Sheena couldn't shake off the feeling that something was wrong as soon as she heard the voice. She immediately began to worry. She prayed that Jake and his friend Oscar were fine and that nothing bad had happened. Maybe their idea of going all the way to Croonville to settle with loan sharks and thugs was not such a good idea after all.'Are you Mrs Rollins?' The voice asked.It took Sheena more minutes than normal to figure out that the caller was asking for her. The name with which he had addressed her sounded so alien. She had never once considered herself Mrs Rollins.'Ye - yes.' She responded when it finally registered.'Your husband has been involved in an accident. I'll need you to come over to Cod Hospital. He is in critical condition.' The voice spilled.Sheena stood dazed. She had least expected to be hearing this kind of news. Mr Dominic was not expected soon, not until next week. So Sheena receiving news of him being involved in an accident didn't make any sense to her.'
Sheena paced the length of the hallway in agitation. Mr Dominic went into the operating room fifteen minutes ago and she still had not caught sight of any member of the family.Sheena began to wonder if they hated their father that much. But Mary had sounded very concerned over the phone when they spoke, so why was she not here yet? "Did Mary tell the others the news?" Sheena wondered. Her thoughts were soon invaded by an alarming sound.Sheena almost jumped out of her skin when her phone rang out loudly in the quiet hallway. She rushed to the seat where she had dropped her purse and her fingers trembled as she tried to get the phone out of the purse. The noise was alarming and she hadn't realized she set her phone on such a high volume.'Hello.' She said breathlessly into the phone.'Hello, sis. Everything okay?' Elena's concerned voice was heard from the caller's end. Elena didn't miss the breathlessness in Sheena's voice and wondered what could have happened.'It's you.' Sheena sai
'What did you sign?' Damian asked, his interest piqued.'I don't know, but the orderly that approached me said it was some sort of consent for the operation to be carried out.' Sheena told him.Damian looked pensive. He was deep in thought. 'You didn't read it?'Fear and worry were etched on Sheena's face. His question stirred in her the thought that she had done something wrong. 'No. It was a spur of the moment and the orderly had said if I didn't do it sooner, we could lose him.' She explained shyly, her voice laced with shame at her lack of foresight.'And where is this orderly? The one that gave you papers to sign?'Sheena pointed down the hallway where Damian had come in from and where one could meet the receptionist in the hospital. 'He went that way. He mentioned something about adding it to Mr Dominic's record.'Damian's eyes followed her gesture, then spared her a second glance before uttering. 'I'll be right back.' With that said, he walked away from her.Sheena watched him
Sheena nodded her appreciation. 'Why was he in town anyway? Isn't he supposed to be abroad on business? We weren't expecting him not until two weeks from now.' She asked Damian. She had been wanting to ask hoping he would have an answer for her.'He finished his business abroad quickly and came back to sort out some business here.' Damian offered.'And he didn't bother to tell anyone he was back?' Sheena asked in wonderment.Damian gave her a perplexed look. He was surprised by her question. He expected her to know the ways of the old man by now. 'Since when does Mr Dominic give explanations to anyone?'And Damian's question was all that was needed for Sheena to recall who Mr Dominic was. Maybe this accident and the pity she was feeling were getting to her, making her forget what had been happening.'Where's Dad?' A familiar voice engulfed in worry suddenly asked, causing Damian and I to turn. Michelle stood adjacent to us with her curious enlarged eyes, and beads of sweat decorating
'It feels as though the old man returned from hell with more demons than he possessed before his accident.' Sheena lamented to her sister as they strode into the mall.It's been a week since Mr Dominic was wheeled out of the hospital. His vehement refusal to use a wheelchair fell on deaf ears as the doctor insisted that it was necessary to help his broken bones heal.Sheena wasn't sure if his limited mobility was the major cause of his angst or something else but he took it out on everyone. And literally everyone!Damian had once fumed out of the Rollins house the last time he visited to sort out office work with Mr Dominic. Everyone has been terrified of the old man before, now no one could describe how he made them feel but it was worse than just being terrified.No one could gauge his mood. One moment, he would calmly dish out instructions and the next minute he'd exhume fire. Living in the Rollins house had become worse than ever.It also didn't help that the police investigation
'What was that about?' Elena asked, pulling herself from Sheena's grasp and trying to move at her own pace as they approached the particular store they had intended to shop from.'You wanted to tell him about the papers!' Sheena shouted at Elena who was now ahead, pushing her way into the store.Elena spun around to her sister upon hearing Sheena's query and asked with disbelief in her voice. 'And so? Wait, you didn't tell him about it?''Damian said I shouldn't tell anyone.' Elena blinked rapidly, hardly able to believe her ears. 'And you trusted that conniving snake?''I was scared at the time. The old man was fighting for his life. I wasn't thinking straight.' Sheena defended.'Yes, you were scared and had poor judgment. That was then, but you're not now. Mr. Dominic is hale and healthy and at home, for crying out loud.-' she gave Sheena a questioning look. '- So you got him to sign whatever it was that that snake gave you? Elena's eyes were suddenly draped with disbelief. 'I did
