3RD POV:THE NEXT DAY:AT NOON:Today was the press conference set up by Jonathan's team, as a promotion for the competition highly recommended by the television channel who needed viewers to tune in every single night throughout the event. Everything was already set up for the night, billboards were out, media houses were prepared to come interview as well as promote. It was going to be a successful event, everyone was certain of that.What was the worst thing that could possibly go wrong when everything was already in place?Jonathan was standing behind the camera, as his assistant was running down some of the questions that might be asked. He was in designer simple black pants and his signature blindly button down white shirt. His face wasn't as empty as they were years back, he had connected beards and his hair was combed out always, making him look handsome and more appealing.Freda smiled seeing him, she adjusted her new gold hoop earrings and walked towards him.“Wow….Who is th
IRIS’S POV:That Same Day:It was a warm Afternoon, the weather was different from back home just like I remembered but it wasn't as much as I could remember, the sun was out and bright, the city of Mel was simply exquisite and I was amazed at the fact that the only time I stayed at the city was some days to my wedding, and I was too occupied to enjoy its serenity and beauty. The apartment Gabriel and I stayed was about thirty minutes away from the city, private estate for his status.“My sister has always loved the neighboring city. Let's get married there, I will have my team set it up and trust me, it would be spectacular. Just let me go tell her.” I remember vividly how he kissed my head afterwards and like a kid, he skipped away hastily going to inform his little sister, Tamar, all about it. Without even sharing more details nor asking if I liked it. His sister and relatives liked me. Another reason why I didn't even bother objecting was because I hoped it would at least bring s
IRIS'S POV:I sipped out of my milkshake and laughed but he looked at me with the most expression ever, making me laugh even harder.“You two love each other and that's amazing to hear, because you know she casted a spell on you. It's admirable you can't get her out of your mind even after over two years…” I trailed off thinking to myself about that gigolo who I couldn't also get out of my mind, nor picture another man making love to me like he did.It was so sad, wasn't it?“And how busy are we talking?” I questioned, shaking my head to dispel the thoughts. “Definitely how you get busy with the kids, work and your secret creations.” He responded and I frowned looking at him with disbelief. “I'm not even kidding….I need a vacation soon. But talk to me, how's Sophie? Is she seeing anyone?” He inquired and I shrugged sipping out of my drink, noticing various security guards by a table close by and another by the door. I'm certain there were some others, and as usual I was not complain
3RD POV:COMPETITION DAY:The spectators, bright excited parents, guests, media personnels, friends and family all took a seat in their places, astonished by the magnificent hall, from the exterior to the interior. This was one of the top ten ranked halls in the world with over three hundred people capacity, it was used for concerts, competitions and huge conferences amongst other things. The hall had a grand space adorned with extravagant chandeliers casting bright light, and white light bulbs, and a dozen of high quality cameras from each angle by the network television channel. The podium had a two work table work space, with pots and pans of various sizes, mixing bowls, spatula and whisks, and the ingredients for the meal they were to prepare was all sealed in the pan.Tickets to the hall were all sold out, and parents as well as well wishers were getting seated waiting in anticipation for the event to begin.“Are Grandpa and Grandma coming?” Jason inquired, hopeful as Iris bent
3RD POV:“I'm sorry…my hands are a bit sweaty.” He mentally yelled at his sweat glands in the moment. But it was usually for when he was shy and nervous.“It's okay, Jason, it happens to all of us.” She chuckled and he laughed as well, relaxing at that information.“Well, Good luck out there. Hopefully you will be number 3 and I will be number 1.” She said and Jason responded, “We will see about that.”He smiled to himself as she walked off, thinking She's so cute but I need to focus and win. I will get to train under Jonathan Knight.He reminded himself anticipating meeting his idol.********TWO HOURS LATER:Sounds of violin bounced through the corner of the hall, a sound that will keep you anticipating and focused on the kids. The competition had begun over an hour and thirty minutes ago, and Jason had grinned from ear to ear when he saw everyone there cheering for him in excitement and reading the signs board from everybody's cardboard, and Mariana and Miguel stood up from their s
THAT SAME DAY:JONATHAN'S POV:After going on a break, the guests and I tasted each of the kid's meals. Some were just plainly…horrible and by the looks on their faces, they knew that as well. It was probably because they didn't expect what they were asked to prepare. I had almost barfed after tasting one of the “grandberry pie” one of the contestants made but Freda had just hurriedly handed me a napkin.When giving my review to the kids and telling the world what I thought about the creations, I refrained from saying too much. I loved kids and I know if I said much, I would be blunt and come off as mean to the rest of the world.There were about five of whom did extremely well and this last round was the top six to prepare my popular dish, Chef's Ris. I anticipated tasting and watching Jason Fletcher prepare it.He was simply outstanding and I hoped he would emerge as the top three. It was quite obvious that he would.He reminds me of myself at his age, focused on cooking and making
