Chapter Seventy -nine Annabelle_ I knew I had to think through this decision. “Should I see Travis or shouldn't I?” I needed to answer these questions for myself. Then I told myself, “If I'm having two thoughts about making this decision, then I shouldn't.” “I’m busy today. You can leave me a text on whatever it is you need to discuss.” I sent it to Travis. Then a red display on the television in my office caught my attention, “Breaking news!” “Four Armed men, captured after the vandalization of the Smith's company and the death of Staffs.” On seeing that, I had a rethink of seeing him. Not because I pitied him but because I became interested in knowing who could be that callous and do something as terrible as that to Travis. I thought to put a call through to him and I did. The calls kept going into voicemail so I decided to try another method. Get through to Alex. I knew Alex was his right-hand man and friend. He always knew how I could get across to Travis unless Travis war
Chapter Eighty Annabelle_ I didn't mean all I said to him but I had to let it out that way. How dare he try to frame Henry? Henry is one person I know who barely thought of evil things happening to people. I would never accept that from Travis. That was a wrong thing to say or try to insinuate. “Okay. I'm sorry I gravitated towards that. I did not realize this is how things had become.” I was not having the conversation anymore. “Well, I think we've sorted out whatever this call was supposed to be about. I have to go now.” “Okay.” His response was low but clear. I knew he was not done speaking but I was no more interested in hearing him speak again. I think Brook has been telling the truth. “Don't be anno…” I ended the call before he finished his sentence. I was angry. I looked at the envelope on my table and got angrier. I ripped the envelope apart to see what was inside. It felt like a folded letter but it was a picture. A picture of Henry amid soldiers. I never knew Hen
Chapter Eighty -one Annabelle _ Everywhere seemed so loud. Glass cups were clattering here and there, men laughing, and several prestigious people were gathered at my dad's home. I would have preferred he threw the party somewhere else. “Annabelle, you're late,” Prisca yelled from afar to me as I walked into the sitting room. “Ohh, shit. She? What's she doing here m” I grumbled in my mind but wore a smile as she approached me. “You've always been late to parties since I ever knew you. It's more like you don't like gatherings but you're always forced to attend anyway.” She kept talking to me and I was not interested in hearing whatever it was she had to say but yet again, I just had to listen with a smile, using my eyes to scan for my father. Finally, I saw him. Talking to one of the wealthiest men in the country, Sir Mackenzie. “Excuse me for a minute,” I walked out on her without waiting for a response and walked to my father, joining the conversation he was having with Sir
Chapter Eighty -two Annabelle_ “Where are you heading to?” Henry asked me as though he would love to accompany me. “I just need to address something. I'd be back.” I turned away from him in haste and went down the stairs. Before I got down, I slowed the pace I used to walk so that I wouldn't attract unnecessary attention to myself. I scanned around for Travis before walking towards the crowd after I saw where he was. He was speaking to someone so I had to talk with the person too so I could have access to him. “Good evening sirs. I see we are having a good time. May I join your conversation?” It seemed as though the man knew who I was because he was quick to give me an audience. “Sure! If we are looking for someone with more authority to speak tonight, it's you.” I smiled. “Thank you.” Travis looked at me with a little grin. “You look beautiful tonight.” It was as though he scanned me with his eyes before saying his word. “Thank you.” I smiled. The man seemed to underst
Chapter Eighty -three Annabelle_ After my short speech. I was looking at Henry who stood in front of me while I spoke with a very proud look. I expected my dad to introduce him next after me and I think he expected that as well. I got down and went to stand by Henry, after shaking everyone that was standing around where I passed to stand beside Henry. Henry leaned in on me. “You spoke so well.” He whispered. I wiggled. “Now to my ever-excellent son-in-law-to-be.” I didn't like that phrase. I enforced a fake smile because everyone began looking at the two of us. I looked at the other end of the room and sat Travis looking with a painful smile. He smiled and nodded his head. Then he walked away from where he stood like he was about to leave. My father praised Henry as expected and he also gained more influence after that. “Now great men and women, we can all sit and enjoy our meal.” They all clapped as my father left the center of the floor. I was eating on a long table speci
Chapter Eighty-four Annabelle_ I walked in with a forced smile on my face. “Annabelle, I've been looking for you.” My dad called out to me as I approached the table smiling. I did not say anything, I just smiled and took my seat. Henry walked to the other side of the table and sat beside Prisca. My dad cracked several jokes all through the meal. From politics to family and back to politics. The night was a successful one for him and I was happy. I had even forgotten Travis was there that evening. I wore a smile against my will as I had to be my dad's right hand while he greeted everyone before they left. After the most prestigious people had gone, I went upstairs to my room and called it a night for me. I did not plan to go down the stairs again. “Why are you here? Aren't you coming for the after-party?” She walked into the room and met me wrapped in bed. I had taken off my jewelry and the dress. I was ready to sleep. I did not change my position while she approached me. I sta
Chapter Eighty-five Annabelle_ I felt I had had enough. It was then I realized that people think I'm a better person now because Henry must have been guiding me to do right. “Do you think I do not stand on my own?” The tension in the room was high and Brook kept trying to calm me by rubbing my thigh. I shrugged her hand off most of the time to keep saying whatever it was I had in mind to say. Moments later, my father looked at me and said, “I thought you've grown up. I don't think so.” He stood up and left the table. I threw my cutlery on the plate with force. Brook leaned into me, she was about to say something when I stood up and left the dining table. “I will not take any form of insult again! I'm an entity, I'm an adult.” I kept on talking to myself angrily as I packed up my bag. Brook sauntered into the room and met me packing my bags. “Annabelle, what are you doing? You know how your dad can be, you don't have to be angry. He didn't mean his words in a bad way.” “Yo
Chapter Eighty-six Travis_ I couldn't get Annabelle off my mind till I got home. I knew getting her back would be harder especially because Samantha is now back. I could not understand Samantha either. She has been cold since she got back. Just while I was sitting in my study thinking, she walked in and began questioning me. “What have you been doing about the building that got burnt or aren’t you going to do anything about it?” I was happy she took interest in it because since she got back she had just neglected me and she seemed to be angry all the time. “Come and sit, let me show you what I've been up to.” I felt things might get better if I showed her what I've been up to with the new project and it would help us talk better. She came and sat beside me, though she left a little bit of space. I opened my laptop and several files showing her the projects I've been working on as well as the project plan and the income it will generate. “I see. So you are the owner of this ri