GENERALMrs. Alexandra paced around the compound, panting and dialing Lexi's number on her phone. It was past 2 am, and her daughter hadn't arrived from work. The most annoying part was that she wasn't picking up despite the number of times she had put a call across. Her blood boiled. She was angry and also worried. What if something bad had happened to her? No! She must be somewhere enjoying her life. Or maybe she decided to work overnight in the office.Different thoughts and assumptions sprouted in her head. Since the only person who could give her an answer wasn't around, she had no choice but to be terrified.Just when she was about to dial Lexi's number again, she heard the clanking sound of the gate and stared in the direction. She saw the security opening the gate, and a black Lexus zoomed in. A part of her brows raised in a questioning manner. She was aware that Lexi didn't go to work with her car, which was the reason her curiosity pricked when the car drove in.While she wa
GENERALInwardly, Lexi prayed fervently as she walked toward her office that Donald wouldn't come out from his own office. She didn't think she was mentally ready to see him after what happened between them the previous night. However, her prayers didn't answer that day because the moment she got close to her door, Donald's office door opened, and he stepped out. Their eyes met, and Donald felt his heart tinge.An ambiguous glint flashed across Lexi's eyes, but she swiftly concealed it with a lopsided smile, opened her door, and walked in without saying a word to him.Donald stood in front of Lexi's door with hands on his waist, unsure of what to do. He was contemplating whether to follow her inside or give her some time to think. But he couldn't do that. His thoughts were jumbled. His brain was in chaos. He couldn't think straight. Sleep? He didn't sleep a wink until morning. There were black bags under his eyes. He didn't think he could live his life without Lexi in it. Not after h
GENERALRyan and Donald glared at each other fiercely. Even though they weren't talking, the deadly stares they sent to one another were enough to notice an enmity between them. The atmosphere of the reception grew eerie and cold. Sarah, Lexi's secretary, was forced to look at the both of them, and she could tell that there was something between them.Ryan tried to move to the right side; Donald moved the same way, blocking him. He tried to move the other way; Donald did the same, intentionally obstructing his way. Ryan knew what he was trying to do. He was obviously trying to start a fight, which he would never give to him. He smiled and inched his mouth closer to Donald's ear, "You should act this way, brother. I am not the reason for your misfortune." He said in a calm voice, as though he was sympathizing with Donald.His blood boiled as he glared into Ryan's eyes. With his teeth clenched, he said, "Do not be too happy, Mr. Ryan. She is not going to pick you over me. Ryan scoffe
DONALDWas I hurt because I found out Lexi had been lying to me? No! The reason my heart had been in wrenching pain was because she had clearly chosen Ryan over me. I couldn't stand it. That bastard would have had more reason to insult and tease me. Why can't it be me? Why did it have to be him?Turning the key in the ignition, I stepped a foot on the accelerator and zoomed off like a madman. I didn't know where I was going, but I was certain I needed somewhere to cool off. I was exasperated. I was fuming with anger. Thinking about the whole thing only fueled the fury surging within me, and I was scared I would do something I might regret if I did not distract my mind.Ten minutes into the road, my gaze fell on a bar and suite, and I drove into the place."Welcome to Baneelux Bar and Suite, Mister," A female attendant came to meet me midway the moment I stepped into the bar. She led me to a private corner and asked me to make my orders, which I did, and she returned with them after a
GENERALCinderella stood by the door, holding the bottle of the aphrodisiac spray she had just sprayed in the room. A sinister smile was etched on her lips, and in her eyes were dark glints that anyone would cringe at.Seductively, she took majestic strides to Donald, who was sprawling on the bed and groaning out of pleasure. He was confused. He wondered why his body was acting that way. Could he blame it on his drunkenness? Was it the alcohol that was reacting this way in his body?Grinning evilly, Cinderella climbed on the bed and knelt beside him, wriggling her body seductively. She removed her clothes one after the other, making sure that Donald's eyes were on her.On the other hand, Donald felt a weird yet enjoyable sensation rushing over him. The woman in front of him resembled Lexi, especially when she removed all her clothes, revealing her sexy, hot body to him. Watching the unclad woman increased the tension in his body. He felt hot and sexually active. His cock also hardened
