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CHAPTER 13
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2025-04-14 19:53:04
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Beneath the Façade CHAPTER 14
BENEATH THE FACADEBehind the façade of wealth and power, a web of secrets awaits.CHAPTER 14Ethan's POV:I sat motionless on the edge of the mahogany bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling, battling the temptation to slip back into old habits—the kind that once numbed the pain of losing my only brother. His death had unhinged something in me, cracked a part of my soul I hadn’t known could break. For months, I drowned in bottles and silence.Then I met Emily. That night—God, that night—she made me feel something I hadn’t in years. I felt... whole. Like I could breathe again.But now, the air was thinning.It had been two weeks since the gala. Two weeks of unanswered calls, unread texts, and relentless silence. And the truth was, her silence hurt more than any goodbye ever could. It wasn’t rejection. It was worse. It was as if I no longer existed.I reached for the brown leather journal resting on the table, its edges worn from constant use. Flipping it open, I scanned through the words i’d p
Last Updated : 2025-04-17Beneath the Façade CHAPTER 15
BENEATH THE FACADEBehind the façade of wealth and power, a web of secrets awaits.Chapter 15Emily's POV: I was supposed to attend the high-stakes Petrocorp conference alongside my father, but a pile of last-minute office assignments had other plans for me. Not that I minded—I'd never been keen on showing up in a room full of corporate egos and forced pleasantries.I was honestly relieved to be spared the endless round of introductions. If I had shown up at the conference, my father would have paraded me around the room, trying to introduce me to every man he thought might be husband material. Earlier this morning,He stood by the door of my room, his arms folded, that familiar frown deepening on his forehead. “You're not ready Emily?” His voice had carried more disbelief than concern.I didn't look up right away. I clicked a few tabs on my computer before answering, “I have some reports to finalize, Dad. Ken would accompany you instead.”He didn't respond immediately. When I fi
Last Updated : 2025-04-18Beneath the Façade CHAPTER 16
BENEATH THE FACADEBehind the façade of wealth and power, a web of secrets awaitsCHAPTER 16Emily's POV: I woke up with a soft flutter in my chest, like something had shifted overnight. The morning air drifted in through the slightly opened window, cool and fresh, it felt different, like it carried whispers of something beautiful on the horizon. The sunlight spilling across my bed felt gentler, somehow warmer. I couldn't explain it but everything felt lighter. For the first time in a long while it felt like the start of something new. Something I hadn't dared to hope for. ***As I settled in with a plate of French toast and scrambled eggs, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee curling around me, my phone buzzed beside the cutlery. My heart leapt—Ethan? But no, it was Nyla.“Mrs. Kingston!” her voice rang out, full of teasing delight.“Good morning to you too, Nyla,” I said, a smile tugging at my lips despite myself.“I hope you had a beautiful sleep”,Nyla’s voice came through, so
Last Updated : 2025-04-19Beneath the Façade CHAPTER 17
BENEATH THE FACADEBehind the façade of wealth and power, a web of secrets awaitsChapter 17Emily's POV: I had expected her to call. In fact, I had kept my phone close all evening after the picnic, waiting for Nyla to flood me with her dramatic questions…”Em, I need a full download,” or “Don't leave out a single detail, not even the color of his socks.” That was typical Nyla. Always eager. Always hyper. Always curious. But that night my screen stayed blank. No messages. Just silence. At first, I dismissed negative thoughts. Maybe she was busy. Maybe she was tired. But when morning came and there was still nothing from her, I knew all was not well. It was very unlike her. Something was wrong. I tossed the blanket off my legs, grabbed my phone from the other side of the bed where I lay and tapped on the call button. It rang once. Twice. A third time. Come on Nyla. Just as I was about to hang up at the fourth ring, the line clicked and her voice came through. “Hey babe,” she said
