GENERAL POVOlivia sat on the balcony of her parent's house, lost in thoughts, as was typical of her these days. This was where she lived now. She had moved into the family house again a few days ago after she was sent out of her previous residence.Her former home in New Rochelle was provided by Harrington’s Group as an official residence. After she departed from the company, she was asked by the management to vacate the premises in 48 hours. She also realized that she could no longer withdraw from her bank accounts; every single one of them was placed on hold by the banks after the police interrogation of Kennedy, and the lab assistant revealed how much she gave him in exchange for the sample toothbrushes, money amounting to over five hundred thousand dollars.The Bursary and Finance department had in turn informed her that they would investigate her account, and if nothing fishy was detected, she would get it back. In her heart of hearts, she knew a lot of things were fishy, which
SOPHIE'S POVAunty Susan joined us in the rearrangements at the mansion.Even though it was only a few minutes to her departure now, she was busy helping the kids roll over their boxes into a corner neatly. She had arrived yesterday with tears streaming from both eyes. I was sobbing bitterly that she had only recently been informed about everything that had happened to me a few weeks ago. Her daughter had informed her after her arrival from her trip to Montgomery."Please forgive me, my dear daughter, and also my babies; please forgive Auntie." She said to the kids. She was embracing all of us at once when she arrived."You know how some of us old people are; we live in a different world entirely, with just a phone and hardly ever using the internet. How would I have known you were going through all that? You know me, I would have not thought twice about coming over to be with you all through that fight. I never knew you experienced all this suffering at the hands of people you call
GENERAL POVThe previous night was the longest night Isabella had ever had; she had woken up before her siblings the following morning, which was unusual. Her eyes were lazy, and her heart was anxious. She had spent most of her night thinking too much about the outing their dad had promised to take them on yesterday, willing the hands of time to run faster, afraid that their dad might pop out from the shadows anytime to announce a sudden change of plans.At some intervals, she would sigh impatiently and get up from the bed to stand at the center of their room and just stare vaguely at the wall clock. “Why are you so slow tonight?” she found herself whispering. She was acting this way probably because they had never gone on a family outing like this with their mom before, let alone doing it with both parents; this was the first of a kind for all of them.Before they even got to know who their dad was, it was something Isabella had always wished and daydreamed about secretly, particu
ELLIOT’S POVI stood, gazing into space with hands akimbo, after the call with Gerald."Fuck, so we lost the contract? Really? Not just to anyone, but to Xander, I can't believe it."I murmured in disbelief, feeling great disappointment at the administrative performance of those I left to just briefly take care of things in my absence, particularly at Hanks, who I initially thought was eligible enough to represent me."What a poor outing from a so-called senior executive board member—a department head, for that matter. Instead of giving his all to make a great first impression and earn my trust in his abilities, look at what he did. I'm never letting him handle such responsibility ever in the future."I took my hands off my waist and folded them as my mind continued to wander in thought. "Come to think of it, why should I even keep paying him when he can't do things properly? Why?"I blew out hot air from my mouth and wiped my forehead lightly; the wetness rubbed off on the back of m
SOPHIE’S POVThe first thing I noticed straight away as soon as Elliot pulled the door to our holiday home open was the eye-catching sight of flying balloons and ribbons that now adorned our sitting room. I threw Elliot a hasty glance to see if he was also as surprised as I was, but the smile on his face had no traces of surprise; if anything, it was complacent and satisfied, almost as though it was exactly what he had been waiting to see. I tried to ask him what was going on, but he had said nothing; all he did was keep his complacent smile plastered on.I directed my vision again to the front side to give everything a more settled look. That was when I noticed that my kids and our two domestic staff had been standing centrally with lifted placards all the while, lost in a dangling mesh of balloons.“Was I the only one at a loss here?” I thought, with my nerves already tumbling over themselves, that I struggled to make sense of the whole scene playing out without success. “Today is
SOPHIE’S POV I finally resumed work the next morning. It was refreshing to finally return to my office duties after the long, adventurous break. I felt a little wistful as I drove myself through the mechanized gates of the company, pulling up at the front yard in one of Elliot's whips, precisely the AMG CLA 45. I turned off the ignition and inhaled deeply to brace myself for my other colleagues' anticipated reception, which I couldn't exactly predict yet. I could still vividly remember the awkward situation of things the last time I was present here, and now I find myself imagining the unguarded surprise they would definitely show when they saw me again.I inhaled again, and when I finally thought I was stable enough, I picked up my phones, laminated files, and handbag before stepping out of the car and flipping the door closed.The unguarded surprise stares I initially imagined I was going to receive
SOPHIE’S POV I remained rigidly seated on Elliot's guest seat as we waited in hanging suspense for Gerald to show up at any moment. Mr. Hank's revelation had totally changed the atmosphere in the room, from just one of plain inquiry and supplication to one of bad omens and perhaps cautious distrust. The man himself has still not switched or changed his posture after making his claim; rather, he was still kneeling with his head bowed, whispering to himself as though he were making a silent prayer to God for vindication.Elliot, on the other hand, had assumed a bottled-up demeanor, expressing his anger and anxiety only by the continuous tapping of his thumb on the desk. As for me, I felt just as uneasy and worried. I kept folding and refolding my arms, staring from Elliot to Mr. Hanks in worry and subdued trepidation, wondering who could be playing such games at this time and hoping that the
Sophie’s POVIt was Saturday, and the time was about 7:30 a.m. I was almost set for the little outing I had planned for today.I had decided to seize the work-free day as an opportunity to finally meet with Elliot's family, taking the kids along with me.I woke up earlier to take my bath and brush my teeth a few hours ago, and right now I was sitting on the bed wearing a black and white polka-dot office gown while putting on some make-up. I needed to look as presentable as possible since this would be my first-ever visit to the family, so I knew that even with all that had happened, I still needed to make a great first impression. Elliot emerged from inside the bathroom wearing a towel around his waist with no shirt on; a part of his face, from his chin to his lower jaw, was completely wreathed in the white mask of aftershave. He was also preparing to meet with one of the company's investors later today, so technically we were all leaving the house this morning.When he saw me all dr
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