How could she?Alicia’s body writhed in pain from all the rigorous shaking but she ignored it. That wasn’t her major concern right now.Little aches here and there were nothing compared to the issue on ground. “I-I didn’t do it.” Her voice broke and hot tears streamed down her face.“I swear on my son’s life, it wasn’t me. I don’t know how it happened. I only just saw the news a while ago. I swear.” She muttered amidst tears. “Liar!” Minister Lewis was not having it.“I swear, I didn’t do it. What benefit will I derive from all of it? My life is also at stake—no agency will want to work with me again—I’m also affected here, I did not do it. Believe me.” Alicia cried harder.The man’s eyes blinked. That was true. Besides, come to think of it, Alicia couldn’t have pulled any of those strings. The reports about him came with concrete proof. Where could his babymama have gotten all those evidence from? And how?It was impossible.“How could it be me? Just how?—You’re my baby’s daddy!”
***About an hour later, Beats Corporation’s headquarters.The CEO was currently seated calmly behind his desk while his assistant simply stood by the side. Both of them had their eyes fixated on the large screen that was in the office. It was a few minutes past midmorning and the news was on. The news channel was recording live. On the large indoor LED screen was Minister Lewis being arrested and hauled away by the police while also being surrounded by reporters who were hungry for details.Turned out to be that even till the very end, the man was promiscuous. The police didn’t find him in his home.He was found at his sidechick’s place. The crazy part was that it was his wife who called the police and told them his current address.Right on the screen, Madam Lewis was there too. As well as Alicia Dawson. The latter looked badly beaten, her face was bruised and swollen.Anyone could roughly guess what happened to her. Hm.Lucas picked the remote from the desk and switched off t
‘Very soon, I’ll find out your secret. Very soon.’ Martha thought to herself. But she maintained a smile on her face, staring sweetly at Mia.She was annoyed that she had no idea what was going on in the girl’s life anymore. Before, she used to know absolutely everything when it came to Mia. For instance, what she was planning, what she was going through at the moment, her family, every detail of her relationship with Max— That was how she was able to come between her and Max. Even when Martha was uninterested in listening to anything, Mia would still discuss everything with her.But now, things had changed.What changed though?The girl had started keeping secrets from her. Since the moment Mia moved out of their room, she no longer let Martha in on anything again.She stopped talking to her about literally everything. To make matters worse, Vicky and her cohort were expelled.And to think that the kids at school had also quietened down these past few days. No one bugged Mia any
—Mia was on her way to the alley and she hadn’t gone far away from the school when someone approached her all of a sudden and said: “Hello.”With a sudden upward glance, Mia was entranced by the beauty of a pair of piercing blue eyes.Right before her was a man standing tall with broad shoulders and a chiseled jawline, the kind that made you take notice. His tousled black hair was styled in a messy quiff and his deep blue eyes held a mischievous glint in them. He was dressed in a well-fitted T-shirt and black jeans that fit him like a glove, which only added to the air of confidence and playfulness he was exuding.For a moment, Mia felt completely lost. She was mesmerized. How could a man look so charming and glamorous?But the man’s soothing voice soon pulled her out of her reverie. “Did you hear what I just said, Miss?“Mia blinked frantically as she gazed at him. She was a bit taller than her so she had to angle up her head to see his face. He had a carefree smile tugged at the
Veronica was saying something to her friends when she suddenly caught sight of Mia. Momentarily, she stopped talking.The girl seemed to be coming in their direction and this made her frown. When Mia came and stood in front of them, she fiddled with her hands. Veronica swept a cold gaze over her. Her friends also had disgust written on their faces as they stared at Mia. They were overwhelmed with the urge to pounce on her but they knew better. Not after what happened recently.What did she want anyway? Why was she there?“What do you want?” One of them finally voiced out. Her voice was filled with irritation.Perhaps she lost her way or something, ‘cause she didn’t belong there.Taking in a very deep breath, Moa faced Veronica directly and opened her mouth to speak. “Hum, Veronica, someone’s waiting for you outside. He says he’s your uncle and he’s here to pick you.”Veronica’s brows creased. Was that so?Her parents were currently out of the country with her younger brother. They we