Last Updated : 2025-04-20Beneath the Façade CHAPTER 18
BENEATH THE FACADEBehind the façade of wealth and power, a web of secret awaitsCHAPTER 18Caleb's POV: “Good afternoon, Andre,” I said, extending my hand as he approached. The firm, familiar grip of his handshake met mine with a warmth that felt more like an old friend's embrace than a formal greeting. “Thanks for making the time to come. I really appreciate it.”He gave a short chuckle, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Anything for you, my dear friend. It’s always a pleasure.” His voice carried the easy familiarity of someone who’d long since shed the stiffness of formalities.We slid into the booth at the corner of the restaurant, away from the noise and the eyes. The waiter came around, but we waved him off for a moment. We had business—quiet, off-the-record business.Andre worked directly under the chairman of Petrocorp Group, a man known for keeping things close to his chest. But Andre—sharp, observant, and deeply intuitive—had always had a way of knowing more than he was s
Last Updated : 2025-04-21Beneath the Façade CHAPTER 19
BENEATH THE FACADEBehind the façade of wealth and power, a web of secret awaitsChapter 19 Caleb's POV:It had been a full week since I last heard from Andre. Not a call, not even a brief text. But I didn’t panic—at least, not outwardly. Andre wasn’t the type to leave loose ends untied. If anything had gone wrong, he would’ve alerted me without delay. So I told myself everything must be running smoothly, or at least according to plan.But beneath the surface of my calm exterior, there was a steady hum of nerves. The kind that wouldn't let you settle. The kind that had you checking your inbox twice in five minutes, only to slam the laptop shut in frustration.And today? Today was the day. The final verdict on the Petrocorp contract. After months of strategizing, sleepless nights, and meetings that seemed to stretch endlessly, it would all come down to this one moment. One name. One announcement.The event was scheduled to be held in the same grand hall as the initial bidding present
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BENEATH THE FACADEBehind the façade of wealth and power, a web of secret awaitsCHAPTER 20Emily's POV:“Enjoy your weekend ma’am”, her voice sweet and cheerful as always. I smiled, touched by her usual cheerfulness. She always dished out a positive energy and it was contagious. “Thank you, Claire,” I replied, pulling her into a warm hug and pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. She smelled faintly of coconut oil. “You too. Endeavor to rest well, okay?”She nodded, with her arms still wrapped around me before letting go. I watched her disappear down the corridor, heels clicking softly against the marbled floor, and then I let out a deep breath, adjusted my handbag on my shoulder as I walked towards my car.Weekends had taken on a new meaning lately. I used to crave weekends for the serenity it came with. The kind where I didn't have to meet up with deadlines. The kind where I didn't have to be anything to anyone. A bubble bath, a solo date, a book I'd half-read or a movie series I'
Last Updated : 2025-04-23Beneath the Façade CHAPTER ONE
BENEATH THE FACADEBehind the façade of wealth and power, a web of secret awaits.CHAPTER 1Emily's POVI knelt in front of my father sobbing loudly, as tears streamed down my eyes and mucus from my nostrils. “Father you can't do this to me, there has to be another way out. You can't sell me off like some sort of property. I'm human, your only daughter at that. I have emotions, I'm entitled to my life. You promised to always make me happy ever since mom died”. I sobbed loudly, my face swollen as I had been crying for a long time. I had lost my mom at a very tender age of five, that was many years ago but I recall the events that unfolded on the day she died vividly, as my dad had always told the story. It was a black Thursday, the 20th of December,1990, a few days to Christmas when my mum died after hours of child labor. My mum had suffered several miscarriages and my father rejoiced when she had carried her last one to term, but my joy and that of my father was only short lived.
