MARIAH POV>After narrating all my ordeals to Ariana, I disclosed to her my plans to further my studies.Since I had passion to become a businesswoman, I thought of going to college to study Marketing to wilding my understanding about the ethics of business and turn my love for fashion into business venture."It actually a nice idea but how are you gonna fund for all your stuffs? You know college can be expensive," she asked after carefully listening to me."I guess I would fund for everything necessary through the money I took from my father's save" I replied.She laughs at me for a short while before saying "I think your father would be really mad at you for stealing his money...""Point of correction, I took it not stole it." I clarified.
MARIAH POVI felt inquisitive about the tragedy surrounding my father's sudden death.If his car had exploded, it means, a bomb was either planted inside his car.My dad being indebted to Cassian I know he was in big trouble as Cassian would go the extra mile to hurt him.This might either be the reason why my father pleaded with me to return home two days earlier.For quite some time now, the Russians kept on breathing out endless threats to my father.Here's where everything seem complicated.Could the Russians have hands in my father's death or is Cassian behind it?I made several calls and eventually got in touch with a cop who promised to get back to me.Days later, while preparing for lectures, I got a call from an unknown number but before I reached for my phone, the call ended.I redial the number and a man's voice answered."Hello""Sorry, I missed your call" I started."Am I on to Mariah?" The caller asked."Yes""You called me some days ago""Are you the police I'd discussi
CASSIAN POVAfter I arrived at my warehouse, I retired to my regular room as thoughts of what might become of my plans came afresh into my mind.I recalled my last conversation with Meteo and his advice to get Mariah in time.Fuck!This whole delay is more like a bad nightmare to me.Seeing all my efforts to get Mariah turned out abotive, Lucas had suggested; Maxwell's death is been fake so as to lure Mariah into returning home.This would also help stop Maxwell from being a target by members of the Bratva as they would have to accept he's dead.I welcomed this suggestions and without hesitating, I informed Maxwell about this which he accepts since he'd no choice.Hope this finally works at last.I hope this plan draws Mariah from were she's hiding.Leaving my regular room down to were Maxwell was. I met Lucas there also."I hope this shit works out" I started when I entered the room and shut the entering way."Sure it would" Lucas responded."I wasn't talking to you, but Maxwell" I w
CASSIAN POVI widened my eyes and hung up, my mouth open and dumbfounded.I rolled my eyes and gasps "what's he doing here?"I gazed at him in utmost surprise, Massimo, a guy I haven't seen in two years.Back in the days during the time we were underbosses, we were best of friends and most times referred to as bird of same feathers.When it comes to being skillful, Massimo was as skilled as I am, though, some even said he was better than me.At that time too, I did recommended him to my father to be the underboss in charge of another city.Unfortunately, Massimo left after my father's death.I felt really disappointed and saddened by his departure as he would have been a valuable team member.Initially, I felt apprehensive about his departure not until I realised, sure he'd left because he doesn't wanna take orders from the new capo who's me. Or at least that was what I thought.Later on, Massimo had claimed he wanted to do something different with his life but I know, the only way ou
MARIAH POVToday has been really hectic for me though.I walked into the balcony, I'm kind preoccupied with thought.I'd lot of things to do which includes: taking lectures, planning important stuffs ahead and lot more.Leaving the balcony I collapse on the sofa feeling exhausted, Ariana is sitting adjacent to me.Staring at me, she walk in to the kitchen and brought me a glass of water, "take some" she offered.I collected the glass of water when Ariana had suggested we both go out together to have a drink which I accepted with open hands as this too was on my mind.On arriving I choosed to stay at a open space there, just to catch some view and while we were drinking at the open space, I felt a strange face observing me from a distance.I caught sight with a man who's reading a news paper. But deep down inside me, I'd this feeling he isn't actually reading the news paper but spying on me instead.Just then, Ariana words which she told me some weeks ago came afresh into my mind."Ma
CASSIAN POV"let's meet now, Sir," Massimo started."For what?" I asked."I've got something to show you; you really need to see this" he explained."I'm busy for now" I said reluctantly."It's very important" Massimo said."Let's leave it for some other time" I insisted since I'm busy with work here in my office.Rearranging some documents as I'm expecting a very important visitor."I insist" Massimo said.I huffed "Where should we meet?" I demanded."At our usual meeting spot" he told me."Alright, I'll be there soon" I replied and ended the call.Hope he has something reasonable to tell me as I can't afford wasting all my money and time in vein.I got into my car and drive out and arrived at the exact spot.I walked inside and met Massimo with a guy kneeling with blood all over his body.I knew Massimo had beaten the hell out of him."Who is he?" I asked sitting down on a stool."I know he has something to tell us" Massimo said and turn to the man, "tell us all you know."The man r
