can't know what all we did.”Indeed, it was as Rachel, the cook, also then entered the conversation. "I think we need to go and tell Jenny the truth. Just can't keep it anymore."Mrs. Jenkins and Mark turned towards her, their faces horrified; "No, Rachel, we can't do that," Mrs. Jenkins said firmly, "We promised Samuel we wouldn't say anything."The determination of Rachel was all over her face. "But Samuel's going to prison. We have to protect ourselves. If we tell Jenny the truth, maybe she'll understand, maybe she'll help us."Head shaking, Mark replied, "I don't know, Rachel.
JENNY POVThe moment I stepped into the house, some feeling of discomfort seemed to wash over both me and Adrian. The staff had welcomed us with uneasy gestures, and one could almost taste the tension. Mrs. Jenkins, the housekeeper, came towards us smiling uneasily."Jenny, dear, we need to talk to you about something," she said in whispers.I exchanged the same puzzled glance with Adrian and followed Mrs. Jenkins into the living room. The others had entered, too, and their expressions were serious."What are we talking about?" I asked with an authority in my voice, betraying hardly any nerves.Mrs. Jenkins took a deep breath. "We have been looking after your mother for a while now, and...and there is something about which we have been doing...that we should not."I had felt that my intuition might be right: a knot was tightening painfully inside my stomach. "What do you mean by that?” I demanded, trying to add firmness to my tone while being cautious.The staff exchanged anxious look
JENNY POVAdrian took my hand and squeezed it gently."Let's go," he was saying in a steady voice. We walked together toward the little house, hearts heavy with concern for the ahead.I carefully entered the house with a pounding heart and a twisty stomach for anticipation and nervousness. Workers followed close behind, looking concerned. Adrian stayed near me, offering supporting comfort.A piece of cloth had been laid over something on the floor as we entered the room. My instinct told me it was my mother, but that thought was unbearable. "Where is she?" I managed to whisper to the men working.Mrs. Jenkins paused, speaking with a trembling voice, "Look at her here," extending her hands toward the cloth.My throat constricted as Mrs. Jenkins pulled back the cloth. I almost choked. My mom was lying on the floor with her eyes closed. I screamed, "Jezzzzz!"All hell broke loose in my mind. I staggered backward, feeling lost and disoriented. I never thought I could see such a thing: My
JENNY POVAt first, the workers got busy setting up my mother for the transport to the hospital. I watched as they transported her into a stretcher, their faces serious."We'll get her the help she needs," Adrian said, his voice reassuring. "We'll make sure she's okay."I nodded, and hope washed over me. Maybe, just maybe, we could get my mom back on her feet. Maybe we could undo the damage that Samuel had done.But for some reason, all along the way that took us out of the house into the open, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the opening act--the warm-up--for a longer and tougher journey ahead.As the workers placed my mom in a car, an entire jigsaw puzzle of emotions filled the air: relief because actions were finally being taken; then apprehension of what could come to pass in future. The workers whose eyes had been somber just a few moments ago suddenly spoke."Pleeeeeeease, Jenny, let us help,” Mrs. Jenkins said, her voice being a little shaky. "We'll assure that y
CHAPTER245JENNY POVLooking at me, completely aghast, Grace's eyes widened with her smile. "Oh, yes," she said. "I have been watching you two for quite some time. I know about the little marriage you have with each other and I know how you both can drive a wedge into each other's side."Adrian's expression was like dusk, with his eyes blazing out all his pent-up wrath. "Touch her and your death will be at your door," he commanded.She chuckled gleefully, "Oh, but you have. I've been your model servant, pretending all along, just biding my time to strike and watch the disarray of your union as your history unfolds."I shivered at her words. Was this marriage truly in danger? Would Grace really fracture everything we had built together?Grace's words made me miserable with indecision. Surely, she wouldn't have done that. I looked towards Adrian to see how this would have affected him, but his face reflected no such expression- it had a strict seriousness."You will not lift a finger to
JENNY POVWe strolled to the living room and there, illuminated by the soft glow of the lights illuminating the path from the entrance, we found Grace (or so she claimed) standing with head downcast, turning eyes to the floor in a gesture of abandonment and with shoulders slumped in an act of discomfiture. "Good day, sir and ma'am," she addressed, her whisper almost inaudible, trembling slightly as she spoke, the words formed by hardly fluttering lips."Yea, Grace," he replied in a neutral tone, without a discernible expression, right when we sat together, as I was sitting on him, arms wrapped around me while holding me to himself, a hand softly placed on my stomach. Adrian then turned to Scarlett, his eyes narrowing as he studied her with a furrowed, working overtime with his brain to decode whatever she was ruminating upon."Grace, who are you?" he asked in a commanding tone that seemed to challenge such pronouncement, laced with some measure of skepticism, his tone even dripping wi
JENNY POVThe onset of this incident will forever remain my awakening hour, with the night still darkened. I became more aware of my surroundings, with the first thing in sight being Adrian, my husband, seated next to me with a most concerned look on his face. That dim bedside lamp light warmed him, throwing the depths of his worry into bold relief."What happened?" I pictured me demanding, but my voice was edged with confusion and alarm. Just as I attempted to rise, dizziness would encompass me, my husband's hands there to gently yet quite firmly assist me."You fell; you fainted," Adrian said. I kept on repeating it to myself in an attempt to fathom what it meant to faint. "I fainted?" I was finally able to whisper, the word now hanging in the air as if challenging my perception.He looked at me for a long moment, concerned but slightly annoyed. "Yes, love," he said gently but firmly. "I've told you to take it easy on yourself." Even as his tone reproached, his eyes showed the quick
