LEONARD KISH'S POV,As I walked back to my office, I felt a renewed sense of energy coursing through my veins, invigorating my entire being. With each step, my determination grew, and I felt a greater vitality to pursue my goals with renewed passion and focus.My satisfaction at gaining the shareholders' support was evident in my strides. Although I'd never doubted my abilities, I couldn't help but feel a hint of skepticism, solely due to Mr. Ricardo's consistent and vocal opposition. His contrarian stance made me wonder if he'd ever truly agree to my proposal.No sooner had I settled into my armchair than I knew I had to tie up all loose ends regarding the deal. With the contract signing deadline looming, I felt a sense of urgency to finalize every detail, ensuring everything was in place for a smooth and successful conclusionWith the shareholders' permission secured during the meeting, I was eager to lay the groundwork, particularly in terms of finance. Since Richard was the head
ELSA ELKINS' POV,I emerged from the room to find Leonard standing right at the entrance, the look on his face was that of surprise mixed with shock, which amazed me.As I descended the staircase I felt his gaze lingering on me which made me wonder why he was staring at me. Unlike before, a barely noticeable smile softened his stern and hard features,But as I drew closer to where he was standing along Nanny Ruth, his expression turned grave as he seemed to snap out of his daze, his eyes - icy cold, and jaw - clenched, with an obvious frown masking his features,He walked away, his strides long and purposeful as his legs carried him upstairs. I wasn't surprised by the change in his expression since I was already getting used to his angry face,Without reading much meaning to it, I scurried towards Nanny Ruth whose face was radiant with a warm smile - a contagious smile that soon spread over my features."I'm glad you're beginning to feel at home," She said as the distance between us d
JESSICA ANNA YUKA'S POV,Coming to Leonard's place was my first step towards registering my presence in Elsa's heart. Since I had known Leonard's union with her was strictly business, I was ready to leverage on it.Elsa's indifference was a confirmation of Leonard's words, and the fact that Leonard didn't introduce her to me, made my heart swell with excitement. It was a testament of the relationship that existed between them, making me realize I had the upper hand.Right in Leonard's room, my laughter echoed loudly off the walls as we reminisced the past. Since Leonard had told me she occupied the opposite room, I wanted her to hear me. I wanted her to know that I was closer to Leonard than she was, and the only woman that could be in Leonard's life.Leonard led me to his cozy bar, where I settled onto a stool facing the cabinet that was stacked with an array of wines and spirits. The dimly lit room enveloped me in a warm embrace, setting the pace for a beautiful evening. I had plan
RICHARD YUKA'S POV,I came home that evening to find Mr. Ricardo sitting in the living room with my father. My eyes lit up at the glimpse of hope as a renewed surge of determination coursed through me.After the shareholders' meeting the previous day, I had been greatly disturbed by the look I had seen on Mr. Ricardo's face, especially since I was yet to know his stance. Given that he was a man who favors his own interests, the thought of his support faltering had been a pang in my heart, filling me with a great sense of uneasiness.The atmosphere was lively with the sound of their laughter echoing off the walls, and as I drew closer to them, I realized their discussion was about the company.Seizing the opportunity right before me, I took long steps towards them, my determination to uncover his stance propelled me forward.As soon as my father saw me, his voice rang out with a cheerful excitement, "Aha! You're back." He exclaimed, as if he had been waiting for me all along, although
MR RICARDO'S POV,My fists clenched tightly as my feet carried me out of Mr. Yuka's mansion. My teeth were gritted as the conversation with Mr Yuka replayed in my head. The fact that I was being threatened by him filled me with rage,I slipped into the backseat of my car and sank heavily on the seat. "What a jerk!" I muttered.My lips curled into a sly smirk and my eyes blazed with fury, as I dwelled on his empty threat. Since I was certain I was a step ahead of him, I had nothing to fear."Any news from the boys?" I asked Bobby, my trusted personal assistant and secretary, who was seated on the driver's seat with his usual gallant demeanor.Given that I had paid off his debt and rescued him from the hands of the tugs that had wanted him dead, he had undoubtedly remained loyal to me. Ten years had passed already and he had never ceased to prove his loyalty towards me."Yes Boss!" He responded with a deep husky voice. "They're on the move." He added firmly, his words dripping with con
