Chapter 67
(I need you for my son)
Ariel’s New Apartment~
“It’s perfect, I love it” Ariel grinned as she walks down the stairs leading back to the sitting room. Axel could be seen relaxing on the couch. He eyes was closed, he had to open it when he heard Ariel coming down. He brought her to the apartment which was given to her as the winner of the contest. Axel being in charge of the document was to hand it to her and takes her to tour the apartment.
The car given to her was parked in Aiden’s apartment where she is still staying presently, and victor, her driver has been doing a good job, teaching her how to drive and she is actually coping. All that is happening is like a dream come true as her next mission will be finding her dad.
“It’s a good thing you like it” Axel shrug wearing a soft smile as he stands to his feet.
“Yea…it’s perfect” She noted. He nodded. It’s been a week after the contest; and this past one week had been hell for her, well she actually love it though. She had so sign not just the company’s contract, but other Companies also want her to be the face of their products. She got to meet with Flora who she is thinking of making her role model when it comes to modeling. She loves her smiles and her posture when facing the camera. She is just a newbie, and has taken her time watching most of Flora’s modeling magazines, to get a clue on how to do things. The company will soon give her a manager who will assist her in noting her schedules and how to manage it.
“She is getting more beautiful” Axel thought inwardly as he gazed at her nonstop. She was already standing in front of him, while he continued to drool. Well, he is not use to drooling at girl because of their beauty, but Ariel just captured his eyes.
“Huhm hun” She cleared her throat back to reality
“Erm…sorry were you saying something?” He asked
“Will there be any rehearsal today” She asked
“No, today is a free day…so are you done checking it out”
“Yes…”
“So I’m free to take you home…or…you still want to go somewhere else”
“I don’t know..are you going anywhere. I’m kinda bored staying home all day” She asked. Axel chuckled
“I wanna go see my mum, it’s been a while I checked on her, do you wanna tag along” he smiled. She nodded. He stretches forth his hand, as she placed her hand on it with a smile. They left the house giving instructions to the caretaking in charge before driving out of the compound.
~~~~~
Ariel let out a soft gasp as Axel parked the car in the car park. She stepped down, gazing around with her mouth slightly open. The mansion had been painted with a new colour, adding more beauty to it. It looks just the way it was when she left except for the change of paint colour. The flowers are still in place, glowing as always, and the guards still maintain their usual post, except for the fact that they are now more than before.
“Still looking around, I thought you have been here before?” Axel asked, his hands tucked in his pockets as he watched her look around, marveled.
“Oh yes…just the new paint makes it look a bit different” She replied as they went in. The memories of how she came to the mansion suddenly filled her mind. She remembered how Mr. Shaw hits his wife; that might be the main reason why Aiden took her away. None of them knows about her getting to see the fight scene that day, except Elsa. And talking about Elsa, she will be so glad to see her, she thought.
“Welcome young master” the guards and maids greeted as they walk in. Axel replied their greetings with a nod, while she simply smiled.
They got into the house and Axel had to walk further into his mother’s room while she stayed in the living room. In order to feed her eyes, she stood up walking round, admiring the beauty artworks hung on the wall. She was still lost in her gaze when she heard someone spoke
“Can I help you young lady” Mary (Mrs. Shaw) muttered walking out of the kitchen down to the dining room. She sighted Ariel from far off and wondered who she was; being that she wasn’t expecting any visitor. She walked down the stairs which leads to the sitting room, examining Ariel carefully, she looked familiar to her.
“Erm….good afternoon ma…” Ariel greeted nervously with a smiled. Mary returned the smile
“Hi, who are you..and how can I help you” She asked
“Mum?” Axel’s voice sounded from behind, stopping Ariel from answering her question. Mary turned to see her son looking handsome as always. He went forward to hug her as she embraced him tightly. He pecked her cheek softly while she pinched his cheek.
“I miss you mum” he pouted, as she slightly knock his head
“Ouch…mum” he called softly, rubbing the place she hits him
“What was that for?”
“You claim you miss me, but you and that brother of yours rarely check on me, it’s annoying to stay alone for a long time with seeing any of my kids. Do you know how hurt I get, you both are the only ones I got, remember” She spoke sadly. He sighs
“I’m sorry mum….you know how hectic our careers are, but we will never stop thinking about the pretty mum God has given to us.” He winked
“Give that to your girlfriend, stop winking at me” She chuckled. Ariel only watch them with a smile on her face, they had almost forgotten that she was present there with them. She could see a flicker of sadness in Axel’s eyes, when his mother mentioned something about his girlfriend, but he tried to cover it with a smile.
