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
MAURICE'S POV“This is one big risk you're taking Maurice. Are you sure you've thought this through?” Sam asked for the umpteen time. His voice had a warning tone over the phone.I had just called him to tell him about my decision to go along with the suggestion Glenda had given me. Although I never mentioned the idea came from Glenda.Sam had been impressed with the idea but not without endlessly stating his fears if things were to go south. “We are businessmen Sam, we thrive by taking risks, don't we?” “But this is one hell of a risk.” Sam stated.“I know, but think of it. If Ed decides to take his business elsewhere, we won't even be having any risks to take. How about that?” I countered.There was silence from Sam's end. He seemed to give it another thought given my insistence on going with the plan.“Alright. As it is, we don't have many other choices.” He finally said in resignation.“That's what I thought…”Sam sighed. “Fingers crossed then. I hope we hit it with this… Thanks
GLENDA’S POVI poked my head through the door to peek in at Maurice's study. He turned also immediately, catching me in my sneaking game.He was standing by his phone. I assumed he had probably just finished with a call or he was waiting for one. Either way, he seemed busy, so I decided to go and come back later.“I'll come back later.” I spoke in a small voice. Just as I withdrew my head, trying to shut the door behind me, Maurice stopped me.“Come. What is it?” He asked as he made his way around his table to his seat. His tone had carried an irate order. And I subtly regretted why I had come to him at this time. He seemed to be in a foul mood.Slowly and fearfully, I shifted the rest of my body into his study. I shut the door behind me and clung to the door knob. I didn't move from the entrance just in case I needed to escape, it would be easy. I didn't want to bear the brunt of his anger.“Don't just stand there! What do you want?” He snapped.I flinched at the authority in his to
MAURICE'S POVIt was ironic how Glenda was saying the same thing Sam had said to me. Although Sam pitched his differently, they were both implying the same thing. They wanted me to right my wrong, put myself out there and live life freely. Without holding on to the past.It was a simple yet such a difficult task and I didn't want to think about it, at least not now. I instead, focused on the delicate hands slowly and expertly massaging my temples, bringing me immense relief.“You said you used to do this for your grandma?” I asked with my eyes still shut.I sensed Glenda's smile. I could guess she had pleasant memories of her grandmother.“Yes. Grandma loved it when I did this for her. She would sometimes request for a temple massage even when she felt no pain.” There was glee in her voice as she seemed to travel down memory lane.She continued. “Granny said I have delicate hands.”Mentally, I concured to Glenda's statement. Her granny was right. She did have delicate hands, that brou
GLENDA'S POVI paled in surprise as I stepped into my room. A bouquet of purple roses sat elaborately atop the vanity table in my room. I immediately called out to Nora to inquire from her who had entered my room.“Where did those come from?” I asked Nora. I stood by the door and pointed to the flowers. It was almost as if I was scared to step into the room. Flowers, beautiful ones at that, in my room, was a rare thing. It never happened or at least the flowers were never for me.The one time I found flowers in my room while in college, they had been sent over for my roomie by her boyfriend. It was such a sweet gesture that got me somewhat jealous of her. A fairytale romance, I tagged it. A fairytale indeed, because there was no way I could imagine anyone ever doing something like that for me.Nora stood by the door along with me. My fears, a contagious infection, prevented her from stepping into the room. She stood by my side and peeked into the room, fearing what was pressing en
MAURICE'S POVI slowed down when it seemed we were going too fast. I wanted Glenda but I also wanted her to want me as much as I did her.I wanted her to feel every touch from me and experience how much pleasure it could bring her. I just wanted it to be memorable.I knew I achieved this feat when I raised my head from between her legs to see her head thrown back and her body still shivering and shaking from her orgasm.Just watching her reach the pinnacle of pure pleasure was a scene better than any romance movies or books put together.Glenda was the epitome of beauty in her aroused state. She gasped and breathed in quick exhausted successions.When she finally got some of her senses back, she looked down at me still nestled between her most feminine parts.My lips curled into an arrogant grin as I smacked my lips and winked at her. Her cheeks immediately coloured with embarrassment. She tried to hide her blush from me.I moved up and comfortably settled myself between her legs. My
GLENDA'S POVI was appalled with the thought that Maurice only deemed it fit to lay sleep with me because my idea turned out great.It only meant that if it had happened that things didn't go as well as they did now, then he probably would have kicked me out of his house.It only reminded me that I was only as good as my worth to them. If I didn't serve any purpose, then I was useless! How could I forget that?Angrily, without uttering a word, I dressed up and left the room. I was honestly tired of being a pawn. A tool only sought when needed.“Glenda… Glenda!” Maurice called out repeatedly behind me as I headed for the door.Maurice grabbed my arm, stopping me from opening the door.“Glenda.” His tone was draped with disbelief and concern as he chased me to the door. “Hey, what just happened?”I raised my eyes and glared at him. “Nothing. I want to leave.”“Leave your room?-” He looked around the room as though to clarify that it was indeed my room. “-You want to leave your room for
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.