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Zoe's POV I squinted as I tried to adjust my eyes to the bright rays of light. It took a while but once I could keep my eyes long enough to know where I was, I realized that was in a hospital. I raised my head in a bit of a rush and startled the person whose head was resting on my bed. "Zoe," The person was Sandra. "You are awake." She said, gleefully. I was disoriented and asked her. "What are you doing here?" I looked around my white surroundings. "What am I doing here?" "You don't remember," She asked as she got up. "I am trying to..." It was coming to me in flashes but still nothing distinct. "Sarah..." I groaned as I held my head in pain. Gosh! it was spinning. "She is fine," She told me "I will call the doctor and dad." she headed out. Did she just say 'dad'? It was coming back now in slower flashes. The snake, Sarah, the ambulance... But how did I end up as a patient? Sandra came back not too long after with a doctor and a tall, middle-aged man in a suit. "How do you fee
Zoe’s POVWhen we got home, Andrew was sitting on the stairs waiting for us. Once he saw us highlighting from the taxi, he ran up to us and held on to my leg.“Don’t disturb her, Andrew,” Mum scolded. “She needs to rest.”Andrew looked up at me worriedly and I gave him a wink just to assure him that I was fine. Mum unlocked the door and we all entered. Regina and Todd were at their usual hang-out spots and were not at home. Mum led me to my room and sat me down on the bed. There was long awkward silence since being as caring as she was now was very uncommon. “How are you feeling,” She asked as she sat on the bed with me. I shrugged. She sighed. “What were you doing with that girl?” She asked. I frowned at her question, hurt. And to think she actually cared when all she wanted to do was to interrogate me. “We went to the park,” I told her. “She is my friend.” “You are friends with a Callahan?” “So?” I moved away from her to look her in the eye. She had the same look of horror sh
Zoe's POVI did not know exactly how unstable I was until I stumbled. Luckily, Mr Callahan caught me before I hit the ground. “Easy there,” He sat me down on one of our lumpy couches. He knelt in front of me. “Zoe, I…” My mom stuttered. “I am sorry,” I could not even react to her apology because I was still busy trying to make sure that my brain did not fall out of my ears. “Are you okay?” Mr Callahan asked me with a gentleness that no man had ever awarded me with. It was the way I imagined a father would talk to his daughter. “Yeah,” I assured him. “I just need to sit for a while.” He looked at me, disbelief very well apparent in his brown eyes, “You should not be up,” He criticized, his voice hard. “Sorry…” I found myself saying. He smiled warmly. “No worries. Have you taken your medication?” I nodded. He turned to Sandra, who was still standing there with her palms covering her mouth. “Take her to her room.”She did as told and assisted me to my room. Once she had me lying
Louis’ POVExpectedly, she was not at school today yet I found myself still searching through the hallway for any sight of her. I pushed her out of my mind at least that was what I wanted to do. Then I saw Sandra and remembered that I had seen her at the park. Her driver also followed the ambulance. She was with the posse, that included Jennie Hardings, Franky what’s-her-name, Lisa something. They were a group one would call the two bratty princesses and their servants. It was very apparent who was who. Jennie and Franky walked in front with pride in every step they took and how the other two were behind them with books and bags in their hands. My eyes strayed on Sandra Callahan. Yesterday, I did not even know her surname but her relationship with Zoe had roused my interest. I needed to talk to her. From what I was able to get from my inquiry in the hospital. Sandra’s younger sister had been bitten by a snake at the park. I was confused as to what that would have to do with Zoe endin
Zoe’s POVI let Sandra in for the night. In her hands, was a little bag and two pillows. She was also in her pyjamas. We sat a the living room since Regina was in the room and would soon leave for a club at any moment. Once she was gone we would go to the room. The only problem I had left was Todd. He would most likely come home drunk. “I can’t believe that my dad let me come.” She told me, her eyes twinkling with excitement. “Yeah, that was really nice of him.” He had allowed to her to have a slumber party with me. We planned to do a countdown to my birthday. “He was so complacent this time, I did not need to convince him,” She said as she unzipped the bag she had been carrying and took out a well-wrapped gift. “He even told me to give you this.” I took it from her. “That is so thoughtful of him,” I put the gift box on the small wooden table in the middle of the living room. I heard footsteps and perceived the choking smell of perfume. Gosh, it was already inducing a subtle heada
Zoe's POV"Regina!" Todd yelled again. "I hope this bitch Is not out whoring around.""You better hope not because I beat your ass right now," The man threatened."Come on, man you said next week," Todd complained. "Only if I get a nice bitch without chlamydia," He reminded. "You said the Rodriguez's mistress was your wife right?""Yeah...""Then where the hell is she?" The man yelled. "Come on man no need to get rough over two hundred bucks." "That can buy you with that much and still get change," he disparaged. "Okay, man," Todd said. "I'll find them,""You said the bitch has a daughter too," "Yeah, two," "I'll get a taste right?" I could tell he was smirking."Anything you want boss."“Teen?““Yeah and a hottie like her mother, a bit flat but she's getting there.““Um… too bad the grass is on the field already.““You into those kinda stuff?“ Todd tried his best to hide the disgust in his voice.““Boys and girls,” the man boasted. “At that age, there is no difference to me.“
