" Thank you ma'am, I better get going now," Zia said breaking off the embrace. She had felt vulnerable for the first time in her mother's embrace, something she had yearned for her entire life, someone who truly loved her, her real mother, her she was, and she didn't feel all the warmth she had desired, more like she was forcing things from the other end." Zia, could we meet up and talk," Getrude said, holding onto Zia's hand." Sure, call me whenever you are ready," Zia said and broke away from her grasp. She turned around, holding the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes. She had lost a mother, yet gained another who seemed unwilling to recognise her.She wiped off the tear that had escaped her eye before she glanced around. Her eyes rested in the general, having a chat with Elvira. She now confirmed they had truly known each other." General, I must say I was surprised seeing you here," Elvira started." Likewise to you. So, what's your relations with Zia? " The general ask
Zia stood infront of the huge mirror as she admired herself. She had let her hair loose. Satisfied, she had one last glance at the image on her laptop screen. The beautiful family picture. Her mother and siblings, the late president. What a happy family.Zia had mastered all their names, the kind of jobs they did, and basically all their lives. She had been surprised leaning that Alvin was really her step brother.They had met a few years ago, while Zia had accompanied her dad in a business meeting abroad. He had shown some kind of interest in her, but due to the tight schedule, they hadn't seen each other after that. Zia wondered if he had known from back then that they had been related. Zia immediately stepped out of the villa, headed for her red car before she had driven away.It had been exactly one month since she had promised her mother to visit their house, to get to know her family, and here she was, driving in the posh presidential estate.The buildings weren't that magnifi
Zia had driven fast out of the presidential estate. She had hoped to catch up with Alvin and maybe get to talk. But the road ahead was clear and awefully quiet. It was few minutes to eleven at night, when almost everyone had retired into their homes for the night.Zia had drifted off the main highway as she took a short cut that would lead back to her villa. She was driving fast when few meters ahead she spotted close to three vehicles that had blocked the road. She slowed down before she had retrieved her binoculars that were at her back seat.Her eyes scanned the cars from a distance having parked by the road. She had spotted close to three guys, heavy guns in their hands. Then her eyes spotted the car she felt a little familiar with, the same car she had found parked at the Washington family mansion.Zia squinted her eyes to get a clear view of the car, and she could see him, Alvin held at gunpoint by one of the men as the other ransacked his pockets, the other searched around in th
Zia sighed, she needed to move in. It was at that moment she had concentrated on eavesdropping that a guy came out of nowhere and spotted her at once. He fired a gun at her which she expertly dogged. With her cover broken, she leapt and caught the guy by the throat, slicing it such that blood oozed out immediately.With the guys inside alert, Elvira moved back and entered the next room.Kelon had his gun pointed at Alvin." Shoot that bastard," Elvira shouted as she left. No, she couldn't be part of a gun battle." I'll blow your brains off, now give it to me Alvin," Kelon threatened. His fingers shook with the gun in his hand. He had never killed someone before.Another bullet had gone through the door, the intruder must definitely be close by." Guys, go check it out," Kelon said holding him at gunpoint.With the guys gone, Alvin calculated his moves. Whoever it was that had gone to rescue him had entered into a lion's den, and he had better save himself first.At once, Alvin got up
The general turned back and watched her." You don't want to scare away the brother I just met," Zia said.The general threw back the jacket onto the chair and sat back, dejectedly." Alright, just make sure you don't forget that he is your brother," Carlos said ." Are you serious about now Carlos, you dare say something like that to me?" Zia said, almost I'm disbelief. That had been a sick joke from him." I'm sorry dear, I'm just restless knowing that you are with a man you barely know in your house. What if he doesn't have the same feelings you have towards him and would like to take advantage of you?" Carlos said." Enough Carlos, I guess it's a long time. I better get some sleep," Zia said and cut the line. She didn't even wait for him to reply.A knock came through at Zia's door. She quickly reached for her bathrobe and covered herself before she went for the door.Alvin had turned to leave." You need anything Alvin?" Zia asked." I just wanted to let you know that I'll be le
Two maids had waited by the door to receive them. Carrying their luggage, Zippy watched in amazement at the huge villa, her eyes darting too and fro capturing the beautiful scenery.Two maids walked forward to help them with the luggage." It's alright miss, I can carry them," Zippy said politely." My dear, you are our guests, let the maids help you," Carmen said respectfully.Zippy only nodded and held her sister's hand as they were led inside. Never in her life had she dreamt of living in such a beautiful palace. To think that Zia had suffered back then doing odd jobs yet she had an empire back here. " You could freshen up while we prepare something for you,"'Carmen said and led them to their separate rooms adjacent to each other." Ma'am , one room will be enough for the both of us," Zippy said not wanting to impose on their kindness."Don't worry dear, the lady of the house ordered that each of you be given a different room, besides no one lives here anyways so the rooms are al
