March, 2022
Isabella hastily untied her apron, dumped it weakly on the counter and rushed out of the kitchen. Her hair was messy, eyes puffed from staring into hot moist smoke for long hours.
With several heart wrenching thoughts flapping through her disarrayed mind, accompanied with the fear that gripped her heart, she prayed silently that nothing would go wrong. More than it already had.
On her way out she bumped into Mrs Rhoda Bennett.
“I'm sorry Mother!” Isabella called as she dashed off, shutting her thought away from the obvious scowl in her stepmother's face. When she return hopefully everything would have gone alright, then she wouldn't mind listening to every one of her nag and even if it meant running errands deep into the next day.
She could even have one of her fingers if she so much as wanted it but till then she had not a single second to spend in that house.
“Isabella! Where are you headed off to? Get back here and finish making our meal!”
She heard her mother bark behind her as she grabbed her sling bag and hurried out.
“Please I have to see my brother… is he alright? Can I see him now? Please…”
Isa asked the nurse behind the counter.
“Calm down ma'am. Who is your brother?”
It was until that moment Isabella realised she had been breathing fast. Her hands all sweaty she dabbed them against her dress.
“Now please, how can I help you? If you can tell me your brother’s name and his ID number, I will run a search on him.”
“My brother…. His name is Ryan…. Ryan Jack. He is supposed to be in room 204 but he ain't there and I got a text message from here… the hospital that… that he…”
She couldn't breathe. Speaking had become more difficult than she could have ever imagined. She felt the nurse's calm gaze on her. Grateful she wasn't judgemental. Perhaps she understood how she was feeling at that moment.
“I'm sorry…I just… I'm just a little scared.”
“It's okay ma'am. It will be alright.” The nurse glanced at her before she went back to staring into the monitor before her. Moments later she raised her face.
“Ryan Jack…”
Isabella leaned forward, eyes worried and expectant. “Yes, that's my brother.”
“He was rushed to the emergency unit minutes ago. I'm sure that is why you couldn't find him in his room.”
“Please is my brother alright? Where is the emergency unit? Can I see him now?”
“I'm sorry but I can't provide further information on that but that is the direction to the emergency unit. You can wait on the bench for the doctor or any of the nurses to step out.”
“Thank you.” Isabella mumbled and hurried towards the emergency unit.
Doctor Miles and some nurses were trotting out of the unit on her arrival. She rushed at them.
“Doctor Miles, what is wrong with my brother? Is my brother alright?”
Doctor Miles pulled off his nose mask revealing a strained looking saggy eyes. He casted a worried look on Isabella before he spoke.
“There is a blockage in your brother's lungs and a surgery must be conducted immediately.”
“Will he be alright after the surgery?”
“He should be alright…” doctor Miles paused and observed her briefly. Worried wrinkles spread across his forehead.
Isabella's heart sank into the pit of her stomach. She knew that whatever next coming out of doctor Miles' lips was never going to be a good one. It wasn't the first time he had looked exactly that way and dropped a bombshell on her.
“Tell me doctor Miles, is there something else wrong with my brother?”
Doctor Miles let out a heave. He glanced around before he continued.
“Isa,” he called her calmly, “You know we have tried here. The management can't handle more untended bills. We can't do anything because of the outstanding bills you have incurred,” Doctor Miles said.
The gnawing feeling left Isa's stomach and tugged hard at her chest. She felt helpless. But she totally understood. Doctor Miles had been nothing but good to her.
“Doctor Miles, please can you give me some time. I promise to run around for the money.”
“There is not a lot of time, Isabella.The abnormality in his lung is worsening by the second and we must carry out the surgery as soon as possible.”
“Please just let my brother stay here for now please… I promise to get the money… please doctor…”
Doctor Miles sighed, gave a small nod before he began to stride away.
Isa turned to one of the nurses. “Can I go see him now?”
“Yes, but you would have to wait for him to be cleaned up and moved to his ward.”
