MAURICE'S POV It has been days since I last spoke to Glenda, but I saw her everyday. I checked up on her, ensuring she never skipped a meal and monitoring the progress of her ankle. With the way she sent me out of her room that day, I was certain she didn't want to ever see me again. She was so mad at me and I regretted saying those hurtful things to her. I couldn't blame her. I would be mad at myself too. That's why I gave her space. Time to heal from the pain that I caused her. I took rounds greeting the guests that had arrived for Sam's wedding. Some were old acquaintances I had not seen in a very long time. Others, new friends Sam had made after I left. I may have seemed very focused on the people I was talking to, but I wasn't. I barely took my gaze away from her. She held my attention immensely. Seated alone at one of the round tables, hair packed into a neat bun that highlighted her perfect slender neck with a few teasing strands draping the sides of her face. And clad i
GLENDA'S POVI had not realized I was holding my breath until I heard someone call Maurice.Slowly, I opened my eyes, disappointment etched deep in them. Maurice was half turned to a strange man I had not seen before.The only consolation I got was the fact that Maurice didn't let go of me. His hand still rested possessively on the slim of my back.“Mr Stone.” Maurice greeted curtly and extended his free hand to shake Stone's outstretched hand.Stone's eyes quickly left Maurice and settled on me. His gaze raked the length of me and I heard Maurice groan when Stone smirked his lip in approval.Stone shook Maurice but his eyes never left me. I was soon feeling conscious of myself under his scrutinizing gaze.“What a damsel you have with you, Mr Candice.” Mr Stone remarked.“Mr Stone, this is my wife, Glenda.” Maurice's tone sounded like a warning. He turned to me. “Glenda, Mr Stone, business associate.” For a moment I thought I had gone deaf or momentarily lost my hearing. Wife! Did M
MAURICE'S POVI had led Mr Stone away. I wanted to quickly get him away from Glenda. The man was smitten with her and it stirred my jealousy.After discussing further with him, I came to the conclusion not to do business with him. If not for my brother Sam, I wasn't familiar with Mr Stone. But Sam had pitched a good deal from Mr Stone and after hearing it, I had to agree, it was indeed good business.Regardless of the fact that it was good business, it wasn't good enough to lose my wife. And I wouldn't wait till the wedding was over before letting Sam know.“I won't be closing the deal with Stone.” “What?” Sam sounded baffled. “It's a good deal. You said so yourself .”“I know it's not a good deal. But I don't want it.”Sam drew back and blinked at me in disbelief. “Why?”“Stone wants something more than just the deal. Something I can't give.”Sam squinted, his interest had been piqued and his eyes gleamed with curiosity.“What does he want that you can't give?” He asked and then smi
GLENDA'S POVGrace and I helped Jane pack, keeping her company as Sam had to quickly deal with something.Jane had expressed her displeasure regarding Sam's disappearance to go discuss his business.It was her wedding and she expected to have her husband all to herself for the day. Grace and I consoled her, and tried to cheer her up by giving excuses on Sam's behalf.We lightly chatted about the notable events that took place during the ceremony. Jane's anger dissipated as we recalled the hilarious things that took place. We ended up laughing our hearts out.When we were done, I retired to my room, hoping that I hadn't arrived too late to meet with Maurice.A painful gnawing disappointment welcomed me when I stepped into the room to find it empty. Maurice had not come.I thought he would be in the room by now since I had taken longer spending time with Jane before returning here.I hoped he had not changed his mind. I hoped Lucy had not convinced him to be with her instead.My mind wh
MAURICE'S POVMy hand reached the peak of her legs and I was pleasantly amazed to see that she was shaved clean. It felt so soft against the roughness of my palm. It was enchanting.“I want you, Glenda.” My voice came out muffled against her mouth and hoarse from passion and need.She inched in closer, pressing her globes against my bare chest. Her movement caused my hand to slide into her wet core.“I want you, Maurice.” Her voice mirrored mine, soaked and etched in passion.Her words were all the urging I needed to break my restraint. I rolled on top of her, positioning myself between her legs, my lips not parting from hers even for a second.My thoughts, attention and focus were only on the beautiful goddess laying before me.Glenda's palm contacted my chest and pushed me gently away from her.“Are you not going to get that?” It was only after she asked that I paid attention to my phone that had been ringing non stop. “I could do that later.” I said hoarsely and pressed myself ag
GLENDA'S POVI beat myself up, regretting why I had insisted that Maurice took the call that night.It has been days since we returned to London and I hadn't seen him. He was so swamped with work that he was always on the phone or at the office or in his study.We barely saw or spoke to each other and I was beginning to get angry about it. I had thought we were making headway in our relationship, only for it to plummet down into a well.It felt as if we were back to the beginning. Starting all over again from point zero. Maurice was barely talking to me, just like the first time I arrived here.He was back to spending more time with Lucy. Back to ignoring me and acting like I didn't exist.I sat at the balcony overlooking the lake, a heavy sadness sat in my heart and a sickening loneliness consumed me. “Are you going to keep sulking in secret?” I heard Nana's voice from behind and I stirred to come face to face with her.“Nana.” I greeted her with a nod.“Don't do that.” She said st
