chapter 8: "That was a little? "Luke sat beside Tess quietly. Relishing in the flowery scent and motherly love she emitted. He felt a little strange and nervous. His heart tickled with warmth and he felt like crying. His nose and eye lids grew red from holding back tears. His heart ached for Tess. The underlying sorrow in her aura couldn't be unmasked. Her shoulders shivered slightly and a streak of tears drifted from her eyes, all the way down to her palm. Seemingly unconscious, her eyes stayed glued to the stage without blinking. Luke watched the tears fall in the saddest, lonesome way possible. Her tears looked like a piece of tiny diamond, as it was getting darker from the heavy clouds and the lights from the water fountain manifested on her face for a few seconds. “My love, during the long hesitationI couldn’t find the right words to express my feelingsWith all my heart in those ordinary hellosI just want to ask if you’re doing wellNot knowing what to say nextI put down t
chapter 9: "welcome home Luke"Tess recovered from her trance when the rain started drizzling. She withdrew from the hug, wiped Luke's wet face, and placed a wet kiss on his cheek. "Mother." Luke called with tears and soft tenderness in his eyes that deflected the color of the starry night. Tess's heart softened, It's the first time "Luuk's" voice had ever sounded so soft, like a child. She blamed herself inwardly for that. He caught her in the moment of weakness. Throwing the bad memories to the back of her mind, Tess picked Luke up like a baby and twirled. "Hehe hehe" Luke broke into a laughing fit. His soft voice was still slightly wobbly from crying. "Do you feel better son?" Tess held him tight. She pulled her jacket forward to protect him from the cold wind. " Yes mother, I am fine." Luke couldn't get enough of Tess's affection. His ocean blue eyes twinkled. "Mother has a very beautiful smile. It must be exhausting to look like a goddess all the time, carrying the weight of
Chapter 10: If you treat the mind do you do that at the detriment of the body? "Good morning Mr De vries, I sent two files attachments via email. I narrowed down the list of therapist experienced with kids to two based on the young master's likes.""Okay, I'll pick one of them. Fix a home appointment with him today." Ruben dropped the call. His mind drifted to the clashing personalities "Luke" displayed. " Luke's " mannerism seemed just like his own and his heart hurt from the cold shoulders he got the precious night. He had spread sauce all over the dumplings just the way Luke loved it but unexpectedly, "Luke" got mad and scolded him. "Dishes should be dipped in sauce, spreading sauce all over dumplings is an atrocity. Uncultured and unrefined way to eat. The opposite of the behaviour a person of nobility should possess. I will skip dinner tonight." Those words traumatized Ruben, so much that they were still fresh in his mind. He had never been so speechless. His heart still ache
Chapter 11: "Are you excited?" "No- I." Mr Anderson was left speechless. In his entire career, he had never been left speechless by a 6 year old. "Let's proceed with the session, I have important work to finish." Luuk interrupted without remorse. He leaned back on the chair, clearly uninterested in the therapist's words. The candy and bag of junks was enough to deem him a quack. "Okay, okay haha." Mr Anderson laughed awkwardly. "Is there anything bothering you at the moment? Perhaps something your father did.""No" Luuk answered curtly."Mmh, okay. How would you define the biggest challenge you’re facing right now? ""This interview." Luuk replied solemnly, his patience was running thin. "Hehe this is not an interview Luke, it's a friendly discussion." Mr Anderson said friendly. His hands on the table fidgeted with a pen. Luuk's composure made him slightly nervous. "So can I leave now?""Er No no, it's important, your father requested this." "My father, not me.""Luke, your fat
Chapter 12: "Should have walked away with your dignity when you still had it." After an hour of a smooth and steady journey, Ruben and Luuk arrived at the mansion. Luuk eyes glimmered, Ruben’s mansion was very large. A huge water fountain graced the middle of the yard, two golden lion figures were placed in such a way it appeared that water came out of their mouths, adding to the grandeur of the mansion. The cool cream and black organic stones used to mold the wall of the mansion was akin to Ruben's temperament. A mixture of warmth and dark coldness. The entrance has 4 stairs to the large door that lead into the living room. The car went round the water fountain and stopped at the entrance. Luuk remained calm all through. Tess's house in the US couldn't be considered half the size of Ruben’s courtyard but that's because Tess was a minimalist. She preferred a low profile life and would only be extravagant when she picked her clothings or junks. A budding of excitement sprouted in Lu
Chapter 13: " Are you really my son or a clone he made to elope from me?" "You haven't answered my question. Why are you here?" Ruben spoke after a minute of silence. His gaze was like a heavy boulder weighing down on Britt's shoulders. "I want to be the face of the new project." Brittany went straight to the point. Ruben raised his brows slightly, a light flashed past his eyes in a second but his expression returned to normal, "No." he refused tactically giving no room for negotiation. Brittany's expression didn't show any change as though she had expected this response. She paused for a few seconds and asked plainly, "Why?" "You should lay low for a while, my team is still having a headache cleansing after your previous mess but now you want another role? Are you looking forward to dragging my company's image in the mud?!" Ruben's voice rose a few pitches in anger. "Hahaha" Brittany laughed hysterically. " Is it because of me or her? I heard she's back and she's working in your