Isa nodded, hot tears sliding down her cheeks. She forced a sniff and straightened up. By all means she had to get the money. She had to save her brother's life but where on earth was she supposed to get the money from?
She took a peek at her sleeping brother. He was still breathing fine but he might not if she didn't get the money for his treatment soon enough.
There was only way she knew to save her brother. One way to get the money.
“Oh there you are,”
Her step sister’s smirk welcomed her home.
“Mum! Isabella is back. Should I tell her?” Evelyn called out to their mother.
“Tell her what?” Mrs Rhoda Bennett came out.
“Get ready Isabella. I'm throwing my rejected suitor to you,” Evelyn commented with a smirk.
“Shut up Evelyn. I will do the talking.” Mrs Rhoda scolded Evelyn before she turned to Isabella.
“And where do you think you are coming from, young lady?”
“I'm sorry mummy but I had to go see my brother…”
“You mean your sickly brother. He sure is holding out well. Thought he would be dead by now,”
Evelyn snickered.
Isabella's fingers gripped onto her dress.
“Hold it all in… not now…; She mumbled, struggling to calm her nerves.
“So, what did the doctor say?” Mrs Rhoda asked as she lowered herself into one of the cushions.
“I need to make some deposits for surgery to be done on him. And I don't have any money…” Mom please can I ask Dad to give me some money…” She stuttered.
“What? You think we have some money to spend on the life of your brother when it is not even certain that he will make it out alive? Look, the company is having some issues and we can't afford to spend now, especially not this sort of spending.” Mrs Rhoda Grunts after her last words.
“Please…mummy…I beg you…I will do anything you want me to do… anything… I have to save my brother…”“Look Isabella, feeding you and having you under the same roof is enough trouble. But, I have some good news for you.”Isabella's swollen eyes lit up for the first time that day. Mrs Rhoda Bennett rose, her heavy ornaments dangling at the movement as she advanced towards Isabella.“Marry the bastard son of Walter Enterprises and well, I will consider asking my husband to save your little brother's life.”“Getting your brother to do a Lung transplant will be much better. Of course, you know how costly it is going to take to have it done?” She said, narrowing her eyeballs.Isabella’s brows twitched. Surely she knew of Walter Enterprises and infact had heard of the Walter bastard son but never knew him personally.“But mummy, I don't wish to get married now…”“Then I take it you do not wish to save your brother.” Mrs Rhoda Bennett retorted.“No, I want to save my brother but…”“You want my
MARCH 2023ONE YEAR LATERNEW YORK CITYIsabella drew in a slow breath. She watched as Doctor Miles pressed his stethoscope on Ryan's chest and plugged the end into his ears. He listened for a moment and nodded satisfactorily. “He is alright,” he said with a smile.“He just needs to take his medications and eat well.” He added, ruffling Ryan's hair gently. “Thank you so much, Doctor Miles.”Doctor Miles squeezed her shoulder, dished out some instructions to the nurses. He casted another warm smile at Isa, patted Ryan and trotted out with the nurses. Isa watched them until they disappeared out of the room. Then she grabbed her brother and hugged him tight. “Thank you Ryan… thank you for staying alive… thank you for not leaving me all alone…” She mumbled, dragging in what seemed like an emotion swaying wind.Later when Ryan fell asleep, she pulled the covers over him and just watched him sleep. It was the most peaceful she had seen him sleep. A year ago she had embarked on an arrang
A month after their wedding, Isa, not able to get rid of that memory, had brought it up with Douglas and Douglas had assured her she had nothing to be afraid of. In his words, he had come to adore her and was willing to let go of his past love yearnings for her sister. Why wouldn't he? She had sacrificed a lot for him. She had been there for him, the company had stayed afloat and he was grateful to her. And no, she didn't regret any of it. But why was she feeling…uncertain? Why was she feeling so uneasy…so anxious?There was a rap on the door and a second later Isabella's assistant walked in beaming with smiles. “Ma'am, it's all set now. The commissioner will be on air soon. I think the announcement will be made soon. Congratulations ma'am,” Miss Clara announced.Isabella sprung to her feet and grasped Miss Clara’s hands. “Really?”“Yes ma'am,” Miss Clara nodded.“But… What if I got it all wrong? What if he announced a different place? What if the commissioner announces South Str
