CHAPTER ONE
Maria walks out of her lawyers office, she bangs the door on her way out, and walks straight to the gate. She had been looking for this Henry guy for the past three days but haven't been able to find him.
She was tired, the whole issue was frustrating her. Maria's silver shoe glittered as she walked under the sun straight to the blue lamborhini she had packed outside that matched her extravagant blue dress.
She wore a silver chain and wrist watch to match her blue dress. Maria was known to wear matching dress that would match with her car. As she walked to her car, the people present in the office bowed in front of her greeting her. She ignored them completely and walked straight to her car.
She wore a long face as she drove to the address her lawyer just gave her. She would look at herself in the front mirror and would admire her beauty. She isn't just beautiful, she is slender, has cute ash eyes, a pointed nose, and a very beautifully curved lips.
She cross checked the address written on the paper as she came in front of the compound. It was the same address her lawyer had given her, she decided to horn. The loud sound of her car horn was enough to tell anyone she was angry.
The gate opened and the security in charge of the house walked out of the house to see who it was that was horning so loudly outside his gate.
"Good afternoon ma'am", he greeted Maria who forced a smile.
"I am here to see Henry", she said with so much authority in her voice.
"Do you have an appointment with him?" The gate keeper asked her.
"No, but it is very important", she replied.
"We do not usually let unknown people into the house just like that, but I will see what I can do.. probably calling my boss to inform him", the gate keeper suggested.
"Do I look like I have the time for all of that? Do I look like I'm some kind of jobless woman who would come here looking for your so called boss for something petty?" She fired at him.
"I am so sorry about that ma'am", he apologised.
Seeing how confident she sounded, the gate keeper decided to let her into the compound. He called his boss after opening the main gate for her. He didn't want to let her into the main mansion without the permission of his boss.
Henry walked out of his house wearing a simple brown short and a white shirt. It was a Saturday so he didn't go to his office, he was only relaxing in his room when his security called him to inform him about the visitor, and he decided to go see for himself who the extravagant visitor his gate keeper had talked about was.
The sight of the blue lamborghini with the plate number written Maria Cliff would tell everyone that she wasn't just anybody.
Henry watched anxiously as she alighted from the car. On sighting her his heart skipped, and his mouth went wide open. At first he thought he was dreaming, and later on he thought he was hallucinating. He wiped his face and had another look at her, he pinched himself, shook his head, shut his eyes and opened them again but she was still there.
"Mary", he called emotionally as he rushed to meet her and hugged her passionately, he took his lips to hers and kissed her for about five minutes.
Maria's eyes went wide open immediately his lips met hers, her heart beat tripled, she thought the man she had just met is handsome but that wasn't an excuse to kiss her. She was so shocked and wondered what gave him the ordersity to kiss her without her consent.
She pushed him away forcefully and gave him a resounding slap that got his ear ringing.
"You pervert", she cursed him and wiped her lips off immediately.
"You are really a psychopath Henry, the fact that we mistakenly got married doesn't give you the liberty to act this way", she queried him fuming in anger.
"I am sorry Mary, I am just so surprised to see you. Where have you been? What happened to you? Why did you abandon us so suddenly?" Henry asked taking a few steps closer to Maria to have a clearer look at her and truly it was her.
"I never knew I would meet you again after four years Mary, I never knew the universe would bring you back to me. How were you able to locate my new flat? I hope you are fine Mary? What about all these wealth? What happened to you? Why the sudden change?" Henry kept asking the confused Maria so many questions.
"I am Maria not Mary, I have also come here to talk about_" she paused for a while. "Never mind that, I would contact my lawyer to talk to you instead, you don't look sane and would be a threat to my life and health", Maria addressed him and walked back to her car.
She got into the car, slammed the door and drove out of the house roughly.
Maria was confused, she wondered why Henry hugged her so passionately, why he kissed her and why he behaved as if he knew her before. Truly they got married unconsciously four years ago, but there was no strings attached.
They may be married by law but that doesn't give him the right to act that way with her. She kept up with her rough driving as she returned to her father's house jamming Bilie elishe's bored in her car.
Henry was as confused as Maria was. She was confused at the way he acted with her, he also was confused about the way she treated him like a total stranger.
Henry stood at the spot with his hand on his waist and his mouth wide open. He was still trying to process what had just happened in his head. Why did Mary act so cold towards him? Why did she call their marriage a mistake? Did she suddenly forget all they had been through together including the son they had together?
How did she come about the flashy lifestyle she now had? It doesn't seem as if she just got wealthy, she seemed to have been in it for a while.
Why so much change within four years? What was going on?
