Author's POV
Two days later "When have arrived dear" David helped Lelia to get down from the car. Lelia looked at a small church far away from the city, wearing her mother's wedding dress. It was her grandma wedding dress, she gave it to her mother when they got married. It was her grandma's whish to see her wearing the dress on her wedding day. In the family her family her grandma was the only person who used to treat them like family. When her grandma was alive everything was okay but when she passed away everything changed. Lelia looked at her Father. He was looking like a broken man, helpless and guilt were clearly showing on his face. He tried to stop Lelia but she didn't give in. Lelia got on the altar. She was getting married today. She was going to marry a man she had never seen before. All she heard bad things about him. A killer, bad temper person. David looked at his daughter. Although she wearing a simple dress and no makeup on her face but still looked pure and innocent. David looked at his wrist watch. It was almost time for the wedding, but the groom hadn’t arrived yet. The wedding venue was almost empty only the family members and few guest of James were there. James was talking to them happily. David looked away. "Where are the groom family? Where is the groom?" One of the guest asked James “Don’t worry. They probably stuck in traffic. Let’s wait a little longer. They will be here soon” James spoke up. Lelia took a deep breath. The absence of the groom family hald shown the wedding means nothing to them. Like they really loathe the man. She didn't even get the chance to know his name. The thought of marrying someone like him made her heart beat fast with anxiety. She didn't want it but she had no choice. Meanwhile, Lilly also arrived. She walked into the church in a revelling dress and expensive jewelry. She was holding Liam's arm. Few girls were following them, probably they were Lilly's friends. Lilly walked toward her parents with a smug smile. She was so Happy that she had snatched her wealthy fiance and made marry the worthless illegitimate child of Winters Family. She signaled her friends then got on the altar. "What an unlucky girl you are, Lelia? Look your groom didn't arrive yet. How irresponsible he is? Or maybe he found you worthless to be his wife?" Lilly spat like a poinous snake. "I have heard, he had many scares on his face. He is ugly like hell. And top on it he is a murder. Maybe he is still in prison" One of Lilly's friends said and they started laughing. "Why don't you guys bark outside? I don't like nosey places" Lelia spoke up making Lilly fist her hand in anger. She felt insulted . She was about to spoke up when the church door opened. Everyone looked. A tall man entered wearing black suits. He had a mask on his face. Only his deep blue eyes and lips were on display and he was holding a walking stick. Everyone gasped in shock. "He doesn't need a wife but a nanny I think. Have a happy like with that trash" Lilly whispered to Lelia then got down from the altar. Talking unsteady steps he kept walking to the altar. Everyone started gossiping. When he reached in front of the altar stairs he started taking deep breaths like he became so tried of walking. When he put his feet on the first stairs Lelia rushed down and held his hand. The man looked at her. Lelia looked at his beautiful eyes. They are attractive. She helped him to get on the altar. "Thank you" The man thanked her in husky tone. Lelia nodded then left his hand. Soon the priest arrived and started wedding. "It is my house and yours from now on. Make yourself at home. This is my room you can use that one. I have something to do. Don't disturb me" Duke shrugged casually and entered into his room. Before Lelia could say something he shut the door. Lelia looked around the small apartment. She was so relieved to have her own room. She wasn't ready to share room with him. She looked at the messy apartment. It has two rooms and a small kickten. The apartment looked so empty and messy. Books and magazine were all over the floor. She could even saw beer bottle rolling on the floor. "Is he addicted? Since when he didn't clean the apartment? It seemed obvious that he barely made ends meet" Lelia whispered and picked up and bag then entered into the room. "Boss where are you? I am waiting at your Mansion. I need your signature on a file?" Mark Duke's secretary asked him. He was confused when the maid told him Duke didn't return. He should have returned after breaking the marriage. "I am at the old apartment" Duke said and thrown the walking stick then walked inside the washroom. "What? The girl married you even after seeing your condition?" Mark was dumbfounded. According to the information he collected on Lilly William she wasn't that type of woman who will marry a handicap man. Were the information incorrect? "Boss, will you really stay at that small apartment with Madam?" Mark Duke's