Christiana's POV;
The weekend is here and grandma indeed plan a huge party for Stella. Everything is grand.
If one wasn't told what the occasion is, they would very easily mistake this to be an Oscar event.
There's a red carpet, grandma invited many of the family's huge and reputable business partners, the paparazzi are present and some unfamiliar faces are present as well.
Perhaps grandma also used this event to gain money by selling tickets to people hungry to be in the company of rich folks.Raymond and I step out of the Ferrari F60 America that brought us here and instantly, the flashes from cameras begin to harass us.
I've learned over the years how to handle this, but Raymond still hasn't gotten a hang of it. He still squints his eyes at the cameras but he'd get used to it soon. After all, he's only been in this for two years.
I'm in a champagne gold mermaid-shaped dres
Christiana's POV;I watch her walk over to where granny is standing, and she whispers something into grandma's left ear. Causing grandma to look in Raymond and his friend's direction.What is that peep squeak up to?They both begin to walk over to Raymond and I know whatever is coming next, would not be palatable.Just when I make to walk over to them, a voice stops me."Mrs. Cristinana! "I turn around to find a young girl running up to me."Excuse me, ma'am, hope you don't mind, but I've been dying to see you. I'm such a huge fan of yours, I spent my whole savings and got my dad to borrow some money, just so I could get a ticket to attend this party.I did it for you. "The young girl says. I was right. Grandma used this event to make money."Ma'am, I'm a student under scholarship at the Oxford University, and I want to be lik
Raymonds POV;"Didn't you hear? "Stella screams and my heart begins a furious pattern of beats in anger."Well someone has a big mouth! "Rayon says rudely to her in his usual un-shaking confidence. Totally ignoring grandma's blazing gaze."And who the f*ck do you think you are? Showing up to a party uninvited, and speaking to me like you're worth a single dime.My net worth can feed your entire generation and you think it's in your power to speak to me like you matter? "Stella screams at him and I inhale sharply as I clench my fists in anger."Well excuse me, ma'am. It's not my fault your attitude is as stinking as your ego. "Rayon replies and I smile inwardly. Ever proud of my friend's relentless courage."One more word young man and... "Grandma makes to speak."And what ma'am? Listen, Raymond invited me here and as far as I know, every guest i
Raymonds POV;I sit on a wooden bench beneath a tree and fix my gaze on the moon. It's fully out and is displaying its beautiful glory.Staring at it now, I wonder how it does what it does. How it remains so beautiful and adored despite all its scares and holes. Despite all the crashes and hurt it's been through.Despite it being so far from human habitation, we still found a way to get up there to trample on and mark it. Yet, it doesn't stop shinning and doesn't stop being beautiful.Some trample on it, some worship it and some like me, adore it. It isn't the brightest source of light, yet it is the most adored. One can't stare at the sun despite all its glory and purpose, but this humble moon remains forever flawless.Why can't humans be treated and seen this way? Why can't humble people who lay low, be honored. Why can't we just be as simple as the moon, and still be loved just like it too?All my life, while growi
Mr. William's POV;I stand a few feet away from my petting zoo, broken. As I watch the animals get loaded into vans, meant to convey them to another location.Fuzzball runs over to me and I pick the little angel up in my trembling arms. This is a nightmare I never thought I'd have. Talk less of seeing come to pass.My mother was misinformed, I never took a loan to get this place, I saved up for it. However, I took a loan to sponsor Christiana and Raymond's wedding, because my dear mother was against the idea of getting her grandchild married to some 'random, good for nothing stranger'. She refused to pay any of the bills and told me not to hold the wedding altogether, but I knew I had to. Those two may not see it, but they're a match made from heaven.My mother told me not to dare get them married, but I did. I got them married with a loan as I couldn't let my only child's wedding celebration be a flop.I took
Raymonds POV;I walk into my bedroom from the balcony in search of comfort from the morning Sun's blaze. At first, it was soothing and warm, but now it's slowly beginning to intensify and I don't think sunburn is something I'd quite enjoy.I find Christiana at the study table, scribbling furiously unto the document before her. This isn't the first time I'm seeing her with this document and the level of attention she shows to it is very intriguing. I mean, she's so focused, she hasn't even noticed I'm back in the room and staring at her.Her dark hair fallen to aside. Helping to outline the beauty of her face's side view. She keeps writing on the papers and my curiosity deepens. What could she possibly be writing?I clear my throat to gain her attention and this startles her a bit. She looks up at me and a little laughter escapes her lips. Probably laughing at her absent-mindedness."Good
