Narrators Narrative;
Raymond walks into his matrimonial bedroom and finds Christiana fast asleep on the bed. He stares at her for a few seconds before walking in and shutting the door.
He has only ever had one full and meaningful conversation with her. Asides from that, are just common pleasantries, requests, and other few words.
On the dressing table lays an old music box which is playing. It belongs to her and he always tries his best to avoid trouble with her, by keeping away from her things.
He makes for the bed when the music box begins to glitch. The song it's playing begins to rise to annoyingly high pitches and fall disgustingly low tones.
He turns to look at his wife as he worries that the disturbing sounds will disturb her sleep. He makes for the table and stares at the old box. Silently praying for the horrid sounds to stop on their own, as he doesn't want to have to touch it.
The box suddenly releases a high pitch sound that shakes him to the core and he loses his cool. He makes to touch it but his wife's sharp voice causes him to freeze.
"Don't touch that! "Her stern voice slices through the air. Almost causing Raymond's soul to jump out of his body.
He turns to her with wide eyes in shock. He thought she was asleep, but she was only pretending.
Christian was alone in the bedroom reading a book with the help of the side lamp when she heard footsteps. She instantly knew they were Raymonds, hence, she quickly hid the book under her pillow and pretended to be asleep. She did so to avoid having to talk to him.
The shocked look on Raymond's face, explains to Christiana that her act has been caught. So she climbs off the bed with her head hanging and moves over to the dressing table.
"It's my mother's. "She says lowly as she walks past Raymond and picks the box. Asif that statement would explain why he isn't allowed to touch it.
Raymond watches as she shuts the box and places it in one of the drawers beside her. He lets out a silent scoff before walking to the other side of the bed and picking up a pillow there.
He moves to the wardrobe he at least shares with her and takes out a blanket from there.
He makes for the door in their room which leads to a balcony when her voice causes him to halt.
"Where are you going? "She questions.
"Out to sleep. "He simply replies with an isn't-it-obvious look at her.
Ever since they got married two years ago, he's been sleeping on the balcony and she in the room. This is actually an unspoken rule.
Christiana never implied or suggested it, but Raymond implemented it.
On the night of their wedding, Raymond never had the intention of touching her as it wasn't a love marriage. Neither of them was interested in the wedding but went ahead with it because of Christiana's father, Mr. William.
Raymond is an orphan who used to help Christians father at the petting zoo, he loved the old man and treated him like the father he never had. As their bond tightened, Mr. William begged him to get married to Christiana.
He promised to take care of all Raymond's problems. From food, to shelter, to clothing, and so much more. And with this, Raymond agreed. While Christiana only agreed because she loves her father way too much to turn him down. Ever since her mother's passing, he's become all she had.
On the night of their wedding, Raymond simply laid on the bed. Hoping to get a good night's sleep and forget all the taunts and mockery he got throughout the day from friends of the Duran family, and the family itself.
He noticed how tense and scared Christiana became. He didn't like the unwelcoming feel he was getting, so he picked up the pillow and blanket, and moved to the balcony to sleep, and Christiana didn't stop him. Two years after, it's become a norm.
"But it's raining outside "Christiana notes and Raymond simply stares at her. This isn't the first time it's raining outside since their wedding night, but this is the first time he is attempting to sleep in the rain.
Raymond is so pissed today. Christiana's family has long thrown insults at him, but today, he's just fed up. Fed up with everything. And the little act Christiana just pulled, made his frustration even worse.
"You can sleep on the couch. "Christiana finally adds and Raymond stares blankly at her.
He looks out through the glass door at the heavy rain and rolls his eyes. This is the best option for him. Except he wants to punish himself by staying in the brutal rain.
He walks over to the couch and lays on it.
"Good night. "Christiana greets in guilt.
"Night. "Raymond replies plainly before shutting his eyes.
Christianas' POV;I walk out of my bedroom adjusting my hair. Tucking some of the stray strands behind my ear before walking briskly down the stairs and towards the meeting room.In a mansion as big as this, there are many rooms, halls, passageways, and the likes. So much so, if care is not taken, one can get lost.The house isn't just grand because we have the money to flaunt about, but because we are a huge family. We are 17 in my family, but if we're counting cousins wives, and kids, we are a total of 25. I know right! huge number!We aren't always together at home though, Uncle Willow, Grandma's eldest child, and my eldest paternal uncle, doesn't live with us, he and his family live in a different state.He has three sons and is a grandfather of four. Two girls from James and a girl and boy each, from Oscar. His last son Frank is still unmarried and isn't a father yet.
