"He's no longer breathing," one of them said. Hearing it, all I could see at that time was red. And my head felt like it's going to blow like a volcano. It was that woman's fault. "Check his pulse," someone said, I saw hope with those words. "He still has a pulse but it's weak," my constricted chest eased a little with that announcement. There's still hope. And I held onto that hope even though it was just a sliver. "Who are you," a medic asked when I was about to go inside the ambulance. "I'm his brother," I said. "Hop in," and I did as he said without wasting another second. My knees didn't stop knocking while I anxiously waited outside the operating room. Simultaneously, mom arrived as the door of the operating room opened. The sadness on the doctor's face already gave away that my brother didn't survive the accident. Mom wailed when she heard the doctor, "We are sorry for your loss." I was taken back from recollecting the past when my wife squeezed my hand. "Don't t
I checked my watch and it was half past eight, so I sat on the couch to wait for her as I thought she was in the dining hall. By the minute I waited for her, my impatience grew.Tapping my knees while looking at my watch, that's how I waited for her. And when the clock struck nine in the evening, I rang her phone. But, she didn't answer. Sighing, I called her again and still she was not returning my call. Impatience began to crawl in my heart like a vine, suffocating it. I called her again and now the call was rejected. Losing my patience, I threw my phone on the couch and picked it up again after debating with myself if I should call her again. At once, I picked up my phone and dialed her number because I was worried that my pride will take over again. By the umpteenth time of ringing her phone, I heard a ringtone outside her room. "Hello," her voice came over and I heard the doorknob twisting. With anticipation, I fixed my eyes on the door waiting for her to enter. She
Knowing that she misunderstood me, I softened my voice and said,"I'm not referring to you, but Sharon." I hugged her again, and I saw Sharon give me a teasing smile. Glaring at her, she responded by rolling her eyes at me before heading out. "Did you have your lunch?" I asked Tara, trying to change the subject, so that she could relax. "I did, how about you?" her soft voice felt like my restless heart that had been wandering in the desert had finally found an oasis. Gradually, her stiff body was relaxing as she knew that we're now alone. "Yes, I dined with the ministers. They were praising the chef for the banquet he prepared.And he mentioned that the meal was planned by you to fight against stress and strengthen the immune system," I told her, while I kept on stroking her back. Just like me, many of them were health conscious so when the chef mentioned that my dietitian planned the meal, they were praising her. I was proud of my wife. She may be from a social strata way bel
My mother had her hands at the door frame while shaking her head when I saw her in the corridor facing my brother's room. So shocked that she couldn't utter a word after she screamed. I walked towards my mother's shaking figure. And when I arrived at the door, my eyes landed on my brother who wore a guilty and regretful look. My relationship with my brother was always great and I know that he wasn't faking it when I saw how remorseful he was. He too was so stunned to wake up with Stella on his bed. Aghast that he grabbed a sheet to cover his body like a woman. I almost laughed at my brother's reaction. My eyes moved to Stella who was putting on her clothes. If the situation were different, my body would have reacted seeing her voluptuous body. Witnessing the thing she did with my brother, I felt nothing but loathing and disgust towards her. After a while my brother got a hold of himself and began to explain. "I didn't mean it, I was too drunk and thought that I was sleeping
Flanked between two bodyguards, Stella went out of the villa, pulling her luggage. Vanishing into thin air was my bodyguards' respect towards her. Being manhandled by my men she protested and cursed at them. But they were not afraid of her because no one would care if she complained. Since the news of her betrayal already reached them, they no longer paid her due respect. My hands were inside my trousers pocket as I clenched them tightly, trying to contain the combination of pain and anger. These two emotions deep within were like a molten lava that would be spat out angrily by a volcano. My life changed drastically as we went back after the holiday, I led a life that I didn't even dare to imagine.I became a libertine. However, the things I did was tightly sealed and no one exposed it. Money and power silenced them all. Not long after that night, I declared my candidacy for the presidential race. Well pleased that I was received by the people, dad had always stood there wi
He had me confused, he was holding me in his arms and yet spoke to me in that tone. Does he have a split personality? Pulling away from his embrace, I looked at him aggrievedly. Then he pulled me back in his embrace, explaining in a tender voice, "I'm not referring to you, but Sharon."A short while, we talked and then he kissed me passionately before letting me go to breathe in air. Not wanting to stay more than necessary, lest the people will start wagging their tongues again, I asked permission to leave. But he told me to go to the bathroom and check my appearance before leaving. I knew what he was trying to say and I glared at him. Still, a squeal escaped my mouth upon seeing my disheveled appearance, though I had a rough idea how I looked before looking at myself in the mirror. My neatly combed hair was now in a mess, my shirt was crumpled because of lots of movements and my lips were swollen. I left his office not after I glared at him. Just before I could close the do
