Marietta’s POVI can’t believe my ears right now. I’m here barely holding my life together. And the only person my daughter wants to see is her father?“Are you a joke?”“You have to calm down, Marietta.” Bella cautioned.“She’s just a child,” she added.“A child?” I repeated.Turning towards Clara. “Search Valerie’s room,” I said.Wiping off my tears, “Search it thoroughly, and take off anything that can serve as a means of communication!” “Yes ma’am.” Clara bowed.Taking my jacket, I headed downstairs.“Where are you going?” Bella asked.I could still hear Valerie’s cries from her room. But it was the least of my worries.“I’m going to find Michael,” “Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?” Bella questioned.“No, I’ll be fine,” I replied.“Get me my car keys,” I commanded one of the guards.Quickly, I took over the driver’s seat. Ordering the guards to stay back. I made my way down to Michael’s house.My heart raced faster as tears trickled down my face.For the first t
Marietta’s POVI was quickly discharged from the hospital. Luckily for me, the injuries I sustained didn’t take long before they healed.And yes, I’m back to work.As for the stranger, I couldn’t meet him again. All I knew was that he was the one who had rescued me that day.What isn’t clear to me is why he was always there to prevent me from harm.Am I starting to feel something for him? I’m not sure, what it was.I mean, it’s only normal for anyone to fall for their superheroes. Just like in novels.“The Blumhouse productions–”“What about them?” I asked, aiming towards my office.“They said they will only partner with us. If only we can join hands with the Sterlings and Whitmore for the ongoing AI movie production,” Clara replied.“What do you think?” I stared at Clara.“At this stage, if we refused to join hands with them, the company might crumble,” Clara answered.She is right. Everyone who had supported this acting firm had started to withdraw.Taking their shares to Sterling
Marietta’s POV“For real? You’ve been sick and don’t think I should know”?” Bella asked, stunned.“I–”“Do I mean this little to you?” Bella lashed. Pacing about, she stood firm. “I must have been so stupid. How come I overlooked that?” “Bella, I’m sorry,” I stuttered.“When did you find out?” She asked. “Last week,” I answered. “Seriously Marietta. What were you thinking? I’m your best friend.” she said, wiping off my tears.“I don’t want to scare you. And I don’t want to die now, Bella.” I burst into laughter. “What are your chances?” Bella asked, swallowing hard.“The doctor said it's fifty-fifty chance,” I stuttered.“Oh, Etta my dear,” Bella patted my back.“You will undergo the surgery. In my hospital, very soon.” Bella picked up her bag and aimed towards the door.“Bella, the doctor said I might not survive it,” I cried out.“So you want us to sit and do nothing?” Bella questioned.“Bella I can die,” I repeated.“Get a grip on yourself, girl!” Bella lashed out.Motioning to
Marietta’s POV“What do you mean by that statement?” I challenged myself.With my eyes bored into his, I tried to contemplate where we’d had an encounter before.But I couldn’t seem to remember any.Yes, except for the day he rescued me and I found myself lying in his bed. With my clothes on, actually. “Work with me. And I promise to pay double of whatever it is my father has promised,” he said.Pushing the documents to me. He relaxed back into his chair.“And if I refuse?” “I’ll still be here to help you up,” he replied.“Why?” I questioned.“Stay away from my brother,” was all he could say.Jackson, who, under the pretense, has been my ally.Through thick and thin he has helped me. Days I felt like giving up. He was my confidante. Why should I pick a stranger who confessed he was his brother over him?“You can think about it. You have three days to do that,” he said.Getting up to his feet. He made his way out.But just as he was about to leave. He paused. “That night…I didn’t d
Michael's POVThree days ago. I remembered asking the doctor what exactly was wrong with Etta. But seeing her collapsing on Clara's hand. Something is definitely wrong. “Excuse me–” “You are excused,” Jackson lashed. But that was the least of my problems. I raced down to the hospital where Marietta was admitted the other day she fainted. Soon I was able to meet with the doctor in charge of her the day she was rushed down. “Doctor, is there something I should know?” I questioned. “Nothing. She will be fine,” he shrugged. “Doc?” I reached out again. With my wrist clenched and my knuckles turning white. I asked again. “She has a tumor on the left side of her brain.” He confessed. I'm not someone to use force on people. But I didn't have a choice. “What do you mean she has a tumor?” I stuttered. I don't know how to explain to Marietta that I'm so sorry. That I want to be a part of her life. I know the pain she felt three years ago. I'm genuinely sorry. I just want to be–
Marietta’s POVAt first, we both stayed locked for a moment before I finally got back to my senses.I was about to slap him when Valerie’s voice stopped me.“Daddy,” she called excitedly.Shoving his hand off my waist, I took a step back.Just as I watched him rush towards Valerie. I stuck my ears to the door.I could hear flashes of the camera and murmurings.Just then, my phone rang. It was Bella.“Bella, what’s up?”“Have you checked your phone to see the news?” she inquired.“You know how much I hate the internet. What’s going on?” I questioned impatiently.Soon a message appeared on my phone, and I quickly rushed to check it out.THE WHITMORES ARE FINALLY BACK TOGETHER AFTER FOUR YEARS OF SEPARATION. “What’s going on girl? And what’s with the pictures?” Bella lashed out.“I’ll explain to you once I’m done,” I said.Hanging up, I made my way to the living room.“Valerie, I need you to go upstairs,”“Mommy, I want to play with Daddy,” she pleaded.“Now,” I added more pressure.Usin