secretary asked over the phone. "Yes, I will stay for now. Track down on information of my wife. I want them on my table tomorrow" Duke spoke up in a strong tone. "But, boss you already have all the information on Lilly William" Mark was confused. He had already given him the all information. "Lilly William isn't my bride. Her name is Lelia William. Make is fast" Duke ordered and cut the line. He looked at the mirror and put off his mask. A scarless handsome face came out. He deep blue eyes and thin lips made him so handsome. It like God had put effort into creating him. Duke ran his hand in his messy hair and looked at the mirror. "Lelia Walillam. You are an interesting woman" Duke whispered... At Lelia's Room "Mom” Lelia screamed as she woke up gasping and panting for air. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead. She wipe it away using the back of her hand. “Another nightmare” She muttered to myself and rubbed her face in frustration. She have been seeing these nightmares since that day, the doctors said her Mom had cancer. Lelia stretched out her hand towards left the nightstand for the water jug but the table was empty. The jug wasn’t there then she remembered she wasn't in her room. Sighing she got up as felt her throat burning. She was thirsty. So she got up from the bed and walked towards the door. It wasn’t locked. She forgot to lock the door. She walked out of the room she walked towards the kitchen. She was feeling really tired. It was as if those nightmares sucked up her all energy. As soon she got there, she pulled out a glass from the cupboard and poured water from the jug. She gulped it down in a go and instantly felt relaxed. Lelia closed her eyes when she felt someone was standing behind her. She could felt the breath on her shoulder. Lelia turned and saw Duke standing there. Duke raised an eyebrow shoving his hands into his pant pockets. “What are you doing here at this time of the night?” He asked her "I was feeling thirsty" Lelia answered looking down. She was nervous as he was standing too close. “Did you have nightmare? Why are you sweating so much? Are you okay?” Duke asked seeing her state. “Yes, I am okay. Can you please move a little” Lelia whispered. Duke he cleared his throat and moved away and took a glass for himself and poured water in it. When he started drinking water, Lelia ran into her room. Duke put down the class. "What was I doing" Duke was surprised by his act when he realized he didn't take the walking stick. Talking long steps he entered his room. Lelia leaned against the door and put her hand on her chest. Her heart was breathing so fast. "What is happening to me? Why my heart is breathing so fast" Lelia touches her cheeks and finds they are warm. "Wait!! Where was his walking stick? Was he walking without that?" Lelia opened the door and looked outside but Duke wasn't there anymore. "It must be a mistake. He can't walk without it" Lelia whispered to herself....Author's POV Duke, dressed in an expensive black custom-made suit, was lounging in the main seat of the semicircle leather sofa while drumming his fingers on the armrest when his phone started ringing. Duke picked up the call. It was Mark. “I understand. I’ll be there soon!”After ending the call, Duke’s entire demeanor gave off a cold vibe, causing the temperature in the room to drop abruptly.He put on the mask. Taking the walking stick he came out of the room. He looked at Lelia's room and saw the door was open. He looked entered the room but she wasn't there. "Where is she? Did she run away?" Duke took out his phone when he heard Lelia's voice from back. "What are doing in my room? Do you need something?" Duke put the phone into his pocket and turned around slowly. Lelia looked at him. On his face was a black masquerade mask, covering most of his face.The mask exposed his thin lips. "Where were you?" Duke asked her. His tone was cold and masculine. "There was no food i
Author's POVDuke looked at the pile of documents and sighed. Picking up a file he started working on it when someone knocked on the door. "Come in" Mark entered the cabin. "What is it?" Duke asked looking at the document. "Boss, Ma'am has asked for something. But the thing is, it is against our rules" Mark was nervous to hear Lelia's demand. "What did she want?" Duke put down the pen and looked at him."Ma'am has requested for advanced payment. She wanted 1,00,000 dollars. But according to our rules, we don't give loans or advance payments for the first 3 months. The interview board had already denied but Ma'am requested to talk to you in person. What should I tell her?" Mark thought Lelia was an innocent girl, but why did she ask for advance payment on the first day? "Where is she?" Duke asked him"Boss, she is waiting in the lobby. Do you want me to send her here?" "Yes, send her here?" "As you command, Boss" Mark left the room. After some time, someone knocked on the door
