After crying her eyes out, Zee managed to go downstairs for dinner. Then she walked out of the house and strolled around the garden with Glory hanging by.
It was dark outside, but there were enough fancy lights to keep the place illuminated. She was in a pretty environment, but she was void of happiness.
The sight of the pool sent her craving a swim, so she hurried back upstairs to change, realizing she didn’t even have swimming trunks. She had forgotten to pack that. She settled for tights and camisole.
During her swim, she tried to drown herself, sinking in the water and refusing to come out. She could not hold her breath any longer and emerged, coughing and exhausted. She did it three times and by the third time, Glory was at the edge of the pool.
“Mrs. Ray, aren’t you hurting yourself?”
“Leave me alone.” She said and left the pool in anger, returning to the bedroom. Surprisingly the swim had exhausted her body to the point that she just po
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Michael flung the belt aside, the sound of the buckle clattering harshly against the tiles and escalating her fear. “Get up!” he ordered. “Rise from that bed right now!” Zee shot up to her feet with trembling limbs. “Why don’t you just kill me?” she threw at him. “We’ll see how ready you are to die.” He said as he grabbed her hand. “Let me go.” She cried as he lifted her onto his shoulder, leaving the bedroom as she kicked out her legs and beat upon his shoulder. He walked into the room where he had punished her and opened a shut door inside. It revealed some kind of prison cell with a slab of smooth stone, attached to the bare wall and raised above the ground like a bed for sleeping. The stone bed had a stone bedside
Zee looked up as the door opened again. Glory was there with a mattress meant for one person. She sat up, moved to tears by his kindness. She knew she didn’t deserve his kindness. “That stone bed is for enemies and potential threats.” He said. “You are neither of those. You are Mrs. Ray. Please rise, Maam so I can put this down for you.” “Thank you.” She replied. “But, what if he returns and finds me on it? I don’t want to be in trouble.” “I asked for his approval. And even if he didn’t grant it, I would still bring it to you. Then I can always take it away before he returns.” “Thank you. And I’m sorry for my behavior towards you.” “It’s okay. You’re in a difficult position. Just know that in life, there are ups and downs. No con
Zee watched his eyes grow round with panic. Then his face clouded over with disappointment. “Ask me anything else, but not that.” “Glory, please? You’ve seen how he treats me?” “I also witnessed how you came into his life. You didn’t notice me at the wedding you ruined, but I was there.” “I can’t turn back the hands of time.” “I don’t want you to.” He said. “I prefer you to her. Your attitude is quite understandable because of everything that’s happening. The other girl had no reason to be nasty.” “Thanks. But please, help me. Will you?” “I…I can’t. How can you even ask me that? I’ll get in big trouble. I’ll end up losing my life. He will kill me. He will punish you. But he will kill me.” “No. We only need to plan it well, so that it happens in a manner that does not arouse suspicion.” He shook his head. “I cannot betray my boss.” “This is not betrayal. This is about doing the right thing.” Glory
“Please…please I’m sorry. I wasn’t going to run.” “Are you trying to insult me with that lying response?” She shook her head, her eyes welling up rapidly. “No. please, it won’t happen again. Please, I’m sorry.” “Sit down.” He said abruptly, letting her go. Zee sat down on the bed and looked up at him, her wet eyes, pleading. “Please, Michael.” Her body was overwhelmed with fear.’ “I don’t understand why you’re begging me right now. Why is it that every time things are about to get better, you ruin it with your mouth?” “I’m very sorry, please.” Her voice was wobbling so much she started crying. Michael sho
Zee noticed the hesitation in Glory. After what had happened following a similar scenario, she wasn’t surprised that he was being skeptical. “Glory, did you report me to Michael?” A frown of confusion marred his brow. “Report you?” “I mean, did you tell on me that I was talking about escaping the mansion?” A look of incredulity entered his eyes. “No, Maam. Why would I do something like that? He overheard us. I suspected he did because I passed by him at the doorway of your bedroom. He was just standing there with his arms folded as he pressed buttons on his phone. I was quite scared. I suspected that he had heard something, but I wasn’t sure.” He looked shocked that she was questioning his loyalty. I can’t do that, Maam. Why would I?”
“Brilliant” he praised. “Now, give me a hug.” As he spoke about the hug, he was already pulling her into his arms for a warm hug. At first, she was stiff, but he started saying gentle words to her. “Relax, Sweetheart. Relax against me. Let go of the pain. It’s over. I’ll be gentle with you, now. I’ll make you forget the pain. Trust me and relax. Do not fear. I know I’m hard, but I can be gentle too. And I’ve forgiven you, okay? It’s over. I have forgiven you, Baby.” Zee started crying softly against him as he held her close to his chest. “It’s okay, Sweetheart. I won’t hurt you as long as you’re good, okay?” “Okay.” She said tearfully. “Good.” He cooed softly and kissed her wet cheeks. “I want to wash the pain off you, okay? I want to give you a really good bath, alright?” “Okay
Zee woke up in Michael’s arms. He was still spooning her. She felt enveloped in him and protected. The fear of his current gentility not lasting, entered her mind. It caused her to stir with a little discomfort and instantly, she felt his arms tightening around her. “I wish we’ll stay like this for a while longer. I like it.” His words were like fine wine to her taste buds. “I didn’t know you were awake.” She said. “I’ve been awake for about a minute.” “Okay.” She said, “and I like it too.” She admitted. “But I’m hungry.” He released his hold on her. “Then let’s go and eat.” He sat up and helped her up, making her face him. “I’m hungry too, Sweetheart. I say let’s eat out. Will you like that?” Zee’s eyes lightened up. She could not wait to see the outside world after being in that cell for days. Her head bobbed rapidly. “I’ve been indoors too long.” “I know, and that is exactly why I want us to eat out.”
Zee finished the drink and returned to the bedroom where Michael was still asleep. She slid onto the bed and lay on her side with her back to him. Then she shut her eyes, feeling his palm on her shoulder, immediately. Her heartbeat quickened with panic due to what she had just done. Michael turned her, so she was facing him, his eyes falling on hers. “Where are you coming from?” Zee put a rein on her tension and managed to speak normally. “I went down to the kitchen. I was thirsty.” “There’s water in the fridge up here. Why did you go all the way down?” “It skipped my mind. I guess, after my time in the cell, I often feel like stretching my legs.” “Hmm. You left a bit stealthily tho
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
"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
"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.
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
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
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
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."
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
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