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2024-10-29 19:42:56AFTER STEPPING ONTO the corridor with her hand still on the door handle, she paused as she heard scurrying feet. It seemed like someone had been rushing off away and down the stairs.
“Hello.” She called out but there was silence. She shrugged. Perhaps she had just imagined it.
She let her eyes rest on the portraits along the hall. She focused on the black and white one where Michael’s ancestor had carried his bride. The couple had smiles on their faces. Perhaps they had been in love. Who could tell these days? She and Michael had smiled for the camera. She guessed pictures could lie.
Hearing footsteps approaching, she turned her attention towards the stairs. A man in his late twenties emerged and stepped onto the corridor. He was wearing a cook’s uniform. She recognized him as one of Michael’s household members. Her eyes caught his shoes. The
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Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 56
ZEE PUSHED HERSELF away from the wall and realized that she was confused about where to stay and comfort herself. Back at home, it would have been her bed but here, she was not sure. She looked at the imposing bed. It still was the only natural place that could provide her some comfort. She hurried over to it and made herself comfortable, pulling up the sheets to cover her body. She could hear faint movements in the hallway. She knew that they were cleaning up. Michael was on the phone. He was telling someone to cut off Nice’s finger and send it to Ezekiel in a package markedRecipe. Zee was trembling beneath the sheets. She shut her ears with her hands to try and distance herself from the unwanted sounds filtering through the hallway but it didn’t work.
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 57
MICHAEL FINISHED DRYING them off. Then he had them both covering themselves in fresh dry towels. She wrapped hers around her middle while he wrapped his around his waist, leaving his sinewy chest exposed. He took her hand in his and led her into the bedroom until they were standing right before the bed. “I bought you a wedding night present. It’s what I desired to see on you before I claim you but we both know how things didn’t go as planned. Yet, it seems like I’ll still get to see you in it.” He walked over to the closet attached to the dressing table and retrieved a box wrapped in silver leaf paper. Then he handed it over to her. “I’ll step into the dressing room for a few moments to give you some privacy.” He said, looking down at her. Sometimes, Zee still felt intimidated by his tall, handsome, and fit physique. “Thanks.” She mumbled. “Don’t mention. It’s my pleasure.” He let his eyes scan her from head to toe, the raw desire in his eyes evident
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 58
ZEE WOKE UP to Michael’s absence the following morning. She was feeling rested and tired at the same time. It had been an exhausting but pleasurable wedding night. Michael had made love to her a couple of times during the night after their first time on the bed and once, towards the morning hours. Afterward, he had received a call, which he took at the end of the room, speaking in muffled tones. In anger, he had dressed up in a fresh casual outfit. She had pretended to be fast asleep as he approached the bed. He had simply placed a kiss on her forehead, which had been gentle, considering his furious mood. Then he had left the bedroom. Sitting up on the bed now, she reached for his shirt and wore it. She could not help but wonder if he had gone out to kill someone. She scooted herself over
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 59
ALTHOUGH HER CHEEK was still hurting from the slap Michael had given her, Zee wiped the tears from her face and proceeded with performing her morning ablutions. In the dressing room, she dressed up in a sleeveless flowered dress and stood before the mirror, holding her hair in a single braid. She could see the faint crimson of her cheek where he had slapped her. She loosened the braid and let her hair down to hide it. Afterward, she ventured downstairs. Zee could not find any of the guards at the foot of the stairs but a door was open around there that revealed a large room with computers and other technical gadgets as well as Michael’s men manning the computers. By the open door was another closed door. She had not noticed both doors before. A few more steps took her to the large living room.
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 60
KAWOOD STATE WAS serene and less bustling than San Jonas was. It boasted of historical architecture, mountains, hills, recreational parks, and lakes. It seemed like it would be perfect for vacation. As Glory drove past the State’s Art Gallery, Zee’s eyes lingered on the colorful graffiti gracing a part of the wall. Her focus was not on the abstract art of squares and sundry shapes. Her focus was on the scrolling advert on the digital signpost stationed there, which had gotten her attention.NOW HIRINGit announced.VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR US FOR DETAILS. The information uplifted her mood a bit. At least she had a place to begin her job search. She hoped that she would somehow get a chance to visit the place and find out if there would be
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 61
MARCUS PULLED THE Range Rover through the well-guarded gates of one of the mansions inside the estate. Michael and Zee occupied the backseat of the car, with Zee seated quietly beside him. She cast her gaze on her wristwatch. The time was 7:05 pm. She could not wait for the impending dinner to be over. At the same time, she did not want it over, anytime soon, because she still had to face punishment for changing her dress color. “Welcome to my parent’s house,” Michael said to her. “Thanks.” She murmured. He ignored her tone. Her fear over his latest threat was not lost to him. Besides, this welcome dinner was not an event she was looking forward to. Their marriage was a scam, after all. But it worked for him. A FEW MINUTES LATER Michael and Zee stood before the massive door of the house, which was opened by a couple of guards, pulling it open from either side. Michael’s family stood just inside, as
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 62
SHE WAS AWARE of everyone’s eyes falling on Michael. Without any words, it was clear that they were expecting him to handle the situation. It seemed like a silent statement was floating in the air – your wife, your responsibility. His demeanor seemed to agree with theirs –my wife, my responsibility. Perhaps, that was how it worked in the family. Michael laid his fork down on his plate, the connecting utensils of steel and ceramic, creating quite a harsh clang that sliced through the silence in the air. Zee would have jumped in fright if she wasn’t currently trying to make a point. Hence, even though her heart was pounding at his rising temper, her goal remained paramount before her eyes. “Get out of my sight.” She said to the maid. “Maam…”
Dark Love - A Darker Shade of Love(Completed) 63
FEW MINUTES LATEROutside, darkness had taken over the sky. Zee was squatted down on the back seat of the car, with Michael, driving. The guards followed behind them in another vehicle.Michael had decided to drive, in order to help calm his temper. Another reason was to help save Zee the embarrassment of sitting how she currently was, with Marcus, present.Zee folded her arms across her chest as she glared at him. Her face was still red, her eyes, still shiny and damp.“Thanks for…for humiliating me before your family.” She said sourly.“Thanks for being a brat before them.” He said matter of factly.“I hate you.” She spat.“Keep talking that way. You’ll get round two, soon enough.”Feeling a wave of helplessness rush over her, she broke into small whimpers.“I don’t want to hear your voice.” He hissed, silencing her.HOU
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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
