SOPHIE'S POV
I tried to calm myself as I drove toward the house. But my heart kept racing. If yesterday was indeed a setup, then Adam's wrath is the least of my worries. What about dad? What would be his reaction? Perhaps the best bet for me would be to arrive early and talk to Dad. He needs to believe me; he needs to see through Olivia and her mother's schemes, but alas, I lied to him yesterday before going out. Where do I start? I heaved a sigh and prepared myself for the worst.When I got home, the halogenated security lights were still on."You, daughter of Eve? Where have you been?" My father's voice thundered.I paused and sniffed my nightgown, which made me appear even more guilty."I said, Why were you not in the Bible study last night?" "Dad," I said, my mouth was literally shaking."I need you more than ever to believe what I'm about to say." I began, my voice betraying me. "I know… I know I told you I went…""Hold on!" Father roared; he appeared to be scanning through something that just popped up on his phone. His eyes were shocked and inquisitive."Child." He called. "What is this?" He inquired now, showing the screen of his phone to me.It was pictures of me in the nightclub. Someone had sent it to him. Could the person be Olivia? But why?"Dad, that's what I was trying to say; it was Olivia. It was Olivia who told me to meet her up. She told me to come and save her at the club.""Now Olivia?" Father asked mockingly, rumpling his thick eyebrows. "Where are you? Are you not the one who said something about collecting a songbook from one Stacy? Apparently, the nightclub has become your hymn book." Father questioned, his eyes blazing with anger. "But dad… I swear, I didn't do it. It was Oliv-""Shut up!" Victoria shrieked from the house."I didn't do it.""I said, Shut your lying mouth! If you must sin, why drag others into sin with you? Why? Just Why?" "Dad, please hear me out. I was...""If Olivia told you to come to the club, why did she attend the family Bible study last night and you were nowhere to be found?" she yelled, a few inches away from me."Do you know how many times I tried your number last night and it wasn't going? I bet you are just enjoying yourself and turned off your phone. Only God knows what you always do in Louisiana, your liar.""Is that what we have been teaching you? We teach you the way of the lord. Feeding you with God's words daily, but you did this? You have brought shame to this family." Victoria continued to add fuel to the fire and my father's eyes furrowed more."But I was trying to save Olivia last–""Dad, mom," Olivia interrupted me, walking toward us."I was worried and searching for Sophie this morning since she didn't come home last night when someone passed the information to me. Sophie was at the club. She's no longer a virgin. In her hand is payment for the service rendered for her virginity." Olivia declared.She leaped towards me and snatched the packet in my hand, revealing the bundle of cash.Dad had hidden his face in disappointment while Victoria started to sneer at me.I was shaking; there was nothing much else to say; I would never make it defending myself. Olivia really did her homework perfectly, and I was a fool to fall into her trap. I was sobbing in silence while watching the last piece of pottery I tried putting together get broken apart.Dad broke the silence; a lone tear appeared on his face, and I felt a sharp pain in my heart. His voice was calm and precise."Sophie, daughter of sin, I have never been so ashamed. But the Lord says if your right hand, left hand, or eye will take you to hell, cut it off. Sophie, I am not afraid to cut you off." It was the first time I saw him cry."It is the Lord Jesus of you. I will not watch you burn my house. From now on, you are no longer welcome here. Pack your things and leave."I kept replaying the scene with Dad in my head over and over again as I wandered about the streets with the few things I was able to pick up from the room before I was ejected: portable luggage containing my school documents, a few clothes, and my crucifix.