MAURICE'S POVI buried my head, intently focused on the papers in my hand. My back was aching from sitting too much, but I couldn't get a break yet. Not until all of this was sorted out.I heard the door creak open. I didn't raise my head. I wasn't expecting anyone else other than Lucy.The smell of fresh steaming coffee wafted into my nostrils. At that moment, a cup slid across the table to my end.“Thank you.” I said with deep gratitude. It was just what I needed. Without raising my head, I grabbed the cup and sipped from it. The liquid warmed its way down my throat, magically soothing my tired nerves.I smacked my lips, relishing the taste. “I really needed this.” I remarked, taking another sip.Lucy is awkwardly quiet. Lucy is never quiet. “More bad news?” I asked just as I raised my head.“Glenda?” My eyes grew wide and there was surprise in my voice. I was not expecting her to be here.Last I remember, she was angry at me the day we returned to London because I had Lucy sit wit
GLENDA'S POV“These figures don't…” I stopped myself just as I raised my head to find Maurice's gaze focused on me.I wondered why he was looking at me that way. Like a flash, my mind played back the events of the past minutes.I realized that I may have pissed him by saying he knew nothing about me.“I'm sorry.” I apologized. “I didn't mean what I said in a bad way, believe me.” I pleaded earnestly.“What are you apologizing for? You didn't lie.” He spoke so casually and there was not a trace of irritation in his tone.“I shouldn't have blurted that out like that.”He ignored me, totally brushing off my apology (which he seemed to think was not needed) aside and changed the topic.“What about the figures?” He gestured to the file I was still holding. His gaze turned serious.I bowed my head as embarrassment crept up my spine. I realized I had let my mouth run ahead of me. What was I thinking trying to give my opinion about Maurice's business?Of course, he wouldn't listen. Like my fa
GLENDA'S POVONE WEEK LATER“Where is he? How is he?” Concern adorned my weary voice as my worried gaze rested on my brother-in-law.“He’ll live.” Sam said with a grin.Jane nudged him and gave him a warning glare. “Be serious for once! Don’t scare her with your silly jokes!” She reprimanded him.Sam pouted, but his eyes didn’t discard the mischievous glint they held. “I’m serious. I’m sharing good news.” He said with a shrug.Jane’s irritation at her husband stood up a notch. Her glares intensified. “Can’t you see that she’s worried?”Sam sighed resignedly. “I was only trying to lighten her mood.”“Well you’re doing a terrible job at it!”Sam raised his hands in surrender. He shifted and gave way for Jane to come closer to my gurney.Jane approached the bed with a sweet smile. “We came as soon as we heard. How are you feeling dear?” She helped adjust the gurney so my upper body was elevated. It gave me a better view.“I’m doing fine... Where is Maurice?" I asked again.It has been two
MAURICE'S POVBrian acted impulsively. That's what I thought and I couldn't resist the urge to scold him. He shouldn't have taken such a risky task upon himself. I was most certain that he had hurt himself, his hands were hurting and he was hiding it.“Scold me later, after we leave here.” He smiled at his deed, hiding his pain behind those genuine smile.I couldn't help but manage a half smile. He looked charming. Brian was a good boy. He just needed to be pointed in the right direction and I'm glad he found his way back home.I promised myself at that instance that things would be different from there on. He would be my son and I would be his father.I nodded for him to come along and went ahead with Glenda, expecting him to follow behind us. I had only taken a few steps when I heard the crash.I immediately turned around. “Brian!” I yelled, but it was already too late. “Dad.” He choked out in response. He blinked, sighed and seemed to relax. He looked calm, smiling up at me. As t
BRIAN'S POV“Elsa?” I asked him in surprise.It only meant Elsa had run after me when she couldn't stop me from going into the house. That crazy bitch!With everything that my father had told me, it was clear that she hadn't entered with good intentions. She must have sensed my intentions and she wanted to act ahead of me.She wanted to cement her plans, ensure everything happened according to how she wanted it. It was her house after all. She knew where she had left Glenda and could find her easily.Maybe it was a good thing she came in. This unit was large and finding my father and Glenda in this fiery mess was already proving difficult until I stumbled on the door, and heard the thudding coming from within. If she hadn't locked them in here, then maybe I would not have found them.I wanted to lift Glenda, carry her in my arms, but I thought against it and allowed my father to carry his wife.“I doubt that she's still in the building. Quick, let's get out of here.” I ordered and w