Raymonds POV;"So, what's the situation with Miss. Cutie? "Rayon questions. Sinking his teeth into the croissant in his hands.This French nerd is my best friend and has been so for as long as I can remember. We met at the orphanage home and have kept a tight bond ever since. 'Miss cutie ' is the nickname he gave my wife, cause, according to him, 'That lady is out of this world cute. '."Still the same. It's just... There. To be honest, I think it's getting worse. "I reply taking a sip of the coffee in my hand."Worse? "He questions and I nod as I swallow."Yeah. You won't believe the stunt she pulled last night. "I inform once I'm done swallowing and he stares at me with furrowed brows."What did she do? "He questions and I show him a bland smile."She pretended to be asleep just to avoid talking to me, and only ended her act when I made to touch her
Christiana's POV; "Dad! I need help. I can't continue like this. She always ridicules me. Why can't she see we are after a right course? " I scream in frustration and my dad smiles. "You know your grandmother. As long as we are not making money, or as long as we aren't also running a branch that brings in millions of dollars, we are unfulfilled. "He replies and I grunt in frustration. " But that's not fair! "I wail stomping my feet. "Careful, you'd scare the fishes away. "He notes and I recall I'm in a canoe. "Oh, sorry. " I apologize "No problem. Look, honey, follow your passion. I know you love animals, but you also desire to be in an office behind some big desk. Christiana, it's okay. I support your dreams. I know my daughter is nothing less than a victor. So get up, and show them what you've got. "He says and I blush. Something pulls at the string of his fishing line and excitement clouds his face,
Christiana's POV; We are all at the newest Duran branch and all the family members are present. All except Uncle Willow. He had to travel out of the state to sort some business issues out but he ought to be back by this weekend. We all are here to celebrate and so is the media. My father refused to come. He said to me that he'd rather let the world know he's discomforted than fake joy and pleasure. He says no matter how hard he tries, he can't be fully happy at any Duran meeting so he opted out of this one as usual. All we Durans line up before the crowd and grandma stands before us all addressing us. She finally calls all our family members to stand by her and once we all assume the position, the media takes photos and videos of us. The crowd cheers and grandma cuts the ribbons. Officially opening another massive Duran boutique in New Jersey. As we all are about to step back down to give way for people to come in and t
Mr. William Durans POV( Christiana's father) ;"So, how is she? "I question. Cautiously stiring the piping hot tea in my cup with a teaspoon."Who? "The young man questions as I threw the question at him out of the blue."My daughter. It's been a while since we spoke on personal issues. "I reply and the butterfly drawing on the table suddenly becomes very interesting to him."Ah... Uhm, she's... She's... She's fine. "He replies and a smile that almost turns to laughter splits my face."Fine? Really? "I question and he steals a glance of me."Sir, she. She's... We don't really talk much so I... I don't quite know what exactly to say. "He replies and I smile."Then say what you know. What you see and the sides of her she shows you. "I reply relaxing in the chair and he looks up at me.He clearly is uncomfortable discussing my daughter with me. Raymond and I have grown to be very close over the ye
Narrators POV;"I will not do that!" Mr. Willam. Christiana's father, screams at his mother in anger. They are alone in her bedroom and the tension in this room is enough to cause the temperature to shoot up."Yes, you will Willam! Do you forget that I am your mother? "She screams back at him and he rolls his eyes."I never forget that. I never forget that cause you keep reminding me.What is so hard to understand? I don't want to be a part of the family business.All four of my elder siblings are already part. Isn't that enough? My daughter is showing interest yet you don't want to give her a chance, and you keep chasing me. Where is the sense in that? "He yells back and his mother glares at him."Is this rebellion because of that petting zoo? "She questions coldly and Mr. William remains silent."All those years ago, when you asked for a chance to prove yourself, I never let you because what sort of idea is 'T
Raymonds POV;I grunt lightly as I open my eyes. I'm feeling a bit tipsy and my vision is a blur. I shut my eyes back in a bid to comport my system and get better control.This feeling is slightly worst than a hangover. I feel exhausted, fatigued, and sleepy. I inhale deeply before opening my eyes again.This time, my eyes are welcomed by a somewhat dark and misty appearance of a room and it only takes me a few seconds to realize I'm in the middle of this room.The chair I'm seated in is situated in the center of this room and there's a huge center rung beneath me.I am not bound to this chair by any physical ropes but fear has an upper hand hence keeping me put.There is a desk a considerable number of feet away from me and a large leather chair behind it. There's nothing on this table a d no one in the sit and asides from the couch at the side of the room and paintings I'm the room, there's nothing else.
Raymond's POV;I make it to a tard road panting heavily. I have been running through a desolate area full of abandoned buildings, for what seems like forever.I stand by the roadside, cradling my sore elbow, which has now extended to a sore arm. Zero to no cars pass and I decide to start walking towards the north.I am too tired to keep running, and besides, I found no one chasing me. I was just running for fear of being caught.There are trees on both sides of this road and all I can hear asides from the chirping of birds, are my labored pants.Up ahead, I spot a truck. Its back doors are non-existent and the back is empty. It must be a personal vehicle I think to myself.I spot a man I presume to be the driver of the truck beside it, peeing in the bushes, and just then, an idea hits me.I silently increase my pace. Checking behind me to be sure I'm not being watched or followed. Once I get to the truck, I sile
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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