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2024-10-29 19:42:56Lemuel dropped Zee off at her home. Inara saw her off to the door and the Housekeeper was the one who opened the door and received a merry Zee inside. Afterwards, Inara joined Lemuel in the car and he restarted the car, driving them back home.
“Thanks.” Said Inara.
“You’re welcome. I’m very happy she has someone like Michael now.”
Inara frowned and Lemuel scoffed. “I know you won’t agree with me on this. You’re a good friend, Baby girl.”
She smiled. “Thanks, Love.”
***
Zee threw up into her bathroom sink with her mum rubbing her back supportively.
“You should stop drinking.” she chided her.
“I’m a big girl now, mum. It’s too late for all this.”
“Whatever. You know I’ll never play the sentimental mummy.”
Zee was about to say something but ended up throwing up again.
“Sorry, Darling.” Said her mom, helpfully.
Zee took a few seconds to recover. “And that’s why I
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Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 26
Amidst having breakfast and settling down during the morning hours with her family, Zee spent most of her time thinking about what to do to calm her jitters but no idea was forthcoming. Inside her bedroom, she stared at a couple of canned beer on her table, wondering if she should just consume it to gain some confidence a few minutes before his arrival. Alcohol had a way of giving one confidence. Didn’t shy people use it to face crowds? She went for one canned beer, her finger pausing on the opener. Then she changed her mind and put it back on the table. She was already in trouble. There was no need aggravating or escalating issues. To take her mind off her anxiety, she joined her family in the living room to watch TV with Israel on her lap. After what seemed like ages but only a couple of hours, Michael’s call came in. She passed Israel to her father’s waiting arms and excused herself in time to take the call on her way to her bedroom. “Hello
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 27
Zee walked into the living room where her parents were still glued to the TV on a history channel. Israel was seated between them. When he saw her, he held on tightly to her father. “Why was Israel crying?” her father asked. “I think he was not in the mood for tickling.” Zee replied lightly. “Oh.” He said and her mother just smiled. “I’m off.” “Okay.” Her father said. “Have fun.” Said her mother. “Thanks, you both.” She responded before waving them off and exiting the house. It was amazing how she was always able to mask her true feelings when she was with her parents. She was so scared of facing
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 28
With hurried steps, Zee got back inside the house. Her family was still the way she had left them except that Israel saw her and was immediately following behind her. She was glad that he had forgotten the strange episode of her transformation so quickly. Children were so innocent. That was a good thing. She lifted him. “Forgot something?” her mother asked. “Yeah.” She said and left with Israel to her room where she tried to put him down but he would not budge. He kept clinging to her. “No.” he said adamantly. “Cayi me.” “I want to change. I’ll carry you, okay?” “No.” Zee groaned. Time was not waiting for her. Time waited for no one. Still, she tried to be patient with him. “Izzy, love. I will b
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 29
The ride after that was silent. Zee was no longer afraid that Michael had changed his mind about punishing her but she was afraid of him in general. He probably was worse than Lemuel and she would have to be careful around him.He ended up pulling the car into a Mall and nosing it before a designers shop before killing the engine.“There was a bit of delay with the shipment, hence I couldn’t bring it with me but I was told it’s here now.” he informed her.“Okay.”“You can let yourself out.” He said as he exited the car. She reached for the door handle and let herself out of the car. She stood by her side of the door, straightening her skirt.“Come over here.” He said, already walking over to her side. He took her hand in his and led her to the boutique which spotted a few customers inside.The attendant saw them and pulled a package from her drawer. Then she smiled at them. She was fat, still managed to look around twenty-five or less and had an air of friendliness about her. It was ea
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 30
Zee sat quietly beside Michael in the car. He was driving and she had no idea about where their current destination was. He kept running a finger beneath his jaw, which was set in a hard line. After leaving the boutique in the heat of the tense atmosphere, they had been on the road for three minutes and he had not said a word. She had not spoken either because of the fear consuming her. Still, she was using the silence to plan her explanation. There was no way she would explain herself without mentioning The Last Dare. It would sound ridiculous to him. Hell, it would have sounded ridiculous to her if she hadn't played the game herself. Michael could not understand why Zee had dared him by displaying another episode of disrespect right after he had warned her. The anger in him was barely controllable and he would have to vent it by teaching her a lesson. That would be good for him but too bad for her. As far
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 31
