It was already 6:00 in the morning. Gisella still laid on the bed with a pale face, unconscious. Lizzy and Gina left to the mansion for their chores while Antonio stood by her bed completely shuttered. He had to rush back to work but he was so desolated that he didn't feel like moving an inch from the hospital.
Choked up with tears, he slowly took Gisel's hand in his as he gazed down at her while the tears he fought back dropped down his eyes."Daddy is still waiting for you, honey–please wake up, please" He whispered. "Waiting to see those beautiful smiles again" A faint smile dazzled on his face while he chuckled admist tears. "i'm so sorry I never told you– you were the prettiest when you smile."He mumbled on. Natasha slowly pushed the door opened and trod in. She instintively paused at the door as she watched the father and daughter moment. She smirked, a satisfactory smile dazzled on her lips." Is time to go dear" She eluded while she sauntered over towards him. "You also need some rest before getting back to work– you've not had one since last night""I'm okay over here Nat" Antonio mumbled. "I just want to be by my daughter till she wakes up. Work can wait for now."Natasha sighed, drapping her hand over his shoulder with a consoling gaze. "I understand your pain, love because she's my daughter as well and i feel pained seeing her like this. – But you already know the issue at hand over there as well. Secondly, the doctor suggest she rest without any disturbance so let's go. She'll be fine. I'll later come back and keep watch over her"She assured. Convinced by Natasha's words and the state of his business, he finally agreed to return home. Natasha patted him in a consoling manner, her gaze fixed on Gisella."Let's see how you move out of this bed, alive" she mumbled in her thoughts, a faint smile lingered on her lips." Okay, Nat, let's go" He uttered as he rose to his feet. Natasha nodded and followed him while he lead the way out.***********THE BRILLIANTS SCHOOL COMPLEX
Loretta and her friends sat in their desk, chatting and laughing heartedly when Desmond walked in, depressed. His expression dulled and blank. " Look who is here guys" Loretta announced admist chuckle. "Desmond– Mr. Lover boy, the saviour of the wired Princess!" She teased.The whole class roared with laughter. Desmond ignored her and glided on over to his desk. He instintively dropped his bag on his desk and sat down without uttering a word. Loretta winked at her friends and beckoned them to follow as she trod to Desmond's desk, her lips curved in a mischievous smile." Hey!" she eluded as she closed up on him. "I can't see your cursed crush anywhere today– where is she?" She added, her eyes lurked around in search of Gisel." Or she's hiding her cursed ass from us, now, huh?", Paola remarked. A sense of rage flashed on Desmond face, following her words. Loretta and her friends just roared with laughter. Bianca stuttered."Oh, or she finally chose to end her poor, miserable, evil, cursed life like she did to her moth..""I told you to stay away from Gisella and let her be!!" Desmond angrily shouted, his eyes widened with rage as he clutched Bianca's neck, stopping her in her words. Loretta and Paolo gazed on stunned with slacked jaws while Bianca gasped helplessly for breath."Please–let–me –go" she stammered but Desmond just kept on, his grips became more tighter."I'm so sure you guys were the ones who attacked her last night" he added, his voice so cold and wolfish. The whole class stared on, puzzled. Paola shouted, finally finding her voice."Stop it, Desmond– we didn't do anything!!" "Who, then–Who did it!?" He queried on and Loretta yelled, nervous. " We don't know!! – Please stop it, now, else you gonna kill her!!"He angrily pushed her to the floor and turned back to his desk. Loretta and Paola rushed to Bianca, who laid on the floor, coughing." Get her some water!", Loretta shouted.Paola hurriedly dashed off to Bianca's desk and brought out her water bottle. She handed it over to Loretta and she helped her sip a little." Are you okay?", they worriedly chorused and she nodded as she deeply gasped for breath. Loretta glared back at Desmond from the distance they stood, furious." What is wrong with you, Desmond?