After approximately ten hours of being shut, Alison's eyes fluttered open, and she was met with an unfamiliar ceiling…the last she remembered, her bedroom didn't have a chandelier light, neither was it painted all white, so where was she?She sat up with a start, looking around the room frantically. The room was elegantly decorated with white walls and dark wood furniture. But it was not her room and she was sure about that.Panic set in as she scrambled out of bed, her eyes scanning the room for something, anything, familiar. But there was nothing. No photos, no mementos, no clothes that she recognized.And then, her eyes landed on her clothes. Or rather, the clothes she was wearing. They were not hers. An involuntary scream escaped her throat as she realized that someone had changed her clothes while she was sleeping.Alison's mind was racing. What had happened the previous night? She had gone to dinner with Travis, and then...and then nothing. She couldn't remember anything.Wait…i
Alison watched as Travis's expression changed, his eyes narrowing as he listened to the person on the other end of the line. She felt a pang of curiosity, wondering who it was and what they wanted.But Travis's conversation was brief, and he ended the call "I'll be right there.""I'm sorry," he said, turning to Alison. "I have to go. But I'll be back soon."Alison nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. She had been hoping to spend more time with Travis, to do what? She wasn't sure, but she just wanted to be around him…***Alison pulled up at the driveway in Aunt Megan's house, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She had been feeling quite uneasy after the encounter with Travis earlier, she didn't even bother waiting till he returned before she left.Her last case was a big one, and Aunt Megan and her husband played a major role in the success of its completion, she owed them a lot.As she stepped out of the car and walked towards the front door, she noticed something quite
Alison smiled, feeling a sense of determination and purpose. She was going to take revenge on Bruno and his mother, even if she died trying.The rest of the day passed in a blur, and soon it was getting late and Alison knew that she had to get back to her apartment to prepare for work the following day.“I'd get going now, Aunt,” she said and got off the couch. “It was nice hanging out and thank you so much for hosting me.”“This is your home too, Ally,” Megan said with a soft smile. “Come over whenever you feel like.”“It was nice keeping you company, too Uncle Carlos,” she grinned and the man patted her hair fondly. “See you around kiddo.” He winked and Alison walked out with Aunt Megan, they both shared a hug before Alison got into her car, driving off.***As Alison settled into her apartment, and onto a couch, she couldn't help but feel extremely relaxed and a fresh sense of peace took over her insides.She went to freshen up,before returning back to the living room. She picke
Travis sat on his bed, watching the news with a mixture of disinterest and boredom.He had suddenly received a call that he needed to show up at his company's headquarters for something quite important. He asked Alison to wait for her, and returning, he was shocked to discover that she already left.A part of him was disappointed, and of course he was going to handle that later, but for the meantime, he focused his gaze on the news, waiting patiently for the business update.But as the anchor began to speak about a familiar name, Travis's attention snapped back to the screen."Raquel Castro, the ex-wife of billionaire Travis Thompson, has returned to Chicago after a lengthy absence," the anchor said, a sly smile spreading across her face.Travis's eyes narrowed as he watched the footage of Raquel, smiling and waving at the cameras, before stepping into the convoy that came to pick her up from the airport.She was still dressed all elegant and classy as usual.He felt a surge of anger
The sun had barely risen over the bustling city, but already, Alison's law firm was alive with activity. Secretaries typed away on their computers, phones rang nonstop, and lawyers rushed to and fro, preparing for another busy day.After the case with Travis a few days ago, the firm has been busy with activities, and new clients seeking legal advice, seeking representation and family settlements.Alison herself was seated in her office, discussing with a client whose husband used to be married under the act to a lady, and without dissolving the marriage, he contracted another marriage with the lady. Now he was no more, and the issue at stake was the validity of the second marriage.She listened intently, her eyes narrowed in concentration, as the client explained the details of the marriage.“Under the law, one can only contract one marriage, any other marriage will be considered null and void as far as the law is concerned.” Alison said seriously. “Because your husband failed to term