“Daughter of Sin," that was what my father had called me. I forced out a bitter smile, if only he knew he was currently sharing his home with the very mother of sin while he ejected someone completely innocent.How heartbreaking it was to discover that the man who gave me life knew so little about me. I bit my lip. I had to look for somewhere to stay in the meantime. If father could be so easy to manipulate, perhaps because he was married to Olivia’s mother, it wouldn’t be the same with Adam; at least by now, he should begin to nurse second thoughts about his reaction. By now, he must have started asking the right questions and seeking the real answers behind the false image painted for him by that jezebel.On arriving at Adam’s apartment, I noticed Olivia’s blue sedan parked near the lawn. I stopped short on impulse. What could she be doing here too? Was she here to convince him not to change his mind? Did she hate me that much? I increased my pace. There was no need to knock or ring the doorbell; the door was slightly open. In the sitting room, the television was turned on with the volume at maximum, but no one was watching. I only saw a few clothes flung here and there, some on the floor, others lying on the couch. The one that immediately caught my attention was a woman’s pink pants on the sofa. Speechlessly, I stared. Then I began to hear other noises from the bedroom. I followed the trail, and it led me straight into Adam’s bedroom, and before me was my so-called step-sister and lover having sex less than a day after I "supposedly" cheated on him. I froze in shock. Was Adam a part of this too?"What the fuck is going on here?" I screamed, and they stopped, not bothering to cover their nakedness.Both of them were sweating and panting like two mad dogs. "Yes?" It was Adam who spoke first, after an uneasy silence. There was no remorse on his face.“What are you doing in my house?" he asked with a grimace.“Adam…my sister?""Hey, hey, stop that." Olivia waved an arm at me impatiently. "I’m not your sister, ok?""Just leave," Adam said more calmly."And don’t come back; I told you it’s over between us. Go, go give that treasured honeypot of yours to your customers who can pay since I can't."I watched him silently. How could I have been this stupid? I didn’t know whether to burst into tears right in front of them or just leave. I heaved and decided it was better for them not to see me cry again. These were clearly my enemies.I turned and was about to leave, but quickly stopped on getting to the door."What is it again?" Adam asked even more impatiently."The money, can I have it?" I asked, facing Olivia, who immediately started laughing."The one your clients paid?" She asked mockingly."I have given it to Dad; go and collect it from him... He deserves a share of the cake too, don’t you think?""Please get out of my house!" Adam raised his voice.A lone tear fell from one of my eyes, and I hurriedly turned to leave with no exact place in mind.Elliot’s POVAt the office, I couldn't concentrate and couldn't think of anything else. My mind kept going back to the lady at the nightclub. Who was she? And why had she booked that hotel in her nightgown? If she was truly a sex vendor, then why had I found her a virgin? Why had I been so quick to have sex with her without holding any conversation? There were too many questions, and it was hunting for my peace. I felt like a monster. I needed to see that girl; my investigator said her name was Olivia Mack, and I needed to know her story. The second thought on my mind was about the drink I had that night. Why had it been laced with drugs, and what had been the purpose? There were about five people at that meeting that day who could have dragged me out of the five. As far as I know, I was still healthy, and nothing else was wrong with me apart from the dizziness it induced that night. What is really going on?The ringing of my phone brought me out of my train of thought. "Hello?" I pi
SOPHIE’S POVFIVE YEARS LATERThe airplane descended and started to glide downward; my heartbeat raced simultaneously. Returning to New York reminded me of the past I tried hard to forget."Sit tight baby," I said to Isabella, who sat beside me and his siblings."Mum, mum, are we in New York now?" It was Owen. He is the most inquisitive of my kids and a tech genius."Yes, darling, we are in New York," I answered with a smile, holding onto Isabella's hand, whose eyes were shut."Is Daddy here too?" He continued to ask, his blue eyes gazing at me, and I felt my heart skip at his question.Ever since I announced to them we were moving to New York, my kids' joy knew no bond. I knew they believed their dad was here, but I always made sure to avoid their question any time they asked me about their daddy. How would I answer them even when I didn’t know their dad was?"Hey shhhh," Lucas hushed at him playfully behind us. "Our plane does not like many questions.""I don’t believe you, Uncle,"
GENERAL POV"Tell me, what are you up to, Owen? You are not doing something silly, are you?" Sophie questioned, looking at her triplets with her eyes narrowed."No mum. I'm just checking a nearby park. You know how much we love going to the park, right Nathan?" Owen replied, making gestures to Nathan to save him from their mama's question."Yes, mum. It's nothing to worry about." Nathan replied and the driver announced their arrival.The apartment where Sophie would be staying with her kids is massive and located in a totally cutaway space with shades of tall trees surrounding it. The gate directly leading to the house is as wide as it is tall. It made the house appear like an exquisite fortress from the outside.While the kids explore the house joyfully, Lucas and Sophie arrange their belongings in their respective rooms, then venture to the kitchen to contemplate a home-cooked meal instead of ordering."Mom, this place is beautiful. More than our place in California." Isabella giggl
