MIRANDA
I had no idea what was going on there but seeing the look on the faces of my family members, I got an uncomfortable feeling. The woman was about to speak, possibly to explain whatever the hell was going on, however, I did not give her the time to do so.I couldn't go through the back because my mum was right behind me, so, I passed the woman and bolted out the door. I stood outside briefly, and came up with an idea; rather than to Collins, I would run to my cousin's for the time being, until I understood what was going on.I heard footsteps behind me and began to run without looking back."Please, don't abandon us when we need you the most," I heard a familiar voice and stopped.My mom walked up to me and turned me so I could face her. Tears kept falling from her eyes as she cried, "Please, Mira. Go with the woman and do whatever she says. This is the only thing I have ever asked of you.""That's a lie, mom," I replied. "You've asked me to do a lot of things over the years. This though is outrageous. Husband? Is this some kind of prank or is this a game? I don't like it, not in the slightest."My mom was about to go on her knees when I held her arms and stopped her. I was shocked by her actions and it only made me realize the severity of the situation.The woman reached us at this point and asked, "What is going on? Is the young girl not willing?"My mom who had her back to the woman, wiped her tears and looked at me. My dad and brother came out as well and all stared at me silently.My mom's gaze was on me as she waited for what I was going to say."I will go," I finally said sadly and my mum hugged me."We really need to leave, it's getting late," the woman said."I should get my phone and a few other things," I told them, and wanted to go back inside.Perhaps my mom did not trust me to come out so she said, "Don't worry, I'll send them all to you. Just go, there's no time."I waved my family goodbye and got in the back seat with the woman who seemed really happy. The car sped away and the driver stopped at the airport.We both got out of the car and the woman led me toward a private jet. We got in and the plane flew away. I closed my eyes, trying to make sense of what was going on.I didn't know where I was being taken, all I knew was that I was going to meet my husband."Husband!" The word was so strange to me. What about Collins? What about my heart? I didn't think I could live without him. How would he feel if he learned that I left just like that? I was supposed to go back to him, we were supposed to make love.My eyes shot open as a wave of determination consumed me. No, I would not become weak or give up on my love. My parents somehow owed this woman and she used the opportunity to force me to become the wife of God knows who? But I was going to teach them a lesson.I gave myself a week. I would be apart from Collins for a week at most. I hated them so much, especially the so-called husband of mine who chose to get a wife forcefully. I would trouble him so badly that he would be forced to send me back out of his own volition. My parents would be free from the debt and I would reunite with the love of my life.I heaved a sigh of relief. It was a perfect plan. I just wished I had my phone with me to tell Collins everything. The plane landed three hours later and a luxurious car picked us up.When we arrived at what I learned was my husband's house, it was already very late. I was amazed at how beautiful the house was. It was a palace, one I couldn't wait to leave.We were welcomed in by the butler, a man in his late forties named Sammy. He served me a bowl of fruits under the woman's instructions because my stomach kept crying for help. While I ate, he had a meeting with the woman which lasted for half an hour.Once they were done, she led me into a bedroom. It was bigger than my father's house and so beautiful. She showed me the wardrobe and said, "Everything you need, from limited edition clothes to bags and shoes has been bought for you, including jewelry.Sorry, I didn't seek your consent. I just got so excited after seeing your pictures that I got your measurements and went on a shopping spree."I merely nodded in acknowledgment while she continued, "It's very late so your husband must already be asleep. You will see him in the morning. I'm leaving the mansion now, I need to head back home. Sammy will take care of all your needs. Just have him call me if you need to speak to me.""Are you leaving me here all by myself?" For some reason, I felt the woman was easier to deal with because she was soft-spoken, or was it all an act? In any case, I couldn't trust anyone.Thinking I was scared, she hugged me and said, "You'll be fine, my dear. You're a big girl and your mom told me you are very brave, that's why I chose you. Your husband, Hazel Duke can be a little difficult sometimes, just try to understand him and you two will get along. Goodnight, dear."As she walked out of the room, I scoffed, "Get along my foot."I locked the door and sat on the bed regretting that I left my phone behind. I wanted to hear Collins' voice before going to bed.I laid back on the bed, thinking of how to make my stay as brief as possible until I fell asleep.When I opened my eyes, it was already morning. I got up and yawned. I had recurring gastric ulcers and always had breakfast once I woke up from sleep.I walked toward the mirror and stared at my reflection. My hair was unkempt and my makeup was smudged all over my face. In summary, I looked fairly hideous. However, my appearance was the least of my problems.I strode out of my room and yawned as I looked around. There was no one in sight."What the heck?" I cried. "How would I eat?"As though he could sense my presence, Sammy appeared. I smiled at him meanwhile, he looked shocked to see me. He finally smiled and said, "Good morning, ma'am. Hope you had a pleasant rest?""Good morning, Sammy," I replied. "I am so hungry. Can I have some food?""Of course. Come with me," he replied.I followed him to the most spacious dining room I had ever seen. The dining table was long and fancy and looked really expensive. It looked like it could accommodate fifty people and made me wonder how many people lived in the house."The maids will serve you shortly," he told me. "And your personal maid will be arriving later. If you need anything, do not hesitate to let me know, ma'am."I smiled, "Thank you, Sammy. When are they bringing the food?"Just as the question left my mouth, more than four maids arrived with different trays of food. I began to salivate while they set the food on the dining. They all seemed surprised to see me but I couldn't be bothered with them.I began to dig into the most delicious food I had ever had in my life. While I was still eating, I heard a loud voice exclaim, "What?"I looked up and saw a man decked in an expensive suit approaching. He was tall, had a well-toned body, and looked handsome too. Was he the husband I was forced to marry? He wasn't as good looking as Collins but he was okay and seemed to be in his early or mid-thirties.With his looks and his wealth, he could get a good woman of his choice so why did he have to force me? Could he be a loser? Was he deaf and dumb?No, he couldn't be dumb because he just spoke. What was it then?He stood on the other side of the table and stared condescendingly at me. The anger on his face was palpable but I couldn't tell why."Sammy!" He suddenly thundered making me almost drop my spoon.Was he mentally unstable? Why was he yelling?Sammy quickly appeared and bowed, "Good morning, Sir."Pointing his finger at me, the man asked Sammy, "How dare you let a beggar into my house?"My eyes widened as I dropped the chicken I had just picked up. I got up, slammed my hands on the table, and exclaimed, "Excuse you!"MIRANDA My so called husband stared at me in shock and scoffed, "What effrontery!""Sammy, what are you still doing? Throw this piece of trash out of my house before I lose it."I rolled my eyes, "As if I want to be here! You must be crazy upstairs, which explains why you can't speak without raising your voice, old man. Pick on someone your own size and news flash, I would be more than happy to leave this place."A few other domestic staff had arrived at this point and they were all staring in surprise. The man looked at me in shock as though he could not believe I was speaking to him.He began to approach me and at this point, one of the domestic staff ran and stood in front of me. She seemed a little older than me and was beautiful too.Sammy tried to speak to him but he pushed him away. I folded my arms, feeling so happy that he wanted me gone. When he got close to me, the girl in front refused to budge. The man stared at her in surprise and it made me wonder who she was."Who the
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
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