Mrs. Wales who had a natural haughty look glanced condescendingly at Anamika who was kneeling a few inches away from her and placed down her cup of wine.
The woman, wearing an elegant black lace dress that stopped below her knees, walked towards Anamika and sent a resounding slap across her face with her fingers that were filled with large rings.Anamika felt a cut on her lips, and a stinging pain on her cheek, still she didn't dare to look at the woman in the eyes."You still have the guts to show yourself here after what you did to my daughter? Anamika, I had warned my daughter several times to not count you as a friend but she wouldn't listen. I knew right from when I first saw you that you were a jealous person and would one day cause my daughter harm, but no, Amelia trusted you and wanted you around. Now see, my instinct was right all along!"Anamika didn't utter a single word of defense and stayed silent as the woman continued to spout poisonous words nonstop.Servants were roaming around the sitting room and bore witness to Anamika's humiliation."... All we asked of you was to offer your Virginity. Was that too much? It was something you could enjoy! Yet I offered to pay you $16,000 for it. But what did you do? You ruined everything!!"The angry woman grabbed her purse and brought out two bundles of $100 notes."This is the money I wanted to give you! This!!" She waved the money in Anamika's face.At that moment, Anamika finally raised her teary eyes. "I did what you asked me–""Paaah!!" Another deafening slap landed on her cheek, the rings leaving fine marks on her fair and beautiful face. Even the heavy makeup couldn't prevent the marks and bruises from showing."How dare you lie to my face!" Mrs. Wales roared with uncontrollable rage.Anamika held herself back with great self-control that she didn't know she had.The woman went back to her couch and sat on it with one leg crossed over the other.She took a deep breath to calm herself and asked, "Well, why are you here?"Anamika looked up at her and opened her quivering lips to speak but Mrs. Wales raised her palm in the air to stop her.It seems the woman loved mocking her."I'm aware your little brother is about to carry out his operation and you're here to beg for money–""An upfront payment." she corrected. "I'm willing to slave away the rest of my life to pay the money back," Anamika explained. She wasn't here to beg for aims."Hahahahaha… How many years do you think you can pay the sum of $16,000 with the measly amount of money you're paid for your massage service?"Anamika remained silent. Not like she doesn't have words to say to fight back but he who seeks help doesn't stand on a high horse. It was better to not make Mrs. Wales angrier than she already was."I'll give you the money… but on one condition."Anamika's teary eyes lit up with hope as tears of joy slid down her cheeks. For her brother's life, any sacrifice is worth it!"Give your Virginity to any of the male workers here."Anamika stared at her for a long time. The humiliation was getting bigger and bigger, but still, she was willing to bear it all."I lost my virginity last night," she said.The woman didn't argue because she knew the truth of what happened last night but there was no way she would forgive Anamika for the mistake, even though the mistake wasn't Anamika's. She believed that if Anamika was a few minutes late, she would have gone into the right room."Then, grab as much money as you can." With that said, leaving no room for Anamika to understand what she meant, the woman took a lighter from the center table and set the bundles of money on fire.Anamika was stunned at Mrs. Wales' level of wickedness that by the time she snapped back to her senses to rescue the notes, more than half of them were destroyed.Anamika smiled through tears with the unharmed notes in her burnt and shaky hands.The suffering and humiliation were worth it, she thought. But her happiness came too soon."I said it, a gold-digger like you is not fit to be close to my daughter! Guards!"Anamika was startled when she saw the evil smile on the woman's face. Why was she calling the guards? She tried to stand up and run but Mrs. Wales saw that move and pulled her dress from behind."Collect that money from her and throw her out of the mansion. The next time I see her anywhere around this house or my daughter, you all will be sorry!""Ma! Please, don't do this!... My brother's life is hanging on this money, please I beg you!!"Anamika pleaded as she was being dragged away. she caught sight of Amelia, standing at the top of the stairs and watching them.A little hope rekindled in her heart and she called out to her, pleading with everything she got. Amelia was a little nicer than her mother, maybe she would help her."Amelia, please! Please save my brother! Amelia!!""Who will save my heart?" Amelia asked as she slowly walked down the stairs."I saw the CCTV footage. Indeed, it was not your fault. But if I save your brother, who will save me? Cullen hates me now and he'll stop at nothing to pull me down. Do you know how much my heart aches? It's not fair for me to suffer alone, someone else has to suffer along with me and I'm sorry that that person is you… throw her out." Amelia said and started walking to her mother's side."No, no…" Anamika shook her head furiously as hot tears ran down her cheeks. "Amelia, you can't do this to me, please! Hurt me as much as you want but please not my brother, I beg you!...." Anamika's screams trailed off into the distance.Anamika got to the hospital, looking drained and shattered. She received