"Ryker, I can't take your shits any longer! I'm leaving this marriage, I'm leaving you!” Vanessa cried profusely as she moved her clothes off the closet.
Standing close to the windows of the spacious bedroom, was Ryker, dressed handsomely in a white pair of long sleeve top and black pants. “And where do you think you're going? Hmm, my beloved wife?” He smirked and scoffed with pleasure. “I don't care, Ryker! As long as I'm free from being your wife!” She snapped and continued packing. “You know, Essa,” he called her name in short, moving slowly to her. “You have no family, no place to call home. This is the only home you know. Essa, you can't live without me,” he whispered with a mocking smile as he stood in front of her. She stopped and began to cry profusely. “I gave up my family just to be with you! I gave you my all, Ryker! And what did you pay me for all these years of loyalty?! You paid me with nothing but distrust, cheating and this!” She cried, showing him the scar on her chest while he smiled unconcerned. “But you know, Ryker! This is the height of it. I'm done, and when I say I'm done, I mean it this time,” she wept and turned back to the bed. “Come over here, now!” He snarled, twisting her body back to himself. She landed on his chest forcefully and he kissed her voraciously. A heavy slap landed on his face that made him stagger backwards. “You think I'm a joke to you? I spent years being a fool for you and your family, Ryker! But you know what, I'm wiser now! You and your goddamn family can go to hell!!” She screamed. “How dare you,.. Essa! How dare you speak about me and my family in such a manner! You're forgetting the ground on which you're standing,” he smirked sinisterly as he wiped his lips. “Mother!! Mother!!” He called aloud, his voice quaking the four corners of the room. Vanessa began to fidget as the door opened and the pretty, average heightened fair woman in black dress walked into the room elegantly. “And what's all this bickering about?” She asked, throwing her hands in the air nonchalantly. “The bastard wants to leave,” Ryker replied mockingly. “Oh,..I see,” Mrs Clyde spoke with pride as she looked at Vanessa with so much disgust and disdain. “And you think you can survive out there without my family?” She asked with pride. “Mother..,” Vanessa tried to speak. “How dare you, Essa?! How dare you?! For all the years of care and support the Clyde's family have shown you, this is how you choose to repay us?” Mrs Clyde asked, walking closer to her. “Do you even think you fit in here in the first place?” She asked Vanessa whose face was glued to the floor. “No, you don't. Ryker married you, believing you could give him an heir. But what's the result of all these years with you? Nothing! It's been five good years of emptiness, barrenness! nothing to show for it!” She continued as she hovered around Vanessa who was glued to a spot. “Come on, pack your bags and get out of the mansion. This is the last I wanna see of you.” she added with a stern look on her face. “And so you should know, mother, it's not my sole responsibility to get pregnant. Your son has failed in his responsibility to get me pregnant. You should channel all your mortification on him, not me. I'm done with you, I'm done with your son! Your whole family sucks!” Vanessa fired, her voice gaining back confidence. The whole room was thrown into a suspenseful silence and Ryker walked towards Vanessa in utter disbelief. “Did you just speak to my mother in such a manner?!” He asked, looking dismayed. “Oh, yes. Gone are the days when she could play god in front of me!” Vanessa fired, her finger pointing at his face. A heavy slap landed on her face that sent her flying to the bed. “Let her be, son,” Mrs Clyde spoke calmly to Ryker who was raging before Vanessa. “Go to hell, Ryker! You're a monster! The whole of Clyde's family are monsters!!” Vanessa cried from the bed. “And I'll show you what a monster can do,” Ryker smirked as he pounced on the bed, hitting her vehemently. Mrs Clyde walked over to the sofa opposite the bed and she sat comfortably, watching the show, with Vanessa’s scream all over the room. The door opened and two slender fair-skinned ladies rushed in. “What's going on, mother?” They cried in unison. “Oh, no! Stop it, Ryker!” One of the girls screamed. “Let him be, Sophie. He's making her eat back her words,” Mrs Clyde said to her daughter, Sophia, who was rushing over to the bed to grab hold of Ryker. “What has she done this time around?” The other girl asked, looking puzzled. “She said we're monsters, and she wants to leave,” Mrs Clyde laughed hysterically. “Oh, really? Then she can keep dancing to the tone of monsters,” the girl laughed as she sat beside her mother. “Stop it now, Ryker,” Sophia spoke to her brother, pulling him away from Vanessa who was panting heavily on the bed. “If