Chapter 38
Offer Rejected; Later Accepted
<AAB Entertainment>
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Nina’s POV
I was busy chatting with some of my colleagues when I sighted Aiden coming out from the meeting room, looking hot as ever. Geez, his look alone can seize the breath of a woman. He was putting on a navy blue maroon tee on a black Jane. The golden chain on his neck and the piece of diamond earring stuck to his left ear gave his an alluring look. I smiles broadly, waving at him. He returned the smile coming towards my direction. The girls with me where clearly drooling at him, well who won’t drool at the good looking Aided. He got the swag, the money and most importantly, the look.
“Hey pretties” he muttered, flashing us a cute smile
“Hi!!!!” the other girls replied, slightly blushing. They left after a bit of pleasantries, leaving just the both of us. I felt like k**sing his cute lips right now, but this environment won’t allow that. We can’t be caught k**sing when not shooting; many will think we are going out, and that’s exactly what I want.
“Hey Nina…what’s up” he asked, dipping his hands into the pockets in his trousers.
“I’m cool…so how was the meeting”
“Fine…but boring…damn, it’s not easy chatting for long with some old folks. I felt really bored in there, ; just and to wait, cause I promised my dad that I would” he stated
“Oh…that’s nice of you. Well, just know that you will also grow to be like them one day” I smiled, he chuckled.
“Sure I will, we all will” “I’m actually leaving now, are you still staying behind, or__”
I cut him short “No….I will leave with you; didn’t come with my car…haahhan” I giggled. He nodded, as we head for the parking lot.
Aiden turned on the engine after we got into the car, zooming out of the premises. We got to my house in no time as he parked the car safely, expecting me to get down. But no, my mind isn’t ready to give up. If he isn’t making a move, then I’m gonna make it. I muttered a ‘thank you’, which he smiled to.
“Errmm…Aiden” I called softly, turning to face him, having this serious but fidgeting look on. I pray he doesn’t notice that
“Yes?”
“I have something to tell you” I heaved a sigh, summoning courage to tell him my mind. I can’t continue holding up these feelings without letting him know. Perhaps, he might feel the same towards me, and if he doesn’t, I will just hold on to my fate.
“I love you Aiden…I just don’t know how it started, but with time I began to know that I have feelings for you. I have been keeping it for too long, I can’t hold it up any longer” I waited to see his reaction, but he held an expressionless face. He didn’t utter a word and it made me wonder if I had done the wrong thing by telling him about my feelings.
“I just wanted you to know my mind” I mumbled softly, trying to get of the car, since he couldn’t give a response. But he grabbed my hand, holding me back. He faced me properly, caressing my hand with his two palms.
“Nina…” he called breathlessly “I know about this through your actions and so on. As a guy, if I actually wanted to make a movie, I would have a long time ago. You are such a great lady, beautiful, intelligent, hardworking, and most of all I love your courage. Not all ladies will do what you did just now; but the facts still remains that o see you as not just a friend, but also a colleague; both in the music and movie industry.
I love you as a friend, sister and my fellow lead actor in the movie we are shooting. Fine, we could have k**sed, make out, and so on in the film, but that doesn’t guarantee my love for you. I’m really sorry Nina, but I can’t find a space in my heart to love you in return; but just find a place in your heart to forgive me, because I don’t feel the same way you feel for me.” He stated, looking into my eyes. I felt a sting in my heart, and my eyes were already making balls of tears, but I prevented them from rolling down. He words sends sparks of pain to my marrow. I nodded, faking a painful smile
“It’s alright…I…am…ok with it…thanks for telling me the truth” I shuttered, turning to knob of the door
“Nina….” I turned to face him as he called
“Please don’t cut off your contract with the company because of this. I know it will be kind of hard, but we still need to shoot the last season together. Trust me when I say you are one of the best actresses in have worked with. Despite taking music as a career, you still have a sense of acting and I’m proud of that” He smiled, releasing my hand. I returned the smile, getting down from the car as I waved him goodbye
The threatening tears hanging around; were now able to drop freely down my cheeks. I sniffed in, running into the building, ignoring the greeting of the maids and other servants. I sighted mum in the dinning room having a talk with one of the maids. I ignored her not muttering a greeting, even when she tried calling me.
