"I would like to keep a copy of her demands if it is okay with you?" He asked lazily, "Of course". "I will get this to my lawyer and build up the contract with it," he said at last neatly folding it back to its initial size, "okay" I responded hoping our awkward chitty chat had come to a blissful ending, as I made my saya"I must warn you, you will need to be convincing enough; my father has a nose for smelling plots miles away", he said, as a frown crossed his face. To his surprise, I laughed wholeheartedly at that. Everything seemed the same to me; I stood for some minutes, and I had to reemphasize how good I was at my job."Mr Thorn, I spent years of my life waiting for this promotion, and you already know that; I appreciate it, and I'm willing to help; it's important we track Nox down before things get out of hand. I am not about to jeopardize it for anything," I responded confidently, taking Thorn by surprise. He nodded in agreement with my tenacious attitude."To lay my curiosit
The smell of antiseptic hit me as soon as I stepped out of the door to the doctor’s office.It was clean and clinical — to remind me that I was still in the hospital. I clutched my test result tightly, my palms were damp with nervous excitement. The hallway felt cold to my finger's touch as I leaned against the wall, bracing myself for what was to come.My heart was racing. I couldn't wait to call Marino and share the news. But just as I was about to dial his number, my phone rang, I checked to see who could be calling. My Uncle —Vivid on the spot for caller ID“Gianna, is everything fine with you and Marino?” His voice was serious with a tinge of concern.I laughed, trying to brush off the awkwardness I felt along with his question. "We're fine. Why do you ask?"There was a momentary silence before he continued, his voice was a bit hesitant. "I heard... Marino brought a pregnant woman to the hospital for a prenatal checkup the other day."I laughed harder, but a seed of disbelief
The night was filled with activities outside the grand San Fetillo Hilton Hotel. I sat myself on the passenger seat of a sleek Maybach, as I watched the scenes unfold through tinted windows. Luxury cars gleam under the bright lights, and the air vibrates with the sound of reporters eagerly adjusting their cameras to juicy news. I can see their breath turn white in the chilly evening air. The scent of car fumes and suspense aura seems to seep through the car's sealed interior.Clicks and Flashes of light filled the nights, as photographers captured every moment of arrival with a snap of welcome. There's an electric excitement in the air, My stomach chums from the luxury and high classics. The glamour of it all was suffocating, and I fought the urge to shrink in my seat out of low esteem.The car's door opens, and Thane Reed steps out confidently in a suave white suit. His smile is refined but light as he turns to help his companion, supermodel Lulu, out of the car. She glides out in a
The luxurious atmosphere of the Golden Age Group party swirls about my sides. Soft clicks of champagne glasses and the murmurs of discussion filled the atmosphere, mingling with the scent of exotic flowers and rich aromas from the buffet. I stood awkwardly in my business attire, that couldn't match out with the glamorously dressed attendees. The glimmering chandeliers cast a warm glow over everything, Setting it to me how much I don't belong here.I'm here on a job, not to have fun. Words from Thane echo in my mind, reminding me to stay focused. But as I find my way to the buffet, a sharp, familiar voice cuts through the noise of the party:"Get me some food here!"I looked up, and my eyes fell on Freya Howard. She's plastered with heavy makeup, she stands in an aura of arrogance that makes my skin crawl. Our eyes met, and I saw hers widen briefly in recognition before a smirk found its way across her face. Tilting her chin up, sizing me up like she was some kind of predator."So it's
Though, I didn't mean for this to happen. Standing in that lavish hall, surrounded by crystal chandeliers and people draped in designer clothing worth more than my monthly rent, I felt like an outsider. My simple black dress, the nicest thing I owned, suddenly felt cheap and inadequate. The air was thick with the smell of expensive perfume mingling with the aroma of gourmet hors d'oeuvres, getting my head to spin slightly. Or maybe that was just me being anxious.I have been on the edge lately, trying to fit in in a crowd while keeping an eye out for Rosy too. Just as she had been watching me too, I could tell. Now and then, I'd catch her whispering to Freya, both of them throwing me glances from time to time. Their stares weighed heavy on me making my skin crawl all over.Earlier, I'd overheard snippets of their conversation as I passed by. "To think she showed up?" Rosy had whispered, loud enough for me to hear. "Oh my, look at her. She doesn't even belong here." With Freya's tinkli
The sun set on me as I stood in the police station parking lot, feeling small and exposed. Thane, leaning against his sleek black car, looking as smug as ever, couldn't help but get odd about it. My cheeks burned with embarrassment as his laughter rang out in my ears, harsh and sarcastic, bouncing off the concrete walls around us."Gianna, that was so fucking cool!" Thane's voice dripped with sarcasm. "You're so ugly and couldn't do anything well, but who would have imagined that you could be so fierce today? No man would dare to marry a woman like you, for real."I stood still, staring at him as my heart raced in my chest. Why did he always have to be so cruel? Thane had always had a sharp tongue, and despite knowing better, his words still sting me. I'd learned long ago that showing how much he hurts me only made things worse.He wasn't done yet. His face hardened as he continued, "It's all because of you. You wasted my time. I already had it planned to spend the night with Lulu, an