She looked away and swept past him ignoring the pitiful look he had on. She just wanted to run. Away from everyone, everything. “Isabella!”He called behind her but she didn't stop. She continued to run. Breathless. But it was nothing compared to the feeling of storm that had swept through her and the weight of sadness that had settled in her chest. Just as she was crossing the road, she ran into a speeding car. “Isabella!!!”That was the last Isa heard. Up High in the sky she flew and on the ground she landed. Blood splattered. Without struggle, she gave into the darkness reaching for her. Before Raymond Walter got to the spot, the driver maneuvered his car and zoomed off.He definitely knew what would become of him after realizing the victim he struck down is one from the Walters Family.With mouth opened in shock and heart throbbing in pain, he cupped Isa into his broad arms. He pressed her body against his chest. His heart was begging her to hold on and wait till he got to
“Her parents knew I never wanted her as a wife. Isa knows herself. She knows that I have always wanted her sister and not her.We just had an agreement.”“What kind of agreement?” Raymond asked a bit perplexed.“She got married to me to save her brother's life and take my company's name to the top.”Douglas smacked his lips at his last words and shot a glance at his wrist watch.“I think I will get going now. I need to catch up on something.” He said and turned to leave. Just then, Doctor Miles walked out from the theater wearing a tiresome look.He reached out his hands and shook the two men, “Congratulations! She will be fine.”At the end of Doctor Miles’s words was a long, gloomy look.“Is it alright, if we go in and see her?”“I am sorry…I don't think she would recognize any of you.” Doctor Miles dropped what sounded like a bombshell.Douglas didn't seem concerned but he needed to listen to know his next plans.“What do you mean, Doctor Miles? Are you trying to say that she lost h
Isabella wakes up in the hospital. She squeezed her eyes with difficulty for some minutes before they finally opened.“Where is this? Where am I?” She mumbled softly, narrowing her eyes. She felt weak and empty. She tried to lift her legs but she couldn't, so she rather curled it up like a newborn baby.“What I'm I putting on?” She mumbled and scrutinized herself in a hospital gown.“Is this a hospital? Oh! no, hope nothing happened to Ryan?” “Ryan…” She stuttered and burst into a silent cry.Just then, a nurse walked in.“You are awake.” The nurse exclaimed and placed her mild palm over Isa's forehead.Isa dragged off the pulse oximeter clipped to her fingertip and tried to climb off the bed.“No. Don't. You just had surgery. I will go and call the Doctor.” The nurse placed Isa back in a proper position and hastily ran to call the Doctor.“Surgery? What does she mean by surgery? Aaah…my head hurts…” Isa cried out, cupping her head with her palm.Doctor Miles trots in with his nurses
At Walter's residence, friends and well wishers trot inside the over furnished sitting room in Douglas's quarters.Mr Walter wanted to help in the little way he could even though it was hard. He knew it might take some time before Isa's memory could come back.At least, it would be better than undergoing another surgery. That’s the reason he insisted on having a get together party, hoping that Isa's memory reconnects.He threw a glance at Isa smiling at some people that came by to introduce themselves.She looked really pretty wearing those smiles but her happiness would have been complete if she didn't lose her memory.Moments later, all attention diverted towards a figure. It was Raymond Walter wrapped up in a black designer's suite. “Oh! Son, you came back right on time. You closed the deal quite fast, I guess.” Mr Walter said, hoping nothing had gone wrong with the deal.Raymond halted halfway as his gaze fell on Isabella. He swallowed a lump and let shivers run across his spine.