Zoe's POV "Wake up, Zoe," She said. I looked at her confused, "What are you talking about?" "Wake up, you are having a nightmare!" Then I opened my eyes but this time I was on Sandra's lap, she was looking down at me with a worried look on her face. I sat up, rubbing the sleep off my eyes and yawning, "What happened?" I asked. "You fell asleep and started..." "Screaming?" "Yeah..." I palmed my face in frustration and groaned. "It is fine, we all have nightmares sometimes." I looked at her. "I must have scared you." "No, I was just a bit worried," She said. But the tension on her forehead begged to differ. "Sorry..." She punched me in the arm. "Don't apologise and just look at the time." She brought her phone to my face so I could see."It is twelve minutes after twelve," I said still not understanding why I had to look at the time. "Happy birthday!" Sandra said cheerfully. Realisation dawned on me and I felt stupid. "Thanks, Sandra," I nervously said. "Don't mention i
Zoe's POVWhat had I done now? What did they want from me? My mind raced with questions. Before I could utter a word, Jennie spoke again. "Get the cake," Another student pushed a trolley that had a two-step cake. The cake was frosted with blood-red icing."Silence!" Jennie commanded. The muttering in the crowd stopped before then she turned to me again. "Zoe..." she called. I did not respond, only stared at her in horror. My mouth quivered in apprehension. Not this again. "Are you deaf?" she yelled. Startled, I murmured. "Yes...?" She creepily tilted her head. "You are not like your mother, are you? You are not a whore.""No.... no...." She smiled at me with no warmth. "That is awesome to hear and that is why I am throwing you this birthday party," Her gleeful voice carried a sarcastic undertone. "Thanks..." I said managing a nervous smile. "No worries, you deserve it," She turned to the crowd of students. "Doesn't she?""Yeah," The student said in unison and began to cackle
Louis~I did not know exactly where she would have gone to take a call. I retrieved my phone again to call and ask when I passed the path leading to the balcony."...in the whole world," someone said. I halted in my tracks. That had been her voice.I took several steps back and looked into the balcony to see her there. She had a perplexed expression on her face, and she was listening intently to the person on the other line.Her eyes were glazed over with tears, and I could tell that a few had already fallen. Who was so important to her on a call that she would look so bothered and almost heartbroken?I thought of the only logical possibility: a lover. That green, ugly feeling reared its head again. And I actually found myself hoping that it was not the truth. Why was I so bothered? Us being a couple was simply pretense for this event. But I could not help but hang on to every expression and action as she listened intently to the person on the other line.There was so much love in her
Louis~An hour before...I watched her exit the party after excusing herself. I narrowed my eyes at her back as she left. She had sounded distraught after the phone call. What has happened? I wondered. It was not like it was any of my concern, but it was human to be curious.Just then I received a phone call of my own. I retrieved my phone to see that it was Adam Warner. He was the COO of BioGenix Pharma.A lump formed in my throat. We had sent the proposal a month ago, and I was looking forward to a partnership with a pioneer company like BioGenix.I picked up the call. "Hello, good evening," I said into the mouthpiece."Good evening, Mr. Rodriguez," Adam said. "I am calling about your proposal."My heart pounded as I braced myself for the news. "Yes, Adam. What about the proposal?" I tried to keep my voice steady, masking the anxiety creeping in.There was a brief pause on the other end, and I could almost hear Adam's reluctant sigh. "After careful consideration, we've decided to go
Zoe~We retired back to our hotel room. The moment we entered, Louis pulled away from me, recoiling as though I was suddenly diseased. I was confused—he had been quite okay not too long ago, so I wondered what had his ruffles in a bunch.I had not really planned how we were going to manage sharing a room for the rest of the wedding event without getting into any awkward situations. But to my absolute shock, Louis pulled off his shirt in one smooth motion, followed by his undershirt. Soon, he had his hands on his buckle, loosening it. He was undressing in front of me without a single care."Louis," I silently gasped. "I am still here."He turned to me fully, and I had an eye full of the broad expanse of his chest and promptly looked away."So?" he asked, his tone dismissive.To my horror, I heard the clinking of his belt buckle. I didn't even bother to try and ask him to stop; I escaped to the bathroom. I took a breath of relief.Until I heard the door click open. My heart lunged into