I'm used to seeing my dad gaze at my mom tenderly. I have grown seeing them affectionate to each other. All through their relationship, dad and mom did not allow any other man or woman to go in between them. They remained faithful and true to each other. That's why both my parents didn't like my philandering ways. Persuading me to stop fooling around and move from the past. Just as mom stood up to get some wine, I said, "I won't be drinking, mom." My dad raised an eyebrow. "Did she stopped you?" I chuckled and said lightly, *She's just concerned about my health." A smirk marked my dad's face and said to my mom. "Serve him tea then.* "Alright, I'll let the maid brew tea," she said awkwardly and went to talk to the maid. A few minutes later my mom walked into the living room. Not too long, a maid came to the living room with a tray in her hands. My mom told her to serve the tea to me. "How about you?" I said as there was only one tea cup. Dad looked at the maid and ordered
Tara's POVHeart thudding loudly inside my chest, I traipse to the mansion, following Sharon's lead. Due to my edginess, I couldn't properly admire the opulent surroundings. If my circumstances were different, I would take a moment to savor this luxurious place. Given that I was going to meet my in-laws, I couldn't take a moment to enjoy what I was seeing. By the time, the door opened, my throat was super dry and felt like my heart was already in my throat.There was a couple in the living room and I didn't have to guess who they were. The woman must be my mother-in - law as she looked like my husband. And the man standing beside the woman must be my father - in - law. They were both looking at me. My mother - in law looked at me guiltily.It puzzled me.On the contrary, my father - law had an icy cold stare that sent chills to my back bone. "Her husband in his room. Send her there, Sharon," Andrei's father said without smiling. "Follow me, madam," Sharon said to me."After yo
Andrea Wilkin’s POV The garden was filled with laughter as my kids, my siblings' kids and cousins' kids were running about the garden. Today is my dad’s sixtieth birthday. My siblings and I organized this surprise birthday party for him. “Are they coming?” My brother Austin asked while cradling his third child. “Yes, mom sent me a text an hour ago that they’re preparing,” I replied. “Kirsten is blessed to have you, Austin,” I said, smiling. Austin and Nicholas are like our dad, they are hands on dad. My phone rang as Austin was about to respond. Before I answered the call, I signaled at everyone to keep quiet and they cooperated, not wanting to ruin the surprise. “Mom?” I whispered. “Andrea, your dad is asking me where we are going and the reason we are going out. What should I tell him?” I chuckled. It’s really hard for mom because dad could see through her. It’s really hard to surprise him. “Just tell him that you wanted to have a date with him,” I suggested.
“Congratulations!” Evan gave me a manly tap on the shoulder. Tara had just finished feeding our baby and laid her on the baby cot when he and Trixie came in. “Oh, so beautiful,” Trixie cooed. “What is her name?” Evan asked while looking at my sleeping daughter. “Andrea,” Tara answered and I looked at her in surprise. “You don’t like it?” she squinted her eyes. “I’m happy, babe,” I hugged her, smiling from ear to ear. Naming our daughter after my name was one of her ways of showing how much she loves me. This woman truly amazes me. Despite all the pain she has gone through since we got married she always finds ways to express her love for me. She loves me no matter what. ***The following day, the DNA test result was out. The result has proven that Tara was the great granddaughter of Marcus Reinsterd the Duke of Clorgow. Tara’s grandfather released a statement that Tara is his great granddaughter, the daughter of his grandson the son of his son, Lincoln. In his statement, t
I was like a cat on a tin roof waiting for my “great grandpa” which I was going to meet for the first time. “Don’t be nervous, babe. They can’t hurt you,” Andrei reassured me as he kissed the crown of my head and stroked my large belly. “Dad and mom, will be here, shortly,” as soon as he said that we heard hurried steps coming from the entrance of the mansion. Suzanna smiled at me reassuringly as she walked towards us. “All will be fine, darling,” Suzanna said as she stroked my back. Trevor layed a box and a file on the coffee table before me.“The box was what your grandma left for your father, while the file was your father's legal documents.” I looked up at Andrei and his smile gave me the needed strength for me to look into the box. One by one, I took out the content of the box. I took out the diary and read it. March 5[I was disowned and disinherited by my family because I chose to marry Lincoln Reinsterd. But it was worthwhile because we love each other.]June 1[All of
While I was brooding, the door burst open and I saw Courtney come in while the bodyguard was restraining her. I waved my hand, “Let her be.” “What are you doing here?” I tried not to let my annoyance seep through my voice. This woman saved me after all. “Mr. Hendrick, your surgeon is my friend and he discussed your leg injury with me.”“And?” I frowned. What does she have to do with my injury? “You didn’t look at the card I gave you?” she asked and her eyes darted at the side table. “I’m a physiotherapist,” she went on. She explained to me that I will have a greater chance to walk again if I undergo therapy. Tara’ POV“You can visit me, mom,” I told mom as she was crying when we were left alone in the room. She nodded and wiped her face with her handkerchief. “You take care of yourself, okay,” she said and kissed my forehead. “I will,” I said and we hugged for I don’t know how long. My brothers were in the living room looking solemn as they stood before the grand piano.