Douglas pulled the car to a halt in front of Evelyn's Mansion. It was no longer something new for the duo as he drives her home regularly. Especially as Isa lost her memory. He knew it would be hard for Isa to smell a rat around them.In the tinted car, he plastered several kisses on her forehead and cajoled her into having a quick sex with him.As if not enough, he still wouldn't let her leave the car. The thought of going home to meet an empty woman with no memory irritated him. He wished they could spend more time together until he finally finds a way to divorce Isa.Meanwhile, Evelyn was buried in her own thoughts. Thoughts about Isa.What if Isa's memory comes back and she doesn't sign the divorce papers? After all, it was her biggest efforts that raised the company's identity to the top.Wait a minute, what if Isa has been pretending to have a memory loss? What if she paid the doctor to give everyone a fake health report?After all, nobody witnessed her accident. What if she is
Raymond shot a glance at the taxi's speedometer. It was at its highest but the car wasn't running as fast as he had expected.He urged the driver to drive faster as he could sense danger from afar. Not too far away. The nearer the black Honda came, the deeper he could feel the danger.Suddenly, the black honda pulled itself into the same level with the taxi. He saw four men putting on black masks. They were unrecognizable except from the tiny holes around their eyes which permitted them to see through and the tiny hole below their nostrils which allowed the passage of air.At this point, Raymond knew that he was in very big trouble. He could see a long pistol hanging across each man's chest and he saw a burning rage flaming in each of their eyeballs.He thought of nothing else but Isabella. How she was doing, what she might be doing at the moment or what could be going on through her thoughts. He recalled how she pleaded with him not to leave and how she told him it was dangerous outs
Isabella muttered one last prayer before she shifted the laptop to herself to input the password.Sure, she wouldn't let him see the password because she couldn't trust anybody.She added more energy to hasten whatsoever she was doing. She wasn't sure who the suspect was.It could be the chairman but she hoped it shouldn't be him.On her first try, she unlocked the company's shares. She threw a galbce at the chairman who widened his eyes in shock.“How did you manage to know this?” The chairman suddenly asked in amazement.Isa just made a smirk.“Chairman, you forget things so easily. You must have forgotten that I was the same person that built this company to the top ten. Who do you think created the password to the company's shares?” She asked, making another cold smirk.The chairman took a deep breath and laughed.He couldn't possibly believe what she just said.“How is that possible. I thought Douglas was a smart man. Why didn't he change the password to the company's shares, kno
As soon as they got inside the upper room, the system operators began to tremble on seeing the police men.The manager had to assure them that they weren't here to get them arrested.“All I need is your cooperation and nothing more.” The inspector mumbled to them to put their hearts at ease.He knew what they were scared of. Of course, they were young, vibrant guys and they might probably be involved in cyber crimes or internet fraud but he wasn't interested in any of that.The only thing he set his mind to do is to dig out who the culprit is.“Replay the clips, starting from this morning.” He said, narrowing his eyes.They turned on the TV that was connected to the cameras at the morgue attendant's room.The inspector watched the TV with every gusto in him. His eyes widened in shock as he saw Isa and Raymond walk inside the office.He maintained his steeze as they watched the TV from the moment the duo walked in to the moment the uniformed able bodied men left the morgue with the mor
In the middle of their interaction, a call came in from the Federal Government. One of the ladies picked up the call and pressed the loud speaker button for everyone to hear what they had to say to each other.At this point, the case was resting in the hollow palms of the citizens. They were disappointed in the federal government for what happened.The individual who communicated with them wasn't specifically the federal government but an arm and messenger from the federal government.“This message is coming directly from the Federal government. I am here to tell you all that you have falsely been accusing them for what they know nothing about.” The baritone voice began from the other end and paused halfway to catch a breath.An unusual deafening silence drifted in. It was so quiet that if a pin was thrown on the floor, the sound would be heard clearly.“They have heard all your complaints and have decided to find the suspects behind the death of the morgue attendant and the patholog
