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2024-10-29 19:42:56TWO 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
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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
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“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
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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,
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 42
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
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 43
ZEE WAS STILL unsure of how to begin, so she just decided to say it as it came to her. “Someone is going to send you pictures of the event.” “That's interesting. And I think it would make for some good entertainment, so I look forward to that.” “No,” Zee said in a rush. She could not help her anxiety. “No?” “I mean, there will be strippers in the pictures.” A pregnant silence passed between them. “I’m sorry, I didn’t get that. Strip what?” Zee found herself swallowing hard with rising tension. “Strippers.” She said quickly. “But I didn’t bring them. It was a setup and…” “Hold on. You mean to tell me that you had strippers at that party.”
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 44
WAKING UP TO a new day was often a source of joy to Zee, but not when she was feeling troubled. Still, she managed to go through the morning motions of chores and cooking with her mother who was now spending more time at home. For the first time, her mother noticed her mood as they made egg sauce in the kitchen. “You’re kind of distant.” She observed. “Mum, that’s a first,” Zee responded. Her mother smiled. “Then you should give me some credit, I guess.” “Oh, mum. You’ve been trying and I do appreciate it. But I’m fine.” “Are you sure?” “Yes.” “I understand if you’re getting the wedding jitters.”
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 45
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE wedding rehearsal, Michael would not let Zee out of his sight. He held her hand, which created the impression that they were enamored with each other. She maintained a happy demeanor but deep inside, she was praying for a miracle. She barely prayed on a normal day. Her family believed in God but they just were not as dedicated as Inara’s family. Michael kept her close beside him somewhere near the altar and kept talking to her softly. To others around, he was saying something loving to her, because the expression on the handsome features of his face was generally pleasant. It gave off a relaxed air around him but in reality, he was making subtle threats, telling her how he could not wait to properly address her latest episodes of misbehavior, as he put it. Few seconds after her desperate silent prayer, she saw her father excuse himself from the company of her mother and Reverend Anthony. Then he started advancing t
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 46
A FEW MOMENTS LATER, Zee spent some time with her family eating popcorn as they watched a movie in the living room. Israel fell asleep on her lap after some time during the movie and she laid him down on an unoccupied sofa there in the living room. After the movie ended, they said their goodnights, and her parents carried Israel with them as they returned to their room while she returned to her bedroom. As she reached her door, she felt her energy deplete suddenly, making her pause. She knew that she had gained several years. That horrible feeling was still scary even though it was no longer new to her. She reached for the door handle and was not surprised to find her hands wrinkled. She quickly opened the door and let herself inside the room. Then she locked the door and hurried over to the dressing mirror. Her reflection showed a mid-fifties version of herself. “Damn you.” She cursed at her reflection. Then she sat down and picked up her phone from
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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."
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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
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
