CHAPTER THREE
A NEW IDENTITY
I slowly opened my eyes as I held my head in pain. The lights in the room blurred my vision and I squinted my eyes. I managed to open them again and saw that I was laying on a bed in an empty room. It was obvious it was a hospital.
I sat up, wondering why there were drips and wires connected to my body. The door suddenly opened and a nurse walked in.
“You’re awake!” She gasped in shock and then smiled.
I couldn’t remember anything at the moment and I wondered what was going on and how I got here.
The nurse explained to me that I have been in a coma for three years and I was shocked to hear that. I suddenly remembered George and how he conspired to push me down the cliff.
My face creased in a frown, a flow of blood rushed through my veins in anger. They were such wicked people and I would make sure I dealt with them. For now, I need to focus on myself.
“So who has been paying my bills?” I asked curiously, still confused about the whole situation.
“Doctor Lucian Fox,”
“Who?” I raised my brow in surprise. I don’t think I’ve ever heard that name in my life.
“We’ll talk about this later. For now, you need to get checked,” the nurse said and pressed a button in my room to signify the medical personnel to come to my room.
My eyes widened in surprise as I saw the doctor that walked into my room. It was the man I had a one night stand with before I had an accident. I could never forget such a moment, how he made my body feel.
It’s crazy I could still remember that after waking up from a coma. He gave me a warm smile and made me realize how glad he was to see me. I didn’t understand. We simply had a one night stand and I left, so why was he acting like we have known each other for a while.
I got some treatment and the other doctors left except the so-called Doctor Lucian Fox. I was told I’ll start therapy to be able to walk again, since I had not used my leg in a few years. I suddenly remembered my brother, and I began to panic. Where is he and who is taking care of him?
“Please I need to call my brother! I need to know how he is doing,”
“Relax,” Lucian said to me, staring into my eyes . “Don’t you even want to know how you got here in the first place,”
I simply nodded.
“That night, after the hot sex we had…”
I rolled my eyes.
“I saw some people in the shadows following you and I immediately knew something was wrong so I decided to secretly tag along from a distance. I think they took a shorter route and blocked your path in a lonely place where there were no cctv cameras,” he explained.
I sighed and shook my head as a wave of pain hit me as I recalled the night. I had earlier tried to brush it off but the truth is that it’s so hard to be strong when people you love could try to kill you.
“I would have intervened but the next thing I saw was a gun pointed at you and in the twinkling of an eye, they hit you, put you in the car and pushed it down the cliff,”
Tears were now falling down my eyes and I wiped them with the back of my hands. It was then I suddenly noticed my arms look smaller; way smaller than I remember.
“Luckily, it hit a tall tree before hitting the ground so the impact wasn’t much and I was able to rescue you just in time. You’ve been in a coma ever since,” he said and I couldn’t help but not pay attention and look at my body.
I touched my neck and I could feel my collarbone, which is something I haven’t felt since my hormonal issues started.
I immediately requested a mirror and he brought it to me. I gasped in shock at the sight I saw.
I looked like a completely different person. My neck was slender and my face looked like a model’s. I was so beautiful, even after I just woke up from a coma.
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing and I was so short of words that I couldn’t even speak.
This isn’t me!
“You shattered your face in the accident so we did a re-construction surgery for you. Also, you’ve not been able to eat except the liquids we passed through your mouth so you practically lost all the weight,”
My mouth flew open in surprise. How can a stranger do so much? Something even the ones I loved wouldn’t do for me. I was so emotional and thankful. I said thank you to him more than a million times, but I still felt it’s not enough.
He paid my hospital bills for three good years. Angels do exist in human form.
“This is too much. How can I repay your kindness?” I asked, looking at him with awe and gratitude.