she wants to leave, let her leave. You don't have to kill her before she leaves,” Sophia said to him. “She needs to taste what a monster can do!” Ryker barked, pulling his hand away from his sister. He jumped on the bed and tried to pounce on Vanessa again. Seeing Ryker coming for her once more, Vanessa charged up from the bed and grabbed the lampstand beside the bed and sent it flying towards him. The lamp hit his head so badly and he staggered away as he felt blood gushing out his head. “What have you done?!” The ladies cried in unison as they all rushed towards Ryker. Vanessa pulled backwards, trying to move closer to the door as she watched the ladies gather around Ryker. She raced towards the door in an attempt to flee; But Ryker's strong arms pulled her back as he charged towards her. With the strength of a bull, he flung her against the wall beside him and she hit her head vehemently against the wall. “How dare you!” He roared like a lion as he charged towards her. “Ryker, it's enough!” Mrs Clyde called, seeing her son walking towards Vanessa who was now lying on the floor. “Get up, you pig!” He thundered, kicking her on the floor but she made little or no body movement. “I say, get up!” He thundered, kicking her non-stop. “Ryker, stop it!” Sophia cried, pulling him away from Vanessa's body which was still lying motionless on the floor. “Mom..I..I don't think she's moving. Blood!” Claris exclaimed with fear as her eyes fell on the blood gushing out of Vanessa's head. “What are you talking about?!” Mrs Clyde frowned and walked towards where the body was lying. She took a good look at the body and fear gripped her. “What's going on, mother?” Sophia panicked, rushing towards them. She knelt before Vanessa on the floor and placed a palm over her neck. “I can't feel her heartbeat!” She exclaimed. “What!!” They all screamed. “What are you talking about, she can't die,” Ryker scoffed as he pushed Sophia away from Vanessa's body and knelt on the floor beside her. “Wake up!” He screamed, shaking her with so much force. “Stop it, Ryker! She's dead!!” Sophia declared. “No!!” No!!” Mrs Clyde and Claris screamed in unison. “Vanessa is not dead, wake up!!” Ryker cried, slapping her face which had grown cold. “No..this is not happening to us! She can't die on us! What would people say? What would the media say? Oh, our reputation is about to go down! Murder? Oh, no!” Mrs Clyde panicked around the room. “Vanessa!” Ryker screamed, still trying to revive her but Sophia pushed him away. “I warned you, I told you to let her be!” She screamed. “Lower your voices!” Mrs Clyde hushed. “Oh, you guys do something about this..I can't stand this.. this..this is murder,” Claris cried with fear, recoiling behind her mom. “Shut up!” Her mom yelled. They all kept silent, staring at their mother. “No one should know about this..,” she warned sternly, looking at their faces one after the other. “How..,” Ryker tried to speak. “Keep shut!” She shut him and he remained silent. “We'll sneak the body out during night time and bury her far away. No one should hear about anything that happened here today,” she continued as she stood up from Vanessa's body. “What if..what if people ask about her, somehow they're gonna find out!” Claris cried with fear. “We'll report her missing and then anonymously give the police a clue on how to find her body. They'll trace her body to where it's buried and then recover the body and finally declare her dead,” Mrs Clyde said thoughtfully. “And..what about the autopsy? Postmortem would point to us!” Ryker cried. “What us?!” Sophia yelled at him. “Keep calm, everyone. Vanessa has no family and therefore, no one would be interested in an autopsy. We'll give her a befitting burial and the case would be closed. The public might gossip for a while, but after sometime , everyone would move on. Life will go on without anyone finding out, and it would be a lifelong family secret,” Mrs Clyde assured with a smile. “Count me out of this shit,” Sophia disagreed and stormed out of the room. “Sophie..,” Mrs Clyde tried to call but she was gone. “Me too.. I'm not a murderer,” Claris said fearfully and ran out. “Mother.., mother..,” Ryker cried fearfully. “Be calm, my son. I've got you covered,” Mrs Clyde assured, placing a hand around his shoulder. “Now, let's think of how to get this out,” she said with her eyes on Vanessa's lifeless body. Months passed. After a long search for the missing Vanessa by the police, they finally discovered her body in a shallow grave. She was declared dead and the Clyde's family gave her a befitting burial. There was gossip in the city about the mysterious disappearance and the death of Vanessa. But no one dared question the most powerful family in the whole of Avena city;The Clyde's family. As Mrs Clyde foretold, the gossip soon died, the police withdrew from the