My gaze tightens on the familiar-looking object in grandmas hand as she moves further down the stairs with Stella by her side. Both of them beaming with smiles."Good morning, house. "Grandma says in her normally high voice as she reaches the center of the living room."Good morning mother, ""Good morning Grandma, "Everyone except Stella and I, reply according to their relationship with Grandma.Grandma smiles and looks around. Her gaze lands on me but she averts her gaze like I'm some invisible ghost. Stella spots me, and a crooked smile splits her face. A smile that shakes me to my core and causes my heart to begin a marathon.The fear of what grandma is holding, turning out to be my plan drafts, causes me to tenses so hard, I almost pass out. What could she possibly be doing with my plan draft? How did it get to her? And why is Stella the one beside her and not me? What's going on?"It's another blessed morning t
Raymond's POV;I watch in hurt as Christiana runs out of the house with tears streaming down her face. I know for a fact she's not lying as I've seen her work on that document time and time again.I avert my gaze to the person I suspect, and the way she's moving her fingers through her hair makes it clear to me that she's a culprit.Aunt Lily did this. I remember how she eyes the documents this morning. She stole from her niece to elevate her daughter! What sort of aunt does that?Is this what family does?She looks over at me and finds me glaring at her as everyone begins to leave the living room, hence, she averts her gaze nervously and begins to walk away.What an excuse of an aunt. Poor Christy. I saw the pain and hurt in her eyes. I'd have spoken up to aunt Lily, and made my suspicions known, but, in this family, the worst can happen for being disobedient. The truth eventua
Raymond's POVI sit on my room's balcony. Eagerly expecting Christiana to show up. The sun is bright, the sky is clear, but the heavy wind blowing makes it known that a downpour is coming soon.I look at my wristwatch and find the time reads 3:00 pm. I can only imagine what she's going through. When I came in a while back, I found that the document wasn't where Christiana left it, or I last saw it.It baffles me to know that one's flesh and blood, can sabotage one, just for power and glory. I'm sorry to say, but if this is what family is all about, I'm very glad, my mother was the only family I had before she passed on.Before yesternight, Christiana and I weren't at all close. We just treated each other as humans should, till we decided to form a friendship-based bond. And as human, it's only fair to feel bad at the sight of such injustice.However, as her friend, I feel hurt and angered. I know I'm not her dream husband, but I
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Third Persons Narrative;Raymond and Christiana walk back into the event hall, holding hands, and all smile. Leaving the whole hall confused. They were expecting them to not come back together, or not return at all. Raymond climbs back onto the podium and takes hold of the mic. "Hello, me again. Yeah, so, I'm here to announce to you all that I'm taking my wife and father-in-law away from the Duran mansion, and from now on, they'd be staying with me. I think it's high time I give my wife and dad-in-law a fresh start. "He announces, and Mr. William stares at his daughter with wide eyes. She's beside him and whispers into his ear. "It's okay daddy. It's for the best. "Raymond had asked her about this, and she said it was fine by her. Raymond has a mansion he purchases for his darling wife and father-in-law. He smiles at the crowd and walks over to grandma Duran. "Thank you, for your beautiful granddaughter. "He whispers to the awe-struck w
Raymond's POV; There are a lot of faces I want to look at as my father made this announcement, but the most important to me is Christiana's. I look over at her and find a frozen look of shock on her face. Same as her father. "Sorry? "Grandma Duran questions, and I laugh. "You heard right. "My father replies, and the priceless look of horror clouds her face. "Mr. Raymond, is this true? "A reporter questions and I smile before taking my place before the microphone. I clear my throat before proceeding to speak. "Yeah... Uhm, as my Dad said, I am his first son. The first child he ever had. I... Uh... This is very impromptu. Thank you, dad. "I begin but stop to say a sarcastic thank you to my father for putting me on the spot, and he pats my back. "It was about time. "He replies and I chuckle before continuing. "The story behind my absence from his life and why we've never spoken of each other till now remains something