Chapter 14: "Didn't you hear me? I recommend Luke De Vries as Director of software engineering." "Good morning Miss Janssen." The workers on Tess's team at the law firm all stood up to greet Tess at her arrival. "Oh? Is that your son? He's so cute." A female co-worker said, her hands cupped her cheeks as she stared at Luke with twinkling eyes. Luke was shy from all of the attention so he hid behind Tess's striking red trousers. Her dressing style had become more bold and vibrant, luxurious and stylish. She wore a white slightly loose top with a vintage scarf gracing her delicate neck. Long red pants which elongated her slender legs and she completed the look with a pair of red heels with silvery details and red crocodile skin designer bag. Her silky healthy hair and confident shoulders pronounced her elegance and nobility.In contrast to Tess, Luke was wearing a pair of comfortable black joggers and hoodie. Those were the only clothes in Luuk's wardrobe he deemed wearable. In fact,
chapter 15: "I will do the talking and you will listen to me" Luuk scanned the quiet room with a scrutinizing gaze. He nodded In satisfaction and continued. " I will do the talking and you lots will listen to me. Anyone with an objection can leave no." No one dared to make a sound, their Jaws seemed to have dislocated their mouths. They stared in disbelief at the commanding aura emanating from the little figure that stood on the podium. If they weren't mistaken, his overwhelming control over them seemed to exceed that of Ruben. "Father, no, Mr De Vries recommended me abruptly and I understand your disagreement. I am without skills and appear to be a mere six year old child. But that's where I deem you all useless. Do you know how much knowledge you can acquire if you read and practice for 5 years? Yes, I have been polishing my skills since I was able to read, talk and write. I won't understand your foolishness again, instead I will show you. I am working on the prototype of the AI
Author’s note.On this note, I announce to the fans of Double sided revenge that the book has come to an end.Thank you all for your support, patience and abundance of love.Every penny spent on reading the book is appreciated, your hearts reach me, every single one of my followers. This book is so precious to me, because it’s the first and only book I have ever completed since I started writing In 2019. It would only get better from now on. I have learnt to manage my time, work, strive hard to learn more about fiction writing while studying for a science degree and I pray, as you’ve helped me discover myself, I wish upon you the self love and confidence it takes to strive through the lowest periods of your life.Thank you. Xoxo
Chapter 143: Wedding ceremony.After dinner, Ruben and Tess resigned to their rooms, leaving the kids to watch their newly founded television show.“I want to be inside you.” Ruben whispered inside Tess' ears as they prepared to sleep.“Suddenly?”“Mmh, suddenly.”Tess adjusted herself in a comfortable position to bury her face in Ruben’s neck, basking in his masculine scent.“As a celebration for renewal of wedding vows?” Tess asked as she placed kisses around his neck.“Mmh, whatever you call it.” Tess chuckled. She loved to see the effect she had on him.“Let’s get married, again.” Tess proposed. “The kids would absolutely love to be our flower boys.”“Luuk would hold a grudge against you for months.”They burst out in laughter.“Oh God, I’m afraid I love you too much.” Ruben said out of the whim.“I’m afraid you have no choice.” Tess laughed. “Now serve me, knight.” She began to unfasten the belt that held her silk robe together.…Two weeks later,After attending to pending issu
Chapter 142: “Between us, words aren’t needed. Our hearts are in sync, I know your hearts.Tess and Ruben returned to the car, Ruben took a moment to ensure Tess was alright before they drove to the cemetery where her father was laid to rest.“Father, I’m here.” Tess dropped the flowers they brought along with, they bowed to him and sat by his grave, gazing at the skies.“He loved you.” Tess broke the peaceful silence.Ruben turned his head sideways. His veiny hands reached for Tess’s face and tucked her hair behind her ears to get a better view of her face. “He loved you just as much.”“No.” Tess turned to face him. “He loved me more.”They held eye contact for two seconds and burst out in laughter.The rest of the day was spent watching the sunset, cradled in each other’s arms for warmth.…“Luuk Luuk, look what I found.” Luke barged into Luuk’s room without knocking.Luuk: “…” *deadly glare*Luke dropped his head and exited the door while walking backwards. He closed the door gen