GENERALThe sun diffracting from the window fell on Donald's face. He twitched his mouth and face as he rolled to the other side of the bed. The beeping of his phone forced him to open his eyes weakly. Stretching his hand in the direction of the phone, he picked it up without checking the caller's ID and put it in his ear. "Hello!" He mumbled in a hoarse voice."Are you okay, Donald?" Lexi's voice reverberated on the other side of the phone, causing him to open his eyes fully. He sat up, skimmed over the time on his phone, and realized that it was already past noon. He fucking slept for more than twelve hours. That had never happened before. "I am asking because I didn't see you at work. Did something happen? I hope you haven't injured yourself." Her voice came again. This time, it was filled with worry and concern.He sighed, kneading his brows with his fingertips. He said, "Ah! I am fine. I was caught up with something. I should have called to inform you that I will be late to the
GENERALLexi swayed her gaze over them. The duo stood in front of her, arms akimbo, and their eyes rolled arrogantly. She snorted inwardly. She wasn't in the mood to make trouble and would try her best to avoid them. Emily opened her mouth, and just before she could let out a sound, Lexi caught sight of one of her business partners and walked up to her, intentionally brushing her shoulder with Emily's as she strolled past them."Mrs. Ricardo, I didn't think I would see you here." She mumbled as she walked past the mother and daughter. Of course, they knew what she did there. She was indirectly telling them that they were insignificant objects. It was only a fool who wouldn't know what she was trying to imply. Emily and Zoe dug their nails into their skin and clasped their lips as they felt anger brewing within them like a beer. That was a slap in the face."President Lexi, I didn't think I would meet you here. I am so honored to see you," Mrs. Ricardo blurted out with enthusiasm, emb
GENERALIntentionally, Lexi slumped on the floor before Emily's hand could reach her, but she made it seem like she hit her, which was the reason she fell.Emily was taken aback and terrified, which made her take steps backward. Her eyes dilated, almost popping out of their sockets. She was lost for words."OMG! President Lexi," other women rushed to Lexi, stooping to her level. She shut her eyes and let out a loud groan, holding her waist. "Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?" Mrs. Ricardo asked, helping Lexi up.Twitching her face and making it look like she was truly hurt, she shook her head. "No, thank you. She didn't push me that much. It was just a little," she said, rubbing the dirt away from her hands and dress.Mrs. Ricardo's smile twisted into a frown as she raised her head. "Can you see that? She is even trying to make it seem like you didn't push her intentionally. How could you? Your action just asserted her claim. We are disappointed in the Middletons. She barked at the
GENERAL Five Months Later The thump on the door caused Cinderella and Donald to raise their heads and look in the direction of the entrance. At the same time, the door opened slightly, and Lexi popped her head in, scrutinizing the whole place. When her gaze finally landed on the couple, she smiled and waved her hand. "Hello, mummy and daddy," she mumbled, strolling inside. She was followed by her husband, Ryan, and her daughter, Isabelle. "Lexi!" Donald muttered, walking up to Lexi and pulling her in a tight hug. "You didn't tell me you would be coming when we talked on the phone yesterday," he added, breaking the hug and darting his gaze over her. He was surprised to see her at the hospital. "Yeah! I didn't tell you, but it would be bad of me not to come to see my godson as soon as he was born," she said, sauntering past Donald to where the baby was. "Oh! My little pookie. You look so handsome," she complimented, taking the bed from his bed. "He looks just like you, Cinderella,"
GENERALThe sounds of gunshots reverberated across the building. Jasmine was shot in her legs and was forced to stagger into the fire she just created. Like a flash, the fire spread quickly and engulfed the whole building.Zoe and Emily screamed their lungs out for help. The cops who had arrived at the scene earlier rushed in before the fire could get to the people who were tied. Expertly, they released them from the hold and carried them out one after the other. Fortunately, nobody sustained burns except Jasmine, who fell into the fire. The fire was quickly quenched, and she was saved before she could be burnt beyond recognition. Her face, hands, and legs were burnt like an offering. Just when they thought the storm had calmed, Isabelle, who hadn't revived from her blackout, started breathing with difficulty in her mother's arms. Her chest hurled up and down.Lexi's jaw dropped and her eyes blinked as she looked at the girl in her hands. "Isabelle! My love! What is wrong with you?
