Marietta’s POV
EIGHT MONTHS LATER
It's been nine month of pain, severe discomfort, and hard work.
“The baby is here. One last push.” The nurse encouraged me.
With sweats dripping off my body, I made the last push in screams.
Tears rolloed out of my eyes, as I felt at ease.
The baby had came early, I thought I was going to die, since this was my first time.
Also luckily for me, the baby seemed healthy in the nurse’s arms.
Staring at my baby weakly, I couldn’t help but mutter to myself “Finally I have a family in this world now,”
Having said that, I passed out.
The knock on the door had woken me up from my sleep–it was a nurse.
“Hi. How are you feeling?” The nurse smiled at me.
“I’m fine. What about my baby?” I quickly asked.
“Trust me your baby is fine. A nurse will bring your baby soon,” she replied, checking my drip.
“I don’t know if I should do this, but I don’t have a choice.” She replied.
“What is it?” I stuttered in fear.
“The hospital bills need…” the nurse hesitated.
The hospital bills needs to be sorted out in one way or the other. I had fell into labour when I got to my residence and saw my house on fire.
My neigbours had brought me here, and God knows they are all poor, and were barely surviving.
I've lost all I gathered in months in the fire, everthing.
Just as I remembered how empty I was I broke down in tears.
“Hey, that’s not good for your health.” the nurse rushed towards me, wiping off my tears.
“Can you do me a favor?” I pleaded.
“Yes, sure. Anything.” the nurse nodded.
“Can I have your Cell phone?” I requested.
“Sure, you can have it,” She quickly dipped her hand in her pocket and handed her phone to me.
Right now, I knew I could only borrow money from whoever cared to help.
But the only number I could remember is Michael’s. And that’s a relief.
After calling for a while without a response, a lady finally picked up.
“Hello,” a feminine voice spoke.
Just as I heard her speak–I could tell who it was.
I felt my heart race a bit. But I tried to remain calm.
It’s katty. But her voice was soft, sweet. Not bitchy at all.
I went silent after realizing it was Katty who picked up the call and not Michael.
“You know, I could tell Michael whatever it is you want to say to him,” Katty broke the silence.
Thinking about my baby and our survival, I hesitated a bit before deciding to speak up.
“Please, can you help me tell Michael if he could please lend me some money?” I wiped off the tears rolling down my cheeks.
“Is that all?” Katty asked, without asking any questions.
“Yes, that’s all,” I answered.
“Okay, fine. I’ll let him know,” she replied and ended the call.
At least she sounded nice, so my hopes are high.
“He’s going to send the money, Etta. Let’s be positive,” I comforted myself.
I quickly handed over the phone to the nurse.
“Thanks,”
“You are welcome. I’ll just leave you to rest.” the nurse replied, and left.
Just as she left, a nurse came in with my baby in the cot, before smiling.
Just after she left too, I moved over to my baby, assuring myself that Michael would lend us the money.
“He’s so wealthy and gorgeous after all,” I replied, checking out my baby.
A few days later, I still had not received any money from Michael.
And as expected, I was kicked out of the hospital with my baby.
“We are sorry, we cannot allow you to stay here any longer,” the doctor announced.
“We are really sorry,” the nurse kept repeating the word “Sorry,” since she couldn’t do much.
My eyes darted from my baby to the nurse and back to the doctor.
I felt some tears prick my eyes. I quickly looked up. Trying hard not to cry.
I knew I needed to be strong now. For myself, and my baby. I’m a mother now.
********
Three years had passed, and it felt just like yesterday. Now, I’m back in America, where it all began.
But I was no longer the naive Etta again. I was back bigger, and better.
I stepped out of airport security, carrying my luggage. Dressed in a tailored grey blazer, black trousers, and a simple ivory blouse, I wore nude heels and small silver stud earrings.
My makeup was minimal, but I looked calm, graceful, and thoughtful—young yet with a sense of quiet experience.
A scarf around my head, and a black goggle on my face, as I don't want to get seen by anyone, or draw too much attention to myself.
I adjusted my blazer and slid on my sunglasses. I was here for business, and that’s all I planned to focus on.
As I walked into the crowded airport terminal, a child’s voice suddenly broke through the noise.