When Lelia came out of the company she stopped by the store to buy some fruits for her Mother. The store was beside the company. After she brought some fruits she came out and started looking for a cab when she felt someone tug her dress. Lelia was starlted. She looked down and saw a little boy was holding her dress. He looked around five or six years old. His clothes were poor and looked pale. Lelia got on her knees. "What happened baby? Are you lost?" Lelia asked him softly. The boy shook his head in answer. Lelia cupped his face and smiled."Don't be afraid. I will take you to your parents. Tell me where are they?" Lelia asked in baby voice so the boy could feel comfortable. The boy pointed at a lady who was holding a box collecting money. "Is she your Mother?" Lelia asked him The boy nodded and started pulling her. Lelia stood up and followed the boy. When the reached the spot the lady explained everything. Her husband had an accident and need an urgent operation. But th
Author's POV Coming out of the hospital, Lelia stood near the road to hire a cab when she realized she had no money. "Hope someone helps them." Taking a deep breath, Lelia starts walking when her phone starts ringing. Lelia took out her phone. It was an unknown number. Lelia picked up the call. "Hello, who is it?" Lelia asked"It's me" Came a deep voice over the phone."Duke" Lelia was confused. Where did he get her number? "She didn't remember giving him her number" "Yeah, it's me" Duke answered calmly"Where did you get my number?" Lelia asked her"Is it important now? I am your husband? Is it not normal that your husband has your phone number?" Duke asked in his deep voice "It didn't mean anything like that. Do you have anything to say?" Lelia asked him"Where are you now?" Duke asked her even though he was aware of her location. "I am outside of the hospital" "Then, buy some groceries. I will come home for lunch" Duke said. "Buy groceries!" Lelia looked at her empty purse
Author's POV "How is the Food? Does it suit your taste?" Lelia asked Duke. "It is good," Duke said. Lelia smiled. "I have a good news to share" Lelia spoke up. "Sure. What is it?" Duke put down the spoon and then looked at her. "I got a job at Winters Group. I will join from tomorrow" Lelia spoke up excitedly. "Congratulations. I have something to say as well but it is not a good news" Duke said. "What happened?" Lelia asked. "My Father invited us for dinner. Tomorrow we have to go there. They don't like me. They will use every mean word to hurt and embarrass you if they get the chance. If you don't want to go with me then I will not force you" Duke said to her"I will go with you," Lelia said. "Okay, then, be ready at 7," Duke said and stood up, holding his stick. "Where are you going?" Lelia asked him. "I have some work to do," Duke said and left from there. Sullivan MansionJackson and Nancy, his wife, were seated and drinking tea in the living room when Hunter came the
Lelia woke up when the alarm started raining. She stopped the clock and looked at her messy bed. She was working on the new idea last night. She didn't know when she fell asleep. Lelia got down and entered the washroom. Standing under the shower she twisted the tap. When the water fell on her body, she immediately felt relaxed. After taking a long shower, she came out and put on her dress, then came out. She looked inside Duke's room and found it empty. "Where did he go at this time?" Lelia looked at the wall clock. It was 6. 15 in the morning. Lelia sat on the sofa. She felt tired just then, her stomach rumbled. Lelia went to the kitchen and made some quick sandwiches. She came out and put the plate on the table then picked up a sandwich. Picking up her laptop she started working again while munching on the sandwich. Just then, she heard the clinking of keys, and the door opened. Lelia looked up. Duke walked in, wearing an exercising outfit, a white t-shirt, and black tr
"Dear, we have reached" The old cab driver spoke up. Lelia got down and paid the fare. She looked at the gigantic white building of Winters Group. It was silently screaming with power and luxury. Lelia took a deep breath and then entered the building. She went to the reception section. "Good morning, Ma'am. How can I help you" The receptionist spoke up politely with a gentle smile. "Hi, it is my first day at work. Can you please tell me where I need to go to get my ID card and do the entry procedures?" Lelia asked her. "Sure, Ma'am. Please visit the HR department. And congratulations. Wish you have a good day" The receptionist said "Thank you so much. You can call me Lelia" Lelia smiled at the girl who looked around her age. "Sure, Lelia. I am Katie" The receptionist said"Wish you have a nice day, too, Katie," Lelia said and left from there. After going through the entry procedures, Lelia left the HR department. She entered the IT department. Lelia looked around. Everyone wa