Dazzling lights buzzes relentlessly above, casting a not so pleasing glow across the interrogation room. I sat alone, my fingers absently tracing the rough edges of the wooden table that separates me and the guy on uniform . The table felt more like a protective barrier, though whether it was protecting me or them, I wasn't sure of what anymore.My evening gown, which had seemed so off at the party just hours ago, was stained and wrinkled all the more. I could feel my hair coming loose from its careful styling , going out of shape like an honest nest, adding to my wretched appearance. Outside the room, I could hear the steady rhythm of shoes hitting beats against the tiled floor and the murmur of voices discussing what they believe to be my fate. In all my efforts to calm myself, my heart raced against my ribcage threatening to break through.As I waited, my mind wandered to questions I'd been asking myself all night. Is Marino's heart really made of stone? Throughout our five years
I couldn't even sleep that night. The dim light flickering through my curtains, casting dancing shadows on the walls of my bedroom. As I lay there, the coolness of the sheets against my skin provided little comfort to me. The city sounds gradually faded into silence as the night races to it's peak , leaving only the rhythmic ticking of my bedside clock to keep me company.When the sleep finally came, it was anything but peaceful. As reality blurred and faded, and suddenly I went back to three years in the past. The memory was vivid, painfully so. Rosy stood before me, her face beaming with joy as her hands cradled her protruded belly."Gianna, I'm pregnant with his child!" Her voice was giddy with excitement.The rage that filled me then was just as real as in my dream. "How could you do this to me?" I shouted in sorrow, and before I could stop myself, my palm connected with her cheek. The sharp sound of the slap hung in took the moment by hands a bit for a while before being drowned
"I would like to keep a copy of her demands if it is okay with you?" He asked lazily, "Of course". "I will get this to my lawyer and build up the contract with it," he said at last neatly folding it back to its initial size, "okay" I responded hoping our awkward chitty chat had come to a blissful ending, as I made my saya"I must warn you, you will need to be convincing enough; my father has a nose for smelling plots miles away", he said, as a frown crossed his face. To his surprise, I laughed wholeheartedly at that. Everything seemed the same to me; I stood for some minutes, and I had to reemphasize how good I was at my job."Mr Thorn, I spent years of my life waiting for this promotion, and you already know that; I appreciate it, and I'm willing to help; it's important we track Nox down before things get out of hand. I am not about to jeopardize it for anything," I responded confidently, taking Thorn by surprise. He nodded in agreement with my tenacious attitude."To lay my curiosit
Thane cleared his throat as he felt uncomfortable with the awkward silence in the room, he could feel my intent gaze on him, and my silence hurt him. As he stood right there, he gazed lovingly at me despite my icy cold expression."I know this is silly of me to say, but thank you for coming; I understand why you are here, regardless of whatever,", I said, shamefaced, not daring to act cheerful as usual. I was silent for some seconds contemplating how best to address Thane's recklessness."All thanks to your thoughtful behaviour,. You get to accommodate everyone and me for much longer", I responded sarcastically " I am just glad you are feeling happy again", I added."By accommodating everyone else, I don't understand what you mean," Thane said, looking sternly at me. "You will. You shouldn't be here, you're risking your life. Are you ready to accommodate those on the run because of your supposed father, since the Thorn and Thane Mansion is a safe place now?" I asked.Thane took that
Nox picked up his phone and dialled a contact; the receiver answered with the second ring " Hello, I am back," he said, desperately expecting his reaction. " Welcome," Agar responded dryly, at the other end of the phone before cutting off the call."He seemed elated at the news of your glamorous return" Thorn said sarcastically, catching him off guard. Nox felt angry, but he hid his shaking hands behind him, holding Thorn's gaze; he didn't know Thane had been standing in the doorway watching him, "Neither are you in his good books", he responded, getting back at him.Thorn laughed hysterically, "I was never desperate for his approval; I prefer my freedom, unlike you ", he shot back at him. " Is this how we play it, hun? Rubbing it in my face every time, "he responded impatiently."You started it uncle!!!" Thorn responded, stressing the word "uncle". "I know I do not match up to you, Nox, no doubt about that, but guess what! You do not hold a lamp to Thane's abilities", he said, smil
