TORN AND REJECTED."Mum, another one." Tom opened his mouth for a snack known as "Chin Chin", at least that was what Kira said the name was.Even though tonight was their first time seeing and eating it, it was so tasty. When Evelyn inquired about it, her friend said it was a Nigerian-made snack that was made by a colleague of hers so she decided to share hers.Evelyn put another one as requested by Tom into his mouth while they continued watching the news. Tom saw no need to watch it as he busied himself with playing games on his mum's iPad. Evelyn felt so relaxed and happy when something popped up on the screen, and her smile faded away just as it did three years ago.On the screen was her father's picture, the name of her family, and a picture of their company."... it's been observed by our media personalities that the company that is being headed by a famous businessman, Hezekiah Johnson, has been going through an internal turmoil based on the fact or excuse that for the past thr
NERVOUS.Dan and Raphael were having a staring contest with their drinks in opposite hands. One was having a pessimistic look, the other was having an optimistic look."So, let me get this straight, I am an uncle now," Dan asked to be sure again."Whose uncle? Are we related?" Raphael glared."You'd better take it easy. We still don't know what to do in this situation. But are you sure? What if the child belongs to someone else? Or maybe she met another person and they both had sex? Something like that?" Dan tried creating the possible reasons."No. She told me that she was single, and the child looks like me as well. I was just not expecting to be a father so soon though I am glad about it.""But are you planning to keep this a secret from her forever?" Dan asked and crossed his legs."No, I am not planning to but I have studied her well enough that she doesn't like mixing with others and she tries to keep herself out of public issues or problems. I don't know if she likes me or hate
CHAPTER 13: HIDDEN PAIN.In the Theophilus mansion, everyone had settled down in the dining room. Each person sat opposite the other and also in a place that he or she wished to.The mansion was quite huge and grand. Entering into it as an average fellow could make one feel worthless just by staring at the designs and huge materials. None of it was fake. Whosoever must have mixed the colors for painting should have been given an award.While entering the mansion, the small guest room greeted the eyes of the guest and he or she would be made to sit there until being invited into the main sitting room by any family member. The sitting room was broad and it had rows and rows of artistic paintings that were either purchased or given as gifts to them.Standing at the corner were rows of trophies that screamed more of the chairman of the company's achievements.The Theophilus family was well known amongst others for a lot of things that they were into. They had branches in almost all differ
CHAPTER 14: LATE FOR WORK.Rrrriiinnng! Ring!"Hmm." Evelyn moaned when her phone rang. The blinds of her window weren't closed so it allowed the ray of sunshine to go through the window. The ray landed on her face and she blocked it with her hand before she rolled on the bed and covered her face with the pillow. Then it suddenly hits her. She jumped out of her bed and landed on the floor due to carelessness and shock."Ouch." She groaned and rubbed her buttocks, it was painful. She stood up reflexively, grabbed her phone, and looked at the time."What the f*ck!" She half yelled and covered her mouth to prevent the sound. She was late…she was freaking late! It was 8:30 am and she just woke up."I am doomed." She said to herself and rushed into the bathroom to take a quick shower. She ran back into her room nakedly and put on her underwear before scattering her wardrobe for her official wear. She kept throwing one cloth over the other and when it came to the section of her shoes, she j
CHAPTER 15: DADDY?Evelyn sighed for the millionth time in a roll. She glanced at her phone and saw that it was past 3 in the evening. Though she had arrived in front of Kira's place unannounced, she felt bad about it, guess she would have to bake her a cake or something to appease her whenever she comes over.She arranged the files on her table and counted them. All they had to deal with in the business term was a huge load of files. Raphael was the head of the Engineering block in the company and every building project or architectural work was brought down to the boss' fifteen as they were called.These sets of people [the boss' fifteen] were made special. They received complaints, followed Raphael's orders, went for inspection of sites, and examined drawing projects before they got delivered to Raphael for the final take-off. They held meetings with him on a fixed day and did a lot of things.They were not the only ones though. On Vegas's side, he had the same set of people but la
CHAPTER 16: FRIEND REQUEST.Evelyn arrived home earlier than predicted and quickly made dinner for both of them before taking a rest. Actually, her body was at rest but not her mind. She kept having serious deliberations, arguments, and doubts in her heart about what she saw earlier in the office. Could her doubt be true? Why was she even stressing herself out?She believed that the stranger she slept with might recognize her because she hadn't changed that much. So if what she was thinking was true then Raphael could have walked up to her and asked her about it. Again, why would he?"Why am I even stressing myself out about it? It might just be a coincidence. I at least have someone who might look like me in appearance out there so this should not be different." She consoled herself…at least, she tried doing so.Then she picked up her phone and logged in to her Facebook. It's been a while since she was online, she went through the list of friend requests that she had. She needed more