Michael’s POVI’ve done all I could, but I still couldn’t win her heart.Yeah, she hates me so much. Yes, I’m a bad person and she’s right. “I need to clear my head,” I said.Running my hands through my hair, I raced down the wet street. It’s been long since I went to a bar. Ever since I stopped taking bodyguards with me. Life has been much easier.I’ve been able to escape the prying eyes of the reporters and there has been less talk of me on the internet these days.Except for the fact that I’m the youngest AI researcher in America right now.And also the fact that they thought Marietta and I were back together.I was midway back to my house when Gloria called me.“Yes,” “I think you might want to see this,” she said on the phone.“Send it to my phone,” I answered.“Can we meet up?” She requested.I’ve been avoiding Gloria all my life. She’s a beautiful woman like I said.But I can’t seem to get Marietta out of my head these days. I wanted her back. I can’t see myself with anot
Marietta’s POV By the time my eyes were opened, I realized my hands were tied. Not only that but my eyes were blindfolded as well. “Hello!” “Is anybody there?!” I shouted. But before I could say one more word, I was met with a slap. For a minute, I could hardly hear any sound. I felt myself go deaf for a second before I heard the sound of a heel. “Where’s my daughter? Please don’t hurt her! She’s just four years old,” I pleaded. But I was met with another deafening slap. “And that is none of my fucking business!” A female voice replied aggressively. Wait a minute. I think I know that voice. It has been my greatest nightmare. One of those that made my life a living hell for years. I spat some blood out, before swallowing hard. “Katty,” “Is that you?” I asked, stuttering. Then came her mocking laughter. One that echoed in my head for many years. “I think someone finally came back to her right senses,” she snapped. “Take off the blindfold,” she commanded. Just as the
Michael’s POVI couldn’t get my mind off the kiss I had shared with Donovan yesterday. It has been wet, hot, sweet, yet brief. And it has been fickle with my heart, but it has also messed with my brain, leaving me helpless.“Donovan,” I spoke his name out loud, as I watched the door open almost immediately.“Can I come in?” Donovan asked, his eyes settling on the bottle of alcohol I had set in front of me.Well, speak of the devil and he shall appear.“Yes, what did you find out about Katty and Gloria?” I asked impatiently.As much as I tried to take my mind off Marietta, I couldn’t. My thoughts have been divided ever since I shared that kiss with Donovan.Who am I? I can’t possibly be drawn to a man like myself. I need to visit a therapist. It seems I might not be able to handle this myself.“Marietta has been abducted,” Donovan replied with his head bowed.I jumped out of my seat with my fist clenched and my eyes fixed on Donovan.I moved closer to him to be sure I heard him corre
Marietta’s POV“You came for me?” I said with more tears rolling down my cheeks.“Boss, she has escaped,” one of his guards reported with a bow.“Find her and bring her to me,” He shrieked.“Yes, boss,” Adien commanded.Losing me from the chains that had held me bound, I collapsed into his arms and blacked out immediately. *********I had woken up to the smell of vanilla and luxury. Not just that, the cool air on my skin also confirmed that I was now in a better place.My vision was blurry at first, but later cleared upon feeling a touch on my skin.“Aiden, what are you–”I was stopped with his lips on mine, each accompanied by his tongue.It lasted for a while before we finally broke off panting heavily. His eyes scrutinized mine, as he placed his forehead on mine, his breath fanning my face.“Etta?” Bella called before halting in her tracks. “Am I interrupting something?” “I’ll just leave,” Aiden whispered and left quickly, letting me know that he would be back very soon.“Bella,
Marietta’s POV“Aiden,” I grabbed his shirt tighter, my breath fanning his bare neck.“I love it when you call my name,” He smirked before letting go of me.I could swear I was already getting wet beneath. I could feel my natural lubricant beneath me. I didn’t want him to stop, but I don’t want to continue either. “I’m sorry,” he said, panting heavily.I could tell he had to control himself from taking me right now. I could see that through his heavy breath and his red ears.“The maids will attend to you,” he said, taking a few steps back. “But Aiden…” I cleared my throat as he turned towards me. “What? Do you want to tell me something, Pookie?” “No,” I waved my hand and looked away from him. I don’t know if it’s just me but he looks damn hot, that I just couldn’t resist him whenever he’s close.Just then, a knock landed on the door, interrupting my thoughts.“Who is it?” I inquired, wrapping my clothes around me quickly.The master asked us to attend to you,” the maids chorused