CHAPTER TWOMaria got home devastated. "Clara", she called in a loud tone. "Yes ma", Clara replied as she rushed to the well furnished sitting room to take Maria's hand bag. "You are welcome ma", she greeted Maria."After dropping my bag, prepare me a very chilled orange juice, I need to calm my system down", Maria ordered Clara before leaving for her room.Clara walked ahead of her and dropped her bag in her room, she walked out of the room towards the kitchen to prepare her cold orange juice. After preparing the juice, she added a few pieces of ice in it before leaving for Maria's room.On her way to Maria's room, she heard a knock on the door and decided to attend to the visitor first. She walked towards the door and opened it to find Sylvia, Maria's friend standing outside the door."Where is Maria?" Silvia asked."She is in her room, come with me", Clara replied and took Sylvia to Maria's room. She handed the glass of juice to Maria and made to leave but Maria stopped her."Get
CHAPTER THREE"Henry, I don't know if you have issues with your brian, I'm sorry for using the word. But you obviously don't sound okay. I don't know you, the only time we met was four years ago, and we both patted ways after signing the marriage contract", Maria said."How come I don't remember any of that?" Henry asked Maria."Because you were more drunk than I was. You probably don't remember things you do after getting drunk, as for me I do, and I still don't understand why you keep saying I'm your wife, the mother of your son. I don't know you", Maria insisted."Maria I'm so sorry that we had issues, that had probably led to your running away and pretending not to know me, but I'm sorry. I'm ready to make things right. You know, when you left me, I had thought I would die, and had barely survived till today. I can't loose you the second time", Henry pleaded going on his knees."I'm not pretending Henry, can't you see it? I don't know you", Maria said soberly. She was almost moved
CHAPTER FOURMaria and Sylvia couldn't believe their eyes. Fred and his parents were back, and were having dinner with Maria's parents. She knew she was done for because since Fred was back, he would insist that they got married as soon as possible and she definitely wasn't comfortable with the idea, because she haven't divorced Henry yet.Sylvia and Maria walked up to the table, Maria's legs and hands were wobbling. She took her seat beside Fred and forced a smile. He also smiled and patted her cheek."How have you been Maria?" Fred's dad asked her."I have been well sir, thank you", she replied. "How are you preparing for the wedding? Hope everything is set because I would like you both to get married as soon as possible", Maria's father asked."Ye_ yes father", she replied.Maria worshipped her parents, and her in-laws. She worshipped even Fred himself, and even though she was pampered and got whatever she wanted she dared not say no to their commands. She knew getting married to
CHAPTER FIVEHenry had seen all that had transpired between Fred and Maria. So it was Fred she was getting married to? The son of the millionaire? The popular business tycoon? No wonder she was now rich and was pretending not to know him. No wonder she didn't want to come home.So she enjoyed being maltreated by this arrogant fool, than coming back to her family who loved and cherished her so much.He walked up to Maria and helped her up. "Thank you", she muttered.She lowered her face to the ground, and refused to look up. "Let's go", Henry saidnpulling her gently outside the mall."Where to?" She asked in a very low tone, her voice almost didn't come out and her face was still buried on the floor."Take a break away from all of these", he replied. The both of them walked out of the mall together, he held her hands tightly in his as they walked out. He made her sit in his car and drove her to his house.She was hesitant at first to go in, but when he insisted she decided to do so.
CHAPTER SIXHenry rushed into the room and saw Maria lying lifeless on the floor. He carried her up, and helped her lie in bed. He used wet towel to massage her head. He knew it wasn't something to worry about so much. She had fainted in front of the picture, that simply meant that she was trying to remember things, and it was too much load for her head. He called his doctor and his doctor came around to check up on her. Maria woke up later in the evening. She opened her eyes and looked around the room. She didn't remember Aby bew thing. Their was no new memory, she wasn't able to remember anything but was so sure that she was Mary. She decided to keep calm and investigate the whole issue. Henry walked into the room and met Maria seated on the bed. She was lost in thought with her jaw in her palm, and her eyes was glued to the bed cover."Are you okay?" Henry asked and sat beside her. He placed his hand on her forehead and felt her temperature with it. "What are you doing?" Maria
CHAPTER SEVEN"Don't look at us like you don't know what we are talking about Maria, who is the man you married?" Maria's father scolded her."Is there really a need for all this question and answer section? Let her take us to him so we can sign the divorce papers right away. Where is your lawyer? Call him to get his ass to the location right away", Fred's mom suggested."Can I at least change into something nice?" Maria asked, and everyone turned to look at her as if she had asked for someone's head to be giving to her."I am sorry, let's just go", she apologised. Maria stood up and began walking out of the house while dialing her lawyer's number. Everyone else joined her as they walked out together. She kept dragging her feet while she walked, she looked down at herself immediately she got to the car and stared at her reflection on the glass. Her hair was a bit messy, and she decided to tidy it a little."What are you doing Maria?" Her father scolded her as he walked towards her.