I watched silently as the sound of the ticking clock repeated its rhymes. I was still in bed, and it was almost my wake-up time.I had awoken earlier than I used to. This alone seemed to me like a huge sign and indication of something I couldn't lay my hands on just yet. Shoving my long fingers through my hair, I sat up in my bed, my head drenched in thoughts of all I had been through for the past few days.I wanted so badly to connect the dots; I wanted so badly to have my revenge, even if it meant taking some hard roads.But I didn't know getting on this path and having my revenge would prove this hard. I pushed myself out of my silky bed into the washroom.As the showers of water flowed all over my body, it was to me a huge relief. My head ached already, from the raging thoughts I was having.I found myself soliloquizing as I had my bath, "We can't give up, Gianna, get things right, just have allies that would help you through" I said to myself, wiping my body with a towel.I hurri
"I would like to keep a copy of her demands if it is okay with you?" He asked lazily, "Of course". "I will get this to my lawyer and build up the contract with it," he said at last, neatly folding it back to its initial size., "I responded, hoping our awkward chitty chat had come to a blissful ending."I must warn you, you will need to be convincing enough; my father has a nose for smelling plots miles away", he said, as a frown crossed his face. To his surprise, I laughed wholeheartedly at that."Mr Thorn, I spent years of my life waiting for this promotion. I appreciate it, and I'm willing to help; we must track it down before things get out of hand. I am not about to jeopardize it for anything," I responded confidently, taking Thorn by surprise. He nodded in agreement with my tenacious attitude."To lay my curiosity to rest, if I may ask, why did you choose me for this?" I asked in a businesslike tone, making Thorn laugh; for the umpteenth time, I noticed how charming he looked. He
Thane cleared his throat as he felt uncomfortable with the awkward silence in the room, he felt my intent gaze on him, and my silence irked him. As he stood right there, he gazed lovingly at her despite my icy cold expression."I know this is silly of me to say, but thank you for saving us; I understand what you did by going into hiding sort of, he said, shamefaced, not daring to act cheerful as usual. I was silent for some seconds contemplating how best to address Thane's recklessness."All thanks to your thoughtful behaviour,. You get to accommodate everyone and me for much longer", I responded sarcastically " I am just glad you are feeling happy again", I added."By accommodating everyone else, I don't understand what you mean," Thane said, looking sternly at me. "You will. You shouldn't be here, you're risking your life. Are you ready to accommodate those on the run because of your supposed father, since the Thorn and Thane Mansion is a safe place now?" I asked.Thane took that a
The calls of the sirens were getting closer, and he knew it was time to leave. He stuffed the note into his pocket and in a mad dash out of there, diving into the car. The tyres screeched as he tore out of the driveway, leaving the law enforcement miles behind. With his head spinning, he tried to make a decision. He couldn't even run to the police; they'd just use him as a convenient way of having amazing news again.His supposed father told him loudly and often that he was alone. His only option was to pray and rely on his yogi training. I was in danger of being harmed by the armed men, and he felt I might be killed trying to right this situation. Right the wrongs, at any price. His car growled as he stomped on it, whipping through the narrow lanes of the city. It was his night, and he would seize the opportunity. Thane controlled this part of the city through various connections he had with many people who owed him favours. He would bring in every single one of them to assist w
I and Rita had a lot of unfinished business. It was high time I pushed for vengeance to be gotten as soon as possible. I and Rita made sure to rest well, seeing how busy the next day would be.As I watched as our car left the driveway, I felt empty inside, like in an empty house with noise. We had to leave as well, but where the hell were we going to go? With the pandemonium he had escaped down there, it was no place for him to be going back onto the streets. While the reality of the situation was still dawning on him, his cousin was gone, and his friends were no longer to be trusted, possibly not even the father. His legs wobbled beneath him as he stood from the chair. Finally, we stopped driving and approached the house. The house was suffocating us, the walls closing in upon themselves as we felt more buried under guilt with each passing second. We sighed and headed to the garage. We had to get our heads cleared, and there was only one way: drive like a bat out of hell. And abou
"One last time!" The midwife instructed, "You're so close! You're so close, the baby's head is already 10cm gone!" The midwife continued to shout at me, urging me to push with all the might I could muster. Various midwives had already advised against the delivery of this particular child but I was determined not to lose an innocent life. “Argh!!!!” I tried my best to grab something to transfer this pain to but everything seemed flat and out of my grasp. Finally, the cry of a beautiful baby girl was heard crying loudly in the room. All the midwives looked up at the sky. It seemed brighter now; they looked pitifully at the beautiful baby girl; her fate was already sealed; she looked so sick, I heard one of them say.“Sorry, can we talk?” One of the midwives called out to the matron that had delivered my baby. The matron lifted her head and answered her call. “Don’t tell me you intend on keeping that child, don't make her suffer. I jerked up at this point. It was a bad dream! I p