DAHLIA
The following day had dawned cold and wet. I had just dropped Aria at school before heading to work. Last night consumed my mind. I had awoken hours later in the hall. Glass shattered and a few embedded into my skin. All I remember is that voice that instilled fear within me. I wanted to put it down to just a prank call, but the words still rang in my head, like a chilling chant of dread.
I had removed the glass and made sure to cover up well so no one saw the cuts on my arm. I was wearing a blush pink silk blouse and black fitted pants paired with some pink heels.
I walked into work so lost in thought I didn’t even realise where I was walking until I knocked straight into someone. I gasped stumbling back until an arm wrapped around my waist catching me before I hit the ground. My eyes widened when I looked into a pair of piercing hazel eyes that were becoming so very familiar. Not to mention the arrogant cocking of his brow.
“Are you naturally
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DAHLIA He smirked irritatingly at me and I glared back before composing myself. “What did you want to talk to me about?” “I just wanted to ask how long Cook’s been in this company and about the shopping centre that the El Nazari wanted to make a few years ago. A process that seems to be put on hold.” I walked around the table looking at the computer file he had just opened and perched on his desk. “He’s been on the board for years, nearly two decades if memory serves.” “With your age, I’m wondering if I can trust in your memory. Anyhow, I do think he’s been having some odd involvements. I want to visit that building.” He said, not giving me a chance to even say anything. “But that building is…why?” I asked. He stood up, leaning down and looked into my eyes. “I just have something I want to confirm.” He said making me move back. His seductive scent filled my nose. The man wasn’t only handsome and well dressed but somethi
DANE Night had fallen and I was heading to my parents’ home for dinner. Mom had been after me for the last few days to come home. I’ve been pretty busy lately and I knew I couldn't avoid them forever. Ever since they had heard of where I was working dad had lost it. I unlocked the apartment door and stepped inside. The smell of home-cooked pizza and something else filled the air making my stomach rumble. I was definitely hungry, and I won’t deny I missed mom's homemade food. Surviving on takeaway was a bit crap. “You’re home!” Mom said spotting me as she came over, and pulling me into a hug. She was a short woman with brown hair now streaked with grey. Her tired blue eyes looked me over. “Have you been eating well?” “Bella, leave the boy. I’m sure he’s eaten fine.” Robert my dad said grumpily, not bothering to look up. “Dane!” Amanda, my 22-year-old hot-tempered sister, said running over. I gave her a small smirk,
DAHLIA “Oh, come on, you look gorgeous!” Zara, my best friend said. She had forced me to come with her to a club and although I don’t mind a drink here and there, I wasn’t really in the mood. Not since she had left me at that club all by myself right after I had broke up with Warren. Zara herself, was dressed in a gorgeous deep purple silk dress and it was clear she was happy to be here. “Zara… I look like a high-end hooker!” I said now looking down at myself. All I could see were my breasts! She shook her head. “You look sexy. Look you need to let loose and maybe you know, take a man home or at least to a hotel…” She said. I sighed. “I’m not ready for that.” I said despite a certain someone coming to mind. My eyes widened and I quickly pushed the thought away. “Ok fine. At least loosen up, have a few drinks you know?” “It’s a Sunday, I have work tomorrow?” “A few drinks won’t hurt!” She retorted. I hadn't been out sinc
DANE I was so pissed off after that stupid comment mom told me that I came to a club. Heck, I just wanted a drink. I was on my third and I knew, although I didn’t get drunk easily, I would still have a hangover tomorrow. Just when I was beginning to lose all the annoying thoughts in my head. A woman came and sat on the stool next to me. "Hey handsome, mind if I join?" She asked in a flirty tone. I didn’t even bother glancing at her. If I wanted a woman, I would get one, but today I was not in the mood. That comment had really irked me so bad! Sugar mama… she wasn’t even that much older than me! How the hell did they even come up with that? Dahlia El Nazari. The woman was troubling me outside of work too. "Mind if I buy you a drink?" The woman next to me said. I now frowned and glared at her. She was pretty enough. Large green eyes, auburn hair, wearing a purple dress which left little to the imagination. "Didn’t you get the hint the first time?" I sai
DAHLIA I awoke with a gasp; I had just dreamt of kissing Dane again. Just the thought of his lips on mine made my stomach flutter, a pleasant throb settling in the very pit of my stomach. Dane… was I crushing on him? I couldn’t deny there was an attraction there. I sighed, sitting up trying to ignore the ache between my legs. After showering, I got dressed in a pale-yellow knee-length dress. Pairing it with a cropped white jacket and heels. I applied the usual eyeliner, mascara and lipstick. My skin was clear and apart from occasions, I wouldn’t really wear foundation. I left my hair open as I decided to go see if he was awake. After the state he was in last night, he would need some painkillers. I entered his room silently, to see him still asleep. His arm was over his forehead and his shirt had risen a little, showing off his defined V. I looked away, placing the painkillers and water on the bedside table. I walked to the curtain and pulled them open, letti