Elliot’s POV"Have a seat."I said to Sophie as she came in, gesturing to the empty seat at the other end of my table. This was supposed to be the part where I gave her a formal and concise orientation about the modus operandi of her new job. And also rant endlessly and confidently about the dos and don’ts of the company and what you want her to focus on right now as the company's financial analyst.It was the normal company bureaucracy. Something I could say I’ve done well over 30 times in the past. But from the moment Sophie stepped in, I could already sense that this meeting was doomed to be different from others. I felt awkward. "Thank you," She said quickly before she took her seat. She assumed a straight, square-bodied sitting posture; her buttocks were placed at the edge, and her back did not touch the rail of the chair.Looking at her from such a close angle, it was even harder now to believe that this young lady with her taunt curves and firm breasts had even given birth to
SOPHIE'S POVI sat on my executive office chair, brought out my phone, and dialed Owen's number. It rang twice before I heard that typical loud, enthusiastic voice of his. "Hello, mummy."I learned to look backward, darting my eyes around the office. Sweetie, where did you guys go? Uncle and I were worried sick; did you lose your way?""No, Mom, we didn't go far. Don't fuss; we will be with you in no time." He said in his sweet voice, and I smiled."Darling, please find your way inside the complex quickly and ask about Miss Sophie. They will show you to my office, or should I come get you?""No, Mom, we’re just outside; we will be right in...on our way.""Alright, dear, please keep an eye on Nate and Bella," I said before he hung up.Now that my boss has gone back to his office, I could settle down to take in the beauty of my new working space. Lucas sat on my guest seat, lodged adjacent to my broad, large brown table. He seemed to be absorbed by his phone."Oh my God, Lucas, it's so
Elliot's POV"Stop screaming like some big baby," Olivia mumbled, taking a step back after I raised my voice earlier before she could approach me again. She was staring straight at me, her blinking just as slow and measured as her footsteps.I ran a hand through my hair, momentarily closed my eyes, and reopened them.When I felt I was collected enough, I asked more calmly."And what was that for, in the conference room?""What?" She asked pretentiously, biting her lips with her eyes darting at me.I leaned backward on the chair, adjusting my tie. "You know what I’m talking about, Olivia? What were you trying to pull by addressing me as a darling before my staff?"She stopped moving halfway and made a face by inflating her cheeks to show she didn’t quite get the point."What do you mean? Don’t they already know we are dating?" She asked with her brow raised, and I smirked."Dating?" I repeated with a grimace."Can you please tell me again what dating means in your words? I am kind of
GENERAL POVThe kids hung around Lucas in the waiting room, looking around the office area. Immediately after, their mom left with Candidate 1, which was Elliot Harrington, her boss, they looked at one another.Now they spoke among themselves in low tones as they observed Lucas's crouched figure. He sat forward and bent over his phone, all his attention completely lost to the device in his hand. "Hi, uncle," Owen called, waving his small hands to get his attention."What's up, big man?" Lucas replied playfully, but without looking up."Isabella is pressed, so we're just going to take her to the restroom." He passed on, making hand signals to his siblings."Don't be long," Lucas said woodenly, still without looking up."Sure." They said simultaneously, but instead of the general exit door that led to the restroom, they silently dispersed towards the hoist-way door of the adjacent elevator in smooth clusters. Lucas didn't notice; his eyes were focused on his phone.The elevator doors c