–Are you out of your mind or something? What was all that about?" She yelled but he just ignored her. Just then their class teacher trod in, his eyes lurked around, confused, "What's going on here, Paola.?" He queried. The whole class quickly settled down as silence engulfed the room, even Paola, Bianca and Loretta stayed mute."I'm waiting for an answer!! –Why all this mess–Paola?" He exclaimed. Paola flinched and glanced up at their teacher and back at Desmond who just stood in his desk with his eyes fixed on his book as if nothing had happened." Um, nothing sir– we were just discussing something." she stuttered." Are you sure?–You don't look like so"" Yes sir" She swiftly cut in before he could say anymore. He shrugged at her answer." Okay–Now let's start our lesson for today but before that, I've got an announcement for the class." He went on. Bianca, Loretta and Paola glared back at Desmond who just kept his gaze locked in his textbook."Gisella had been admitted at the hospital and in a state of coma at the moment so she won't be joining class for a while" The teacher announced and the whole class was suddenly thrown in rumpus and murmuring. "Let's all remember her in our prayers" He added. Desmond swiftly raised his head from his book, confused and lost as tears welled up his eyes. "No, this can't be" He mumbled underneath his breath." Okay sir.", the class chorused with the exception of Desmond who quickly bolted out of the class." Desmond!? Desmond...! " The teacher called but he was far gone from sight..***********HOSPITAL
Natasha returned to the hospital and strolled to Gisella's ward. She stared at her pale face and held her hand, a satisfactory smile dazzled on her face." Today is your last day on this earth, Gisel, dear" She eluded. „Poor you, sorry you couldn't say your final byes to daddy but don't worry, I'll tell him for you" She chuckled as she slowly lifted the oxygen mask from her nose. Suddenly, Desmond dashed into the ward, almost out of breath." Gisel? Gisella!!", he cried from the door as he sauntered closer to them. Natasha jolted at the sight of him. She panicked and swiftly placed back the mask on her nose." Mum?–How is she?"He asked as soon as he got to the bed. Natasha stammered, tensed."Um, well, she's fine although had not opened the eyes yet–But the doctor said her condition is stable now ".He just stood beside her bed without a word as he gazed down at her pale face. He slowly took her hand in his as he settled down on the chair next to her bed and sighed. He look nervous and devastated. Natasha quietly gazed at him and queried." Um–what's your name and who are you to my baby?'" I'm Desmond, her classmate." He answered without looking up from Gisel's face. Natasha nodded, not so pleased with the intruder but she kept her composure."Okay.– Can you stay by her for awhile, while I talk to the doctor?"" Sure– ma'am, I'll be with her. You can go ahead" He replied. Natasha thanked him, with a broad smile and trod off. She instintively paused at he door as she glared back at Desmond and Gisel." You may be lucky enough to escape this time, Gisel but I promise you–the next time, won't be as lucky as this, I'll make sure you rot in hell." She faintly eluded and trod out.Desmond stared at Gisella's face devastated and shuttered." Who did this to you, Gisel..?" He queried but had no answer. " Please wake up, I'm here for you and i promise to get back at anyone who caused you this pain. " He added as the tears welled up in his eyes streamed down. Just then, Gisel's finger slightly moved and tears rolled down her eyes.A WEEK AFTERIt's been a week after Gisel's incident but yet no sign of her waking up. Natasha on the other hand, tried her possible best to end her life but it all failed drastically due to the constant visit of Desmond who mostly spent all day beside her.Meanwhile, Antonio's health had already started deteriorating due to Natasha's constant poisoning and this had made it impossible for him to visit his daughter often. He stood at his library, his gaze fixed on some files on the shelf when Natasha trod in with a tray." Coffee?", she called from the door. Antonio instntively nodded without looking back at her. His eyes locked on the files. She smirked, placed the tray on the table and drew out a mini bottle from her pocket." Antonio, i'll like to visit Gisel at the hospital today with some flowers and a teddy bear" She stuttered. "What do you say about that.?" She consciously glanced from time to time to make sure he wasn't watching while she dropped the contents of t
