XAVIER'S POV I stepped into the room with my heart tightly grasped in my chest. The door to the room snapped open, as my eyes wandering in a effort driven search for her. Ella wasn't there— she wasn’t on the bed where I'd left her.The room's hollow silence was chilling enough to drive concern in my veins and it did, but instead of just concern, dread loomed alongside.My eyes searched for Ella everywhere, my gaze surveying everything in the room. I balled up my fists, my face contorted in a frown. Hot, incredibly hot air surged out of my nostrils. Where had she gone? “Ella,” I called out, my voice softly echoing against the walls of the room.I expected a response to somehow erupt from somewhere in the room but all I received was a cold haunting silence. I waited a second before walking out of the room, taking my time to ensure there wasn't a living chance that Ella was inside the room.I was worried, my palms were clogged wet and I felt uncomfortable knowing anything could have
XAVIER'S POV The next morning came swiftly, like a curse reaching its expiry date. I woke up on the bed, my arms wrapped around Ella's body. I placed a kiss on her forehead as I courteously slipped out of bed. I didn't want to wake her up quickly since she'd spent weeks planning the event and now that she had succeeded at it, I believed she deserved each and every moment of rest she got. The cold from the tiles braced my feet as I took slow purposeful steps towards the mirror in the dressing room.The glass reflected the worry glistening in my eyes but I masked it quickly before walking into the balcony. My uncle was coming today and if anything, I would allow neither him nor Madame Browne sense my worry.I had to prepare for their presence, I would try all my best to get as much information on Madame Browne and Uncle Luke as I could. I heard he'd left for Russia and had built his wealth on some shady businesses. I'd shrugged the information off the last time I heard about it, but n
XAVIER'S POVI arrived at the tall skyscraping building of the McKinney pharmaceuticals for a board meeting that I had scheduled. It was with the brand that had offered to be our sponsors in taking our branches to other remote continents like Africa and Asia.I walked out of the car and made my way into the building. My bodyguards of course were hovering close, leading the way. I waved through the crowd of people, the cameras flashing as I stepped into the building.Red stop lines lined the buildings, the news of the partnership had spreaded and the media being here wasn't a source of shock. I was used to it, it was obvious they'd received a heads up from an in house staff or from the sponsor's company.But either way, it was good.This was another one out of the countless list of partnership deals I'd bagged for the McKinney pharmaceuticals and I knew Madame Browne was watching me clearly from a tv screen. I arrived into the reception of the office, walking past workers who all part
LU KE'S P O VThe instant I stepped foot into the McKinney pharmaceuticals office, the air changed. Well, if you'd like to place it in my words, the reception room erupted stunned gasps and gawks of bewilderment. That was something I was used to.You could as well call me a show stopper, the one with the power to instil fear and shock into your mind at the same time. My struts demanded attention causing several heads to turn in my direction. They had a reason to be shocked though. Lucas McKinney was finally back! I bet it rang in their minds like bells jungling and sent cold shivers into their spines.You see, my coming back to the McKinney office was like when the prodigal son finally strutted back into father's yard after losing all of his wealth. But in my case, there wasn't any losses infact, I was here to reap one thing— the president seat that was rightfully mine.The thirst for power burned hard in my veins, rocking alongside the heartbeats in my chest. I wasn't expecting to f
XAVIER'S POVMy heart quivered in my chest as my eyes met his. He was back. The sensation I felt in my veins couldn't be described by how much shock I had reeling in my veins, rather, it could be measured by the amount of uncertainty and dread that evaded my senses.The pointer in my hands falters to the floor but I was too stunned to pick it up. Everyone including the business partners all turned their gazes over to him.Lucas stood there, like darkness etched against a little glimmer of light. My breaths seeped out in hushed puffs as he stepped further, each step bringing him further to the table.The media flashed their cameras at him and then, as if I was expecting it, he smirked. They all cower back in fear as he walks over to the table, his steps edged further from the regular chairs to the high neck swivel one at the other end of the table.The president's chair.It glistened on the other end like strawberries on a mojito. Uncle Lucas's steps were charged at it and with the loo
LUCAS'S POVThe room fell in total silence, just the way I liked it. Xavier's gaze held mine, I tried to look for cracks in this seemingly firm young man the president had raised but all I saw were bright green balls of rage.I must say Xavier was probably one of the most expeditious business men I've ever come across and he was definitely going to be the last. When I take over the role of the president's office, I would dabble in all the power that there was.I swiveled on the chair, watching the anger burn in his eyes. He didn't seem worried, rather, he seemed relaxed. Xavier's gaze flickered away from mine as he turned to the presentation board and flickered a pointer to it.“Gentlemen that will be all. The meeting will continue on the next initial meeting date.” I had to admit that Xavier had run the company very well all these years but that didn't mean I wasn't going to get the position.The president’s office was mine— rightfully mine!The president had tried to take it away fr