“What the hell is wrong with you baby…..open up..hey Nina, are you there” Mum called, barging my room door. I ignored every sound coming from the entrance, dipping my head into the pillow as I let the tears flow more. I feel hurt inside; I live Aiden, but he doesn’t love me back. Now Sophia will have no choice but to mock me more.
Zach POV
Parking my car in a safe parking lot, close to Nina’s house, I turned off the engine, getting down in a giffi. I picked up my face mask, wearing it properly on my face as I head towards the building. I was just a step away from my car, when I noticed a car zoomed towards the gate, just opposite where I was standing, about 10 meters away. Nina came down hurriedly, walking into the compound. She clearly ignored the greetings of the maids, heading into the building, head down. She doesn’t look good that way. The car that brought her zoomed off; that was Aiden’s car, no doubt. What could be wrong this time, it thought, heaving a sigh before walking in.
The security allowed me in after showing them my identity. I smiled at them which they returned, and went into the building, led by a maid. A young woman came striding down the stairs, looking perplexed; I think this is Nina’s mum. Their striking resemblance is clearly visible.
“Who do we have here?” She asked, squinting slightly as she came to my direction
“Good day ma’am…I’m Zach…Nina’s friend” I muttered politely, bowing a bit
“Oh…now I remember, I do watch you on TV, you work for the AAB Entertainment right?” She asked
“Yes ma’am…”
“Oh…just call me mum dear, since you are my baby’s friend. I love your movie so much, never knew I will meet you in person someday, but fate brought you to my humble abode, haahaa.” She laughs, while I giggled along
“You came to see her right?” She asked, stilling smiling. I nodded, but her smile faded in a sec.
“Don’t mind my manners, please sit dear…” She offered “Just make yourself comfortable, perhaps I will have to go talk to her so that she can open the door” She muttered. I arched my brow
“Hope there is no problem ma’a__ uhn mum?” I asked
“Hmmm, Nina came in just few seconds ago; she didn’t wait to even greet me but ran upstairs into her room. Perhaps she has been hurt by someone or so, she does that whenever such happens, I kinda feel bad for her…I really haven’t been a good mother..perhaps” She pouted, and looking at Nina’s mum right now I felt like laughing hard instead of consoling her. She look and act just like a kid, and it baffles me a lot to think she gave birth to Nina. One will actually call them siblings on first sight.
“I will just check up on her” I muttered. She shrugged, calling a maid to lead me to Nina’s room. My heart made throbbing sounds as we got closer. I can’t help but feel nervous. I wanna ask her out, but why am I feeling this way? I thought. This is not the first time I’m asking a girl out. Perhaps Nina is just different for the other girls.
The maid knocked on the door once, as Nina shrilling voice came piecing our ears from the room
“I don’t wanna be disturbed_ get lost” She screamed. I could hear her sobbing. This is serious, I thought
“Hey, let me speak to her” I whispered to the maid who nodded in agreement
“(Knocks) hey..Nina.. please open up, it’s Zach…please I wanna speak with you, and everything is gonna be ok, trust me” I muttered. The sobbing stopped, as the room became silent for a moment. The sound of keys could be heard as the door was forced open. Nina came in view; her hair was ruffled, scattered in both sides. Her eyes were already red and puffy, giving her a hideous look; but damn, she still looks pretty to me. She left me standing at the doorpost, heading into the room, while I closed the door gently.
“Nina___” I was about speaking up when she interrupted
“Why are you here Zach, what do you wanna see me for” She sniffed in, mopping her eyes with a pair of handkerchief
“I__erm…actually came to see you; never knew I will meet you in this condition. What’s wrong Nina” I asked softly, going to seat beside her on the bed, my hand relaxing on her shoulder. She tensed up a little, but managed to conceal her expression.
“No_nothing…I’m ermm…fine..just..” She shuttered
“I’m just stressed. It’s classified by the way. But I’m ok, don’t worry about me, and don’t f**king tell my mum that I cried” She mumbled, sniffing in. “So why are you here. I purposely open the door for you, else I won’t have, because I hate disturbance.”
This time around, I felt like I wasn’t speaking to the Nina I know, she spoke differently. She must be really hurt, how I wish I could read mind. I would have find out what made her cry. I don’t like pestering people, so I just have to let go of the questions lingering in my mind. Taking her two hands in my hand, I caress them softly, staring into her hazel eyes, as she does the same.
