...Sophie."No. No. Who are you? Where's this place?" The shadow kept quiet. I knew I was not alone. I knew I was being watched but my company refused to talk. It was dark, chilly and stuffy with only the sounds of the cricket keeping me company. The dimly lit atmosphere felt suffocating. I hyperventilated severally unable to catch my breath. There was no breeze coming in since the windows were locked. I gasped for air. My wrists weren't free, they were cuffed behind my back. My legs were chained to the bed. My neck was strapped with a collar as if I was some caged dog. Was the mysterious stranger who locked me in here planning on mistreating me like a dog that went astray?The situation was above me. It was one I couldn't deal with. My lips were sealed with plastic tape. I couldn't move. I couldn't call out for help with the little breath I had left but I had to try, nevertheless. I found myself screaming but it was muffled. I was slowly losing my mind. Then another shadow appe
..."I'm afraid Father but I'll have to decline." He said.Webster took a quick gulp of his drink, polishing it off afterwards. Just as expected, he knew his son was going to shy away from it. His chest rose and fell, his expression prickled with anger.He was the kind that liked obedience. He never liked his authority being questioned. "How can you so adamantly refuse such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? Many in your shoes would like nothing but to have such an opportunity thrown their way. The decision has been made and you will not go against it. You will do as I say. I insist. The company won't be passed on to anyone if not you." He said, decisively.Lorenzo shrank back in his seat, adjusting the cufflinks on his sleeves in sudden discomfort as he thought of what to say. "But father... Why me? I don't understand why this sudden responsibility has to fall on my shoulders when my older brother is still alive and kicking. Atkins is the supposed rightful heir, not me. I'm just th
...She pulled away, clearing her throat. "Since we're on that topic. Can you accompany me to my friend's night party?" She asked, blinking twice. It was all written on her face how she wanted my response to "I don't think that's...," I was still talking when she cut me off."I mean, he's not really my friend 'cause he once betrayed my trust but I've moved on long ago," she said, taking a sip of her drink. Trying to cover the look of hurt on her face.I sighed, crawling an inch closer to her. "Do you wanna talk about it?" I asked.She looked at me and bit her inner lips. "It's all in the past. It's just a guy I was unfortunate enough to cross roads with during my second-year semester. That was two years ago and I'm now in my finals. We fell in love at first sight like all fantasy stories begin. I thought he was my night in shining armour. My prince charming and I was his Cinderella with the missing silver shoe. Little did I know it was my own wild imagination." He huffed, continuin
. . . "I have a plan A. We'll escape through the window, then we bolt through the backyard gate. It's already late so it's definitely locked against intruders. Then again... I have a spare. Let's just pray there's no one watching over the gate." She said, exhaling. "Wow! That's a nice plan. But how'd you get your hands on a spare one?" I asked, curiously. "Um. Your husband gave it to me the day he bolted from home. Let me check if I even brought it with me. I always bring it along in case an emergency like this one, occurs." She said, searching through her things. After a few seconds, she found it. "Yepii! it's here!" She shouted, excitedly, locking eyes with me. "Come let's move." She slowly shifted the opening of the window able to slip herself in. I huffed. Not in relief cause it never really mattered if we were able to slip off the night or not. At least not to me, it didn't. I still couldn't believe I was doing this. I thought, inwardly. Once she was out, I sneaked out,
...Sophie.I followed Daphne's lead as we entered the night hall. The different fluorescent lights shining all over the place were blinding. The deafening rock music fueled my senses and it was apparent that every person present there with them was in for a long show. The night vibe was killing. The party clubbers were of course, massive.Daphne held my hand like some child whom she wouldn't like to lose amidst all these crowds as we made our way, shoving people aside until we found a joint that was by far less noisy. She pushed back a chair and sat me down on it, going ahead to sit beside me. My eyes took in every little detail as it roamed around the place. We weren't the only people waiting to be attended to. There were many others and they probably had the same reason for finding peace and serenity here instead of the lively dancefloor.Before I knew it, I was already the centre of attention. Hungry men's attention as they undressed me with their lustful gazes. One of them smi
Chapter 59Fake marriage with the billionaire playboy..."Fascinating. I can be an exception, then. That ring shouldn't define you. Don't let it cage you in the name of marriage. Not all marriages work. You might think you love him now but you two will grow apart in the end. It's no curse. All marriages, drift apart as time goes on. You can hardly find one that lasts in this century." He said the words like a sane human. Like he was actually making sense when as a matter of fact, he was losing his mind.I scoffed. Dumbfounded. What century did he think he was still living in? God. To think I could even have a proper conversation with such a man was alarming.He continued. "Your husband doesn't need to know. I can replace him. Just say the word." He got off my face. At some point, I was tempted to drag his grey hair and pull it all out but I tried to be a lady. To do as I was taught. Manners and courtesy. If it were my mother."I don't hide anything from my hubby and you can never
