CHAPTER HUNDRED *Her deranged and confused thoughts were all she knew*"You were what? I'm not sure I caught that." Her father asked, staring into her soul, his brows marred with curiosity and worry. Drake still maintained the indecipherable demeanour. Great! She made it too obvious that she was hiding something. But this time, she will keep it so. A part of her would want to share the creepy experience she had while she was unconscious but she had no idea where in the entire realm of the earth she was lurking. It was total darkness, devoid of life and form. She was just floating aimlessly in the darkness, with no sense of direction and meaning. She was battling with her inner self, her deranged and confused thoughts were all she knew. Did she perhaps die and come back to life without the two of them knowing? Now, that's a ludicrous assumption. No way that is true. Absolutely no way! She is herself, alive and whole. Whatever the crap that was... Was not real. She was t
CHAPTER HUNDRED -ONE *If wishes were horses... *She turned to leave but hesitated as she snuck one final glance at Drake. He ignored her as he focused on devouring the roast chicken before him. Hmmm. He didn't even give a damn about her? What an asshole! Like she gives a fuck! Oh damn right she does but what the hell?Countless guys are more than willing to grovel before her and lick her feet but this so-called horse keeper is ignoring her entire existence like she didn't mean a single thing! Fuck! She feels insulted and spat upon! How embarrassing, seeking his validation and affection. What had come over her? She wasn't like this before! She would always get what she wants and when she wants it. If it's a good fuck, they are plenty of eligible, handsome and very rich men out there that are dying for her company. But she ignored them and instead sought this asshole's attention like a swoony little school girl that is in love. Shit! She needs a brain reset operation do
CHAPTER HUNDRED-TWO *A part of her wanted to scream how petrified she was*Her hazel eyes widened and narrowed immediately as she eyed him dubiously. How could he tell? Did she make it so damn obvious? Maybe she did. She is gradually going nuts after all. Fuck! I would not give him the satisfaction of provoking any discernible reactionfrom me. She jutted her chin at him, feigning indifference. "I have no idea what you're talking about." she snapped, folding her hands across her chest, hoping he couldn't see her thumping heart in her chest, threatening to rip out. That sounded ridiculous because She was simply overthinking things, reading more meaning into things than it needs to be. His mouth flattened into a tight line. "Don't play dumb with me, Jane. I know when something is up. You can't put anything past me." He prodded. She released an exasperated groan from her throat. "I told you already! I am super fine. As you can see. and besides, it's no business of yours
CHAPTER HUNDRED-THREE *She had misjudged him!*"C'mon spit it out before your Dad starts wondering what the hell is taking me so long." He pressed. She drew in several deep breaths and puff them out. Here it goes... "You don't know when to give up, do you?! anyways, um..." Where do I start from? She wondered, rubbing her chin thoughtfully. It is complicated. His blue eyes were pierced through hers intensely as he waited. "Okay, so you may find it hard to believe... And I am not entirely sure what really happened but I was trapped in some kind of darkness. " she swallowed a lump in her throat and pressed her lips together. Oh great! He might think that she had lost it now. His brows puckered in confusion but he still encouraged her to continue. "Go on please." he urged. She nodded. Okay, she can do this! "I know you may be thinking right now, what the hell is she talking about? And I wish I know the answer to that because I am as confused as you are right now," she s
CHAPTER HUNDRED-FOUR *But the nagging voice continued to torment him*Mr Hughen? Did she just call him that? Interesting. An amusing smile crossed his lips as he watched her retreating figure. She left in a hurry to get changed. And as he stood there watching her, a complex emotion stirred in his chest. When she had disappeared at the corner that led to the main house, he puffed out a deep breath and turned to return to Mr Jordan at the penthouse garden area where they are presently having a barbecue. By the time got there he was surprised to see that James, assisted by Abigail had begun packing and arranging the equipment and other materials used for the barbecue set up in the garage. Mr Jordan was making a call on his phone. His inaudible voice was tuned down as he sensed his presence. He spoke some more and hung up. "Took you long enough." He snapped, turning to face Drake, hiding hands on his hips. "I may have eaten something that didn't go well with my system. Maybe th
CHAPTER HUNDRED-FIVE *It's going to be a long night*His stomach churned at his words. Mr Jordan should return the favour. Of course, he had a motive for maintaining his competence as their horse keeper. First, not to lose his job and keep working for them in order to get closer to the truth eventually. Second, to end him. For good. He knows what James is suggesting But sadly, he is in no way after Mr Jordan's money or his property. To hell with those! His father's life and family's honour are worth much more than that. If no one would do that, he would. He would put an end to the jordans domination once and for all. With all the power insane power and the age-long secret that they have amassed for generations, he will break the circle and put them to shame. Yes, that is why he is here. Nothing more, nothing less. He swatted his hand on his shoulder, scowling at him playfully."Yeah right. It is just not part of my job description dude. How about you, why don't ask
