At Salem family villa, Cassandra and Zichi were getting ready to receive the guests. They had organised an exquisite party to welcome Cassandra back home. This, to Cassandra would be her special way of stepping out into the society once again. Not as Salem's family, but as the owner of Globe company. Gaining control of her late husband's company meant her social status had risen. She couldn't wait to finally get her rightful place.
" Zichi dear, don't you think it's high time you got married. Look, you are rich, the CEO to your father's company. With all the power you got, I'm sure you'll find the man of your dreams," Cassandra started as the two had their make up done." Not now mother, a step at a time. It's barely a year since I took control of everything. I'm yet to establish lasting connections. Don't tell me you are planning to do away with me now that you are back. I hope you aren't dreaming of controlling the company,"" Zichi why would you talk like that. I'm only looking out for you. You aren't young any more. Look, your younger sister was able to get married before you. What are you waiting for,"Zichi felt anger surge within her. She couldn't be compared to Zia. Zia might have been able to get married earlier than her, but look at where she was now, with nothing. She had always made sure that she worked hard, and this was evident by the new heights she's pushing her company. Whether by deceit or truth, she had to get everything done." Why don't you at least be friends with Asriel, I'm sure he could introduce you to some of his friends," Cassandra added.With their make up done, the two were left alone in the room." Say something Zichi, why did you suddenly become quiet. Are you not interested in marriage at all. You know I can't wait to hold my little grandchild,"" Enough of this mother. It's not like you are capable of loving anyone else but yourself. How sure am I that this isn't one of your plots to get me out of the way. I know you mother. Just know that I won't let you take my position that I worked hard for."" Zichi dear, you know we can't fight at such a time. We've come a long way to do this now. I'm not taking the company away from you, I only want to help you run it. You of all people know how much I sacrificed to ensure that the company become ours.You know it was I who got us out of that hell hole. I did everything I could to give you a good life. And were it not for me, Salem would still be here, controling his company ,"" Whatever you did mum, was your duty to me as your daughter. I did my part too, got Zia out of the way. You did your part by taking out your husband. Fairy enough, I'm now the CEO of the company. I suggest you let me run everything, else I forget that you are my mother. " Zia said and made her way out, slamming the door hard after her.Cassandra was left with her mouth opened,unable to believe her daughter. She had done everything possible, to get the company, and here Zichi was trying to take everything from her.Outside Cai had gone to escort her mother out, only to hear the heated argument from inside the room. He stood by the door as he eavesdropped. His heart almost stopped beating.Cai couldn't believe that his mom and sister had actually planned everything, taking out their father and Zia. It wasn't an accident after all, his mother wasn't kidnapped, but it was a way of covering up everything.Cai felt so stupid, how could their family be this rotten. The door opened abruptly and he almost got hit head on by Zichi who had stormed out to of the room." Watch your steps little brother," Zichi said angrily before she made her way along the hallway, not caring whether Cai got to hear what they had talked about.Cai staggered back as he made his way down the stairs, his eyes blurry. The room was already filled with guests. Cai glanced around, he couldn't spot any familiar faces. He walked to the maids serving wine. He picked up the glasses emptying their contents as he went. He sat by the counter as he drank himself silly.Cai had decided to stay out of the public eye, and no one could tell he was Cassandra's son. This proved useful now. He couldn't attract any attention.Zichi on the other hand walked gracefully among the guests, plastering a welcoming smile to everyone as she greeted them respectfully. She glanced up at several important guests that she had to personally welcome.The moment finally arrived, Cassandra got out of her room. She slowly descended the staircase as all the lights were focused on her. Dressed in the just released limited edition of Jade collection, Cassandra walked down, head held high, her expensive dress drizzling in the bright light. A bright smile plastered on face This was the kind of attention she needed.Everyone's attention was now on her as she arrived at the base of the stairs. She was really beautiful. In her early forties, she still got that alluring look that had many men lusting after her.She glanced around before she thanked everyone for the support they had extended her since she got rescued a week back.Her little speech had finally come to an end when Asriel and his grandmother made their grand entrance. The guests attention was suddenly on the two who gracefully made their way into the room. They couldn't believe that the Gedor family could actually be connected to Wright family.No one in the media had known the kind of relationship between the two families, that Asriel had once married their daughter. The families had decided to keep it that way, especially now that a lot had happened.By now the room was suddenly filed with excited voices. Several ladies making the best of the opportunity to let themselves visible.Zichi was surprised. Initially she had called Asriel,but he had failed to pick up. Zichi gave up considering the problems Asriel's hotel was undergoing. Who knew they could surprise them this much.Zichi immediately made her way to Asriel and Drusilla to welcome them. People didn't fail to notice the warm embrace between Zichi and Drusilla. Asriel had seemed relaxed around Zichi, giving the guests a lot to speculate about.With Asriel being single and the fact that Zichi was beautiful and single as well, everyone could already foresee what would happen next." What a nice surprise Asriel," Zichi had a bright smile on her face. This would surely give her a lot of clients seeing that the two families were close." This is still my family," Asriel whispered into her ears. Zichi however blushed uncontrollably giving the