MIRANDA
The expression on the faces of everyone turned into shock. Seeing that I looked serious, the lady at the counter said, "Calm down, Ma'am. I will call Mr. Duke right away and inform him."At this point, a man walked up to the counter. From the way he was dressed and the way all the employees at the counter greeted him respectfully, I could tell he was a prominent figure.One of the employees picked up a card from a bunch on the counter and handed it to the man, saying, "Here's an invitation to the boss' launch party tonight. It's mandatory to show up with the invitation, sir."The man smiled and accepted the invitation card, saying, "Thank you, I will surely be at the party."As the man turned and began to walk away, I stared at the heap of cards and thought, "So that arrogant man is throwing a party, huh? I wonder how he would react if I gate crashed it. Would he send me back home just as I want?"I suddenly became excited as I thought about what I could do at the party."I'm sorry, but Mr. Duke is not answering the phone. He must be very busy," the lady said to me with an apologetic expression on her face."I'll just go up to him then," I replied and wanted to proceed to the elevator."Please be patient," the lady implored. "I don't want him to get upset. He might fire me.""Mr. Duke?" One of the men at the counter suddenly said and everyone turned their attention to the elevator where Hazel had just come out from. He was speaking to an older man who had come out with him and he was smiling at the man.Seeing that everyone was now staring at Hazel, I slyly reached out my hand and stole one of the invitation cards. I quickly hid it in the pocket of my gown and smiled as though I had not just stolen an IV.I turned my attention back to Hazel who was still talking and smiling. Who knew he could smile so much? He seemed like a monster earlier in the day.He shook hands with the man and finally looked my way as the older man began to leave. He stared at me briefly before turning his attention away and I could tell he did not recognize me. He wouldn't have ignored me otherwise."Hey, husband," I called out to him before he could get back in the elevator. He stopped, turned, and stared at me in surprise, and I knew he had recognized my voice.The expression on his face changed to one of anger as he began walking toward me.I smiled when he got closer while he gritted his teeth, "What the hell are you doing here, dimwit?"I chuckled and leaned against the counter, "Hazel, there's no law that says I can't visit my husband at his company."The employees at the counter all pretended to be busy as though they had no interest in our conversation but I could see them from the corner of my eye, occasionally lifting their heads from looking at their computer screens to stare at me."Get out of here right this instant," he ordered.I folded my arms and smirked, "Make me."He scoffed, took out his phone from his pocket, and made a phone call saying, "Come to the counter right now."A few seconds later, four men in uniform hurried toward the counter and I could tell they were security.I smiled, "You will regret this, Hazel.""See her out," he pointed at me as he spoke to them. Afterward, he turned and walked away.The men tried to grab my hands but I raised them, "Don't touch me, I will leave on my own."The men kept their hands down and I walked out of the company. My visit to the company wasn't completely in vain so my mood was quite good.I smiled as I strode toward my car where Mel was waiting for me. Seeing the smile on my face, she got out of the car and said, "I'm guessing the meeting with your husband was a pleasant one, seeing how happy you are.""You can say that again," I replied and got in the passenger seat."I am so happy for you," Mel said as she got into the car.I took out the invitation card I had stolen, from my pocket and showed it to her, "What do you know about parties like this?Well, Hazel invited me. He said he'd like to introduce me to everyone at his launch party but I have no idea what exactly he is launching and the type of people that would be there."Mel smiled, "Leave it to me, that's my specialty. Once I carefully look through this IV and do a little research, I will tell you everything you need to know."I smiled at her, "You are so efficient, Mel. How old are you?""I am twenty-six," she replied. "I've been professionally trained in different aspects, that's why I could take on a job like this.""That's amazing," I replied. "Let's go back home for now, so you can do your research while I figure out what to wear to my husband's party."Seven hours later, I walked out of the house with Mel by my side. She had done my makeup and styled my hair so professionally that I almost could not recognize myself. I knew I was beautiful but I didn't think I could look like a beauty queen.How could one person be so skillful? Mel was a rare gem and I was grateful to have her by my side, and even though we just met, I was a little sad that our time together would be short.The domestic staff had all stared at me in surprise because I looked nothing like the ugly duckling they had seen in the morning. Mel had gone all out to beautify me because she believed Hazel had truly invited me to his party. Very funny."Don't you think