As the car drove down the busy streets, Althea focused her gaze out of the window while her hands kept playing with the tip of her dress. She tried to figure out where on earth Phoenix is taking her to but all to no avail. She didn't want to ask questions either. After about an hour of driving, Draco drove into a place that was quite unfamiliar to her and pulled to a stop. "Draco! Have the entire place booked, I need my privacy..." Phoenix said for the very first time since they left home. Draco left but returned shortly. He waited for everyone in the building to leave before pulling the door for Althea to step out, when she did, he rushed over to Phoenix and did the same. Without a word, Phoenix marched straight towards the building and Althea knew better to follow up ahead. Why is he suddenly acting this way? Is he mad at her over what happened earlier? But she did nothing wrong right? She stopped walking when he did and looked around, wondering why he brought her to a shooti
Althea surrendered herself to Nanny Patal and the maids as they applied make-up on her face."Make it a light make-up Nanny Patal. I don't want to turn ugly because of too much make-up on my face" She lamented for the seventh time."Of course Ma'am... But we just need to apply just a little contour over here and there..." She rolled her eyes mentally and just let the maids do their thing. Besides, Phoenix has given out his orders that she look extremely stunning tonight. Bet the maids are putting all of their efforts on it.After they were done applying make-up on her, they dressed her up in a long red glittery off shoulder gown which had a cut right from the bottom, up to her left knee.Then they proceeded to styling her hair, wrapping it up so beautifully."All done ma'am.." Nanny Patal said, helping her move to the mirror.Althea gazed at her reflection on the mirror and she was dazzled by how beautiful she looked.The make-up was light and the manner in which her hair was styled
"Thank you Draco!" Althea said, stepping out of the car, alongside Phoenix. Her lips hung open as she stared at the helicopter right in front of her.They're going on a date right? Why do they need an helicopter?"Ever flew in an helicopter before?" Phoenix asked, watching her closely."No... Not even in my wildest dreams. But why do we need an helicopter?" "Because we're going to a different place. You know, I want to take you to cloud 9 tonight Althea. A place where you've never been.. I know a reputable restaurant in Italy, it sells the best foods, I want you to have a taste of Italian foods..." "What?.. Did you just say Italy? We're headed to Italy?" She asked, obviously not expecting it.Phoenix smiled, grabbed her hand and headed towards the helicopter.He helped her get in and Althea was starstruck all the way. This was her first time getting into an helicopter and as it ascended into the air, she couldn't help but get all excited."Are we really doing this Phoenix? I'm not d
"Go on!" Phoenix urged her again. He could sense that there's something eating her up. "Uhm. why don't you have any friends? I mean, I have stayed in your home for over a month now but no one has visited you, not even once.." "Well, I am a man who loves my privacy a lot. Besides, it's my choice not to have any friends.." "Is it because you're still hurting because of your family?" He snapped his head towards her, the look on his face turning into that of displeasure. "How do you know about my parents?" Althea decided not to flinch even when the tone of his voiced changed. Besides, he told her to feel relaxed."Nanny Patal told me. And of course, she wasn't gossiping, I asked out of curiosity and she told me" Phoenix was silent.. More like he was trying to fight through his thoughts. He didn't expect her to pry into his personal life." I guess she must have told you everything right? She has been my nanny since I was a teenager!"" Not everything... I'm only just curious now wh
Althea couldn't help but get more inquisitive regarding what Phoenix is about to say to her. Yes, she has always pondered on what the reason could be! Why was he helping her out?. Because it's actually awkward. It's a good thing he brought that up himself. "Well, do you want to hear it now?" Phoenix asked. "Yes! If that is really okay with you!" She said. She heard him sigh softly while she gave him her complete attention. "I know you have been wondering why a stranger would be so keen on helping a stranger who's charged with a murder case right? You must find it awkward?" She nodded her head in response. "Well, I also have my own fair share of betrayal from Oscar Williams. He has hurt a lot of people so badly, so it's not just you!..!" Althea's face contoured with confusion. Fair share of betrayal? What has Oscar done? As if to read through her thoughts, he answered. "Oscar Williams is my cousin. His dad and my Dad were brothers..." He paused and studied Althea's face. He
The atmosphere was tensed. The hairs on their bodies stood as they were both very much aware of what is currently going on. But none could stop themselves... Aware of what they were doing but has totally lost control. Althea on the other hand has completely given herself to her feelings which she can't control anymore.For some reason, she wanted it so badly that she can't seem to get over it anymore.Still sucking on each other's lips and with her legs wrapped around Phoenix's waistline, he carried her into a room.He gently laid her down on the bed, his huge body hovering over her. With his right hand on her cheeks and his left hand on the bed, he kept biting and sucking her lips like it was some candy.On the other end, Althea couldn't get enough of it. Her growing feelings for him has reached its peak.Making up her mind that she indeed feels something for him. Her feelings for him isn't because he is helping out with her revenge plan, it's just a natural feeling for her.She k