Sheena excitedly stepped into her room carrying the bags she had brought from the mall. She dropped the bags on the bed and walked to the full-length mirror in the room.She seemed happy. She was able to spend some time with her sister and their conversation was one that would bring her sister happiness in the future, she hoped. She was humming to herself happily as she shrugged herself out of the white dress with blue polka dots she wore.Clad in her underwear in the privacy of her room, she stood before the mirror to try the fittings she bought. She looked in the mirror staring at her naked figure admiringly. Tough times had not done so much damage to her figure. She smiled with approval at herself.The broad smile evident on her lips was soon drawn into a thin line, her eyes grew larger with shock as she noticed the sitting figure in the dimly lit part of the room.She spun herself immediately. Her nudity was exposed to the menacing eyes of the intruder. She began to tremble and sh
Jake had not been to the Rollins house since Mr Dominic's accident. He was avoiding the old man. Although he had visited when Mr. Dominic was still at the hospital, the old man wasted no time going straight to business and talking about Jake taking over his company. A conversation Jake regretted having.Ever since the investigation on the accident and the report of an intentional attempt on his life, Mr Dominic had been insisting on Jake assuming his role as his son and heir. He desired Jake to take over his company. A desire Jake had no affinity to.Jake still didn't want any of the old man's wealth, he was self-made, and independent and wanted to remain that way. So he spent more time away at his condo with Oscar than at the Rollins house. He planned to stop by the house on days when he knew the old man had his medical check-ups. And this was so he could see Sheena and Mary.Jake had texted Sheena just after the mall meeting to see him the next day at his condo. A text to which Shee
Jake and Sheena exchanged confused looks. What was Mirabel talking about? Their minds shared similar questions.'I need to tell you something about my father's death.' Mirabel announced.'What about our father's death?' Jake asked. They had moved to the study where they could converse in private. Sheena and Jake kept expectant eyes peeled on Mirabel.'I … I.-' she inhaled sharply before she continued. 'I know I've not been the best of persons but I'm working on myself. Hating the one man who had taken me in and had shown mercy on a lowly young orphan. I know now the old man loved me, loved us, even if he never showed it much. He's human after all and bound to make mistakes.' Mirabel swallowed before she began speaking again. 'I had always wanted him dead. Now that he's dead, I regret not having more time with him… I never had the courage to kill him even though I would have loved to, but I wouldn't have stopped anyone wanting to. This was before I knew the truth.''Mirabel, do you k
Sheena opened her eyes to bright blinding lights. She squinted trying to adjust her eyes to the lights, but shut them after an exhausting attempt. She let out a laborious breath so she could speak, but somehow, she didn't seem to find her voice. She felt parched, her throat overly dry and painful.She opened her eyes again, blinking severally to accommodate the light. After her success at it, she scanned the room. White pristine walls, huge beeping machines, a tray filled with medicines and needles. A hospital. It clicked. She was in the hospital.How did she get here? Memories of the previous day's event flood her mind as she wondered."Jake!" Was he okay? Did Damian shoot him too?Anxiety and fear hijacked every cell in her being. Her breathing hitched and she struggled to raise herself. The effects of the sedatives were still very much active, she felt dizzy but undeterred.'Hey! What are you trying to do?' The concerned voice filled the room as the intruder pushed the door hard,
'He didn't suspect a thing?' The skepticism in Jake's voice was evident.They had just finished making love. Sheena was resting her head on the muscled bare chest of Jake. She related her experience with Damian to Jake as she idly pulled on his chest hair, a sweet painful sensation for him.Sheena shrugged. 'I couldn't believe it myself. He just went to sleep without saying a word.''I think he is brewing something in that egregious mind of his. He can't be that collected after discovering you went out.' Jake spoke pensively. He paused weighing the possibilities before speaking again. 'And today?' He asked. 'Did he say anything to you today?''He left the house before anyone was up.' She raised her head to stare at him, studying his features. 'Maybe he's tired of paying me any attention. He's got too much trouble on his hand right now. You made sure of that… I don't think it's something to worry about.' She added.'I just have a bad feeling about this. It just doesn't seem right.' It
