Danielle POV
Four years later“Honey, get away from the window-” I said rushing into the living room, Avalon pressed her face against the glass- She was mimicking the bird who had perched on the railing.“Mummy look, it’s a bird.” she muttered and turned to me, her pig tails bounced on her head as she stared at me with glee in her eyes. Her bright hazel eyes and tiny eyelids reminded me of that of her father who was out there somewhere and i had no idea where he could be or who he was.Avalon had been what i never expected this soon, i was twenty-two at the time i got pregnant, a lot would say that she was a mistake but to me she was far from it and i don’t regret four years ago since i had her. Although everything hasn’t been rosy,things hasn’t gone has planned but with the outcome of it now am thrilled.Even with the news and how it threw me into a chaotic time, Hazel was by my side through it all and when i thought i was burdensome i told her that my mum wanted me to come back home, which was half of a truth.“Let the girl be, she is just curious,” my mother said as she walked into the living room in her two piece lounge wear. Mama Han was a woman of so many style and right now she was being the laid back grandma. Mama Han as Avalon loved to call her was a couple of inches shorter than i was, her hair was packed into a high ponytail and her lips was spread into a smile as she joined Avalon by the window.“You are spoiling her Mom way too much,” I whined and crossed my hands over my chest.“Stop complaining, she’s a child, allow her to do whatever she wants.” My mother said and she gently pulled Avalon into her laps.I tried not to roll my eyes at her statement, instead i closed my eyes and rubbed the space inbetween with my fingers.“You clearly didn’t have that attitude towards me when i was little.” I said and rubbed my hands on the front of my dress. It was a simple slip on satin dress which i had worn a coat over it to protect myself from the cold.“If you weren’t going out for dinner i would’ve smacked your head.” My mother said as she tickled Avalon whose laughter filled the entire space.“Oh m-” the rest of words seized at my phone rang in my purse, i reached for the device and stared at the screen. Summer’s name was splayed on the scree, “Hey Summer-” I said moving out of the living room, i closed the door to my room where i sat on the bed and listented to Summer.“Adam! Stop it, you’re going to ruin my makeup-” she giggled on the other side on the phone. I could hear the ruffling and the small moan from a man, that was probably Adam. This was getting uncomfortable, i cleared my throat to remind summer that i was still there.“Sorry Dani- Adam just wouldn’t keep his hands to himself.” She giggled. “So we are like five minutes away, are you ready?”“Yeah, i am. Just making sure everything is set for Avalon-”“You worry too much, i thought your mum is watching after her?”“Yes but-”“She’s right.” I turned to my mum who happened to be leaning by the door, she had Avalon perched on her hips and she was braiding tiny strands of hair.“You see-”“Are you two planning coup against me?” I said rolling my eyes and Summer giggled.“We just think you need to relax, which is why you’re coming out to dinner to us today. You’ll experience fine dinning at its best and get solid champagne that’ll drain your sorrows away.” Summer said with so much assurance and it made me chew on my lips.“No, no- don’t do that. You’re going to mess up your lipstsick.” My mother scolded at the same time the horn from a car echoed.“We’re here.” Summer said and ended the call. My mother escorted me down stairs and when i opened the door, Summer and Adam stood waiting with bright smiles on there face, they had chocolates and a boquet of flowers.“These are for you-” Adam said giving my mother a kiss to the cheek. Avalon had come down and was currently hugging unto Summer.“Aunty Summer!” she squealed as Summer picked her up and kissed her cheek, “You look pretty just like mummy.” She said and moved her head to the side to look at me.“Of course, we both look beautiful.” Summer said. “Thats why we’re heading out.” she placed Avalon down and handed her the pack of chocolate which i frowned at. They knew that i didn’t like giving her too many sweets.“Summer-” I started but my mother beat me to it. “Thank you for the chocolates, Ava hun tell Aunty summer for bringing you such a gift.” She said and Avalon said the words. It was difficult to fight against my mother and summer especially when it came to Avalon, nothing was never not reasonable for her.“You guys should get going for your dinner, we should keep you from going late.” My mother said and we left after i gave Avalon a kiss to her forehead. I climbed into the back seat and while the music came on in the background Summer turned to me.“So, are you ready to have one of the best experience of your life?” She said with her lips in a bright grin.“It’s just a restaurant Summer, i’m sure it’s going to be fine either ways.”