Applauds...
The congregation applauded them until they took their seats. As young as Frederick could get, he was handsome, looking a lot like his breathtaking son and Kara, wasn't looking any less. Daniel, on the other hand, had climbed up the podium to welcome everyone to this auspicious occasion. It was made grand and the welcomed guests were wholly wealthy that one couldn't help but feel very courteous and if possible, nervous too. "Good day everyone, I'm glad you could all make it. I welcome you all to the 13th anniversary of Mr. Frederick Thompson and his wife, Mrs. Kara Thompson...." Daniel wasn't oblivious of the stares he was getting. He wasn't supposed to be the centre of attraction yet the ladies never fail to notice his attractive physique and alluring voice. He had met the stare of one of the hundreds but failed to hold it for it drifted over to those with captivating blue eyes. For a second there, he made no move to look away making people anticipate his next words. He just gave a silent sigh and concluded. "I'm indeed grateful that you all came to celebrate with us and so, i implore you to make merry for as long as you stay." He said finally before receiving a round of applause. For one third of his way back to his seat, his eyes were on her. For goodness sake, her dress would have been less revealing and her lipstick mild. It was like she was bent on seducing him today. He shook his head at his incoming thought. What if she wanted to? It couldn't be possible. Still, if she were to make a move, he wasn't sure he would find the courage to refuse her. She was looking perfect in that red dress with that split running up her thigh. It made him want to....he looked away from her, praying he was able to occupy his mind with something else. She looked away too, in a rush to calm the unsteady beat of her heart. Her eyes landed on someone else in the process, the eyes she thought she could forever avoid. --- Clarissa stood, staring at herself in the mirror, taking note of who she had become. A girl with a man every lady had their eyes on. Was this what she really needed? The last time she took a proper look at the mirror, she was still a teenager. A teenager who wanted to enjoy every bit of her teenage life but never forgetting that she was also the same girl that let her parents decide everything for her, mainly because she never had the courage to tell them what she actually wanted. She was also the same girl that let herself make a mistake even though she knew what she was doing was totally wrong. Loving her cousin's ex wasn't what she foresaw, particularly when her cousin hadn't had her fill with him. Yet, she couldn't help it. Her sister Mia was right. She had a knack for taking things that belonged to other people. Mia said this on their fifteenth birthday when the boy they were both crushing on got to give Clarissa her birthday gift way before her. Mia had made a mountain out of a molehill considering that she practically liked him first. It made them almost never get along. Unfortunately, Mia died 4years later, on her way back from the United States where she applied for her degree. The plane shattered and exploded on crashing that they never discovered any bodies. Clarissa turned to the sound of the door opening, her mom walked in. Lisa paused after shutting the door taking in her daughter's state before she plastered a smile on her face and walked towards Clarissa. Clarissa never missed out the way she dressed. She must be feeling so proud that her daughter was infact a billionaire. Her dress stood out, she would have thought it to be more expensive that hers but considering the dollars Audora spent, she doubted. "Darling, I missed you." Lisa said pulling her daughter in for a hug. Clarissa shut her eyes and welcomed the hug. Even if her mother had persuaded her into something that changed her life for the 'least best,' it had been long since she hugged family. She couldn't help but immerse herself in the comfort of her mother's arms. "Mother," she finally said. "How was your trip to the Philippines?" Lisa finally released her hold on her walking to the sink next to her. "It was fun. How is it going over here? I mean to say, are you alright?" Clarissa forced a smile. "What can I say? Things aren't that bad mom." She turned fully to her mother and said; "For now I'm okay, I mean things haven't gone bad, I'm managing?" She shrugged. "You worry too much my dear, everything will be alright." "That's the problem, why wouldn't I worry? It's my life we are talking about here." "What do you mean? Why would you worry? 