Raymond's POV
I 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
Mr. William's POV;In my state of brokenness and hurt, I left my daughter to wander off whilst wallowing in her pain. I know it's no excuse, that's why I've spent the last twenty minutes in search of her.I've checked everywhere around the petting zoo but found no one. Just when my panic had begun to skyrocket and my fear escalate, I spot her not too far off, in the arms of a man.However, my eyes grow wide in shock and joy, at the sight of the man who's so lovingly holding my daughter.Raymond!How did he know she was in pain? How did he know where to find her? Above all, how is it possible that my daughter, the same one who's always seen her marriage to Raymond as a price to pay for her father's happiness, is allowing the same 'unwanted husband ', to hold her so lovingly?"Have you found... "Samantha's voice begins but dies down the same way her running drops to walking. This is as a result of th
Mr. William's POV;"You will do no such thing, William!"She screams and I turn around to look at her."Oh yes, I will mother. You're not the boss of me! "I scream back."Yes, I am. I am your mother... "She begins and I cut her in irritation."Not my God! ""Listen, mom, you may have taken my patting zoo away from me, but you have not taken my passion nor dignity.Mother, I am not a loser, and just in case you've forgotten, I'm just as stubborn as my father used to be.I will not work for you! I'd rather work at a car wash or a pizza palace. After all, the media will take it as me being the usual, humble billionaire.So don't worry, your reputation would be safe."I reply and her eyes grow wide in furry."You will do nothing of that sort. "She replies with a low voice. A voice meant to scare me, but I scoff. Enough of this nonsense."Watch me. "I reply before walking past her an
Raymond's POV;I open my eyes slowly as I'm unsure of how my system is currently faring. My eyes are open, however, all I see is black. Darkness, and a few tiny holes.These holes inform me that there's some sort of cloth over my head, and it takes a few seconds for me to realize that my legs are dragging on the ground behind me, as I'm being held up my unbelievably strong grips.I gently roll my wrist and realize that neither my legs nor arms are bound. I have to figure out a way to get out of this mess.Who are these people? What have I done? Did Stella send them after me? Not possible. She's not ballsy enough. However, if Stella didn't do this? Who did? These are the same freaks who had me kidnapped the last time.I guess one's safety truly is in God's hands, as five guards weren't enough to keep me safe.One of the people holding me up bumps into something and,"Be careful! He could wake up anytime so
Raymond's POV;I open my eyes and find my head tilted to a side. I realize I'm sitting, but I become an ice sculpture once my eyes land on the figure before me. On the bed lays a person I never thought I'd have a one on one encounter with till the day I die, starting at me.I've stalked him for years. Listened to his speeches, learned all his achievements, and seen his happy family on social media. I've carefully accepted loneliness as though I'm the only one with my blood flowing through my veins on earth, and like I have no family.And now, what cruel twist is fate bringing my way?"Raymond, "He calls and my eyes instantly begin to sting. How did he find me? How did he know where I'd be? What does he want from me?I inhale deeply to soothe my raging mind, and stare at him in silence, as I battle furiously to calm the swirling storm growing inside of me.
"Just sit. Please. "He begs, and I stare blankly at him, before taking a sit in surrender.He makes to speak, when the doors not too far from me, open. The nurse I saw earlier, comes in with a tray, containing tablets, and a glass of water.She nods at me to acknowledge my presence, before proceeding to the bed. I watch her carefully help Mr. Levine into a sitting position and helps him take some pills.The way he grunts and groans with each move, makes it known to me, that he's sick. Is this why he's not been seen for a while? Rumors have it that he's gone into hiding, whereas, what he told the world, is that he's going on a vacation, on a break. He told the media, that he needs a break from all the paparazzi, and would be taking a vacation trip out of the states.So, was he lying? Or are we out of New Jersey?As soon as the nurse leaves the room, I question."Where are we? "
Christiana's POV;"Stella! Stella! "I hear grandma scream. Causing me to jump out of my sleep in fright. What is it now?"Stella! "Grandma calls again, and it takes just this call for me to realize the terrifying anger in grandma's voice.What happened?I quickly rush out of bed, hop into my flip-flops, run my fingers through my hair, adjust my dress, and rush out of my bedroom to find out what's going on.I only make it to the top of the stairs, before realizing, the whole family is downstairs, and that's enough to halt my movements. Everyone, except my father and husband that is."Mother, what is it? "Uncle Willow questions his mother in sorry as he moves towards her. Poor uncle, the day he decided to stay back home and rest, a circus just had to hold."Where is Stella? "Grandma roars and I instantly throw my gaze in aunt Lily's direction.She looks scared and alarmed. What mother
Raymond's POV;I am out of the room where Mr. Levine is, and in a corridor, crying furiously. I have tried to stop my tears, but it's of no use. There's no stopping them now. I've held them in for too long.I've held them in so long, they're sick of me and wait to be gone from me.I am still battling to catch my breath when;"Mr. Johnson? "I hear a voice call, I turn around and find the nurse from before, walking up to me."Don't call me that! "I warn and she presses her lips into a straight line."Listen, I know this is none of my business, but, at least give him a chance to explain. I've been his nurse long enough to know well about him.You're hurt, but if you let your emotions get in the way, you might end up in regrets. "She says and I stare at her."You're right. This is none of your business. "I reply and she smiles."I'm not supposed to be telling you this, but...Numb
I stare frozen at him in hurt and pain. He has a few weeks left? Did he just say he has a few weeks left? I know I never had him in my life, but it still hurts.You'd think this is the moment where everything gets fixed. Where my father takes me in, and I become his dear son. The moment where we forget the past and live happily as father and son. The moment where he'd begin to make up for lost times, but no! He's dying! I stare at him lost and broken. My thoughts, taking routes of their own. Floating out of, in, and around my head like the wind."My dear boy, I never wanted things to be this way. I was going to fight the world and draw you in, but I figured I was sick and could do nothing to protect myself.That's why all those weeks ago, I ordered your kidnap. I wanted to see you. Be with you. Speak with you.At least, for the little time I had. Dear, I know I've made some bad life choices, but I'm only human.
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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