The next day, Anamika was seen heading to Emma’s apartment. On her way there, she stopped at the grocery store to get some ingredients. She wasn’t scared that she might not meet her friend at home because she has a spare key to her apartment. On getting to the front door, it was unlocked, so she pushed the door open and walked in. “Emma… Emma? Get down, I’m here.” While saying that, she was putting her bag on the couch and taking the groceries to the kitchen. Getting to the kitchen, she opened the fridge and sighed at the clean and empty space. “She’ll never change.” She stocked the fridge up with everything she bought before heading to Emma’s room to check on her. Emma has a small device in her room that tells her if there’s an intruder in her house, so by now, she was supposed to have known that she was here. Taking the stairs, she arrived at the passageway. Getting to Emma’s bedroom door, she was about to knock when she heard a muffled groan coming from the room. Alarmed, she
“Charlie and I weren’t such a great couple like you thought.”“What do you mean?” “He was a cheating bastard… he put his hands on me when he’s annoyed and even… he rapes me sometimes.”“What? And you put up with that?! For how long?” “It’s been four years now. You know how much I love him. Whenever he apologized and started acting like he’s repented, I couldn’t help going back to him. I hate myself for that too but… I’m weak against him, Mika!” She started crying again. Anamika pulled her friend into a tight hug. “Shhh… it’s ok. I’m not judging you, I promise. But I’m upset that you’ve been hiding this from me for so long. Do you still consider me your friend? Do you?!” Emma broke the hug and nodded. “Yes, yes I do! You’re my family. You’ve been going through a lot for the past five years. So, how can I bother you with my problems?” Anamika sighed. “True, I’ve been going through a lot. But recently, my problems have subsided. That is why you should have told me and that bastard w
“... He’ll say something like, ‘You gave birth to another man’s children but won’t give your husband his own children.’ You see, he’s a petty and jealous person. He wouldn’t like to hear the name Asher for any reason because of the paranoia he’d be in, thinking you’d end the marriage one day and go with Asher because you have kids for him. You mustn’t tell him you’re tired and cannot fulfil his bedroom right. He’d feel Asher is servicing your engine behind his back. His insecurities won’t be something you can laugh over at all. It’d drain you so much that you’ll be physically and mentally exhausted. “Have you also thought of what might happen after you give birth to his kids, Henry would neglect Aiden and Nadia. The beginning of a broken home. The list goes on.”Anamika sighed. “True. I haven’t had time to think deeply into it. But, why are we suddenly talking about me? This is your night. We’re supposed to be talking about you and solving your problems.” “Yours are more interesting
Anamika chuckled, “She died of drowning. I’m sure Asher was responsible.”“Without a doubt. After all, he’s Lord Ash…Wait, have you confirmed from him?” “Yes. He said he once saved Lord Ash and ever since, he had been on good terms with him, which was why he used Lord Ash’s name.” “Ahh, that makes a lot of sense. I can’t imagine Lord Ash getting bullied in the Walkers’ Mansion. Hahaha, it’s weird as fuck.”“I thought so too. Now, the Walkers’ family has lost their company, and Cullen is hiding from Assassins. What a grave mistake they made.” “They deserved it. That reminds me, our company… I mean My ex-company couldn’t get a share from the Walkers group. Did you manage to get any?”“Not a thing. I’m bothered, Emma.” Anamika said with a sullen expression. “Anonymous, right?” Anamika nodded. “I can’t seem to understand what they want. Report just came to me that they tumbled the greatest company in Country Z and bought all their shares in low amounts, then monopolized the entire co
Cora smiled. “It’s ok. I forgive you.” “But, is grandma awake now? I want to see her.” Aiden continued to pester them. “N–““Yes. Cora, take them there today.” Anamika beat Cora to it. Nadia is an understanding child. But as for Aiden, he doesn’t care about others if something is bothering him. Since he is being bothered with the thought of seeing his grandmother, it is better to let him see the reality for himself. It’s cruel to shatter children’s fantasies, but when the matter is something that bothers their peace of mind, then it’s best to make them understand earlier on. So was Anamika’s principles of raising her kids. Emma looked at Anamika’s side profile for a long time before she continued eating. Is this a good decision? She doubted it.“Ok, sis.” Cora replied with glee. She was very sure that her mother would accept the kids.While Aiden was excited, the same couldn’t be said about Nadia who was looking at her mother. She saw a flicker of pain in her mother’s eyes when sh
Anamika rushed to the hospital when she found out what happened to her son. After the child’s wounds were treated, she sent them home and went to pay her mother a visit. Anamika barged into her mother’s ward and met her lying on the bed with her eyes fixed on the white ceiling: Deep in thought. When Mrs Woods heard the sound of the door, she jolted and looked towards the entrance. Seeing Anamika after five years, the woman fell from her bed. Not only is Anamika looking expensive in her off white knee-length gown and below the knee nude jacket, she also smelled really good. Mrs Woods was dazed for a long time when she saw Anamika who was supposed to be dead, walking towards her. “You–“ She couldn’t find words to utter as the shock coursing through her was beyond what she could imagine. “I’ve come to see how you look after inflicting injuries on your grandson.”“He- he’s not my grandson!” “Did it make you feel satisfied? Did you feel the increase of your life span after seeing his
Because of that, she opted to resign but somehow, the guy found out and threatened to release the video of them together if she resigned. Afraid, she stayed back. He’d be leaving in a week after all, she thought. For the remaining days that he stayed, he continued to blackmail her into having his way with her until he finally left. Mrs Woods resigned after that and patiently awaited her wedding. Two days before her wedding, she got a call from her fiance to meet at the massage parlor. She had no idea what the matter was, but went anyway. On getting there, she saw that her fiance looked shaken like he’d found out something bad. She was left in suspense for some hours before it occurred to her that her fiance had her sex tape. Apparently, Anna set up a camera in the massage room, so she was caught on camera having sex with the stranger. She tried to defend herself but Franklin wouldn’t listen to anything because on the video, she wasn’t forced. Yes, she and the stranger did exchang
Anamika arrived at the hotel where she was supposed to meet Taylor. The man was sitting quietly in the hotel’s bar lounge, with two mugs and pot of whatever liquid was inside. A waiter walked Anamika to him before leaving them alone.“Mika, you look gorgeous. How is your mother doing?” “What do you want with me this time?” she ignored his hypocritical pleasantry and went straight to the point. “You don’t expect me to speak with you standing over me like that. Have a seat.” He gestured to the sofa in front of him. “I’m not here to sit.” She replied curtly. “Alright. But you can’t say I didn’t offer you a seat.” He poured himself a cup of black coffee and started sipping it languidly. “Join me,” he added as if he didn’t know she hates black coffee. “Why did you call me here? I have other things I’d like to attend to.” “Well, you’ll have to excuse me. I have no intention of getting down to business so soon.” He smiled before he continued sipping his coffee gently and quietly. A
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