“No, no. You have it all wrong Dani, it’s not just any place. Its a five star restaurant where you can only get exclusive access to.” My mouth dropped opened at her words, they told me that we were having dinner for Adam’s promotion and Summer left out that vital information.God please no.“You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Adam said and i turned to the review mirror were our eyes met for a while.“Guys, you should’ve-”“Oh come on now, it’s no biggy. We want to share this with you, the place shouldn’t bother you so much. I mean the place will be practically empty since it’s hard to get a reservation there.” Summer said but there was no way i was going to keep my cool. I played with my neatly manicured nails and tried so hard not to bite on my lips. I stared outside and watched the sunset mixed with the orange and yellow ambience the evening brought. It was one of the things i enjoyed with this place, the scenery was something to always look foward to. It reminded me that even when things looked choatic you can always rely on the sky to get your minds away from things.“We’re here.” Summer said and my mouth turned sour, it was more than i expected, the building shot up into the sky and my eyes followed the cursive writing of the name of the place displayed on the entrance. Adam helped me out of the door and i stood next to Summer, i was glad that i choose this satin dress, it was a simple slip on but with the right accessories i managed to pimp it a bit but compared to Summer’s dress which costs thousands i didnt stand a chance.I swallowed and Summer linked our arms together as we moved towards the door, there was a man there dressed in neat suit which fit his frame, his black eyes covered his eyes and Adam went up to him with a card in his hands, i guess it was our reservation. The man nodded slowly and slid the card on the door making it open up.“Thank you.” Adam muttered and we followed him and stepped inside.The first thing i am greeted with is the cold air, i had taken off my coat while i was in the car to spice up my style and i regretted it. I made a mental note to not leave my coat for any reason. I had slowed down in my walking and Summer had released her arms from mine and was right next to Adam. Iused that space to take in my environment, the high chandeliers that hung from above gave a taste of rarity and exquisite, the air itself didn’t smell like where we stayed which was polluted with toxic fumes from cars, instead it had a mild scent which made me want to lay on the floor and sleep.“Dani!” Summer whisper yelled in my direction and i turned to them with my face a bit tinted from getting lost in my thought.I followed and we stopped in front of a counter while Adam checked our reservation, i made up my mind not to look around until we were seated but something bothered me. I felt like eyes were on me, and just like Summer had said, there was not so many people here but i couldn’t help but turn around.There was a lot of tables around which were empty but then i found them. Just in the corner by a table of three men in the far end.Hazel eyes. Sharp and Fierce staring right at me.Am quite thrilled to be staring at everything.” Adam said with a low chuckle, i turned back to my friends ignoring the pair of eyes on me.“Hmm- well it’s not all the time you see things like this.” I joked laughing lightly.We moved to our table and while Summer told me about her day at work, i felt those same eyes following me until we turned and found our space, I was happy with the location, it was away from public eyes especially if anyone was coming in and at the same time it was by the window which overlooked the city.“I bet Hazel will be upset that she can’t be here.” Adam said, now both Adam and Hazel were related. Cousins to be exact and the bunch acted like they were brothers and sisters.“Yeah, she’s pretty upset.” I answered knowing how Hazel whined on the phone for not being around. She had travelled for a project and wasn’t going to be back until next week.“Welcome to Kings, what wine of choice can we interest you with?” The waiter asked, he had soft blonde hair which
Danielle.I didn’t know what else to do, I stood still as though time had stopped and it was frozen. I locked my phone screen as I was ready to walk away from him. “Excuse me.” I managed to say as I looked up, I couldn’t look into his eyes, they were so cold and bold. I couldn’t dare to look at them, he had just yelled and said words in manners that would hurt anyone, and all the rumors about him were true,I need to leave here and-“Where are you going?” He held on to my hands as he tried to stop me.As soon as our eyes met like the sun and the sea, he cleared his throats and readjusted, he removed his hands and placed them in his pockets. I could only gulp, regardless of what he was being said about, he looked so good at that moment but I need to leave there.I knew what I had to do. “I won’t tell a soul about what I had just heard, it would be like I wasn’t here.” I felt my sweat glands producing more fluids, I doubt if he could have seen it but I felt them rolling down.“Oh reall