Althea pulled her eyes open to a beautiful morning. She tried to lift herself off the bed but she realized that a strong arm was firmly wrapped around her. Looking up, she met his sleeping figure and memories of last night came flooding back into her head. Her cheeks turned tomato red as she recalled everything. His low gentle touches, his kisses and also the way he kept moving slowly inside her. Those flirty ideas remained fresh in her head and heck, she just can't believe that she let the man who is willing to help her break her hymen. How did she just give in so easily? Not that she regretted any of it though but she's just surprised by her feelings. She is not supposed to love anyone, not when she's still trying to heal from Oscar. Guess her heart is still open to try out new opportunities. However, Phoenix is a really good person. After everything he has been through in the hands of Oscar's Dad, she could clearly say that he's a strong willed gentleman. Why wouldn't she gro
Althea stepped out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped tightly around her chest. She was glad Phoenix wasn't on the room, but there was a little bit of problem... There wasn't any dress for her to wear.Just then, the door pulled open and Phoenix walked in with a food basket. "Are you done freshing up?" "Yes.. but Uhm, I don't have anything to wear.." She said. He placed the basket in the centre table and walked past her to the wardrobe. He pulled out his shirt and gave it to her. "Wear this for the mean time while I order some new dress for you..." She took the shirt and went into the bathroom to get changed. By the time she stepped out, he was already seated on the sofa, his gaze fixed on his phone.She could see the thin lines on his forehead which made him look serious. She went over and sat on the edge of the bed, right opposite him."Is there a problem?" She asked.He looked up from his cellphone, the seriousness on his forehead vanished completely."Nothing really... I ju
Feeling the sensation of someone caressing her cheeks, Althea jerked up with full force, snapping her eyes open and join seeing Phoenix, her eyes widened and she moved back in fear.Phoenix on the other hand was startled by her reaction. This was new as she would always feel relaxed around him and even snuggle closer to his touch.Althea swallowed, knowing fully well that her sudden reaction might raise suspicions from Phoenix. She moved closer but not too close and thought it was better to say something."Phoenix.... You're home? I wasn't expecting you back so soon!" " Yes, I decided to come back early and surprise you, but I guess I ended up getting surprised instead"Althea chuckled nervously but trying so hard not to make her emotions known." I'm sorry, I got scared for no reason. I thought it was a thief or something but now that I know it's you, I feel relieved.." She said.Phoenix stared at her briefly, he could help but think that she's acting kinda weird. Or maybe he's just
Phoenix just rounded up his business meeting with some top government officials in California who are willing to partner with him in order to have some of his drugs and firearms shipped into the country. And as soon as he got into his hotel room, he has a quick bath and stepped out, then changed into something casual and began to operate on his laptop. A knock came through his door and he ushered whoever that is in. It was Nova Snow. She walked in, looking like she got something to report. "Sir, something huge just happened!!" Phoenix looked at him, his left brows raised up as curiosity filled him. "And?..." "Oscar Williams is hosting a press conference right now and he's announcing the death of Katie Roland.." Phoenix was taken aback as well as surprised by the sudden info. "What?" "It's true boss... You can have a look..." She gave him his phone. He took it and began to watch Oscar's live conference, listening attentively. Right there stood Oscar looking pitiable and talk
As Althea walked behind him, she felt pretty nervous. She kept rubbing her palms together and thinking of what to say to him.He stopped walking when he got to the poolside, then turned to face her and tucked his hands into his pant pocket."Yes, you wanted to speak with me privately!" He spoke up first."Yes, Uhm..." Althea swallowed, her head blank of what she's going to say.Why won't she be nervous when she has actually thought of him as the first person ever. No doubt, she's really ashamed of herself.She looked at him but quickly averted her gaze "Well, I just want to apologize for everything. I know I shouldn't have hated you but you really can't blame me.... You left me in there with no word and you even sent your lawyer with some money. I felt bittered and thought you actually used me and that's why I teamed up with Phoenix when I had the chance.I felt he was the only ray of light amidst all darkness. But I'm really sorry. If I had the slightest clue that is were only trying