ANTONIO'S MANSIONLizzy was busy as usual, attending to her chores in the kitchen when a ring from the door bell invaded. She groaned in exhaustion and yelled out at Agnes who stood at the hall with Lola, Natasha's cat." Agnes, please get the door." Agnes whined in hesitation" Why should it be me?" She cried. "I'm very busy at the moment– can't you get it yourself or ask Gina to do so and stop bordering me." She roared back which made Lizzy bursted out in anger." Silly head!" She cursed. " Can't you see I'm busy at the kitchen and Gina is still attending to Mr. Antonio at his library? – By the way what are you so busy with that you can't get the door...."" Taking care of Mrs. Natasha's cat. It hasn't eaten since morning and I don't want it to starve to death." She swiftly cut in. Lizzy's jaw slacked in awe." What?" She howled, tilting her head. "Gosh, Agnes, I will so kill you before the cat if I get there." She threatened whic
ANTONIO'S MANSION Natasha trod down the stairs, her thoughts enveloped her." Who dare to interfere last night?" She mumbled. "I know the person who took Desmond away wasn't human but where from that spirit?– why can't I find any trace of it's hideout?" She paused in her steps with a calculative gaze." Such strong spirit will be a great tool for me against Gisella's soul. I wish I knew where to find it." Her mind kept drifting deeper in thoughts. Just then, Gina's voice echoed from the kitchen."Ma'am ! , Ma'am !!" She approached her in a rush which drew her back to reality."What's it, Gina?" She retorted in a cold tone. "Why are you disturbing my peace this early morning –Can't I just have a peaceful day for once!?"She glared furiously at Gina making her tremble in fear." Um, sorry, ma'am. I just came to tell you that, Mr Antonio's breakfast is ready. "She stuttered but was swiftly interrupted by Natasha's voice." So? –how does that con
ANTONIO'S MANSIONNatasha sauntered over to the door. Her eyes lurked across the corridor, furious as she earnestly glared for the culprit but found no one." Who dared spy on me..?", she thought to herself." I need to find who it was" She instinctively took a step about to leave when realization hit her." What are you doing, Nat?" She stuttered to herself as she paused in her steps. "This is not the time for this–you can find the spy afterwards . " She smirked, her eyes travelled back to Antonio." I'll find that out later, let me just finish off with this first and get back to the who ever it was." Her lips curved in a mischievous grin as she sauntered back to the room.Gina stood in Gisella's room, her breath kept racing rapidly as she peeped through the door. Her hands covered her lips and her knees felt numb. She looked tensed and terrified. Just when Natasha diminished into the room, she instinctively let out an inaudible sigh."Oh, God, that was so da
HOSPITALGISELLA'S WARDSasha, the nurse Natasha had plotted out Gisel's death with, quietly crept into her ward to execute the deeds. Her eyes nervously lurked around as she neared her bed." Oh, God, please forgive me for what i'm about to do." She cried and she took her stand beside Gisel's bed. "I know it's bad but I have to do this."She took out the syringe and pressed it to her right hand, about to inject her. Just then, Gisel's hand moved. She flinched, gazing up at Gisel's face only to notice her weakly twitter her eyes open." Oh, goodness– she's awake" She mumbled to herself. " I've got to be fast about this before someone else walks in." Sasha lamented in her thoughts." Desmond?" Gisel wearily voice intruded. Sasha fidgeted with a sheepish grin." Relax dear, he'll be here in no time. Let me finish checking you, first." She instinctively took her hand for the injection but was suddenly interrupted by the swang of the door whi
ANTONIO'S MANSIONLizzy trod through the hall towards Gina's room when she heard the telephone rang from the hall. She instinctively paused in her steps as she gazed down at it for awhile, with a contemplating gaze." Should I ask Gina to attend to it since she's been incharge of that or I should just attend to it.. ? ", she thought to herself. “Yeah, I think it's right I attend to it since she'd been, kind of acting wired today.”She sighed and sauntered over towards it with a fixed gaze." Hello, this is the Antonio's Mansion. How may I help you?", she answered."This is Doctor Franklin from Family Health Hospital” A voice echoed from the other end of the phone which made got her edged on.“Is everything, alright, sir?–How is she doing” She instinctively, interrupted.“I just called to inform you that she's out of coma at the moment. You can come over to the hospital tomorrow so we can perform her final check up.” He added. Lizzy screamed with excitement."