When Mark came upstairs Duke was sipping his black coffee. His expression was cold. "What did Lelia say to you?" Duke asked him without looking at him. "Boss, I have taken care of that matter. They have left for work" Mark said. Duke put the coffee cup on the plate and sat on the chair with his legs crossed. His face looked cold and stern. He was angry. Mark looked up at his Boss. He had taken care of that matter as his order, so why was he still upset? Mark felt strange and couldn’t understand why his Boss was asking him for the details. He didn't want to tell him the details. He had a bad feeling about it. "Mrs. Winters said that lady colleague blackmailed her," Mark said"On what? Go on" Duke glanced at him sharply. "She said if Mrs. Winters was unable to pay the bill, she had to sleep with a waiter. That lady colleague was Mrs. Winters's school friend, I guess," Mark said and looked at Duke. His face turned murderous. Mark gulped down being nervous."It is bad" Mark whisp
They seem to be trying their best to trap each other with some purpose. According to the bodyguard, Jonathan has already succeeded in controlling Lilly. He is giving Lilly expensive gifts to subdue her," Xavier said. "I know this news too," Duke said."Do you want to wait until they get married? Of course, once they get married, they will be punished appropriately," Xavier said."That is what I want to do. Let them soar in the sky for a while. When they think they have everything and they are above everyone, then I will drag them down. I will bring them down in such a way that they will not find a place to put their feet," Duke said. Just then, Stanley entered the room. "Xavier, Amelia has been discharged. She went home with Lelia," Stanley said and Xavier nodded.Hearing Stanley's words, Duke stood up from his seat and said, "I have an urgent meeting in my office. I will come back after the meeting.""You don't need to come here. Amelia insisted that she stay with me. She will be h
Hearing her words, Xavier smiled softly. Amelia looked at Xavier and said, "One minute why are you asking me about Lelia? Do not try to make a move on her. She is a very good girl. I won't tolerate anything bad against her. Lelia told me that you flirted with her in the shopping mall. I am warning you don't mess with her. She is not the type of girl you are thinking. She is loyal to her husband and loves her husband very much.""I flirted with your friend to see if she is loyal to her husband. I didn't have any bad intentions," Xavier said and bit his tongue. "Why would you flirt with Lelia to see if she is loyal to her husband or not? By any chance do you know her husband? What is your relationship with her husband?" Amelia asked Xavier, confusingly."How can I know her husband? I heard she was married. So I was flirting with her simply to see if she was loyal to her husband or not? I don't know her husband. Forget all this; tell me, did the doctor say when he would discharge you?"
"Dad, I do not know what dirty tricks that bastard Duke played on Mr Winters for that Mr Winters believes whatever nonsense he spits before him, but I will find out this soon. I will make Mr. Winters hate that bastard just like we hated him. I will make sure of it. Just watch and see" Jonathan gritted his teeth in anger and utter. He really hated the fact someone liked Duke over him. "Do you think it is easy to do what you are trying to do? Do you think your Grandfather and I haven't tried that method? We have tried our best to convince Mr. Winters that Duke is a horrible, evil man and a murderer. We have tried our best to show him how bad is Duke. We tried so hard to convince him that Duke brutally murdered his own Mother, but Mr. Winters wouldn't listen to us. He thinks we lied and that Duke was innocent. He thinks we wronged Duke and that Duke served ten years in prison for no reason. Mr. Winters it is not someone whom you can easy convince to believe something. The thing you are
Duke didn't say anything and just stared at the card. Seeing that Duke didn't answer to the question, Stanley put his hand on Duke's shoulder and said again, "Duke, what happened? Is this Lelia's number?""Yes, this is Lelia's phone number", Duke whispered and looked at the nurse. "Did the girl say she would come to the hospital?""Yes, the girl said she would be at the hospital in half an hour," The nurse said. Hearing the nurse's words, Duke looked at Stanley and said, "If Lelia comes to the hospital and sees me, she will be suspicious. I have to leave here before she comes to the hospital""I can't let you go home in this condition. Let's go to my penthouse" Stanley said. Duke nodded his head without saying anything. Stanley checked Xavier's condition once more and appointed three security guards outside of the room then left from there. After a while, Lelia arrived there. Lelia entered the room and was shocked to see Amelia's condition. "Sister, what happened to her? How did she
