Chapter 48
Apologizing To Him
Flora left the building and went towards the pool, she saw him sitting on a bench close by, his head on his palms. She felt sorry for him, blaming herself for putting everyone in this mess. Why will she always be the one to create ugly scene. Right from when she was born she hasn’t really enjoyed the life she has; living in the slum was a mess not until she met Axel, who came as a savior.
But she couldn’t give him back what he had given her, the life she has today is because of Axel, she felt like cursing herself but also thought of her mother. She is being someone’s puppet so as to protect her mum, but no one knows about this, and she just doesn’t how to get out of this dilemma. Axel noticed her presence; he doesn’t have to raise his head before recognizing her footsteps, her smell, and everything about her is just making him crazy.
“What are you doing here” He asked coldly
“Axel…” She whimpered
“I need to be alone Flora” He muttered, cutting her words. She gulped down nothing, going closer to stand before him.
“I know I have hurt you, and I really blame myself for that. But I just couldn’t bring myself to tell you that I love Aiden…I was just so….” She paused, not knowing what else to say.
“How long have you loved him” He asked, raising his head to stare at her this time
“Erm….right from the first day you introduce him to me as your twin brother..” She muttered, sniffing in. he scoffed
“That was a long time ago, perhaps when we started dating, like seriously, Flora, I have been dating you but you loved someone else behind my back. And not just someone else, my own brother..gosh..” He snapped, getting up on his feet. He turned to the other direction, trying to cool down his arousing anger.
“I’m sorry…it was actually a crush at first, not until we broke up that it became stronger”
“So you were already anticipating our breakup, huhn… so that you could be with him, is that so?”
“No Axel….i didn’t plan all that to happen, I didn’t mean to break your heart” She wept
“Then f**king tell me the reason why you cheated on me with Michael, how does this have to do with your loving Aiden, huhn…..don’t tell me you are a whore, and have been f**ked by other guys” he yelled, his eyes getting wet with fury
“No…..no Axel…no..i’m not a whore, I have never been one…I just…” She cried more, whimpering in between
“You just what huh….Aiden knows about this too right, he knows you loved him and kept it away from me…huhnnn…talk to me Flora…does he know about it” he snapped
“No..he doesn’t, not until today…I couldn’t bring myself to tell him. I was scared he will turn me out…”
“But you were not scared of Michael banging your hole….you knew I and Michael are rivals but you still went ahead to that asshole, making him touch your body” He muttered angrily, remembering the scene of how he caught them. He knew there were more to this, but he can’t just place his hand on the truth, and Flora is not helping matters.
“I’m sorry…..i really am” She pleaded. He scoffed, turning away from her to face the pool again
“Get out of here Flora, I don’t wanna see your face. You have succeeded in reviving the dead beast in me, and I don’t wanna use it on you first. Go to bed” He stated, turning to leave after some minutes, without her moving away from the spot. He headed towards the garden while she watched him still crying, not until she heard her name.
“Flora…” Karl, who had been standing behind a pillar for some time listening to their conversation, called. She turned to look at him as he drew closer.
“Hey…Flora…we need to talk” he whispered, holding her hand
“Come on Karl…I’m not in the mood for that” She replied, trying to leave, but he held her still, cupping her cheeks in his hand
“Hey..look at me…I can help you, just trust me, and please be free with me. We need to solve all this; I’m really heartbroken seeing you this way. Don’t cry ok” He cleaned her tears. His reaction made her to break down the more, she held onto his shirt, hugging him to herself, while he pats her back
“It’s ok” he whispered
“He called me a whore Karl…he called me a whore, and I’m beginning to see myself as one. I’m a stupid b!tch” she cried
“Hey stop that, you ain’t any whore, and you won’t be one”
“But…’
“Shhh…lets go in, it’s late already. I want you to go to bed now, take a good rest, and we will have our talk later…okay..” He cooed. She nodded
“What about Axel, he is gonna catch a cold”
“He will take care of himself, just go in” he insisted, as they both went into the building.
~~~
After spending some time in the garden to clear off his mind, Axel decide to head in to have his rest. He knew the other rooms would have been filled by now, so he had no choice than to head to Aiden’s. He opened the door only to find the light still on. He knew Aiden won’t be asleep by now, and would wanna start a talk with him, but he wasn’t ready for any talk this night.
“I will just turn him down or snub him” he thought in his mind, before going in. He met Aiden at the piano, playing soft note. He paused when he felt his entrance but continued afterward. Aiden has always loved playing the piano right from when they were little, but he chooses to work in the movie industry, due to his charisma acting skills.