Danielle. I stretched as I got out of the bathroom, I dusted my body and I dried myself. The dinner was over and that was it. There was nothing else to it. I had to resume work and pray that I don’t accidentally bump into Arthur.“The office is a big place. How can that happen?” I asked myself as I nodded, I walked to the mirror to smile. “Mummy, who are you talking to?” Avalon asked as she walked in on me. She was fully dressed and prepared for school, even though her socks were straightened, and her hair looked like a train had just gone through it. I scoffed as I knelt down. I had my full body robe on.“Mummy we can’t be late and I made a new friend.” Avalon said as she held my cheek. I smiled as I hugged her. “So what’s her name? Stay on the bed while I dress up, will you?” I said to her as I was interested in what she had to say.“Okay.” Avalon wasn’t just ready to tell me about her new friend, she was in character, she flipped her hair and smiled.“Now I am worried.” I said to
Danielle. I moved my eyes away from him, it was starting to become some sort of competition. I decided to just look away. Thankfully, the meeting ended and I couldn’t even remember anything. I needed to leave as soon as possible, I couldn't be seen with him. My heart raced like it was in some sort of trance or anxiety,I didn’t want that, why was I bothered, I tried so hard not to make sure that I was concerned.I tried to have a conversation with Summer and Adam but they were all wrapped up about looking at Arthur and that wasn’t fun.“I hope we can all have a healthy and constructive relationship with the company and with me. Thank you all.” Arthur said a little short speech as he stood up, his eyes were on me still and what made it worse was the fact that-”“I should leave, I have a lot of paperwork to finish on.” I said as I stood up, I felt a hand touching me. “Don’t you want to stay behind and wait, we might get to introduce ourselves to the head of the branch, come on.” Jane
Arthur.“Maybe you were right after all.” I said to my brother over the phone. We were talking about the inauguration, this was just past nine am and I was in the car, on my way to the office. It was nice to talk about it, ever since I have had the recent experiences, I had a rethink.“Right about what? I am right about a lot of things and I like specifics, so if you must. Tell me.” My brother has always been the arrogant one, more than I am.“Oh you- the inauguration. I should have honored dads invitation and maybe, just maybe it would have turned out okay. I was around for it anyway. I just skipped it.” I said to him as I looked outside my window. “Yes, but as always you had it your way, I don’t know why you always do this anyway.” My brother said and I just scoffed. He was right anyway. “We will talk later.” I hung up immediately.I smiled but that changed when we got to the building, I saw the paparazzi. I rolled my eyes and adjusted my tie. It was enough that I had to give the sp
Danielle. “I have a proposal for you.” I had my head in my work, I didn’t want to keep imagining and replaying what could have happened in the elevator. I had to do some product research and I had papers all over my table, my hair wasn’t in its perfect shape anymore, my eyes were tired too.I checked my phone, it dinged and that was the message that I saw. I didn’t know who sent it, out of curiosity I saw the name and it was Arthur. I was surprised, my jaw fell and my eyes widened. I didn’t even realize that my mouth was open for so long.“Danielle? Are you good?” Janet asked and I gulped. “Oh yeah. It’s just some spam messages and work related.” I lied to her. I didn’t like this at all. “Are you sure?” She asked again and I smiled. I nodded too.I needed to be alone to properly understand what the message meant. I wear my emotions on my sleeves and even if I had just denied it all, it would be obvious that I had something bothering me.“Okay.” Janet said and went back to her work. “
Danielle.As soon as he turned to walk out of his office, I didn’t even have time to utter a word. He had just walked out. “What do you mean in less than ten minutes?” I asked him but he was just quiet, he didn’t say a word. He has his head in his phone, three seconds later we are downstairs and his car is waiting, we are at the back of his car.“Where are we going?” I finally mustered up the courage to ask again. I was surprised. “As I said before, it’s a meeting.” He said in a cold tone. He had his head in his phone again and it was as though if she said another word the silence would be ruined. She gulped hard and stayed in the quiet.The car ride was so quiet. I kept rubbing my fingers together trying to understand what was going on and maybe getting it all to make sense, all I did was give a review about a product and now we are here.“Let’s go.” He says as he closes the car door. I gulped as I grabbed the files and his things.I followed him immediately. I smiled and I pretended
