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.
Raymond's POV;I'm on my way home. I was handed my phone when I was about to leave, and I've signed all the necessary documents, which are currently with me. I'm turning them into a bank for safe keep though.I am now a multi-billionaire. Rayoñ was right. Life is one big ball of crazy.Mr. Levine made me promise to come back to see him. I wasn't taken out of New Jersey to see him, he just has been hiding well enough.I just got off the phone with Rayon promising to see him tomorrow, and Christiana's call comes in. Then I realize I've missed eight calls from her.Yikes!Christiana's POV;I pace around my bedroom, a bit worried, with my phone pressed against my left ear, and my other hand, on my waist.I've been trying to reach Raymond for so long, and my calls have been going unanswered. It's unusual of him to not pick my calls. Especially when I'm calling so persistently.The longest he missed my calls
Raymond's POV;It's late already. The sky is dark, and the Duran mansion is silent. Except for the sounds of some devices running on the background.I make it to my bedroom, exhausted, and tired. I push the door open, and find the room is pitch black. Huh? When did Christiana start sleeping in the dark? She always at least has a side lamp on. So what's happening?"Hello? "I call and my reply is met with silence.I make to walk further into the room, but cuss when my foot bumps into the cupboard beside our door."Shit! "My fingers finally make it to the switch, and I flip it. White lights explode into the room, and I make for the bed, but stop when I sight what's before me.On the floor, between the bed and study chair, is a mini feast. Covered dishes, glass cups, flowers, and a bottle of wine."Surprise! "Christiana's voice pulls my eyes to the balcony, and my jaw drops. She did this?"Wow...
Rayon's POV;"What!? "I exclaim as soon as Raymond finishes telling me about his father, and what happened yesterday.I had called Mr. William and told him that Raymond was in trouble, but Raymond told him, he was robbed, as he doesn't want to worry Mr. William, and also, he wants to keep his new status, a secret from the family."I told you life is crazy! I told you! "I scream at him, and he chuckles."It hurts to admit, but you were right. "He replies and I dust off imaginary dust from my leather jackets as an act of pride. Which causes him to laugh.It's late in the night, and he called, me over to talk. I'm glad he chose the garden to speak with me, as it seems more discreet, and the cool evening breeze is doing wonders to my dark skin, and curly hair."So, what's the plan? How are we celebrating this? "I question and he drops the cup of wine he's been drinking from on the little, round wooden table between us, adjusts
34Raymonds POV;I walk into my bedroom, with my earpiece in my ears, and hands in my pockets. Listening to 'Happy ' by Pharrell Williams.I've got to admit, ever since I became rich, being happy hasn't been a hard thing to do. It feels good to watch members of the Duran family treat me wrong because they have no idea who I have become.The thought of the shock that would cloud their faces the day they find out, gives me enough satisfaction and willingness to endure all their taunts and insults.I don't plan on telling a single soul apart from Rayon about my newly acquired wealth. It's nice to see Christiana being nice to me and that too, without money being the reason for that.I want to bask in these moments. Times of private joy. Times I can and will smile at the stupidity of these narrow-minded family members, and watch them wonder in furry, why their tantrums aren't hurting me.I open the door to my room and pause when my eyes la
Christiana's POV;I get home feeling all charged up and excited. This is a miracle I never thought would happen. Who could have even imagined?I needed 3 million dollars and I wound up with 5! Is this a dream? I called my bank to find out who sent me the Money, and they said it's from an untrackable account. Whoever sent me this money, does not want to be identified. Same as the person who got back my father's petting zoo.Who could this gem of a person be? It's like God chose to bless me with a fairy godmother. Just last week I was worried sick about not having money, and today I'm as carefree as a puppy. Now I think I know how fuzzball feels every day."Raymond! " I scream as I run into my bedroom.I get no reply and scream again"Raymond! ""Christiana? "His voice calls from the balcony in what seems like worry."What is it? "He questions as he rushes into the room."You won't be
Raymonds POV;I walk into the Duran mansion looking about the grand building. It's exquisite. Like a blend of a huge Indian mansion, and an exquisite English castle. If I had no idea what the people who live here are like and was still a street boy, I'd have been wishing I lived here.However, living here shows that money isn't all there is to life. I walk into the almost empty living room, with maids roaming about doing their job. The bright chandelier shining ever so gloriously in the middle of the ceiling.It's my birthday today and although I have enough money to make sure Rayon and I had fun, he refused to spend my money. Saying it's my birthday, and I deserve to be spoiled by him.I walk up the stairs and smile as I remember Christiana. She didn't even remember today is my birthday. I don't blame her though. She a very busy woman, and having to source for over a million dollars in a short period, is a lot to deal with alone. And after I sent
"Yeah. " She replies with a smile anyone can place as a smirk."What game? "I venture to ask and her smile or smirk grows bigger."Never have I ever. "She replies and the mischievous smile on her face gives me the feeling she's in a naughty mood, but I shake my head to get the thought away. We are just strengthening our friendship. I have no right to think in ways that could ruin the bond we are trying to build."Okay. "I reply and her smile grows bigger. Any wider and her lips might just meet her eyes."I'd go first. "She replies as she pours more of the alcoholic content into our cups."Never have I ever had a one-night stand. "She says with a smirk and my eyes widen. She looks up at me and runs her index finger around the rim of her glass.Well, this is interesting. What is she up to? I pick up my glass and gulp down the content as I have had a one-night stand and I have a feeling she knows that and deliberately chose to say that to
Roses POV;I walk out of my office building, searching my handbag for my car key. I was sure I dumped it in here when I got to work this morning. Or did I forget it on my desk? Do I really have to go back to the eighth floor?No. It has to be in here. I keep shuffling through my bag furiously in search of the key which is in the same bunch as the cars' remote. Damn it! If I had a driver, I won't be going through this much stress.Not like I don't have one, I do, but I don't like him driving me about, so I let him drive me out of the Duran compound, and once we're a fair distance away, he steps out and I take over the wheels. While he's free to spend his day however he wants. Then we meet back at the same spot and he drives me back home. As per my orders.I just want to live as a normal, working-class lady, but the secret guards monitoring one is enough the make that dream walk the plank."Afternoon ma'am, may I help you. "A voice says from beside m
Hey guys, thank y'all for your steady support. For voting with gems, for comments, reviews, thank yall so very much. I appreciate, and, I love y'all so very much, and I mean it. 🤍 Quick question though, Do you want a sequel, where we get all the family drama and more scandals, or you feel we should just leave this as a single book? 😊 If you enjoyed this book, please share it with your friends and family. Let's up the views and reviews of my baby. You can also check out my second book 'My Step-Girlfriend ' It's still in its editing phase so it's not perfect 💔 Also, be on the lookout, I'm hoping to bring more books to you😘 Also, I await your most sincere reviews 🙈Love you!!! 🤍 Peace out😘 Remember, there's more to you than meets the eye. God loves you, and with him, nothing is impossible. Impossible = I'm possible 🥰
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