MALCOLMI hummed happily with a wild smile on my face. I did a dance step and hopped out of my car, drunken with joy."My daughter and my future wife slept at my place last night," I whispered in a sing song voice.I jumped up and bumped my fists with the air. "Yes," I shouted and folded my fist.I walked into the company's reception, still humming happily. Employees bowed but I was too cut up in my joy that I did not pay attention to them."Lani ate the food I cooked!" I screamed.Everywhere suddenly became silent, to the extent that if a needle was to drop on the floor, everyone would definitely hear it. I slowly looked around me, only to see employees staring at me as if I have suddenly developed horns.Embarrassed, I asked."What are you looking at?" They all pretended to be focused on their work. I slowly walked away. Once I got to the private elevator, I banged my head on the wall."I'm going crazy," I muttered.An image of Leilani sleeping on my bed popped up in my vision, I
LEILANI After my drama with Tom and his wife, I felt satisfied. "Now, they will know not to mess with me again," I muttered. Once I got to the company, I didn't bother going to my office, I went into Sienna's office first, to check on Melinda. I confirmed that she was okay. Melinda was so busy with her PC that she barely spoke to me, same with Sienna who was so focused on her work. I left them to do their thing and found my way to my office. Getting to my office, I contacted my legal team and in a matter of minutes they arrived. I went through the papers alongside them one more time. And once they assured me that it was indeed legal and valid, I signed them and sent a copy of them to Lani Ventures. I was beyond exhausted, the day's drama had tired me out. I relaxed in my seat and shut my eyes. Hardly a second after I shut my eyes, my phone began to ring loudly. I groaned and opened my eyes. "Did I offend anyone in my past life? Why can't I have a moment of peace," I muttered, the
LEILANI "Date?" I asked aloud. Malcolm and Melinda gazed at me immediately. "What date are you talking about?" I asked, ignoring the looks they were giving me. "You promised to go on a date with me today. Don't tell me you forgot?" Lucian asked, sounding displeased. His words reminded me of when I promised to go on a date with him after he showed me Malcolm's house. "Sorry, it slipped my mind. You said weekend, today is Friday," I muttered. The line went dead for a while. "Seems like your calendar is different from mine. Anyways, get ready I'll pick you up by five." "What?" I shouted, but the line went dead. He hung up. Once I brought the phone down from my ear, I checked my phone calendar. "It's already Saturday. I thought today was Friday," I mumbled. "Go back to sleep, Linda." I gestured to her and turned around to leave. "Are you going on a date?" Melinda asks, making me halt. "Yes," I answered grumpily and proceeded to leave. I wanted her to know I was mad at her f
MALCOLM I watched as Lucian forcibly held Leilani. I rose from my seat instantly. However, before I could get to them, Lucian smirked and claimed Leilani's lips. "What the fuck," I growled and storm towards them. What angered me more is that Leilani was struggling to free herself from him, but he held her even more tightly. Anger surged through my veins. I grabbed Lucian and tore him away from Leilani. "How dare you kiss my woman," I roared. I folded my fist and landed a punch on his lips. It split instantly and began to bleed. Leilani shrieked in horror. I glanced at her. "You let him kiss you?" I asked, my eyes flashing. Not giving her any time to reply, I swept her off her feet, bundled her onto my shoulder and walked out of the hotel. Sienna and Melinda trailed behind us, clapping. "Man up and come fight me," I heard Lucian yell. "Get lost," Sienna told him. "Don't ever come near me or my mummy again. Or I'll be the one to do what my lookalike did," Melinda threaten
LEILANII stood in a corner fuming. Lucian was honestly pissing me off. Suddenly, I felt a presence behind me. I turned around and there stood an angry Malcolm. Before I could utter a word he grabbed the phone from my hand. I struggled to take it back but he was stronger, so I let go."Call this number next time and watch me ruin you," he threatened. Something inside of me told me that the threat wasn't just an empty one."Don't ever answer his calls again. Block his number, " Malcolm instructed. His words sounded bossy to me.I snatched my phone from him."And who are you to tell me what to do?" I asked.He kept shut and stared tenderly at me."I'm only looking out for you, Lani," he whispered, softly."What the heck is wrong with you? Did I tell you that I need you to look out for me? First, you lock me up in your house, and now you answer my phone call. I wonder what you will do next time. You sick bastard," I yelled, seriously pissed off.He bowed his head apologetically."It wa
MALCOLM"What do you think you are doing?" Leilani's angry voice resonated.I paused and looked up at her, only to see her glaring at me. My mouth fell open and I froze."I…I…" I stuttered, not knowing what to say."You what? You pervert," Leilani roared and hit my hands which were still on her boobs. I was so shocked that I didn't think of pulling my hand off.She rose from the couch and gasped."My zip is open!" she exclaimed."It's not what you think it is," I quickly said.But she didn't seem to be listening to me."Were you trying to take advantage of me?" she asked leaving me mortified."What? I'd never do that," I exclaimed, staring at her in horror.She found her way to the light switch and turned on the lights."Could you explain why my zip is open and your hands were on my boobs." she crossed her arms under her breast and glared at me.My eyes followed the movement of her arms and stopped just below her boobs where they were."You are still staring at my boobs, you shameless
