Valerie's POV..The first thing I did when I got into my room was to get rid of the clothes I wore today. They stuck to my body, a symbol of how hard and stressful the day had been. The cool night breeze whispered across my skin, leaving goose pimples as I walked to the bathroom. I sat on the edge of the bathtub as I waited for it to get filled with warm water. I added some mint and lavender oil and the soap I needed to form the bubbles. The fragrance of the oils mixed with that of the bubble soap wafted through the room, giving the room a pleasant odor.I sank into the water relishing the feel of it as it engulfed me. I could feel the water working its way through my tightened muscles and joints. The oils I had put in helped me to relax by easing the tension from my mind, as I submerged myself deeper into the water. I loved bubble baths, the bubbles tickled my nose and skin in a playful manner while washing away the sweat and grime of the day. Taking the loofah that was there, I sc
Valerie's POV..I was still in shock from what Kenneth had said when I heard a loud knock on the door, I felt myself physically flinch as the sound passed through the room. I was beyond tired and wasn't in the mood for any company, why was anyone moving at this hour not to talk of knocking on a closed door by this time of the night and for their sake I hope what they came to ask for or say was important and worth it… else I might just lose it.I moved gingerly towards the door, both wanting to check who it was and wanting to put an ocean worth of space between Kenneth and I. His outburst came out of nowhere and I was still trying to wrap my head around the entire conversation. I waited for him to apologize, tell me he had slipped up because he feared something and then tell what it was but none of that happened. I looked through the peephole to see who it was, Analisse stood on the other side waiting patiently for me to open the door.“What are you doing here?” I said with an edge to
Valerie's POV.. “Analisse, spit it out for God's sake” I said out in frustration. This silence of hers was driving me up the wall. " I just wanted to check in on you, see how you are doing. I didn't see you at dinner and that kind of bothered me”. It wasn't the reply I was expecting but it was funny nonetheless, I couldn't think of one thing that would make her think I wanted to be in the same space with her alone, let alone when it's her and Adam. “I did eat dinner, I just didn't want to eat it with you and Adam. How awkward would it have been sitting down at the table with the two people who failed me and broke my trust to eat dinner. It makes no sense” I said, surprised at her question. Coming here to ask for their help had been hard, there was no way I would be forced to be in their presence any longer than I had to be. The thought of me sitting at the same table with them like some freak show happy family made me want to gouge my eyes out. “I've answered your question, I h
Valerie's POV…As I walked towards the kitchen for Breakfast, my mind remained fixated on the note I had found in my room. The words “we are coming for you next” played on a loop in my mind making it hard for me to think of anything else.Adam and Analisse were both seated in the dining room but I paid no attention to them, as I sat down to eat. The food tasted bland in my mouth as I forced myself to chew, until I eventually lost my appetite and started playing with the food on my plate, who would want to hurt me so much that they would resort to kidnapping children and leaving threatening notes. I searched the corners of my brain for an answer, who had I offended in these past years but I couldn't think of anyone. No one came to mind. If anything, I should be the one kidnapping some certain someone?My thoughts were going haywire thinking of every possibility.“Valerie, you are not eating. Is anything the matter?” Someone said, stopping my trail of thoughts, it was Adam. I had been s
Valerie's POV…As I reentered my room the weight of my guilt felt so heavy, I slid down my door as I groaned out remembering all that just happened in the dining room. My thoughts were fighting against each other, on one hand I thought of my children who had no business being thrown into this entire mess and were out there somewhere scared for their lives and definitely looking for their mom wondering when I was coming to save them. They were innocent and vulnerable and I had planned on keeping them that way but I guess it's a bit too late for that now. Then my mind went to the feelings I had for Adam. They were becoming so hard to ignore and I felt like I was drowning in it. I didn't want to feel like I had to pick between the two because I was definitely going to pick my children. I brought them into this world, I watched them grow and it was my duty to protect them.This attraction was beyond wrong; he was basically a forbidden fruit. It dawned on me why I couldn't tell Kenneth I l
Adam's POV..I watched as Valerie rushed out of my office, a blush evident on her neck and face. I clenched my jaw fighting the urge to go after her, distance had done nothing to flicker out the feelings I had for her. She had a lot on her plate and the last thing she needed was me disturbing her and making me feel more uncomfortable than she already was. I knew she might not believe it but she was my first love and the feelings I had for her were still raw. I knew it was wrong to entertain these feelings, I have a Luna and I was married but the circumstances surrounding our separation were beyond my control. My eyes remained fixed on the closed door, every fiber of my being longed for her, I wanted to go after her to tell her everything was going to be okay, to reassure her that I would get our children back but I knew I couldn't do that now when I could barely control the feelings I had for her. The first mistake I made was asking her why she looked so downcast. It wasn't even an