a call from Nurse Beth to hurry over to the hospital after she was dragged out of the Wales mansion. Although Anamika had no idea why the nurse needed her so urgently, her instinct told her it was something she wouldn't be able to stomach. A distance away from her brother's ward, she could hear loud cries and those voices were her mother and sister's. Anamika took to her heels and barged into the ward to meet the cold lifeless body of her little brother. Her legs froze by the door as memories ran through her mind. In the family of four, only Martin treated her like a family would. Even though he was just 13, he was able to get their mother and sister to stop bullying Anamika whenever he saw them getting on her nerves. Martin promised her he would survive this... He told her that no matter what happened, he won't die because there won't be anyone else to protect her, but why… Why did he have to leave? Why
After she left the hospital, Anamika didn't go home, instead, she roamed the street aimlessly and spiritlessly until night came.The sky seemed to be upset as it poured out rain like it wanted to sink the earth.Under the rain, accompanied by the claps of thunder and fierce wind, Anamika could be seen at the community playground, standing by a swing.Years ago, her brother used to love this particular swing and even marked it. Even when his sickness was starting to reveal itself, her brother didn't stop coming here, until he could no longer leave his bed.When he was sick, the little boy made Anamika promise to get him a swing as a gift if he successfully have his tumor taken out... But now, he's no more!Under the canopy of darkness and the roaring of the sky, a lone soul cried until she couldn't breathe anymore.Throughout that night, Anamika didn't return home. However, when she got home the next morning, she met her luggage outside their apartment, drenched in rain.The door and W
"I can see you're insane. It hasn't occurred to you after two weeks that Amelia's mother might have been searching everywhere for you. So you want to present yourself to Amelia and her mother on a platter of gold, is that it? has your situation made you stupid?!"Anamika wasn't listening, she was furious. She had the urge to tear Amelia apart. She believed that, if not for them, her brother wouldn't have died. If not for them, she wouldn't have had to give her virginity to her brother's murderer. If not for them, her beautiful fingers wouldn't have been burnt so badly.Anamika gritted her teeth with unrestrained fury. The hostility that was oozing out of her surprised Emma to the extent she froze for a while.When her mind snapped, she pulled Anamika and forced her to turn her back to Amelia, just in time before Amelia looked their way.Amelia narrowed her eyes at the two backs she was seeing. One of them looked like Anamika but she shook her head. The people her mother sent out to l
Boss and his brother, Cullen had been at each other's throats for the longest of time and now, Boss accidentally deflowered Cullen's fiance. What war is greater than this? The man picked up a tumbler of drink on the table and the corner of his lips curled up slightly. "Was she?" He asked. Roy looked at his master. From how relaxed his attitude is, he knew his Boss was up to no good. "Boss, you already had things planned out, blatantly provoking Cullen by stealing his woman will disrupt your plans," Roy warned before lowering his head again. "Who says?" The Man asked before downing his glass of drink and standing up. "The bee has been buzzing around me for a long time... It's time to pluck a feather from it." He said before walking out. Roy sighed and shook his head. He couldn't blame Master Asher for waking up from his slumber. Asher only came back to Nairaland because of his father, but instead of quietly letting Asher deal with the man and leave, Cullen got in the way and starte
A knock sounded before the door was pushed open and then a young lady in a black skirt, wearing a nude shirt and black heels walked in, carrying a notepad and folder. "Ma'am, here is the list sent to us from Nairaland, of candidates who are vying to be the face of our beauty product in Nairaland.""Have you filtered through the candidates?" "Yes, they are majorly A–listers, but with two C–listers this time."Ms. Mika raised a brow, "C–listers?" "Yes, ma'am. Although we've always used A–list Celebrities for our products, the C– listers that were selected this time are extremely pretty. They have the perfect skin for our product, the type you've been looking for." The Assistant smiled."Oh, then I'd like to take a look." Ms. Mika took the folder from her Assistant and skimmed through them. The C–list Artists were indeed pretty, but there's more to being the ambassador of her company than just being pretty. Mika put aside the prettiest among the two and continued flipping through the
"M–" "Let me speak!" Mika thundered. " As my personal Assistant for two years, you should have known better. I'm stripping you of your position. Choose between being an observant and dropping your resignation letter." Mika went back to what she was doing. Mika didn't want to directly fire her for a reason. Even though this Assistant had long been on her blacklist, she restrained herself from biting the finger that fed her. But not anymore, Ivy has no redeeming qualities.Ivy stood there in utter shock. Being an observant is almost the same as being an Intern, but an Intern is better because they are allowed to work. But observants can't do anything but just watch others work. Does that not mean that her boss wants to get rid of her? Or wants her to start afresh? What greater insult is there other than this? How can a PA to the CEO become an observant?! Not considering the salary reduction, her status, and respect would be thrown to the dogs. "This is not fair, Mika! I've–""I gave
