“You… you… who….” Eleanor looked in disbelief and then turned to look at Dana.“Ignore him. He’s just bored.” Dana stood up and pulled Eleanor as she glared at Ben and walked towards the door. ‘What was wrong with this man?’.Sarah pursed her lips upwards ‘Why did she feel the two were flirting?’“These…. these… are all people you know?” Eleanor still hadn’t come out from her shock.“Sadly, yes.” Dana twisted her lips.“Oh… then….” Eleanor lowered her head as she thought of her actions.Ben pulled Dana into his embrace. He lowered his head and raised his eyebrows playfully “Where are you running off to? Didn’t you just ask her how she was going to get out of here?”“Oh” Dana had forgotten this detail.“And we still need to get back to the dinner.” Ben knew Dana was hungry.“But Eleanor…” Dana looked at Ben with a difficult expression.“Don’t worry. Archer will take her back to a safe house.” Ben comforted gently.Ed looked at Frank with raised eyebrows ‘Is this our Ben?’Frank rolled
Dana pursed her lips as she looked at Ben ‘This man, did he not understand or is he pretending ignorance?’Ben leaned closer to her ear and whispered with a roguish grin “Is he handsome? Can’t bear to look away?”“You…” Dana leaned back a little before shaking her head dismissively.Frank and Sarah were immersed in their little bubble, sharing their love and concern. Poor Shadow and Ed were tortured by these two couples. Ed swore in his head that he would find a girlfriend soon and show off in front of these two heartless friends who didn’t consider his feelings.Amber looked at Maine and her vicious mind was churning. She had seen his gaze on Dana. Perhaps…. she had a successful formula, tried and tested. She had to think and come up with a plan to rope him in.The rest of the diner finished just like that. Some were openly showing their love, some flirting, some pretending they didn’t exist, some resentful and jealous.Dana and Sarah went to the restroom after diner.“Oh… my tummy i
Ben knew Dana spent her weekends at Peach Blossom apartment. So, he let Shadow drive as Dana sat in a daze, nestled in his embrace. Ben didn’t want her to wake up from the daze, so he kept quiet until they reached the apartment.“We are here.” Ben spoke in a gentle low tone. Dana stared at him in confusion. ‘What was she doing?’Ben let out a low chuckle “Don’t want to let go?”Dana blinked, she realized how ambiguous their posture was and pushed him away. But Ben still held on to her. She looked at him with a pleading gaze “Please let go. I am sorry…I overstepped the boundary…” She wasn’t sure why she sat comfortably in his embrace. She knew she shouldn’t …“I enjoyed it” Ben chuckled but then added in a serious tone “Stay away from Maine. He doesn’t want to be just friends.”Dana was about to retort that it was none of his business when she heard the last part and changed her words “I know. I am not a three year who believes in coincidences.”“What?” Ben caught the hint of the latte
“We’re here” Shadow announced as he parked in the parking lot of a quaint little church.Ben opened his eyes and looked at Dana sleeping peacefully in his embrace ‘How long would it take for her to accept him?’ He sighed and gently moved her to the side before waking her.Lara had woken up by Shadow’s voice, but she pretended to sleep and watched Ben’s gentle actions. She could see the doting gentleness in his eyes that came from the depths of his heart. She sighed inwardly! She still had to talk to him. She could only stand on her friend’s side.Dana opened her eyes and stared at Ben in confusion before realizing they were in a car. She smiled awkwardly as she got out of the car.Dana looked around and asked, “Is Angus’s body following us?”“No. Shadow bought it yesterday to avoid attracting attention.” Ben explained.“There you are!” Sarah shouted excitedly as she walked towards Dana.“You came early?” Dana smiled.“Nope. Just got here.”“This is my friend, Lara.” Dana pulled Lara a
3 days later, special task force members gathered at the manor on mount road; Nathan, Hillary and Shaun were recovered from their injuries and were currently resting at the manor.“What happened?” Tyrell asked as he sat down.“That day, Nadia asked Nathan and if he could help her with something.” Shaun spoke first.“She said that she has got into a bit of trouble and that it was too embarrassing to tell the others.” Nathan scratched his head in embarrassment. “I was in the cafeteria at that time, and we were the only ones there. I agreed and went back to tell these two and they wanted to tail me.” Nathan took over.“But Nadia wasn’t in the group.” Shadow interrupted with a frown as he thought of the possibility of a loose cannon.“She didn’t turn up.” Hilary smirked.“She told me that there would soon be a lot of people in the cafeteria and if I could meet her off base.” Nathan’s face had an unnatural color.“Didn’t we discuss this person the day before?” Daniel frowned.“Yes. I was s
“Olivia, are you still going to shoot with Larson?” Lyla asked in disdain. Larson was the new kid on the block whose popularity plummeted due to a scandal.“Yes.” Olivia smiled.“Why? This will be your downfall.” Arora had a disdainful expression.“He is Oliver’s friend. Actually, he is innocent.” Olivia smiled bashfully as she mentioned Oliver.“Arora, I haven’t seen you with Mr Adalase recently. What’s happening?” Lyla asked hesitantly. This was her main aim behind getting the girls together. She had to complete the mission her cousin gave her.“Why? Don’t tell me you want to steal him.” Arora narrowed her eyes, and she twisted her lips in disdain.“No… no… I have no such ambition.” Lyla shook her head.Arora raised her chin haughtily and sneered “Then, its none of your business.”Lyla looked at Arora with a conflicted expression. She really wanted to know. She took a sip while her mind churned with the best possible way to handle Arora.“Frankly speaking, you were only with Mr Adal