Last Updated : 2025-03-12
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Beneath the Façade CHAPTER 20
BENEATH THE FACADEBehind the façade of wealth and power, a web of secret awaitsCHAPTER 20Emily's POV:“Enjoy your weekend ma’am”, her voice sweet and cheerful as always. I smiled, touched by her usual cheerfulness. She always dished out a positive energy and it was contagious. “Thank you, Claire,” I replied, pulling her into a warm hug and pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. She smelled faintly of coconut oil. “You too. Endeavor to rest well, okay?”She nodded, with her arms still wrapped around me before letting go. I watched her disappear down the corridor, heels clicking softly against the marbled floor, and then I let out a deep breath, adjusted my handbag on my shoulder as I walked towards my car.Weekends had taken on a new meaning lately. I used to crave weekends for the serenity it came with. The kind where I didn't have to meet up with deadlines. The kind where I didn't have to be anything to anyone. A bubble bath, a solo date, a book I'd half-read or a movie series I'
Beneath the Façade CHAPTER 19
BENEATH THE FACADEBehind the façade of wealth and power, a web of secret awaitsChapter 19 Caleb's POV:It had been a full week since I last heard from Andre. Not a call, not even a brief text. But I didn’t panic—at least, not outwardly. Andre wasn’t the type to leave loose ends untied. If anything had gone wrong, he would’ve alerted me without delay. So I told myself everything must be running smoothly, or at least according to plan.But beneath the surface of my calm exterior, there was a steady hum of nerves. The kind that wouldn't let you settle. The kind that had you checking your inbox twice in five minutes, only to slam the laptop shut in frustration.And today? Today was the day. The final verdict on the Petrocorp contract. After months of strategizing, sleepless nights, and meetings that seemed to stretch endlessly, it would all come down to this one moment. One name. One announcement.The event was scheduled to be held in the same grand hall as the initial bidding present
Beneath the Façade CHAPTER 18
BENEATH THE FACADEBehind the façade of wealth and power, a web of secret awaitsCHAPTER 18Caleb's POV: “Good afternoon, Andre,” I said, extending my hand as he approached. The firm, familiar grip of his handshake met mine with a warmth that felt more like an old friend's embrace than a formal greeting. “Thanks for making the time to come. I really appreciate it.”He gave a short chuckle, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Anything for you, my dear friend. It’s always a pleasure.” His voice carried the easy familiarity of someone who’d long since shed the stiffness of formalities.We slid into the booth at the corner of the restaurant, away from the noise and the eyes. The waiter came around, but we waved him off for a moment. We had business—quiet, off-the-record business.Andre worked directly under the chairman of Petrocorp Group, a man known for keeping things close to his chest. But Andre—sharp, observant, and deeply intuitive—had always had a way of knowing more than he was s
Beneath the Façade CHAPTER 17
BENEATH THE FACADEBehind the façade of wealth and power, a web of secrets awaitsChapter 17Emily's POV: I had expected her to call. In fact, I had kept my phone close all evening after the picnic, waiting for Nyla to flood me with her dramatic questions…”Em, I need a full download,” or “Don't leave out a single detail, not even the color of his socks.” That was typical Nyla. Always eager. Always hyper. Always curious. But that night my screen stayed blank. No messages. Just silence. At first, I dismissed negative thoughts. Maybe she was busy. Maybe she was tired. But when morning came and there was still nothing from her, I knew all was not well. It was very unlike her. Something was wrong. I tossed the blanket off my legs, grabbed my phone from the other side of the bed where I lay and tapped on the call button. It rang once. Twice. A third time. Come on Nyla. Just as I was about to hang up at the fourth ring, the line clicked and her voice came through. “Hey babe,” she said
Beneath the Façade CHAPTER 16
