CHAPTER ONE ✍️
Starr’s POV “Trust me Starr, I’m your best friend and I always want the best for you, I wouldn’t lie or accuse Charles of something that’s not true. So please believe me when I say he’s a freaking liar and a cheat.” “I saw him this afternoon in Nirvana lounge with a beautiful, average height, light-skin lady, and they looked so happy like people in love. Nirvana lounge, that rang a bell in my head. That’s the hotel me and him always stayed whenever he’s around. “And before you say anything, that didn’t look like a business deal or friendship date”. She added trying to sound convincing. I hung up abruptly, and sat quickly on my bed thinking about what lizzy just spurted. I didn’t want to believe “Could she be telling the truth? No, no, Starr stop, don’t do this,” I murmured as I welcomed denial. Charles would never hurt me. And what the hell would he be even doing in Dubai? I mean, he isn’t back from Canada, where he went on an important business trip for months now. Or could he be back? What else would he be looking for in a woman? I know I’m not perfect, but I made sure I gave him all he asked for, except for one but it’s not entirely my fault….urrrgh, Starr, stop it!!!! I stood up from my bed without hesitation, picked up my bag and stormed out of my room. I quickly hailed a cab and gave the driver my destination. So, he sped up there, constantly checking me out from his front mirror. But I just sat there, wiping off the tears that tried to make its way out of my eyes. This couldn’t be true. I kept giving myself reassurance, reminding myself how much Charles loves me. I mean, he always said that to me. I kept looking at the mirror in intervals, checking if the driver was looking, and yes, he was glaring hard, but I didn’t care. All I wanted was to see Charles, and be in his arms, for him to tell me everything was fine, and he’d never cheat on me. The car finally came to an halt. I quickly opened the car door and stepped out. “Hi, miss,” The dark, chubby receptionist welcomed me as I made my way into the five-star hotel Charles always checked into when comes to Dubai. “Is there something you’d like us to do for you ma’am? She asked, offering me a bright smile. “Please, can I know if someone named Charles Donovan checked in here today? I pleaded. “Yes ma’am, Mr Charles Donovan is checked in room 306.” The receptionist answered almost immediately. “Okay, please can I get the keycard to that room? I asked. “Oh, I’m sorry ma’am. It’s not done that way here, and moreover, It’s stated during his check-in that Me Donovan doesn’t want any visitor,” I’m so sorry, ma’am,” She quickly added. “Please, you don’t understand. I really need to see him right now,” I begged. “Okay, I can call him if you—” “Oh no, no, no, don’t. Here, the thing is, It’s a surprise. I am his girlfriend, and today’s his birthday so, he doesn’t have to know I’m here. I just want to surprise him. I know it’s the company’s policies, but I assure you, it’s for a a good cause,” I explained, hoping it’d sound more convincing. She studied me for a while before finally saying something. “Oh, Okay, ma’am. Please hold on for a minute, I will quickly get the keys,” She said and ran off immediately to get the card keys. Seconds later, she arrived, handing me the card. “Here miss, the top floor by your left, you’d see room 306.” “Thank you so much, this really means a lot to me,” I quickly added, I smiled and walked away heading towards the elevator. Once there, I hit the button going up to the last floor. Minutes later, I stood directly in front of the room that my Charles was checked in. Taking a deep breath, steadying my trembling hands, I knocked on the door, but it seemed the door was not appropriately closed, So it creaked open a little bit. I then pushed it open slowly. The luxurious living room was eerily quiet, with only the soft hum of the air conditioner breaking the silence. I surveyed the space, but no one was there, but I spotted a black, sleek handbag lying on the floor with its content spilled out. The air was heavy with with the scent of perfume, something more primal and feminine. Getting closer to the handbag on the floor, I noticed the trail of clothes laid at the back of the couch. As I began to ascend the stairs, a low, throaty moan echoed through the hallway, sending shivers down my spine. My heart sank. The sound grew louder, and my curiosity turned to alarm. A muffled moan drifted down the hall, my heart sank deeper as the intentional sound of moans grew louder with each step I took towards the closed bedroom door. My stomach churned, I felt a pang of desperation as I realized I might be too late to save our relationship, maybe I should just turn back. Maybe I’m the wrong room. I