STEPHANIE “So how long have you guys been together” Aisha asked me with a cheerful smile fitted across her face?"‘Almost a year," I blurted out, still reeling from the sensation of Edward’s lips on mine. It was just a brief kiss, but I felt every single millisecond of it. “I feel offended he didn't say anything about it” I held Anna's hand protectively. Edward had left her in my care now. “Well don't blame him. It wasn't serious at first, then later he didn't want to admit I was the one for him. Until recently when he begun to have sleepless nights. He proposed” she laughed. I glanced at my fingers and noticed the ring was missing. I had tucked it away safely in the jewellery box to prevent losing it. I hadn't realised I was such a convincing liar until now. The lies were starting to roll off my tongue effortlessly.“Awwwn I'm so excited for you.” She nudged me with her elbow “Don't worry since you're here we’ll stay friends” She picked out a red bikini and flashed the pair befor
STEPHANIE The wedding planner, Deloris, seemed to have everything sorted out as if it had all been meticulously arranged beforehand. I found myself standing there, feeling like an unnecessary presence, as she inquired whether I wanted this or that, and then promptly decided on my behalfI knew the marriage was a sham, and the wedding would be too, but for my parents and friends, it was my first wedding and should be something special. I was so upset with Edward that I was relieved when I didn't see him the next morning. With Anna off to school, it was just Emma and me listening to the wedding planner, who was dressed in a suit and high-silhouette heels.She knew what she was doing but I felt she would have given me room to make a choice. “I’ve had the hotel room for after the wedding booked out already in one of the most luxurious suits in town” I nodded.“Mr Dan's male friends will have to appear in a midnight blue suit,” She wrote something down. “What's his favourite colour?” “W
EDWARD I stood by the platform with Ryan, a few other friends, and the pastor. I wasn't bothered that we were going to lie when we said our vows or promises 'til death do us part. Even god knew I needed to inherit this company. With all the effort I'd put in, I deserved more. Everyone seemed genuinely happy for me, and I couldn't help but wonder why they all wanted me to just move on. I wasn't even certain if I'd moved on from her.I watched my grandmother gaze at me with pride while my father's expression still looked sceptical. Honestly, I just wanted to get it over with. I hadn't seen Stephanie since the day before, and I hoped she had not backed out. Emma mentioned she was with her family, and I left it at that. It might be their last long time together. I hadn't seen her that morning either, and I just hoped she hadn't backed out, as it would be a disaster for me and all over the internet. I crossed my fingers and stood there, trying to keep my cool.When I heard the soft t
STEPHANIE We arrived at the hotel and were greeted by a hostess who followed us into the elevator. She congratulated me and I ignored her, chugging from my bottle.I could feel her eyes on me, and it was clear that Edward was feeling uneasy. It didn't bother me, though, all I wanted was to have a drink and let go of everything that had unfolded earlier that day. Before long, we found ourselves in our room, with the hostess having left us and Edward quietly closing the door behind us. The room was beautifully adorned with garlands and bouquets, creating a lovely atmosphere. White petals were scattered across the king-size bed, and a charming dinner setting was arranged by the balcony.“This would all be beautiful if I didn't marry an asshole,” I said. I didn't mind anything or anyone, because now my mind was occupied with nothing."I always dreamed of this luxury, never certain I'd experience it until you came along and made me despise it," I said, turning to Edward, who had removed
STEPHANIE His voice sent a thousand lightnings across my body. His look driving through me made me feel naked. Sex was not part of our contract. Why was he saying we needed to consummate our wedding? Was he horny?“What's wrong with you?” I questioned “Are you drunk too?“Trust me Love, you wouldn't like it if I'm drunk right now “ I laughed. Was he someone who misbehaved? “Don't tell me you're someone who gets crazy when they are drunk” “No, Trust me, if I was drunk, you wouldn't leave this room walking properly” He moved closer, totally into my space now, eyes teasing me. “I'd fuck the shit out of you, till you pass out” My mind was in a whirl, and I found myself utterly speechless. Was he just some lustful creep or what? His gaze wandered from my lips to my neck and then down to my chest. The dress I wore was cut low, perfectly accentuating my bust. He leaned in, pressing his face into my neck, and took an awkward sniff of my scent. It was utterly bizarre, and all I wanted was
EDWARD I had slept in with my thoughts and the discomfort in my pants. It was a new day and I needed to make it count. I made myself a cup of coffee and took out my MacBook to work. I opened my email to check out the proposal Steven had sent to me. It's about redeveloping a fraction, Old Musty, with unmodernised houses, and the eviction notice has been sent out, and the compensation fee for the family is waiting for me to approve it. This was a big project I had to achieve so my father could see that I could have Dan Realty in my name. Even Anderson had tried to get this project but could not. I had to no matter what. Yes, I've tied the knot, but knowing my dad, he wouldn't just hand over the company, so I had to prove myself. Once I've finished redeveloping this section, he'll have no choice but to entrust not only Dan Realty but all the others to me. I reviewed the blueprint of the site and highlighted areas that needed adjustments and redesigns. Then, Stevens' message popped u
