Zoe was seated in front of her favorite dresser while endlessly staring at her phone, a weary sigh escaping her lips again for the nth time the more she thought of how things had been getting more sluggy. She had been overwhelmed with feelings and emotions that seemed quite too much for her to handle, after a headache and sudden memory hit her after she left her blind date the previous day. The sharp image had pierced through the fog of her lost memories, and she saw herself standing in a dining room that felt strangely familiar. She was staring at Irina's menacing face which was twisted with anger with saddened eyes glistening wet with tears, whose hand reached out and struck her hard across the face with a force that made her stagger, as following harsh words she had heard behind the back of her mind haunted her so much with fear, leaving her insanely disturbed. “You foolish good-for-nothing girl! Your wretched family just wants to feed on my son's wealth while using a worthless
Zoe's heart skipped a beat for a few seconds as soon as her eyes came in contact with the metallic, cold safe staring at her, she stretched her hand slowly to touch its imposing edges, only for it to beep out and display a digital keypad, the numbers faintly illuminated.She took a moment to think through her mind about the most possible combinations, which included the birthdays, anniversaries, and significant dates of the family members that she could think of. The ones she had dutifully learned after losing her memory. She tried Irina's birthday first, but it was with an instant denial as the lock blinked a red light, indicating that it was a wrong code. Then she moved next to Isla's own, then Ivy's, and Malcolm's, and tried everything she could think of, but it was the same. Even if she knew that Irina would definitely not use combinations as predictable as anything regarding her family, Zoe still wanted to give it a shot, considering that the six-digit code gave a hint that it
The mansion's private kitchen was filled with the aroma of perfectly made sauces, sizzling meat on a table-sized griller, and catfish being toasted in the oven, everything coming together to make one's mouth water. Zoe stood in front of one of the kitchen countertops as she carefully poured the finely chopped cabbage in a bowl into the pot of stew she was making, while Audrey, who was standing beside her stirred calmly as she was taught, her heart leaping with joy to see that she was doing something well. However, she didn't notice how absent-minded Zoe had been since she joined her in the kitchen, because she had been too engrossed in her joy of making so many improvements in cooking, to notice the anxiety that was etched upon her company's face. Zoe's head had been a mess ever since she entered the kitchen because she promised to teach Audrey before she started work again, and her thoughts kept drifting back to the unsettling discovery she had made just minutes earlier which she
Zoe was left conflicted after the discussion she had with Audrey in the kitchen, as she made her way into her car, ready to drive out. She was trying to be careful as much as possible so that it would not portray that she was just friends with Audrey because she wanted to get information from her, but deep curiosity had been seared into her that backing off would be very difficult for her. The engine of her car roared to life as she pulled out of the mansion's driveway with her heart burdened and heavy, as she pulled her phone out of her handbag and sent a brief email to Zara instantly. She and her secretary had only communicated via email ever since their last physical encounter, and it was almost a disappointment that the lady was quite clueless about getting the quick, impossible information that Gary could. However, she hoped that Zara would be of use this time. Zoe's eyes constantly darted to the front mirror, then to the side mirrors of her car, scanning for any sign of trail
Malcolm had been so bothered about Zoe ever since he traveled out of the country for business a day after the party they both went to, because she had not been picking up his calls and merely replied to his messages with curt words that portrayed her unwillingness to continue the conversation. Her responses had been almost dismissive over the past few days, and it gnawed at him more than he cared to admit.He didn't know what she had done to make him so soft and expectant, but he knew that he wanted to see her and know what she had been thinking after his sudden confession and action at the party. ‘Had she been avoiding him because of that?’ He pondered wearily as he looked so bothered, as he prepared to return home from his business trip as excitement warred with nervousness in his heart.He had been so eager to see her that he asked Edward to compress his schedule from the initially planned five days into three, so that he would be able to see her as soon as possible. Though he ha
Malcolm made his way into his mansion as soon as he arrived and Edward had left with the car, his heart pounding with anxiety even if he maintained a high level of composure, waiting to see Zoe's face, having pictured the type of facial expression she would have waiting for him. The grand doors to his mansion swung open before he got to the front of the door, and Cordelia, the new head maid, stood there already with her usual calm demeanor, her head bowed in respect as well as the others, who were in the same position. “Welcome home, Mr. Meyer,” she greeted, her ever-curious eyes darting to the bouquet he had in his hand, wondering what it was for, as she had to give a detailed report to Irina if she was to include the information about the flowers too. “Would you like anything, sir?” A subtle smile that was not evident curved her lips, hoping that he would ask for anything to at least be done for him. “Not at all,” his voice was sharp and curt. Malcolm just stalked past as usual