Axel went towards the wardrobe, taking out on of Aiden’s pajamas as he headed towards the bathroom. He took a brief warm shower, and changed into it. Coming back to the room, he met Aiden still at the usual spot. None of them said a word as they minded their businesses.
Aiden on the other had been feeling really guilty, he couldn’t bring himself to face his brother after the unholy act he had with Flora few minutes before the party started. He knew he was not in his right sates of mind when that happened, but who will believe that he couldn’t resist her because he was damn h0rny. He knew flora on the other hand might also feel some guilt, but was she also in the same state as he was earlier, or did she just have her way with him because she loved him just as she confessed.
But what was she doing in his room anyway? He thought. All these kept lingering in his mind, and he had no answer to all. All he knew was that what happened between him and Flora was not intentional, neither as it out of lust, if so he would have succeeded in ignoring her. But what happened might be an effect of some drug, which he couldn’t fathom how it got into his body.
He noticed Axel going towards the bed, not saying a word to him; perhaps he is still angry, but he also know nothing of all this, Flora caught them all unaware. He closed the piano and joined him on the bed. Axel was lying on his back, facing the ceiling.
“Axel….” He called softly, trying to touch him
“I don’t wanna talk about it, let’s have our sleep and I will be out of here tomorrow” Axel snapped quietly. He nodded, understanding his plight
“Ok…goodnight” Aiden muttered, but got no reply
~~~~~
*Fourth Audition*
~The Next day~
The whole contestant assembled back stage, as they watch from the screen how the judges were called to their seat. They were all expecting to see the five of them but were shocked to their bones when they saw only three. The twins were not present, and it got the audience murmuring not until the stage director, spoke about them not able to come due to some certain reasons which won’t be mentioned.
“Strange…why will it be the two of them” Ariel asked Mia who was sitting beside her. Mia shrug”
“I don’t know…perhaps one is sick and it affected the other” She chuckled. Ariel gave her a puzzled look
“It used to be like that for some twins you know” She noted.
“Ohh…”Ariel mouthed
“Three contestant are gonna go home today, I don’t wanna be part of them” Jack muttered to himself, thought audible enough for Mia who was sitting beside him, to hear.
“Yea….” Mia whispered. He turned to look at her, surprised
“Did you just reply me” He asked, smiling. She faced him and scoffed.
“Just because I replied you doesn’t mean I’m gonna strike up a conversation with you, remember you are still my enemy” She snapped. He chuckled
“Well, it’s a good thing you decided to speak to me today. After meeting you that night, you became so cold and distant. I’m sorry about that night okay; I was just caring for your safety. I didn’t mean to be harsh” He pleaded. She smiled this time. The almighty Jack is begging her, such is life.
“Just leave me alone…I need to concentrate” She gruff, trying to hide her blush
“We will see after the performance, meet me at the public garden” he whispered into her ear as they were all called out for their first performance.
~~~~~
Aiden just finished going through some files about the private investigations he made about Ariel. He got to know about her mother’s location but couldn’t reach her. Her location kept changing from time to time, as the investigator couldn’t provide the exact place she resides. He wants her to be through with the contest first and decide the step to take, while he supports her. He is not ready to make decisions for her, which he might end up regretting. He remembered last night situation and prayed she never find out about it, else he won’t be able to also face her. He wanted to tell her about his feelings for her and even propose, but postpone it to after the contest.
He doesn’t wanna seem like he was just after her body and wanted to make her his by doing all, that he did for her. He wants her to love him for who he is, and is ready to change from his usual playboy character which she is oblivious of. He knew she feels the same for him also, so there was no point rushing things. He just needs to resolve the rift he has with his brother and settle down for good. He couldn’t go for the contest, due to guilty conscience; he really needs to free his mind. He was not surprise when he noticed that Axel was also not present; perhaps he is still fighting heartbreak.
He was still in thought when the door to his study room opened, revealing Josephine. She was holding a tray, as she placed it on his table, after few greetings.
“Ermm…I brought you this coffee” She smiled, dropping it gently. He returned her smile
“Thanks Josephine” he stated. She was looking bright that morning, and just staring at her, he noticed she changed a bit. In character, beauty, and her curves are getting more visible than it used to be. He stared at her lips and the lustful thoughts came up again. He picked the cup and drank out of the content, ignoring his thoughts, while she stood, still looking at him.