“Be my contract wife,”
CHAPTER FOURFUELED BY REVENGEPerhaps, I didn’t hear properly. Maybe it is the effect of just waking up from a coma because did I just hear this man ask me to be his contract wife?“The board wants a responsible young man to take over as CEO of the hospital; someone without a baby mama or scandals. I want to focus on being part of the finances of this hospital,”I blinked, still trying to process this information. Waking up from a coma and getting married isn’t something I envisioned, but I really felt indebted to this man.“It’s just going to be for three years. It’s a loveless marriage and as a bonus, I’ll help you manage your weight loss and grant you any desire within my power. After the contract expires, you’re free to leave,”I thought about it. I need to revenge against the people that tried to kill and for that, I’ll need power and protection.I clenched my fist. After having a near-death experience, nothing scares me anymore. All that matters right now is getting revenge and
CHAPTER 5THE REVENGE PLAN.That evening, I visited a mineral shop and sold a quarter of the gold, which I deposited into my new bank account because I planned on using a check.I also went to a boutique and got myself some dresses and shoes. I was going there as a potential investor and client. I had to look the part.I decided that I'd sleep in the house that night. I wanted to feel my family’s presence, to know that I wasn’t alone. All night long my thoughts were haunted by the past, knowing that I'd see George and Tami again, the two people that tried to have me killed filled me with the worst possible anger and dread. I imagined going up there with a gun and shooting them both in the heads, but I knew that I'd be arrested immediately, I would gain nothing and I might never see my brother again. These thoughts calmed me down, and I decided to proceed carefully. Everything depended on me sticking to the scripts, I won’t fuck it up.The next day.I stood outside the sleek glass build
Chapter SixGabriella's POVAs I stood in the parking lot of the luxurious restaurant, I adjusted the hem of my silver dress. I took a deep breath and paused to gaze at myself in the car mirror. I looked stunning, way too stunning to spend dinner with George.I mentally scoffed. I had been dreading this dinner with George all day, but I knew I had to keep up the charade.As I walked in, George stood up from his seat, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Gabriella, you look stunning," he said, his eyes roaming over my body and finally settling on my waist.I forced a smile and took a seat across from him, trying to ignore the wave of disgust that washed over me. The more time I spent with George, the more my resentment grew. I had no choice but to hide my true feelings if I wanted to carry out my revenge plan.The conversation started off awkward at first. George refused to take his eyes off me for once. That was more reason to prove that he and Tami's relationship was not a b
Chapter Seven- Family SecretGabriella's POVSon? Gold digger? Those two words rang loudly in my ears. I took a few steps backward, staggered by the shock. I tried to put two and two together, but everything still felt confusing. I mean, of course, she was definitely Lucian's mother, just judging by her appearance, they looked so much alike. What I really wondered was what she was doing here and why she had tagged me as a gold digger.I managed to step fully into the living room, clutching my bag tight, my eyes never left Lucian's mother for once. His mother eyed me with so much disdain and disgust, that I felt like a complete fool in her eyes, and just as she seemed like she was about to bark another insult at me, Lucian appeared out of nowhere, a charming smile plastered on his face."Gabriella, you are home so soon. I thought you said you had a business dinner?" He raised a brow at me.I gulped a lump down my throat and waved that off immediately. "It has already ended," I said with
Chapter Eight - JealousyGabriella's POV"James, what do you mean by my parents are not who I really thought they were? Tell me, what did you find?" I asked. My voice was laced with curiosity and my heart raced extremely fast as I had not gotten a response from James."James, are you there?" I called out his name in haste as I felt chills rush down my spine.Fortunately for me, I heard James clear his voice over the phone before replying. "I am still here Gabriella, actually there are a lot of confusing things related to your parents but what I think is most essential in finding your brother is a feud that happened between Mr Victor, your father, and Mr Jude, your father's brother," James said.Uncle Jude, Dad, and Mum had spoken about Uncle Jude a few times, but it was never about anything remarkable. Most times it was just a funny memory and whenever I bothered to ask them where Uncle Jude was, Dad and Mum would just wave it off, Dad especially."So what was the feud all about? How
Chapter Nine - Surprise VisitGabriella's POV I stood with anger coursing through my veins as I watched the excited grin spread on Tami's face. She did not deserve to be happy, none of them did. At least not after what they had done to me.Suddenly, my thoughts were interrupted by loud cheering. I gasped in shock as I raised my head up to gaze at everyone in the conference room. I saw happiness written on all of their faces as they cheered and congratulated Tami. She did not deserve it! I sneaked a glance at George and I could sense how anxious he was.He chuckled nervously and he looked in my direction. Our eyes met for a brief moment before I eventually averted my gaze elsewhere."Thank you everyone. Thank you so much for the love that you showered me and my husband with. We really appreciate it." Tami smiled. She turned to gaze at me with a raised brow, her smile slowly fading away as she eyed me with disdain. I could tell that Tami was jealous of how close I was getting to George