“Mommy! Look! It’s Marietta! The movie star!”
In an instant, heads turned. People pulled out their phones, and the sound of cameras clicking filled the air.
Before I could even take another step, reporters swarmed me. Microphones were shoved in my face, cameras flashed nonstop, and questions came flying from every direction.
“Marietta, is it true you’re here to sign a big deal?”
“What do you have to say about the rumors about your personal life?”Dear readers, We are sorry for changing the story line, we only wanted to give you the best. Please stay on this. And let us give you the best there is.
Marietta's POVWith the whole camera flash, I fell short of words. Lately, I've been trying to keep my personal life secret. But one way or the other, I still couldn't curb it."Ms. Etta, is it true you have a daughter?" Another report asked, but I ignored it."Boss," My personal assistant, Clara called from afar and I felt relieved. Quickly my bodyguards swung into action, helping me towards the car.Just as I got into the car, my phone rang. "Hi, Etta. I saw the news. How are you doing?" “Hi, Bella. I’m okay thanks. It's nothing,” I responded, taking off my glasses.“Well, Valerie her is save and happy here with me. But, just one thing– she asks of Mommy every time.” Bella replied.“Thanks, Bella. I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done for me. From taking care of Valerie to helping me during my antenatal. I feel so indebted to you.” I heaved a sigh.“C’mon, Etta. You don’t have to be like this. Since the first time I met you at the subway train station. I knew we’d be best of
Marietta's POVI could tell Michael could see the anger in my eyes. "Thank you, sir, for coming." Katty's voice interrupted our conversation. Michael lingered for some minutes before turning towards the crowd. I blinked back my tears. "You are strong, Etta." I reminded myself."Thank you for coming," Mr. Lucian climbed the stage. Giving each of the star representatives from different countries a handshake."Ms. Etta, I would love to meet with you after the party," Mr. Lucian shook my hand while I nodded.Walking out of the stage, I made my way outside. "Are you okay" Clara my assistant asked."Yes. I just need some air," I heaved a sigh. "Do you need me to come with you?" Clara questioned.Looking around, I felt relieved seeing that Michael had gone. "No, I'll be fine on my own,"Upon getting outside, a masculine voice echoed from behind. At first, I thought it was one of those disturbing reporters. But I was wrong. "Michael? What the hell do you want from me?!" I flinched. "I w
Michael's POVTWO DAYS TO MARIETTA'S ARRIVAL "What's the latest update, Alex?" "It appears that she's the latest movie star in France right now," Alex answered."Here are photos of her, and her baby," Alex added.With shaky hands, I took one of the photos Alex had placed on my table."This is Etta now?" I asked in disbelief. "She looks-""Beautiful?" Alex responded.I thought I was the only one who noticed that. It's been three years, and I could not believe I left her all by herself."She's a movie star now," Alex broke the silence."I can see that Alex. You don't need to remind me," I shut my eyes close.The last time she called me, I had lied to her. Letting her know Granny Lorette will send some money."God! Why did I do that?" I whispered, shutting my laptop closed."She will be back in America in the next two days," Alex reported. "Is she married?" I quickly chipped in. I'm sure she wasn't with child when she left. Could she have gotten another man? Am I regretting everythin
Marietta’s POV I don't know why my heart keeps racing when I see Michael. “You can't possibly tell me you still love him? After everything he's done,” Bella yelled over the phone. “I don't know, Bella. I'm confused. I saw him today. He asked after his daughter,” I whispered. Turning on the air conditioner, I lay on the bed exhausted. “He knows you have a daughter?” Bella questioned in surprise. “My personal life has been getting out somehow. I don't know what to do, Bella. I'm now a star, remember?” I heaved a sigh. “What do you want to do? What if he wants to claim Valerie?” Bella asked further. “Valerie is sleeping, right?” I questioned. Valerie is just three years old, but she is smarter than any kids I know of. “You know what, just make sure her face isn't seen by anyone. Stick to the plan.” I warned Bella. “I've got a lot of events ahead of me in the morning. And I need to wake up early.” I thanked Bella, hung the call, and dosed off. ******Clara’s call had woken me u