CHAPTER HUNDRED-SIX *Today is a brand new day, Janice.*The vibration of her mobile snapped her awake from her sleep. Cursing under her breath and yawning, she tossed over the bed to grab her phone from the bedside table. Who could it be? Her weary eyes flickered to the wall clock. The time reads: 9:34 am.Oh... It's a little late in the morning. She really had a rough night last night. She could barely get a good night's sleep. As expected... After everything that had happened. Her brain decided to play a movie of her past for her. It was a very emotional movie indeed. She had cried her eyes out and had wished for her mother's presence more than ever. She puffed out a deep breath, clearing her aching throat. The vibration had stopped by the time she reached for her phone. She swiped to see who it was. A smile tugged at the corners of her chapped lips. Hannah! She was about to tap on the call back button when Hannah started calling again.After everything she had been th
CHAPTER HUNDRED-SEVEN. *The pang of guilt persistently churned in her stomach*She was thankful that she was able to escape that call with her best friend without in any way disclosing the truth behind the dreadful incident that transpired that day. The rest of the day passed like a blur with nothing much to do than just lying on the lounge, sipping some wine and watching her favourite movie. And of course, thinking and worrying about Drake. Eager to know how he was faring she reached for her mobile and tapped on her contact list; she swiped upwards in search of his contact. Then his name popped up -Drake Hughen. Her heart fluttered nervously. She nibbled on her fingernails, pondering whether to place a call across or just send a text. She peered at her watch and the time was 2.40 pm. He should be awake and about. She wondered if he was okay, considering the injury he sustained during the fall. Her father had given him a three-a-day off to see the progress of his arm healing
*To forever and beyond…*The day of the trial had arrived, and it felt as though the world held its breath. The courtroom was filled with journalists, spectators, and photographers positioned on all corners of the courtroom doors waiting. They were all here for the same purpose: the moment the world would witness as justice decided the fate of Mr. Jordan. In other words, the downfall of the Jordans.The courtroom was so unnervingly quiet that you could hear a pin drop as every creak of a bench and every rustle of paper lingered in the tense air.Janice Jordan sat at the front with Finn beside her. Her uncle came with some family members and they sat behind the pew. Janice’s hands trembled in her lap, fingers clasped so tightly together that her knuckles turned white. She glanced at Finn beside her, his jaw set, gaze fixed on the judge as if nothing else existed. This was heavy for him especially but at last he would witness the final judgment and hopefully get the justice his late f
*He had to bear the consequences of his actions.*Janice sat in an uneasy silence, staring out the window as the news sank in, each word settling into her mind like stones dropped into water.She could hardly believe her ears. Her father has been arrested?! This was the first time such news would reach her ears. The mighty Jordan was arrested?!"Janice? This isn't the time to space out!" Finn's voice yanked her out of her reverie. She blinked repeatedly as her brain was still processing this whole unexpected turn out of events. She gulped. "What's going to happen to him, I-I don't even know what to say. He's the only family I've got, Finn," her words barely squeak out of her lips."Unfortunately, it may be nothing good, Janice. This is the moment of truth, and justice must not only be done but it must be seen to be done." A cold shiver pricked against her skin like goosebumps. As much as she tried to ignore it, it was the hard truth. Her father had done horrible things in the pa
*Was this the end of the line for the mighty Jordan family?* "Janice, I'm so sorry you had to go through this alone, " Finn said, pulling her towards him for a long hug as he stroked her hair. Janice broke into tears, sobbing as her body shook with the weight of losing a child, a part of her that she wasn't fortunate to bring into the world. She sniffed and muffled against his chest, "I didn't mean to hide this from you, Finn. This is shocking news to me as well." "It's alright, sweetheart." He said gently as he continued to stroke her hair. Then he broke the embrace and cradled her wet face in his hand, forcing her to look at him. "Look at me, Janice," he wiped her tears with his thumb. His heart tightened seeing her like this. "I promise I will wipe the tears off your face. We can always make another one." She momentarily stopped crying and looked at him wide-eyed. "You didn't even ask if that child is yours, Finn." He chuckled and shook his head. "I didn't