Chapter Ten - Bad DayGabriella's POV The sound of the gunshot made me whimper in fear. I took a few steps backward and gulped a lump down my throat as I heard the clicking sound of the trigger behind me. I slowly raised my hand in the air in surrender as I carefully turned around to gaze at the culprit.Without him having to introduce himself, I could tell it was Uncle Jude, he stood a few inches taller than me with a pistol clutched tight to his hands and pointed at the direction of my head. It was so easy for me to tell that he was the one, he had similar features with my father, I could not help but see my father in him."Who are you?" Uncle Jude barked angrily. His eyebrows were furrowed in my direction and an impatient look was plastered on his face. I knew I could introduce myself with my real name, it was not like Uncle Jude knew what I looked like.I cleared my throat and replied in a low tone, my voice barely above a whisper. "Your niece," I said, swallowing the lump in my t
Chapter Eleven - Plotting EvilTami's POVGeorge and I strolled into the house. I watched him throw himself on the couch as he released a heavy sigh. I shut the door behind me and walked towards George. I sat on his lap and helped him loosen his tie. "You look so tired and stressed out from work, our baby is so going to be proud of the father you have become." I said with a genuine smile playing on my lips.To my uttermost surprise, George pushed me off his lap and rose to my feet, a huge scowl slowly grew on his face and I was scared for a brief moment, at least not until I realized the reason for his anger."What sort of stupid stunt is that, Tami?" George growled angrily. I gulped a lump down my throat, in a bid to defend myself. I rose to my feet as well and poured out my entire mind to him, with the hope that it would calm him down and erase all the resentment he showed towards me."Stunt? You were showing her so much attention, George! What was I supposed to do? Sit there and wa
Chapter Thirty-Three - Accident Gabriella's POV My heart begins to race extremely fast and my entire body fidgets in fear. Lucian? Accident? I felt chills run down my spine as I slowly processed the situation at hand. How was it possible? Lucian was a safe driver. How then had he gotten involved in an accident?I ran a hand through my hair in frustration, tears pricked from the corner of my eyes as I slowly began to pace the parking lot. "Gabriella, are you okay?" I heard a familiar feminine voice call my name from behind. I turned around to gaze at Anne slowly walking towards me.Once she had gotten closer to me, she noticed the tears in my eyes. "Oh my goodness, Gabriella. Tell me, what is the problem? Is everything okay with you?" She asked with a concerned look plastered on her face.I breathed a heavy sigh, my heart raced extremely fast, and I found it extremely hard to express myself. My mind began to imagine the worst experience. What kind of critical condition was Lucian in?
Chapter Thirty-Two - Lessons To Be Learned.Tami's POVThat bitch was going to pay for what she did to me. How dared she? She allegedly spilled wine on my expensive white dress and, to make matters worse, she slapped me in the face. I scoffed loudly and began to pace the spacious living room. Not only did she do that, she successfully humiliated me in the eyes of others.That bitch was going to pay for her crimes! I could not help wondering how we were ever best friends in the first place. I hated her, I hated her guts, I hated every single thing about her and I wanted her to crumble so bad. I wanted to bring her down to the point that she would be on her knees begging for my forgiveness and then on that day, I would spit on her face and remind her of the night she humiliated me."Are you going to fucking explain yourself, Tami?" George roared angrily. He had a champagne glass clutched tight to his hand. He looked extremely furious, and it got me scared for a brief moment. My fear was
Chapter Thirty-One - Sudden AccidentGabriella's POV The next morning, Lucian and I had woken up with a newfound trust in each other. We had a plan and that was to see James right after I would be back from work. I felt a bit ashamed to attend work after the shameful scene I had caused last night at Dave's party. I knew Tami was going to have her eyes out for me now. It meant double trouble."Are you sure you are going to be okay at work on your own?" Lucian asked, his tone laced with concern. I smiled at him and slowly nodded my head. I was not okay, but I refused to let Lucian feel pressured by own problem. I had to face Tami, myself, head on."I can handle myself." I flashed Lucian a reassuring smile. He insisted that he drive me to work and I agreed. The drive was full of I and Lucian talking about random stuff. I felt like our relationship had been upgraded to an entirely new level. We felt a lot more free around each other. I liked it so much.Lucian pulled the car into my work