MAURICE'S POVA miracle did happen. Only it wasn't how I expected it.“Glenda!” I thought I was hallucinating someone calling Glenda. I braced myself. The thief had come. Death was near. It was so close, looming over us and breathing over my neck. I could feel it. But I wasn't scared. I wasn't afraid. I was ready for whatever was to come.“Glenda!” The call came again.My eyes flew wide open when I heard the second call. I was not hallucinating. I was not imagining things. Someone was indeed calling Glenda.Quickly, I raised myself from the forlorn stance I had assumed on the floor.My dead hope resurrected instantly. Someone was here. Someone had come for us.“Is anyone there? We are in here!” I yelled. My voice had become hoarse, dried from the smoke. I prayed whoever it was out there had heard me.“We are here!” I tried to increase my volume. I ended up wheezing from the strain.I guess my coughing gave away our location as I heard shuffling, then someone approaching.“Elsa?” I as
MAURICE'S POVHis reaction only confirmed my fears. Glenda was in that heat.I watched in horror as the flames grew taller into the sky. My breath hitched. My fears skyrocketed. Anxiety clothed my core. I was shaking with fright.That's when I caught sight of the approaching figure. A ray of hope stirred within me. Maybe. Just maybe.Brian strode past me like a zombie, his gaze set upon the fire like it was beckoning to him.Once the outline cleared to reveal Elsa, every ounce of hope and logical thinking within me vaporized.At that moment, nothing else mattered. Not Brian. Not Elsa. Not me. Only Glenda.I willed my legs to move and like a flash, I ran past Brian into the fire. The dense, hazy smoke welcomed me. Everything blurred in my vision. I squinted in an attempt to adjust to the smoky view.I squinted through the smoke and raised a hand to fan out the smoke. It didn't help to clear my view.“Glenda!” I called out. A raspy cough escaped my throat as the smoke filled my lungs.
BRIAN'S POVI caught a whiff of the familiar perfume as I entered the house. My heart began to beat at a double rate. My worst fears came alive when I stepped into the room to find it empty. Glenda was gone.“Shit! Shit!” I cussed and kicked.I exasperatedly ran a hand through my hair. Just when I had everything ready. When all my plans were ready and set. That sick bitch had to appear now. Why did I ever bring her here? What had I ever found attractive about that sick witch? I looked down at my crotch and cussed myself for my lack of control. But how could I have known then that this would come back to bite me in the ass? How could I have known that Elsa was as sick as the woman who birthed her?“Darn it!”Was this how all of my plans would be ruined? Would I not be able to protect Glenda? Would I allow Elsa and her mother to have the last laugh?No! I swore to protect Glenda and I would fulfill that promise.But where do I even begin to look for Glenda? Where could Elsa have taken
GLENDA'S POV I didn't want to accept how foolish I had been. How gullible I was. How blindingly trusting I was. “Elsa, please tell me this is all not true. Tell me this is all a prank. Say it. Laugh all this off… Say you're joking!” I yelled at her. I shook my head as though doing that would dispel everything that I had heard. “You are a liar! I don't believe you!” I broke into a sob. “I trusted you, Elsa. I loved you! I trusted you!... You were my sister! That's how much I cherished you.” I spilled through my teary, pain-filled voice. “And I hate you! I hate you Glenda! I hate you!” She countered, panting with dark rage. The room was filled with the heat of the hate emanating from her. The stench of her loath towards me was palpable in the ambience of the room. It felt so surreal. Like acting out a scene with the evil villain. Only, this was far from a dream or a movie. It was my sick reality. I could never have thought Elsa, whom I considered akin to my sister, harbored su
MAURICE POV It was a long drive. It had been two hours ago since Lucy agreed to take me to the place she talked about, yet we still hadn't reached. We kept taking neverending turns and corners. “Are we there yet?” I asked like an impatient child eager to reach the park sooner. “No. It's right up that corner.” Lucy replied. “How many more corners are we going to take?” Exasperation embellished my tone. “How did you even come to know about this place?” I asked out of my impatience and eagerness to quickly reach Glenda. The long hours of driving was beginning to make me rethink my decision. I couldn't help but begin to consider that this may be a ploy to distract me. “Um, he brought me here one time when we needed to talk privately. This is his hideout.” she spoke shyly. From the sound of her voice and the expression on her face, I understood that this was where they came to do all their plotting. Could Brian and Lucy still be working together? Could this also be one of
BRIAN'S POVI repeatedly slapped the passport against my palm, relishing in immense satisfaction as I walked to my car. It had taken longer than I had anticipated to get it done but I was finally holding it. My ticket to leave this place without being spotted by anyone.Best part, I was taking the woman I love along. Everything was falling into place. I smiled to myself as I got in my car. Aunt Helena had no idea how smart I could be. By the time she'll realize anything, we'd be long gone. Far long gone! To a place where no one can ever find us! Our disappearance would be a huge disappointment to Aunt Helena. It would put a big hole in her plans.As I sat in my car, my hand rested idling on the steering wheel. I gaze through the windshield, staring fixated at nothing ahead, my mind traveling back to that day at the hospital.★★★Flash back★★★“I've lost him.” She was crying profusely. “We failed.”I glanced over to Lucy curled on the gurney, an irritated look draped my expression.