CHAPTER 17: MEETING VEGAS THEOPHILUS."Can I get two egg rolls and a bottle of Sprite, please?" Evelyn requested at the counter. It was a sunny day, thank goodness that she was already dressed up as lightly as she could. If not she would have been sweating like a Christmas goat for slaughter. The woman passed what Evelyn had requested to her and she collected her payment. Just as she turned around, she had a collision and what she was holding fell to the ground."Ouch." She bent and picked them up."I am sorry, I am so sorry…" The masculine voice apologized. Irene looked at who it was.A man dressed in tuxedos just like Raphael, his hair was perfectly styled. He had a nice and we'll trim beard that made him look more manly but somehow gave a playboy vibe to Evelyn."Hello, I seem to be so attractive if you can stare at me this way without blinking," Vegas said proudly. Evelyn blinked and shook her head as if that would bring her previous thinking back."Excuse me, what?" She asked in
CHAPTER 18: WHO IS MY FATHER?CONTINUATION FROM THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER.Raphael stood there in front of the family, his head bowed. He wanted to cry at that moment but he was doing all that he could to prevent the tears from falling. He was a man…he was supposed to man up! There was nothing a tear could do for him at this moment to not experience his father's wrath."I can't believe this! Another failure! Another disappointment! I can't believe this! I really can't." Micheal screamed. He was sweating profusely as he walked to and fro while talking."Never in my life have I disrespected my family name this much. How could you have done this, Raphael? I thought that I should not just make you jobless or allow you to work for another company because of what people might say, I gave you a chance to showcase your talent but you went ahead to showcase how dumb and stupid you are.I warned you, boy! I warned you about this step of yours that you were about to take! I told you that this girl th
CHAPTER 80: THE END; WILD NIGHT.Evelyn finished showering. She was in Raphael's penthouse and Tom insisted on staying at Kira's place. She didn't know if that was willingly or if he was bribed to stay. She looked at the lingerie that Kira had insisted that she buy for Raphael's sake. She still remembered the conversation they had."Don't you think he will see me as being cheap?" She asked as she ransacked her hands through the lingerie."See as cheap? What? No, he even knows how hard he had to work just to get you so you ain't cheap my dear.""But it still feels kind of thrilling.""Have you two kissed?" Kira whispered."Yeah," Evelyn replied."Don't you feel like moving forward a bit?" Evelyn blushed and hit her friend with the lingerie before walking away."Fine then, I will buy it."Raphael came into the room with his phone in his hand when Evelyn released the bathrobe she was wearing. It was such perfect timing."Evelyn, do you…what the hell?" His eyes widened. His eyes slowly ate
CHAPTER 79: THE TRUTH.Michael opened his eyes to the deafening sound of the machine that didn't seem prepared to want to stop anytime soon. He sighed and tried moving his hand but it was painful for him, he couldn't move his legs either. He tried hard to remember what had happened the night before but his memories were hazy for him.Then his head snapped to the television in front of him, the picture of Raphael was there and his eyes opened clearly as he tried his best to listen."The second son of the Theophilus family, Raphael Theophilus has been confirmed to be the solidified owner of the new mega-company, Exclusive North Star [ENS]. The news came as a shock to everyone when this was announced and along with the news of his company was the information of his called-off engagement with the A-list actress, Erica.Not many know the reason why this came up but the Billionaire made mention of sticking to his family and being responsible as a father and loving husband alongside being th
CHAPTER 78: IT'S ALL COMING DOWN TONIGHT [3].Evelyn put down the bowl of noodles for Tom who grabbed it and started eating. She smiled and went to the sitting room. There wasn't much to do, it felt as if she was living life on repeat for the past few months. Before she could take a spoon, the doorbell rang and it made her pause, wondering who it was. Kira would have called to inform her of her coming if it was her so who could it be?Tom stared at the door for a while, and so did his mother before she eventually stood up to answer it. When she opened the door, she was faced with the biggest surprise ever. Raphael was standing right in front of her, holding a box that she assumed was filled with pizza and maybe something else."Raphael." She whispered and he smiled. Tom stood up and came to their side. His eyes widened when he saw him and instantly cried out."Daddy."Raphael put down the box and lifted the happy Tom, he used this opportunity to enter the house without being asked to.