SOPHIE’S POVLucas tactically maneuvered the steering wheel as he tried to bypass a gully on the silent street we took on our way back home. I sat next to him, looking straight in one direction, and the kids sat wordlessly behind me. The car was awfully quiet except for the shallow, repetitive sound of my breathing due to anger. I was panting with rage."What a jackass..." I couldn't help but vent."What a stupid, arrogant Jackass." I continued, slamming my hand on the car dashboard."Imagine that man saying he warned me? Like, who the hell does he think he is? Stupid." I yelled, tapping my foot impatiently.Lucas took a quick peek at me from the corner of his eyes and then at the kids behind him."Hands on your ears, soldiers," he said, referring to the kids who still looked puzzled at my sudden outbursts. They immediately obeyed and covered up.When we finally arrived at our estate and got out of the car and then into the house, I immediately went straight to the kids' room and star
I am filled with immense gratitude as I write this message, appreciating every one of you who has joined me on this journey. Whether you have been following from the start or have recently become a part of this story, your presence has truly enhanced the storytelling experience in immeasurable ways.I am thankful for allowing my characters to be a part of your lives, for investing your time and emotions in their successes and challenges, and for sharing in their joys and sorrows. Your support, feedback, and motivation have been the driving force behind every word written, inspiring me to explore their world further and create narratives that resonate with you.As we come to the end of this story, I'm thrilled to announce that a new story awaits. In the meantime, I would like to hear your thoughts about the story, please don't hesitate to share your feedback.Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks for being a part of this remarkable journey. Your support ignites my passion.With dee
SOPHIE'S POVI shifted the thick, opaque curtains that fell over the window in my room to one side as I observed the gate of our house through the transparent glass upstairs.The Tesla had just driven out through the open gate, and one of the uninformed security guards had begun to close it up.Elliot, who had been raising fire and brimstone some moments ago, had finally resigned to the strong will of his daughter. He has finally yielded to her persuasion as well as that of her older twin, Amelia. I let out a small smile. Was it not funny that despite his so-called anger about the recent developments, he still insisted on dropping them off at the park, even when Amelia kept insisting that the park was not that far? Sometimes, I find myself debating again who actually pampered Isabella more between her father and grandfather. I let out a wider smile this time.I drew the curtains closed again and returned to my bed to sit quietly."Just like yesterday," I whispered.It was so hard to
GENERAL POVOwen was sitting stiffly inside Michael's larger-than-life office space. While Michael reclined at the other end of the desk, his manner was a little more relaxed since the last time they met at his school. They were having a conversation about Isabella."Have you called my sister yet?" Owen asked calmly."No, not yet," Michael answered, almost blushing at the sound of Isabella's name.Owen shrugged weakly and said,"But why her? I mean, what drew you to her? She literally dresses like a guy. Though I know my sister is beautiful, if you're not close to her like us, you might never know."Michael let out an indulgent smile, readjusting his seat and leaning forward before he spoke again.Actually, I've seen Isabella several times without her usual regalia. Erm, you know, her usual regalia." He let out a gentle laugh.Then, a little more quietly, he added:"She is so kind and beautiful."Owen laughed too, in a way that said, "I thought as much,"Then Michael went on to tap h
ISABELLA’S POVI opened my eyes faintly the next morning after a long sleep the previous night, rolling over tiredly on the hospital's compact bed. Then suddenly, my body brushed against the rigid weight of someone sitting with his back turned against me on the bed. I sat up immediately, rubbing my palms over my face and eyes to brighten my vision. The person turned over at once, and to my relief, it was the face of Dr. James.My curious expression softened into a smile. He smiled too, and with a soothing voice, he asked,"How are you feeling?"His gaze switched to my neck and arms.I involuntarily touched the plastered areas on my hands before I said,"I'm quite fine; it was just a slight accident."A small silence ensued. He stared at me with deep care in his eyes, and for a second I had to bite my lip and look away shyly.Then he inhaled and brought out my phone from the pocket of his lab coat. Then he made a weak gesture with his hand before he said,"Your phone; I charged it for