SIENNALeilani suddenly received a strange call and got out of the car, leaving me and Melinda to go back home alone. However, before the cab sped off, Leilani glanced at me. Her face showed distress and worry."Something is wrong," she muttered. Having known her for long, I read her lips."What's wrong?" I asked back.Before she could say anything, the driver suddenly sped off. If not for the fact that I had buckled the seat belt around myself, I would've been violently thrown off my seat because of the sudden speed."Slow down, you idiot," I yelled at him.He glanced at me through the rear mirror and smirked, then further increased the speed."Didn't you hear her? Slow down," Melinda screamed in fright. She held onto my dress."Shut the fuck up you two!" the can driver yelled.My jaw dropped. "Pull over, we will get down here." "This man is a psycho," I muttered.The driver ignored me and kept driving.Scared, I looked at Melinda to see her staring right at me."What should we d
LEILANI I let myself slide to the ground. I looked up at the clear blue sky. "Why…why me?" I yelled. "Why my innocent little daughter!" Hot tears trickled down my cheeks. "Melinda never offended anyone. Who could be after her?" I let my tears flow without restraint. "My baby," I cried, clutching my aching heart. I felt like a vital part of me was gone. I sat on the floor disoriented and disorganized. I didn't know what to do. The abductor had told me not to tell Malcolm. At this moment, I desperately wished for Malcolm to show up like a superhero like he did the other day. But if wishes were horses, even beggars would ride. I tried calling the private number, but it didn't connect. "I'm done." The thought of going to the police crossed my mind. But then I recalled that one of the instructions written under the photos sent to me was that I should on no account contact the police, or else Melinda will bear the consequences. Helpless, disoriented, shattered and broken was all I
LEILANI Here I am, seated on the sandy beach overlooking the vast water. However, instead of watching the water being pushed around by the waves like everyone else, My entire attention is on my two adorable kids, building sand castles in a corner. “Stop that, Melinda,” Miranda screams at Melinda who was so invested in destroying the sand castle she had built. “Let’s do something else, I’m tired of building sand castles every time we visit the beach,” Melinda yells and continues to kick and scatter the sand castle they had spent almost an hour building. “Melinda, stop that,” I yell, bringing their attention to me. “She doesn’t want to play with me,” Melinda complains, her eyes getting moist. “You mustn’t run around all the time,” I say, but Melinda was hearing none of it. She threw herself on the ground and began to roll herself on the floor. “Melinda, stop that,” I say, now pissed off at her unruly behaviour. She rises from the ground and grabs hold of Miranda’s swimsuit. “Th
FIVE MONTHS LATER MIRANDA “Stop that Melinda!” I screamed as she continuously banged her spoon on a stainless plate, creating a loud disturbing noise. “You never like playing!” She screams back, giggling. “I’m trying to study,” I replied, pulling my hair. But my crazy twin smiled and banged the spoon on the plate even more loudly. “Fine,” I say, slamming my book shut and rising from the bed. “What do you want to do?” I ask. “Yes!” she screams and leaps up. It’s been five months since I was taken home by my real family, five months since I discovered Aunt Isabelle’s true colours, Five months since I found people who sincerely love me and wished the best for me. Honestly, my family has become the most important part of my life. I can never stay a day without seeing them. My mum, Leilani, treats me like I'm the most precious thing on earth, and most times I wonder why Melinda never gets jealous. My dad, on the other hand, treats me like I'm the most delicate thing on earth. He
MIRANDA “Is that another me?” the little girl who looks exactly like me gasps I stood still, unable to say a word and watched as she also took steps towards me, her legs shaky and her eyes fixed on my face the entire time. Getting to me, she raises her hand to touch my face. But then, I am reminded of Aunt Isabelle's words about her being the major reason why my parents don't want me. "Don't touch me," I snarled and roughly shoved her aside. "I need to speak with Malcolm Blake and his wife," I said, older this time. "That's my mum and dad," the girl who looks exactly like me says. I glanced at her and eyed her unpleasantly. "I'm not dragging that with you," I snarled at her. "Anyone getting the duo, or I should barge in and find their suite myself?" I ask. "No, I'll call them," the lady says. Nodding my head at her answer, I stood still watching her make a phone conversation. "They'll be here soon," she says, putting down her phone. "So doppelgangers are real," the annoyi
