FLASHBACK “A man must never lay his hand on a woman, no matter how mad he is,” Desmond told Naya, as she gave him her torn bag to help her fix. Naya was 13 years old at that time and Desmond had recently moved into their home. He was now called her father and everyone told her to bear his surname Aurora. She remembered exploring her school premises telling everyone that she was Naya Aurora. "Naya what now?" Some asked in confusion, wondering why she would change her surname from Chase to Aurora. "Aurora is a cool name, isn't it?" She would flaunt it like it is some reward. It was definitely a reward for her because she deeply loved the name a lot. The name reminded her of how lucky she was to be strongly affiliated with a man who wrote very good books and sang beautiful songs in the name of her mother. “What if the woman gets out of control and persuades the man to hit her?” Naya asked, as her father placed the torn bag into a polytene bag. He was probably going to give it to his
TOUGH DECISIONS***FLASHBACKWhen Desmond walked her mum down the aisle for the first time, Naya couldn’t stop cheering, as she clapped her hands innocently with tears running down her cheeks. There were few guests on that day, including Desmond's parents and her mum’s siblings. Naya watched her new parents exchange their vows and put on their wedding rings cutely. Her chubby lips couldn’t stop grinning, and her aunt pulled out her old rusty phone to take a picture of them. “Till death sets us apart,” her mum said after they concluded their marriage speech at the pulpit. “Till death sets us apart,” Mr Desmond concurred with a nod. Naya remembered the look they gave each other in the eye, and how she thought they looked so adorable. “I want to experience love like this,” she remembered telling her aunt, who nodded. “When you grow up dear,” her aunt advised. “When you grow up.” ***Naya battled with the pain in her stomach as she held Brett’s hand trying to breathe. Lovelyn was i
Naya didn’t expect Lovelyn to snatch the child from her the way she did. The rage in her voice and her clenched teeth showed how much she wanted Naya out of their lives at all cost. Brett frowned at her immaturity and tried to calm her nerves. “Would you cut it off!” He scolded impatiently. “She is only trying to be quiet right now. But I am done with the way you bully her. What has she done to you and why do you hate her this much?” Lovelyn cuddled the child with a nonchalant stare. “I am not blind, Brett. I know a threat when I see one,” she avoided her husband’s stare. “Surrogate or not. I will never let this lady near my child!” The nurses watched the drama with raised brows. Naya was very sure that they had a lot to gossip about them. The drama was obvious and people would find that juicy. A surrogate and a wifey fighting over a 1 day old…juicy! The child began to cry and Naya’s heart dropped. She wasn’t sure of why she felt so attached to her. “Bring her please. I need to
Naya didn’t know why Lovelyn reacted negatively, but as long as she knew the young lady, the young lady hated her as hell. Using her mum’s death as a way to salt her wound was the most sassy thing she would ever do. Lovelyn sharply turned to Brett as if he was her bodyguard or something. “Can you see the audacity?” Lovelyn asked angrily. “What an ungrateful person this lady is! I was the one who freaking got her the doctor that took care of her mother for months!” Naya bit her lips in annoyance realizing Lovelyn took it the wrong way. She only asked her a damn question. Why was she getting unnecessarily mad about it? It made no sense at all “Lovelyn told me about your mum’s death,” Brett answered on Lovelyn’s behalf. “The doctor called her while I was with her in the lobby. We both heard the news together.” Naya felt hurt. How could Lovelyn not show sympathy despite knowing all she was going through. Even if Lovelyn had to be soft for that short period of time, it would go a long
No matter how beautiful Brett’s eyes looked, or how pink his lips were, or how soft his hands were against her skin, she knew she couldn’t give in to the urges. His eyes looked so loving and gentle and his words enticed her ears like it has never done. His actions matched his personality, and she could tell he was a deep lover…a deep lover who cared about his wife.She could clearly remember their warm cuddle that night, and his breathing against her neck. The swelling of his manhood inside and the moans in her ears. She would never forget them. She wished they were all dreams and memories she wouldn’t have to relieve. But the sight of Hailey reminded her of that night. This was more reason she should give the child away. Someone cleared her throat, disrupting their moments. It was Doctor Dorris, giving them a very suspicious stare. “Is there anything I am supposed to know?” She asked Brett who looked embarrassed. He promptly drew away from Naya and let her be. “As far as I know, yo
The night for Naya’s discharge, she grabbed Dr Dorris arm after a check up. “Can I stay one more day with her please?” Naya pleaded. “I know it ought to be three days but one more day wouldn’t hurt.” Dr Dorris rolled her eyes but agreed. “Alright, but we will need to handle Lovelyn for that. That lady is looking forward to bringing Hailey home.” Naya couldn’t thank her enough. The more she saw her child play in her cradle making cooing sounds, the more she felt so reluctant to let her go. Hailey became like her breath and everything about her gave her joy. “Why am I giving this child away?” She said to herself. “I should be able to take care of her myself. I should be willing to do so. I do not care how, but there has to be a way to fend for my baby. I can’t leave her alone with strangers.” On the night of the fourth day, Naya tried pleading for one more day but it was to no avail. Dr Dorris had tried for her and wouldn’t let her stay with the child anymore. Naya felt anxious an