Arthur. “A restaurant?” I could hear her as we walked into the restaurant. It was one of my favorite’s in the city. I know the chef personally and I really hate trying new things. I would rather stay committed to the same barber, the same chef and even the same tailor. I really want the same thing, change isn’t always good and I can’t be caught being uncomfortable.I could see how much she wanted to ask questions, I could read how dazed and surprised she was. She wanted to say a lot but I hadn’t given her the chance yet. We finally settled down and she sighed. She was trying her best to gather her words and make sure that they were ready for communication. I looked at her too but she wasn’t looking at me, she can’t even make eye contact with me but she can put some men in their places. Maybe having an effect on her is good. She seems to know how to work well under pressure and she looked right for the job, her outfits always complimented her.I decided to break the silence, she need
Arthur POVHe was Alive. He was alive and he had my daughter. My father was alive and he had my daughter with him. Anger seered through me as it struggled to stay afloat with my fear which tagged easily. If he was alive, there was large chance he would hurt Ava to get to me. He had come back for me, to get me to back back to what i did to him.“Arthur!!” Zachary yelled from behind me but i kept on walking as wheels turned in my head. “Wait the hell up!” He grabbed my upper hand and yanked me but the persons face i saw was Danielle.“What?!” I snapped, not caring if they all saw me loose.“Where are you going? You can’t just keep leaving me in the dark. At least tell me what you have planned.” Dani stated with strong words but it wasn’t going to work so i laughed. I laughed not at her but at the entire situation.“Don’t you get it Dani, if my father had Ava and your mother, there is no plan. There is nothing i can think off that’ll work- its always a loosing game with him. He knows me
Dani POV“......she is the mother of your child..” Zachary’s words echoed in my head as i stared at the man i had trusted since the very first day.“What the hell does he mean?” I repeated as if i didnt hear myself the first time.“Dani- i can explain...”“Then do just that!! Explain to me why your brother thinks i’m the mother of your child, and you didnt seem surprised by it and what child!! I sure as hell know that its not Ava- she- she can’t be yours-”“You better believe it Danielle, my brother may be a liar but i am not.” Zachary said mildly. “Dad!!” Robert scolded but it was too late, the damage has been done already.“And you–” zachary turned to Robert. “You were supposed to keep an eye out for her. You had one simple job-”“I guess we both have something in common, don’t you think dad?” Robert muttered bitterly but Zachary remained calm.“Lets leave the two to settle themselves,” “Dad-”“ its about time he told her Robert, he has always been looking for a chance, now seems lik
Arthur POVThe thing i feared most was unfolding right before my eyes, they had taken them. Whoever it was that had sent me that text had moved ahead even with knowing who my family are, who i am. In the past years, my family had been threatened in more than one way and every single time, they’ve regretted targeting my family but now it felt different and it was obvious why, they had taken someone I thought i had lost before now, My daughter. They had taken Ava.“Arthur, what is happening?” She asked as she followed behind me, my hands ran through the screen of my phone hitting numbers that should be around, it was a good sign that she did not know just yet-“I’m not moving one more step until you tell me what is going on.” She halted with both hands by her side as she stared at me, she could sense that something was wrong.“I know you are worried but i can explain on-” Her phone buzzed in her hands, and with a reluctant gaze she stared at her screen and in seconds her eyes widened.“
ighty Five Dani POVAlex thiago was nothing i imagined, he wasn’t a man with white hair who was partially bald and had rounded shoulders. He was a man over six foot and had no bald hair, infact his grey hair was neatly styled on his head and the wrinkles on his face was highly controlled. His dark hazel eyes were electrifying that even as he stared at Arthur and I, i felt more to be of his target.“I’ve told you to call me Alex, son.” He replied and shook his hands with a small hug as though they’ve been friends for a long time.“Where is Patricia?” Arthur asked as Alex gaze shifted to me, he took my hand and placed a kiss to the back of them.“She’ll be here any mom-” A woman with Aubrun hair and dark red dress hurridely stepped outside.“Babe, i told you to wait for me.”“Our guest are here already, i didnt have to wait for you before attending to them but i’m sorry. You look beautiful love.” Alex said and pulled his wife who was way shorter than him even in her heels. She looked yo