Michael’s POV “I'm sorry, Etta,” I repeat. “Don't come closer!” She yelled.“I know what I did was wrong. Please,” I tried to hold her, but she seemed to be disgusted by my presence. “It's been three years, Michael.” She started.“You and granny left me for three good years in an unknown land.” She took a step back.“I know I did really bad. Please give me a chance to correct my mistakes. Please,” I pleaded further. “I didn't come here for this. So, please, leave! You are dead to me already,” she closed her eyes and was about to walk away. “I'm sorry, but I can't let you go. Consider Valerie,” I proposed. “Valerie?” She yanked her hand off. “She was never yours, and will never be!” She spat. “Now let me go!” She snapped.“I'm sorry, Etta.” I held her hand tighter. “Michael, Leave me alone!” she struggled with my grip. “Let the woman go, young man. I believe you to be a gentleman,” a masculine voice echoed from behind.Isn't this the man who was flirting with her a couple of m
Marietta's POV “Etta, please. Don’t do this,” Michael pleaded.“Don’t come closer, please,” I yelled. “Etty, sweetheart. I know we’ve wronged you, But please, let’s make amends,” Granny Lorette almost knelt.“I’ve forgiven you. But I don’t want to have anything to do with any of you again,” I charged and left immediately.“Etta!” Michael called. “Clara, get the car door, now!” I ordered.I was in the car before Michael could get a hold of me.As I watched him through the car’s rare mirror, I couldn’t help but wonder if I had done too much. “Ma’am,” Clara broke the chain of my thoughts.“Yes, what is it?” I questioned.“It’s Mr. Felix. He said you cannot cancel the deal with the Whitmore,” Clara cleared her throat.“What do you mean by that?” I frowned in confusion.“He said they are one of the largest stakeholders in the company,” Clara explained.“I don’t want to have anything to do with those people!” I cried.“You have a call,” Clara passed my phone to me. It was Bella.“Bella
Marietta’s POV“Cancel every meeting for tomorrow. Book a flight to France. Now Clara!” I ordered.“Hey, Etta. Calm down.” Elsie grabbed my face.“It’s alright,” he patted my head.Placing my head on his chest, I wept.“I promise you, she’ll be fine,” Elsie assured me.“Do you want me to come with you?” Elsie asked.“Someone needs to be here. We’ve got a movie cast in a few days to Christmas, Elsie.” I wiped off my tears.“I have to go,” I said. “I’ll always call you. If you need anything from me, don’t hesitate to let me know, okay?” Elsie shouted from behind.It took me two hours before I got to the airport. “Clara, you won’t be going with me. But please, give Elsie all the support he needs.” “Yes, ma’am,” Clara bowed.My flight was a very tiring one. I couldn’t help myself.All through the journey, I was just tearing up. Making use of my scarf to cover my face. Since I was in first class, there was less disturbance from fans.It took me ten hours to get off the plane. I didn’t wa
Marietta's POVI did not realise how much I had slept until Bella tapped me on the shoulder."Hey, Etta. Have it." She handed me a hamburger and a yogurt. "Thanks," I heaved a sigh. She sure knows how to take care of me."I figured out you haven't eaten all day," she smiled at me."What about Valerie? Do you think she'll be okay? She's all I have Bella." I cried out."Don't worry. The surgery was successful," Bella smiled.I heaved a sigh and quickly munched my food.Two hours later, the doctor reached out, a smile tugged on his face. "Valerie is okay. She just needs some rest," he replied."Thank you, doctor." I cried out as Bella held me tighter.A call interrupted the moment. It was Elsie. "I've been worried sick about you. How's Valerie?" Elsie questioned. "Valerie's fine," I answered wiping my tears."Are you crying? Do you want me to come over?" Elsie asked impatiently. "No, I'm not. I'm fine." I lied."I'll be back soon. Thanks. I have to go now," I replied, before hanging