DANE I had seen Dahlia leaving in a hurry. Since she had received that parcel in the morning she had been lost in thought. Even when I had needed her signature she had been lost in thought. I had pretended I didn’t remember last night, and it was for the best. It had been an intoxicated mistake. I don’t even know why I kissed her, even if she was a sexy doll. She was still a rich spoilt princess. The more I said that the more it felt unconvincing. I tried not to remember how she had removed my shoes or tucked me in. Damn it was embarrassing. What annoyed me the most was I had been there in that house but hadn’t been able to look around. It had been absolutely pointless. Well, that kiss… I frowned. That kiss shouldn’t have happened. I needed to keep telling myself that firmly. I pressed the button on the intercom. “Ms Thorn ask Ms El Nazari’s assistant to bring me the files she was to sign. I’ll do them.” I had a little time so why not, I guess
DAHLIA I had made my way to my fathers’ house and headed upstairs to his bedroom. The house staff had told me he hadn’t been fit enough to leave the bed today. Also, it seemed like Amal had decided to go out. It hurt to know that he was alone at such a time. I didn’t like the woman much, but the fact she wasn’t here for my father upset me even more. I sighed and placed a smile on my face. Conceal and appear content. I took a deep breath before I entered the room. It was a luxurious room decorated in marble, cream wall panelling and gold borders. The ceiling was stone with intricate patterns, a huge chandelier was in the centre. The embroidered cream curtains were open, and the sun shone through the windows. The huge king-sized bed was covered in embroidered Egyptian cotton bedding with several pillows. I almost cried seeing the state my father was in. Gone was the wig he wore during the day. He had lost his hair thanks to chemo. He looked so weak and haggard,
DANE It was evening by the time I got off work and I headed straight to the diner. I knew mom would take her break soon and I wanted answers. It was a cosy place with brick walls, canvases and paintings hung up all around. Some with slogans or quotes and others just artwork. Lanterns hung off the wall and from the ceiling. The tables were heavy wood and there were three battered burnt orange couches to one side. A dartboard stood to the side as well as a huge board where customers could post pictures. I never understood it, but people loved it. We had never removed anything from it and sometimes years later, people came back to look for their old images. It literally covered almost a full wall. A mix of music was playing from the jukebox and there was a mix of aged people sitting around. I took a seat on one of the bright coloured chairs and waited to the side with a cup of coffee, watching her rush around. It seemed they were short on a server tonigh
TWO AND A HALF YEARS LATER… DAHLIA "Careful there Cain!" Dane’s mother scolded her grandson despite the smile on her face. "You will get your mother's clothes dirty." She kissed the chubby little boy on his cheek. He pouted as he tugged at her necklace. I smiled watching them, my little boy with his large grey eyes like mine and his hair was the same as his father and sister. "Let me fix that for you." Amanda said adjusting my veil that Cain had just tugged. I looked in the mirror, I was dressed in a stunning white wedding dress with jewels and beads. My hair that now almost reached my waist, was open and in its natural curls, pinned back in an elegant puff. The scar on my face was faint and I didn’t hide it any longer. My face glowed with the dewy makeup my stylist had applied, and my jewellery glittering. Today was the day I was to marry the love of my life. Dane. Life had changed so much since the day we ended Joaqui
DAHLIA I didn’t know where he had taken me or why he had the sudden need to come out with his true identity. We hadn’t driven far when the van stopped and I was being dragged out of it, all I could see was it was some sort of car park. My stomach sank as he pulled me into the darkness and down the ramp to the lower floor, I couldn’t see anything much and I did my all not to stumble whilst Joaquin didn’t seem to care. There were a few dim lights but for the most part, it was dark here. He pushed me against a post and began tying me to it roughly, I winced when the rough rope singed my skin. "I’ll make quick work of this." He muttered. My stomach twisted in fear, what was he planning? Every worst-case scenario flitted through my mind and I just felt sick. Maria… Zara… Amal, who was carrying his child… Kendra, who could have been his daughter… The moment he removed the cloth from around my mouth I thought of what I could say.
DAHLIA It had been a few weeks since Kendra’s body had been found and Dane had stayed true to his word. Emily would not get away with it and the doctor who had attended to Aria had given his statement. I was officially free from Warren completely and I couldn’t be happier. Dane’s relationship with his family had been strained, but regardless of that fact, I had invited them to our engagement. I knew deep down, they were still his parents, and I also knew they would treat Aria well. They had treated her well before too. I just hoped one-day things would work out. Family was not always pleasant, and many of us had parents who made mistakes, but that does not mean we should immediately disown them. I just hoped with time things would work out and they would realise what they were missing, because I would love it if Aria had more family around. The news of my engagement and pregnancy was swirling around, but we had not confir
DAHLIA My heart was racing as he spoke those words. Dane was proposing. My chest rose and fell as I tried to speak. My throat felt dry and I got choked up. He reached over and took the ring from my fingers. His gorgeous dreamy hazel eyes looking into mine for an answer. I couldn’t reply, so I nodded. Breathing deeply as I held my hand out. A devilish sexy smirk crossed his lips. "Use your words, princess." He purred teasingly. I poked my eyes at him. "Yes, I would love to." I whispered, holding my hand out to him. He took it, kissing it softly before he slipped the stunning ring onto my finger. "I love it, and I love you." I said, cupping his face as he stood up and pulled me into his arms. I kissed him passionately, hoping he could feel all my love for him in that kiss. He moved away when I gasped for air and I smiled at him. "Love you too, princess." He said running his fingers through my hair.