case, and everyone moved on. No one would pick up Vanessa's case, she had no family; so the Clyde's family had thought. ** CHARLTON CITY. Elegantly seated on the swivel chair, the lady in black suit, typed swiftly on the laptop before the table. Her eyes darted to the door where she could see a middle-aged man walking in, dressed smartly in black long jacket and jeans pants. “Any news?” She asked, her eyes darting back to her laptop. “Yes..,” he muttered with a sigh as he stood before the table. She raised her eyes in anticipation as she took a quick glance at the man. “Then let me hear it,” she urged, leaning back on her seat. “But.. it's a sad one,” he muttered again. Her countenance changed and she sat up right. “She's dead,” the man spilled. “No..no..! No!!!” She screamed, her voice trembling all over the building.MONTHS LATERIt was barely six months after Vanessa's death that the Clyde's family had gone searching for a new bride.Samantha stood in front of the tall Mansion's gate, looking at the address book in her slender hands. She had earlier applied to be Ryker Clyde's bride through the application form she had found online. Just yesterday, she had received an email of invitation to the Clyde's mansion as she had been selected for review. Her excitement knew no bounds as soon as she received the email, and here she was, standing in front of the mansion.She tucked her brunette short hair behind her ears and adjusted her short flare red dress which suited her petite body perfectly. What would it be like to be Ryker's bride? She thought with a smile as she gained entry into the mansion worth millions of dollars.“It's heaven on earth,” she gasped for breath, looking around the beautiful surrounding area.The clattering of glasses and laughter was heard as she gained entry into the building
It was a beautiful evening as they both stepped out of the Ferrari parked in front of the clubhouse.She couldn't believe she had accompanied Mr handsome to a clubhouse after so much pleas from him. He seemed new in town and doesn't know his way around.“So here you are, I beg to take my leave,” she said with humility and turned to leave.“Stop,” he ordered from where he stood.“I..I need to be home,” she stammered, trying to avoid those captivating blue eyes.“I know. But your job is not yet done. You'll come with me as my woman,” he said firmly while giving her the usual killer looks.“What?!” She cried, looking baffled.“Yeah, I don't want girls flocking around me. I came here only to have a drink, not for pleasure,” he explained calmly.She didn't know why she felt better, knowing he wasn't here for girls; and the fact that he asked her to be his woman tonight, made her feel better.“Are you in or not?” He asked calmly.“Um..,” she stammered, trying to find her voice.She hated w
Their eyes met and locked for a few seconds and Samantha's world caved in at that moment.“You!” Ryan pointed his finger as he walked towards her slowly.“What is going on, Samantha?” Ryker asked coldly while taking a slow sinister glance at Samantha who managed to keep her heads high.“”Oh, her name is Samantha?” Ryan laughed and licked his lips in disbelief.This is not happening, Samantha cried silently as she was handed back her flower bouquet by her maid of honor.“Ryan, what are you doing?!” Mrs Clyde yelled and pulled him away. “Are you..are you getting married to my brother?!” Ryan fired with his eyes on Samantha while being pulled away by his mom.“Do you know her? What's going on?” Sophia and Claris asked in surprise.Ryker tried to maintain his cool as he took a slow glance at Samantha again.“Do you know him?” He asked in a slow but angry tone.“I..I..I don't,” Samantha answered quickly.“Why did you drop your bouquet at the sight of him?” He continued in whispers.She fe
She looked up at his face and realized he was Ryan, the man she had an affair with last night. Her heart cringed and her world caved in as his bloodshot eyes pierced into her eyes deeply. “Last night, we had a fling, and today you're married to my brother?!” He scowled, spewing out hot breath on her face. She stuttered, “I..I'm..I'm..” “No!! You can't be married to Ryker! You can't be my brother's wife!” He raged, looking aggrieved as he pulled away from her. Ryker's dominant voice was immediately heard from the stairs, “What's going on here?” Her feet grew cold, and realizing he must have heard their conversation, she grabbed her wedding dress firmly and took to her heels. “Wait!” His commanding voice made her halt in the middle of the passageway. She stood stiff as she heard the sound of his shoes kissing the ground stylishly. His presence behind her made her turn pale in the blink of an eye. Caressing her left shoulder, he whispered sinisterly into her ears “Wifey, what d