Chapter Three Hundred and Thirty*The unexpected and Sad Revelation*Finn's (once Drake but will be called his real name henceforth)hammered as he paced the narrow room with the burner phone clutched tightly in his right hand and his left hand frantically raking through his sandy brown hair.Every creak of the floor, every rustle outside the window, seemed like it could be Fergus’s men clawing closer.They were running out of time.With the government closing in and Fergus’s rage nearly tangible, Finn knew their only chance was to reach out to someone who could help them disappear. His father’s old friend, Yamato—a man, both feared and revered, a former militant from Japan who had once pledged his loyalty to the family.Yamato listened in silence, his deep breaths echoing through the line. Then, without a word of question or reprimand, he simply said, “Be ready. I will take care of the arrangements.”A wave of relief coursed through Finn's body at once. His father had been right af
Chapter Three Hundred Twenty-Nine*My real name is Finn Orwells and not Drake Hughen.*He knew of one place Fergus wouldn't dare to look.The drive to his special hideout was unbearable, long, and tedious. It was a rocky path in the thick of the forest but close to a river bank. He usually came here when he needed some privacy from the Jordans and planned his next revenge move. But right now, the reverse was the case. How ironic did things turn out to be? He was literally bringing his arch enemy's daughter to his secret hideout, away from the hawk eyes of his evil brother-the person he was supposed to be working alongside.Well, things had changed. Maybe he had changed, too.But right now... he had a purpose.He glanced at the passenger's seat, where Janice was sitting quietly. Apparently, she was still shaken by everything that had unfolded. Poor woman... He had to protect her even from his own family.I'm so sorry, Mother....but I think I broke the rule.He gulped. I had fallen
*At any rate, he must save Janice.*The heel of his boots pounding in her stomach sent her to the floor, retching and wheezing with her heart in her throat, threatening to explode. A crushing pain seared through her chest. She sprawled on the ground, with her eyes shut tight, gasping for air desperately. The blindfold was restricting her vision, so she couldn't see who it was, but she could feel the extreme coldness exuding from his presence. "Let's try again, shall we, darling. And this time I won't go easy on you. I suggest you answer my questions if you want to leave here in one piece and see your asshole of a father!" the menacing raspy voice roared across the empty room. The man cocked his head to the two huge guys in black and at once they heaved her roughly to the chair and tied her hands and legs to the chair. The sound of the cocked gun jolted a shiver down her spine. He took long strides towards her and trailed the gun around her exposed chest, her buttons had come undon
*He must save Janice no matter what!*"What do you mean you haven't seen her?!" Mr Jordan bellowed through the phone, his hands trembling badly."You need to calm down, Mr Jordan. Remember, this is bad for your health. I will be at the shortly. " Matt spoke as calmly as possible through the phone."Calm down? What if something happened to her, Matt?! You were supposed to take care of her and now..." He paused, taking a sharp breath as he rubbed his temples frantically to ease the tension building up inside of me.Where on earth was his precious daughter? What could have happened to her?"Please, exercise some patience, Mr Jordan, while I wait for the construction team to help me remove my door. As I explained to you, Janice just stormed out of the house and locked me inside because she took the remote with her. She must have been in a hurry or something. I think maybe she's at her best friend's house, Hannah."Mr Jordan's eyes lit up.That may be true....who else will Janice be wi
She was super excited and relieved to see Drake coming to her rescue. Tears of relief etched at the corner of her eyes. He came for her! He must have sensed that I was in danger! But how did he know where to find me....? She pondered silently as she arched a brow at him curiously. "Drake! How did you know that I'm here?" She quizzed.He shrugged, winking at her."I just know, Janice. Now come one before Matt comes out!" He urged, waving her over.Her heart jumped at the mention of Matt. That monster! She never wants to be around him ever again! For now, she has been rescued, and she can safely go home and put this whole marriage behind her.Luckily, she has the videotape as evidence to nail Matt on the cross and call off the engagement. She rushed to the car and opened the passenger's door in the front seat and settled on it, jamming the shut quickly.For now, she will have to ask questions later."You good, Janice? I hope he didn't hurt you in there?" Drake asked, although his
*...if it wasn't Drake, then I would rather not love at all.* Damn it! Matt found out already? How did he even know about this? I thought he wasn't aware of it. What do you mean, Janice? Of course, Matt had been watching you non-stop! Only a fool wouldn't be aware of the deep connection that exists between you and Drake. At this point, I wouldn't even be surprised if the maids knew as well. The voice in her head taunted her. She bit her bottom lip frantically, trying to rein in the turbulent thoughts writhing inside of her head. She had to act cool and unbothered. Pretend as if you didn't know what he was saying, Janice. Act cool and get the hell out of here! The voice rang inside my head again like a Belfry. She sucked in several deep breaths and looked up at Matt intently, a smirk curling up her lips. "I have no idea what's you babbling about, Matt," she snapped, feigning ignorance. Matt scoffed, shaking his head. "Stop lying, Janice. It's too obvious! I'm not a