Adam's POV…I took a deep breath before walking around my desk to stand in front of her, that was one thing about Analisse once she had an idea stuck in her head. Getting it out was going to be a problem. I had a lot on my mind, I didn't need to add her paranoia to the list of my worries.“Analisse,” I said her name softly before tilting her head back with my fingers on her chin so she had no choice but to meet my eyes.“I know what you're trying to insinuate and it's not true, I married you because I love you and nobody can come between us. She's nothing more than the mother of my children” I said as I looked intently at her, as the words left my words I knew I was trying to convince myself just as much as I was trying to convince her. Her glare softened at my words, her gaze locked on mine as she closed the space between us, so we were standing toe to toe. “You don't have to be jealous of her, the only thing both of us will ever share are our twins. I don't want you to think that
Valerie's POV…I thought my conversation with Rendall would help me have some understanding of the threat or at least know who sent it but all It did was make me uncomfortable and more edgy than I already was.I returned to the swing, gently swaying with the evening breeze. My mind raced with thoughts of my children, the threat note a constant echo in my mind “We are coming for you next” A constant reminder of the looming danger.. Tears gathered at the corners of my eyes, fear and desperation clawed at my heart. As I sat there lost in thought, the sky grew darker. The clouds gathered dark and heavy. A fat droplet landed on my cheek but I made no move to stand-up. The rain began to pour a few minutes later, I closed my eyes, allowing myself to be drenched by the downpour as my tears rolled freely down my face. I was tired of looking for children, tired of fighting with Kenneth, tired of everything in general. The rain intensified, masking my tears as I stood deciding to go inside befo
Analisse’s POV…I knew she was up to no good, I tried warning Adam but whenever he was around that skank his attitude towards me was both distant and he tended to make rash decisions. I knew what she wanted all along but he made it seem like I was being jealous and spiteful, she knew she was nothing compared to me and that's why she kept on going after what was mine. I was sure the story she told about coming here for her children was a hoax and a plot to get into my family and destroy it from within and Adam being as gullible as he always was,fell for her tricks blindly but she wasn't fooling me and even if she actually had kids and they did go missing how sure was Adam that they were actually his children to begin with.I knew they thought I was oblivious to all they've been doing behind my back but this is my house and I have eyes and ears everywhere. Adam's birthday had finally arrived and I made it a duty to make sure I outdid everything I had done the previous year. This banqu
Adam's pov…“Valerie, what the hell?” I said laughing heartily as I tried to keep my head above the surface of the cold water. Though it was cold, it wasn't uncomfortable in a teeth chattering way but it felt cool and soothing. I watched as she crouched down to her ankles laughing so hard she was almost choking herself in the process.“I'm going to get you back for that.” I said without malice, I knew she was trying to get me to loosen up but I was going to get her back. I fell flat into the water, my entire outfit clung to my body, tendrils of my hair fell across my forehead almost getting into my eyes.I stretched out my arms trying to keep myself afloat in the body of water. I still couldn't believe that Valerie had pushed me into the lake. When I saw the mischievous look in her eyes, the last thing that came to my mind was that she was going to push me into the water. She was still laughing and tears had begun gathering in her eyes at how hard her laughter was, at a point she had
Adam's POV…I walked as quickly as my legs could carry me to the back of the house, on my way there I almost broke into a run but I had to refrain myself because I didn't want to alarm anyone and I wanted to leave as quietly as possible to avoid any of the staff or security guards following me or worse running into Analisse and explaining why I'm leaving my own banquet. I was getting too excited, I wanted to know so badly what Valerie had planned for the day. She had always been creative and I knew that even if she wanted us to just sit down and do nothing it would still be the best birthday because I get to spend it with her. I couldn’t remember the last time I was this eager to do anything, it felt like if I didn't get there any sooner I would explode from all the pent up happiness. It took a moment for me to realize that it had been ages since I felt this happy or excited about anything, my life had always been so bleak and straightforward. All I did was attend meetings, sign pap