MIRANDA I was so engrossed in the storybook Aunt Isabelle had purchased for me when I noticed someone trying to come into my room through the window. Scared, I got into the closet to hide myself. I would’ve called Aunt Isabelle, but then I recalled that she had warned me on several occasions to always keep my windows locked. Not wanting to get scolded by her, I carefully hid myself inside my closet and shut the door, heart beating erratically and waiting for the intruder to show up. However, after a long wait, no one showed up, making me look out of the closet. Then, I heard someone screaming for help. People asking for help was a normal occurrence in our neighbourhood. I’ve always watched a lot of people struggle with their captors. It was a daily occurrence that scared me. But then, I always watch to know who to look out for. Like always, I tiptoed to the window and that was when I caught sight of a familiar woman being pulled by the hair. For some reason, the way the man was tuggin
"Miranda." I gasped and stared wide-eyed at my little angel staring down at me. The maniac kept tugging my hair to bring my attention to him, but then it was as if I couldn't feel any of those at this moment. My entire focus was on the little girl in the window. "Miran…" I try to call again. But then, I'm cut shut as a familiar voice calls out the name before I could complete it. "Miranda," Isabelle's annoying voice sounded. At that moment, I felt my skin crawl and my heart began to beat frantically. "Don't tell me Elodie and her husband gave my daughter to this witch," I mumbled, gripped by fear. Having witnessed what Isabelle is capable of, the last thing I want is to have her next to my loved ones. Most especially, my daughters, but it seemed like that was just my wishful thinking. Eyes still on the window, I watch my daughter's face lit up with a smile the moment Isabelle reaches her side. I watched, with tears trailing down my cheeks as Isabelle fondly pats my daughter's hai
LEILANI “What?” I gasp in shock. Malcolm ignores me and rises from his seat. I grab hold of his hand to stop him from walking away. “How can you just drop an information like this and suddenly try to leave without explaining things to me?” I ask, still in shock. Disbelief clearly written on my face. “What? You suddenly want to believe my words right now?” Malcolm asks and pulls his arm off my grasp. “Malcolm,” I whisper in shock at the force he used in pulling his hand away. “What Leilani? What! I'm sick and tired of constantly having to explain myself to you countless number of times. I try to please and understand you all the time, but you keep making things hard for me. Tell me, do you even believe what I just said about Elodie?” He suddenly throws a question at me. I stare at him without saying a word. Honestly, this news is a shocker and I'm having a hard time believing it. “See, you don’t,” he says. Casting one last look at me, he dumps his cutleries, not caring if they f
LEILANI “When did we suddenly get to this?” I ask myself. I stood in place, too shocked to move. This was the first time a gun was being pointed at me. Yeah, I live in the United States, and shooting often occurs. But then, this is the first time I’m actually witnessing it. I watched as the guy pulled the trigger. “Is this my end?” I ask. Suddenly, I’m snatched like I weigh nothing and thrown aside. “You really want to die, don’t you?” Malcolm’s angry voice echoes. His voice sounded so far away, yet I was in his arms. My focus was on the masked guy trying to get away. I watch as he slips into one of the hospital rooms. “Baby,” Malcolm calls, shaking me rigorously. “Huh,” I answer absent-mindedly. “Leilani!” he suddenly yells my name. Making me snap out of whatever trance I was in. “He tried to shoot me,” I mumble. “I almost died without meeting my daughter,” I begin to cry. “Almost, but you didn’t,” he says, pulling me further into his arms. “She is dead,” I mumble, point
LEILANI The moment Frank runs past us with his skinny wife in his arms, Malcolm and I immediately run after him. Getting outside the building, Frank runs over to an old truck that looks like it will break down at any minute. “Are you honestly taking her to the hospital with that?” I ask “Let’s use my car,” Malcolm calls after him. Soon, we all got into Malcolm’s car, and he speeds to the hospital. Getting to the hospital, Elodie is lowered into a stretcher and wheeled into the emergency room. Malcolm and Frank goes off, as Frank mentions that he would like their family doctor to attend to her since he works here. I watch as both of them walk away in search of the doctor. Frank’s sister and I rushes after Elodie, who was already wheeled to the emergency room. “Has something like this happened to her before?” I queried her. She gave me one downgrading look and didn’t bother to answer. It is already bad enough that I haven’t seen my daughter even when I’m already in Colorado. Now,
LEILANI "You should pull yourself together, Lani. I'm sure you don't want Melinda to worry about you," Malcolm says the moment he ends the call. I didn't say a word and quietly snuggled into his chest. Honestly, I, too, knew I must have frightened Melinda. Heaven knows how she is feeling right now. This is one of the reasons why I said I'm not a good mother. "I'll go heat the milk. You need something to help you calm down," Malcolm says and proceeds to leave the room. Just as soon as he leaves, my phone rings, and I realize it's Sienna after speaking with Sienna. I felt calm and knew that I didn't need the milk to calm me down again, as my best friend had already did. I rose from the bed and found my way down the stairs. I was barefooted, so my feet barely made any sound. Getting to the kitchen, I found Malcolm on a call with his back turned on me. Not wanting to distract him from the call, I quietly stood behind him while waiting for him to finish answering the call. "You mean my