Marietta’s POV “You all must be out of your fucking minds!” Raymond said. “Do you know who you are dealing with?” “I'm sorry, but who are you?” Elsie, who has been quiet all this while, suddenly burst out. With Mr. Lucian holding the police on, everyone stared at Elsie in awe. “Ain't you just an ordinary employee?” Raymond turned to face Elsie in anger. “Didn't you say he is part of those Mr. Felix sent down from Paris to America for the movie shoot?” Raymond asked in surprise. “Yes,” Lucian answered.“Apparently my brother here has partnered with fools and Lunatics,” Lucian said. With Elsie fixing a cold icy stare at Lucian. I can see he has lost his patience too. “Who the hell ordered my arrest, huh?” Raymond asked. His eyes bulging out of their sockets.FIFTEEN YEARS AGO “C’mon Etta. Stop crushing on Michael already. He doesn't even love you,” Raymond said playfully on the school field.“I don't care, Raymond,” I shot back. “Are you aware he's the captain of the volleyba
Marietta’s POV “You all must be out of your fucking minds!” Raymond said. “Do you know who you are dealing with?” “I'm sorry, but who are you?” Elsie, who has been quiet all this while, suddenly burst out. With Mr. Lucian holding the police on, everyone stared at Elsie in awe. “Ain't you just an ordinary employee?” Raymond turned to face Elsie in anger. “Didn't you say he is part of those Mr. Felix sent down from Paris to America for the movie shoot?” Raymond asked in surprise. “Yes,” Lucian answered.“Apparently my brother here has partnered with fools and Lunatics,” Lucian said. With Elsie fixing a cold icy stare at Lucian. I can see he has lost his patience too. “Who the hell ordered my arrest, huh?” Raymond asked. His eyes bulging out of their sockets.FIFTEEN YEARS AGO “C’mon Etta. Stop crushing on Michael already. He doesn't even love you,” Raymond said playfully on the school field.“I don't care, Raymond,” I shot back. “Are you aware he's the captain of the volleyba
Marietta’s POV “You all must be out of your fucking minds!” Raymond said. “Do you know who you are dealing with?” “I'm sorry, but who are you?” Elsie, who has been quiet all this while, suddenly burst out. With Mr. Lucian holding the police on, everyone stared at Elsie in awe. “Ain't you just an ordinary employee?” Raymond turned to face Elsie in anger. “Didn't you say he is part of those Mr. Felix sent down from Paris to America for the movie shoot?” Raymond asked in surprise. “Yes,” Lucian answered.“Apparently my brother here has partnered with fools and Lunatics,” Lucian said. With Elsie fixing a cold icy stare at Lucian. I can see he has lost his patience too. “Who the hell ordered my arrest, huh?” Raymond asked. His eyes bulging out of their sockets.FIFTEEN YEARS AGO “C’mon Etta. Stop crushing on Michael already. He doesn't even love you,” Raymond said playfully on the school field.“I don't care, Raymond,” I shot back. “Are you aware he's the captain of the volleyba
Marietta’s POV “You all must be out of your fucking minds!” Raymond said. “Do you know who you are dealing with?” “I'm sorry, but who are you?” Elsie, who has been quiet all this while, suddenly burst out. With Mr. Lucian holding the police on, everyone stared at Elsie in awe. “Ain't you just an ordinary employee?” Raymond turned to face Elsie in anger. “Didn't you say he is part of those Mr. Felix sent down from Paris to America for the movie shoot?” Raymond asked in surprise. “Yes,” Lucian answered.“Apparently my brother here has partnered with fools and Lunatics,” Lucian said. With Elsie fixing a cold icy stare at Lucian. I can see he has lost his patience too. “Who the hell ordered my arrest, huh?” Raymond asked. His eyes bulging out of their sockets.FIFTEEN YEARS AGO “C’mon Etta. Stop crushing on Michael already. He doesn't even love you,” Raymond said playfully on the school field.“I don't care, Raymond,” I shot back. “Are you aware he's the captain of the volleyba
Marietta’s POV “You all must be out of your fucking minds!” Raymond said. “Do you know who you are dealing with?” “I'm sorry, but who are you?” Elsie, who has been quiet all this while, suddenly burst out. With Mr. Lucian holding the police on, everyone stared at Elsie in awe. “Ain't you just an ordinary employee?” Raymond turned to face Elsie in anger. “Didn't you say he is part of those Mr. Felix sent down from Paris to America for the movie shoot?” Raymond asked in surprise. “Yes,” Lucian answered.“Apparently my brother here has partnered with fools and Lunatics,” Lucian said. With Elsie fixing a cold icy stare at Lucian. I can see he has lost his patience too. “Who the hell ordered my arrest, huh?” Raymond asked. His eyes bulging out of their sockets.FIFTEEN YEARS AGO “C’mon Etta. Stop crushing on Michael already. He doesn't even love you,” Raymond said playfully on the school field.“I don't care, Raymond,” I shot back. “Are you aware he's the captain of the volleyba