Zoe could not even wait to discuss meeting her old alums from college with her grandfather, before she excused herself from his house before she would lash out at him, and cause more problems for herself. She had just gone on a blind date to let sleeping dogs lie since she refused his offer to come home. ‘But, getting married to a disgusting man like Marcel? That was the height of it. She just couldn't take it!’ She knew there was no way she would be able to develop her bond with the only family she had left, because he was way too rigid and unreasonable, trying to force her into doing things she didn't like. He was like a perfectionist while expecting the same of her, and never failed to remind her that he was the reason she had a reputable life now. That she owed all her wealth and fame to him. ‘Was that how he treated her when she had not lost her memories yet? Controlling her? How was she even able to live with him?’ Zoe scoffed in anger as she stormed out of his house angrily,
Zoe stepped out of her sleek black car in the underground parking lot of the Meyer mansion, already dressed in a white shirt that was neatly tucked into black custom-made pants, and complemented with a luxurious black waistcoat. Her footsteps echoed in the quiet hallway of the mansion since it was six at dawn, even if she could already hear the endless buzzing of the maids, cleaning every corner in the house as usual, with probably something musing to talk about while time passed. Her mind and head were stormed with choking thoughts and emotions because of so many questions she needed answers to, which had been amplified by the unsettling visit to her grandfather’s house and the strange woman too. She had promised herself not to overthink or worry about useless things, but it seemed as if she could not help but grasp her thoughts at every moment she realized that her world was too dark without any light of truth. She had spent the night at a private bar and tried to drown her anx
A small laugh tugged his lips, when he thought of how she initially barged into the library to ask him that question, “You were thinking that somehow you weren't Fred’s biological daughter?” he searched her eyes, wondering what she was thinking. Zoe rolled her eyes at his question before she threw her gaze away from him, as her lips twisted into a small sneer, “I knew you wouldn't even take me in if I wasn't. You once abandoned me. It is not news,” she muttered under her breath, her eyes finally basking in the beauty of the library as she looked around. “I didn't,” Sinclair cleared his throat heavily as he walked in slow steps, even if he knew she wouldn't be convinced, “I didn't mean to,” he added. “Why did you treat me badly then?” She suddenly asked him even if she didn't intend to, her voice growing sour just from her question, “You never showed me love or acted like I was wanted by you. You were going to throw me out and replace me if I didn't live up to your expectations!” Zo
Tension fell into the air as soon as Zoe's rigid voice pierced through the atmosphere, and demanded from her grandfather, the question he was not sure he had ever imagined that he would be asked. Francis Sinclair, a little taken aback even if he didn't show it, turned his head to look at her, as if wanting to decipher the reason she asked him that question just by looking at her face. “Why that question?” he responded with a question, and it made Zoe's heart tremble even more with bated breath when she had waited to hear just the truth. “Just answer!” Words slipped out of her lips weaker than she intended, as her voice trembled in the fear that he would say no, “Truthfully,” she whispered, with a silent plea in her eyes. As much as she resented him so much in her heart, she couldn't bear to hear that he wasn't her grandfather. That had manipulated the DNA results to save face, and that she was not his son's daughter. She feared that she would totally be alone in the world withou
Ever since the previous day after the art exhibition ended, Andre Meyer had been restless. He had seen Zoe at the closest distance for the first time, and even if he didn't get to talk to her, he didn't like the aura she radiated. It was almost as overbearing as Malcolm's. Intimidating. Without wasting further time, he had called for his lawyer to see him as soon as possible the next day, and had waited impatiently for him to arrive at his office by canceling almost all his schedules for the day. At the arrival of the lawyer, Andre ushered him to take his seat on one of the leather couches in his huge office, as he sat across from him with signs of desperation and restlessness visibly written on his face. “Concerning what you inquired about last night, Mr. Meyer,” the man began, as he pulled out some files in his briefcase and placed them on the table. “I need to know, Harris,” Andre interrupted almost immediately, “Can I fight for custody of my son and win?” His eyes studied the