***By the time Mia arrived at the villa, it was already in the evening. Thankfully, the demi-god usually didn’t get home until midnight or she didn’t know what would have become of her this evening.She had spent a lot of time gallivanting around in search of Veronica and by the time she got to the bus stop, her bus had already moved.She had to wait for over thirty minutes before the next one came. Her dad had cut her off and had to be careful with her spendings so she couldn’t take a taxi.After getting on the bus, heavy traffic then showed Mia hell.Tomorrow was another day to make payment for…Mia heaved a sigh and she dragged her heavy feet into the house.From the front doorway, she yelled out a greeting to everyone to signal that she was back from school. It was what she did everyday, whenever she returned: “Good evening, everybody. I’m back.” The maids in sight sank low in cursy when the saw her. They didn’t bother to approach her to collect her school bag as they knew she
Before Mia’s bum could come in contact with the dining chair, Shawn stood up and took large strides out of the huge dining area. For the umpteenth time since the first day the two met, Mia was stunned. The food had not even been dished out yet. Like, since he was already there, couldn’t he have waited and ate a little? To think he left immediately she appeared—did she have a contagious disease? He left because of her?Plus, he seemed angry… Did she do or say something wrong?—But she didn’t do anything.Did the man find her unpleasant to his eyes? Or did she have body odour? Was her breath bad?Mia raised her arms and sniffed her armpits. She didn’t perceive any foul odour. She wasn’t smelling…Unconvinced, she beckoned at the maid standing in a corner at the far end of the dining table. “Please, come sniff me.” As the saying goes, you can’t smell your own stink. Sometimes, people need to rely on others to let them know if they have body odor, as they may not be aware of it themse
***After Mia was done eating, she went back upstairs to pick her bag. She tied her hair in a ponytail and then headed out of the house, after she’d bade the workers goodbye.As she didn’t have money, she trekked to the bus station. Thankfully, a public bus arrived as soon as she got there. She got on.A while later, Mia arrived at her destination. She stood outside the huge hospital building for a while, thinking to herself: ‘this is where all my savings is coming to.’She heaved a sigh and walked into the hospital’s ground floor which served as the emergency unit. The nurses at the front desk recognized her, and after exchanging greetings, they let her go in. Mia rode in the elevator alongside a few other people. She was heading to the fifth floor which was the intensive care unit (MICU 1). As soon as the elevator arrived, it dinged and its doors slid open. She walked out and took quiet steps down the silent corridor. She soon came face to face with the door that led into the thir
Jennifer Mandez smiled, observing the girl's downcast expression as she joined her side. She gently took off her gloves and cradled Mia's cheeks in her palms."Be free with me, Mia. I'm your mother as well. I held that title before I resumed being Shawn's mother," she chuckled.She paused briefly before continuing, "I want you to forgive me for hurting you. I apologize sincerely. Now, I know better. You're a rare gem, and I wouldn't want Sunshine to be with anyone but you."Mia's eyes widened, "Does that mean we have your blessing to proceed…?"She nodded, grinning."Thank you, Mom!" The girl squeaked happily, and they embraced in a tight, warm hug.“Now, we have to start preparing for the wedding. The date’s just around the corner.”She nodded and they both returned back inside.Soon, the wedding day arrived. Despite the commonality of extravagant weddings among the wealthy, Shawn and Mia's celebration stood out for its simplicity. Only a select few family and friends were invited, a
Shawn's lips tightened. "I believe you," he paused, "however, it's not you that I was referring to; it's the person behind you."‘Huh?’ Amanda's tears ceased instantly, and she swiftly turned to look behind her, as did everyone else.Anderson.Confusion swept through the room."You sending provoking pictures to Yvonne, making her rush back to the country... I was initially going to let you be. However, things changed after discovering you were the one who instigated the accident three years ago. And then you completely crossed the line by sending me those absurd threat messages," Shawn's icy voice confronted Anderson.Anderson stood, clearly taken aback. He hadn't anticipated Shawn's discovery to be so soon. He usually covered his tracks meticulously…“Why? After all these years working for Grandfather, why engage in such actions?” Shawn's brows furrowed deeply.Anderson chuckled. There was nothing to hide anymore, so why not come out clean? “Exactly. I've toiled for the old geezer fo
Upon arriving home, Shawn tenderly lifted his wife and placed her in their bedroom; she had fallen asleep during the ride. Delicately, he undressed her and tucked her into bed, taking a moment to remove her makeup with beauty wipes.As he disposed of the used wipes, Mia's phone started ringing on the nightstand. Without hesitation, he picked it up and noticed that the caller ID was unknown. He answered the call and brought the phone to his ear."Mia, I apologize. It's all my fault. Please, let's reconcile and go back to how we used to be."Upon hearing those words from the caller, Shawn's brows furrowed in irritation. Without uttering a word, he promptly ended the call. 'Dimwit.' As he placed the phone back on the stand, his thumb inadvertently pressed the photos app and opened it.He perched on the edge of the bed, smiling as he scrolled through the pictures on the girl’s phone. Soon, he stumbled upon an unexpected image—none other than a picture of himself, Shawn Mandez. In it, he