your gown is too short?" She asked once I took off the long jacket I had used to cover my body.I smiled. From the moment she told me that the code was dress and tux, I decided on how I wanted to look, so I convinced her to take me shopping.I deliberately selected a very short, and sexy red dress that exposed my thighs because I had a goal. Even though I was uncomfortable in the dress I smiled and said to her, "Hazel asked me to look really sexy for his party, that's why I look this way."She nodded and drove the car to the venue of the party. We arrived early but I waited in the car until Hazel arrived."Your husband is here," Mel said pointing at him."I know, and I'll meet him inside," I replied.I did not leave the car until thirty minutes later, after convincing Mel to wait behind with the excuse that Hazel didn't want her inside the hall.I wore back my jacket to avoid attracting attention before I could carry out my plan. I showed my IV when I got to the door and I was let inside. It was truly a grand party and Mel had told me that Hazel was launching one of the most sought-after products in the country.There were at least two hundred people present and they all looked like big shots. I took in deep breaths in preparation for what I was going to do while ensuring that I was hidden from Hazel's view.When Hazel was done speaking, they all clapped for him and began to congratulate him. Afterward, everyone sat down and the emcee took the stage.Then came my chance. I got up from where I sat behind, took off my jacket, and began making my way to the stage without looking back.The emcee was surprised when he saw me approaching, and I just smiled at him. I got on the stage, whispered into his ears, "Mr. Duke asked me to speak," and took the mic from him.Believing my words, he gave me the mic and moved to the side. As I faced the audience, everyone stared at me curiously, wondering what I was up to, including Hazel.I realized he had no idea who I was because of how calm he looked."Hi, everyone," I began. "My name is Miranda Hazel Duke and this is my husband's launch party."The moment the words left my mouth, Hazel got up and stared at me in shock. I winked at him and while waving my hand to show my ring to everyone, continued, "As Hazel's wife, I am here to entertain you all. DJ, hit me with some music."As I waited for music from the DJ, I ignored the gossip from those in the audience and focused on Hazel who kept staring at me as though he had seen a ghost.STORY TITLE: FORCED TO MARRY MY EX'S UNCLE*You can find this story among my list of books.*Thank you very much.♥️♥️♥️CORAI stared at the red lacy lingerie in front of me and blushed shyly. After hesitating for a while, I finally put it on and laid on the king-sized bed, assuming a sexy posture.Twenty minutes later, my husband, Lucas Grey, walked into the room and when he saw me, a look of surprise appeared on his face. I thought it was because I was putting on sexy lingerie, and I felt embarrassed, blaming myself for allowing my best friend, Emily talk me into such foolishness. I learned quickly that I thought wrong."What the hell are you doing in my bedroom?" Lucas thundered, his voice completely different from that of the man I had married a few hours ago.I sat upright and was about to speak when he ordered, "Get out of this room right now."I instantly got off the bed but rather than leave, I asked, "What is wrong, Lucas? Why are you speaking to me so disrespectfully?"He snorted, "Disrespectfully? I am appalled by your shamelessness. Why would you come into my bedroom, and that too dressed l
REIGNI walked into SUN INDUSTRIES with a smile on my face and a bouquet of roses to see Lisa, my girlfriend. Our mothers were best friends and had been so since their youth. Both families were so close that Lisa and I practically grew up together.She was the closest person to me and when we both got into college, I confessed my feelings to her and she accepted to be my girlfriend. Our families were so happy about it and our marriage was inevitable.One of the things I loved about Lisa was her drive. She was so passionate about work, yet reserved and hardworking. She took over SUN INDUSTRIES from her blood father, Williams Sun, who was released from prison years ago, and in no time, she took the company to much greater heights.The excitement on my face died when I arrived at her office and learned she wasn't around. We had agreed to meet at three and I was a very punctual person.I dialed her number and when she answered the call, she said, "I am so sorry, Reign. Something important
CORAWhen I was pulled into the elevator and found out it was by Reign Fletcher, I could not believe my eyes. How could I? The Fletchers were the wealthiest family in London. His mother, Paige Fletcher was a music legend and it was no secret that she was spoiled silly by her husband who loved her more than anything else in the world. Tiffany Fletcher, Reign's sister was a popular singer who was just like her mother. She was presently on tour and I was one of her die-hard fans.Reign was the different one who was believed to be enigmatic, avoided the media, and rarely granted interviews. There were no scandals about him and even though people knew a lot about the other Fletchers, he was the exception. What were the odds that someone like him would be kind enough to value a life like mine?When he gave me mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and I opened my eyes, it was as though I saw the face of an angel sent to me from above. I was awestruck by his kindness and humility.What I was going th