others more to talk about. Something was definitely up with the two.Cassandra didn't fail to use this opportunity. She approached Drusilla who had a warm smile for her." I'm sorry about your daughter. I hope you realized it was for the best," Drusilla apologized." Don't worry about that Drusilla, we can't spoil the fun tonight by talking about her," Cassandra replied immediately.Drusilla sighed, she had thought Cassandra would make an issue about it, but it seemed she never cared at all." Alright then, let's enjoy the party," Zichi said. She walked beside Asriel who had his eyes around. Seemingly searching for someone." I'm sure you'll can't wait to see him," Zichi whispered into his ears." You might be wrong about that,"Before Zichi could reply a group of three gentlemen approached Asriel, she had to excuse herself after introducing them. This night would actually turn profitable.Cai watched in disgust at everything that was happening. He couldn't believe that he was part of this deceitful family. His mind drifted to Zia, all alone, having no idea what truly happened to her father. What more will they do to her, take her life? Wipe off every single thing that could stand in their way with the company.Cai staggered as he went to the washroom. A pair of eyes never leaving his sight. It was in that moment, that everyone's attention had been captured by whoever it was that had arrived that Asriel took the chance and walked after him.In the deserted hallway, Asriel made his way till he entered the washroom and shut it after him. There Cai sat on the floor, crying like a little baby." What's happening Cai, why are you like this?"" Get away from me, I don't want to be part of this. I can't do this any more," Cai cried." What are you talking about Cai, it's me, Asriel,"" Were you also part of it, that's why you helped fake my mother's kidnap and the army? Did you kill my father?"" What are you talking about men. You must be really drank. Pull yourself together, this might not end well,"" Are you threatening me now Asriel, that everything might come out. Do you want to wipe out my memory too?"" You are obviously out of your mind," Asriel said as he tried to help him up. Cai was messed up, at this rate he might rat out nonsense." I'll have to tell her, I can't keep this from her," Cai said.Asriel suddenly let go of his body and he dropped hard on the ground. He couldn't be part of this nonsense. Asriel glanced out before he punched him hard on the face, shutting him down instantly.With no one in sight, Asriel carried him to the next room and dropped him on the bed. He straightened his suit before heading out. He had to get out of there, but what sought of commotion was there. Asriel wondered as he made his way back.It was none other than Elvira, the country's top actress. At her side stood Mrs Gedor, the one that had disappeared from the public eye since the death of her husband.Asriel took a step back into the darkness as his eyes gawked at the two who had been swarmed with journalists.Why would his mother appear at such a time, at what did she have to do with that actress.Asriel's eyes lingered on the woman for a second longer. He had only seen her a few times on billboards and a few commercials,but he had never met her up close.Asriel had never been interested in celebrities,but this one here seemed intriguing. She was so beautiful and refined, an air of sophistication all around her. This had been the first time a woman actually caught his attention.Asriel let go of his thoughts and made long strides headed out. His mother caught sight of him and called his name,making him stop.Drusilla was alarmed, nothing should go wrong now, not in the presence of everyone and the press.Like a dutiful son, Asriel went to greet his mother." I missed you so much son," Connie hugged him." You should have never shown your face mother," Asriel whispered to her, but immediately a fake smile plastered on both their faces breaking free from the embrace. It was as though everyone anticipated something,but it never came." Look who I met on my way here. My son, please meet my friend Elvira," Connie said happily.Asriel immediately extended his arm to greet her. He found himself getting immersed in her eyes. Those beautiful blue eyes that could see deep into his soul, capturing the deep of his heart. Asriel could swear that he felt his heart suddenly beat.It was only for a split second, only the best photographer could capture the pure moment of bliss between the two powerful figures." It's a pleasure meeting you in person Miss Elvira." Asriel said." I'm honoured to meet you here Mr.Gedor. I never thought an opportunity like this would present itself so soon. I hope we could work together in the near future," Elvira said, giving the most captivating smiles she had stored deep in her heart, this little charm had to work, no matter what kind of man he was." Of course miss, Elvira."" I'll be on my way now, you two enjoy the party. Mother, see you at home," With that Asriel made his exit.The next morning early in the morning, Asriel made ready to head off to work. It was a weekend, but he had to oversee the construction of the hotel building.Getting down to the living room, Drusilla was having breakfast." Asriel please join me for breakfast, there's plenty here," Asriel joined his grandmother. He hadn't eaten the previous night, obviously disturbed with whatever transpired last night. His mother was back, he couldn't promise he'll be good to her.At the same time Connie descended the stairs majestically just as Asriel took his seat. Seeing this, Asriel made to stand up to leave, but Drusilla held him back." Hello son, how have you been. I can see your grandmother has clearly taken good care of you," Connie said as she made haste and joined them, taking her seat opposite her son, glancing directly into each other." I can take care of myself mom. Like I said, I don't want you here," " Why not my son? Anyways, I'm here for my daughter in law, the last time we spoke,