Veronica observed, sipping her cocktail, "Ah, so you two are acquainted." She taunted Martha, "Give this cocktail a try; after all, you seem to enjoy coveting what doesn't belong to you."Martha, a hint of fear in her voice, responded quickly, "Um, I don't know him."Veronica clicked her tongue in irritation, shaking her head at Martha's facade. How could she have been so blind to see the girl’s true color all these while?Everyone eyed the person who had just stepped in with confused expressions on their faces. The boy seemed to be around their age, however, he wasn’t familiar at all. He didn't bear the hallmarks of someone from their high school."Who's he?""No idea.""Recognize him?""Not at all."Veronica smiled, reassuring them, "Relax, everyone. You're about to meet him now."Martha's heart raced, fear escalating within her.Veronica turned to the newcomer, asking, "Tell us who you are and what brings you here."The guy's eyes shifted, locking onto Martha. "I'm Jason, Martha's
"Vicky Lewis!" Gasps echoed through the room as all eyes fixated on the newcomer.Mia was also taken aback to see her. She hadn't crossed paths with Vicky since she was expelled from high school, making tonight's encounter unexpected. Instinctively, an uneasy feeling settled within her.Was she here to bully her?However, Mia wasn't alone in her discomfort. Another individual seemed to be grappling with an even stronger sense of unease in response to Vicky's presence.'Why is she here? How did she manage to appear?' Martha gnawed on her lip, nearly drawing blood.After the girl's family faced bankruptcy and her father was incarcerated, Martha believed it spelled the end for Vicky Lewis.Despite Vicky’s persistent calls and attempts to connect, she remained indifferent, never acknowledging her.Long ago, she'd blocked her contact when her incessant calls became irritating. She wasn't responsible for her father's corruption or having a baby mama. She hadn't urged her to bully Mia to the
Upon entering the venue, a chorus of admiration erupted as Martha made her presence known.“You're as dazzling as ever, Martha.”“Your skin is positively radiant.”“Share your beauty secrets with us.”In a chic caramel knee-length dress beautified with subtle floral patterns, paired with classic silver heels, she exuded elegance. A silver necklace firmly adorned on her neck added a touch of poise, creating a simple yet tasteful look for the one-month school reunion.Martha waved her hand dismissively, cheeks turning a rosy hue as she blushed at the compliments pouring in. “Oh, come on, you guys. Enough about me. You all look fantastic yourselves,” she chuckled, taking her seat."Ah, I know. Max is treating her well.""Trueeee!" The collective cooing echoed.Martha simply giggled. "He'll be joining us shortly also.""Thank goodness that Mia girl didn't succeed back then," remarked one of Martha's ex-classmates, and the rest nodded in agreement.Martha's expression dropped upon hearing
"I'll leave now, and never cross your path again."Shawn stood in silence, observing the girl. Without warning, he marched towards the mini lounge, retrieving a lighter from the center table.Returning to Mia, he set ablaze the documents held in his grasp before one could comprehend what was about to happen.Mia let out an immediate shriek, her eyes widening in sheer horror. "What are you—?""You are mistaken. We're eternally linked—bound forever," Shawn calmly muttered as ashes drifted to the floor.Mia blinked rapidly at him."With that resolved, let's head downstairs for dinner. It’s late," he said, changing from his robe into more casual attire.Mia remained rooted in place, her heart burdened and fatigued. "But I don't belong here... your betro—""That's not your concern, Little One. We're married. Legally married. Are you willing to discard that for a meaningless contract?"She frowned at his words.Shawn's mouth twitched as he took her hand, guiding her downstairs to the dining
Three years prior,As an intern, Charlotte found herself working late into the night on this particular day. Upon completing her tasks at B.Y TV building, she headed out. As she walked down the road, a young man approached her."Miss, Master Davis would like to see you. Please, come with me."Upon hearing this, Charlotte felt a mix of surprise and anticipation.The Davis family had consistently opposed her relationship with Damien, and the reasons remained a mystery to her. Perhaps, they were here to reconcile with her. That was her initial assumption.She promptly followed the man to the car, her heart beating rapidly in her chest as she got in."Uncle, Aunt," she bowed politely.Master Davis and his wife cast disdainful glances at the girl.“The reason we summoned you today is straightforward,” Madam Davis spoke. “Sever ties with our son. We don't want you for him.”Upon hearing the woman's heart-wrenching words, a wave of sadness engulfed Charlotte. "Wh-why? Did I do something wron
Stella and her younger siblings were bewildered to see Madam Mandez. She was meant to be deceased—three years prior, they attended her burial ceremony. How was it possible for her to stand before them now?Their astonishment outweighed any excitement, rendering them unable to leap towards her in joy at the unexpected reunion after several years. Was she a ghost?"Master Davis, Madam Davis," Jennifer greeted with a subtle smile, gesturing for the visitors to take their seats.Madam Davis closed the gap between them, taking Jennifer's hands in hers and patting them comfortingly. "It must have been challenging for you these past few years. Are you alright?"She and her husband had learnt that the woman didn’t die in the accident and had been in a coma all these while, only waking up recently…Jennifer Mandez nodded, "I'm fine, thank you, Natasha. Please, take your seat."Madam Davis nodded and then took her seat beside her husband.“It’s good to see you're doing well. However, we've come