hesitated as my fingers hovered the door handle. Getting myself together, I twisted the doorknob and pushed it open. There he was, my fiancée wrapped in another woman’s arms. An unknown lady. Who doesn’t look familiar, I know for a fact that I’ve never seen her before in my entire life. He was on-top of her, her finger nails digging dip into his shoulders as he continued to use his dick to satisfy her, and his hands roamed and pressed around her body. My chest tightened, and my fingers became sweaty, my mind reeled in shock, pain, and anger as my tears came falling fast. They both remained oblivious to my arrival. With a gentle creak of the floorboard beneath my feet I announced my presence and Charles looked up at me. He wasn’t scared or surprised and they continued. That action shocked me to my bones, and that minute, I knew I was NOTHING to him. I felt crushed, embarrassed, and used. That instant, there was no word that could explain exactly how I felt. But I still stood there, on the same spot because I was too broken to take a step. Lizzy’s words echoed in my mind, “he’s not good for you, Starr,” I tried to brush it off, but seed of doubt had already been planted. I clenched my fists, my eyes swollen up with tears as I realized the truth. And then the man who I thought was my all hit me with a vigorous statement. “When you’re done shedding your tears, don’t forget to close the door behind you.” And that sent my world crashing, my heart shattered into a million pieces. But I didn’t leave, I wanted to question him. I wanted him to look me in the eyes, and tell me why he’d cheat on me. “Charles,” I called out but he didn’t turn to face me till I raised my voice. He turned to look at me with so much anger. “What the hell Starr, what do you want? What are you still doing here? Do you want to keep on watching as me and my woman make love? He said with no hint of remorse in his tone. “Why would you do this to me? What have I done to deserve this?” I asked him my voice laced with pain. “Well, you wouldn’t blame me. I got tired of a barren woman,” He voice firm and intentional. Immediately that word came out of his mouth, it felt like everything stopped, the world got frozen. I didn’t want to believe Charles referred to me as BARREN!! just because I couldn’t conceive, With a quiet sob, I turned and fled the room.CHAPTER 2✍️As the elevator came to a halt, I stepped out and returned the keycard to the receptionist. I sprinted out of the building and flagged down a taxi. The drive was cold and silent, and my vision blurred from excessive crying.Getting to my destination, I sat in a bar with three bottles of pure alcohol, drowning in my sorrows. I knew that was exactly what I needed at that moment. As I struggled to regain control of my emotions, memories of what I had witnessed came flooding back.The memory of her stunning beauty lingered, and I couldn’t help but compare myself to her. She was a version of perfection, stunningly beautiful, and in that moment, I knew I would never measure up to her. Even in a fairy dress, he’d never love someone like me. He needed someone beautiful, model looking, confident, and someone who’d give him a Child, I was none of them.I remembered how they looked into each other eyes with burning love passion, and it dawned on me. “Never in a million year
CHAPTER 3✍️ I woke up in an unfamiliar place; the ceiling was far different from the ones in my room. “Where the hell am I?” I asked myself. I tried getting up, and that was when I saw the bed I was lying on. “I’m in a freaking hospital.” The door creaked. I looked up to see what was wrong, and I saw Lizzy walk in with a man that looked like, he’s in his late forties and yes, he was with a stethoscope on his neck. “Yeah, how great. Lizzy brought me to a fucking hospital.” “Hey, Starr, right? How’re you feeling?” the doctor asked, his voice gentle. I hesitantly answered, “I feel good doctor,” please can you give me and my friend a moment together? It’s really urgent. I need to speak with her. The doctor nodded sympathetically. “Of course, I’ll give you some privacy. But just for a minute, okay?” As soon as the doctor left, I turned to Lizzy, my voice low and urgent. “Why the hell did you bring me to a hospital, Lizzy? You know how much I hate hospitals, it smells, It