“Is that supposed to make any sense to me?” “Please, believe me. The last time I contacted you and asked you to marry me, it was the game that dared me. The game also dared me to break up your wedding ceremony. And it also made me say yes to your proposal and now…” “It made you disrespect the nice attendant.” he finished for her. “Sure. I can’t believe I’m listening to this nonsense. Get the hell out of the car and shut your mouth.” He stepped out of the car and the guard by her side of the door, opened it for her. Zee managed to hide her crying and reluctantly stepped out of the car. She felt like she was about to step into a lion’s den. Michael was that bad, as far as she was concerned. From then on, all she could feel was her heart slamming against her chest as Michael took her hand in his. He led her to the wi
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 32
Unwelcome thoughts of being engaged to Michael resurfaced with more power. The solace that Michael was currently giving Zee began to lose its comforting purpose. Instead, his body surrounding her was giving her fear. She started struggling to be free from his embrace that had earlier given her some sense of comfort. Michael felt her struggling and increased his firm hold on her so that she would not be able to break free from his arms. Somehow, he knew that the reality of their impending engagement was finally dawning on her and with how strictly he was handling her, it was only natural that she would be afraid. “Shh.” He hushed her soothingly but continued to maintain a firm hold on her as she kept struggling. “I will never make you cry without reason. Just be a good girl and we’ll be fine.” Despite the hint of threat in his assurance, a sense of c
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 33
The woman moved the food to a corner of the room, which was fitted with a dining table and chairs. She placed the food on the table and Zee noticed four different bottles of soft drinks and water. “Is there any vodka?” she asked because she felt like lifting her spirits with some alcohol. “Yes, but this was based on the order we received.” Zee rolled her eyes. “Don’t you think I already know that?” The woman sighed. “What do you want, Ma’am?” “I need a bottle of vodka. No, not one, but two bottles of…” Zee paused as she heard the door open and one glance revealed Michael stepping inside. His presence sent her heartbeat racing. “You know what? Never mind.” She told the woman quickly. What had she been thinking? Michael would not let her have it, especially after her drunken episode. Gosh, it would be so hard to adjust to the new life she had no choice but to live in. “Okay.” The woman replied and left. Zee stood before the food.
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Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 138: Epilogue
ONE MONTH LATERBy evening in the Ray Mansion, Zee stood at the diner table, watching the Rays eat a meal of fried rice and turkey."Well?" She asked because she had made the food herself.Michael gave her a smile which she returned, somewhat nervously, because she was waiting for the verdict of everyone concerning her cooking.She was confident that she had done well, but she still needed comments.During her catering classes, she had learned that the customer was always right.To her, it was a debatable point, but in that regard, she planned to pick her battles so she would stand a better chance of winning."The food is perfect as always." Said Michael, giving her a wink."You always say that." She said shyly, blushing at his open flirting before everyone."Thanks." She still managed to mumble.The others at the table threw them teasing looks and smiles."Sir Dean, please say something." Zee eagerly urged Michael's father."My latest daughter, I believe that you will do excellently a
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 137
"Zee, she's a terrible person. But we have to help her." Said Inara."How? We don't know anything.""We don't have to. I have an idea already. As a staunch church girl. As a bonafide daughter of a Reverend." She gave Cassy a pointed look. "As the silly daughter of a Preacher, I have an idea we can try.""I'm sorry I called you a silly daughter of a Preacher." Cassy apologized."No problem," Inara responded and faced Zee."Let's find matches and fuel or something.""Why?" Zee asked."We are going to burn the book," Inara said and led the way inside the shed. They followed behind her and searched for a lighter.Cassy worked hard, searching too. At that moment they were working together.Cassy found a lighter and handed it over to Inara. Zee found a lantern there, so she shook it. There was oil inside.Outside, the rain had stopped. Zee carried the book out to the yard and Inara poured the oil on it. Then Cassy set the book on fire.As it started to burn, a dark malevolent voice could be
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 136
"Whatever." Cassy told Inara. "Inny, you didn't need to come," Zee told Inara. "I called you. You didn't take my calls. I had no choice." Inara responded. "That's because I was already on my way. My car won't start so I had to use the bike." "Okay. No problem." "How did you leave the house? Was Lemuel there? "No. He is out with friends. He said one of his business partners is getting married and has enlisted him as one of the groomsmen. They are having a meeting." "Okay, that's cool," Zee said. "I hate to spoil your friendship party, but I've got a game to play and interesting pictures to reveal if I don't get to play," Cassy announced.