MARIAH POVI'd lot of plans already on my mind and so, I also took programming and ethical hacking courses to help me develop my skills.After concluding my online courses some months interval, I decided to start up my own business.And since I've always dreamed to own one of the largest collection of fashion and clothing store here in Philadelphia I knew this was the right time to pursue this goal.Not entertaining any more delay, I start up the business with part of The funds I'd left.Ariana had suggested I meet with some journalists to advertise my business and also consult marketers to help promote my business; having this on my mind from the beginning, I did so without hesitating.My business grew faster than I expected and I know I was right on my way to achieving my aim.So far, I'd managed to set up two stores and I'd plans to take my business to a greater height, with this goal, I worked tirelessly.While getting some stuffs done in my store, I thought about my father and ho
MARIAH POVTwo years later Things has ever since played out positively for me here in Philadelphia.I invested into divers businesses and in a matter of time, it boomed.My businesses kept growing rapidly and I opened more stores across the city.After spending these two years here in Philadelphia and accomplishing part of my life goals, I'd this urge to return back to California.I thought about my father and how he died. I think he deserve what he got.But the thought of Cassian and how he led me to death in my previous life still play center stage in my life.I just can't afford to keep hiding from Cassian I think it's high time I face him and pay him back for all the hells he had put me through.Having revenge in my minds, I hired lot of spies with the intention to help me gather information about Cassian business and whereabout.I had been doing many underground work and making necessary contacts, waiting for the perfect time to return back to California.Luckily for me, the opp
MARIAH POVShit!I felt shocked by his remarks.How did Cassian discovered I'd gone through his information on his computer?What did he discovered?I just couldn't figure out how he discovered my actions.I need to change the topic seeing Cassian's looking angry. I can't stand this; I'm not done with Cassian yet.Without hesitating, I quickly fabricated a cover-up story."Who's Dahlia?" I asked. I didn't know when this came out from my mouth. Why I'm I even asking about Dahlia?If I don't ask about him, how would I changed this topic? I've got to be smart."He's a long-time business partner" Cassian replied."hope he's a good man" I asked. I know I have to engage Cassian in any possible conversation to divert his attention, and finally, everything worked out. We engaged in another discussion, different from the one that would not have ended well.After the dinner, we decided to return back to our various apartments since it's late already.Just as we came out of the hotel, we saw a
CASSIAN POVSeated quietly in my office, I had flashback on how I'd save Rafael who's now tryna pay me evil for my good.Flashback _After rescuing Rafael from some gangsters that nearly killed him, he became close friends.He runs errands for me but one annoying thing about him was, he often gets into trouble thereby endlessly pestering me to come to his aid.Hey, Cassian, I've got into another bigger trouble. Rafael text me.I've got no time for this shit... I texted him.Please man help me. He texted me again.Hmmm...I inhaled deeply when my phone rings."What the fuck is wrong with you?!" I quarreled."Please help me!" Rafael pleaded on the phone."What happened this time?" I demanded."I misplaced another package" he told me."Seriously?!" I asked.For the second time, Rafael had misplaced the package given to him by his boss to deliver. Now's pleading I render him some help.This guy is fucking with his life. Maybe he's taken this business for granted."How did it happened?" I
CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT MARIAH POVMy heart's beating twice its normal state.Who could this be? Why's he putting on a mask? Gosh! I'm dead!No doubts, this is nothing but a trap. I regret being this careless and wished I didn't come in here from the beginning.Lot of thought came into my head as this strange person dragged me out following a small exist door.Of course no one followed me in here; to the best of my knowledge, I was very careful and observant.Would he kill me?Who could he be, Cassians' men?Just then, I remembered the letter from the written note 'we know who you are'. Goddemmit! Truly my ins and outs had been watched by those assholes. They're fucking indulging in my private life. I no longer have any privacy.Shit!It's them, they've found me.I continuously struggled to get free from the grip of this strange person, but I couldn't. His hand's so strong, a million times stronger than mine.I wish a miracle would happen right now. I wish my guard would just show up.