Adam's POV …I carefully lifted the knife and began to cut into the black forest cake, the blade gliding smoothly through the moist chocolate layers. Valerie watched with a smile as I cut a slice, the cherry filling and whipped cream oozing out from between the layers.I picked up the slice and brought it to my nose, inhaling the rich aroma of chocolate and cherries. My stomach growled in anticipation as I took a bite, the flavors exploding on my tongue. The chocolate was rich and decadent, the cherries sweet and tart, and the whipped cream added a creamy texture that tied everything together. I closed my eyes, savoring the flavors and textures, feeling a sense of joy and contentment wash over me.As I chewed, I felt a sense of gratitude towards Valerie, who had somehow managed to make it into my room and bring me this amazing cake. “This tastes awesome, thank you for going through all the trouble to make me this. I really like it” I said, taking another bite of the sweet dessert.“Y
Adam's POV….I slowly opened my eyes, grogginess giving way to confusion as I took in my surroundings. I was in my bedroom, but something felt off. The room was too bright, the sunlight streaming in through the windows and illuminating the space in a way that seemed almost deliberate and I knew I had drawn my curtains closed last night before I slept.I sat up with a start, my heart racing as I scanned the room. That's when I saw her - Analisse, standing by the window, a sly smile spreading across her face. But she wasn't alone. Several maids stood behind her, their faces expressionless. What the hell was going on.My mind reeled as I tried to process what was happening. What were they doing in my bedroom? And why was Analisse looking at me like that? And why were there so many maids in my room?"Good morning, Babe. Happy birthday," Analisse said, her voice dripping with sweetness as she stepped closer and kissed my cheeks."I hope you're feeling refreshed. We have a big day ahead of
Valerie's POV…I wanted to bake the cake the previous day but procrastination had always been a hard habit to break for me. The sound of chattering voices, pots clanging and instructions being thrown around was what welcomed me as I walked towards the kitchen. I watched from the doorway as some maids helped mix pastries, some prepared brines, while some were chopping up vegetables and fruits for different dishes and cocktails. A thought urged me to turn back and go upstairs to avoid disturbing them and also I didn't want to be in the company of people but then again my thoughts were on a roll and I wasn't in the mood for any overthinking. As I stepped into the kitchen, all the voices reduced to a bare whisper as some of the kitchen aids turned to face me. God!! Why did they have to make it seem so weird?“What's going on?” the head cook asked in surprise, of how silent the place had suddenly become. His eyes travelled around the room before coming to rest on me. It felt beyond awkw
Valerie's pov…I don't know if he's psychic or he just enjoyed showing up at places he wasn't wanted or needed but Adam had a niche for appearing at the most awkward and uncomfortable moments. Rendall was about to crack at the exact moment he showed up. I knew it, I could feel it, the more I persisted the more I saw his resistance slowly wear off through his eyes and I felt I finally had the upper hand in this chaos I called my life, but I should have known it was too good to be true. The moment Rendall heard Adam's voice, the reverse was the case. His eyes became the size of saucers as he turned back taking in Adam's full size before running off back into the woods. I tried yelling out for him to stop but he didn't turn back not even once, only the moon goddesses knew when next I would have an opportunity to meet him. This was my one chance and now it's gone because someone decided to butt in where they were not needed. I hoped more for Adam's sake that he had a good reason for show
Valerie's POV..The last few days had been beyond eventful. I thought about my life, and how it had done a full 360. From being almost killed to almost having sex again with the man whom I swore I hated. It all seemed too ironic. My thoughts drifted to Adam, and our make out session. A flutter in my chest surprised me. I'd tried to brush it off as a mistake, but the truth was, I'd enjoyed it. The spark of attraction, the thrill of the unknown, the feeling of almost getting caught made me feel alive.Adam's strong jawline, his piercing eyes, and that captivating smile all swirled together in my mind. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I recalled the way his lips had felt when they touched mine, the way his palm though rough had felt so soft against my skin. I thought I would feel guilty for being with a married man, I waited but the feelings never came.After my attack, a few days later I was able to get a hold on Rendall, he felt sorry that I got injured looking for him but I told h
Adam's POV…“No not there, put it beside the fountain. No, move it a little bit to the left. Yes, Perfect.” was what echoed in my head as I flipped onto my back trying to get back the comfortable position I had earlier lost.“Be careful with that” the same voice echoed in my head finally ridding me of sleep as I sat upright rubbing my eyes. What was all the noise about, it felt like the entire house was being shaken to its foundation.“What is wrong with you guys, can't you do anything right. Must I do everything myself.” A voice shrieked out in annoyance, it was Analisse what was she doing in the garden by this time in the morning and why was she shouting. I looked towards the window, trying to gauge what time it was by the amount of light streaming in, it was barely bright outside so what was the cause of all the ruckus. I tossed the covers of my body, my movements seeming somewhat mechanical, the grogginess of sleep still there as I made my way and stood over the window trying to