Chapter 4✍️“Always make sure you sleep well, rest early, and stay away from alcohol, okay? And also stay hydrated.” He added.I nodded slightly, still gazing out the window. Lizzy squeezed my hand reassuring.“We’ll get through this, Starr, like we always do, okay? Lizzy consoled me. Yes.” I answered.The doctor smiled softly, warmly. “You’ll need to come back for a follow-up appointment in two weeks’ time. We’ll monitor your condition and adjust your medication as needed.”I turned back to face him, forcing a weak smile. “Okay, doctor. Thank you.”After an emotionally draining day, I collapsed onto the bed as soon as we got home, exhausted, took over. Lizzy let me sleep, knowing I needed to recharge.Hours later, I woke up feeling a bit more refreshed. Lizzy was sitting in the living room, her eyes fixed on me as I walked in.“Hey, how are you feeling?” She asked, concern etched on her face.I shrugged, taking a seat beside her. “Better, thanks.”Lizzy nodd
Chapter 5✍️“Where are my freaking clothes?” I shouted at the top of my voice. The door swung open, and someone walked in. I looked up and my eyes widened in horror. It was the same guy I met at the club! “What was his name again?” I thought to myself, panic setting in. “I don’t even remember and I don’t care!!!”“No, no, no, this can’t be happening, I exclaimed, my voice and hands trembling. “W-what am I doing in your… your house?” I stuttered, trying to process the situation. “Who brought me here?” I demanded, my anger rising.The guy’s expression remained calm, but I could see a sense of amusement dancing in his eyes.“You don’t remember me, do you?” He asked, his voice low but smooth.I shook my head, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration. “No, I…I don’t, and funny enough, I don’t care. The only thing I wish to know is, Why the hell am I in your fucking bed?” That’s all I want to know.I tilted my head sideways, trying to calm my frazzled nerves do
Chapter 6✍️The cool breeze enveloped me as I stepped off the plane in France. I joined the stream of passengers moving towards the baggage claim, the sound of luggage wheels and chatters filling the air. I felt a thrill of happiness knowing I was away and I wanted to start all over, but I still had thoughts of that suspicious phone call. I don’t frolic around with any man, so who could that be? I mean, I would have easily said Charles’s wife, but they were long gone and I haven’t spoken to him since our last encounter at the airport, so definitely it’s not here, then who? I thought to myself with a blank expression on my face. I rolled my luggages to a taxi, gave the driver my destination and few minutes later, I stood at the front of a beautiful tall building.This was it, my new home. I smiled and stepped inside. The concierge greeted me warmly and handed me the keys to my apartment. I thanked her and made my way upstairs, unlocking the door and stepping inside
CHAPTER 7✍️Starr’s POV I and Mr. Jenkins were still conversing, but we were nearly finished.“I like that.” He quickly reached for his landline and called someone to come in and after a few minutes, a beautiful brunette lady came in and he told her to take me to my office.We got outside, and she complimented me. “Hey, I’m Racheal, but you can call me ray. I wouldn’t mind, I mean cause my friends call me that.” She stuttered, and God! You’re so beautiful,” she added.I blushed immediately, that rolled out of her mouth. “Thank you Racheal, you look beautiful too,” I complimented her too, and she slightly tapped my arm. “Oh, please, don’t flatter me.”We got a cabin, and we stopped there. She opened the door and told me this was my space, while hers was just beside mine, and if I ever needed anything, I shouldn’t hesitate to call her. And I responded, “ Okay, Rachael, thank you.”After a long stressful day at work, I got home, had my shower, and headed outside t
CHAPTER 8✍️Starr’s POVThe next morning, I gazed into the mirror, my eyes sparkled with self-admiration. I couldn’t help but notice the transformation that had taken place over the past two years. My skin, had lightened to a radiant glow, My curves, were mind blowing.With a gentle smile, I traced the contours of my face, my fingers dancing across my high cheekbones, my full lips, and my almond-shaped eyes. I felt like a work of art.We had already packed our things yesterday, so it wasn’t hard to get the airport that morning.Few hours later, I checked the flight status and saw that our plane had just landed. My heart skipped a beat.We made our way to the arrivals gate, my eyes scanning the crowd for a glimpse of my best friend .And then, suddenly, I saw her. Her long hair flowing behind her. Her eyes locked onto mine, and a radiant smile spread across her face.“Lizzy” I exclaimed, rushing towards her with open arms.I swept her into a tight hug, feeling