CHAPTER 77: IT'S ALL COMING DOWN TONIGHT [2]Erica closed the door to her room and smiled as she strolled towards Raphael with a huge smile on her face, wondering why he called her privately but whatever it was, she was sure that it would make her happy."So, what is the important thing you have for me? Our engagement is just a few days away and I think it's gonna be special."Raphael yawned and nodded, "Call off the engagement."The smile on her face was wiped off completely when she heard this. She instantly put on a frown."What do you mean by calling off the engagement? I don't understand.""I believe that I am speaking the official language of the country correctly. CALL OFF THE ENGAGEMENT. Even a kid in basic class understands what I am saying.""Well, I don't. How can you just tell me to call off my engagement with you? It's impossible! Did I do something wrong, Raphael? I will apologize. I will change any bad habit of mine but please, don't make me call off the engagement.""T
CHAPTER 76: IT'S ALL COMING DOWN TONIGHT [1]Micheal wore his suit and clicked his cufflinks as he checked himself in the mirror. He seemed of utmost pride as Shaft had invited him to join in his family's dinner party. This was a way for him to relieve stress, he glanced at his beautiful wife and opened his arm for her to hook hers with."You look amazing." He complimented."And you look gorgeous as ever. Old age does not affect you, darling."Micheal kissed her and they both walked out of their bedroom, climbing down the stairs as elegantly as ever. Raphael, who was sitting down, stood up to greet his father."Good evening, father.""Raphael." Michael acknowledged his greeting."Where is Vegas?" He asked him."He is probably busy.""Busy? Doesn't he know about the special occasion we have this evening? Try his number for me.""Unfortunately, I don't have it," Raphael responded."How can you not have your brother's number? What has been happening in this family all this while?" Michea
CHAPTER 75: IN A HURRY."Why do I feel like my meeting here with you is more than a mere greeting?" Vincent asked as he played with a toy card. He blew out the smoke from his cigarettes and put them down on the ashtray. He locked eyes with Raphael whose legs were crossed against each other."And congratulations on your new company that is completely sucking the life out of your father." He added and Raphael chuckled coldly."How did you know?" He asked him."I am not a son of the mafia for nothing. All the rich men in the city are people that I keep a close watch on probably for profit's sake. So why are we here?""I believe that you already know the reason.""You don't want to get married to my sister," Vincent replied and Raphael nodded."Smart of you." He complimented while Vincent smirked.He was young but not dumb. He had been in the business since ten years old and he had been taught to get who a person is from close observation. He knew from the start that Raphael wasn't dumb,
CHAPTER 74: ALL IS FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR."Who is the establishment? What is going on?" Micheal yelled at his assistant in the conference room. They were currently holding a meeting with a few people around. The room was as chill as a home for kept stock fish. Raphael folded his arms as he watched everyone."I…I don't know, sir. Many of our investors are withdrawing from us. If care isn't taken, we might lose them all to the new company." He replied.That was true. Even though Raphael and the rest had been trying their best for the growth of the family business, there was this particular business that had risen from nowhere in the last four months and was already taking the lead as it was solely based on what Theo's group of industries had to offer.They were making more gains than them and what was even more frustrating was that the owner was unknown. It felt as if the person was in darkness, shooting an arrow of victory toward their opponents."What should we do? I am confused. Send
CHAPTER 73: FIVE MONTHS LATER.Raphael blew his bubble gum as he put his right hand inside his pockets while looking around. It's been five months since everything happened and a few things had changed in his life alongside others.A man approached him and bowed. He collected the travel bag that Raphael was holding and pulled it away to the trunk of the car while Raphael got into the car before shutting the door after him.As the driver drove, his eyes ran across the whole building. He left the country three months ago for a business trip and he had been busy…a lot of things piled up for him and he felt emotionally drained. As the car went past a couple standing by the roadside, showcasing their love publicly, Raphael's heart ached and he touched the position on his chest before rolling up the window.After a few minutes of driving, the car finally arrived at the mansion. Raphael exited the car and walked into the mansion while the travel bag was brought in. The first person he saw wa
CHAPTER 72: SHE IS GONE AGAIN!Raphael walked down the staircase quickly. His hands were searching all over his pockets for his car keys. He was inside the room earlier going through a lot of files when he randomly picked up his phone to call Evelyn. He switched it on.It's been a while since he spoke to her and it made him guilty. How would she react? Many thoughts went through his mind. Raphael put down his phone again and closed his eyes.He had not been brave to face her, he was just ashamed but then he was pushed to call her. So after scrolling to her contact, he received a notification beforehand and clicked on it. It was a message from Evelyn and after reading it, his mind became unsettled. His brain couldn't comprehend the details after his eyes landed on the'Until we meet again, Raphael.'He dashed out of the room immediately. His entire body was shaking as he started skipping steps, not caring if he would slip and fall.He walked past Vegas who was enjoying himself on the c