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 135
At that moment she got a call from Cassy and reviewed it. "Hello, Cassy." "Should I send the pictures or not?" "Cassy, you have to give me time but we can go for Violet May first thing tomorrow." "Hmm. Fine, but once we are back you're sending my money or your husband sees your slutty actions." "Yes, no problem. Can I bring Inara?" "Why?" "Because she has a way with words. She might be better at convincing Violet." "No." Cassy decided. "Nice try. You want to bring support so you both overpower me? No way." "That's not my intention." "I said no. Tomorrow what time?" "I will speak with Violet and let you know." "You better be fast," Cassy said ending the call. Zee called Violet May and tried to set up a meeting. Violet May demanded to know the purpose and Zee decided to be open about it. Cassy was blackmailing her just so she would be forced to convince the sp
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 134
After a few minutes, lost in thoughts, her phone rang with Cassy's call, so she answered. "Make that one million bucks." She said. "I forgot that you're married to a billionaire." "Cassy, I don't have that kind of money." "Oh, come on. There are many places you can borrow from. Your husband, then your best friend's husband, even your parents. I mean, you have so many options. Pick one." "Nobody will give out money just like that. Money doesn't grow on trees." "You're creative. I saw the grand opening ceremony where it was mentioned that you named that new joint Dine Together. I also saw the article where you were credited for naming that other joint Pause and Eat. Turns out you do have some rare talent. So use your creativity and get the money. I didn't ask for a million. I asked for half a million, which is way beneath the original price had you and your friend's husbands just paid the damn ransom. You stole my wealthy man. This is just me ge
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 133
ONE WEEK LATER In an elegantly dressed hall, dinner guests seated around intercontinental dish-filled tables with sparkling wine filled glasses, admired the occupants on the stage. The occupants were Michael, Lemuel and their spouses. The four were dressed in dinner outfits as well. Lights flashed as photographers took pictures of the four. A large projector on stage displayed the theme of the event which showed that Michael and Lemuel's collaboration had come to fruition. The event was the grand opening ceremony of the business they had opened in San Jonas. It was an event center with a wine depot on the side. Michael owned the depot and Lemuel owned the even
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 132
Cassy waited on the bench, refusing to give up, even though thirty minutes had elapsed since she last heard from Violet May. She repeatedly tapped her foot on the floor while frequently checking the time on her wrist watch. Unable to wait any longer, she rose to her feet and gave the door a knock. "What is going on?" She asked. "Go away." Came Violet's voice from inside. "What?" Cassy was perplexed. "Go away." "I've wasted my time here. And you say I should just go away? "Yes." "Are you even for real?" "Just go away. I am having mood swings."
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 131
Outside the Cabin, at a small distance, Michael and his entourage parked by the express. Morning fog slightly blurred the air. As the backseat was opened for him, the guard told him not to bother as they would handle everything. "That's my wife." Michael said, pulling out his gun and getting off the car. "Thanks, but I won't sit here." All the other men were outside and at Michael's signal, they poured towards the cabin on foot. In a matter of minutes, they had the cabin surrounded. Inside the room where the hostages were, their captors had gone impatient. "Your husbands are not communicating." Sam's partner said through gritted teeth. "Maybe we need to send footage of one part of your bodies missing. Perhaps they need such violent motivation." Zee and Inara begged with their eyes, struggling and grunting with great efforts that merely shifted their seats slightly. They could not utter any words or cry out because by now, the guys had
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 130
Michael was furious as he dressed up. He hadn't exactly left Elizabeth without security. He had kept one of his men to tail her, but keep his distance. He felt that since she was in San Jonas, there would be no real threat to her. Gosh! He had messed up big time. If anything bad happened to her, he would not be able to forgive himself. He had already called his men and told them to get ready. His head of security was already talking to their cartel branch in San Jonas. It was funny how these things worked. Every bad guy had a superior and the superiors were connected to Dons. Only men like him had the slim chance of calling off the kind of crime being committed. He finished wearing a dark blazer over dark fitted jeans and hurried out of the room. Sitting at the backseat of the car as Marcus drove with mad speed down the quiet express road, he called Lemuel and told him not to bother coming out as he would handle everything. Lemu