Chapter Thirty - Together.Gabriella's POV I got out of the cab and handed the cabman his money. I told him to keep the change. I was in an excellent mood. I finally had George's phone. All I needed to do was give it to James to help unlock it. With a satisfied smirk plastered on my face, I slowly pushed the front door open. I met Lucian pacing the room with his phone pressed close to his ears."I am so sorry Dave. I am so sorry man. I am sure she did not mean to act that way at all. You know how women can be when they are arguing with each other," Lucian said. He had not noticed my presence yet. I felt guilty though, once again, I had successfully ruined his night by embarrassing him in front of his friend. All because of my own selfish desires, I needed to start putting Lucian first."Send me your account number. I will make payments for whatever damage was caused," Lucian said. I did not do any damage; Tami did. If there is one person who should be paying, it should be George and
Chapter Twenty Nine - Mission Accomplished.Gabriella's POV I could not believe my eyes. Lucian had literally dumped me. I watched the black convertible drive off, into the dark streets. I stood outside the hotel, rubbing my shoulder. I suddenly remembered Lucian's kind gesture when he had handed me the suit jacket.I sighed heavily, feeling the hairs on my skin rise. This was the first time Lucian and I had ever gotten into a fight and, frankly speaking, it upset my stomach. Lucian was a good person. He knew how to tolerate things, maybe I had gone too far for him to have gotten this upset. I ran a hand through my hair in frustration and muttered a cuss under my breath. This was all Tami's fault. I was going to make Tami pay for it. She would regret the day she chose to meddle in my business. I clenched my fist tight and turned around, in an attempt to step back into the hotel. To my uttermost surprise, I saw George standing behind me. His arms were folded, and he had a confused l
Chapter Twenty Eight - Revenge PlanLucian's POV I am trying so hard to remind myself that Gabriella only did it because of her revenge plan, but I only sound like a fool. Was the kiss also part of her revenge plan? She could have done that without a kiss.I gulp a lump down my throat and gaze at George's wife. She has a smirk plastered on her face. She must be enjoying this, she must really like painting Gabriella as a bad person. I sighed heavily and rubbed the back of my neck. Did I even have the right to be jealous? It was just a contract marriage. She was still allowed to kiss whoever she liked as long as it was not in public."Thanks for this." I muttered. I attempted to walk away, but George's wife grabbed me by the wrist. I turned around to gaze at her with a raised brow, and she shrugged in response. "That is not all." She pointed out.My brows furrowed in confusion at her as I slowly loosened her grip on my wrist. What did she mean by that was not all? Did Gabriella go as f
Chapter Twenty Seven - Doubts Lucian's POV Throughout the drive to the hotel, I could not stop sneaking glances at Gabriella. She looked extremely stunning tonight, almost like a goddess. I wanted to shower compliments on her, but I felt like she would feel really uncomfortable around me. Ever since I had accidentally confessed my feelings for her, I noticed that she sort of distanced herself away from me. Of course, I tried to understand that her reason was because she wanted to fully focus on her revenge plan, but I could not also shake off the feeling that she was becoming way too invested in this revenge plan, to the extent of getting herself involved with a gang as dangerous as the gunfire gang. I was afraid of her. Gabriella was stubborn. She never listened to anyone. Rather, she liked to learn from her mistakes. I wished she would just take it easy with her plan. Or perhaps was I exaggerating? Was it because I was jealous that she was getting closer to her ex again? I k
Chapter Twenty Six - LiesGabriella's POV After Lucian's confession, I could not help but feel awkward about all of it. He said he truly loved and cared for me but all of that felt surreal. It was possible for me to believe the part where he said he cared, but the part about love was too weird. Love is a strong word.I sighed heavily as I stared at myself in the standing mirror. It was finally the night of the party. I was elegantly dressed in a black sleeveless knee-length dress. My hair was packed into a neat bun and i applied simple yet classy makeup on my face. The plan was to impress. I took a spin in front of the mirror and smiled at myself, satisfied by my look. I grabbed a pair of black stilettoes and a silver purse to compliment the silver jewelry adorned on my neck. Without wasting anymore of Lucian's time, I made my way out of the room. I met him in the sitting room, dressed in a white fitted inner shirt and a pair of gray suit pants clad to his long legs. His black suit
Chapter Twenty Five - Real Love Gabriella's POV I returned home tired, as I pushed the front door open. I dumped the shopping bags on the floor and threw myself carelessly on the couch. I released a loud yawn and Alessandro Miguel suddenly popped up in my head. I recalled the tattoo of a scorpion imprinted on his wrist. Without hesitation, I fetched my phone out of my pocket and browsed on the internet what it meant if someone had a tattoo of a scorpion on his wrist.Some images were displayed on my phone screen and even before I could read out the content behind the scorpion tattoo, someone already beat me to it. "It symbolizes the membership of a well-known dangerous gang known as the Gun fire men." A familiar deep voice rung out loud from behind.I turned around to gaze at Lucian peaking into my phone. He had reading glasses on and a book clutched tight to his hands. I gazed back at the screen of my phone to confirm how true Lucian's words were. To my uttermost surprise, he was r