STEPHANIE It's been a day and a half, and I haven't heard from Edward or even bothered to see him. I didn't know if he left already or was in his room. And I didn't go out either, I just stayed in and caught up on my favourite series on TV. I was all set to enjoy myself alone, even if he didn't want to, but somehow, he had managed to kill my enthusiasm. Now, all I feel like doing is eating junk food and snacking endlessly.A part of me was expecting an apology message from him, but I know that even in my next life Edward would never send an apology message to me. Olivia and my mom were so curious about our honeymoon, and I had to lie that something urgent at work occurred, and it needed Edwards' time. So he's been quite busy but promised to make it up to me. It worked, no one bothered asking too many questions. My phone beside me on the bed dinged, and Edward's message popped up.‘By 7 pm tomorrow I'll be returning to the house. Since you don't want to leave I'll send my driver to
I took a shower in my room, dressed in a silk night dress, before looking for Edward's room. I've never bothered to know where it was because the house was massive. Plus no one offered to give me a tour. I knew he always took a turn after a very large glass picture frame hanging down. I did find a door. It must be his room because that was the only one there. I knocked slightly and heard no response. I turned the handle and walked in. It was an astonishing sight. It was a large space that could be two of my whole house put together. It smelt of Luxury because I could see a diffuser on a stand emanating a Tuscan scent. The lounge area was arranged with sofas which the quality Italian leather could be sighted from after. A large bed stood by the side adorned with crisp white sheets and silk pillows. Large canvas and picture frames hung on the wall. It was beautiful. I couldn't help but look around the crystal chandelier raining down its light on me. I searched everywhere but could
STEPHANIE I was so caught up in Edward being in the room, that I failed to notice that Maison had pulled up his pants and brought out a knife directing it to my neck. He pulled my hair, and I got up, standing before him, the knife sitting on the crook of my neck. The police pointed a gun at him and he settled the knife into my neck more. “If you move, I'll kill her”, he shouted, pulling me to the door. Everyone moved aside, they didn't want to do anything and have him stab me.I was crying now, I was happy that at least I got to see Edwards's face one last time before maybe I died. It was good to know that people care about me. I stared at Edward, worry and fear were all over him. I cannot believe he had come this far to rescue me. Now there was nothing to make me doubt his love for me. Maison pulled me out of the door, halfway through the hallway, before pushing me away. He ran and the police went after him. I stood there crying and Edward walked up to me, embracing me immediate
STEPHANIE Maison met me curled up on the living room sofa when he came down in the morning. I couldn't find a way to escape and I couldn't sleep, I just lay there till morning. I was lost in thoughts but his cold fingers brought me back to reality. He placed his hands on my thigh “What are you doing down here?” He asked me. “Came down yesterday begging for an escape” the lady with the dark hair I met last night said. She laughed “She didn't know that there's no way out” I stared at Maison. He wasn't drunk anymore. He sat down beside me. His voice was gentle. “How long am I going to keep begging you to stay with me” I wasn't one to answer that question, so I got on my feet and wanted to walk away, but he grabbed my hand and pulled me down into him. “You don't walk away from me when I'm talking to you”, he said as I struggled to break free; I was sitting on his legs now. When I had gotten exhausted and decided to stay put, he used that opportunity to begin to touch me. “You shoul
EDWARD We tracked the phone and went back to the house we first went in search of Maison. We met a young boy this time. Sam asked to go in and we sat with him. “We traced a call from three days ago to this place” Sam looked at his hand, “It's this phone you're having now. Tell me why did you call the lady that day?” he began questioning the boy. “I did not,” The boy said turning away. “You called her before the accident and said nothing, just misplaced words” “I did nothing” he repeated. I just watched them. If Sam cannot get something out of this kid, I'll have to strangle him and get something from him myself. “It is your voice kid” Sam took out a recorder and played the recorded voice note. “Are you still going to deny it?” He kept quiet. I was exhausted “Hey how old are you?” I asked him and he answered.“I just turned eighteen” “Then I hope you know that if you are checked and by chance have anything to do with the disappearance of that young lady you'll no longer go to