Amelia barged into a dimmed bedroom, looking sad and pitiful. “Asher,” she looked around the room but no one was in. “Asher?” She dropped her handbag on the bed and walked into the bathroom, still, there was no one. She walked back to the bed, got in and curled herself under the sheets, sniffing and crying. … In Nairaland… Asher Could be seen entering a hotel with Roy and a cold–faced guy. “Boss, Miss Amelia used your name again to get into A&M.” Roy reported. “How many companies are participating in the auction?” Asher asked, ignoring what Roy said about Amelia like he didn’t hear it. “Ah, 15 companies,” Roy replied. “Who is our strongest competitor?” “A&M Conglomerates and Walkers group,” Roy answered. “Mn.” “Boss, I’ve been thinking, why did you allow Cullen to become the acting president of Walkers’ group? I thought you–“ “No matter who wins, it mustn’t be the Walkers group, do I make myself clear?” Asher said with a hardened voice. Ignoring Roy’s question again. “Y
A week later… At Nairaland’s airport… A man and two dashing kids of around four to five years old got out of the plane. The boy was wearing a two-piece black and red joggers and jacket. His long hair was framed to one side of his face, covering one eye. On his left wrist was a red watch, while his right hand held a camera. At intervals, he took pictures of views he loved. Beside him was a cute girl of the same age, wearing a white top and black jacket on a black and white mid-thigh pleated skirt. Her knee-length black boot looked overly cute on her. On one shoulder was a small sized pink backpack. She wore a black watch on her left hand, while holding brown shades in her right hand. “Nairaland’s airport is not as bad as I thought,” the boy said as he took a picture. “Indeed, I told you, you’ll like this place,” the handsome man smiled. “I don’t think so, I smell bad energy.” The cute little girl with hair packed in two ponytails said curtly. “Has there ever been a thing that i
At the hotel… Mr. Richard was amazed and proud of Anamika. Watching her teach those old men a lesson reminded him of how her mother was back then. The man sighed and emptied the glass of wine he was holding. The result of his investigation came out yesterday. Anamika is his daughter. After finding out, he told his family before embarking on the journey to seek his daughter. The Quinn family didn’t have much to say, except that they blamed him for just finding out. As for Lisa, she was having a hard time accepting the revelation. The sound of his phone ringing snapped him out of his thoughts. He picked the phone and checked the caller ID. It was an unknown number, but he decided to answer the call. “Hello,” his voice sounded. ‘Mr. Quinn, the Emperor is back from the meeting.’ Mr. Richard bolted up and hurried out of the hotel. … Arriving at the palace, he was brought to see Anamika in the throne room. Anamika hadn’t even stepped on the dais when the man entered. The father and
The other Presidents cleared their throats and shifted in their seats. They all owe debts. What if she asks them to pay up too? Scrapping their country banks together to pay off the billions they owe Hassride would crumble their economy, so, it would be better they all mind their businesses and live Country B’s president to handle his matter on his own. The old man glanced around, seeing that no president would come to his aid, he swallowed the lump of pride that was stuck at the back of his throat and sat down. “Your Majesty, it hasn’t come to that.” His heavy voice earlier suddenly went low. “As a businesswoman like you called us, we’re strict on marking our allies and curbing our enemies. If you could boldly look at our face and disregard our authority to vomit such atrocious venom, we can’t be guaranteed that you won’t stab us in the back when you see something that would jeopardize our country. So, on this basis, we hereby vote for your country’s removal from the Alliance Nati
Sitting on the deck with a bottle of wine and cake, the two watched the numerous stars in the sky. They’ve gone a bit far from their residence, but Anamika still doesn’t know why she was brought into the yacht. Neither did Asher want to say. Well, the sky looks beautiful from here, so it’s not a loss. Asher fed her a piece of cake. Just as she was about to accept it, her gaze zoomed in on a multi-coloured and sparkling something from afar. “What’s that?” she pointed. “We’re here.” The yacht moved closer until Anamika saw it was a multi-coloured waterfall! “Oh. My. God! How is this possible?!” “It’s the reason I purchased the island. It’s beautiful, right?” He asked. “No, the view is spectacular! Wow!” The yacht stopped a distance away from the waterfall where they could view it clearly. The light coming from the yacht and the multi-coloured Illumination from the waterfall brightened the area, so much so that one would almost forget it was night. “This, I must bring Emma here,