“And who do we have here, did she come with you” She asked him, as they face me
‘Oh…I’m really sorry Ariel, meet my mum, and mum meet Ariel…my..ermm..friend” He let out a soft sigh. He doesn’t know what to call her other than friend, even if they are yet to know about each other. He is only being with her because he had to train her on how the industry works.
“Oh..welcome Ariel, such a beautiful name….” She smiled and hugs Ariel who wasted no time in accepting the hug. With the look of things, Mrs. Shaw seems nice unlike her husband. Is her husband at home? She thought within but couldn’t ask even if she wants to know
“Well you both came at the perfect time, I just finished making lunch” She gestured to the dining table
“Hmmm…I missed you mum, and before I forget, I met with Mrs. Brown, she mentioned something about coming to eat your latest delicacies very soon.” Axel muttered as they took their seat on the dinning
“Really, I trust she will come soon. You will like what I prepared Ariel, with the look of this, I believe you ain’t an American” Mary asked. Ariel nodded
“Yes Ma”
“Then how do you cope with our food here”
“I cope really well, there isn’t much different with what we eat in Africa” Ariel smiled, as the maids serves them
“Africa…wow…I can’t believe I will be having an African guest in my house today, I think I’m honored” Mary grinned, as Ariel blushed. Axel only watch them chit chat, his full attention was on Ariel, and how beautiful her smile was. He hasn’t thought of this before, but he is beginning to wonder where Aiden has gotten to meet an angel in person. Ariel’s beauty was hidden at first, then it suddenly glow out like a sun, attracting lots of people. Even he himself couldn’t help but get mesmerized by her glamorous self.
“I’m sorry to ask, but have we met before….your face is suddenly becoming familiar, like I have seen you somewhere before” Mary squinted
“Mum….she is the winner of the Hybrid contest, her picture has been everywhere; billboard, posters, magazines and even the internet. You could have seen her in any of those places” Axel chipped in
“Yes Ma” Ariel nodded in affirmation. She was beginning to feel that Mrs. Shaw saw her leave with Aiden that day, but they didn’t have a close contact. She didn’t know about her stay in the mansion too, except if Aiden had mentioned about it to her
“Oh wow….you won the contest?”
Ariel smiled
“Yes….”
“That’s good…I mean…a pretty like you will surely have a nice voice. It’s just that I’m having a feeling that I have seen you somewhere else other that the internet, more like years ago” Mary muttered slowly, taking a sip of her drink. Ariel and Axel’s eyes met, and he shrug.
“Perhaps you are experiencing De Jevu mum, you have never met Ariel” He noted. She shrugged
“Ok…so back to you Ariel…where did you meet my son. I believe you both are dating right?”She smiled, as Ariel choked on her food. She picked up her drink and gulp down the whole content
“Are you ok?” Mary asked her with concern as Axel rolled his eyes
“We ain’t dating mum…we are just…erm…friends” he muttered the last part softly, more like a whisper. Mary glared at him
“I wasn’t talking to you; I know you will deny it. I can see it in your eyes, you love her, stop pretending” She jabs his arms, laughing. Axel frowns, while Ariel giggles.
“Look here baby girl, you don’t need to mind him, I know my sons really well, and when they are in love, there is always this spark in their eyes.…”
“Mum…come on…Ariel is…”
“I know..and that’s why I wants you to make it fast. I like her already and she will fill up the hole Flora left in your heart. You need to be happy again baby…” She pouted.
“Gosh….mum can we just eat in peace…fine I will get a girlfriend soon, just to make you happy, but we can talk about that later..right?” He muttered. Ariel was trying to hold her laughter in
“I don’t want someone else what about the damsel here” she whispered to him, but Ariel hard her clearly. It was like she didn’t whisper at all. Axle’s eyes immediately locks with hers as his mum said that; he shifted his gaze to avoid crazy thought running up his mind
“Mum….” He groans
“I’m also getting old you know….I need a grandchild” She rolled her eyes
“Mum!!!!” Axel yelled this time, as Ariel and Mary both busted into a round of laughter. The look on Axel’s face wasn’t good at all. He felt pissed; talking about grandchildren in front of a total stranger isn’t what his mum should have brought up. Although, it seems like his mum really likes Ariel, but what if she finds out the she is already taken by Aiden.
Ariel was also not helping matters, she kept laughing and getting along with his mum like they have known each other before, but they are just meeting for the first time.