“What is it: he asked, when she wasn’t ready to leave
“You didn’t attend the contest” she stated
“Yea….just a bit tired” He lied, She arced her brows
“You don’t seem like it. You look worried” She resorted calmly. He nodded, in agreement
“Was it about last night” She muttered, going to sit opposite him. She placed her hands in the table and picked up his hand in hers, caressing it softly. He seem shocked at her moves, and how did she know about last night, was she eavesdropping
“You can talk to me about it” she pestered. He stared lustfully at her, but tried controlling himself. Her touch just created some spark in him, and that got him thinking
“No…Josephine is still just seventeen, I can’t have a thing with her” he rebuked his lustful thought
“But you are just four years older than her, she will be eighteen soon, remember” his subconscious noted. He removed his hand from hers, looking away from her face
“Ermm….I’m sorry Josephine….but I need to be alone now…please” He pleaded, his breath already getting hot. She sighed sadly, getting up on her feet.
“Ok….I will be back for the tray then” She stated, leaving the study
“Jesus….what’s wrong with me” Aiden wondered, rubbing his temple. “Why would I lust after my maid too?”
Chapter 49Ariel’s POVI kept breathing hard as we do the morning exercise. If I say that I’m concentrating on this, then that will be a big lie. It’s been two days now after the fourth audition, and I haven’t heard anything from Aiden, but that isn’t really my concern. I have been damn worried about Axel; well I can’t say why I am for sure. But as the hours passes by, my thought just kept going towards his direction. I shouldn’t be worried about him, but here I am, getting drowns; worrying about someone who doesn’t think of me one bit. Tsk…such is life. I thought, but jerk back to reality on hearing my name. It was the female spectator“Ariel… you are leaving your lane” She yelled“Sorry ma’am” I replied her, not looking back. I can’t believe that I had already left my lane just thinking of a guy.&ldquo
Chapter 50 The Secret Video Tape Red Fox Clan Brad’s POV “How is your arm now?” Brad asked, placing soft k**ses on Brittany’s arm. They are currently in his room, enjoying their lovely moment. She rested her head properly on his chest, smiling at the way he treats her like a queen. Brad picked up the remote control from the side stool close by and changed the station of the Tv. It displays the past event of the Hybrid contest, showing the judges and those that were performing. “The black girl is really good. I love her stage management” Brad muttered, referring to Ariel who was busy singing on stage, as cameras capture her. He noticed that Brittany wasn’t paying attention to him, so he turned to look at her face “Don’t you like the station, or should I change it to…” “No no, it’s ok…. Just zoned out, don’t mind me” She smiled fai
Chapter 51(Getting the waitress)Elsa had managed to copy some files from Laura’s phone. Her messages, call logs and other necessary files. She was given a code by Brad, which she will use in getting all the information. Laura could be seen at the other end attending to customers; she was unaware of the fact that her phone wasn’t present in her pocket where she usually keeps it. The day’s work was hectic being that they had lots of customers to attend to, and didn’t give her access to operate her phone. Elsa was in the kitchen section this time, so she had the opportunity to do all that she was asked to without anyone’s notice. They had finished preparing enough food, so the chefs where resting now, only those who are taking others were working. After copying the whole details, she locked the phone and kept it somewhere close to where Laura’s bag is. On a second thought, she picked it up and placed it inside her bag to avoid her curiosity of how it got out.~~“Is this all you manag
Chapter 52(Payback)~The Next Day~“Hey sleepy head, it is morning already” Brittany yelled at Nora who was busy snoring on her bed. She yawned loudly and slum back on the bed but was followed with a hard spank from Brit.“What was that for” Nora yelp“Get up you dump bag and head to the bathroom now, we are needed at the square in ten minutes time, and you know the penalty of coming late” Brittany resorted, leaving the room. She had her plans in place and smiled to herself before leaving.Nora gasps on checking the time; she couldn’t believe that she slept for that long. Though she used to be a heavy sleeper, but doesn’t sleep for this long. What really happened today? She thought, running into the bathroom to freshen up.~~“Hey, didn’t see you at the club game last night, where were you” Jane