'This' is every girls dream!" "That is the problem mom, I never wanted this! You did all this and didn't for once think about how I would feel about it." "How can you say that? Of course I thought about you and that is why I suggested it. Didn't the decision I made change your life for good? Look at you looking pretty and all that. All I did was for you, you should be grateful." "I understand what you did mother, and I am grateful for that but can't you see that this is what I've being trying to avoid, this kind of relationships, I know it's going to work." Lisa frowned. "What if Clara comes back and-" "She's never coming back! Don't you see, life has given you an opportunity, I only wish you could see it." --- "Are you alright?" Daniel asked her. She forced a smile on her face and replied; "Yah, never felt better." It was then he was convinced that something wasn't right and he couldn't be wrong about this. "If you say so then." He answered. "Do you want to dance?" She thought she hadn't heard correctly. Right now the guest applauded his parents as their music ended. It was now time for them to take the stage. He stood and held his hand out to her and she took it with hesitation, following him to the dance floor. "You know, I like your choice of gown," That got her to finally stare at him and she did something that he always seem to like, she blushed. "Oh, I'm glad you like it-" "Let me take a guess, Audora picked it for you?" He guessed and she cracked a smile. He took her away from him with the length of his arm only for her to come back to him with her back against his chest and his hands around her waist. He breathed in her addictive perfume and smiled too. "Yeah, she said you were going to like it." She confessed with her face slightly turned to his. They moved, swaying gently to the music. "Well I won't lie I do love the dress." His hands tightened on her waist just as his thoughts got drifted away to her lips. She allowed him take in her scent as she felt the need to arch into him. She unfortunately locked eyes with Austin who couldn't contain his grin at the both of them. But just as Daniel noticed, he took her back to face him. "I don't want you staring at anyone but me." He stated not taking his eyes off her for a moment. "Even though he's just a friend." He finished.(Flashback)Daniel came interrupting their conversation at the coffee shop. Immediately, their girlish talk was suspended as they now paid attention to the tall guy with dark locks and piercing green eyes."Hey," He pronounced kissing Clara on the cheeks in greeting before sitting next to her. "Oh, hey Clarissa, didn't see you there." Clarissa rolled her eyes at his joke and faked a smile which he returned with an amused look."How did you find me?" Clara asked him and he smiled at her.He said, "I always know where you are sweetheart." She gave him a cheeky smile and he leaned down to lock their lips in a kiss which he didn't fail to lengthen fully aware of the third party seated across them.Clarissa's eyes darted to the hands that gripped her cousin's waist and she frowned. On impulse, her eyes found his that was surprisingly already staring at her and she looked away immediately."Is something wrong?" Clara asked. Daniel's eyes found Clara's, "Perfect, Everything is perfect." He s
Audora ran down the stairs hurriedly before falling into the arms of man. A Blondie with the dark blue eyes. He pulled her to himself and stroked her hair."My love, I missed you so much." He said and she tightened her arms around him in reply. She released him to stare at how well he looked. Staring at him after a long time brought back their memories. She missed him so much, so damn much!"Darius, is that you my dear?" Kara said, smiling immediately she recognized him and engulfing him in a warm embrace."Yes mother, I missed you too." He replied.___Clarissa noticed that the office was oddly different today. She later discovered Cynthia's desk empty on her way back from lunch. She rolled her eyes at how oblivious she had been to her absence. This was very unusual. Thia was never absent from work except when she catches a fever, other than that, one can say she loves working.Typical,"Becky, quick question, I haven't seen Thia around is everything okay?" Clarissa asked."Clarissa,
It was the third time she ignored Nick's phonecalls. At every interval, she would catch the stare of all of them, silently urging her to pick the call. She once again rejected it wondering if he would ever stop calling.When she thought it was all over, with every one resuming their action of eating breakfast, she received a text. She froze as the music of her phone sounded in the dining room. Meeting the eyes of her husband who had long ago lost appetite, she forced a smile muttering an apology before checking what the message was all about.'Since you refused to speak to me, I'll come to you and don't try to stop me!'She quickly excused herself from the dining table dialing his number. As soon as it rang, he rejected it. She sent the call again and he did the same thing. She thought for a second before deciding to text him.'Don't come over Nick, we can talk later okay? I'll call you.'She was very fortunate today that Kara wasn't present or she wouldn't have heard the last of it.