'I love you.' Jake whispered to Sheena as they lay on the large hotel mattress. His hand wrapped around her neck, he pulled her closer and planted a passionate kiss on her head.'I love you too.' Sheena replied and kissed him on his lips. She snuggled closer into his hold. Her desire to remain there glaring.Sheena and Jake have been meeting over the past few weeks. Sneaking in and out of hotels like teenage lovers. After that night at the Rollins house, it seemed as though they've never been more in love with each other. Always wanting to be near the other, making mad sweet love.'Hmm, delicious.' He said in reference to her kiss. He moved in to steal more kisses and Sheena laughed at his boyishness.'What?' He asked against her lips. 'You want it here?' He tickled her sides and she laughed harder. He nibbled on her lower lip as she laughed.'Or you want it here?' He trailed kisses down her neck and Sheena girlishily giggled. 'Or here?' He moved further down her breast and took a ni
'What do you want? Why are you here?' She turned to Mary. You let him into the house? 'Is he why you brought me here?' Sheena asked incredulously.'Please calm down, you're raising your voice. You'll make Damian come here ' Mary pleaded.'Let him come! At least, he'd get rid of this-' she eyes Jake in disgust, indecisive on what adjective to qualify him.'You'll wake up Jayden. Look at her, do you want to wake her?' Mary appealed to her reason and love for her child.Sheena turned her gaze to the bed and softened. Her anger rose again at the sight of Jake near Jayden. 'Get away from my daughter!' Sheena bellowed at Jake. She charged towards him and yanked his hand away from the child. She relaxed again as she watched the child. She smoothed her hand on the silk of Jayden's hair.The sigh of contentment and peace that escaped the child's lips, assured Sheena that everything was fine with Jayden and that she was only sleeping.Sheena bent over and kissed the top of Jayden's head before
Jake sat in the back seat of his car mulling over the events of the night. 'Drive faster.' He ordered his driver as he rested his head on the headrest, his face turned up staring at the roof of the car. He was thinking.'I can't. Damian keeps Sheena locked up like a prisoner. …It's difficult for me, even as her sister, to see her. We always have to sneak around to meet. …Sheena was waiting, waiting until you'll come to save her.'Elena's words played repeatedly in Jake's head like a mantra. Sheena had been suffering too, just like he suffered in jail. He shut his eyes tightly to drown out the pain, regret, and remorse he felt. He felt deeply foolish and sorry. He had wronged his woman. He had added salt to her painful wounds and he needed to tend to the wounds he had inflicted on Sheena fast.Regardless of the fact that Sheena didn't know that he thought so lowly of her, he still tortured himself for entertaining such thoughts about her. Jake wanted to meet Sheena so he could right
'What did you just say?' Elena's statement halted Jake in his tracks. His eyes were intent on her.'You heard me.' Elena responded. 'Jayden is your child with Sheena.''She is not my child' Jake said with so much denial and disbelief in his voice. He believed Elena was only trying to get his attention.'Elena, how can you stoop so low to resort to lying? How can you play with such a sensitive matter? Why are you trying so hard to prove your sister a saint? Sheena married Damian after sending Jake to prison. She gave birth to their daughter after her marriage to Damian and you say Jake fathered the child? Who would be stupid enough to believe that?' Oscar berated Elena.'Oh please shut up your foolish mouth Oscar! When would you ever allow your brain to do some actual work?' Elena insulted. She returned her gaze to Jake after silencing Oscar.'Do you really think Sheena could betray you?' Elena entreated Jake to reason.Jake raised his eyes to meet with Elena's. His heart weighed her w
Elena stood by the entrance of the club contemplating if she should enter. The loud music blaring from the speakers that she used to love, now scared her. She braced herself and stepped in. It didn't take long for her to be spotted.'You came!' Stella squealed joyfully. She extended a hand and pulled Elena towards their table.Stella was Elena's friend from her college days. They had remained friends even after college and lived like teenagers just partying, boozing and boys. That was when life seemed to be fair to Elena and her family. When she lived carefree, her father's business was doing well, her sister didn't need to marry an older man and she wasn't nursing a broken heart.Stella had traveled abroad just about the time the turbulence in Elena's family began. Stella had just returned from her long trip and insisted that Elena come to see her at the club. It has been a long time since she saw her friend and it excited Elena to reunite with Stella. Her excitement though was short
Sheena tried to stay as calm as she could manage. She kept fumbling with the hem of the oversized hoodie she wore. The hood sat over her head, dark glasses covered her eyes. It was her attempt at a disguise. The angst coursing through her was overwhelming.After much begging and pleading, Mary had reluctantly agreed to take Sheena to meet with Jake on the condition that Mary would have to speak with Jake first, and if Jake was unwilling to speak with her, then they would have to abandon the plan. It seemed like an easy condition.Sheena was certain Jake wouldn't hesitate to see her. Sheena had figured Jake had gone into hiding and was working underground to reclaim all that Damian had stolen from him. Damian was a mutual enemy and she didn't mind joining forces with her lover to bring the enemy to his knees.She couldn't keep calm. She felt like a teenager meeting with her lover for the first time after a long time. She didn't know what to expect. She pictured him sexier and more hand