Chapter 53(Who is the Mole?)“Mia” Ariel gasp letting go of Aiden, who stood, puzzled. Fluid of tears could be seen in Mia’s eyes as she ran out immediately“Oh my God…I need to go after her…” Ariel muttered, but Aiden held her back“What are you doing, let go of my hand” She yelled“What’s going on, why was she in tears” he asked, but she yanked her hand of, tears already welling up in her eyes“I betrayed her, you can’t understand. I need to leave now” She snapped further. But he held her still“Shh….hey calm down, I know you are kinda hurt, or you might have hurt her in one way or the other that I don’t get, but don’t go after her now. Your quarrel might excavate. Give her time to cry out whatever is in her mind and later on, speak with her. I don’t want any of you to get your
Chapter 54(Who Sent You?)Brittany’s POV“Hey….wait…what are we doing” I asked Jane as we sneak into the clinic. She brought out a syringe from her pocket, inserting it into an ampoule as she drew out its content.“Trying to get in of course”“With a syringe” I asked in my lowest voice. We are actually at the rare entrance to the clinic; Jane suggested the entrance as the best place to take.“No….I’m gonna use this to stab the guard in charge of the clothes section. We are gonna change into a nurse outfit and carry out our plans. If the mole is still in this clan then Nora’s life is definitely not safe. We need to be fast with our move” She muttered. I agreed with her as we went immediately went in.“Hey, you there….this is not a visiting time, and where are you both coming from”
Chapter 55Fifth AuditionBrittany’s POV“Hmm….so what is Clara planning to do this time” I thought, remembering the scene of last night, and how we managed to escape.“We need to leave now, I think someone is coming” Jane whispered to me, I noticed the sound of footsteps too as my heart raced. We tried finding a secret route but the footstep was already at the doorpost, and within a second, it flipped open. Just before the door opened, we managed to force ourselves under the other bed, which was opposite that of Nora. It was really tight and uncomfortable, but we had to stay still in order not to pay with our heads.We saw the legs of someone walking into the ward, as the feet k**sed the cold tiles on the floor. It stopped just beside our bed, perhaps looking round, making it difficult for us to see the person’s face. I noticed its closeness
Chapter 56(I k**sed him back!)Aiden’s POV“Hey….why is your eyes puffy, don’t tell me you were crying, what happened, did he hurt you” I asked. She only shook her head.“Are you sure about that, then why the tears” I pestered“Can…can we leave here, perhaps we go to somewhere private and talk” She stated. I nodded and led the way. I was still boiling with anger seeing Axel holding her that way; I shouldn’t have felt that way, but I can’t say what’s wrong. After game that took place that night, getting Axel angry, we haven’t sort time to talk things through. I know Axel wasn’t angry with me, he wouldn’t, it’s not like I’m the one that asked Flora to love me, but my guilty conscience won’t let me be. No one knows about the thing I had with Flora that sam
CHAPTER 93 (BLACK OUT)Police Headquarters~~ “Start talking” Noah muttered as he sat opposite Axel. He just arrived as he decided to know what move the police are taking“Erm..i’m sorry Mr. Jenkins” Axel stated He scoffed“You are sorry…you left for good three weeks, without allowing anyone reach you and all you can say is sorry..what has gotten over you this kid” He snapped. Axel’s head was bowed as he continue to plead“Fine…now tell me, how was she kidnapped and what are they doing about it.” He asked referring to the police“We had an argument, and erm…she left in tears without allowing anyone to go with her. We never knew she had left until her message came into my phone seeking for help in an unknown location”“We?”“Yes..I was with Aiden”“Fine go on…”“We watched the footage of how she left my house into the woods; the live cameras captured the faces of those men who kidnapped her. They were four and a lady. Their records are being worked on; they will be tracked before the
Chapter 89(Where is mum?)Africa~~Ariel’s POVI was so excited to breath in the fresh air, as we came down from the plane. Axel had fulfilled his promised of bringing me here to see mum, and I can’t tell how happy I am. It’s been months since I left home; coming back here is more like a relief. They are my people, the culture is perfect, different for the western culture, but I still love it even if it seems attic.We lodge in a hotel to get enough rest before proceeding to the slum where mum resides, or let’s say my former home. Axel has been himself this few days, none of us talked more on what happened the other day, but I think I’m cool not speaking about it, it’s better that way.“What route should I take” Axel muttered from the wheels. We had rented a car for the main time, before leaving.