GENERAL"What! What are you saying?" Zoe let out a stutter. Her lips shook with her eyes dilating in disbelief. She was certain that she didn't hear right. Jasmine would never say that.Jasmine prodded into her eyes, and her lips curled into a sinister smirk. "You heard me, Zoe Middleton. I still have unfinished business with your son," she repeated herself."No, Jasmine. You promised me. This wasn't the agreement. Don't you even try to go back on your words?" She interjected, "I don't like when you try to act sly. I hate betrayals, and I don't pity them." She spurted out, her eyes revealing anger.Jasmine snorted, unfazed by her reaction. "Well, I lied, Zoe. Feel free to call me a betrayal," she asserted.Lexi burst into a peal of hysterical laughter, throwing her head backward. "Such a fool! You think you are smart. Nobody knows Jasmine better than I do. She is just a desperate attention seeker. You are doomed," she muttered amidst her laughter.Angered and frustrated, Emily walked
GENERAL Ryan's eyes blinked when his sister, Emily, and Zoe, his mother, walked in. He couldn't believe his eyes. He was forced to shut his eyes and open them back, and they were still there. They didn't change. "Mum!!!" Ryan muttered, stupefied. It was as though he had just seen horror. If he had been told that he would be betrayed by his own family, especially his mother, he would have argued blindly. What pushed his mother to this? Zoe and Emily strolled closer to them and folded their arms. "Surprised?" She muttered, and he gulped. "What are you doing, mother? Why are you here? Why are you with Jasmine? Don't tell me you've joined hands with her..." He mumbled, and his mother shrugged her shoulders, asserting his speech. His mouth opened and he scoffed. "What are you thinking, Mum? What is wrong with you? Why would you do such a thing?" He retracted his gaze from his mother and moved it to his sister, Emily. "And you? Can't you tell her that this is wrong? Did you join an ou
GENERALRyan drove like a madman to the spot where he was told his wife's car was found. Getting there, he met some cops doing their work. "Mr. Ryan," one of them called the moment he stepped out of his car. "Did you find any clue? Have you checked the dashboard? Isn't there any CCTV in the street?" He hurled questions at the cops, scared. "The card in the dashboard has been removed. We guess the kidnappers took that with them. And for the street CCTV, we've asked the residents here, and they said it isn't working. It was just there as a camouflage," the cop explained, and Ryan hissed. What was happening? Why did bad things keep happening anytime he was happy? Who would dare kidnap his wife and daughter?He ran his fingers through his hair and placed a hand on his waist. He hated that he was helpless. His child and wife had been kidnapped, but he didn't know what to do. How would he save them? Where were they taken to?* "What! My Lexi? Never!" Mrs. Alexandra's eyes widened when
GENERAL "Please, have your seat," Donald said, pulling the chair out for Cinderella to sit on it.She scrutinized the restaurant they visited with admiration in her eyes. She didn't know where they were going before they left home. Donald just told her to dress nicely. She blushed as she took her seat. He walked to the other side and reclined on his seat. "Welcome, ma'am. Welcome, sir. What would you like to take?" A female waitress walked up to them as soon as they settled.Donald picked the menu and skimmed through it. "Seafood, and a bottle of champagne," he responded, handing his debit card over to the waitress. She took the card, bowed curtly, and left to prepare their order. The seafood he chose was Cinderella's favorite. Soon, the waitress arrived with their orders and arranged them on the table. She returned Donald's debit card. "Enjoy your meal," she said and left.Cinderella's eyes sparkled with hunger as she saw the seafood. The urge to dig in surged within her, b
GENERAL "Finally! You've come to visit me," Ryan's grandmother said, grinning as she went to welcome Lexi, Ryan, and Isabelle, their daughter. "Oh, my Goddess! Is this my little Isabelle?" Grandmother asked, ruffling the little girl's hair. "Hello, grandmother," Isabelle greeted with a smile. "Hey, granddaughter. You've become so big," Grandmother said with admiration in her eyes, and they laughed.Lexi went close to her. They prodded into each other's gazes and embraced each other. Tears brimmed in Lexi's eyes. There was no way she would count her blessings and not count her grandmother. In fact, she would count her twice. She was the only one who never looked down on her despite her poor status in the past. She took her like a daughter and made sure she never lacked a thing. Seeing her again after five years brought back memories, and tears strolled down her eyes. "Thank you for everything, Grandmother," Lexi said with a croaky voice. A lump clogged her throat.Breaking th
GENERALLexi and Ryan weren't surprised by their presence. They glanced at them indifferently, waiting to hear why they were there.Zoe swallowed hard. "Hey, son!" She mumbled with a fake smile.With an emotionless expression, Ryan said, "Why are you here, ma'am?"Her eyes widened. She stuttered, "What... What do you mean by that? Why would anyone ask why I am at my son's house?" She darted her stare over Lexi and threw her deadly and hateful glare. Lexi didn't mind the looks from her. In as much as she didn't step her foot into the house. "I thought I told you not to bring your legs here unless you are ready to repent." Why are you here with the devil you birthed?" He snapped at his mother, fixing a cold gaze at her sister, who was hiding behind her mother.Zoe's face changed into horror. She wore a squinty countenance. "What! Did you just call your sister a devil? What has gotten into you? Has this witch messed with your sense of reasoning?" She hurled questions at him, throwing
GENERALJasmine's step slowed as she neared her hideout. It was evident that she was scared. Perhaps not scared. She wasn't just ready for the drama that would follow once she got to where she was staying. As expected, she saw the man she had been staying with, standing outside and looking fierce.With the way he paced up and down, Jasmine discerned that it wouldn't be a good day for her as usual. He was drunk and exasperated. She was going to get beaten for the umpteenth time. When she escaped the prison some weeks back, she met this grumpy man who offered to help her if she agreed to be his wife. Without thinking, she accepted since she was in dire need of help. And that marked the beginning of her misery. If she was beaten today, she would be sexually abused the following day. Should we talk about the dirty streets and the stinky houses? If she was the previous Jasmine, she would have puked the first time she stepped into his house. "Look who is here. The Almighty Jasmine," The