The elevator clicked open and she drifted out of her thoughts staring at the brown headed figure that stood before her. She stared too long that he began to wonder if she would recognize him yet. His smile finally slipped through as she recognized him.Austin!"Oh my goodness! What are you doing here?" She gaped at him in surprise."I came to see Daniel on a project discussion. You shouldn't be so surprised to see me because I will be coming here umpteen times." He smiled genuinely at her and she nodded in understanding.He said, "What happened? You look disturbed."She sighed and said, "You could say that but frustrated could also be the word."He frowned. "Did you two have a misunderstanding?""Huh, what?" She was driven out of trance again."Did you two fight?" He asked again despite her inattentiveness and she nodded in reply."He doesn't even want to talk about it." She continued."Talk to me, tell me what happened, I can talk some sense into him if the situation is that bad y'kn
The hand wrote on the book with enthusiasm. The black pen against the book was something the writer had gotten accustomed to in a short period of time. He wrote down,Dear diary,For the first time, I'm convinced that I am doing the wrong thing but I can't seem to stop myself. Every passing day I have my patience deteriorating and....He hesitated before sighing and tearing the page off. Closing the book, he threw it on the table and laid on the couch jadedly.---Clarissa quickly turned when she noticed him staring. Presently, she was trying the zipper of her dress but her hands fumbled with the zipper instead. She cursed silently with a groan. She had always done this trick before, so she didn't understand what went wrong.She nervously turned to see if he was still watching her but turned back almost immediately when she noticed his presence behind her."You should have asked for my help already," he started. "Or are you too shy to do that too?""No, I was handling it." He shook hi
Moping and sulking was all he could do as he watched Henry dance with his wife. Music played unceasingly allowing the horny adults dance energetically.For all the times he had been there, he never knew he would one day come here and mope around. Not like he didn't have a wife that he came with. He poured the drink into his throat and swallowed noisily. Daniel tried to remember the reason he allowed this to happen. Oh yes, he lost a fucking dare to that bastard. He drank another glass of vodka in one gulp and asked for a bottle."Daniel Thompson why the hell is Henry all over your wife?!" Austin asked right after taking the bottle away from the bartender faster than Daniel could."I didn't feel like dancing and Henry offered to keep her company." He answered shrugging as if he was okay."And you came over here to drink?" Austin scoffed. "You are unbelievable!""I'm only allowing it just because I lost the bet Austin okay, now give me back my drink." Austin sighed and handed it over to
"Gosh! What in heaven's name was I thinking?!" He scolded himself, taking some painkillers to ease his ache.Staring back at her, he discovered that she was still very much fast asleep. He had achieved something yesterday. Since God knows when had he dreamt of kissing those lips of hers, wanting to know what they taste like. Still, he couldn't help but feel like he took advantage of her.She stirred in her sleep finally. The room was bathed in morning light. Squinting her eyes, she let out a yawn then, sat up."Here," she immediately turned to him. "Doesn't your head hurt?" She nodded and took the drug along with the water he gave to her. "You'll feel better in a while.""Thank you Daniel." He nodded walking to place the cup on the night stand. "Em....When did we get home?""When? We've been home since 11pm yesterday,"She said, "Oh, I'm sorry I clearly don't remember much.""You don't remember having fun last night?" He asked."Fun? I remember half of what happened. I was with Henry
She folded her clothes and placed them on the bed. Presently, she was on a house coat with a swim wear within, she was about to take a swim. Work these days had been hectic. Coupled with her husband not having time for her, she thought she could do what she formally loved doing, swimming.She opened the direct door that led downstairs to the pool. The pool was just besides their room with only a stair connecting them. They seem to be at advantage because they were closest to the pool and so, they get to spend more time in it than the rest of the family.She dipped herself carefully into the pool and the only sound she heard were the ripples of the water and her moan of relaxation.___(Yesterday, 3pm)"Hey handsome," A manicured hand was placed on his shoulders feeling his muscles before the figure came to sit before him.Daniel simply poured himself another round of alcohol before gulping immediately. It wasn't his Intention of getting drunk today but if he couldn't help it, he would