The day Naya’s step father died, she was flabbergasted and confused. She remembered the police knocking on their door that morning and annoyings to them that his car had lost control while he sped. Naya’s mum was in tears. That was the first time Naya saw her feeling so heartbroken in years, and she hated it. As a 15 year old, all she could do was hug her mum from the side and try to be supportive. The relationship hadn’t lasted that long. They were barely married for two years and Naya was beginning to get used to calling him ‘Dad’. His death was a shock, but her mum’s mental health got her worried. What would they do now? How could she get her mum to find happiness again? The thought of her mum’s pain, reminded her of her baby. She just couldn’t bear the thought of giving her away. She knew she promised, but it was hard. No one said it was that easy. No one thought her not to get attached. Looking around as if she were a criminal, she hurried to the elevator and cuddled the baby so
Naya woke up to the sound of a beeping machine. A nurse stood beside her adjusting what looked like a drip. “What is happening? I need to leave!” She tried to drag herself out of bed. The nurse was startled by her sight. She hurriedly rushed out banging the door behind her. Her reaction was strange. Naya could confess that she didn’t understand what was happening. As she tried to remove the drip from her arm, a doctor hurried in and grabbed her arm stopping her from doing so.“Don’t!” He insisted. “You must be weak at this moment. You need to rest.” Naya pushed his arm off. “What do you mean?! I need to go! I need to see my child!” Naya argued. She tried to forcefully get herself out of bed, but the nurse took out an injection and injected her with a sedative. She felt her eyes get dizzy. “You’ve been in a coma for four years,” the doctor informed her as her eyes slowly shut, “You were found floating in the river and no one came to claim you. We thought you were dead, until someon
Brett sat in the sitting room feeling uncomfortable by the silence of the house. But his wife made her choice, he had to accept it. Hailey came by that morning, giving him a stone look. She silently helped her mum in carrying her things even though she knew in her mind that she had a lot to say. “Will you be able to care for the children by yourself?” Hailey asked her mum as she walked her to the car.“I will be fine, my love,” Naya laughed. I am more gallant than you think.” “I don’t think this is fair on dad’s part?” Hailey gazed back at Brett who watched from the door. “It was mutual agreement between me and your father. We agreed that I leave this nonsense…” “No! It was your choice,” Brett defended. “I don't know why you cannot trust me on this. I have tried so hard to comply with you. I have tried hard to explain all this to you…” “Enough daddy!” Hailey lashed, unable to control her temper anymore. “Just stop! You aren’t helping this matter.”“You ought to be supporting me h
Herald made up his mind to lead Brett. He wasn’t sure what sort of fool Brett was, or why Brett would trust him. But it wasn’t his own business anymore. He would throw Brett off and he would do it in such a way that the guy would never notice. He accepts the gun from Brett's hands trying to maintain an innocent stare. “I will help you,” he said with a sincere gaze. “That’s very good,” Brett laughed. “I knew I could trust you. I had no clue who else I could call. You are the only one that came to my mind, unfortunately.”Herald let out a weak chuckle. Brett focused on one of his helpers and ordered her to get Herald some wine. “Would you like some wine?” Brett asked with a smirk. “Sure, why not,” Herald eyes brightened due to the thought of wine. “This is a moment to celebrate! We are gonna work together!” Brett smiled and got him the wine. Brett took the glass of wine from him and they both had a toast. As he gulped down his whole cup, Brett felt reluctant to drink his.“I can’t
When Herald got the invite from Brett, he knew all wasn’t good. Unfortunately, Brett wasn’t dumb. Brett knew who he suspected, and was fond of getting into the matter of things. Herald couldn’t relax in his home. His eyes kept moving to his phone hoping for feedback concerning his flight. “Sorry, all flights have been closed due to the weather,” one of the agents informed him. Gerald frowned. “So you're telling me that I can’t get an emergency flight or what?!” He sounded harsh. His house girl gazed at him from the dining table she cleaned. She’s never seen him so angry before. In fact, his sudden outburst was rare. Herald was a cheerful dude. He was never angry… like ever. Herald’s phone rang again. It was Brett trying to remind him to visit. Gerald shivered. “It’s not my damn fault,” he quivered. “Do not blame me for this…please.” The house girl stared at him again. This time, he was mumbling words to himself and that was absurd. “Sir, are you fine?” She asked. “You are trembl