“I just lost my appetite” Axel mumbled, dropping the fork
~~~
After the meal, they bid Mrs. Shaw goodbye, getting ready to leave. Mary hugged Ariel once again, pecking her hair
“I will like you for my son” She whispered in her ear
“Please take good care of him for me” She muttered, as Ariel became numb. What does she mean by she wants her for her son. Gosh, this is getting more complicated, she thought
“I will Ma” She smiled. Axel who had been getting impatient waited at the car as he watches her come closer after finally bidding his mum goodbye. She smiled at him, but he turned his gaze, pretending not to her seen her. His mum has succeeded in ruining his mood, not he is finding it had to look Ariel in the face after the hilarious comments his mum has uttered during their meal. He started the engine, zooming the car out of the compound.
“Elsa…..I didn’t see her at the mansion.” Ariel muttered as they drove out. She had noticed it when she was another maid coming to serve them; it used to be Elsa’s job to serve the family.
“Oh…she left, no one knows about her where about though” He shrug, concentrating on the road to prevent making eyes contact with her. She noticed it and decided to make their journey back a silent one.
~~~~~
Few Hours Later
Sophia just finished making a call when she sighted Michael walking towards her direction. She was standing in front of the company, about going into her car when he stopped her.
“Babe” He called, trying to peck her lips but she turned sideward, making his lips land on her cheek. He frowned slightly but covered it with a smile. He doesn’t want to make a scene.
“What’s up” he asked tucking his hands into the hoodie’s pocket
“I’m fine…erm…do you have anything to tell me” She muttered, already getting irritated at the awkward moment. She glanced at her time and looked at him when he wasn’t responding. Her eyes caught his as she hurriedly shifted her gaze
“Look at me Sophia” He whispered. She stared at him, folding her arms
“We need to talk…”
“Come on Michael…”
“We need to talk right now…..” He gruff, frowning this time, annoyed at the fact that she is behaving this way with him.
“Stop this Michael, as you can see I am on my way out now, can’t we leave the talk for later…I need to go” She scoffs, pushing is hand away.
“Huff…are you telling me that where you are going is more important than what I have to say to you?” He asked, already pissed
“Yes Michael…..yes” She spurted, proudly
“What do you mean…damn you…what a minute, who are going to meet…tell me” He half yelled, as her guards standing some meters away, stood alert. She chuckled
“Are you yelling at me…huh…come on…you don’t need to know my destination. In fact, why am I keeping it away from you? Fine, I’m going to see Axel” She said to his face, glaring hard at him
“Seriously…it’s still about that guy right? Huh…Sophia..”
“Yes…you and I know that I love Axel..but you are just trying to put a bridge between the both of us. I hate it Michael and I’m warning you, stop standing in my way” She threatened. He laughed
“Oh…really, so now I am the one placing the bridge? But when I checked last, he doesn’t love you”
“And how is that your business, I will make sure he falls for me, no matter what. And any girl that comes in my way will pay for it, same thing goes for you Michael. Leave me alone, I don’t love you, I hate you” She yelled at him. It felt like a sharp object was pierced into his heart at the mention of that word. Heaven and earth knows that he loves Sophia so much, and has done lots of things just to make her return that love but she is just using him as a tool.
“You really think you have won right..huhnn…just wait and see the surprise I have for you” he snapped coldly, leaving her to think about his threat.
“What does he mean” She thought and shrugged it off
Chapter 68(Friends Indeed)“Wow, that’s a good smile. Give us something fantabulous” The director muttered as Mia whirl sideward, taking pose in front of the camera as it flashes its light at her, capturing her beauty. She is currently in one of the company who wants her to be the face of their product. Being a model isn’t an easy job, the schedules are killing, but she likes it anyway. She just finished having her shoot as she waits for Jack to do his. Yes, the both of them are taking the modeling career for a start; they have gotten millions of followers on the social media, as their pictures are the talk of the town. Mia’s beauty is sending some men off guard, and the single ladies out there are wishing to be Jack’s girlfriend, but all those wishes will only last in their dream, because all that is in his mind is Mia, no other woman can take her place. They were also to take a joint shot as Jack is to hold Mia to himself as they take a pose. “Yea…yea…that’s a good pose, please do
Chapter 69(Welcome to the Band)“Hey…are you set” Jane asked as Cassandra went to join them where they assembled. They are to be addressed by Macho who will give them their last instruction before they commence on their mission.“Yes….where is Brittany” she asked“Speak of the devil….and she is here” Jane grinned on seeing Brittany walking towards them. She was dressed in a black Kaki, with her hair rapped in a bun, leaving some strands to fall on her face. She wore dark sunshades, giving her killer looks.“What’s up girls?”“Nothing is up pretty, come on we are going on a mission, and not some parade dearie, you look dashing in this outfit sis” Jane hailed. Brittany smirk“Hi Brittany” Cassie greeted as Brittany nodded to her greeting. She isn’t really getting well with Cassandra just like the way Jane was free with her. “Where is Macho…he should be here by now” Brittany stated“Yea…” Jane replied“I think he is meeting with the top clan me