Dani POVArthur countenance changed when i turned to check if he was following, his eyes were narrowed at his phone and his lips were in a thin line. I could count the number of times Arthur was worried by something and he never lost his composure, but this time, it felt different. He was disturbed, and he didnt seem to have it under control.I had been so carried away by what I was seeing that I didn’t notice him slacking behind and now he had probably seen something that would cause his mood to be foul for the rest of the day.With guilt eating my stomach, I walked towards him with my brows furrowed. He raised his head just before I got to him and just like always he tried to hide it but it was too late.“Hey, is everything okay?”“I should be asking you that question,” I countered and his brows shut up.“What do you mean-““No lies Arthur, I saw your face, you saw something really unpleasant. What did you see?” He stared at me, either stunned to speak or trying to come up with an a
Arthur POVShe was in my arms when i stirred awake, cuddled right next to me with her lips slightly parted. I had passed out on the couch with her resting on me and it was one of the best sleep I’ve had in weeks. Even though my legs hurt from not having a place to properly rest, it was worth it.My body had given out to the stress from the past couple of days and it was clear that i needed the rest. I checked the time on the wall and realized we still had four more hours until it was dawn, meaning two things. I either go back to sleep or i begin my day.“What are you thinking about?” She was awake. Her eyes were still closed making me wonder how she could tell.“How-”“Your heartbeat, it started racing few seconds ago-” she paid attention to the little things and it marvelled me.“Sorry if i disrupted your sleep.” I apologized as she sat up.“Its fine, are you okay?” She asked while brushing her hair carefully behind her ears.“Yes- its just two a.m. meaning you need to get more sleep
Dani POV“Jake? As in jake jake?” I said with my eyes wide. “You two were best friends?”“Yes, we were. I was going to forgive them and move on just so i can get her back but she said that she didnt deserve to be with me, that she could do so much better, and that i was carried away with everything that had happened in the past and not focused on her.”“Arthur-”“I blame myself for it but it hurt after telling both of them seperately that i had started seeing a therapist already. It hurt because i trusted them so much, all jake did was gloat and after Juliet realized i wasn’t running after her like she imagined, she started running to me. Seeing her face was enough pain on its own, my mind always brought back the images of of the both of them- and the funny thing is that they did it in our room back in college-”“Arthur, I’m so sorry.” I muttered, it was horrible watching your best friend and girlfriend lie to you and betray you- my heart ached for Arthur. He had gone through so much
Dani POVWe ended up sitting on the sand and feeling the grain between my toes felt relaxing, talking about Anna brought back some memories that I had locked away but this time it was different.“After my grandfather took me in, it took me a while to adjust. I barely slept and all I did was stare at my door waiting for either my father to come through it and drag me out or my mother to hold me and tell me she was sorry for leaving me alone.” He admitted and I turned to him, he was playing with the strap of the silver watch on his wrist.“I also wanted to see Zachary come in through the doors and tell me that everything I had done was not my fault but it never happened. I blame myself for everything that happened between us- it's safe to say that we both need professional help.” He joked at the end but now that he mentioned it, it wouldn't be a bad idea.“It's not going to be bad.” My hands slipped to his and with a gentle squeeze he turned to me, with a smile. “So, mind telling me abo
Dani POVFlashback“Hurry up Danielle, You’re going to miss the race.” My cousin yelled as i hurriedly applied my sun screen on. My flip flops which were in front of my room was no where to be found.“Anna!!! Its not funny if you tell me to hurry up and take my flip flops.” I yelled back at my cousin. It was difficult leaving with my cousins since my dad promised that we would soon be out of there.“Mum!! Can you help me with another-” A pair of fresh flip flop is hurled at my head and i’m only seconds late as one of the pair slaps my cheeks. With a loud hiss, i spotted my mum waiting with narrowed eyes and the acidic words in my mouth dry out.“You have something to say young lady?” I shook my head and ran outside with the new pair in hand, the car was going to be occupied and i needed to pick the best spot- my spot to avoid anything or anyone messing this trip for me.My face fell when i spotted Unle Lee seating at the middle, just by the window, my spot.“Why is he there?” I asked