The executive team of the ELVA was seated patiently in the conference room awaiting Zoe, who entered just right in time with a sullen expression on her face, as she signaled they would begin the agenda of the meeting without saying much. Each head of the team presented updates on the plan for the launch of their latest jewelry collection in two days, which included detailed market strategies, production timelines, and promotional campaigns that she had demanded of them. But as they each shared their insights and strategies through the hologram before them, her mind was elsewhere. Even if she was staring at everyone as if she were listening, her mind was far away from the room. Her head was melting and floating at the same time. The message she read from the previous night thoroughly shook her bones, that they tightened so hard and painfully with trepidation at the processing of it. Her head expanded with the dire gravity of what she had read. ‘How? How on earth? Just how much did
It had been so long since he sat open in the serenity and basked in its beauty, that he had even forgotten how to do that. He had forgotten how it felt to sit comfortably in the repose of his mind, without having to think of anything at that moment. The sounds of rustling leaves, the distanced chirping of birds, the beauty of flying fireflies, the buzzing of distant insects, and the humming of a cold evening breeze all created a beautiful backdrop that seemed to catch Malcolm's attention, as he sat back on the reclining chair in his garden, his right hand wrapped around a half-empty glass that contained the scotch whiskey he was drinking. As he stared at the swaying of the beautiful flowers in his garden, with their branches fluttering with soothing sounds, he wished he had heard sooner. It had taken him years to sit in this peace, and finally understand the bondage he had been plunged into. He couldn't understand why he had spent so long living in a mansion he was barely at peace
“Excuse me,” Zoe walked away from the company of those that she found herself in at the moment, “Will be back in a jiffy,” she informed with a smile. She sauntered away elegantly and made her way into the nearest ladies’ bathroom as she entered the place. Sticking her hand under the faucet which detected her presence immediately, she watched her hands delicately in water for a few seconds. Right in the moment, the air around suddenly became heavy as someone made their way inside behind her, and instantly scanned through the entire bathroom to be sure no one was there. Standing rigid, Isla's arms crossed tightly against her dress, her voice dripping with contempt, “What the hell are you doing here?!” she demanded, her gaze burning with a fierce intensity that could scorch Zoe on the spot. Zoe paused as a smile curled her crimson-painted lips, while staring at Isla through the mirror that was facing her, as her eyes danced with amusement, “How are you, Isla?” “I asked what yo
Meanwhile, Isla, who was the last to catch sight of what was going on as she was too engrossed in her explanation, froze momentarily the moment her eyes came in contact with Zoe. Instantly, the bright smile on her lips died and her eyes widened in bewilderment. She never in her entire life would have expected to see Zoe attend her art exhibition, since the last time they met was the day she took over her company through Mason's help. The memories of their past encounters, rivalries, and deep-stemming hatred flared in her mind as her heart skipped so hard. ‘What was this bitch doing here?! Why was she here?!’ Isla almost lost it on the spot as her entire body began to shake uncontrollably, while her fists clenched hard in anger the more she stared at Zoe from where she stood. As their eyes locked for a few seconds, Zoe paused, just long enough for Isla to savor the effect of her presence, with amusement dancing in her gaze, before she tore her gaze away and channeled her attention
It was RINASHONE’s first art exhibition of the year, and the halls of the grand hall of the huge art gallery which was shining with the beautiful lights that radiated from the crystal chandeliers off the polished marble floors, were abuzz, and filled with A-list socialites that had been invited for the grand event. All perfect preparations had been made in the space of a few weeks after Isla became the new director, and all that was left for the art exhibition was to be a wonderful and satisfying one where both the host's and guests' needs would be met. The walls of the huge art hall were lined with bold splashes of abstract colors, still life paintings, and realistic portraits of serene landscapes by renowned popular artists, which garnered attention from the guests. They were amazed by the beauty of each wonderful painting, while muttering a few words to one another and exchanging pleasantries, only to be interrupted by the host of the exhibition, who had a big smile on her face.
Unable to sleep the entire night, Zoe ran through her whole schedule for the day and the ones for the next few days, as she worked tirelessly with a virtual assistant she also hired remotely. The next morning, Dylan was already waiting outside the house for her together with the chauffeur this time, and they barely said anything to each other except exchange pleasantries. “Thank you, Dylan,” Zoe finally remembered as she sat back in the car, while going through her schedule for the day which Zara had forwarded already. It was almost like she hadn't gone through a mental breakdown the previous day. “For yesterday,” she added after pausing for a few seconds, as if trying to process the remainder of the information she wanted to pass across to him even if she knew what she wanted to say. “It is my pleasure, ma'am,” Dylan answered, unsure if he should be appreciated for that. It wasn't an obligation. He just wanted to do it. “It is Zoe. Just Zoe,” she corrected for the nth time, even