Her body ached, her eyes sore with tears as she opened her eyes to the noise coming from the large room known as the maids' quarters.Through her blurry vision, she could see the tall, fair skinned middle-aged woman standing in front of her. Her face wasn't visible enough but she could easily tell this was the maid who had brought her here last night.“Madam, you've been assigned to the kitchen this morning,” the middle-aged woman spoke with a calm but serious tone.Samantha rose her head slowly and her short brunette hair could be seen, dangling all over her face.“I'm so weak,” she spoke with a low pitched tone, recalling how she had cried herself to sleep on the cold tiled floor last night.“It's an order from above, unfortunately there is nothing I can do to help your situation,” the lady continued sternly.Samatha licked her dry lips slowly and dragged her body up from the floor. She looked around and could see some of the maids in blue uniforms, sitting on their respective beds,
Shoving her into the small balcony, he stood firmly in front of her, watching her regain her stance. “Tell me why you married Ryker!” He demanded almost immediately. “Your lips are bruised..,” she cried, trying to touch his bruised lips. He shoved her hands away and she retreated slowly, seeing his indignation. “I wanna know, why did you do all of this?! Why did you marry my brother? Why did you trick the family?!” He raged, his charming blue eyes seething with anger. “How.. can..can I answer all of it?” She stammered, her lips trembling as she stood before his intimidating stature. “I want you to answer me as soon as you're done eating!” He said and walked out. Her hands trembled on the balcony as she watched him return with a tray of food which he placed on the wooden table. “Eat,” he ordered and took his seat on the armchair beside the table. She took her seat and devoured the food almost immediately. “You've been starved!” He said angrily. She didn't respond and continu
Mr Ken didn't take his eyes off Ryan for a second as Mrs Clyde battled for words. “Um, I'll take my leave for now, the atmosphere isn't business friendly at the moment,” he said and turned to walk away.“No.. don't leave!” Mrs Clyde called while trying to go after him. He paid no attention and walked out immediately.“You girls, go after him! And make sure we secure the deal!!” She yelled at her girls who were befuddled at the moment. They both nodded and ran out at once.Ryker shut his eyes bitterly and then he threw a baleful glance at Samantha and asked, “How dare you show your face?”. Samantha tried to speak but Ryan grabbed hold of her hands and hushed her.“Enough of your nuisance, Ryan!! How dare you step out?!! You and this filthy bitch!” Mrs Clyde yelled, walking towards Samantha and Ryan. “Oh, really? I am a legal son of this family and I deserve to be recognized,” Ryan defended.Ryker scoffed and walked towards him.“Just hear yourself,” he chuckled, taking a firm stand
She wiped the tears off her cheek as she heard movements outside the dungeon. It was quite dark and only the lights in front of the dungeon gates lit up the passageway. Standing up from the cold rough floor, she walked to the metal gates, roving her eyes around the passageway. Just then, his broad figure appeared in front of her, wearing a black hoodie and black shorts. “Ryan,” she cried almost immediately as he took the hood off his head. “Sam,” he called sympathetically as he touched the metal gate. “I..I thought you left,” she burst out emotionally. “I tried to, but I couldn't leave you here. Sam, I need to break you out of here. You need to be free, I can help you escape out of here,” he offered with enthusiasm. “It would pose a big risk to you and I. I have nowhere to go, no family of my own. If I escape, your family will come after me, they'll find me with their last breath,” she panicked as she looked deep into his eyes. “I'll protect you.. I'll keep you safe away from
“Any news from her family?” Aunt Susan asked, with her eyes on Mrs Clyde who was sitting on the couch opposite her.They were all seated in the small private living room. “No, as a matter of fact, we don't know her family. Sasha is the only friend we knew she had,” she replied.Aunt Susan turned to Sasha who was sitting beside Ryker. “Um..,” Sasha stammered. “Samantha is an orphan from what I know. Her only aunt who raised her is also late. We grew up together in the countryside before I left for the city. Samantha definitely has no family,” Sasha explained. “Hmm,” Aunt Susan mumbled. “So then, we'll begin to make plans for the funeral,” she said to Mrs Clyde.“Yes, as fast as possible,” Mrs Clyde said with a nod.Aunt Susan turned to Ryker whose face was gloomy. “Be strong, all these shall pass,” she consoled him.“Thank you, Aunt,” he managed to speak. “Cute son she gave you,” she added with a smile.He nodded with a wry smile. “I'll check up on him before I leave,” she said.
