CHAPTER 23FLASHBACK CONTD…"I want to join you to take revenge on the Carsons," Asha said.The cloaked woman stared at her for a few seconds before bursting into laughter. Asha didn't waver as she had already prepared a thousand reasons why she should be in on their plan. "Oh really? You want to take revenge on people that haven't done anything to you, now I want you to give me reasons why I should trust you," Asha cleared her throat and pressed her lips together, "because we are cousins," she said, and the woman laughed, unconsciously slapping her hands on her lap."This must be a joke. Yes, I know that we are cousins, you don't need to remind me a million and one times of how much of a burden you were, and now you want me to trust you because we are cousins?" She mocked"Yes," Asha replied."So, what's your catch? What do you hope to gain after that?" She asked, folding her arms on her chest."I want to be welcomed back into the family. That's all I ask," The woman searched Asha
CHAPTER 24Valerie and Alan played in the water for what seemed like hours before they finally left the ocean to go back into the cabin because the air was becoming chilly. Valerie wrapped the sheets around her body like a butterfly in a cocoon and Alan followed closely behind her, his strong arms wrapped loosely around her waist. Alan flopped himself on the bed, and Valerie lay down on his chest, facing the ceiling. His hands found their way into her hair and massaged her scalp, she let out a low hum as she nuzzled into his touch.The distress in her heart didn't match the calm expression on her face. She was worried for herself, Alan, and her child. Five years ago, she wouldn't have thought that she could find anything close to happiness, but now after having a taste of the happiness that she so seemed to crave, her heart started to become so heavy as it was occupied with rhetorical questions that may be answered with time.What now? What happens when Alex finds out? Because no se
CHAPTER 25Panic rose in Valerie's heart after Fareeda hung up. She jumped from the bed and started searching the place for her clothes, Alan wore an alarmed look on his face as he reached out to Valerie to stop her from panicking."Alex is back! We have to go okay? We'll just tell him that we went somewhere… In the meantime, Fareeda will cover up for us," She said, pulling up her pants."Calm down, Alex wouldn't do anything to you," he said, cupping her face in his hands."I'm not scared about what he'd do to me. I fear for what he'd do to you," she replied, a look of horror appearing on her face.~~~~~~~~~~CARSON ESTATEValerie raced upstairs as soon as she and Alan arrived at the estate. She burst her room door open, coming face to face with an angry and fierce Alex, pacing around the room with his hands on his chin. He rushed to Valerie, slamming her back against the door, his smelly hot breath fanning her face as he pressed her neck against the door.It wasn't even the fact that
CARSON ESTATEAlan flung the door open, sending Valerie flying to the other side of the room. "Oh wow, look it's Diego," Alex mocked before flopping himself on the bed.Alan rushed to where Valerie lay, clutching her stomach like her life depended on it. He placed his hands over her stomach, caressing the place that he felt was hurting her before lifting her and carrying her in bridal style. Alex propped himself on the bed while using his hands to support himself, he pursed his lips as if to say something and clicked his teeth. "You are the worst person ever Alex!" Alan spat, and Alex scoffed, "Nah, all that glory belongs to Adolf Hitler. I'd be glad to have his blessings though," "I will make sure you end up in jail for all your evil crimes," An evil smirk appeared on Alex's face as he made to reply to his brother but he decided to keep mute and watch him leave the room with Valerie.Alex wasn't a fool and no matter how any insider could convince him that Alan and Valerie were '
CHAPTER 27Valerie's eyes fluttered open, she recognized the room she was in as Alan's room and could perceive Alan's musky signature scent. The room was dark and silent, and outside she could hear the whirling of the wind, the rustling of leaves, and the way the trees danced in sync with the wind, followed by the sound of thunder. It could only mean that it was about to rain.Valerie's mind drifted off to Kevin. The poor boy was still unwell in the CCU and the doctors say that his condition is getting even more critical. She would have loved to call the nurse if only she could find her phone. She clicked her teeth with resentment when she remembered that her phone was in the room that she and Alex shared. She looked to her side and saw Alan sleeping peacefully, his chest heaving up and down in sync, bringing a small smile to her lips. She got out of bed and took slow steps to Alan's bedside table where he kept his phone and turned it on."6:12 am," she mumbled softly before deciding
CHAPTER 28Fareeda sauntered to the other part of the hall where Alex's study was situated, she pulled her cloak's hood down to allow it to cover her face properly before taking slow steps toward the study's door. She tapped the mic that was strapped to her neck and spoke into it softly, "Mini, can I enter?" She turned the knob when she heard a low hum of approval from Mini, the cold air that fanned her face only brought a smirk to her face.Mini was at a hotel with Alex, and Kai was keeping Asha busy by listening to her dumb sob story, thereby buying them time to complete their mission in time for Valerie's birthday party. "Locate the area where the stack of white files is, move the shelf forward and you'll find the safe. Remember to use your gloves to open it," Mini warned softly, her voice sending chills down her spine.Fareeda did as Mini asked, she placed her hand on the safe's knob and turned it. The safe's door opened to reveal a small circuit box-like safe that shone blue li
CHAPTER 29The luxurious ballroom was decorated in shades of black, with glimmering lights and overlaid with black furniture. The guests were asked to dress in black and come along with a gold or silver mask as it would be a masked birthday party.Some of the guests stood or sat down sipping champagne and mingling in small groups. In the center of the ballroom stood a large, black cake, adorned with gold and silver accents, and written on the cake with amazing calligraphy is- Val's 23rd. The DJ who stood in the corner of the large ballroom spinning dark, club-like music immediately got bored because no one was listening to the music as everyone that was invited to the party was wealthy and stuck up. Some people were happy to be there while some wanted to leave as soon as the birthday girl came downstairs to blow her candles, cut her cake, and make a group toast. Some people were there to cause mischief while Valerie was just happy to be celebrating her birthday with Alan by her sid
CHAPTER 30Valerie strutted down the large and long stairs that descended the ballroom gracefully. With every step that she took downstairs a light was turned off, so when she reached the last staircase all the lights were turned off, and the large cake was brought to her face with everyone singing, "Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you. May this new year of your life… bring you much happiness,"That wasn't the usual happy birthday song but rich people always make everything about themselves hence the weird change. The 23 lit candles illuminated Valerie's face and her beauty radiated more as she smiled, she couldn't see anything but she scoured through the room for Alan, he was right by her side, smiling and giving low claps. "May this new year bring much happiness Amen," she said softly and then blew the candles.Sounds of people clapping echoed through the whole room and then the lights were turned on. "Happy birthday Valerie," she heard someone whisper in her ear, and sh