Zia woke up early for woke. She felt exhausted, especially after she had been forced to a double shift to compensate for the previous day's occurance. No one said it would be easy. She had to pick herself up,her body slowly getting used to this.The previous night and the nights before she had tried to reach out to Cai, but she couldn't find him. Not a word since he left. Zia was left wondering if anything went wrong with him. Till now she had failed to know how she went back home on that day. But since no one had showed up at her door, she chose to forget this.Getting to work, Zia registered for her shift. She had to be careful, never to let anything in her way. That early in the morning a lot of changes had occurred. The building suddenly had different colours, a shade of olive and white, bright and beautiful. A new name had been written all over, Empire Hotels.Everything had been changed, even the seats were new. Zia wondered how everything could happen overnight, but this was
Three weeks had passed, Zia barely held on at work. Her entire body hurt like hell, her fingers filled with blisters from the many accidents she had with the utensils. She had never been good at this, yet she had been forced to clean everything, all alone.Her kitchen staff hadn't been good enough with her, especially when her star had gone off. She had often been ridiculed by everyone in the kitchen, as the desperate princess but she could only work in silence.Back at home things weren't going on so well. Cai had recently gotten a job, but his salary added with that of Zia couldn't support them for an entire month. The two had thus been forced to the limit to earn anything.On one occasion Cai had returned home, his face swollen, maybe from a beating. But he could never tell Zia what the problem was. Zia had thought of moving out, but she couldn't leave him like that, she had to assist him with the bills.Zia had tried everything possible,but it seemed every door had been closed, o
At the army base, a soldier had gone into the commander's chamber to report the new arrival. " General, sorry to disturb you this late at night, but a frail woman suddenly showed up at the gate, she's currently asleep. What would you have us do with her? "" Why would you ask me that, you should do away with her as soon as yesterday, you know we don't accept women here " the general replied, his eyes glued to a map in his hands. " I would have done that straight away General, only that she got this, " the soldier took out the card they had retrieved from the woman. The General wasn't shocked at all, the woman would not waste any time, but he never thought she would pick a woman, worse of all, a frail girl. " You should do the necessary, "The General tossed aside the card before he got up from his chair. He began removing his shirt, revealing several healed-up scars on his back, the scars that could only tell the tale of his life. The soldier looked away at once. " What are you
Zia woke up to an empty room. She immediately made her way across the room and glanced around. The general wasn't anywhere around. She sighed slightly before she entered the bathroom. She should shower fast before he returned. Ready for the day, Zia stepped out of the tent, but she couldn't ignore the pangs of hunger assaulting her intestines. She walked the open rough ground but couldn't spot anyone. It had taken her close to three minutes of walking around till she spotted a group of soldiers sitting on benches, having breakfast. She had immediately walked up to them but was met with their strange glances. She realized she was the only female in the entire camp. " Excuse me guys, could I join you," The guys had just glanced at each other without uttering a word. How could such a young frail woman have entered the camp. She was too pretty to be in the harsh environment. Justin stood up among the group. Zia easily recognized him from yesterday. The guy who had poured ice co
" Never mind about that, it's actually a strange number," Elvira said and threw her phone away." I'm glad you came to my aunt's funeral," Elvira added as she glance out through the window. She had to avoid those eyes that melt her soul at any moment." Connie was my friend too," The General said.Actually Connie had been more than a mother to him than just a friend. The General remembered vividly eleven years ago, when his parents had died, and he was being thrown out of their mansion. Everyone had shunned him, his relatives and friends. The only person who had come through for him had been Connie. She had managed to clear the debts his parents had, and he was able to keep their home back. She had even offered to give him money to start off, but he had been too embarrassed to take any more help from her.The General had days he could go without food, but it was at those moments that Connie had come through with homemade food to share with him. He owed his life to her. It was just u
The General had returned to the camp and went straight into his tent. He had this urge to see her, especially after the moments he had shared with Elvira.Finally he had something to look forward to other than his crew. He rushed into his tent even as the commander in charge ran after him to report as usual. The room was empty, but her scent had filled the room, so sweet and relaxing that he immediately felt all his exhaustion disperse. But where would she be at this time of the night. A knock came in through." General, welcome back," " Where is she?"The General immediately scratched his head after the statement left his mouth, he however turned around, his eyes intimidating that Justin wasn't about to kid around." She had gone off to the river. The guys wouldn't stop teasing her," Justin immediately regretted his words seeing the anger filled eyes. The General immediately rushed out of the room, Justin opening and closing his mouth without uttering a word, wasn't the General su
Zia had woken up but she lay there, on the bed as she calculated in her mind how she would face the General, not after the steamy session they had last night. Zia blamed herself for letting herself be attracted, what would he think of her now, a loose woman who isn't able to contain her desire!Slowly she opened her eyes and glanced at the chair he had slept at the first night she had been there, but it was empty. Her eyes darted across the room, no sign of him. She shot up from the bed immediately, maybe they were yet to return from their operation.At the same time a knock came in through the door. She opened it only to find a soldier waiting impatiently." You are late?"" Late for what soldier?"" Didn't the General inform you, your training begins today. You better get ready in two minutes," the guy said and shoved a pair of uniforms at her before he turned around and left." What's with the attitude?" Zia asked more to herself as she took off her clothes and entered the bathro
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