JONATHAN'S POV:Vee was getting a divorce from Tristan after he had walked in on her having sex with another man in their matrimonial bed. She treated him like he was the one in the wrong and it had been sad and hurt for a while now. But she still seemed to have a lot of demands for him nonetheless, but it seems like she's oblivious to the type of power his family yielded and the power my family and I held as well.Everyone at the table then turned to look at him with pity offering their apology while his mother still gave him a look of ‘I told you so.'Well everyone definitely told him so but things between them seemed perfect for over seven years. But it wasn't really.“That's enough about my brother. Let's make a toast to my other brother, Jonathan Knight, creating opportunities for kids all over the continent and soon the whole world at large. You're an inspiration and role model to many and there would be another party thrown tomorrow to celebrate the conclusion because you truly
3RD POV:THAT SAME DAY:“Dante Jim in third place! HELENA BAKER in second place!” The crowd erupted in applause as Stephen listed out and their parents whooped and cheered, literally screaming and crying tears of joy.“Coming first place is…..” Stephen looked at each of the four contestants who had their eyes closed, hoping it was one of them. Except Jason, who matched the arrogance of his father, and stood confidently with his hands behind his back.“That boy is cocky as hell.” Robert muttered to all who were seated next to him and they chuckled, easing the tension they were feeling.Stephen smiled and looked into the camera and yelled into the microphone, “JASON FLETCHER!”The entire crowd clapped and cheered, Jonathan leaned back in his seat and watched Jason, who had a smirk on his face, walk forward to the banner by the edge of the stage which read in blue thick font, No. 1..Overall winner.Confidence at its peak. Amazing! Jonathan thought as he and the fellow judges stood up to
IRIS'S POV:It was embarrassing and amusing and since reporters were there, they had captured it and the whole world had laughed and I was just grateful that I never had to worry that she would come back. Sophie had accompanied Mariana when she went to see Miguel after he was released from prison, earlier this year. He told her he had learnt his lesson and he apologized from the depth of his heart and travelled out of the country. We all toasted to that piece of information, and Sophie was just different now. She and Robert had a small wedding three years ago at my Island and the two had two kids in a span of a year, which we all found totally amusing. As soon as she gave birth to her first cute baby boy, Paul, in a span of three months, she was pregnant yet again and we couldn't help but wonder if that was healthy. She birthed another boy, Peter, and she had a load on her hand.“Why are you seated here looking like a creep?” Scarlet interrupted my thoughts and I chuckled.“Taking a
IRIS'S POV:“We are married, Jonathan, and I believe in marriages, people don't just jump up and leave. You are my partner and my other half, I trust and love you and we both are going to make sure our kids are safe. You can be the sole warrior of my safety.” I added the last sentence jokingly and he smiled, pulling me for a kiss.“I love you with everything in me, my Queen.” He looked deeply into my eyes as uttered those and I smiled shyly.“I love you too, baby.” And we stretched for another warm passionate kiss, above the kids’ heads and we broke apart when we heard in unison, “Ewwwww..” Which made us laugh and showered the kids with kisses and I told them, “ I love you my smart little babies.”When we got home, our parents had already thrown a Welcome Back Home Party with so many gifts from well wishers from all over the world and food from the best of the best in the entire country of Simia, Jonathan's restaurant.We all partied, had fun and a little too much fun, because that n
IRIS'S POV:A FEW DAYS LATER:We had headed towards Roland's family house, and it seemed all eight of us had the same thought in my mind with how careful and gentle we were being. I couldn't help but think even though it seems childish,What if they weren't pleased that we were recovering our kids and they tossed us to the basement and locked us in there like in the movies? What if the old man who directed us here, left in a haste because he feared them and not because of his animals? I had no fear anyways, the police came with us, as well as our security, we were protected and we came bearing gifts in appreciation. As soon as I knocked on the door, Mrs Roland opened the door with a bright, beautiful smile on her face.“Good afternoon, how may I help you?” She asked, looking into my eyes deeply, standing before us in a blue scrub and my heart dropped a bit at the sight of a blood stain on her shirt.Jonathan cleared his throat and wrapped his around my waist, and said, “We are the p