“Nina….hmm…I don’t know how to start this speech, but I just want you to have it at the back of your mind, or perhaps in your heart that no matter what happens to you, there are still fragile hearts out there who loves you so much, and won’t want their heart to be broken. My heart is one of those heart Nina….i love you so much, and I have always loved you right from time” I cooed. She stared at me perhaps puzzled for while, I was yet to comprehend her expression when I felt a soft flesh placing itself on my lips. She was k**sing me..
Nina POV
I didn’t know where this feeling came from, but I couldn’t help but let it out. Right from when Zach came in, I was feeling the urge to throw myself at him, crying on his shoulders and all that. But I couldn’t, being that we are not really that of a friend. But the fact that he would confess his love for me made me do the unexpected. I leaned forward to kiss him without waiting for his move. I know what I did wasn’t lady like, but I felt at peace with myself.
Few minutes back, I was confessing my love for a guy, but right now, I’m doing the exact opposite of what I should be doing. Let’s just say I didn’t really love Aiden after all, or was I too forward, k**sing Zach just to suppress my hurt? I asked perplexed. Well, that will be a question to be answered latter. Right now, I want something more than this k**s, and with the way Zach is making me feel, I think we both want the same thing. This feeling isn’t weird, it’s just meant to be this way.
~~~~~
Aiden’s POV
After dropping Nina, I knew she will feel bad for what is said to her, but damn, I can’t lie to her. If I continue to overlook things, she will end up thinking I like here, whereas I don’t. I drove towards my house, parking the car in the garage. I gave the keys to one of the guards standing by.
I was about going into the building when I noticed a different car in the parking lot; this is definitely not one of my cars, I thought. I sighted Josephine walking towards me in her girlish attire. She is beginning to act different these days, and sometimes ask of Ariel. Trust me when I say I love her new attitude.
“Welcome sir” She greeted with a smile
“How are you Josephine…what of granny Naomi” I asked
“She is in her room, resting I think. Ermm….you have a visitor, she is in the living room” She stated, just before I asked about the car
“Oh…I noticed the strange car in the parking lot and was about asking. Do you say a ‘she’” I squinted. She nodded. I shrugged and went in leaving her to go to wherever she was heading to.
“Who could that be” I thought. Females haven’t been coming to this house, in fact most of my female friends don’t know about this particular house. It’s more like my main base despite the fact that I have other houses. If it’s a lady, then that person will be really close to me. I thought, turning the knob to the entrance. Getting into the sitting room, I caught her back view; she was standing on her feet, staring at a wall frame of I and Axel. Her perfume hits my nostril and I suddenly know who was standing even before seeing her face. What is she doing here? I thought.
She noticed my presence, turning to face me, as a broad smile played across her face. I frown.
“Hi…Aiden” Her tiny winy voice came up, just like the way I remembered
“What are you doing here” I huffed.
Chapter 39Confessing Her DeedsFlora POVI have been finding it hard to get off this burden from my shoulders. Right from the time I hurt Axel, I haven’t been myself. Fine, I don’t feel a thing for him, but I still feel like I did wrong leaving him that way. He seem to be doing good now without me, but here I am, longing to be in the hands of someone else, who might not accept me for what I had done to his brother. How I wish I could just change the hands of time and start all over again; telling Axel about my love for his twin and not him. It would have been better; but that witch made things complicated for me.“Flora__” I jerked from my seat at the sound of my name“Here you go again, thinking_, come on baby, stop hurting yourself” My mum blurted, coming to seat beside me on the bed. We are actually in her apartment in Dung Town.“I
Chapter 40 Hidden Motives <Red Fox Clan> “Brittany” The voice called, closer to her. She recognizes it immediately. “Brad…oh my gosh…you scared me” She cursed, going to hug him “What are you doing out here..you should be at the party” he inquired, noticing her uneasy look “What’s wrong?” “I…ermm…” She fidgeted, unable to find the appropriate word to use. “You should also be at the party” She cooed “No…I’m on patrol this night. I’m in charge of this arena, keeping watch. You haven’t answered my question, you are shivering” He hugged her tightly as they went under a tree, shading their figures out of view, completely. “Speak up, we can’t be seen here” he whispered “I…I killed someone….Oscar” “What the F_” He exclaimed, looking round to avoid being heard by prying eyes. “You did what?” He whispered “It wasn’t inte