The sun had already set over the bustling city, darkness was starting to cloud the whole place, although it was attacked by the beautiful streetlights.The music was pulsating, drinks were flowing and people were out in full force having fun at the club characterized with deep blue light.In the VIP section, Enzo, Marco and Bruno were seated on plush couches, surrounded by gorgeous women, whose duties were to pleasure the men and get paid at the end of the day.Two of the women were massaging Enzo and Marco's shoulders, while another was straddling Bruno and feeling grapes from her mouth."Honestly, Enzo. This deal is going to make us millions," Marco said, his eyes gleaming with hunger and excitement. "It's one of the finest we've had in years."Enzo nodded, his expression growing serious. "I think so too but we really need to be careful. I mean they're a lot of other players involved and we can't afford to get caught in the crossfire" he explained and took his gaze to Bruno particu
The morning sun was shining brightly as Alison prepared for another day of work. She was excited to be working at the headquarters of Travis's conglomerate, and she couldn't wait to dive into her new yet temporary role. Travis needed a legal practitioner to review some documents, and terms of contract and instead of going by the traditional method of using the conglomerate’s lawyers, he hired Alison, probably because he wanted to keep seeing her face everyday.As she got dressed and ready for the day, Alison felt a sense of nervous energy. She had always been drawn to the corporate world, and she was thrilled to be a part of it. But there was something about corporations that always made her feel nervous, instead of the original idea of confidence.After grabbing a quick breakfast, Alison headed out the door and made her way to the office. As she walked into the building, she was greeted by the friendly face of Travis's secretary."Good morning, Ms. Harper," the secretary waved with
Alison yawned tiredly and shut down her desktop and almost immediately, the transparent door to Travis’s office opened, revealing Travis.Alison decided to tease him a little bit before they went for lunch, with a mischievous grin, she asked. "You're still as overprotective as ever, aren't you?" she teased.Travis raised an eyebrow, trying to deny it. "I'm not overprotective," he said, his voice laced with amusement. "Where is that even coming from?”“Don't play dumb” Alison said, and sat on her work desk. “The event with Ryan…you should have let me go with him, I'm sure I wouldn't be this famished.”“You're still dumb,” Travis laughed, moving closer to the table on which she was seated, he pinched the bridge of her nose. “He was going to take you for dinner, not lunch. So you'd still be this hungry.”Alison playfully punched his arm. “I thought we were over this already..I'm not dumb!” She pouted.“Tell that to however is willing to listen,” he chuckled, and smirked leaning in, makin
“Wait up, Bruno you really did a good job.” Enzo grinned staring at the television with a smirk. “It has been ages since I have been thinking about bringing that rude brat to his knees, and that is exactly what is going on.” The Elite men were seated in their usual spot. The luxurious lounge was dimly lit, with soft jazz music playing in the background, creating a sophisticated ambiance. The walls were adorned with expensive artwork, and the floor was covered with plush carpeting, giving the space a sense of opulence. Marco, Enzo, and Bruno sat comfortably on a sleek, black leather couch, sipping their drinks and watching the news on the large screen TV.“Honestly, Enzo I can't be more glad that this is happening.” Marco replied and took a sip out of his drink. “And… the beautiful thing about everything that transpired is the fact that I tried to warn him, yet he would not listen.”“I have had all of these evidence for a long time now, I was simply waiting for the right time.” Brun
Alison's eyes slowly opened, and she found herself lying on the couch.The living room was bright, as Alison always remembered and the television was still on, the news precisely, and Travis's face still covered the screen.Guards stood at strategic positions, their faces stern and alert."Where...where am I?" Alison stammered, her mind foggy. “I remember standing here just now, so why?”The remaining words got stuck in her throat when she sighted Karen sitting beside her with a concerned expression. "You passed out, and the maids wanted to call an ambulance, but I stopped them," Karen explained gently. “When did you get in here?” Alison asked, feeling a slight headache. “The last time we spoke you were on your way here.”“And that was more than an hour ago. I met you unconscious when I walked in here.” She tried softly.Alison's memories came flooding back, and she sat up with a start. "The news...Travis...the scandal?" she asked, her voice trembling. “They were all a dream, right?