Chapter 141: Retribution.After a filling breakfast, Regal drove Tess to the basement where Elaine was locked up.As she came down from the car, Tess took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself to face Elaine. Although Ruben had tried to stop her from watching the video that exposed Elaine's crimes, Tess couldn’t resist. She had to watch it, to fuel her anger so she doesn’t go easy on Elaine and to discern if it was all real or the universe was playing with her head. It worked, she was ridiculed with unfathomable rage and her heart was ripped into shreds.Her father’s last moments were filled with pain and heartbreaks, some of which she contributed to. The guilt still ate at her heart. Tess was basked in guilt weighing heavily on her shoulders, Elaine was welcomed into their home because of her obvious longing and desire for maternal love even though her father tried his best in raising her.She thought, perhaps if she had handled things differently, her father wouldn’t have die
Chapter 140: “I am honored to be a part of your life, Tess.” Tess announced her second departure to the people of syzygy who were reluctant to let her go.News of her being the renowned Avis of the underworld hit the streets, causing the village of Syzygy to welcome more foreign guests than usual.The people of Syzygy were beyond elated, business was booming, cash was flowing, their children, parents and loved ones had returned home, they were free from the oppression of the Urchins and neighboring predators, and their standard of living shot through the roof.The people praised Tess endlessly and to appreciate her, Flower bouquets, letters, gift boxes, hand drawn portraits and framed photos were lined up at her doorstep, nearing a thousand. And at night, the streets were illuminated with red floating lanterns which represents good fortune in Chinese culture. In each lantern, the villagers included individual prayers and well wishes towards Tess and her family and suspended them to
Chapter 139: “You make me the happiest man on earth.”Tess, Ruben, the twins, Aiden, Regal and her other entourages hit the road to the village of syzygy.The trip took two days as they had frequent stops to shop for souvenirs for Tess and the twins. The men complied easily, their hearts devoid of anger or impatience. The kids were showered with as much adoration and respect as Tess.Eventually, they arrived at the village of syzygy. It was late at night, the twins were fast asleep in Aiden and Regal’s arms. “We will put the kids to sleep, you should go to bed now. The trip must have been exhausting.” Aiden’s words were full of concern and adoration. He had Ruben questioning if he was doing enough.Tess smacked Ruben from behind. She could easily tell his thoughts as it was written on the frown that crawled up his regal visage.After they left, Ruben cleared his throat and pulled Tess impatiently into the room. Before the door clicked shut, he wrapped her in his wide embrace and envel
Chapter 138: “Even death isn’t enough to atone for your crimes”Regal and Ruben stood in a distance from each other, staring at each other. Regal couldn’t utter a word, so did Ruben.“How ?” Regal finally said the words biting at his throat for so long.“I’ll explain later.” Tess held Luuk tighter. “Until then,” she faced Thomas. “You must pay for messing with my family.” Since Ruben was present, Tess had no reason to hold back anymore.“Tch, seems you weren’t listening at all, in here, I hold the ultimate power.”“Than the Avis?”“Than the Av- what?!” Thomas looked around in confusion. Finally, his eyes descended upon Alpha, wrapped in white clothings. “Ah-a that, that wasn’t what I meant,” He laughed uncomfortably, “ The Avis holds the ultimate power, saying otherwise would be slander. This is a personal iss-““Then why would you purposefully commit slander?” Alpha raised an eyebrow.“B-but I didn’t-““Haven’t you realized by now?” Alpha uncovered the white fabric covering the bo
Chapter 137: “Father! That uncle looks like you.”“What’s wrong?” Aiden said in concern.“T-that man, do you know him?”“Who? Oh Don? He is the leader of the Urchins. He surfaced in the underworld a few years ago and do you know the first thing he did? He got rid of all of his relatives and thereafter claimed the urchins. It was a bloodbath.”“Do you know his history?”“Quite a bit. He originated from a small village in the underworld, ridiculed with sudden famine and drought due to change in weather, people died like chickens. This led to an increase in crime rates. The government saw this as an opportunity to buy children from the underworld at cheap rates for experimental purposes. Families resorted to selling their children. Birth rate increased and the rate of emigration increased. The balance was thrown off. I heard he was one of the unfortunate children sold off.”Aiden paused and continued in a quiet voice. “Midway through the journey, an accident of unknown causes happened, it
Chapter 136: “ How could a person’s mind be so deep?”The magistrate looked just as old as Tess pictured. His saggy, unfriendly eyes and bent posture made him appear unsightly. Tess hated him instantly, especially that ugly frown on his face.“Who are you?” The magistrate asked, his voice sounded plummy to Tess’s ears, even Regal frowned.“The General of the village of Syzygy.” Regal stepped in to say.I The magistrate sized up Tess, his ugly eyes inspected every inch of her body.“Have you seen enough?” Tess asked with a crazed expression.“Oh, the criminal from yesterday.” The magistrate said in a pretentious attitude.Tess scoffed.“The General was arrested unjustly, we were provoked first by-““Murdering people in the core of the underworld is prohibited. She violated that rule and was arrested accordingly.” The magistrate interrupted.“So high and mighty. Then how do you explain poisoning my uncle?”“Uncle?” The magistrate asked in confusion and so was everyone in the room.They