CHAPTER 9✍️We all sat down on our chairs, conversing cause they were all throwing questions at me and I answered all swiftly. The idiot, Seven, kept on staring at me and Ella kept giving me this side eye that felt annoying. “Why is she looking at me like that?” I mumbled to myself.So she finally muttered to Tania to swap chairs with hers, they did, and she immediately pulled the chair closer to Seven.They began talking, “Hey, Seven! I’m Ella, It’s so great to finally meet you.” He responded with his name, and Ella tried pushing it more, but he clearly wasn’t interested in whatever she was saying. But Ella didn’t mind, all she wanted was to strike a conversation with him by all means, she wanted his attention at all cost.But he was still seated, looking uninterested. She didn’t let that deter her, though. She flashed him a bright smile and asked another question, but he just looked at her and gave a warm smile.We all kept on conversing, except Seven and Ell
Sighing, I bursted out into laughter. This epistle is so funny. I knew she was hurt, and that, given my weeks of silence, she probably assumed I was tired of her and wanted to break up.I narrowed my eyes back to my parents and siblings.⏰⏰⏰TWO WEEKS LATERSquinted my eyes before heaving out the deep breath that I’ve kept in for so long.“What is your woman saying, man?” I inquired, narrowing my eyes in slight anger.Groaning, I responded immediately. “I thought you told me that she said Starr would be home today. What changed?” I took another deep breath as I tried to understand what he was spurting from the other end.“So for two weeks, she has been avoiding you? Is that it?” I asked him with my jaw clenching with anger.My eyes moved around trying to read what’s going on even from the other side of the phone.“Man, I think she’s lying or stalling. Maybe Starr is upstairs. Check it out for me. Go to her room and knock. She’s supposed to be back from work.”Tugging the root of my ha
Washington, Seattle⏰Momentarily, I turned my back to my father, before tugging the root of my hair then faced him again. “No, I’m not going to reconsider anything that man uttered. All of that he said, it’s just based on his daughter’s feelings and not for the company’s alignment.”Narrowing my eyes, I spoke again. “And moreover I told you and mom that I found someone that I love already so I meant it when I clearly stated last year, that the betrothal engagement is cut of.”“I only honored this invitation because of the respect I have for him, but since he wouldn’t get it through his head via email, that is the reason I came. To let it out myself so he and his family can leave us alone dad.”Still panting, I let it all out while my father just stood staring at me till I explained everything. “Okay, son. I understand.”Finally, I was glad when that came out of his mouth. He held me by my arms and motioned that we go back inside.“Thank you Terrence for having my son and I.” Trisha’s
Tension filled the room immediately and I saw her face melt into something I couldn’t get myself to understand. “Perfect, you’re a jealous one. Just like him.”She chuckled again, although this one was a little louder, earning a huge grin on her face before she spoke again. “Oh, I now see why you two are made for each other.” She stated chuckling, and again, she checked her phone for the ninth time.I arched my chin up as I began to wonder why she constantly kept on doing that.She picked up her phone from the table and scrolled through, typing something in it. Probably sent a message before placing it down back on the table. She took her eyes to me. “I’m sorry that you found that offensive, or rather I’m that you found me in your man’s shirt. It won’t happen again.” It was my time to chuckle. And I did before taking my eyes back to her. “No, don’t take it personal. I just……”“You know what Starr? It’s totally fine. I understand.” She stated as she leaned closer and placed her arms
It was a message from Seven’s first love. Camille.Why did she send me a message? Why does she want us to meet?I rolled my eyes and took it back to Lizzy and she widened hers and shrugged her shoulders. “What?”Grouchily, I responded. “Camille wants us to meet today.”A small smile spread across her face immediately. “Why that expression?” I quickly inquired.Chuckling, she replied. “Nothing. I’m just glad she probably wants to get things off her chest with you, so it’s a good one.”Without wasting any more seconds, I gave my honest response. “Well, I’m not going.”Lizzy bursted out laughing with her hands on her chest. “Oh Starr., I know you’ll. So quit the hard girl and go meet the woman trying to get between you and your man.”Time flew in a flurry of activity, and it was early evening.I quickly wore a knee length black gown and I short heel slippers to go with it.Hesitantly, I pulled up at the small parking lot and strolled inside.The shiny light in the room was very captivati