"Did you know you were pregnant?"--An honest answer, he wanted an honest answer?Tears welled up in her eyes almost immediately as guilt welled up in her chest."Baby," He tried again but She released her hands from his hold all the while looking away. It was then he got the clue.She knew!"Tell me it's not-" he scoffed. "Why didn't you tell me? Was it not that important that you refuse to tell me?" When she did not answer, he cursed combing his hair in frustration before beginning to walk away."Daniel...Daniel please wait.... Please don't leave." He stopped. His legs ached to move back to her but he decided against it. She needed to know he was upset with her, very upset."It was important. I wouldn't dream of hiding such a thing from you but I didn't tell you because I didn't have the chance to after our fight. I just couldn't bring myself to tell you i just..I'm sorry." She added."Still, you should have told me. I love you Clarissa. We love each other, you shouldn't keep thing
All he worked hard for couldn't go down the drain.No, no, no!Not like this,There was commotion in his surrounding and all he could think of next was to mingle with the crowd.---"Stay where you are or I will shoot her!" He yelled and there was no movement. He gently pulled Clarissa away hoping to get to the door in time."Put the Gun down Nicholas, it's over." Darius said."No, it's not. It can't be over till I say so!" He yelled back."You shouldn't do this, put the gun down." Darius tried again but he shook his head furiously."You guys always ruin everything for me! Can't I get what I want for once. She and I are supposed to be gone by dawn but no, you always ruin everything, you ruined EVERYTHING!!" His voice echoed around the room that Clarissa had to flinch from it."Now who is it going to be? Her or.... her?" He pointed the gun to the face of the other woman without remorse.---He took the next option- the stairs. Running as fast as he could hoping to escape the police thi
"So you knew all along?" Clarissa asked."I knew that you liked him. What can I say? He's quite the lady's man but I didn't know that you were in love with him and I never knew that he secretly had feelings for you."Kara gave her a sad smile. Everything Clarissa thought she kept to herself was never a secret. Maybe she really did a bad job at hiding how she felt. Darius was right."I was so focused on getting your cousin married to my son for her reputation and for my son's happiness that I didn't look at what it would result to. When I found out that things were turning out bad, I tried to get your husband to divorce you."Clarissa frowned. "Why would you want to separate us?""That was what I thought myself. I was definitely meeting a dead end trying to separate two people that are madly in love with each other. But then, do you also know what I thought? I thought getting you two divorced will leave you out of everything. If Jack wanted a ransom, the best bait to use was you and wi
Clara froze on the spot as the voice echoed around the room. She just had to do one thing and she messed up. Now what was he going to think?Daniel frowned when he saw the owner of the Chestnut hair. So she was planning to steal from him after all. He knew she was up to no good when she returned from California."I said, what the fuck are you doing in my room?!""I...em... papers. I mean, I wanted to...I was looking for papers i-" she paused when his strides stopped in front of her.Daniel scanned the fairly displaced items in the room before looking at her with coldness."Get out," he said."Your mom, she's going to-""I said, get out!" She hurried away from him but stopped at the door when she saw Darius staring back at her in confusion."What is going on here?" Darius eyes darted from Clara to Daniel and back to Clara."She's trying to steal from me!" Daniel stated."That is not true! Why will I steal from you Daniel?" Clara blurted out."Then you didn't answer my question, why are