Tuesday night-Ed, Frank, Shadow and Ben were celebrating the last day of ‘Dana Ban’ at Skylight. No one bought Dana into the conversation. Even so, only Ben knew how he passed these 2 weeks. He was grateful to Lara. It helped him confirm that in this lifetime, he could not let go off Dana. The helplessness of these days was bone deep. He felt that a part of his soul was missing.“Cheers!” They toasted.“What’s the verdict from this experiment?” Ed asked even though he knew the answer. He had never seen such a listless and short fused Ben. His normal temperament was cold but charming at the same time. Ben was ruthless when he dealt with his enemies, but he rarely had a temper. They say, it’s scarier to see him smile, ‘coz beneath that smile lies the chill of death itself.“She’s mine” Ben’s eyes were filled with conviction.They clinked their cups again.“So,
Lisa looked at Ben resentfully. She originally didn’t want to go. She even suspected this so-called work was to keep her from investigating the person behind Ben’s change. But she had thought things through. She didn’t need to be there. She could easily use someone to be her eyes. Now she wanted to go!Ben dialed a number and waited patiently.“This is Benjamin Adalase.”“Yes. Is there a chance you can make that reservation for three people?”“No. They are all my trusted men.”“Um”“How many days?“Um”“Alright. Then I will remember this favor.” Ben hung up.Frank looked at his phone in confusion before hanging up and looking at Ed who was drinking tea in his office “I think Ben’s lost the plot.”“What is he scheming this time?” Ed raised his eyebrows as he pursed his lips into a smile.“Hell! I have been married for too long. I am too old for the two of you.” Frank spat out with a face full of grievance.Ben looked back at the three expectant faces before looking at Piper “You can go
“That is not up to you.” Marken, one of the high counsellors disdained. Adalases was not Ben’s to stake at will; There were other Adalases who could refute this stake.Sherman knew Marken’s ambition was no less than Herten, but he also knew that unlike Herten, Marken would never betray his country and was in a good mood for watching a show although he knew what decision he would ultimately make.“That is a fair point.” Sherman nodded thoughtfully before saying “If the entire Adalase can be staked on this man, then I agree.” Sherman chuckled “With resources greater than the reserve bank, it won’t be hard to rebuild our facilities even if we are compromised.”No one could refute this point.“The Weldons won’t shy away from responsibility either.” Frank didn’t know why the commander had changed his colors, but he stood shoulder to shoulder with his brother.Shadow didn’t have anything to offer, but he stood beside Ben. His expression unwavering.Tyrell slowly got up from his chair and wal
Lara delivered a baby girl as her heart’s desire. She only saw her bundle of joy for a minute before her vision blurred. She also saw the joy in her man’s eyes. These were the two things she remembered before she fainted. She didn’t know if she would wake up again or whether this was eternal sleep, but she was gratified.The Evans and Burton elders had just returned when Amy came out holding the bundle of joy. They didn’t have time to process everything before they were handed the little bundle.“She is so sweet.” Megan smiled as looked over Marjorie shoulders.“My daughter-in-law is indeed pretty.” Dana laughed. She knew the minds of the elders were not calm. She was trying to lighten their moods.No one knew when Ben, Frank and Shadow appeared behind their women.“How can it be so easy to snatch my granddaughter?” Marjorie retorted proudly.“Yes…. yes…yes...” Abigail laughed happily as she let the little one hold her finger tightly. Dana’s retort had pulled the elders mind back to th
Ben and Dana’s days were filled with love and tranquility. Ben felt like he was in a dream; his life was everything he dreamed of; his beloved woman was his wife; she would cook and wait for him; his house was filled with the laughter of the precious treasures his wife had given him. He was truly grateful to the heavens.Ed’s days were getting hectic. Between the challenges of his official duty and a pregnant wife, he was almost ready to retire. He wanted to spend more time with his wife and child. Seeing Ben’s cute little babies, he couldn’t wait to have his own little treasure.Frank and Sarah didn’t know whether to laugh or cry; their little Lu would run almost every day to see his little wife, especially now that she was becoming prettier. The babies were becoming chubbier with fair skin and rosy cheeks. Their features were becoming more prominent and dashing, melting the hearts of everyone around them.Dan and Don were like a mother hen defending their younger siblings from everyo