STEPHANIE Maison didn't mind my screams and cries. He was after pleasuring himself. He took off my underwear and opened my legs. He held me in a place and I could not move. He took off his shirt and unbuckled his belt, revealing his dick, which was all up and red burning with desire. “Maison, please don't do this”, I begged, but the look in his eyes showed that he was not willing to let go of me. “I'm hurt” I mumbled. He was leaning into me, and I shut my eyes, trying to subdue the pain I was about to feel.But instead, I felt his grip on me reduced, and his weight on me lifted. I opened my eyes slowly. He had gotten up and adjusted his trousers. I quickly got up and dressed myself too. He picked up his shirt without turning back, and he left. I was grateful he didn't rape me, at least he has a conscience. I got up and dressed properly. For a moment I thought he was going to have sex with me. I would have really counted him a monster truly if he did. He had been obsessed with me,
STEPHANIE I had no appetite, looking at the varieties Maison displayed on the table. The pain had reduced and the bleeding too. I laid in bed and began to feel uncomfortable. I got up and sat on the floor. It was night with no sign of a way to escape or anyone looking for me. I was starving and very weak. I looked at the table filled with food. Maison had brought food and clothes earlier. I knew I needed food for strength, but I didn't have the appetite to eat. I got up and sat by the table.I heard key sounds behind the door, and soon, the door was opened, Maison appeared in the doorway, looking intimidating. He sat in front of me, watching me. “You know you don't have to be locked in here for long, all you have to do is marry me and divorce your husband” “Where did you learn to become a monster, Maison? I once loved you, you were a caring guy with a good heart. Even when I found out you were in a gang, I didn't leave you because you were the best man I had been with, but then you
EDWARD I sat in front of the police detective who was asking me diverse questions about Stephanie. They found her car, crashed without a sign of her in it. She had an accident, but what happened after? I almost cried when I got a sighting of the vehicle. The night she went missing passed by quickly without me catching a glimpse of sleep or rest. We had contacted all hospitals by that side in case she was admitted to a hospital but none took in a victim of an accident. Her mother had run over to my place, struck with worry, I assured her that I'd look for Stephanie. We didn't gain any good news that night, all security footage didn't capture that particular place where she had an accident. My thoughts ran to Maison, but I didn't want to believe he had anything to do with Stephanie yet. Emma was asked a few questions and she told the detective that Stephanie had been going to her parents sometimes and coming back before I returned. She had left yesterday, saying she would come back
STEPHANIE I bled till morning earning just a tossed sanitary pad and towel from Maison. Was I really pregnant for Edward, or was it just an early period? Thinking about it, I wasn't sure I had my period last month, I didn't track it, and I was always having unprotected sex with Edward. The pain was unbearable but I couldn't do anything about it. I didn't have my phone with me or anything. After cleaning myself up, I lay on the bed twirling in pain. I was hurt. If I knew I had Edward's child, I would have done anything to keep it. I felt bad that I didn't even know I was pregnant. How can a woman not know she's with a child? I felt weak because I'd lost lots of blood, I had become pale and sickly. The sun had come up properly, when I saw the door open and Maison walked in. He stared at me for a moment before saying, “A doctor is here for you, you'll be fine in minutes” Immediately, what came across my mind was to tell the doctor that I had been kidnapped and he should help, but t
STEPHANIE Edward didn't like the name Maison or the statement that came after. “What?” he asked, fury already lingering in his eyes. I regret telling him. “When we were in the water park for a moment we couldn't find Anna, I wanted to call you but I found her with Maison behind an ice cream shop” “What?” Edward sprang to his feet, picking up his phone, and I followed. He was dialing a number. He was calling the cops. “He didn't hurt her, I swear” “But this is a threat, it's high time I get this over and done with.” He was frustrated, running his fingers through his hair. “What the fuck does he want from me?”“It is me,” I said quietly. “He said I should have a divorce and come back to him or he'll make my life miserable. “Why didn't you tell me this?” “Because it's my fault, it's my problem, I was the one who dated him. I didn't want to drag you into this” “You're my wife, Stephanie, we fucking shared a vow”, his voice rumbled. “Under a contract,” I said. I needed to know wh
STEPHANIE I was afraid. I had looked around for her, everywhere a kid could be. I met with the authorities, and everyone began to look for Anna. I felt like crying because I didn't know what to do. What would Edward say? How would he react to hearing his daughter was missing? The first time I had a day out with her and this happened? My skin was covered in goosebumps, shivering from fear. Poor Anna must be so scared.The authorities were not making any progress in finding her, so I picked up my phone to call the police and Edward when I remembered that we hadn't checked the ice cream shop area. I knew that Anna wasn't a child to wander off like that because of something she likes but never say never. I ran to the stall to find a young ice cream man. “Please sir have you seen a child about this tall” I gestured with my hand “Petite and dark hair” he stared at me as if trying to remember, “She's wearing pink and blue swimwear”“Oh I saw her leave with her dad after getting strawberr