Darius had now confirmed his doubt. He sighed replaying her conversation the other day.(Flashback)Having his jacket on his shoulders, Darius walked out of his room. He was a minute late for his shift and so he hurried down the passage. He quickly took out his phone, sending a call to Gabriel to cover up for him. He frowned when he heard a disturbing shriek. Ending the call, he walked further into another corner of the passage, where the noise came from. It was his wife's parents room. He remembered Audora going out to get groceries along with a servant while the office was busy lately. That left Kara and him, then who could she be angry at?..."Jack, I didn't cause her death okay? How would I have known she worked there? Now for your benefits, don't call me ever again, do you hear me?....." Now you listen to me," Kara stated forcefully."Stop this madness immediately. My son isn't signing anything over to you." Then nothing, he tried to listen for muffled voice but the silence wa
"Did you get the papers signed?""Look, I need more time." Kara told him."Much to your dismay, there isn't any left. I need the papers signed and brought to me as agreed Kara." With that, he hung up.She sighed heavily. At first, he demanded a huge sum and now he wants something even bigger. Things weren't going as planned and she hated every bit of the moment. What was she going to do now? The greatest mistake she will make is to make her son to sign some papers when he was already devastated. At least, she couldn't let Jack know if she had the papers signed just yet. She had to make sure that he was willing to reach a compromise."Mom," the voice called out and she could froze.Oh, shit-She shouldn't have put the call on speak out.***Daniel combed his hair in frustration for the nth time. Holding tight in his hands the necklace that he would have given her if they hadn't fought.The necklace was beautiful, she was going to love it.He thought about her and how she was doing. He
"You think? Can you be more formal please?" Daniel was first to speak up. "If you know then quit beating around the bush.""I tried calling her yesterday way before I heard the news about her kidnapping.""Well, did she pick up?"Clara hesitated. "I mean she did pick up but it was like she didn't even know that she did," Clara looked at the worried family. "I think she dropped her phone or something because I heard a crash then the line went dead."The whole family almost gave out worried sighs. Daniel combed his hair in frustration for the nth time that day."But, I have a friend. He was our high school friend, he majored in information technology and he was able to help me out last night. Though it cost me alot." Clara told them."Well how much do you want then? A million?" Daniel frowned."If I wanted money first, I wouldn't have told you a lot before hand Daniel. She's my cousin Daniel and I would do anything for her." Clara said."I hope so Clara. I do hope so.""My friend was ab
Becky heaped the files on her table immediately after fetching them from her boss's office. Daniel was just on the phone with her a minute ago, telling her that he would work from home for the mean time. All she needed to do was to bring some important files he needed to attend to.Her phone rang and she picked it, excusing herself from her table and walking to Hailey's table to say something to her. Hailey nodded in understanding and Becky walked away. Ending the call, she picked up her bag, swinging it over her shoulder and then she carried the files."Oh Good morning ma'am," The woman with a particular silky raven black hair turned to the receptionist and nodded before walking further.The receptionist held back whatever she wanted to say. Surely there was no need to question her. After all, she was the wife of the CEO. The woman stopped walking when she saw a familiar face walk pass her to talk with the receptionist. Kara glanced at the files this lady placed besides her then back
Dear diary,Everything will be how I ever wanted it soon. Every bit of my fantasies, every thoughts I've had. Her lips will finally be against mine after a long time. There would be nothing that'll pull us apart again and that's because we belong together.---She dropped the flowers at the grave right after cleaning the face of it."I finally came to see you," She knelt besides it. "I'm sorry I couldn't come see you before." Clarissa sniffed."Now I understand what you said Mia, I have yet to be accustomed to this whole love thing. I never told you this before, but I'm sorry for allowing Bane give me the gift first, it should have been you. Maybe if that happened you wouldn't have hated me so much."Mia wasn't one to be negative. Although they were twins, they were the complete opposite. Everyone knew even if it was the most confusing love story, she would write it to the end like an Author that she was.So, she would contradict that Clarissa was infact a novice at love. She always e