DAHLIA It had been a few days since we had visited Devin in the hospital, yet still we were unable to track Kendra down. Although Dane did tell me that there was a high chance she may be dead. I just hoped it wasn’t the case, for Devin at least. Malcolm had tried to find more details on Kendra’s birth father, but he wasn’t even mentioned on the birth certificate. There were a few places Malcolm went to ask around, people who knew her mother, but he had drawn another blank. Tonight, Dane was taking me out. He had said it had been a while since we got a break and just a change would be good for us both. I was excited about it. I had taken some time to pick out a crystal-encrusted mini dress, which I wore over a nude bodysuit that emphasised my curves. The dress had a high collar and shoulder pads, which only had more tassels. It was probably the shortest dress I’ve worn, the dangly bling strands just about covering my behind, but it felt right. I paired it with silver
DANE Was she a woman or an angel? She was so selfless that here she was willing to help the brother of her ex-husband's mistress… I had seen her looking around the hospital earlier with a frown on her face. "I haven’t got the money for the bills, and the doctors said they can’t keep me on dialysis-" "Devin. I’m here. Don’t worry. I’ve paid the bills on Kendra’s behalf. No one will bother you. Calm down." Dahlia said, placing her hand on the boy’s shoulder. He noticed the cuts on her hands and looked at her sharply. "What happened to your hands?" "I… was attacked." She said, giving him a small smile. "Oh… I’m sorry…" "It’s ok, I’m alive. That’s the important part…" Dahlia stated with a gentle smile, "Is it ok, if I take a seat?" "Of course, any friend of Kendra’s is a friend of mine. I mean… I don’t really have friends, so…" "Do you get to go out?" "Yeah, if someone takes me, but Kendra’s busy… Sh
DAHLIA It was several days later and luckily, it seemed like that was the end of Emily. There was nothing she could do to us or try to claim Aria. There was plenty of proof of her neglect, after all the doctor had seen the state Aria was in when I had taken her to the hospital that night. Thanks to the cold that night I had fallen ill too. We had to go through legal terms to register her as there was no proof of any child being born in any hospital in the city that was unaccounted for, there was no way she could do anything. Today, Dane and I had decided to head to Maria’s old apartment. We had planned to ask them if there was anything they saw or heard before Maria was killed but we had drawn a blank. Maria’s friend had passed away and her son had renovated the entire building and had a shop built in its place. "Another dead end." Dane said, tapping the steering wheel as we drove away. "Dane, shall we visit The Hope Trust Hospital? Kendra’s brothers
DANE There was only one Emily I knew, and for her to be here… felt unreal. I was done and dusted with her, so why now? I didn’t need her, nor did I want her anywhere near Aria or Dahlia. I looked towards Dahlia, who was standing there looking stunned. Her large eyes were full of emotions, her chest heaving. "One moment…" I said to the watchman. Closing the door, I walked over to Dahlia. I was about to pull her into my arms when she stepped back, sending a stinging pain through me. Her breathing was heavy, and I could tell she was beginning to panic. "Don’t worry… She cannot come between us… or Aria. If she thinks she can worm her way back in, then she has another thing coming." I said quietly, tugging her by the elbow. I pulled her into my arms forcefully. I didn't care if she wanted to or not, I needed this. "Have faith in yourself beautiful, and in me… No one can mess this up." She nodded, but I could still feel her shaking. I didn’t
DANE We had just arrived home when we heard Aria laughing as she and Hadid sang some Arabian song. "Finally home…" Dahlia said with relief. I was glad she was feeling better now. "Home indeed, speaking of which… I have a few things I wanted to show you." "Sounds perfect." She said. "Mama!" Aria said as she hurried over. Dahlia hurried forward worriedly. "Careful Ari." She scolded lightly catching her carefully and kissing her head. "Mama, Grandpapa and I are singing songs!" She said. "That’s lovely, now how about you go and enjoy yourself? Mama will go shower and then we will join you all for some pizza?" "Oo yummy! Takeaway?!" "Yes." Dahlia laughed. Aria gave me a hug before she walked off to tell Hadid. Dahlia stood up, smiling as she turned to look at me, taking her coat off slowly. If only she realised how enticing that move was… "Mind ordering?" "Not at