Nathan arrived at the Epiloxx Club as directed by the address from Isabella's text message. As soon as he got out of the taxi, He walked towards the entrance and stopped for a moment to catch his breath before attempting to go in. He stopped again and flexed his wrist to see what the time was saying on his gold watch; it was exactly 11:30 am. He inhaled and exhaled to calm his nerves, trying to imagine the look Scarlett would have on her face the moment she eventually saw him, as well as the reaction of this so-called boyfriend of hers. Then he brashly waved his hand as if to say, "Whatever." Before proceeding finally into the building with slow but steady strides. While inside the club and standing awkwardly near the door with surveilling eyes, the first thing Nathan's eyes picked out from the crowded, noisy hall illuminated with dull multicolored lights was the sight of Scarlett kissing a guy at the back of the room, a man whom Nathan immediately identified as Kevin. He froze and
General POVIsabella's apartment was located less than 10 minutes away from her school, immediately outside the terminating bar gate.She was in the house, sitting in her cozy blue-painted bedroom with the warm, masculine-looking decor and walls pervaded by the many photographs of bikers and popular sportsmen around the world.She was wreathed in blue tops and shorts, which also marched with the color of her room, sporting a pair of expensive trainers, leaning over to untie and retie the shoelaces with a meticulous expression on her face and taut lips. She lifted her head quickly to check the vintage clocks hanging above the arc when she was done and mouthed the words:"Five minutes past six already?" looking surprised and taken aback."Oh my God." She whispered again, springing up to her feet hurriedly. The event she was about to attend was actually a racing exercise organized by her teammates back in school and was supposed to begin at exactly 6:30; she had just 25 minutes left to
GENERAL POVThe first and second basements of the round, well-ventilated university hall were filled up with mostly young people from different parts of the city; all of them were clothed in nice dresses while also bearing notebooks and pens on their palms, jotting down points as they kept their focus fixedly on the young prominent speaker standing on top of the podium and was about to round off his talk.The speaker's name was Michael Howard, a 25-year-old billionaire heir and owner of one of the largest corporations booming in New York City, just about second after the Harringtons. He was invited to the school’s graduation to deliver the first key note speech to the graduating students. During the speech, Michael went ahead to acknowledge the CEO of Harrington Inc., Elliot Harrigton, who was also present as one of his biggest inspirations.All the while, Nathan, sitting with brother Owen and dressed up in their graduating gowns, nodded attentively to everything Michael was saying at
15 YEARS LATERSOPHIE'S POVI was seated with Elliot in the sectioned corner of our sitting room, where the dining room was located. Breakfast was set, and we were already digging into it in silence when Nathan, who was all suited up and sitting next to his father and ready to accompany him to his office, disrupted the quietness with his slightly hoarse, passionate voice. This had become a usual routine for us every morning since Elliot started to allow him to accompany him to work about four years ago. Sometimes these dining table speculations and business advice would mostly start hours before breakfast; other times, they would start during the meal, and if we happened to be lucky, it would be after we were done eating. Sometimes I found myself counting to ten silently in anticipation of his voice, just like I had done today while dishing the meal, and as expected, the fresh economic expert we had for a son was not disappointed."I was actually following up on one of the brokerage
SOPHIE'S POVAs soon as we arrived at the house, Elliot took out the keys from the ignition point, let out a small groan, and came down from the car hurriedly. With double-quick yet uncoordinated steps, Elliot entered the house with his head bowed to the earth. It was obvious he was still feeling hurt; perhaps it was better to allow him some quiet time to absorb everything. I observed him through the windscreen for a moment before turning over to glance at Mrs. Harrington, his mother, who was still bent over in the back seat, sniffing and weeping bitterly since the moment she followed us to the family house. Even the kids were muttering, their hands resting on her shoulder."Stop crying, grandma," Isabella said, looking at her, and her brother's eyes were on her too, looking at her worriedly.She wrapped her hands around them to acknowledge their plea, but she still could not stop her crying."Darlings, could you please borrow me a few minutes alone with Grandma?"They looked at her o