JENNY POVMonica left my mother behind, with Grace, the maid, for services in the house. The next day, I woke as if with no energy; my body felt heavy and completely pregnant. "Honey," I called, sweet and gentle, hoping that Adrian would respond. But there was only silence. I waited for a moment expecting him to walk into the bedroom, but nothing.Sighing, I arise and manage to put all my strength into moving toward the kitchen. The instant Grace saw me walk through, she seemed to stop whatever the action was that she was engaged in and smiled, saying "Good morning, ma'am." In that voice, there was this plural, respectful and welcoming tone. I returned the gesture but instinctively put my hands on my huge tummy to rub it while feeling kicks from the baby inside. "Good morning, dear," I added just to sound a little more cheerful than I really felt.It was an exceptionally warm and inviting room that within one breath, would include coffee brewing. I found my usual place on the table an
ADRIAN POVIn the warmth of home, the weak lights of evening embraced us in lazy comfort. "Well, this is home; I was checking on Jenny," I muttered, sadly and tenderly gazing at her with concern. "No need to worry, babe. Jenny was fine," I comforted him with a smile, gently pulling him into hugs.As we moved on toward the room, the only sound from out two feet padding softly across the floor. "We need to hire a maid," I soothingly suggested, trying to approach the subject slowly. But Jenny interrupted, her voice very clear and very strong. "No, baby. I can do all the housework," she opposed right away, with a determined glint in her eyes that dared me to argue with her.My heart reeked of love and guilt towards her. I smiled sweetly and said, "No, my love-no." "You are expecting and I cannot allow you to submit yourself to doing that." Please, let me take care of this." I pleaded as I caressed her hair softly, as though that might somehow soften her resolute spirit.She regarded my w
ADRIAN POVFour hours later, the wait finally ended. Dr. Dazzy walked out of the emergency room, a mask of professionalism on his face, his eyes revealing but a sliver of concern. He called out my name, voice laden with reassuring authority like a lifeline thrown to a drowning man, "Mr...?" Suddenly his gaze shifted towards the waiting area, raking in one after the other until at last, it rested on yours truly.I jumped up, my heart racing. Oh yeah, that's me, I whispered back. "How is she? How's Jenny?" The floodgates burst open.The treatment softened the doctor's looks a bit as he nodded. "I'm with your wife now," he said, almost holding out a glimmer of hope. "Let's talk," he said, sending a gesture toward one of the waiting room's quiet corners. My heart drummed in my chest like a drummer preparing for some primitive ritual. What was he going to say? Was Jenny okay? The uncertainty was murder.I quickly marched into the doctor's office, purposeful stride like a man on a mission,
ADRIAN POVAs we lay there, Jenny's body tensed, muscles broiling under the skin like waves about to crest. A grotesque distortion of her face came into view as her eyes were closed shut, and a strangled, guttural cry, "Hpppp!" escaped her lips, followed closely by a heartbreaking wrenching sound. This tearing sound ripped irrevocably through the very fabric of that moment. Eyes that once sparkled with humor and fun turned into tight, scrunched-up furrows of mixed terror and discomfort." And I, exhilarated, turned toward her, speaking soft, reassuring words, almost like a summer's warm, gentle breeze."What is it, baby?" I asked, leniently. Distracted by pain, Jenny barely perceived my touch as I brushed a straining hand from her forehead. In that instant, I felt an electric jolt through my fingers. Slowly, her eyes opened, and she gazed up at me- her expression blurred and hazy, breathing labored. Each rise and fall of her chest steered with ragged breaths alongside cowering flickeri
ADRIAN POVFive months laterSoftly I entered the room calling for my wife. "Honey," I said very softly, very lovingly. "I'm over here, baby," she said, warm and inviting, as I turned in the direction of her voice.Jenny was in the room, snacking and gently rubbing her stomach. She had dancing happiness in her eyes, and her face shone with a glorious smile. I, at that moment, couldn't help but smile back at her, as time seemed to make my love grow stronger for her."You are eating too much baby," I said, staring right at her, mischief ringing in my voice."Funny. It's that time of the baby." She replied, "I'm eating for two now, you know." And I laughed and shook my head, awestruck by the miracle in her womb.Looking at her, he could not stop the gratitude that he felt for all that was in store for the couple. The joy of becoming parents was getting real for them, and the dreamy excitement of meeting their little one was almost tangible. Then Jenny held my hand, intertwining her finge
ADRIAN POVAll fit to burst with happy joy, and really not in any way able to keep joy controlled, I ran straight towards Jenny's ward; and my heart beat like a train's wheels running on the tracks. Cracked the door ajar, I peeped in. But, no sooner did my eyes lay on my beautiful wife lying down there, with her eyes locked onto the television-"Honey," I called softly so as not to startle her.She turned her gaze to me, and a slight smile fell across her lips. "Yea," she replied soft and gentle. I moved to the edge of the bed and sat on it beside her, our eyes shining into each other. I was lost staring into those beautiful eyes and getting all the more lovely toward her.Before the evils of my mind settle, I kissed her lips very lightly, "I love you very much," he whispered-voice barely audible as he choked with emotion. She smiled and wrapped her arms around me, drawing in tighter. "I love you too," she murmured, still kissing me.Kissing her made euphoria and gratification wrap aro