Restlessly, I kept turning around in my bed. I couldn’t sleep. I kept on drifting back to the conversation Seven and I had earlier today. Was I that bad? Am I possessed? Why can’t I keep a man just like every other woman?My mind reeled off to Ella. She knew of my condition now. I’m sure she’d blackmail me with it since she has always had eyes for Seven, so there was absolutely no way I’d win this.She would definitely force me to back out for her to take my place in his life. If I truly had one.I wasn’t ready to tell him. No. I couldn’t possibly look him in the eyes and say. “Hey, I’ve a freaking medical condition and I can’t conceive.” Yeah. That’s extremely funny.I just can’t. There is no way I am doing that. So the other option is just to let him be. But my heart can’t. I love him.Sighing, I placed my hand on my chest as I continued to heave heavily and think deep.Sighing out deeply for the up tenth time, I felt my chest tightened so quickly, I grasp the duvet and threw it off
Her gawking eyes followed me till I push the door open and went outside. She didn’t bother saying anything, the same goes for me and for some unknown reasons I was grateful.I wasn’t ready for any fake love or affection.Hastily, I walked to my car and stayed in there for some time, wiping away the constant tears that were dripping down.After successfully pouring everything out, I drove home and went inside, not spending another one second out there wallowing.The instant I pushed the door open, I met Chris and Gab in the sitting room with their woman giggling and all happy.They were definitely cracking jokes and grinning from ear to ear. Faking a small smile, I greeted them and moved closer to take Chris’s outstretched hands to shake me.After the short compliments and welcoming speech, I made sure I didn’t spare a slight glance to Lizzy’s way.I just ran upstairs and banged my door hard. Few minutes later, after taking a cold shower, I heard a soft knock on the door.Quickly, I wr
Chapter 77He took a step closer to me, his eyes locked on mine. Pain and hurt instantly filled his eyes. “Gone.” I furrowed my brows in confusion as I tried to understand what he meant by “Gone.”.“What do you mean by gone?”Biting his lower lips, he sniffed in a little and spoke again. “She died. It was still birth.” My eyes bulged out in pain for him and he hurried back to the windows, staring out at it. I took a deep breath, composing myself before speaking. “You shouldn’t blame yourself for that.” I spoke out, trying to comfort him.He turned to look at me as I continued, “You got separated. So there was absolutely no way you’d have been there for her.”Sewing in his sob, he spoke. “Apparently, she got pregnant and my parent already got me betrothed to Trisha right from when we were growing up because Trisha's family are also rich and they needed that contracted marriage.”“So I’m sure Camille’s mother figured it all out. That was the reason she took her
I didn’t know what to do next. One part of me wanted to storm out and confront Lizzy, while another part of me stayed frozen in shock.I stood there, unsure of how to react, as Lizzy continued her conversation, oblivious to my presence.As I stood there, I knew that my relationship with Seven would never be the same. The secrets and lied had created a rift, and I wasn’t sure if it would be amended.My secrets to him and his to me. He knew about all of this, and he made me think that I was overreacting.With my trembling hands, I wiped my tears, and gradually, without making a noise, I went out of her room.I approached the gate, pushed it open, and went into my car. I let my tears fall because I knew it was over for me.Trying to relax my racing heart, I placed my hands on my chest to calm myself. My drugs were in my bag, so there was no way I’d stop a huge panic attack if it set in.My hands caught my steering wheel, so I puffed out the gagging air in my throat, then revved the engin
Still contemplating, tears continued to spill out of my eyes, and I quickly took my hands to wipe them out. Slowly, I turned around to look at Lizzy. She glanced at me without saying anything. Giving me the expression of, do whatever it is you want, she moved her step to reach the stairs, going up. Lizzy’s behavior dumbfounded me, because she had never acted like that before. She left me alone to face this all by myself. Sluggishly, I nodded, picked my bag from the couch and went straight to the wine cellar to get a full bottle of wine before moving to my room. Slamming the door shut, I didn’t bother to take another step. I just slumped to the floor and wrapped my knee close to my face and cried my eyes out. I was selfish. Maybe I should have trusted him and now he has left me. I did this to myself. I let anger and jealousy fuel inside me so badly that I didn’t see who he really was. How true of a man he has been to me. I stayed there, on the ground and cried for hours an