As the cool evening wrapped closer, the police station became crowded as officers trotted out from the inspector general's office.They were all coming from the inspector general's office. He called them after the news reported the death of the lady.Actually, the police station branch where Mrs Rhoda Bennett was arrested had nothing to do with the case of the dead lady but the inspector general took it upon himself to investigate the case.He called the inspector general of that branch and requested that the case be transferred to his own branch.And yes was his answer because they were once good friends.The inspector general called his officers afterwards and commanded them to go and fetch any evidence that could be linked to the death of the lady.“Go out there. Do whatever you have to do to fetch me the cause of the lady's death.” He had said when he was addressing the officers. They were all lined up like soldiers ready for war. Their faces were staring into the empty space whil
Isa was still curled up like a baby in the duvet when her phone began to ring. She became so scared and wondered who it might be.She alighted from the bed and grabbed the phone from the top of the drawer. She glanced at her phone screen and saw that it was the chairman. She was supposed to meet up with him after getting the autopsy results but the car crash accident became a big barrier.Since then, she hasn't gotten the opportunity to reschedule their meeting and now he is calling her phone.She didn't know what to do; whether to pick up the call and tell him that a lot of things went wrong from the time they were meant to meet or give him a run down of the trouble they were in which got them into another city.On a second thought, she restrained herself. She couldn't possibly trust anyone, not when they couldn't wrap their hands around who the suspect might be.She allowed the phone to ring for some minutes, thinking of the right words to utter to him.She desperately needed to se
She shut her eyes, allowing her memory to dance in the ecstasy of his kiss.He began to suck her mouth slowly, sliding his tongue into every corner of her mouth. He almost choked her to death.He kept on sliding in as if he was searching for something precious to him.Suddenly, he paused and looked into her eyes. She reciprocated with an alluring smile and licked her lips.At that moment, she felt safe and satisfied with him and wished there would be a way for her to repay him for all that he has done for her.Staring into her face, his eyes slowly traveled to the nape of her neck. He felt like sucking the hell out of her lith skin.The manner in which she stared at him showed that she was longing for more of his kisses but what he felt at that moment was more than a kiss.He wished she was his already so he could toss her into his arms and deal with her in the measure he longed for.“Why are you staring at me like that?” He whispered to her.She became quite flustered at his words. H
How would she make this lady understand that she is on the run? And that she can't trust anyone at the moment.“Hey, pretty…don't act like you don't like what I'm offering you.” The lady said sarcastically, tugging at Isabella's blouse.Isa became alert and looked up at the lady. Why did she tug at her in that manner? Is it mandatory to accept her nasty offers?Something about her made her feel so uncomfortable. She threw a gaze towards Raymond but he was still focused on filling the form.The moment he lifted his head and saw the lady on the black blazers, he screamed Isabella's name.“Run.” He shouted with the top of his voice, looking through a crowd that suddenly appeared from nowhere.Perhaps, it was time to board the plane.Isabella sprang up from the bench and began to run, forcing herself through the crowd.She was panting like never before. There was nothing else on her mind other than to get hold of Raymond's hands.She managed to tilt her neck backwards as she caught a gli
He suddenly pulled the car to the side of the road. Everything seemed like a dream to him. It's barely ten minutes since they drove out of the morgue and barely fifteen minutes since those uniformed men took the pathologist and the morgue attendant away.How possible could it be that they were both found dead? Actually the Airlines news station doesn't give fake information.“The pathologist and the morgue attendant are both dead?” Isa asked, perplexed.“How could that be possible?” He replied with scrutiny on his face.A while ago, three uniformed men who claimed to come from the Federal Government came and cuffed them out of the morgue.According to the news, their death didn't result from any form of car accident.Which only means one thing. Those men were sent to kill the pathologist and the morgue attendant.But why? Raymond shaked his head vehemently as a series of thoughts stormed into his head.If those men truly came from the Federal Government, they would kill only the path