HOSPITALGisella sat upright on the bed with her back relaxed and her gaze fixed in her novel she had. Her thoughts instinctively drifted off as the thought of Desmond hit her." I can't put Desmond at risk any longer." She mumbled with a furrowed brow. " I'm not able to protect myself and how am I to protect him?–I got to do something very fast about this but what?'Her thought hinted. "Think Gisel–think!" She cried, her eyes darted."Yes! " she exclaimed, her face lightened up. "I got this– I know what to do. Is better to stay away from him. That's the only way I can be sure of his saftey. And Dad?" She queried in her thoughts. "I hope I'm not too late"She stuttered. Just then, a voice interrupted from the door. " Hello, Miss Gisel!– I can see you're already awake."She instinctively looked up at the door and her lips curved in a faint smile." Yes, doctor."She answered." Good, I'm glad you're fine now." He stated with a smile. " I've alrea
THE ANTONIO'S MANSIONAfter about an hour drive, Natasha pulled over at the garage. She sauntered down and trod into the house without any interest of Gisel nor Gina. She left them behind in the car. Gina sighed and instinctively glanced up at Gisel who sat next to her with her hands pressed on the window of the car as she stared out through the glass. Her gaze was fixed on the house with tears in her eyes.Gina stared at her for a while; her heart felt heavy, watching her. She sighed.“Gisel, dear” She called and she slowly turned back at her, facing her in the process. Gina forced a smile as their eyes met. “Come on, dear–Let me help you. We're here now.” Gisel weakly tilted her head." Thanks, Aunty." She answered with a blank gaze. Gina hurried down and rushed to her side of the car. She swiftly opened the door and helped her down. Gisel stood in front of the door for a while as she stared at the door. Gina glanced at the door as well and back at her. She
A MONTH LATERGisella and Agnes fully recovered and were discharged home. Gisel returned back to her studies and handling of her father's company, being herself without fear or intimidation with the help of Mr. George, Antonio's secretary.She became very brave, confident, bold– full of herself. She no longer allowed the words and behavior of others to pull her down.She became a role model to a lot of young ladies going through low self-esteem and excelled in everything she did.Loretta finally got out of coma and was later placed on a therapy to help her overcome the experience she went through in Bello's hands.Few weeks later, she confessed her relationship with Bello and how she planned to eliminate Gisella with the help of him.Ciara and Ben on the other hand, were so disappointed in their daughter after hearing her confession." How could you do this, Lore? – Is that how we trained you?" Ciara had exclaimed in tears." Your mother and I worked en
Bello strolled towards Loretta, chuckling with the gun pointing at her head. She cried and crawled back, finding means to escape the ruthless beast in front of her." Please, spare my life""Huh? – Spare your life, you said?" He smirked amidst chuckle. " Do you think I'm so dumb to let you off the hook so you can expose me? Huh!! Never, bitch, not even in your dreams " He roared, kneeling beside her with the gun over her skull." Please " She pleaded in tears." Just say your last prayers, honey" He shouted. *********Paola, Bianca and Loretta's parents, Mrs. Ciara and Mr. Ben sped towards the location shown on the GPS in their vehicle." Drive a little faster, Ben" Ciara cried in devastation." I am, honey– Just pray we're not so late. I've already informed the police and I'm sure they're already on their way. They should even be there by now " Replied Ben w
ON THE ROADLoretta drove along the road, looking all distressed on noticing a white cab which followed keenly behind her; keeping a close watch on her. She instinctively turned her gaze to the seat beside her as she reached for her phone. Loretta anxiously surfed through and dialed Paola's line, staring through the side mirror as she balanced her gaze between the road ahead and the mirror." Hey, Lore, what's up with you ?" Paola's voice echoed from the other end of the phone." Fine, I guess " She answered absent mindedly, still gazing at the car behind her through the mirror, wondering." Hey, girl, is everything okay? You seem so down and absent minded– Come on, tell me, what's it?" Her question spontaneously drew her full attention on her." Huh? – oh, yeah, umm, are you home? I need to talk to you " She answered." Yeah, I'm home but can you tell me what's going on now? I'm a little worried" Paola insisted but she instinctively pull a blunt excuse