Chapter 70(Freaky Jealousy)Red Fox Clan~“Just like I have explained to you all, this mission is gonna be tough, more than the other ones we had been going on. But I believe that we are all prepared and will succeed. We are visiting the safe warehouse of a senior agent in the military. And trust me, this guy is bad and has lots of tough gangs keeping his warehouse safe. He got strength, he got power and lots of bodyguards, but he ain’t got sense.He is a greedy freak, wants everything for himself; he killed one of our men and took some of his properties, but we are gonna go take everything from him, including his own. I want you all to remain alert and follow the instructions given to you by your commander. I will lead on group, dragon will lead one, while scorpion will lead the other.” Macho shouted on top of his voice, so as for them to hear him well. They are about going on their mission, and are twenty in numbers, but only the good ones where chosen.“What about this Cassandra;
Chapter 71(Friends)“Your hands in the air…if you make one move, I will burst your brains out” The voice stated, as she slowly raised her hands up. The person was behind her and it was a female’s voice….Brittany tried to turn to see who the enemy is but the voice made her stop.“I said if you f**king make a move, I will rip your head off” She yelled“Ok, ok..I’m still, what do you want from me” Brittany resorted. The lady spoke into her mouthpieces“I got one boss, will be heading to the safe room now” She stated. Brittany squinted, she thought Macho will be in the safe room now, what does this lady mean by, we will be heading to the safe room now or were they going to the wrong direction.“Move…” she yelled“I’m f**cking moving” Brittany snorted; as she heard her cocking her gun, sh
Chapter 72(We Are Not Couples)Ariel’s POVI was just preparing to leave for the last rehearsal when Josephine came to tell me about having a visitor. I quickly dressed up, going downstairs to meet the so called visitor, though I wasn’t expecting anyone, perhaps Mia decided to stop by, I thought. On getting to the living room, I met a young lady of about twenty or more. She was patiently sitting on the couch; a glass with a pack of juice was placed in front of her, perhaps Josephine offered her the drink.She seated up on seeing me, as I stared at her with a questioning look, I don’t think I know her from anywhere.“Good morning ma” She greeted with a smile. I was a bit taken aback, people don’t refer to me as Ma, and it sounds strange at first in my ear. I’m sure I will get use to it with time; these are what one gets on becoming a celebrity. I also compo
Chapter 73The Crown Contest“Why are you looking at me that way” Sophia asked Axel, as he watches the makeup artist fix her face. No doubt, Sophia is also beautiful, but there is nothing in this wide world that will make him fall for her. She still look like the b!tch she is. He sometimes wonders if she is the real daughter of Mr. Jenkins..“Is it a sin to stare?” he returned a question, she smiled.“Well it’s not..are you scared that I will win the crown again” She grinned, looking at him through the mirror. He was already dressed in a navy blue tuxedo with diamond stripes. He had his hair jelled to the back giving him a killer look. Mind you, he is back to his natural hair color which is deep black. Perhaps he is tired of dying it into different colours or just wanna look normal for the main time. The crown contest is just in few minutes time, as they all will mount the stage.
Chapter 74 (She won the Crown) Ariel’s POV “You will pay for this Ariel, I will make sure I deal with you” I heard her muttered before leaving the restroom completely. Well, that’s her business, it’s so good to be among people that can put her in her place, so if she thinks because she is the daughter of one of the richest billionaires, thinking she will intimidate me with the power she has, then she is joking. I was being afraid of her when I came newly, I couldn’t do anything to her when she tried to bully me then in school. But right now, things are different. Even if I’m just new in the band, I won’t bow to her being the leader, even if she wins this year’s crown contest. F**k you Sophia, you don’t deserve that position, I scoff. “Are you going home now ma’am, or you want me to take you somewhere else” Victor asked. I sigh briefly thinking about what he just asked. Do I really wanna go hom
Chapter 75 (You will pay with your life) Hybrid Musicals “Dad….dad…” Sophia called with rage as she barged into her father’s office. Mr. Noah Jenkins who had been really busy checking out some files and also viewing the live concert while he work furrowed his brows at his daughter’s manner less entry. “Sophia…what’s all this..have you lost your manners, why will you barge in that way, knowing that I will be busy” He reprimanded “F**k the manners, I ain’t got time for your scolding dad…I need answers” She snorted. Noah bent his head in shame. She didn’t even consider the fact that he has a visitor sitting in front of him who watches the little father and daughter drama. She should have at least asked him to excuse her and have a talk privately, but he knows Sophia, she will be bent on getting what she wants. “What is it this time?” he asked “Why w
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