CASSIAN POVI slept so soundly like a baby yesterday night with the assurance, I've got everything under control.The room felt chilly which made me rub my hands together for warmth.Then, the thought of Maxwell came into my mind.It's unbelievable to see Maxwell isn't under my custody anymore. I could not keep track of the multiple number of times I woke up at night asking myself if I was literally dreaming.I never believed something of this nature could ever happen.I huffed and hissed at the thought of Maxwell.Anyway, it's won't be long till I get him. I got up from my bed and hastily walk to my bathroom when my phone rings out.I deliberately ignored the call; I don't think I need anymore bad news this morning that would spoil my entire day and plans.I took a quick shower and came out from the bathroom and check through my phone to see a message that reads _ 'all the details needed to know the whereabouts of Maxwell I've been sent to your email'.I tried checking to know the pe
MARIAH POVI felt dumbstruck and confused and I couldn't help standing in front of Cassian.I looked so stranded. This is the strangest thing that'd happen to me, but I must not let him know I am.Come on, Mariah, put yourself in order. Cassian must not know I went through his personal information about the Mafia else I'll be dead. What am I gonna tell this devil to make him believe I'm not spying out on him?Would any excuse possibly clear his doubt?I felt terrified, I wasn't expecting him now. Of course he told me he wouldn't come around any time soon; why then, did he changed his mind?I stood uprightly, pretending I'm trying to put the reports inside his drawer then I said "I'm...""What are you doing here?" He cut in sharply."I came to summit some reports" I replied almost choking."Why summit them when I'm not around?" He demanded in rage.Fuck me! Hope he's not gonna terminate my job right away?He's looking so determined to know what I came into his office to do. I wish I l
CASSIAN POVThe dinner with Universe was going perfectly if not for Massimo's presence.He arrived at the most unexpected moment, just when I'm about convincing Universe to follow her to her apartment.Not that I intend to escort her, I wanted to spend the night with her.Standing at the corner, I asked, "so what's so important that you'd wanted to tell me?""Firstly, I can't tell how it happened" Massimo started.I rolled my eyes _ looking at Massimo staring _"I-I" he stammered.I noticed his way so I scuffed _ looking into Massimos' eyes. "What happened?""Maxwell's nowhere to be found!" He said trembling."What?!" I asked in rage."But we are still searching for him" he assured him.Searching for him? Again?I can't believe this is happening. Mariah disappeared without trace now Maxwell is missing too."Where did he escaped to?""For now, we do not know" he said.I need to act fast as I just can't afford to lose him, of course he's needed.After telling me all he'd to say, I heade
MARIAH POV>I arrived a bit late at the company.On entering my office, I was told Cassian had not arrive yet.Just then, I remembered Cassian gave me a task to work on two days ago which I hadn't complicated. I brought out my laptop and begin the work still standing.I feared Cassian might just walk in on me surprisingly. Not wanting to get him provoked I hurriedly continued the work.Few minutes interval Cassian entered. Pretending not to see him, he suddenly came close to me and wrapped his hands around my waist. I felt really nervous though. From the first day, I started working as Cassian secretary, he had never showed interest in me.I felt surprise he's holding me on my waist and soon, he started strolling wet kisses on my neck. After a short time, he asked, "you need it, don't you?"My entire body was beginning to betray me but I needed not to make any mistake. Cassian as I know is often a betrayer.I can't afford to make the same mistake I made in my first life_giving Cassi
CASSIAN POV My emotions are making me kinda distracted from work this past weeks.Honestly, I'm losing my focus and I can't really understand what's happening to me.But I guess everything's under control.With Massimo's presence, I'd little to worry about.This past years had been very tremendous. Lot of things had been achieve because of Massimo's support.It's quite unbelievable how we've got many business partners just in this short while. The deal that would bring about lot of many soon for me due to the deal I reached two days ago was a result of Massimo's relentless efforts.I must confess, Massimo is a Solomon when it comes to handling stuffs as his strategic planning and suggestions always heeded Good results.But there's this one person I can't stop thinking about; Miss Universe. The lady I can't wrap my head around with.She's the reason why I feel distracted.I'm losing focus just because of this woman!This isn't me at all. I have never felt this way for a woman before,
MARIAH POVCassian shouldn't take me as an harlot; one he can have whenever he wants on his bed.Ivy was right when she addressed Cassian to me as a womaniser and a one night stand man. If I fall for his lies now, Cassian might have me fired since he'd succeeded to have me on his bed.Even if he wouldn't, I need to maintain my stand until the perfect time.Cassian asking me to have lunch with him is his usual way to lure woman to calm his sexual urge; nothing more.I can't be Elvira! I wouldn't make any mistake that would jeopardise my chances of revenge.After all, I'm here for a different mission rather than being a mare secretary.On a second thought, I expected Cassian to be strict with me after turning down his demand to have lunch together but he wasn't strict at all to me.He was still as gentle as a dove but why's being this nice made me uncomfortable.This isn't the Cassian I use to know in my previous life. He was an animal and very difficult to work with. Maybe he'd chosen