In the spacious foyer, the servants and all staff working in the mansion were seen, lined up in two different lines.Walking in the middle of the lines was Mrs Clyde, dressed in a black fur jacket reaching down her knees. She stopped on getting to the other end and everyone paid attention as she cleared her throat to speak. “We were having a bad day yesterday, that's why everyone was ordered to remain in their quarters. With a heavy heart, I want to announce the passing away of Mrs Samantha Clyde, wife of my son, Ryker Clyde,” she announced with a somber voice. “No!!” Anna screamed tremendously.The girls began to weep and Hailey alongside Betty held Anna closely to themselves. “Samantha can't die, she can't die..no..,” Madam Kate chuckled in disbelief. “Order!” Mrs Clyde bellowed.There were murmurs, alongside sniffing and weeping. “She died as a result of postpartum hemorrhage and it was too late before the doctor could do anything,” Mrs Clyde continued. “She had no complicati
Samantha became dumbfounded, looking at the faces of the men and women who were sneering as they walked closer to her. “Sas.. you're sorry for what?” She asked, looking lost. Sasha gulped and her gaze returned to the floor. “Sas, you made the calls, didn't you?” Samantha asked in dismay. “Unfortunately, no calls were made. This whole meeting is a sham, Samantha,” Mrs Clyde smirked. “Sas..,” Samantha tried to call. “I'm sorry, Sam, I fell deeply in love with Ryker. I..I couldn't do what you asked. How could you, Sam? Ryker did nothing to you! He is a good man!!” Sasha cried. “You betrayed me?!!” Samantha cried in disbelief. Ryker grabbed hold of her wrists and pulled her forcefully to himself. “To think that you made a fool out of me, you were fucking my brother under my roof, and you sent Sasha to divert my attention away from your schemes,” he laughed while looking deep into her eyes. Samantha wriggled, trying to break free from him but his grips were firm. He sent a h
What the hell do you mean your son is not the father of my baby?” Samantha scoffed, taking off her sunglasses as she stood up from her seat. “Samantha, can you explain this?” The lady who welcomed her earlier, asked in dismay. “Oh, yeah, her son fathered my child,” Samantha accused, pointing at Mrs Clyde. “Ryker didn't father the baby, Samantha!!” Doctor Jean fired. “Oh, yes, he didn't. Ryker isn't the only son she's got. Okay, I get it. Her favorite son didn't father the baby,” she mocked, turning to Ryker and Mrs Clyde. “Samantha, what did you do?” Mrs Clyde asked with disappointment as the glass fell off her hands. Ryker remained glued to his seat, unable to utter a word. “I beat you to your game, bitch!” Samantha fired. “How dare you?!” Mrs Clyde cried, shaking her head in disbelief. Samantha smiled and adjusted her suit jacket. She took a deep breath and grabbed an armchair which she sat on stylishly. “Members of the Clyde's family,” she addressed with a smile
Samantha's face lit up with a smile as she watched Anna and Hailey scrambling their way to meet the baby at the cradle. “Easy, girls,” she urged. The girls awed as they looked at the baby whose blue eyes were wide open. They both gave awkward stares at each other before returning their gaze to the baby. “He's indeed so cute,” Anna awed. “Yes, just like his daddy,” Hailey put in. Anna's eyes bulged as she looked up at Hailey. “Those blue eyes, brown hair..,” Hailey continued. “Hailey, um..I guess Madam Kate needs our attention,” Anna said, getting up swiftly. Samantha watched with a smile as the girls waved her goodbye and left the room. “The result of the match played on the night of Aunt Susan's party is out,” Hailey whispered to Anna as they both walked along the passageway. “Shh, Hailey,” Anna whispered. “It's undeniable,” Hailey scoffed. Anna sighed and stood for a moment. “Samantha is in trouble if our guess is right,” she said. “We need to stay cool to see wha