Asher and Anamika didn’t bring their bags, except for the roses she placed in a vase beside the window. The sun was slowly giving way to the moon by the time Anamika was done re-pruning the 99 roses and setting them in a vase of warm water to keep them alive for much longer. “We didn’t bring anything along.” She sat on the bed. From inside, she could view the surroundings, thanks to the glass doors and windows. The place only has one room, a kitchen, and bathroom. “Roy brought your necessities… everything is in here,” he opened the wardrobe for her to see. “Oh, you came prepared,” she looked down at her ring. She’s been caressing it ever since he wore it on her finger. A smile settled on her lips as she remembered his cheeky confession. Suddenly, she chuckled. “Mind breaking the good news to me?” he got into bed and hugged her from behind. “I was wondering. Since when did you realize you loved me?” She asked. Asher pulled her so she was sitting in between his legs while he wrapp
For the next couple of weeks, Anamika was trying to put the country together. She must learn all there was about the country and her Ancestors, replace some workers, bestow titles on the deserving ones, amend the rules to straighten the country and lots more. It would not be easy, which was why Asher didn’t return to Country A as planned. He stayed behind to help her in whatever way he could. Inside the office, Anamika was going through some documents when Lady Seraphina, who has officially been bestowed the title of Minister of communication, knocked and entered. “Your Majesty, Richard Quinn’s men are trying to spy into our data.” “What are they trying to find?” she asked. “About your mother and you.” Anamika raised her head from the document and looked at her, “Do what you think my mother would have done if she was alive.” Lady Seraphina understood the assignment. She bowed and left. Asher entered afterwards and hugged her from behind. “You’ve been on these documents for three
While Anamika and Asher were having the greatest time of their lives, their friends and families in Country A were having a hard time believing what they were seeing on the news. How did CEO Mika suddenly become the ruler of the greatest nations to ever exist? To crown it all, their worst nightmare! Aiden was excited when he found out he was a prince but for Nadia, she was worried about her mother’s safety. Their mother didn’t tell them she was going anywhere. In fact, they thought the ruler was probably their mother’s lookalike, or twin sister, until their great grandfather explained the situation to them. As for Emma, she was lost for words on what to say. She and her husband were supposed to go for their honeymoon today, but with Anamika’s case making waves in the country, she refused to go for her honeymoon until her friend returns. Who knows, she might be facing a lot there. If only she knows that the “a lot” her friend is going through is moaning while Asher’s rod thrust in
Inside the hall… Only Asher and Anamika remained. The two continued to stare at each other. One sitting on a high level and staring down at the other. “Your Majesty, may I come closer?” “One more disrespectful word from you and you’ll have your head severed!” “Thank you, Your Majesty!” Asher closed the distance and walked up the dais. Totally ignoring her warning. Anamika’s heart danced with glee but her face was as stoic as ever. Standing right in front of her, he said. “Your Majesty, I plead not guilty.” “...” Anamika was left speechless. This man… “Hassride has always had prejudice against my country, so when they saw me, they didn’t give me the benefit of the doubt and just apprehended me,” he flattened his lips. “Oh? Are you saying my country is unreasonable?” “Your people treated me with injustice. I was chained to the wall like a criminal…I also didn’t get anything to eat. I’m starving.” His gaze softened to the likes of Aiden’s when he’s trying to talk his way out o
In a dark dungeon, Asher, Milo, and Roy were chained to the wall. Roy had sighed in helplessness for a thousand times already. “Boss, what should we do now? If help doesn’t come, we’ll be killed before we know it. I feel sorry for madam and the kids,” he sighed again. “There’s still time,” Asher responded languidly with his eyes closed. “The situation looks brim. I shouldn’t have given this suggestion. At this point, I finally realized I was stupid.” “Right, you’ve always been stupid,” Milo stole the word from his mouth. “Milo, when was the last time we spared? I think we need to compare notes after leaving here.” “All I can see is death hovering over your head,” Milo said with a straight face. He’s never one to talk too much but at this point, he was angry at himself and everyone. When they came to Hassride, they tried to spy into the country’s history but failed to find anything. Later, they found out the man who can help them was put in the dungeon. Infiltrating the dungeon
This was exactly what Anamika wanted. To plant doubt in the man’s mind. Now, with him not knowing who to trust anymore or what to believe right now, his power has decreased greatly. Too bad she doesn’t have what it takes to back up her power of the tongue. Even though Seraphina said that everything is in place, Anamika has no idea what is in place. There was absolutely no time to discuss the preparations they’ve made, but anyhow, she’ll use her voice to fight for her rights. If it doesn’t work, then, Seraphina and the others can step in.“So, this is how you intend to unseat me? What if I kill you, I’ll be the only Emperor available and your people will no longer be able to fight against me. Before they groom another Female Emperor, it would be too late. How’s that?” Anamika smiled, “It’s your call. But do you honestly think you can kill me right here?” “No, everyone here is your supporter, and killing you in front of them would mean I leave evidence. Like you said, the people will