Third Person's Narrative; Stella walks up to Mr. Johnson. Raymond's father and his guards try to stop her. Seeing her as a potential threat to their boss, but he signals them to let her come to him. "Good evening sir, I... Uhm, I have the papers you said you'd sign to conclude our deal. "She says, and Mr. Johnson raises a brow at her. "I said I'd sign? "He questions and she swallows. "Uhm... Y... Yes sir? "Stella replies. Unsure of herself. "Call the number I gave you. "Mr. Johnson says and Stella's forehead creases. Why does she need to call his number if he's right in front of her she thinks to herself. She's hesitant at first but decides to comply as she doesn't want to lose the deal. She takes out her phone and searches for ' Mr. Johnson ' in her contact list. She finds the number and places a call through to it. However, no phone around her rings. Neither Mr. Johnson nor his guards flinch. This confuses her as she expected Mr. Joh
Raymond's POV; Slow music begins to play, and couples begin to take the dance floor. Which is the middle of the room. Those who don't feel like dancing or don't have dance partners, form a circle around the couples dancing. "May I have this dance? "I question Christiana, and she blushes. "Yes, you may. "She replies taking my hand and leading me to the dance floor. I place my hands on her waist, and she rests hers on my shoulders. I don't pay attention to my legs, but all myself to be lost in the beauty I the goddess before me. Now I get it. All the times I caught her staring, all the times she tried to avoid my voice, gaze, or closeness. She had actually been into me for a long time, time didn't know how to tell me, or how to handle it. Now, I have my wife. And not just by title. Being rich has its plus sides. I mean, it may not seem true but my life took a turn for the better when money came into it. Unknown to Christiana, I got her l
Christiana's POV; "Do you have something to say to us? "Grandma questions stepping away from the mic, and I nod. I walk up to the mic, battling tears. The battle I've been fighting for so long has finally been won. "I... I want to first off thank my father, for the constant support, and for being the backbone I needed to stand strong. Ever since I lost my mother, he's been all I had. When I felt down, broken, cheated, hurt, defeated, and lost, he was always there for me. Always there to pick me up and dust the dirt off my skirt, to plant a kiss on my forehead, hug me, and remind me that I'm his little princess, and no matter what, no one or thing can take that crown from me. He's been there to show me, love. True love. He's been... Amazing. An amazing father. From helping me pick my prom dress, to helping me emotionally, to getting me married to my husband. There's no denying it was all over the news that Christiana Duran got married to a jobl
Christiana's POV; My mind explodes as these words reach my ears. I stare dumbfounded at him in shock. "S... Sorry, what? "I question in shock, and he takes a deep breath as if preparing himself to do something very difficult. "Christiana, when I first got married to you, I thought... I was being punished for loving your father as mine. I... I felt I was doing him a favor, and nothing will change the way I saw or felt for you. Then seeing the way you treated me... How your family contributed to that, I saw the worst coming for us. But... "He begins, and anxiety begins to gnaw at my sanity. What is he about to say? Does he... Does he want to say he has no... "But we became friends, I slowly began to see you under a new light... I gave you a chance, and you showed me what a gem you are. You're humble, silly, hardworking, strong, resilient, and not to mention how extremely beautiful you are. The list goes on, and... and I know I'm
Christianas POV; "Let's just say... I know a guy. "He replies, and I chuckle. Not only is Raymond nice, mature, and an endless list of everything good, he also has an amazing sense of humor. "You didn't reply me tough. "He says, as we continue walking on the red carpet towards the main entrance, and my brows furrow. "Reply you on what? "I question. "The dress. Your makeover, do you like it? "He questions again, and for some reason, my cheeks begin to burn. "I love it. Thank you. "I reply, and he smiles. "You look stunning. "He comments, and those words add fuel to my already burning cheeks. "Thank you. And, you look like a hero from some action movie. "I reply and he laughs. " I don't mind being the hero, as long as you're the heroine. "He says, and the heat from my blushing cheeks intensify. My gaze falls to my feet with a huge smile on my face. walking into this grand occasion with my husband's firm grip aroun
Christiana's POV; It's been a week since we submitted our progress to grandma. She released our credit cards to us but hasn't said a thing. She told us she's throwing a party and will announce the next sole inheritor of the Duran empire, before the whole world. This is a big deal, as whoever it is, gets to be the boss, and decides what jobs the rest of us get. The new person in charge, can't just fire us all without tangible reasons, but asides from that, they get to decide what they retain us as, and if we don't want such positions, we're free to leave. I know James is very mature, and a part of me is painfully making peace with him winning, but Raymond has been against me thinking or saying things like that. He says being a winner, starts from one's mindset. It's the ' The ' day. The day that marks a significant change in the Duran empire. Of course, you know by now that grandma would have nothing less than an Oscar party setting for one of her big