There was chaos in the building as Mrs Clyde and the maids all ran into Samantha's room. “Out of my way!” She snapped, pushing Kate aside as she made her way to the bed where Samantha was lying in pain. “Mother,” Samantha cried, grabbing her arms tightly. “Hold on, Sam. Doctor Jean and his team are on their way here,” she assured, patting her forehead. “I can't, mother, it's excruciating..,” Samantha cried out like a baby. “It's just for a few moments. When the baby is out, you'll eventually be free. Hold on, Sam, be strong for mama,” Mrs Clyde said with a smile. “Mother, don't leave me,” Samantha cried painfully, still clinging to her arms. “I'm here, okay? I'm here,” Mrs Clyde assured again. “The bowl and the towel,” she said to the maids who were watching anxiously. Anna handed the items over to Madam Kate who soaked the towel in a bowl and wiped off the perspiration surrounding Samantha's face. “I need a waist massage, a foot massage, I need everything!!” Samantha th
She stood up from the bed as she caught sight of Ryker and Mrs Clyde walking into the room. She could see Ryker's hardened face but she didn't say a word to him. “Sam,” Mrs Clyde called, walking to meet her. “Yes, mother,” she answered sharply. “Ryker is going on an urgent business trip,” she informed. Samantha became puzzled as she looked at Ryker who was walking over to the closet. “Is it that urgent that I wasn't informed beforehand?” She asked, still looking at him. “Yes, daughter. I'm so sorry,” Mrs Clyde said with pity, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I'm almost due for birth, mother,” she lamented. “He'll be back just in time for your delivery. Don't be scared, I'm here, and you sister in-laws are here with you too. You've got nothing to worry about,” Mrs Clyde said with a smile. She nodded and watched Ryker taking his luggage box out of the closet. “Ryker, you won't say goodbye to your wife?” Mrs Clyde asked with a smile. He stopped and swallowed hard before
She snuggled up in his sturdy, muscular body, with his huge arms wrapped around her tenderly. Their bodies were shielded by the duvet, and there was complete silence in the room. He stroked her hair tenderly and her face turned towards him slowly. “Ryker,” she whispered softly. “Sas,” he called, looking up at her face. “I've missed you,” she whispered again, looking deep into his eyes as their heads rubbed against each other. “Sas, I've missed you too. I missed you more than I imagined,” he uttered softly with his hand stroking her hair from behind. She kept silent as they both stared deep into each other's eyes. “You don't have to go home,” she pleaded with a calm, endearing voice. “Samantha would be mad at me for sleeping out. I need to go home to appease her,” he replied. “Ryker, please. The nights have been cold without you. I can't hold on any longer,” she cried. “Sas, we promised not to do this. No emotions, just sex,” he reminded her. “And it's my fault for wan
It was an exciting atmosphere at the Clyde's mansion, as friends and family were seen, moving in with gifts for the baby shower. Samantha, dressed up in her beautiful maternity dress, was looking so stunning as she sat on the king sized bed which was decorated with balloons, ribbons, and banners. Friends and family troop in to take pictures with her and also present their gifts and well wishes. “Mother didn't agree to a gender reveal, so we're snapping that out,” Sophia said while typing on her phone. “What's the big deal in a gender reveal, anyway?” Claris sighed while chewing her bubble gum. “It's okay not to reveal the gender. I'm okay with it,” Samantha replied. “Hello,” came a charming male voice. They all turned and saw Ken, charmingly dressed in a white turtleneck long sleeve dress and black chinos pants. On his eyes were round clear glasses and his hair, styled neatly in a high fade cut. “My man is here!!” Sophia exclaimed, running to meet him. Samantha smiled b