The next day, the Williamses landed and rushed to the hospital. Dana had rested well and regained most of her vigor.Ben was changing nappies while Dana was sleeping peacefully when they arrived.“She can still sleep?” Dana’s younger sister asked in surprise as Ben gestured for them to lower their volume. He handed one baby each to the stunned Mr and Mrs Williams and led all of them to the adjacent room.“Sorry… Dana has just rested.” Ben apologized sincerely for his rudeness.Mrs Williams shook head, her eyes were misty. She was truly grateful to the heavens for her daughter’s fortune to have met such a man. Even though he was rich and powerful, he loved and doted on her without bounds…. This was truly her fortune. It would be a lie to say that they were not worried. On the way back after the wedding they had met a lady who was crying pitifully. Mrs Williams didn’t feel comfortable and lend her a shoulder to lean on; She didn’t know who they were and told them that she was fleeing fro
Ben sat next to Dana urging her to wake up. He was scared out of his wits as he had seen the amount of blood that she lost during the delivery… he feared that she wouldn’t wake up and all his happiness would disappear in the blink of an eye even though Steve repeatedly reassured him that she was fine and just sleeping from exhaustion. He sat next to her telling her how much he missed her.He told her how he felt that a portion of him was missing without her by his side; He told her how much he loved her…. He begged her to wake up… He sat by her side never taking his eyes of her pale face… holding her hand … and begging her to wake up….He started to tell her their story from his perspective. He told her how she disturbed him from their first encounter. How he thought that she had approached him with a purpose, He told her how he shamelessly wanted to see her even if he knew that she had approached him with a purpose.He told her how he used to follow her like a shadow just to feel her
Ben was on edge now that Dana was full term. He kept following her nervously like a shadow. One evening just as they finished dinner and were heading upstairs to retire, Dana stood still on the stairs and called weakly “Ben….”“What is it?” Ben looked affectionately at his wife who had stopped walking and became stiff.“I…. my …. I think my water broke.” Dana barely managed to mumble as she held on tightly to Ben.“You…. you….” Ben froze.Alexa was the first to react. She ran downstairs to alert Shadow and Mrs Bentley before running back upstairs to get the baby bag that Dana had prepared beforehand.“CEO” Alexa called out helplessly as she saw a frozen Ben.“Huh?” Ben looked at the panic-stricken Dana and came to his senses. He carried her and ran downstairs carefully. Alexa informed him that Shadow was waiting downstairs with the car. Shadow had informed Steve as soon as Alexa came running downstairs. Everything at the hospital would be set by Steve.Shadow sped towards the hospital;
Shadow had been getting along fabulously with Ruth and decided that he wanted to get married watching Ben’s bliss. He had decided on Ruth, then what was the point in delaying… but the problem was he had no idea how to…. he was also worried if Ruth didn’t have the same intention… then wouldn’t he be making a fool of himself?Shadow walked around with a constipated expression. He would have asked Dana’s help if his boss wasn’t so petty…. But what could he do… his boss was!“What’s wrong?” Dana finally asked as she couldn’t bear to watch his miserable face.“I …” Shadow suddenly felt tongue tied. He was waiting for Dana to ask…. But when she did, he didn’t know how to vocalize his problem. He lowered his head with a frown on his lips.“He wants to propose to Ruth but doesn’t know how to.” Ben didn’t give Shadow any face when he mercilessly pierced through his wall.“Oh….” Dana nodded perceptively “You are worried that she doesn’t have that intention and she will reject?”Shadow nodded alt
The ladies went shopping happily without realizing that none of their actions were missed by their men.Dana wanted to see how Ruth was going so she decided to stop by her shop. However, she changed her mind when she got to Ruth’s shop and pulled the others and ran. Granger was at the store pestering Ruth. It was most certainly a crime to stop someone’s fortune and she didn’t want her husband to have another enemy…..hehe…hehe… she was quite clever!“What are you laughing like a fool for?” Lara asked looking at Dana’s silly smile.Dana shrugged keeping her silly smile but didn’t enlighten the two.“Sister-in-law...” A sweet sound called from behind as the ladies were immersed in their world of freedom.The three turned in unison but Dana’s face darkened as she saw Lizzie walking towards her smiling like a flower. She had almost forgotten her promise to Bertie.“When did I become your sister-in-law?” Dana folded her hands looking arrogantly at Lizzie.“Soon… soon we will be family.” Lizz
In a condemned cell in B country, Pigle read the news of embezzlement of 10 million in public funds from Pigle enterprises. He begged the prison guards to let him see his son one last time.Jefferson indulged him considering he had inadvertently helped Ben get closure to the mystery that was haunting him for more than 15 years.Pigle junior arrived promptly to see his father once he was granted visitation rights.“Son, this is all Mr Adalase’s doing. You have to become strong and hit him hard.” Charles eyes were red with anger.“Dad, I know all about the cause and effect of this incident.” Pigle junior lowered his head in shame. His father was his pride. He looked up to his father but now…. looking at all the shameful things his father had done, he didn’t want any part in it. He wanted to take his mother and run far from all this shame.“Son…” Charles called; his eyes widened as he lifted in eyebrows.Pigle junior showed the video that was sent to him soon after the incident broke out.