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2024-10-29 19:42:56The guard came for her at six the following day. She was prepared and already dressed with a pair of black sandals and a purse.
Her hair was arranged in a center parting and held neatly behind her. Her face was almost without makeup except for her signature smokey-eyed look that drew attention to the cobalt color of her eyes.
Her mother had helped her to dress up, hugged her, and wished her well, before escorting her to the living room. Her father had Israel in his arms and they all waved her off at the front porch.
She felt like her life with them was fast coming to an end. A wave of nostalgia hit her and she began to feel lightheaded, as though she was going to faint from a sick feeling. Zee forced herself to be strong. Inara had gone through all this, she told herself. She had to believe that she would survive too.
She held onto that thought as she got into the car through the passenger side door that the guard held open for her. Although she was h
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Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 35
He watched her press her lips together, her eyes forming a pool. “Dig in,” he said dismissively and started consuming his meal. She looked at her food and then returned her gaze to his. It was obvious that he was done talking. She placed her hands on the table and continued staring at her food. She was hungry, but still holding onto her pride. She didn’t have to give up so easily if she didn’t want to. He paused after consuming a bite out of his spoon and then he just kept staring at her. Noticing his eyes on her, she started picking at her food, so that it would look like she was really about to start eating. She kept her eyes on the contents of her plate. “Elizabeth.” She lifted her eyes and met his gaze. “I don’t plan on staying here for lon
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 36
As soon as the words of acceptance left her mouth, cheering from their spectators burst forth, creating a merry air. Flashes of camera lights intensified around them as he took her hand and slipped the ring onto her engagement finger. Then he rose to his feet and drew her into his arms, his fingers, caressing her hair. The musicians who had paused the music and joined in the cheering, began to play a soft tune. Her arms came up around him, even though she felt like disappearing from everyone’s gaze. She was glad that he was holding her, even though he was the one she was afraid of. Still, he was the danger she had no choice but to embrace. The ambiance surrounding them was ecstatic. “The first step is done, Elizabeth.” He said roughly against her ear. “I cannot wait to welcome you into my world.” “Even though it won’t be pleasant.” She said knowingly, her voice almost a sob. Anyone looking at her would have thought she was crying tears
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 37
A girl’s face popped up. She looked to be about sixteen. The headline read- Sixteen years old San Jonas girl missing. Zee opened up the article. It was from five years ago.Sixteen years old Violet May left home and never returned. Her whereabouts is unknown, despite all searches. It’s like, she never existed. “She would be twenty-one by now, if she’s still alive.” Zee said solemnly. “Yeah. Creepy, but not relatable to the spiritualist.” Inara replied. “I agree.” Zee concurred and closed up the article. “I’m glad I don’t have to die. The wedding is in fourteen days.” “Yeah. All will work out for good, my friend.” Zee smiled at her. “Thanks.” “You know, I still can’t believe you guys will be getting married at Heaven’s Vine. I’m so cool with it, despite the foundation of this wedding and all. Are you sure you were not behind it?” Zee shook her head. “He just called me at home after the engagement and
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 38
TWO DAYS LATER, Zee met Michael’s family who visited her home. His parents were aristocratic and gracious. His big sister and her husband were kind faced and friendly. They all had dinner at the table in a friendly air. Their warmness got Zee wondering if they were really mafia. They had a peaceful air around them. Perhaps, they were pretending, she thought. She also pondered on why his parents did not accept Cassy. What was the reason? It was quite a shame that her fiance was seated right by her side and she could not bring herself to ask him the questions bugging her. Bodyguards hung around their home as though a celebrity or big time politician was visiting. Their presence was overwhelming. The affluent lifestyle they lived did not so much as confirm their mafia involvement as much as the b
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 39
Zee thought about it. All she wanted was the invoice. She guessed she would have to tell her what she wanted to hear. Still, she would not give the impression that she relented easily. “I don’t know. You girls hurt us a lot.” “And we regret it. But I think you should take your time about it.” “I’ll think about it.” Zee responded. “Great. Now let’s raise your invoice.” She began typing buttons on her system. “Room type?” “Executive.” Amy blew a whistle that spoke of respect for the high cost it would entail. As she typed, Zee forced a smile. She couldn’t help it. The cash would be big but she needed it. “Date?” “Yesterday.” Zee answered. She had to backdate it because she had lied to Michael that she already paid. Amy typed more buttons on her system for a short while and next, she was printing an invoice. When it came out, she handed the paper to Zee. “It’s all done.” “Thank you so much.” Zee said. “I appreciate
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 40
“Even though, I ruined your wedding?” Zee asked pointedly and Cassy smiled. “You did me a favor. I was messing around. But with your help, I’m maintaining my current relationship, which has always been there, anyway.” She laughed and her friends joined her heartily. Zee and Inara exchanged glances for the umpteenth time. “I don’t believe you.” Inara said, looking at the girls squarely and they stopped laughing, a remorseful look appearing on their faces. Cassy dropped to her knees and her friends joined her. Zee and Inara’s faces registered shock. The other girls caught sight of Cassy and her friends on the floor and stopped dancing. Even the DJ lowered the music. “We are very sorry.” Cassy apologized. “And we are not blinded by pride or ashame
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 41
Cassy gave Zee the puppy-eyed look and it was perfect on her snotty face. “But why?” She asked innocently. Zee wasn’t moved. All she could think about was Michael’s reaction. She didn’t even want to imagine it “I don’t like it, so we just can’t.” she clarified. She knew she did not have to mention Michael. “Oh, come on, Zee. I thought you were open-minded. I secretly admired that about you. We did this for you in advance, in case we got you and Inara’s forgiveness. We spent cool cash on this because we wanted to contribute to a fun-filled time at your bridal shower. This kind of event does not come every day.” That was a mouthful, Zee thought, even as she opened her mouth to refuse their gift. “Thanks for your effort but I…” “I understand.” Cassy interrupted smoothly, “but I think you should chill a little.” She raised her voice and addressed the room. “Hey, beautiful ladies and friends of Zee, don’t you fancy some stripper fun? Please, give me a yes,
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SOME HOURS LATER, Zee was seated on her bed staring at her phone. She was in a pair of pajamas and waiting for Cassy to take her call. It was the third time she was calling but Cassy had not answered. She decided to leave Cassy a message. HI, she began to type but was interrupted by an incoming call from Cassy. Quickly, she received it but despite her fear and anger, she managed to keep her voice steady and receive it. “Hello.” “You’ve been calling, and I’ve been busy picking out uh…some interesting photographs.” She said pointedly. “Congratulations, Cassy.” Zee calmly said to her, ignoring the threatening undertone behind her words. “Hmm. Are y
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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.
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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."
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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
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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