CORAAs we were rescued out of the elevator, Reign requested a stretcher for me. At this point, Lucas' men in black suit who had been chasing me, all rushed towards me, wanting to take me away even in my condition.Reign lost it and punched the first man who touched me. He landed on his back and lost consciousness. All the other men moved back, shocked by his action.I turned and stared at him, surprised at how strong he was. A small crowd had already gathered and they were all staring in surprise. Reign looked disheveled and his shirt was soaked with sweat, completely different from how he looked when I first saw him.I was so weak that I could barely move my body. I could not understand how he could still act as though nothing happened to him. Right before I was wheeled into the van, I mumbled a 'thank you,' to him and he smiled.I didn't know if I would ever see him again and the chances of our paths crossing again were almost zero. I sadly closed my eyes and waited for the van to
CORAAfter Reign walked away, I closed my eyes and acted as though Lucas was invisible. I thought about Reign's words of advice and realized he was right.Running away wasn't the solution because I was legally bound to Lucas, despite how much I now hated that fact. I needed to come up with a plan that would benefit me and also keep Lucas from acting rashly toward me.An idea came to my mind just as Lucas coughed, "Pretending to be asleep now that it's just two of us?"I opened my eyes and stared at him, "What do you want? Is it not enough that you sent your goons after me to send me to my early grave?"He scoffed, "You are one to talk, Cora. Haven't you seen the bandage on my head? It's all thanks to your hard work. I'm letting it go just this once. Never in your life attack me again because It will end badly for you, I can promise you that.By the way, how do you know Reign Fletcher?""He's my bestie," I lied.Lucas stared at me in surprise, "I thought Emily was your bestie, and how
CORA"Excuse you!" Lucas could not believe his ears. "Are you accusing me of theft in my own house?" He snapped. "What card are you even talking about and why the hell would I steal it?"Listening to his response, I realized I had gone overboard because I had no proof. How could I say it was Reign's personal card when I had already bragged that he was my bestie?Without another word, I turned and went back into my room. I sat on the bed and hugged my knees, feeling very sad. I regretted not saving Reign's number the moment I got that card. What if I never got the chance to meet him again? The mere thought of this made me feel like crying.My eyes lit up when it finally occurred to me that I could reach him on social media. However, my bubble was busted when I realized that he was not on social media. How could he live like that?The closest thing to him which I found was FLETCHER CONGLOMERATES, but that was his company's account. It was probably managed by someone else so there was n
REIGN After the elevator accident, I left Cora in the hospital, called my assistant, and said to him, "Someone just tried to kill me in the elevator of SUN INDUSTRIES. I stopped the media from reporting about it because I don't want unnecessary attention but I need you to look into it and get me all the information I need about the culprit."After speaking to my assistant, I decided to go back home and get some rest. The doctor had given me an injection for the pain in my arm and its adverse effects soon kicked in.I threw myself on my bed the second I entered my bedroom and fell into a deep sleep. I had a dream, at first it was beautiful; Cora and I were kissing inside the elevator but suddenly it changed. She was suspended in the air while I held onto her.But her arm became moist and I lost my grip. I watched in horror and helplessness as she slipped off my hold and fell, plunging into the flames with her cries for help piercing my ears.I opened my eyes and quickly got up. I was
CORABeing alone with Reign gave me a pleasant feeling, one that I had never experienced before. But it all changed when she walked in. Once again, I recognized his fiancee as she called out his name, her face frozen in shock.I suddenly felt like the other woman, cheap and guilty but this was in stark contrast with Reign who did not show any guilty expression.He let go of my knees and got up. Turning to stare at Miss Lisa, he smiled, "You're here? I would expect you to be very busy at this time."The expression on Lisa's face changed and she smiled back. I heaved a sigh of relief, seeing that the situation was calm. Lisa walked up to Reign and kissed his cheek, and I took that as my cue to leave. It seemed like her presence made him uncomfortable from the look on his face but that could just be my assumption.Pointing at me, he said to Lisa, "This is Cora, my friend. Cora, meet Lisa; we became friends even before we learned how to walk."I smiled at Lisa and she smiled back. I walk