IRIS'S POV:THE NEXT MORNING:Jonathan's arm was wrapped with a band and I was seated with him in the back seat of the black SUV headed to search for the kids with our friends driving in their respective cars, and my head rested on Jonathan's shoulder as he vividly described what happened last night.“We arrived at the house they had pinpointed was the location where the kids were around ten p.m, leaving two hours till when Emily was supposed to call me for the exchange. The cops quietly surrounded the building and from afar I watched them count down before bursting in. Everyone had given me strict warnings to not go in, and stay calm, so I obeyed….”Flashback:“There are two children's lives at stake, be cautious.” Jonathan's uncle reminded his men and they chorused, “Yes sir!”The cops barged into the house and Emily and Gabriel who were now trying to apologize to one another for blaming each other and insulting one another, were kissing in the bedroom, while Emily pictured Gabriel
IRIS'S POV:That same night:“No! No! NOOOOO!” I yelled at the top of my lungs, and the next thing I knew I was met with a pitch black surroundings.I shot up from the bed panting heavily, my chest rising and falling, and my hands shaking so much.It was just a dream….just a very bad dream.“Iris, what's going on? Come here Sweetheart.” Mrs Knight switched on the light of the room, and hurriedly embraced me with so much motherly affection and I slowly relaxed, feeling my head pounding and my hand hurting.My mum really gave me those pills.“Where's everyone? How long have I been asleep for? Did they find the twins? Where are my dad and my husband…?” I inquired, stammering out and she patted my back.“I need you to take deep breaths Iris, please. Alright? Inhale.” She instructed and I obliged, inhaling the warm air of the surroundings which smelt like the bouquet of flowers Carl brought earlier to cheer me up and she asked for me to exhale and I did just that.I did three more times an
3RD POV:TWO NIGHTS LATER:“Breaking news! It has been reported, two days ago at a country club popular with the elites and most importantly, the Knights. On a Sunny afternoon, Jonathan and Iris Knight's twin, Jamie and Jason Knight, were kidnapped and in the footage about to be displayed on your screen, we have two men who were hired to carry out to abduction process, handed the two children in a sack to the alleged mastermind behind this attack, Emily Let, a public figure and fashion designer as well as popular actor, Gabriel Thymes, who had dated Mrs Iris Knight in the past as well as former CEO of Chocolate Company, who alleged stole and embezzled millions, Ezekial L. The two men who are now in police custody also confirmed their identities.” Their pictures were displayed on the screen then the footage capturing their faces in a van was displayed, taking aback millions of people who were tuned in.After the footage had come to an end, the elegant TV host added, “The Knight's famil
IRIS'S POV:“That stupid whore!” Mariana and I said in unison and I kissed my teeth sharply.I loved her like a sister and taking Miguel away wasn't enough for her, she needed to hurt us more? Well, she almost thought she was smart but she wasn't, which was her Achilles heel. Everyone around her was always two steps ahead for her, but she never was in the loop.“Let's head to the Gabriel Thymes Residence.” Jonathan kissed my forehead and wiped my tears, while I ignored my phone ringing seeing it was my mother calling for progress.Which did not exist.*********LATER THAT NIGHT:3RD POV:“I know damn well…you didn't just break my phone.” The anger in Ezekial's eyes was flaming, and they were the only ones seated in the dining area whereas Gabriel was passed out on the couch from drinking and smoking in the living room.“And I know damn well, you just saw me break it. What? What are you going to do? Huh?” She spoke smartly and with her chest rising, coming closer to him, unaware of the
THAT NIGHT:IRIS'S POV:“I have been calling him but he is not answering. I'm getting worried.” Scarlet told us for about the twentieth time in two hours since we all have been here.Two hours ago, Jonathan, Tristan, Robert, Mariana and I along with the police force parked around the premises where Scarlet was to meet with Ezekial. The five of us were seated in Jonathan's customized SUV, watching the entrance of the Luisser Restaurant which was in the middle of town, in an area I had never been to. It was loud and packed, given the amount of cars parked on the street and the amount of people we'd seen going inside. Was it a bar or restaurant? I didn't know neither did I care but given that I had been unable to eat all day, the hope that we were close to getting my babies back, had me giving Robert my order and this was about an hour and thirty minutes ago. We had all eaten and Tristan had found a way to make Jonathan and I laugh, sharing things the twins had done when they spent time
3RD POV:A MINUTE AFTER:An uproar of laughter filled the room at Jason's hopeful question, Ezekial, who was the third person standing before them, looked at the faces of the innocent children after taking a seat on one of the wooden chairs, and he felt his heart drop for some weird reason when the look of fear and uncertain rested on the two kid's faces “Jason, your parents and fans will be totally disappointed to find out you were this dumb. Before I tell you, can you go for another guess? Jamie, this time.” Emily instructed folding her arms across her chest.“Don't call my brother dumb! And I advise you to get us back to our parents or else….” Jamie spoke smartly and before she could complete her word, Emily wrapped her hand around Jamie's little neck, and squeezed.“Or else what?” Emily asked, the evil in her eyes were glimmering and Jamie still found a way to say, “You're going to get into real trouble.” This made Emily squeeze even harder and Jamie looked into Emily's eyes with