Zia sighed before she took back her seat." Please Zia, check out the terms thoroughly. We are giving you sixty percent shares. Surely you can't find a better deal when the idea comes from us, you just need to invest," Kelon said adjusting himself. He gritted his teeth when he strained his shoulder that had just been dressed." Mr. Kelon, I don't think I can trust you enough with any business. From what I can see, you might have been involved in some serious criminal activities to leave you shot. How can I have someone like you as my partner?" Zia said with a smirk. Kelon was shocked that she even had an idea about the fact that he had been shot." I can assure you Zia, this business is legit. The land's title is also available. You could counter check it if that would give you the confidence required for this project," Kelon said almost pleadingly.He was loosing patience, and Zia was one of the guys who could help him out of the mire. He just wished that back then he didn't have the
Hours later, Zia felt herself slowly wake up. Her eyes were heavy and she wasn't ready to open them just yet. She stirred slightly and realized that she had been tied to a chair.Zia smiled painfully, who the heck would try to kidnap her? Slowly she opened her lazy eyes in the dimly lit room. A bucket of cold water washed over her immediately. Her thoughts went back to the first time she had experienced the same, only that now it seemed like a bad joke.A man stood infront of her, a gun tied on his waist. He glanced down at her, revealing a pair of rotten teeth. His smile alone was arrogant, as though he could kill her.A snap of the camera was shot at her as she stared at him. The guy immediately sent the picture to whoever it was on the other end." Why am I here?" Zia asked." Relax beauty, we won't hurt you, but your family has to cooperate. " The man said in a deep threatening voice. Zia knew his type, the ones cold on the surface, never letting their true self out were the most
Carlos walked back to the room after ensuring that Zia is safely tucked in bed.She walked over to Getrude who sat dejectedly on the couch. She glanced up at him once before staring into space." Ma'am, just know that I'm aware of how you are feeling right now, but your daughter is all grown up now. All you can do is support her as she tries to find her way in this world," " Actually, she is just too young to handle everything, but somehow she's been exceptional at everything. The few mistakes, the frustrations she is feeling is all part of her growing up. I'm sure if you just listened to her, you might have the perfect relationship," Carlos said. He was so polite and cool. The dreadful side of him seem to disappear whenever he was with Zia, and now that he had in laws, he had to act to his best." Please take care of my daughter. I know I'm not the best mother, but I tried to make everyone happy, only to destroy my daughter's life. I hope she can be happy with you and the little fam
Zia was slowly closing her eyes as Carlos carried her bridal style headed upstairs into her room.Halfway through the stairs, Carlos glanced down at his future mother in law." Ma'am, I would suggest that you give Zia sometime alone. I'll talk to her. This isn't the right time for her to get upset," Carlos said and didn't wait for her response before he disappeared upstairs.Getrude sat to the ground dejectedly. She glanced up at Zippy and gave her a dirty look. Just how could the two have possibly met?" Zippy..." Alvin started.Zippy threw her hands in the air dismissing him. She then headed for the stairs.The maids had left too, just Getrude and Alvin remained in the living room." Mother... didn't we agree that you won't meddle into Zia's life, why not let her get used to this life of hers," Alvin said." Can't you see that your sister has taken a lot of responsibility for herself. She is just twenty years old, I need to speak some sense into her head." Getrude said as she adjus
Three days later, Zia was on her way back to her villa. She had decided to have Carlos stay over at her apartment, and she had to promise to always return to him, else he would follow her to the mansion.Zia smiled at herself, life was finally taking shape.With her train of guards, she was driven home. She breathed a sigh of relief enjoying the sweet evening breeze, the all too familiar air she had enjoyed almost all her life.Zia spotted Salma by the shade just few steps away from the house on the well trimmed green and soft grass.Salma ran over to her at once and hugged her tightly. " You finally back siz," Salma said, her voice filled with emotions." Of course dear, this is our home, I would already go back here," Zia said." Wait, why are you that sad? Did you miss me so much?" Zia asked." I did miss you Zia, and I'm happy that you are finally here," Salma said." I'm glad that you feel happy with me around. I promise not to disappear for too long, only that at times I've ver