..."I beg of you," I found myself begging but it fell on deaf ears."Dream on." He smirked, adding more pressure around my waist as I beat and slammed my fragile fists on his unmoving body but he still wouldn't let go. He didn't even budge. "Let go of me! Spike, I said you should fucking let go of me! Please...," I cried, wrangling to get out of his grasp.He scoffed, shaking his head. "And like I said... it's never gonna happen again, Sophie. We still have a lot of catch-up to do. Now I'd say you remain quiet and don't make a scene or your punishment would be more severe." He warned.Punishment. I gulped hard on that particular word, and finally, I stopped throwing punches at him. I knew I had given in quickly, however, I never stopped weighing my options. I had no chance against a man like him who could easily overpower me a thousand times. He'd probably impose his sadistic rights over me when we were alone, outside of this suffocating vicinity and that fear brought out the figh
...We never talked till we reached our destination. Lorenzo parked his car and came down. I had to admit I missed my child just a few hours of being apart from him. My gaze swept around the entire building as I searched for the guard to whom I entrusted Miguel. Successfully finding the two of them, I ran to the poor guard first, thanking him wholeheartedly as I took over. Miguel relaxed in my arms, kicking out his arms and feet, excitedly as he clung to me. He was with one of the bodyguards. I knew he'd wake up if he suspected I was gone. My baby boy always knew when I was near. He could always feel his mother's presence and I don't ever wanna be apart from him, again. I thought getting emotional as a tear of contentment slipped down my cheeks.What would've happened if I was dragged away by that heartless monster? Shaking off the thoughts, I sighed. Relieved. Lorenzo had had enough of the drama as he grabbed my wrist, dragging me along with him as we stepped inside the house. H
A FEW MONTHS LATER.Mum had been so excited with both finding out about the marriage and my pregnancy that she'd actually boarded a flight to Holland. She'd been with me ever since, helping out in every possible way she could, for this day.My girlfriend called earlier and informed me she was already on her way. I can only say she booked a morning flight. I just hope she gets here before the wedding starts.I sat down on the chair while Ellabelle did the dressing. "Now, the finishing touches. A little makeup since you're already gorgeous, ma'am." She said.I smiled as she opened the kit and brought out the cosmetics. She applied it to my face before pinning the birdcage veil on my hair. "We're done." She said and pulled me up. "Thanks." I gazed at myself through the large mirror and I loved how I looked. My hair was in multiple bubble braids. The silver earrings, heart pendant and bracelet were sparkling and the makeup added to the beauty. I stared down my bridal silk gown, designed
Second to last Episode....After everything Rohan left with Daphne. Lorenzo took me to his parked car and we hopped in. The driver honked the horn and sped off instantly. We reached home after an hour as I climbed out of the car, we linked arms and side to side we walked in.As soon as Miguel saw us, he left Ellabelle and ran to me, embracing me. "Mama.""My baby boy. I'm back now, Okay," I said, lifting him up and into my arms."Welcome ma'am, Sophie. The food is ready. Should I bring it over to your room or you'd like to have it here?" She asked.I smiled, still feeling euphoric from officially being proposed to. "You don't have to. We've already eaten at the restaurant. Thanks for looking after Miguel." I rather said."It's nothing, ma'am. It's part of my job." She said.Lorenzo kissed my cheeks. "I'll be in our room. I need to have a shower." He said and left.I gently sat down on the chair, dropped Miguel on my lap and grabbed the remote control, turning on the television. I f
...Thankfully he arrived at the restaurant before her, taking a seat at the reserved joint. After a few minutes, a sophisticated, elegant, classic-looking lady approached him. Although her eyes were covered with sunglasses he needed no one to tell him who it was. He offered her a seat and sat down next to her. Mally thanked him, crossing her legs as she yanked off the glasses, shoving them into her purse."So, What's this about?" She asked."Thanks for coming. How have you been, Mally?" He knew he had to ask. He'd felt bad after watching the news about her father's death.Mally huffed, shaking her head at the irony of the question. "You mean after you dumped me? Why? Would you have been happy if I turned out dead?!" She snapped, rolling her eyes as he said nothing. "Well, it's too bad since I'm still breathing. Is that the kind of response you expected? Of course, I'm not alright. It feels like my world has been turned upside down. But you don't have to worry. It absolutely has no