Jordan was at the door. “We are all waiting for you at the dining room,” he said and gave me a mischievous grin. I forgot, it’s Saturday today. When I came to Astrana, we all gathered together at the dining table at lunch time on Saturdays. Jordan was right as everybody was seated on their chair at the dining table when we came down. “Sorry for making you wait,” I said as Andrei drew a seat for me. “It’s alright,” Trevor answered, smiling at me. The sparkle in his eyes was more brilliant at this time. Is this because he was seeing his best friend in me? Suzanna told me that my biological dad was his best friend. One by one I looked at the faces of people I love as we were having lunch. My heart was filled with gratitude that I was blessed by God to have been surrounded by people I love and love me too. ***The day before we were leaving, I was hugging Andrei from behind as he was shaving his face. “Babe, we are leaving tomorrow night and I haven’t visited Hendrick in the hosp
I used my eyes to plead to Andrei and let me go to the hospital. Yes, I don’t see Hendrick as a lover, but he is my friend and I can’t just ignore him knowing that he is now in the hospital. “Let’s go,” Andrei said and I was relieved. I hugged him and said, “Thank you, babe.” “Get Johnny to drive for you,” mom said. Andrei embraced me as we traveled as I was tense. “Don’t get agitated. Think about our child.” “Mm,” I nodded and silently prayed that Hedrick would be fine and the surgery would go well. There was a woman who was waiting in the corridor in front of the surgery room. She might have heard our hurried steps and turned toward us. I was stunned as she was beautiful. My heart suddenly leaped with excitement. Finally, the one for Hendrick showed up. “Are you the girlfriend?” she asked when I was near her. Andrei slid his arm around my waist, silently telling her that she’s got it wrong.“I’m sorry, I thought you were because he has been calling your name. So I called
“Mm” I pounded his chest with my fists but Andrei seemed not to feel it. “You are disgusting!” I said as my palm connected with his face after letting go of my lips. His head turned sideways because I hit his face hard. He looked at me with teary eyes. “Can’t we come back to the way we used to be?” My heart clenched seeing the pain in his eyes. “Don’t you love me anymore, Tara?” I took a profound breath. He has to know. It’s immoral to continue in this relationship. “Andrei, Kristoff Kanovski is my father and he is your uncle. We are cousins. We are in an incestuous relationship. It’s immoral.” It was hard to say it, but it is the truth and we both need to be freed from this. “Let’s go, they are waiting for us in the living room,” Andrei moved out of the bathroom and I walked behind him. “What happened to your face, son?” I heard Suzanna.“Your son misbehaved so he reaped what he sowed,” Trevor said, chuckling.There was no available seat in the living room and was already
As if strong hands pulled me together. My strength came back all at once and I went to have a shower. “Tara, wait for me, I will come and get you and our child back,” I said. I was crying and smiling at the same time. I will not let Kavanaugh have her. If kneeling before her will gain her forgiveness and acceptance, I am more than willing to do it. I shaved my face as my beard and mustache had grown long. Tara didn’t like me growing my beard and mustache. She wanted my face smooth. I went down after getting dressed. “Are you leaving tonight for Astrana?” Dad already guessed what was on my mind. “Yes, I can’t wait to see her. We have been like this for months,” I shook my head, realizing the wasted time. “You should have asked me about it son,” dad patted my shoulder. “I was afraid you would have another heart attack that would kill you. I can’t bear seeing mom, lonely and crying,” I said with a sigh. It was the truth, I’d rather be sad than see my mom cry. “We will go with
I pursed my lips. “Tara, I will be here for you and the child,” Hendrick said. “What about your mom and dad? You left them for me?” Hendrick shook his head. “No, they came with me.” I remember that General Rossini and Eloise were Astranians. “Do they know the reason you left the military and went here?” I asked with wide eyes.“Yes they do,” Hendrick nodded his head with a smile. ***At night, I was in bed, and my mom came into my room. “Mom?” My mom sat on the side of the bed and I slid my body in the middle of the bed to give her space to sit. She got into the bed and she leaned on the headboard. “Don’t be afraid to accept the man, he truly loves you.” I looked up at her and said, protesting, “But mom.”“Sh… listen to me. It’s very important.” mom said and had me lay my head on her chest.“When I was young I had a boyfriend who came from a powerful family.” Mom paused for a while and sighed.“But his mother told me to leave him and I agreed. However, after agreeing to hi