At the warehouse in the middle of the little forest miles off the city, five men were pushed inside a cold empty room, their hands cuffed before the door was sealed after them.Outside the building, several soldiers were on guard. The captive was a renowned mafia leader and he might have a backup plan. Everything had been sound proof, and there wasn't any room for escape.Inside the car, the general sat quietly as he admired the sleeping beauty beside him. He slowly trailed his fingers along her face. He had missed her tremendously. She was just too stubborn, but his heart swelled even more with love.Since her childhood days , he had loved how mature and reasonable she had always been, yet now she seemed to want to act like a child. Carlos knew that she had gone through a lot, more than what a girl her age should experience. From the big business empire that she had expanded greatly, to the extended family she had to deal with. And now that she was carrying their baby, she needed a
The general cursed loudly before he moved out of his hiding spot, several feet away from the battle field. He had better get it over as soon as possible before the gang called for back up. He aimed directly at the men dressed in black, their bodies dropped dead at every shot. The team had taken a moment back to watch the two battle it out, the general and Zia, fighting to finish off as many enemies as possible.Beside the armoured van, Costa shielded Elvira with his body, firing his gun at intervals. He could feel just how frightened she was, her body shaking uncontrollably. For the first time in his life Costa felt fear, and fear was something unacceptable in his life. His unborn child was at risk, all their lives at risk. He should have listened to his brother.Costa glanced at Dela who was firing back, his back turned against the two. He was always the reasonable one here, but he had always put up with his demands, however how dangerous they had been." When are they arriving?' D
The two had locked once again in a fight, Brenda pulling off Getrude's hair so that she yelled painfully. Getrude couldn't win against Brenda, having known hardship all her life compared to the soft life Getrude lived.She had needed up Getrude's hair with her eating falling off to the ground.Carmen and the maids had rushed forward to separate them. It wasn't until Nicko rushed in that he was able to separate the two women." Are you mad woman,why are you still fighting me for your husband? Didn't I let him go several years ago. Can't you accept that you failed to keep your man, that even as we speak he couldn't get back to you," Getrude yelled as she straightened her messed up hair and her clothes that had been wrinkled.She picked up her handbag that lay on the ground before she turned back at Brenda who was still breathing hard, almost as though not satisfied with the fight they just had." You and your filthy family should get out of my daughter's house, I can let people like you
It was already thirty minutes past two in the afternoon. Zippy stretched herself in the CEO chair as she swang around. Her neck arched, her eyes teary from glancing down at the many paper work Zia had her do for her. If that was the kind of work one had to do for the lifestyle Zia lived, then it wouldn't be so easy for her.A knock at the door broke her out of her thoughts. She shouted for whoever it was to get in, she was annoyed thinking that it was the same secretary handing her more work to do. With her back turned against the door, she waited till the footsteps got closer to the desk." Do drop them on the table," Zippy said dismissing him with her hands. She let out an exhausted sigh as she leaned back on the chair, crossing her leg on the other so that her thighs remained visible through her high plit dress.She waited to hear the door close, but it seemed the guy had just refused to go." Do you need anything else Felix?" Zippy's exhausted tone came through. Yet there wasn't
" You ailing?" Costa asked after he had cleared his throat. He glanced at her with his dark specs, and Elvira couldn't tell his expression. But he looked like a deadly sin. Both his hands in his trouser pockets, his hair brushed neatly to the back. His twin Dela had the same pose and Elvira felt herself lost just in admiring them.For anyone it could be hard to identify between the two guys, but Elvira had done that easily. While Costa had a air of pride and arrogance around him, Dela was just unfathomable, his expression cold, almost unreadable. It seemed everything around him was too bothersome and he couldn't wait to get over with whatever it was. Even as Costa took a step in, he stood by the door, almost as though he wanted to escape unnoticed." I wouldn't put it that way," Elvira replied." Oh..so what's wrong with you then? Costa asked." Apparently I'm pregnant. Silly isn't it. I just had to be pregnant after what I consider rape. I don't even know who the father is," Elvira
Zia woke up excited more than ever. She felt strange, as though her life's desires had finally been met. The feeling was still fresh, or maybe the dream she had with Carlos,he had given her the kind of peace she desired. She had wished for the dream to never end. So Zia had glanced around at the empty room. She suddenly felt sad. Her life should be moving forward, but she was back to where she had been, more than two years ago, pregnant and alone. Her life should be perfect now, enjoying it with the love of her life.A thought occurred to her. She shouldn't suffer nor Carlos because of others people's mistakes. With that she had sprang up from the bed and retrieved her mobile. She dialled Carlo's number which rang twice with no response. She scratched her head unable to understand what was going on. Carlos never assumed her calls.Zia decided to get into the shower, maybe make a call to him later on.Once in the shower she heard her mobile ring. Thinking it was Carlos, she had rushe