Marietta’s POV“You came for me?” I said with more tears rolling down my cheeks.“Boss, she has escaped,” one of his guards reported with a bow.“Find her and bring her to me,” He shrieked.“Yes, boss,” Adien commanded.Losing me from the chains that had held me bound, I collapsed into his arms and blacked out immediately. *********I had woken up to the smell of vanilla and luxury. Not just that, the cool air on my skin also confirmed that I was now in a better place.My vision was blurry at first, but later cleared upon feeling a touch on my skin.“Aiden, what are you–”I was stopped with his lips on mine, each accompanied by his tongue.It lasted for a while before we finally broke off panting heavily. His eyes scrutinized mine, as he placed his forehead on mine, his breath fanning my face.“Etta?” Bella called before halting in her tracks. “Am I interrupting something?” “I’ll just leave,” Aiden whispered and left quickly, letting me know that he would be back very soon.“Bella,
Marietta’s POVEveryone’s jaw dropped as I held the girl’s hand, stopping her from retaliating.“Are you being serious right now?” I scoffed as I watched tears roll down her cheeks.“What’s going on here?” Aiden appeared behind almost immediately.The elevator door closed, and everyone explained what had happened between me and the girl to Aiden. All through the whole explanation, Aiden had said nothing, but his eyes only lingered on mine. As if waiting for me to defend myself.“They are lying,” I replied.I clenched my fist, my eyes darting from one person to another. I could see through them, they wanted me gone. “You are fired,” Aiden’s voice echoed through the hallway, sending shivers down my spine.I trembled in fear as I tried to make up some words, but I couldn’t.Where was I supposed to start from? Is he really going to believe his staff over me?Does he even love me at all?His eyes bored into mine as he looked away and motioned past me. Stopping in front of the lady I had
Marietta’s POV“I’m sorry for leading you on,” I replied, my face filled with regret.That night, I never intended to sleep with him, but I was drunk. I wanted to get Michael and everything out of my mind.I still couldn’t accept the fact that my daughter was dead, as at then that I started to regain my memories. All I wanted was to escape from my reality, and now I didn’t know I had dragged Aiden along with my shitty life.“What am I supposed to do with you?” I asked, but Aiden cut in abruptly.“Don’t leave me,” was all he could come up with as he reached for my hand, his eyes desperately boring into mine.“Do everything you want with me, but don’t leave me, Marietta.” he shook his head, rubbing his hand against mine.“But-” “No buts, please. Stay with me,” he pleaded with tears welling up in his eyes. “Can you just trust me this once. I’m not Michael.” He repeated, pulling me closer. “What can I do to prove that wrong, Etta?”“We are going to have a lot of people talking about us
Marietta’s POVEveryone’s jaw dropped as I held the girl’s hand, stopping her from retaliating.“Are you being serious right now?” I scoffed as I watched tears roll down her cheeks.“What’s going on here?” Aiden appeared behind almost immediately.The elevator door closed, and everyone explained what had happened between me and the girl to Aiden. All through the whole explanation, Aiden had said nothing, but his eyes only lingered on mine. As if waiting for me to defend myself.“They are lying,” I replied.I clenched my fist, my eyes darting from one person to another. I could see through them, they wanted me gone. “You are fired,” Aiden’s voice echoed through the hallway, sending shivers down my spine.I trembled in fear as I tried to make up some words, but I couldn’t.Where was I supposed to start from? Is he really going to believe his staff over me?Does he even love me at all?His eyes bored into mine as he looked away and motioned past me. Stopping in front of the lady I had
Michael’s POV“Make findings about that young man,” I commanded Donovan before losing my tie angrily.“Yes, boss.”I stared at my angry self in the mirror and smashed it into pieces, causing blood to drip out of it.“You are bleeding,” Donovan said, looking behind. “Leave!” I shouted, clenching my fist in anger. Pity wasn’t what I wanted right now. All I wanted was to win back her heart. To defeat our enemies and make them bow at our feet. To make Gloria and Katty pay for what they have done. And finally, to be with the woman I love. “She doesn’t love me anymore,”“You never can tell,” Donovan cuts in, his eyes boring into mine.“What do you know?” I lashed out, scattering the books in my study room.I watched each paper drop to the ground as Donovan quickly picked them up.“You need to calm down, Michael!” He yelled, holding me firm, his eyes boring into mine.“I can’t come down! Don’t you get it!” I shouted “Michael I–” Donovan heaved a sigh, his grip on my shoulders started to
Marietta’s POVSlowly motioning towards us, I turned to face Bella, who nodded her head in approval.“I’ll sort this out,” I said.As I watched Bella take Aiden inside, I heaved a sigh. I blinked back my tears multiple times.“I know what you did, Michael,” I started.I stared at him, but he seemed to be staring at the door. The entrance where Bella and Aiden had passed a few minutes ago.“Is there something you have to say to me, Michael Whitmore?” I said beneath my breath.I swallowed hard, my eyes leaving his at every point in time. I cannot believe how far I have come just because of the love I had for this man who never, for once, loved me back.But now, he wanted me back all of a sudden. “You are not safe here, Marietta.”“Why?” I questioned anxiously.“Is that why you’ve come?” I asked, staring at him.“Y–I mean no. Marietta,” he came at me, trying to hold me by the hand. “Listen to me–”“No, you listen to me!” I yanked my hands off him, trying to keep my voice down.“Look aro