LUCAS'S POVPhew.I brushed off the remnants of broken glass from the paper before picking it up. Just as I picked up the picture, I felt a prick of glass and before I knew it, blood began seeping from the cut.I sucked in a breath before applying friction on the thumb. Blood pumped out and amidst the cascade, my gaze caught the figure of a little glint of a broken glance. A dark grin caught hold over my expression and I chuckled darkly.The pain from the glass's prick was soft, enjoyable. Comparing it to the other injuries I've faced in my years as a Russian mob boss would be extremely unfair. I'd seen and endured it all, daggers, swords and even bullets.My journey to Russia was one I wasn't ready to account for yet. I left New York out of anger, rage making a promise to myself that the next time I'd step foot into New York was when I was going to take the position.I crumpled the paper and tossed it in a nearby trash can. After doing that, I swiveled and immediately headed out of t
LUCAS'S POV I followed the police officer out of the office. The doors slid open and the bright sun beamed into my eyes. My securities hovered towards the police me but I signaled them not to make a scene.The media being here was already enough drama to hold by so I instructed them to not interrupt the police men. I smirked as the cameras flickered, giving a proud smile for the camera shots.I just hope they did get the right camera angle for me. I didn't want to find myself in the headline of a magazine with a poorly taken picture of me being ushered by the police. Just as I approached their vehicle, I caught the sight of the emergency bus and smirked.I still had some unfinished business with that pimp. I strutted casually over to their parked car and turned authoritatively to the police officer. He hesitated before opening the door for me and I entered the car.The ride down to the police department was slow, safe for the blaring sound of the siren. At one point, I turned my gaze
XAVIER'S POV Dear reader, if absolute shock and confusion were a person, that god-damned person would be me.As I stood there, I felt my knees buckle as I nearly lost balance. The words the president spat out echoed repeatedly against the walls of my ears and with each replay, I felt fear encircling my senses.The fact that Lucas was the leader of a powerful mafia gang leader from Russia wasn't a small thing.I still couldn't believe it. Why would I believe Lucas, my uncle whose case I used to think could be taken down by a mere court case, was actually a powerful mafia lord himself.Confusion wrapped around me like a cocoon and in it's nerving sheets, I found a haunting solace that sent chills down my spine. It revealed a lot to me even at this time when I needed it the most. I used to think I could take him down with one course case backed with evidence but it's only then I realized this battle was one that had exceeded sparing words.The little energy I was able to gather in my l
XAVIER'S POV When my lips pulled open, It was to the starry vision of a dark room. I winced sharply, fear purring in my veins as I tried my best to make out something from the background I was.The last thing I remembered was zoning out after the president told me my family were killed by the brutal hands of Lucas McKinney and Madam Browne. As the thought punched through my mind, I shook my head slowly, my face powdered with sweats.Even now, I still couldn't believe it. It had to be a joke. Madame Browne and Lucas couldn't have done that. This had to be a dream, a nightmare of some sorts.I was sure it was edged far away from reality. That was the only logical reason I was waking up in a dark room. I must be sleeping peacefully on a bed with Ella's body clinging to mine.I must be sleeping peacefully.That had to be it.This was a dream.With gentle flinches, I pulled my back from the hard ground and I felt the brushing texture of the group against my back. The sudden scratch caused
XAVIER'S POV I obeyed the president's words and took my seat. As I did that, I still couldn't get a grip over the waves of emotions soaring in my chest. I flashed him a glance and I noticed the plain glint of remorse in his eyes.For quite a long time now, the president had been hiding something. I knew that for sure but what didn't know was why. Anytime he tried to talk to me, either Madame Browne or Lucas comes in and intrudes but this time around, there's no rooms for games.My heart thumped wildly in my chest as I took my seat and my chest heaved. I stared back at the president expecting him to start an explanation but instead, he stood up and walked over to the door which he locked before walking back to where I was.I wasn't sure what it was but I could tell for a fact that something was about to go down. Something dark. Something ground shattering.I steadied the uneven gasps rippling through my lips and turned back to him. The president's eyes turned dark almost immediately a