Zoe's POV I surveyed my surroundings for the nearest D'Amato, only to notice the youngest D'Amato son, Alexander. He was smoking. It looked like my mission to get a DNA sample would be simpler than I had anticipated.I just had to wait. Then my phone rang. When I checked the caller ID, I realized it was Regina. A lump formed in my throat, but I picked up. Hearing her voice would be nice, but I knew by now that Abel would be asleep, so I would not get to talk to him."Hello?" I said into the mouthpiece."Mummy?" Abel whispered. "It's me, Abel." He sounded like he was holding back his tears.I looked around, panicked, hoping that no one heard his voice. But I was just being paranoid; the phone was not on loudspeaker. Yet, I had to be careful. "Louis, I need to take a call, I will be right back," I excused."Of course," he replied. I headed for the exit. I got to a terrace, overlooking the entire city. "Abel, dear. What's wrong?" I asked."Mummy, I miss you," he sniffled. "Please, co
Zoe~I returned to the party, my cheek still stinging, but at least my plan had already been set in motion. The engagement ceremony was in full swing, with Sandra and Lucien at the center of attention, exchanging rings. Guests surrounded them, offering congratulations and well wishes. The air was filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses.Sandra and I locked eyes, and I gave her a wink; she nodded appreciatively. Even though I had ulterior motives, I was genuinely happy to see her starting a new chapter in her life with a man she obviously loved.As I made my way through the crowd, I spotted Francesca at the bar, downing glass after glass of wine. Her frustration was consuming her, and I knew she would soon be close to her breaking point. Perfect.I caught Louis's eye across the room and sauntered over to him, a seductive smile playing on my lips. "Having fun, darling?" I asked, wrapping my arms around his neck.He smirked, his hands settling on my waist. "Always, when you're a
Zoe's POV I was doing a greater job than I thought I could manage. The whole act was probably Oscar-worthy. It was all fake, even if I felt every desire radiating off his body. The music stopped, and someone taking the central stage clinked a spoon on a champagne glass to get everyone's attention. I looked up and saw Victor Callahan standing there, his presence commanding the room. "Ladies and gentlemen," Victor began, his voice resonating through the crowd, "thank you all for joining us on this joyous occasion." Everyone turned their attention to him, the room falling silent in anticipation. "As you all know," Victor continued, "tonight we celebrate the engagement of my beloved daughter, Sandra, and her fiancé, Lucien." He gestured to the couple, who stood together, smiling. Sandra's eyes sparkled with happiness, while Lucien's gaze was fixed on her with an intensity that spoke of his devotion. A round of applause and cheers erupted from the guests, and Victor paused to let the
Louis' POV I downed a glass of champagne, feeling it bubble down my throat. I would need alcohol to get through this night. With each new introduction, my patience was depleting. And with each new woman that approached me making advances, that little patience was thinning. I looked over to where my 'date' was. She was speaking casually with Sandra. She even smiled at something Sandra said, then proceeded to laugh not even a minute later. She was a vision of calm and comfort. A beautiful one at that because I began to notice unwanted watchers. Their eyes were on where the two women sat. Sandra was not ugly, I had to admit, but compared to Zoraya, she could have been rated as average. And there was little chance that the men who had their eyes on where the women sat were pinning for the bride. A green ugly thing reared its head. Then one of the men began to make his way towards Zoraya. I guess it was time to get my date. But before I could move, a woman's arm hooked through mine.
I sighed deeply. "So you have heard? What he did?" I asked.She pinched the bridge of her nose and let out a huff of frustration. "Everyone heard. It made national headlines," she said. "But even if we digress, what about what he did to you?" she asked. "I heard that too."I did not like the pity in her voice; it took me back briefly to the vulnerable, broken girl that I had once been. I was no longer the pariah, Zoraya Carter. I was Agent Zoraya Pierce. I had to remind myself not to delve too deeply into the haunting memories."It is all in the past," I unwittingly mirrored what Louis had said. "Times have changed."She noticed the change in my tone and said nothing. We sat there for a few moments in awkward silence."Tell me this is for revenge for what he did to you," Sandra said, cutting through the silence. "You are only pretending; you are getting close to him to destroy him, aren't you?"I hid my true expression under a mask of casual neutrality. "That is actually absurd, Sandr
Zoe's POVShe most definitely had pride, I noted."Thank you, Mrs. D'Amato," Louis replied graciously. "I'm glad to hear it's been of help to you."Her demeanor thawed a bit more, and she nodded approvingly. She did not even look in my direction any more. It was like I was not there, like I was not important. Cold reception, I guess.I couldn't help but notice the shift in her tone. The tension between them eased, and Louis was treated with a bit more kindness. His position had been the cause. Leo seemed pleased with the outcome and continued the introductions."And this," Leo said, gesturing to the elderly gentleman seated next to Charlotte, "is my father, Dominic D'Amato.""Pleasure to meet you, Mr. D'Amato," Louis said, extending his hand.Dominic shook it firmly, his eyes sharp and assessing. He looked regal in his custom Giovanni suit but had the appearance of a shrewd old man in a luxury suit. "I've heard good things about you, young man. Keep up the good work.""Thank you, sir,