Marietta’s POV “You all must be out of your fucking minds!” Raymond said. “Do you know who you are dealing with?” “I'm sorry, but who are you?” Elsie, who has been quiet all this while, suddenly burst out. With Mr. Lucian holding the police on, everyone stared at Elsie in awe. “Ain't you just an ordinary employee?” Raymond turned to face Elsie in anger. “Didn't you say he is part of those Mr. Felix sent down from Paris to America for the movie shoot?” Raymond asked in surprise. “Yes,” Lucian answered.“Apparently my brother here has partnered with fools and Lunatics,” Lucian said. With Elsie fixing a cold icy stare at Lucian. I can see he has lost his patience too. “Who the hell ordered my arrest, huh?” Raymond asked. His eyes bulging out of their sockets.FIFTEEN YEARS AGO “C’mon Etta. Stop crushing on Michael already. He doesn't even love you,” Raymond said playfully on the school field.“I don't care, Raymond,” I shot back. “Are you aware he's the captain of the volleyba
Marietta’s POV THREE YEARS AGO “I honestly thought you'd be a fit,” Mr. Felix replied. “I can try, please.” I pleaded. I knew I couldn't just go back home. I have myself and my baby to take care of. “You can stay here and watch the others act.” Mr. Felix replied. “You have the grace of just one month to do that. If you do not improve after that,” he took a pause. “I have no choice but to throw you out,” he concluded. “I'll try my best,” I responded in between my tears. “And Ms. Etta,” he called.“Yes, sir,” “For the main time that you'll be here. Can you clean after the actors and actresses once they are done on the stage?” He proposed. “And yes, you'd be paid a sum of five hundred dollars every day.” He added. “Consider it from my kind heart. I don't normally do this,” Mr. Felix stared at me.“Yes. Yes, I'll gladly take the job,” I responded happily. At least he didn't ask me to do that for free. Things went on well for days, not until I saw my greatest fear walk right
Michael's POVIt finally dawned on me that Katty and Alex were the issues I was having. “How did you–” “Get all these?” Jace interrupted. “Yes,” I stared in shock. “Let’s just say I have my ways,” Jace answered. “How could Alex betray me like this? What the hell have I ever done to him to deserve this?” I muttered. “Right now, there's no evidence that Katty is guilty of this whole thing,” Jace replied.“I need to be in a meeting right now.” I stood up quickly. “Find out more about Katty,” I commanded. Just as I was about to step out, a message flashed across my phone. It was no one but Alex. “I'm sorry but I'm quitting my job,” Quickly, I put a call through. “Alex, I need you to meet me at my office right now,” “I'm sorry Mr. Whitmore. But I quit,” Alex repeated over the phone. “Alex, if something is bothering you-” I was not done talking when Alex hung up. “Hello,” I called but no voice came back. Swerving my car towards the left, I raced down to my company. And as
Marietta’s POV Just after Michael left, I broke down in tears. “Elsie, please can you leave?” I spoke between my tears. “Do you love him?” Were the words that followed. “Can we not do this right now?” I spat angrily. Turning my back to leave, he pulled me into his embrace. His breath fanned my neck, as his hand circled around my slim waist. “Do I really not mean anything to you?” He paused. Flipping me to face him, he tilted my face. “Tell me you don't feel anything for me–” he paused with his eyes closed. Bringing me much closer, his gaze settled on my lips. My cheeks burned red hot, and I swear I could feel the veins on my head pulsating. “Elsie I–” “Etta?” Bella's voice interrupted the moment leaving me perplexed. “I'm sorry if I interrupted you guys. I will just go,” “Bella, stay!” I shouted. I wasn't ready for all of this. And I want to escape from Elsie so badly. How can two men have this kind of hold on me? This wasn't the revenge I planned. Turning to face E