XAVIER'S POV.I strolled into the hallway slowly with the weight of Ella's gaze still pressing against my back. Ignoring it, I continued and walked over to the elevator where I tapped the button leading in. As the doors chimed open, I stepped into it and locked my arms.I watched the doors close and yet I could feel her gaze on me. It layered over my skin, tracing delicate patterns that made it nearly impossible to keep a steady heartbeat. A cloud of sweats loomed over my forehead and upon several intervals, I'd wipe them off swiftly.The cold droplets of sweat trickled down the side of my face as I clenched my fists. My mind wasn't at ease. I had a lot of unanswered questions. First was why did the president acknowledge dying soon?What did he mean?I was just about to ponder on the questions when the thought of his mention of Madame Browne and Lucas punched through my mind. My heart palpitated but I stayed still, feeling a surge of dread in me as I thought of them.I shook my head s
ELLA'S POV I couldn't wait to get home.I had to tell him.Xavier deserved to know everything. He deserved to know that Rochelle wasn't really pregnant. He deserved to know that Cassandra worked for Madame Browne and is probably trying to kill the president and most of all, he deserved to know one thing, the one news I hadn't really told anyone else.I'm pregnant.The main reason my eyes watered in tears back there when we were walking out of the building was when I thought of the chances of losing him and the thought of Madame Browne winning over us.We couldn't allow that, at least not when we have a lot at risk. The wind from the side glasses in the helicopter jostled sharply at me as I pulled closer to Xavier and locked my arms tighter with his.As I did that, I caught the soft whiffs of his cologne in the air. I waited patiently until we finally arrived at the tall towering figure of the mansion. From the top view, I caught the sight of the maids going about doing their respecti
XAVIER'S POV.I could feel their gazes on me.It loomed over me as I strutted into the room with rage boiling in my veins. Despite the fact that I hadn't fully recovered, I had to be there. Ella had done enough for me. All through the weeks of my Coma, she stepped up into a role as demanding as the acting CEO just to secure my spot in all the meeting needed in the meeting. I balled my fists as the rippling sound of gasps braced my ears in an unsolicited welcome.I pushed forward, my feet moving gently as I traced my step into the room with my wife or should I now say, my assistant, strutting beside me. Her arms locked against mine, the soft whiffs of her perfume surging into my nostrils.I brushed off some unseen dusts on my suit as I stared back at the figure of my shocked nemesis. His electrifying green eyes stared back at me as my lips curled into a smile. I dusted off my suit again, giving him the hint that it was the exact one I wore before getting involved in the accident they
XAVIER'S POV Dear reader, I'm just as shocked as you. I couldn't believe I made it. I thought I died but when my eyes fluttered open, it was to the sight of a doctor staring back at me with a shocked look on his face. A gasp rippled through his lips as he stared at me.I stretched my hands to yawn and as I did that, I was repelled by the casts placed over my hands. I look up at the ceiling as I wondered where in god's green earth I was.Most importantly, where was he?Where was the man who was hired by Madame Browne to kill me?The doctor in front of me ran out of the room and raced out like he had seen a demon. I yawned and raced my back a little. I searched the entire room with my gaze and I immediately remembered where I was.This was an hospital.It was obvious.The ridiculously big machines surrounding me and the wires fixed to me. I arched my brow as I tugged off the wires and stepped out of the bed. As my feet touched the base of the floor, I was about to crash into it when I
ELLA'S POV The next few weeks blurred by and I had to go to over many meetings. It was stressful but I did it anyways. I didn't have a choice. I had to hold down the position for Xavier.Speaking of Xavier, I'm sure you're curious as to what happened to him. I'll be your host. After the surgery which he survived, he was placed on a cast and was in a comma for a few days.My heart still shook in my chest whenever I thought of him. I shook my head as I tried to take it off my mind. That particular morning, I had to go drop off Ivy at her school when Alex, Jason's assistant called me.“Mrs Ella… we need you at the office immediately. There is another meeting.” His voice beamed and I threw my fists in the air out of frustration. A cloud of sweats formed on my forehead and I wiped them off with some rolling down my face.“Here’s your backpack Ivy.” I said and gave Ivy her backpack. “Madeline, we will be going now. Thanks for breakfast it was delicious as always.” I remarked and even befo
ELLA'S POV “We're here, Ma'am!” The hushed voice of the driver pulled me out of my train of thoughts and as I pulled out of thoughts, I flashed my gaze at the figure beside me. Penny's eyes loomed brightly with concern as she gripped my hands and asked, “Do you want me to come in with you?”A weary smile tugged at my lips as my voice creaked out, “No… I'll do just fine Madame Browne has nothing on me.”I saw her lips pull open as if aiming at saying something else but before she could even muster up enough words, I interrupted, “Driver, you can take Penny back to her apartment.” The driver nodded and I pulled my hands from Penny's loosening grip as I stared back into her sad eyes. “Ella, are you sure?” She slurred her words and they shook several waves of fear down my spine. As her words loomed into the air, I felt a stifling wave of fear log into my chest as I pressed my lips into a tight smile. I nodded slowly, clenching my jaw as I assured her. After our little conversation, I