Antonio sighed and stood up from the floor, turning back to Gisella, Desmond and Lizzy. Gisella stared at her father with teary eyes which just burst out of joy– Her lips slightly twisted and she raced to embrace him; thorn between tears and chuckle. Desmond and Lizzy stared at her as she buried herself into his arms.Antonio hugged her, comforting, "It's okay, honey. Everything is finally over. " He slowly withdrew her from his embrace and curbed her cheeks with his hands; a faint smile dazzled on his face. " I'm so sorry for not listening to you, dear. I'm really sorry for everything, baby"Silent tears dropped down his eyes which Gisel instinctively dried it up with the back of her hand, embracing him in a warm hug, a faint smile spontaneously formed on her face." It's okay, dad– I've already forgiven you for everything and I'm so sorry for not saving you" She sobbed. " Forgive me dad, forgive me for returning so late from the hospital " The tears she tried to hol
THE ANTONIO' S MANSION RECAP" Get out of here, I'll handle this." Said Gisella, turning her gaze back on Natasha as she monitored her every step but Desmond stubbornly insisted." No, Gisel, we can't leave you here all alone with this evil woman. Lizzy can go with her while I stay with you."" No, you can't be here.....Leave now....", Gisella yelled.Natasha laughed, " Aww, such a touching scene....but I've got a bad news for you, honey. No one is living here alive...", she responded, approaching with dark eyes.Lizzy and Desmond trembled. Gisella shaded them and began to pray. **************Suddenly, a heavy wind blew across the room, lifting and sending things flying in the air with Agnes still lying unconscious on the floor . A thick smoke hung in the air like a blanket despite the heavy breeze. Gisella, Desmond and Lizzy surveyed around wit
THE ANTONIO'S MANSIONNatasha got to where Agnes laid unconscious and crouch beside her and she gently brushed her hand through her hair– Her lips curved in a mischievous smile." Poor thing, I didn't want to do this, Aggie but you left me no option. Curiosity, they say kills the cat and for now, I think is time for you to go home, honey" She faintly chuckled. "Fare thee well and send my regards to those over there..." She smirked.She rose to her full height and gazed down at her with dark eyes. Gisella, Desmond and Lizzy arrived and pulled over in front of the gate. They hurriedly got down and sped towards the door."Agnes.....!! Aggie !!! ", Lizzy cried as they approached the door.Gisella banged the door but there was no response or sign of anyone approaching from inside. She tried to open it again but suddenly found out it was locked." Oh, God.....it's locked.....", she cried." What?" Desmond exclaimed, nervous. " So what are we going to do now?– Don't yo
Desmond drew her from his bosom and held her hands, wiping her tears. Gisella stared at his face with a faint smile."Enough with the tears, Gisella– Come on, save the rest for future." He joked. "Now,let's go; this calls for a celebration. Don't worry, the bill is on me." He uttered with a smile. Gisella nodded, her gloomy look instinctively replaced with smiles and she hugged him." I'm so lucky to have you beside me, Desmond– Thank you for choosing me" She whispered underneath her breath. Lizzy who silently stared at them with smiles, instinctively let out a tactful cough."Huh...huh...huh..." She cleared her throat, drawing back their attention." Snap out of it, Love birds–Don't forget I'm still here." She teased with a chuckle and their lips swiftly curved with a sheepish smile as they withdrew from each other, feeling embarrassed."Sorry, Aunty." They both exuded and she chuckled."No worries, dear– Shall we go now?"" Sure, let's get out of here an
RECAP The trailer was very close now. The kid stood in the middle of the road, just staring at both vehicles in shock. Lizzy, Desmond and Gisella cried in fear, screaming for a miracle." Oh, my God....oh my God..... Oh no... "The car approached head on with speed. **************Suddenly, a shadow flashed in front of their car and it veered off the road. The trailer passed with great speed without stopping and Gisella's car immediately came to a halt some meters away along the road. It was a quite street with bushes along the road. It's hardly you find people walking along the street.Gisella, Desmond and Lizzy sat in the car, panting breathless with shock spread over their faces." What was that?" Gisella stammered which brought Lizzy sweat soaked gaze on her." What was what, Gisel ? Didn't you see what happened?– We nearly had an accident." She cried." No, Aunty, i was not talking about that." She swallowed a lump of
Desmond had been standing at the junction for the past 45minutes now but still no sign of Gisella anywhere. He gazed worriedly at the roads leading to the junction he stood, expectantly, depressed." What's keeping her? Is every alright?" He mumbled with a furrowed brow and as of on an impulse, he stuttered. " Let me call and find out what's happening?" He drew out his phone and dialed her line but it couldn't get through. He sighed with his fixed gaze, nervously on the screen as he paced around.peep....peep.....peep.....a sound from behind drew his attention. He swiftly turned to find out who it was. It was the sound of Gisella's horn; She instinctively beckoned him in. He gave a broad smile and hopped onto the car." What kept you so long, Gisella?" He immediately asked after settling in but then, he swiftly brushed it off. "Just forget it– Let's get going before the meeting starts." He assumed, turning to Lizzy who all along, stared from the back seat."Goo