"Amelia, listen to me carefully; this is not the time to act like a crazy person. I am talking very seriously. If you stay with me, your life will be at risk. At any time, wild animals can come and attack when they smell blood. You will die if you stay with me. So don't be crazy, and stay here, I will go the other way. I promise you Duke and Stanley will come to save you. Just hide well," Xavier said, and Amelia grabbed his shirt collar as he tried to get up to leave."I have told you before and I am again telling you for the last time, no matter what, we will be together. If it is written in our destiny to go back alive from here, then we will go back alive together and if it is written in our destiny to die here, then we will die together. I will not let the man who took the bullet for me go away from me because of the fear of death. Yes, I am afraid of death, but I am not selfish. Whenever you will go, I will follow you," Amelia said in a strong voice.Xavier understood that Amelia
"Why did you have to go through so much trouble to get army training? You are not an army officer, so why did you go through so much trouble to get army special training?" Amelia asked him confusingly."To survive," Xavier replied making her shocked. "What did you just say? What do you mean by that? Why do you have to go through army training to survive? What is the relationship between army training and survival?" Amelia asked him in surprise."Do fight against the situation we are in right now" Xavier replied casually. "Did you mean someone tried to harm you before?" Amelia asked him."Do you think this is the first time someone has tried to kill me?" Xavier replied with a soft smile and picked him up with his stick and threw it into the water."What? What did you say? Does that mean they had attacked before to kill you? Why did you not report them to the police?" Amelia asked in a panicked voice."Do you think I just keep a group of security guards and a pistol with me for no rea
"What are you saying? What do you mean by I can quit my job? Have you forgotten that I came to work in your office for six months? If I quit my job six months ago, our Family will suspect us. I can not do it," Amelia said. She didn't know why, but she felt offended when Xavier told her she could quit her job."Your life will be at risk if you stay with me. The farther you are from me, the safer you will be. I never want anyone else to be in danger because of me. You don't have to think about our Family. I will handle everything," Xavier said and looked at the bullets he had taken out of his body. A sly smile appeared on Xavier's face as he looked at the bullets.Seeing Xavier laughing, Amelia was surprised and said, "How can you laugh in this situation? Why are you laughing? We are trapped in a big danger. What is there to laugh about here?"Xavier spoke up fisting the bullets in his hand, "They are using the bullets I made to kill me. It is amazing that the bullets I made for the pro
"Boss, everyone is here," Mark spoke up.Duke went to the divers and said, "Don't come in front of me until we find Xavier and Amelia.""Don't worry, sir. We won't stop until we find them. We will come out of the water after we find them," The divers said and started preparing to go down to the ocean."Send search team everywhere" Duke ordered Mark. Mark nodded and started working."Duke, I will go with you. Take me with you. I will look for my son with you," Xavier's Father requested. "Uncle, you don't have to worry. We will find Xavier and come back quickly. Xavier is definitely alive and waiting for us. You need to stay here. Stanley and I will go find him," Duke said.Even after listening, Xavier's Father couldn't calm down. He kept insisting on taking him with them. "Uncle, trust us. Xavier is okay. He is not going to give up that easily. We will come back soon. Xavier will be very worried if he sees you in a devastated condition. You wait here for us," Stanley said and looked a
After finishing their meal, everyone left the house. Amelia talked to Lelia for some time then she also left.When Amelia came out of the building she saw Xavier was leaning against his car doing something on his phone. Amelia passed by him silently and she was about to get into the car when Xavier grabbed her hand."What happened? Why are you stopping me? Do you want to say something?" she asked Xavier."Get in my car. I will drop you home. It is quite late. It is not safe for you to go alone" Xavier told her. Amelia frowned at him and pulled her hand away from Xavier's grips and spoke up, "Thank you for your concern, but there is no need for that. I can go home from here alone the way I came here alone. I don't need your help. I have my car with me and I know how to drive very well. You don't need to worry about me.""It is good that you know how to drive, but I have to worry about you because your Father left you here in my care. I can't leave you alone at night. My security guard