CHAPTER EIGHTMaria returned home, and immediately she walked into the mansion. She heard her mom humming a song in her room. She walked straight to her mother's room, knocked twice on the door, and pushed the door open gently. She walked into the room and closed the door behind her. Her mom turned around when she heard the noise behind her. A wide smile formed on her face when she noticed it was her daughter. "Come on in honey," she said to Maria, who was already walking in. Maria walked in and pecked her cheek. Mrs Faith was seated in front of her mirror and trying to style her hair."Let me help you with this," Maria offered, taking the comb from her. "No, it's fine. I really don't have much to do, and I am almost done, "her mom replied.Maria took the comb from her mom and went ahead with the combing of the hair. Her mom smiled and continued staring into the mirror. "You look so beautiful today Maria, what is the secret?" Maria's mom asked her.Marai smiled broadly, and the
CHAPTER NINEHenry lay in the bed with his son, singing him a lullaby, as he tried to put him to sleep. Dylan had a slight fever that made it a bit difficult for him to sleep. Henry heard the doorbell ring, and he stood up from the bed reluctantly. He was feeling sleepy and very tired."Dad, do you want to abandon me as well now?" Dylan asked. Immediately, he saw his father sneak out of the bed and began to tip toe outside.Henry stopped at the spot, turned around, and walked back to the bed. He bent over and kissed his son's forehead as he ruffled with his hair."Of course you know I would never leave you, son. I just want to get the door," Henry replied."Please don't ever leave," Dylan begged. Henry pecked his forehead again and walked out of the room. He walked towards the main door and froze the movement he saw marai standing outside and looking so messed up.He pulled her to himself and hugged her tightly while she just stood at a spot without moving any part of her body. "Wh
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND _ FOURClifford removed his phone from his pocket and texted an unknown number. "Close your eyes for five minutes, " he told them and walked over to the door.He returned with two men, twin kids, and two lawyers. Mary stood up to her feet, screaming at the top of her voice while she rushed to the man who held twin kids by his side. She hugged him passionately and sobbed in his arms. Henry stood up with his eyes and mouth wide open. "Dad," he called out. Fredrick opened his arms wide to receive his son. Henry walked into his father's arms and hugged him warmly. "I am so sorry, dad."Henry's voice sounded as though he was going to cry. "It was my fault that we ended up this way. I should have let you choose your life and your wife.""No, father. Every disappointment is a blessing. You helped me find true love when I thought what I shared with Mary was true love.""Okay, can we do something fun and forget all of these ever happened?" Maria asked. "Not bef
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND _ THREEMaria and Henry continued walking down the stairs but got startled when they saw Clifford and Faith seated on the couch with Mercy and her mom. "What is going on here?" Henry asked. Faith rushed to Maria and hugged her tightly. She began sobbing silently while hugging her daughter. Maria softened as well and began to sob. The rest of the parents stood up to their feet to watch the unfolding drama in front of them."I am sorry, Mom. I know, I know I promised never to leave you but the pressure was too much. I didn't want to marry Fred, I didn't want to go to florida. I wanted to stay somewhere safe. I wanted a place their was love. I never told you this mom, Fred hits me. He would turn me into a punching bag in florida, and their wouldn't be a single soul I would report to. I couldn't stop myself from running away mom, he would definitely kill me if I married him."Faith hugged Maria even more tightly and patted her hair. "I love you so much, honey,"
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND _ TWOMaria ran upstairs with Henry following swiftly behind her. She began packing up her things. "Maria, please don't leave. Don't do this to us. You know you have to give us another chance, right?" Maria ignored Henry and continued packing up. He walked up to her and hugged her from behind. He tightened her hands in between his, and she tried to free herself, but of course, he was stronger than she was. "Maria, please. I would die if you ever leave me.""What will you have me do then? Tell me. What do you expect me to do?"Her voice cracked. It was pale and weak. She sounded as though she was going to cry. "You can't give up on us like this. Okay, you know what? Let's leave together," Henry suggested. "What? What about your son?" Maria asked.She wiped her face. Henry let go of her hand, and she walked up to the bed and sat on it. She sighed softly and raised her head to look at Henry, who was still standing where she left him. His hands were placed on