Herald couldn’t hide his confusion due to what happened. He knew he did as his father ordered, but what he least expected was the explosion which shook the earth. He hurriedly got into his car to drive Brett’s home. He needed to check up on the family and confirm how they were doing. He needed to know what the police knew. As he drew closer to the location, his phone rang, throwing him slightly off guard. It was his father, feeling proud of what he had done. “Keep this up,” his father said to him. “You have done very well.”“Dad, what the hell are you talking about? The Hazards just faced a huge disaster and…”His father began to laugh heartily. This made him confused for a moment until he eventually realized what was going on. “Dad, did you do this?” He asked in confusion.“I told you that I will always repay evil for evil,” the man wasn’t remorseful at all. Herald couldn’t believe his father would do such a thing. I mean, he knew how cruel his father was, but that amount of wicked
The Mafia Lord heard of the approaching wedding and frowned as he gazed at the E-invitation card with a frown. Of course he hadn’t been invited. But Brett was stupid enough to keep his enemies closer. Unfortunately, one of Brett’s office colleagues got invited. And that was his son, Herald. The Mafia Lord kept Herald away from the mafia business for a long time, seeing him as a golden child. There was no way he wanted his favorite to get into trouble. It seems that won’t last for long. As long as Brett worked with his son, and his son Herald was an easy way to get across to Brett, he had no issue with that. Things seem to fall in place…right? If only the Mafia Lord was in the same country with Brett to watch him and his family die slowly. The thought was really eating him slowly. Well, since his son was working with Brett, things should be easier. “I see you are friends with Mr Brett Hazard,” the Mafia Lord said to his son over a phone call. “You never told me you were close to th
Brett stepped out of his car in his well ironed suit. The ceremony was about to start and everyone ran helter skelter to see what pending tasks were left. Brett wasn’t bothered. He seemed a bit at ease for a new groom, and kept his hands tucked in his pocket maintaining his composure.“The ceremony is about to start. Do you know where your wife is yet?” His mother asked as she cuddled Damian who was asleep on her shoulder. “She will be here soon,” Brett said with a smile. “Let her take her time.”“Are you serious?” His mother looked unimpressed. “We have a freaking time limit here! You can’t just tell us to be patient with the wedding. The priest is already here.”“Trust me. Hailey knows what she is doing,” Brett said to his mother. “You spoil that woman a lot,” his mother hissed before walking out. When she left, Brett shut his eyes and took a deep breath. It was still difficult to believe it was the damn D day. If someone told him, he would never believe it. “Congrats man!” A gro
Hailey hurried up the stairs in her pajamas carrying a bouquet as the rest of the servants raced behind her.“Please tell me the band is here,” Hailey pleaded as she walked down the well lit hallway. The house was busy that weekend and everyone couldn’t hold back from the noise. There was a huge celebration happening at the Hazards apparently and everyone had their eyes on Hailey. “Why aren’t you ready yet?” Zara asked in shock as she walked out Hailey’s room with a jewelry box. “Do not be upset, I am just busy,” Hailey waved her off. “There is so much going on and we have to make this day a success.” “You need to calm down,” Zara calmed her down. “The marriage will happen anyway. Just calm down.”“No, I can't calm down. The band isn’t at the venue yet. The meals are still pending. What do you want me to do? Everything is a total mess,” Hailey nagged. “Hailey, you cannot get things done with a panicked mood,” Zara rolled her eyes. “You need to think clearly if you wish to plan som
Few months later, as Naya got Damian ready for daycare, she heard a loud scream from the highway and hurried to look. It was poor Hailey, getting scared for no reason at all…or maybe there was a reason. “What’s wrong?” Naya asked. “Relax, dear.”“Someone has kidnapped Ryan!” Naya cried. “What?!” Naya was shocked. “Why?! How?!” “I don’t know. He asked me to come to this address, we need to go,” Hailey showed her an address on her phone. It was a remote location Naya didn’t have faith in. “Let us go with the police. I do not trust this place,” Naya informed her with a doubtful stare. “No, mum, you do not understand. They will hurt him,” Hailey cried. “We have no other choice,” Naya advised her. “We need to involve the police, if not, they will do something to us.” Hailey couldn’t argue with her mum. In a few minutes, they were on their way to the location with the police. It was an abandoned location with an odd looking warehouse which hadn't been used in years. “Won’t you guys
Later that night, Naya had submerged her feet in the swimming pool watching the full moon. Brett joined her with two glasses of wine. They cheered and took sips. “Why does the air feel different?” He asked Naya who couldn’t agree more. “We are at a new era in our lives. A live where all our enemies have been put in their place,” Naya told him and took another sip of the drink. “Funny enough, we do not have to do anything. It just falls into place, you know,” Brett boasted. “I love when things fall on our laps. Damn! Let them all be coming, and let’s be showing them where they belong. It feels good to be evil,” Naya smirked. “Your soft heart is incapable of white, unfortunately,” Brett mocked and took the drink from her. He dropped it on the tiles beside the pool and jumped in. “Come on!” He called her out. “Let’s have fun in the pool.” Naya nodded and got in carefully. She swam towards him and poured a handful of water at him, which he retaliated. They swam around like childre