Chapter 41(Unholy Scene)Sophia stood in shock seeing the figure as he takes off his hood, turning to face her with a smirk plastered on his face. She breathed a sigh of relief, scoffing angrily but still hold on to the towel, wrapped around her body, to avoid it from falling off.“Michael? What the hell are you doing here” She asked. He smirks further; coming closer to her with his hands stuck in his pockets. She moved backward but stopped when her back k**sed the wall.“I came to see you. And with the look of thins, I think I came at the right time. Seeing you in this just turned me on.”“Just get out, I need to rest” She spat. He stood there still gazing at her, not moving an inch off his spot.“What are you still here, I said go, the door is that way” She snapped. His expression changed to an angry one. She noticed it, but cared less.“I love you Sophia; but you are treating me like a dog that you use and dump after completing your mission” He gritted“And so what…huhnn..that’s w
Chapter 42Another Moment With HimRed Fox Clan.The Next Day.Brittany POVWaking up this morning just brought up a new vibe in me. I yawn loudly, noticing the brightness of the room; it seems to be afternoon already, making me jerk off my feet only to find Nora staring at me. Did I sleep for that long? I thought to myself, dragging the bed sheet off my body.“At last, you decided to wake up sleeping beauty” Nora asked, sarcastically, with a smirk. I didn’t bother replying her question. I tried getting off the bed, but got hit by a pounding head ache“Arrggg” I groan, holding it to prevent it from falling, not like It would anyway. Nora shook her head slightly going to her bunk“What time is it” I yawn. I heard her scoff“Thought you aren’t going to talk to me, it’s past 12 already”“What the….past twelve” I shriek, rushing to pick up my phone “Yeah, and a whole lot of things have been going on in this clan, starting from last night. Too bad you weren’t awake to feel the tension t
Chapter 43Kidnapping Mr. Jenkins“Arghh” She gasps on seeing the fellowSophia came in looking enraged on sighting them in that position. They disengage and face her, as she glared hard at Ariel.“B**ch” She gritted in whisper, but they heard her clearly. Axel frowns at her, while Ariel returned the deadly look“What?” Ariel asked. Sophia was about stepping forward to have a vocal fight with her, when the others stepped in. She buried her anger within her and pretended like nothing happened, but it was clearly written on her face that something had happened, however, no one took note of it. Mia came in smiling sheepishly as she walks along side Aiden who came in with her. Jack frown seeing them that close but shrug it off, believing that a contestant can’t have a thing with the judge, whereas, they just met few days ago, he thought. They all took their various sit, as the
Chapter 44 Kidnap Plans FailedBrittany walked majestically into the hall filled with men and women of caliber after showing her pass ticket to the security men, standing at the entrance. She was beautifully dressed in a blue strap blouse, tucked in a black straight skirt. Hanging on her neck is a forge ID card which signifies her as one of the Journalist for a certain organization.She glanced round holding her bag firmly as she takes the number of people in the hall. It was more like a party than a seminar or meeting. Men and women could be seen laughing while exchanging pleasantries, while some where just relaxing, feeding their eyes with the performance going on, on stage by some musicians. She walked further, aware of her men presence in the hall, but pretends not to see them. She caught the sight of Noah Jenkins, exchanging pleasantries with one of the well known business man in the country, which is their second target f
Chapter 45How It All happened*Dung Town**Hospital*Mr. Jenkins woke up with a slight headache, groaning in process as he tried opening his eyes. His eyes caught the sight of beings putting on white as they stare down at him.“He has woken up” he heard one saying, as he turned to stare at the other people in the room. It became dawn on him that he is in somewhere strange, completely different from his room. He tried remembering what happened the previous night but it came with a bang of headache.“Save you strength Mr. Jenkins” The doctor muttered, holding him down as he tried getting up. Noah had no choice than to relax, focusing his gaze on the young man and how he knew his name.“Where am I” he managed to speak after a short silence“You are in the hospital, you passed o
Chapter 46The Unusual Gift<The Next Day>.Brittany headed to her room after leaving the clinic which was at first against her wish of the doctor, being that she has not fully recovered. But her wish was later granted, since she doesn’t feel like staying in her ward but prefers her room. She hates the smell of hospitals so much that it made her puke, and doesn’t feel like spending more seconds in it.“Make sure you come around so that we can redress your wounds” The doctor told her“Sure”Her arm was well bandaged, as she moved it gently with ease. She was about entering the room when she met Jane at the doorpost, speaking to someone who was in the room, perhaps Nora.She turned to face her after hearing some movement, with smile on her face
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