...Lorenzo had been quiet all the way back home. He horned the car and the gatekeeper opened the gate for him. He drove in and parked, climbing down, he walked inside as I raced after him, trying to keep up with his pace. I grabbed his arm in the hallway, turning him to look at my face."Are you mad at me, Enzo?" I asked.He removed my hand and wanted to leave but I held on, encircling my arms around his stomach waist and placing my head against his back. The abrupt act got him to stop."I'm sorry. Please don't get mad at me." I said softly.He slowly removed my hand and turned me to face him. "You disobeyed me, Sophie. Infront of everyone. We should have deliberated on this as a couple before you go spilling everything all on your own. You broke the contract rules and deserve discipline for doing so."I opened my mouth to talk but couldn't form any coherent words. He was right. I took the decision upon myself however, I was only trying to set things straight. "I-l apologize, Enzo
..."I shouldn't have concealed the truth from the world. I can't excuse myself for being an accomplice. We were in on it, together. I'm sorry." He repeated as if saying the mantra would bring back my deceased brother."It's hard and a lot for me to take in sir but I... l understand. You loved your son enough to forsake my father. I will try to forgive and forget that fact." I said, my voice hoarse from crying."Thank you. I truly appreciate it. I never knew you were Malton's daughter. He was a good man and my friend at heart. Do not despise him. Whatever wrong he does is not his fault. It's ours since we made him that way." Webster said, continuing."We killed your brother, scarred your father but here you are, married to my son and taking care of him. I deserve to die." He said lastly in pain. Where was I going to start? They've trusted and believed I was married to their son for a year now. I think it's time to reveal the truth. "Mum, Dad, Daphne. I have something to say. You ca
The secret behind the killing....Malton was agitated to see him give in so easily and angrily cocked the gun barrel to finish him off. He stopped abruptly as he heard a scream."Noo, Father. Please don't!!" I shouted.Malton's attention was thwarted as he turned to know who had that voice. Although the face wasn't familiar, he was strangely drawn to the woman. Lorenzo ran inside and stopped at the horrible sight. His father was just a step away from being sent to the afterlife. "It's me, father. I'm Sophie... Your daughter."Malton's eyes widened as he abruptly stepped back. He was suddenly having mixed emotions. His feelings were all over the place as he couldn't believe nor comprehend what was happening. "It can't be. The last time I spoke with Laura she informed me our daughter was sixteen, not this grown adult. And she stays with her mother in New York City." He said, disapprovingly."Father. Please listen to me. I'm Sophie Winterfield, your only daughter. I know you went th
..NEW YORK.Morning.I yawned and opened my eyes. I climbed out of bed and removed my nightie as I went to the bathroom. I turned on the shower as the water cascaded down my body. I turned it off when I was done and reentered the room. I heard my boy's voice calling to me. "Mama!""Miguel, Mummy's coming. Let me put on my clothes... Okay?" I said and went to my closet.I yanked out the blue gown and wore it instantly. I packed my hair into a tight bun and went to his cot. I lowered down and carried him in my arms. He was already a year old to be lying around in a crib although in my eyes he'd always remain a baby. One I watched grow. Just then, a knock came in. My mother walked in."Good morning, Mum." She smiled. "Come down, breakfast is served.""Okay. I'll be right there." She nodded before leaving.I dropped my son on his feet and held his tiny hands as we walked out the door. I climbed down the stairs and stopped at the dining table.I saw the food and drinks had already been
9:35 Pm.Night.So, that was how it happened. It was probably the reason why he couldn't find Malton. So those three had been friends with Sophie's father all along, then how could they betray him? He thought. Sighing, he raked his fingers through his hair. He wouldn't allow anything to befall his Dad. He will protect him. It was never Webster's fault. He battled with his mind, thinking hard about whether to tell his wife what he'd just found out. In the end, he decided it was best not to.His driver parked the car and opened the door for him. He came down and walked inside his house. He went to his room and dropped the briefcase before removing his clothes. He entered the bathroom and had a warm bath, to clear his lousy thoughts. When he went to select his robe, a knock came in. He waited till he was done. "Come in."The door opened and she stepped in. "Sir, your dinner's served." Lorenzo gazed at her and pointed at the table. "Drop it there." She did as she was told with her head
"You don't have to apologize. It's my fault. I should have told you sooner." She said in tears, wiping her eyes as she pulled me into a hug. "Don't cry anymore, my child. I can't afford to see you in tears." She eased back, wiping my teary face."Thanks, Mum. Thanks for telling me the truth.""Are you hungry? I made lunch." She said softly.I shook my head. "I'm good. I only need some rest." I said as my eyes went round my room. I saw Miguel's cot at the extreme and knew he had already gone off to sleep. My gaze fell on the present underneath the table."What's that, Mum?" I asked, curiously."This? Your stepdad was so happy when he got promoted and decided to buy you a present. Damon believed you'd surely come back for it. And you did. I've been praying for your arrival ever since." She went and brought it out, handing it over to me. "I hope you will like it."I grabbed the package, ripping it entirely off. I gasped excitedly as I saw the purple designer handbag and a sparkling brace