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND _ ONEMaria was about to answer the question when a slight knock was heard on the door. Henry excused himself and walked towards the door, while Maria continued towards the dining. She went on her knees in front of Mary, and folded her clapped her hands together in front of her face. "What are you doing here?" Mercy asked again coldly. "My parents were going to sell me off and send me to florida. I needed somewhere to hide pending the time they would change their mind." "And you think that this is the best place to hide? Is this the best way to behave when your sister is rotting behind bars? Why are you so inconsiderate Maria? Or you want your parents to come here and gundown everyone because of you? I guess that is the only time you would learn."Maria shook her head continously, as her mom spoke. Mercy didn't bother to look down at her. She kept a straight face, and kept her gaze fixed on the food she was about to eat. "Mom, please. I do not want to mar
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED Maria was stool staring at the little girl with her eyes and mouth wide open. She was still wondering if she was still in hallucinations or not."Ma'am? I know I have asked this before, and you didn't respond. Are you sure you are fine?" "Yea, of course I am fine. Please repeat what you just said earlier. ""Your parents are here, Ma'am, " she repeated innocently. "You mean, you mean Mary's mom and grandma, right? I mean our parents and the kid, right?" Maria asked. "They didn't come with any kid. Henry called them Mr and Mrs Clifford. They said they wanted to be sure that he wasn't hiding Maria here." "Shit!" Maria exclaimed. She pulled the girl by the hand and walked straight to the kitchen with the girl following steady behind her. They got into the kitchen, and Maria locked the door. "What did you say to them?" Maria asked, resting over the girl whose nack was rested on the wall of the kitchen. "I didn't talk to them. I pretended to be dumb and asked s
CHAPTER NINETY _ NINETime flew by real quick and the camp days were finally over. Henry and Maria had prepared a banquet for the family. She hadn't figured out yet where to stay, and she hoped on convincing her biological mom, and grandma to let her stay even if it meant moving to their room with them. She wouldn't want to bother Dylan in his room, and Mary's room would be a no go area. Of course, they wouldn't want her to stay in Henry's room, so the best thing was to either move into theirs. Or she could even manage with the housekeeper, afterall she's human..The both of them were busy setting the dinning and exchanging kisses when they heard a soft knock on the door. The housekeeper walked over to the door to help get the door, while the two rushed the work to quickly finish it before the three would walk in. They already concluded that it was grandma, Mercy, and Dylan. The two laughed immediately they were done, and Henry hugged Maria. "You know they shouldn't see us this wa
CHAPTER NINETY _ EIGHT Henry lay in bed thinking about Mary. He once loved her and still did, although not romantically anymore. He wished there was something he could do about her, but there was absolutely nothing. She was guilty of the case charged, and although Maria hadn't pressed charges yet, she would as soon as Faith succeeded in convincing her. Henry was so worried for Mary's safety. It was so early in the morning, and Henry hadn't had any sleep yet. The wall clock that hung on the wall facing him read the time to his face. And it displayed 5am.Henry sighed, as he remembered Mercy, Dylan and granny. The three were in Dylan's school camp. He felt bad for the kid, none of his parents could attend the camp with him. Henry would have gone but Dylan insisted he shouldn't attend the camp without Mary. He didn't want to create a scene in the school by going there against the kid's wish, so he decided to just stay back at home. He heard the door bell ring and jerked from the bed
CHAPTER NINETY _ SEVEN The day was a very stressful and yet very successful one. Everything the Clifford's planned on achieving for that fay they did before dusk. Everyone was exhausted and just retired to their rooms to sleep. Maria lay in bed with her eyes closed as thoughts flew freely in and out of her mind. Tears rolled down her left eyes, dropping on the sheets. She heard a light knock on the door and wiped her face immediately. "Come in," she managed to say and sat up in bed. She was too tired to stand to her feet and thanked her stars she didn't lock the door yet. She saw her mom walk into her room with a sad smile on her face. She sat on the bed beside Maria and held her jaw up. Maria understood that her mom was only trying to make her happy. She didn't like that all her life revolved around a man who was married to her own sister and wished that she could help. This was her best way of helping Maria move on from Henry, but she didn't want to. She couldn't forget the l
CHAPTER NINETY _ SIXA FEW WEEKS LATERMaria stood behind the door of her parents' room. She could hear them talk in whispers and laugh. Soon, their tone increased, and she realized they were talking to someone or some people on the phone."We should just fix the wedding, and they would come together, get married. It is not like they have a choice after all. "That was Faith's voice. She knew the meeting they held was about she and Fred, and she also knew it was Fred's parents on the other end of the call. "Maybe you would just come over to the house so we would plan the wedding properly," Clifford's voice sounded. She felt betrayed that her dad was part of the plan. Why would he? She thought he was on her side and would help her achieve whatever she wanted. Why would he switch sides all of a sudden? She sighed sadly and returned to her room. She sat in bed and banged the door against the wall. She was breathing heavily and fuming at the same time. She stood up.from the bed and wa