Alison woke up to an empty bedroom, the television still on, and Travis's stuff scattered around the room. “Travis,” she called and sat up in the bed. “Where did he go to this early?” She yawned and got out of bed, wondering why Travis had left for work without her. Her eyes darted to the clock and she was shocked at what time was. “It's 9 am already?” She gasped and rushed to the bathroom to freshen up.She got back to the room and there was still no sign of Travis, it seemed as though he had not even bee around.She finally decided to reached for her phone to call him. Since they began living together weeks ago, he has never gone to work without her, so why all of a sudden?“Is it probably because of what transpired last night?” She asked herself ad the moment she turned her screen on, but it was flooded with a lot of notifications.70 missed calls from Megan, Carlos, Karen, Drake, and other numbers. Alison's heart skipped a beat as she scrolled through the calls, but Travis's n
The night had descended, casting a dark and foreboding shadow over Alison's apartment. She lay in bed, her body shivering under the duvet, despite the warmth of the room. Travis, sensing her distress, reached out and gently petted her hair, trying to calm her down."Hey, it's okay, Alison. Try to relax. You need to get some rest," Travis whispered softly. “And get a grip of yourself.”“Travis, I can't,” She whispered. “It's just that everything is happening so fast? Like it has already been planned from the onset and is simply playing out.”“How do you mean?” Travis asked, adjusting beside her. “Is there something else you know, that I am not aware of?”“Not exactly. But can't you read between the lines and see what I'm trying to say?” She asked, getting slightly frustrated as her gaze grew distant. “Travis, those men that have been trailing me definitely want something and it is obvious they'd stop at nothing to get it.”“Okay?” Travis raised an eyebrow getting even more confused. “B
“Bruno darling, have you finally decided what you intend to do about Alison?” Mrs. Francisco asked, as she watched a television show with him. “I mean, if you wanted to do anything, then you should start doing it already.”“Mum, I'm planning something already,” he muttered, although he had his gaze fixed on the television, his mind was far away. “Just try as much as you can to stay away from it.”“Bruno, what about Theo? Are you still not going to let him feel your affection? The kid needs you.” She said, her eyes holding a glint of guilt.“Mum…” Bruno groaned. “Please allow me time to think, I already told you that I am not ready to unleash the version of me that the kid brings out.”“Clearly Bruno, you are neglecting the kid. Does that not bother you?” She asked again. “Look Bruno, I'm still a mother and I have the motherly affection in me. Letting Theo stay without your affection will definitely give Alison more grounds.”“Mum, I'm not in the right frame of mind for this conversati
“Calm down, Ally Wally, get a grip of yourself” Karen whispered, her gaze drifting to the road and back to Alison whose hands were trembling against her thighs where they rested. “I know that was quite traumatizing, but come on.” “Karen, I swear you can't understand,” Alison managed to utter. “To me, this goes way beyond being trailed, Karen, the last time I got trailed I was attacked! I was trailed down to my apartment and attacked without remorse.”With her gaze fixated out through the window, Alison's mind wandered back to the attack. “You know… I could have been killed if I hadn't learned Taekwondo back then,” she whispered, pressing her face against the tinted car glass. “Clearly, the men were caught off guard, I could see it written in their faces, Karen, it was all clear! What if I was not strong enough and I got raped? Or killed?”“Alison, calm down, stop overthinking this… yes, we got trailed and almost attacked, but we escaped, right? Is that not all that should matter?” K
Layla kept pacing around her room anxiously, her gaze darting between her wall clock and outside the window.“Where the hell is Spider?” She spat and pushed everything off her vanity table. “Show up!!”After waiting for hours with no sign of Spider, she opened her bedside drawer and took out a pack of Cigarette and a lighter.Then a sharp knock sounded on the door. “I don't want to see anyone, just get out!” She snapped and lit the cigarette, staring out through the window. “Get out!”“You wouldn't even ask who it is,” she heard a familiar voice from outside. “Anyway, it is Spider.”“Damn!! Come on in. Why did you not speak earlier.” She snapped. “So any progress?” She asked, her gaze still fixed out the window.“If I had spoken earlier, it would have been for you to be a bit nice knowing it was me.” Spider replied, walking fully into the room. “Why does everywhere look so messy and scattered, I don't want to believe you lost your mind again.”“Of course, you were not showing up, and
“So, what now?” Travis asked staring at Oscar as they walked towards the elevator which read, ‘out of bound’Only the managing board members were permitted to use it.“Boss, it was in the news last night.” Oscar replied, his voice measured. “I thought we'd talk about it first before I think about how to handle it.”“Of course, it was, and that's why I'm bothered. I hope you didn't make the payments? I mean I hope you did not buy any shares,” Travis asked.“Not yet sir, look the files are here already. I just needed you to append your signatures on them before going to pay for the shares.” He replied, pointing towards one of the files in his hand.“Why do I feel like this was all a plan, supposed to be a set up or something?” Travis asked, his gaze growing distant. “Just a few days ago, Gold&Sparkle Group was doing just fine, and today they've gone bankrupt and are about to shut down.”“In my opinion sir, I think this is exactly why they began selling out shares. Think about it… when l
“Hey babe,” Travis said, walking slowly down the stairs, with his phone against his left ear. “You're there already?”“Yes, and I recall you made mention of me letting you know when I arrive.” Alison said and he smiled.“Trying to be a good girl, huh? I like that,” he winked as if she could see him. “Anyway, say me well to Megan, and have fun.”“I will, don't miss me too much though,” Alison whispered and Travis could already imagine her expression.“I won't miss you, trust me, I'll just be here having fun all by myself.” He replied, his lips curling up into a pout. “Take care,” Alison mumbled and he ended the call.“She is definitely going to be the end of me,” Travis grinned and settled into his favorite armchair, phone in hand.“So.. what is today going to be about?” He asked himself. “Oh my goodness, Tristan!!” He exclaimed recalling that he bumped into Tristan at the fundraiser and promised to call him.He immediately dialed Tristan's number and as he awaited a response, his min