ELLIOT POVI arrived at work today looking distraught, letting out a tired sigh as I pushed my office door open.I have been like this since my last encounter with Sophie, hating myself for how I reacted to the allegation made against her. I dropped my briefcase on the desk weakly and took a seat to think clearly about the issue.I remembered that look of genuine surprise on her face when I handed the document that indicted her to her and how she had pleaded her case, saying it was a set-up and had not sounded like she was guilty in any way.I rubbed a hand over my forehead wearily."Gosh, I was too harsh on her. What if she didn't do it? What was I thinking? What would she even do with that amount of money?”I took a deep breath and leaned back on my chair, still trying to wrap my head around the situation, when my phone beeped on the desk. I stretched a hand to pick it up, and my eyes shone bright when I saw that the sender was anonymous. I sat up immediately to read the content of t
ELLIOT POVMy head swelled when our culprit, Robert Maverick, was done with his confession. I gazed at him without words.I felt sweaty, lowered my eyebrows, and bit my lip guiltily."Is everything alright, sir?" After Robert revealed Olivia's involvement in the theft, Michel waved a hand and asked when he noticed that I hadn't said anything else."I'm fine; just keep an eye on him. I'll be right back." I said weakly as I trudged outside awkwardly.The level of guilt I was feeling now had doubled after the revelation."So Olivia set Sophie up? And I had sided with her without even knowing? How could I have been so blind and stupid? Fuck!"I jumped into the car, and my convoy pulled out and exited the police station premises as we headed back to the company headquarters.Immediately after we arrived, I saw Joseph's Hyundai parked in front of the gate, with all of the car doors open except for the driver's door. Then my eyes lit up when I saw Sophie’s kids outside the car; one of them w
SOPHIE POVI leaned back on the passenger seat and had my eyes closed for a moment, in a bid to compose myself.Joseph was a seat away, driving me and the kids back home after a really tough and confusing day at work.I opened my eyes again, allowing my mind to recede to hours ago when Elliot stopped by my office, pleading for forgiveness and, funny enough, a second chance.I couldn't help but let out a smirk."Make things right, indeed," I muttered beneath my breath, keeping my voice inaudible enough to be heard only by me.My memories receded farther back to a few days ago when it had been my turn to plead for his understanding and trust, but what did he do? He sided with his mistress, accused me of being an opportunist, and even went ahead to mention my kids without any measure of restraint whatsoever. I remembered how that judgmental stare on his face had left me traumatized; it had stripped me of sleep as I stayed awake the preceding nights with my mind preoccupied with only thou
Elliot POVI lay on my bed that night, hours after arriving from work. I rolled rigidly from side to side, trying in vain to find sleep. My mind was too awake, too busy trying to recapture that stupefying moment back at the office when Olivia had shown me that recording of our conversation that happened as far back as five years ago. What could her reasons be? Why would anyone without an ulterior motive even do that? Could it be that Olivia planned everything from the beginning? Did she approach me on purpose that night? There had to be an explanation for her recording me and using it to blackmail me at such a crucial moment.I sat up and picked up the phone lying beside me, then I dialed Sophie’s contact number one more time, hoping she would pick up the call and just hear me out, but I got no response. I tried a few more times, but the response was the same; even the text messages I forwarded asking her to call me back remained unanswered.I gasped, and my face palmed."What's happe
SOPHIE POVI woke the following morning feeling lightheaded. I felt a slight headache at the center of my scalp, letting out a small groan as I leaned back calmly on my pillow. What really happened yesterday? Or was it all a dream? I reasoned as my mind flashed back to yesterday's encounter with Elliot and Olivia at the restaurant. The memories were far too vivid to be just a dream."So Elliot is really getting married to no other person but Olivia? The same Olivia he claims he doesn't love? The same Olivia he addresses as a so-called mere acquaintance?"I reasoned with an inquisitive look plastered on my face."It's just a waste of time trusting some people."I murmured painfully to myself, remembering the knowing look of guilt on Elliot's face the moment I threw that question at them. He had even been too guilty to say hi to me and not talk about defending himself.Carter also noticed that the duo had ruined my night and that I was no longer in the right frame of mind for a proper d
Olivia POVIt was evening, and I honked at the gate of my old folks about twice before I heard the metallic sound of keys jingling behind the gate. In a moment, the gates were wide open, with my father wearing a white robe standing transfixed at the left side, waving at my tinted car happily as I drove in. He was looking as healthy as ever, and I could bet they've been making good use of the upkeep money I've been sending.I turned off the ignition and got down from the car, but before I could get down from the car, my mother was already before me, smiling ever so widely."My olive petal, I could tell that was the sound of your car.""Mummy, how are you doing?" I asked, hugging her close."I am doing great, my daughter.""Child of Adonai. You have come to check on your parents again?"It was Father's voice; he had joined us after locking up the gates. I disengaged from my mother's hug and rolled my eyes indulgently."Daddy, it was you who christened me Olivia. Remember how this new on
SOPHIE POV It was Thursday evening, and I sat with my knees drawn up on my bed, thinking soberly about my encounter with Adam last Saturday once again.I needed peace and quiet today, so I literally forced Owen and his siblings to go order pizza and have some fun in the yard instead of staying back inside with me. I just needed enough space to think.For the last three days, I've been trying to use work as an excuse to forget the emotional turmoil that was brewing in my mind, but unlike other cases, my plan to use work as a cover-up has proven hopelessly abortive.I could hardly concentrate on anything. Because in this particular scenario, my adorable kids, who represent the very essence of my life, were at stake this time.I couldn't bring myself to imagine them having a man like Adam as their father. As bad as I thought my own father was, Adam was far worse. Though they were almost the same, Adam was still a notch lower.Adam was a man with little willpower, a man who knew so littl
GENERAL POVOwen and his siblings returned to their room after the shocking announcement made by their mom. They closed the door and locked it up from within to have some privacy.Owen turned to his siblings at once, lowering his voice."Did you guys hear that? Mum is getting married; that doesn't sound right; I think she's hiding something from us."Isabella folded her arms and spoke next, with downcast eyes."Yes, I thought so too; she sounded so strange that I wanted to say something back there, but Nathan kept pinching me to stop."Nathan took a step forward, bowing his head slightly."Sorry, I had to do that; I just felt it wasn't the right time. I think she's trying to protect us from something. Didn't you guys notice her eyes? She looked like she was crying before we came in. Isn't she supposed to be happy getting married?"Owen hummed thoughtfully before he said,"You're right, Nate; she looked really sad.But what could she be protecting us from?" Owen questioned him further
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