Chapter 88(Confused Feelings)Aiden’s POV“Gosh..I messed up big time..I shouldn’t have done it, but my urge was irresistible” I cursed softy, remembering last night scene. I almost had my way with her; if grannie Naomi’s voice hadn’t ring out behind the door, then it would have been a different case. She had actually been looking for Josephine and decided to come tell me about her getting missing suddenly, not knowing she was in with him. We flipped of each other, as Josephine made for the door.She managed to convince Grannie that she was only checking on me, being that I was depressed and getting myself drown in drinks I was still a bit tipsy though, but was conscious of what was happening around me. Grannie Naomi scolds me for some time, warning me not to go near hot liquors again. And that was all I could remember before drifting into a long sleep. I
Chapter 87(I want you)Sophia’s POV“I can’t believe dad will decide to do this to me..it’s wrong” I scoff, bringing out a pack of cigarette from my drawer. Yea, I smoke, but it’s still a secret to everyone, because I know how to keep it low. I lighted a stick taking a hard drag as my phone rings“Hello” I muttered with a gruff voice as the caller’s voice came up“Hello ma’am”“Any news on where they are?” I asked, puffing out balls of smoke“Not yet ma’am…but we traced them to Texas..it’s won’t be long before we get hold of her”“That’s a bit of good news, but I want more…I’m giving you two weeks to get me her head…and if you fail, consider your head rolli
Chapter 86(Heart Breaks)“Peggy” she whispered, gawking at her“It’s me Gina…come on let us in” Miss Peggy stated, with a wide smile, as Gina engage her in a tight hug“Oh My gawd…is this a dream..I mean..I had thought all hope is lost since the day you left with Ariel, not until I saw the videos…oh gosh…you are welcome..come in…Hi” She greeted Scarlet with a soft smile while scarlet only nodded, smiling briefly.“You can also come in Kabria..” Gina beckoned as Kabria shrug“I don’t wanna pry into your discussion, I will just wait outside” she stated and left. Gina sighed“So what can I offer you both…gosh..I’m sorry..there isn’t any drink at home for now…perhaps water will do first while I go down the street to get you some drinks&rdqu
Chapter 85(Punishment)AFRICA.“Hmm…it’s so good to be home..just take a look at how fresh the air smells” Miss Peggy breathed in as she and Scarlet made their way to Ariel’s former house.“Yuck…this place stinks…” Scarlet grimace, as she frowns“It’s a slum dummy, you won’t expect everywhere to be pleasant..will you?”“I still prefer my country’s slum…this place is more like a dump” Scarlet stated“I think you have forgotten that this is still my country, and I won’t take that insult from you Scarlet.There are other places that are safe and nice..don’t judge a book by its cover “ Miss Peggy muttered sternly. Scarlet rolled her eyes.“Are we there already” Scarlet asked with a stressed
Chapter 84(Curiosity)Cottage~~ Ariel’s POVI woke up yawing loudly as I stretch my bones; it made cracking sounds as I pull the blanket off my body. I noticed feeble sun rays invading the room through the window. Gosh…It’s morning already….nope it’s not morning..it’s already noon, I shriek jumping out of bed after glancing at the wall clock.“Did I really sleep for that long? And where is Axel?” I asked no one in particular.“You won’t be expecting him to be beside you when you wake up duh…” My subconscious replied as I rolled my eyes. My stomach made annoying noises which means that it needed to be fed. I walk sluggishly to the bathroom; well Axel actually showed it to me yesterday. I quickly freshen up; pulled out a cloth from my box and wore it.I made my way out, looking fresh after a warm bath as I head down the short steps that lead to the living room. Axel is actually not in his room, and I’m beginning to wonder if he hasn’t left me alone here, not until a sweet smell waft t
Chapter 83(See You In Court)Texas City~~Axel’s POV.I turned off the ignition, just after parking in front of a cottage. The journey was smooth being that Ariel decided to fall asleep; she has been crying silently before falling asleep. Right now, we are miles away from Cape Town; in the outskirt of Texas City, where the sea, that links to another country is.I own the little cottage that stood few meters away from the sea, in the middle of the shore. This place used to be my secret hide out whenever I wanna be away from everyone. I come here alone, and not even a soul knows that I own here, well, except for the care taker whom I put in charge of cleaning the place. I had called him about my coming while we were still on highway.Ariel mumbled inaudible words in her sleep as I turn t
Chapter 82(No Choice)Ariel’s POV.I just tried mum’s number again but it was still giving the same response; not reachable. I don’t know how long I will have to wait for all this to be settled, because I’m really missing mum right now. I’m just waiting for the time I will be able to travel on my own; I won’t hesitate to grab the opportunity. Africa will be the first place in my mind.I sigh for the umpteen time, dropping my phone on the side stool as I made to have a quick nap. But my rest was cut short when Axel barge into the room, looking a bit enrage. Well, his facial expression showed that he is either angry, or perhaps had cried to have make his face look red.“Get your bags, we are leaving” he muttered coldly, going to pick up some of his clothes in the wardrobe as he stuff it into his box. I couldn’t process what he meant at first“W-What…but why…we just got here…” I shuttered. He heaves a sigh“Yes…but we are leaving now..”“Will you please state your reasons” I asked. I c