Althea walked in with Mayra to see the full team. Katie Roland was there too and she smiled upon seeing her. Althea returned the smile back. Oscar sat on the sofa, with his left leg crossed over the other. They were all silent as if waiting for her to say something. It felt awkward because never ever did she think of joining forces with the man she once hated. But it's all good, it's better safe than being sorry. "Uhm... I know this must come as a shock for everyone that I'm here, but I know the truth now. I overheard Phoenix talking with his gang members and he plans on killing me once this is over..." "That rascal..." Oscar groaned underneath his breath, folding his hands into a tight fist. Althea continued anyways. "You must all consider me as selfish or stupid, but we must do everything possible to bring Phoenix down as soon as possible..." "Tell us everything you found out Althea!!" Oscar demanded. "He plans on doing something to you when he returns and he said that woul
Phoenix's men at the psychiatric hospital were all vigilant but Oscar and his team kept their cool. Good thing the uniform worn by the foreign doctors was something that covered their faces as well so there was nothing to worry about. They were shown the Ward The senator's wife was in as as they made their way in, Oscar was taken aback by the condition she was in. Senator James Grayson was someone that he respected a lot. Way back when he was still a teenager, Senator James used to work as a Gardener and also attended the same Collete with him. He was more like an older brother to Oscar and their relationship was still that way until he died a year ago. At first Oscar thought that his wife indeed killed him but after everything Rachel told him, the least he could do for the senator was to get his wife out of the cruel hands of Phoenix and his Men. He has always had doubts regarding Senator James death, because he loved his wife too much and she also loves him so much making the c
Althea didn't sleep a wink throughout the night as she laid wide awake with fear that she might get killed anytime soon. She doesn't feel safe around here anymore! Her life is in danger just because of the foolish mistake she made trusting Phoenix.Lynx had told her not to trust people easily but she was blinded and thought of Lynx as someone who doesn't want anything good for her.She turned to Nova and thought Nova was the most supportive.Little did she know that she was slowly walking into the devil's cage. Maybe she wasn't even depressed at all, it could be just a made up story.Thinking about everything she had done with Phoenix filled her with lots of regrets. She thought she had finally met a good Man... The kisses they shared and the romantic moments, it all disgusts her now.How did she end up loving such a despicable man? How, for goodness sake!!!She finds it hard to believe she actually did sleep with a man who's out to kill her real soon.She got off the bed and raced t
That night, Althea laid wide awake on her bed. Sleep was far away from her while her gaze were fixed directly at the wall clock. She kept following the the rhythm of the clock ticking, counting every second that passes. To her, it seemed like it's moving too slow, increasing her anxiety. With each passing second, she keeps getting nervous. Some point, she questions herself what she's about to do? But yet again, she feels the need to do something since this whole thing is basically about her. She's the center to the games either of them is playing and she needs to get to the bottom of this before it gets too late. As soon as the clock stricked 12, her heart did a huge leap. She rubbed her sweaty palm together as Rachel's words resounded in her head.A door by the stairs, opens at midnight and that's when Phoenix holds a brief meeting with his gang members.She lifted herself off the bed and wore her flip-flops. She moved to her door, reached out for the door knob but suddenly flinc
"Good morning Boss!" Mayra greeted as Oscar descended down the stairs.He nodded at her and walked towards the dining where his meal was already served."C'mon, have breakfast with me" He said to her. She refused at first but when he insisted, she joined him."It's Saturday Mayra and I told you to take today off. Why are you here so early?" He asked scooping some quantity of Rice. "I find off days boring boss. I'm used to carrying out orders and I'm here just in case you need anything!" She said. " You work so hard Mayra, Once all this is over, I'd repay you for your hardwork so far, that's a promise "" I appreciate your generosity Boss!"" No, it's not generosity, it's the right thing to do. As a woman, you need time for yourself. Don't worry Mayra, I'd surely repay you handsomely once thus is all over!"She nodded." By the way, we'll commence plans on how to take Senator James wife from the psychiatric hospital. We can't help her if she's in there..."" Got it Boss. I'll discuss
"Boss, Ma'am Althea is back !!!" A maid rushed to Phoenix's room and announced.Phoenix stepped out in a rush, heading downstairs. He didn't stop until he stood right beside her. He grabbed her, his eyes searching all over her."Where have you been Althea? I was so worried sick!!!" He said.Althea looked at him, the look in his eyes which evidently betrayed his words.Was he really worried sick about her or he's just making things up. She couldn't help but have doubts after everything she was told." Althea?" He called, pulling her back to reality."I'm.. I'm sorry for the inconvenience phoenix. I know you must have been worried but I knew you wouldn't let me even if I asked. That's why going with Nanny Patal was the only best option. I wanted to visit my home. There was something precious that I had to take...." "And what is that?" He asked, his gaze was riveted on her like he was trying to seek the truth from her himself.As a matter of fact, Althea was more than confused. What is