BENEATH THE FACADEBehind the façade of wealth and power, a web of secrets awaitsCHAPTER 16Emily's POV: I woke up with a soft flutter in my chest, like something had shifted overnight. The morning air drifted in through the slightly opened window, cool and fresh, it felt different, like it carried whispers of something beautiful on the horizon. The sunlight spilling across my bed felt gentler, somehow warmer. I couldn't explain it but everything felt lighter. For the first time in a long while it felt like the start of something new. Something I hadn't dared to hope for. ***As I settled in with a plate of French toast and scrambled eggs, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee curling around me, my phone buzzed beside the cutlery. My heart leapt—Ethan? But no, it was Nyla.“Mrs. Kingston!” her voice rang out, full of teasing delight.“Good morning to you too, Nyla,” I said, a smile tugging at my lips despite myself.“I hope you had a beautiful sleep”,Nyla’s voice came through, so
Beneath the Façade CHAPTER 15
BENEATH THE FACADEBehind the façade of wealth and power, a web of secrets awaits.Chapter 15Emily's POV: I was supposed to attend the high-stakes Petrocorp conference alongside my father, but a pile of last-minute office assignments had other plans for me. Not that I minded—I'd never been keen on showing up in a room full of corporate egos and forced pleasantries.I was honestly relieved to be spared the endless round of introductions. If I had shown up at the conference, my father would have paraded me around the room, trying to introduce me to every man he thought might be husband material. Earlier this morning,He stood by the door of my room, his arms folded, that familiar frown deepening on his forehead. “You're not ready Emily?” His voice had carried more disbelief than concern.I didn't look up right away. I clicked a few tabs on my computer before answering, “I have some reports to finalize, Dad. Ken would accompany you instead.”He didn't respond immediately. When I fi
Beneath the Façade CHAPTER 14
BENEATH THE FACADEBehind the façade of wealth and power, a web of secrets awaits.CHAPTER 14Ethan's POV:I sat motionless on the edge of the mahogany bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling, battling the temptation to slip back into old habits—the kind that once numbed the pain of losing my only brother. His death had unhinged something in me, cracked a part of my soul I hadn’t known could break. For months, I drowned in bottles and silence.Then I met Emily. That night—God, that night—she made me feel something I hadn’t in years. I felt... whole. Like I could breathe again.But now, the air was thinning.It had been two weeks since the gala. Two weeks of unanswered calls, unread texts, and relentless silence. And the truth was, her silence hurt more than any goodbye ever could. It wasn’t rejection. It was worse. It was as if I no longer existed.I reached for the brown leather journal resting on the table, its edges worn from constant use. Flipping it open, I scanned through the words i’d p
Beneath the Façade CHAPTER 13
BENEATH THE FACADEBehind the façade of wealth and power, a web of secrets awaits.CHAPTER 13Emily's POV: Walking into the office this morning, head held high, the click of my heels echoed down the hallway. I felt good—sleek, pulled together, and honestly, a little proud of myself. At the front desk, Claire, the receptionist, looked up and smiled.“Ma’am, you look stunning today,” she said warmly.I smiled back, adjusting the red blazer I’d thrown over my crisp white pants. The pearl necklace around my neck felt like the perfect touch. I’d tried something new with my hair that morning—nothing too dramatic, just enough to make me feel like I’d put in the effort. And it paid off.There was something different about Claire's smile this morning, an extra glint in her eyes, as if she knew something I didn’t. I didn’t bother questioning it yet. I would find out soon enough.As I took another step toward my office, Claire stopped me again, her voice barely above a whisper.“Ma’am, he was h
Beneath the Façade CHAPTER 12
BENEATH THE FACADEBehind the façade of wealth and power, a web of secrets awaits.CHAPTER 12Emily's POV: I stirred awake slowly, my eyes blinking against the morning sun that slipped lazily through the curtains. For a moment everything was quiet. Serene. But as I shifted beneath the sheets and felt the emptiness beside me, reality hit me. I sat up, the events of the night replaying in my mind, the dinner, the laughter, the way his eyes held mine -like I was the only woman who existed. And then, the way I had fallen completely, yet my heart?...it felt hollow. I kept thinking of how he looked at me, how he seemed to care, how he genuinely wanted to be with me, I could tell from his eyes. But there was a part of me that couldn't fully embrace it. I slipped out of bed, wrapping the blanket around me as I padded softly into the bathroom. Turning on the tap, I splashed water on my face, as if that could wash away the memories, the feelings, the truth. “What have I done?”, I whispere