RICHARD YUKA'S POV,I sat leisurely enjoying the drama as it gradually unfolded. That was the first time I had seen Mr. Ricardo's face without a smile.His anger was evident on his face as he stared at my father who clearly was enjoying himself. Who would have thought, the untouchable Mr. Ricardo with the gentlest demeanor could ever get angry?"Come on, Mr. Ricardo, let's have a drink," My father beamed casually, his words hitting off in a heightened pitch, oozing the contentment in his heart.He wasn't bothered about the look on Mr. Ricardo's face, and just like he had told me, he was in control, having Mr. Ricardo right in his palm.My father offered him a glass, pouring champagne into it as he spoke, which Mr. Ricardo accepted reluctantly. His hand draped over Mr. Ricardo's shoulders again, and he led him to the couch, making my lips curl.However, Mr. Ricardo didn't take a sip from his glass, not even after he was seated. It was clear he was more concerned about the issue on grou
ELSA ELKINS' POVRight inside my room, a wave of nostalgia washed over me as memories of my time with the children flooded my mind.Given that I had elapsed the one month leave I had taken from the Director of the orphanage, I couldn't wait to resume my job.My heart swelled with excitement as I took a glimpse of the days ahead. I knew resuming my job at the orphanage would make me scale over the three years I had agreed with Leonard without feeling the torture of a loveless marriage.As I pondered on it, I felt a great sense of determination, like adrenaline coursing through my veins, filling me with renewed strength and vigor to survive and get back my freedom.I was so engrossed in thought, when the rattling on the door came, snapping me out of my reveries.I slipped into my slippers as I came down from my bed; I was convinced it was Nanny Ruth who had come to check up on me since I had been in my room since the breaking of the day. Upon opening the door, I was stunned to find But
ELSA ELKINS' POVA sly smirk spread across his face as he pulled back. At that instant I felt greatly intimidated, but then, I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing me cower. I took a deep breath to still my racing heart, and forced a smile onto my face to stifle the wave of anxiety that had washed over me. Despite my inner turmoil, I linked my arm through his, attempting to appear calm and composed, "You don't have to worry about that, Mr. Kish. I certainly know how to behave," I said in a soft, breathy whisper, but my voice was steady and confident, and as I locked eyes with him, my lips curled into a confident smile,His expression turned grave and his eyes grew darker. "I'm warning you, Elsa, you better don't try to be smarter than you are." His voice was a raspy vibration as his eyes popped open. It was clear he didn't want to take any chances, but I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of ruling over me.My smile remained steadfast and unfaltering. I didn't ackno
ELSA ELKINS' POV,Right at the Orphanage, my initial exuberance was beginning to resurface, since I had shoved every thought about Leonard aside.As I reached for the door handle, Julian's unmistakable voice rang out behind me, making my eyebrows rise in surprise,"Miss Elsa!" She called, her shrill tone slicing through the air. I hadn't expected to see her there, especially since she was supposed to be in school.I turned sharply, and my eyes widened as Julian hurtled towards me, her pigtails bouncing with each step. She stopped right in front of me, beaming with an uncontainable joy that caused my lips to spread apart in smile."Julian!" I exclaimed, "How're you?""I'm fine, Miss Elsa!" Julian chirped, her voice bubbling with excitement, as she gazed up at me.Since she wasn't in school, I feigned seriousness as I attempted to know the reason she had skipped going to school."Why aren't you in school? Where are your parents? Did you come alone again?" I asked, my brow furrowed with
ELSA ELKINS' POV,As soon as I was done, I hurried downstairs, towards the kitchen, and upon getting to the living room, I met Nanny Ruth, whose face was radiant with smiles, "Good morning, Nanny Ruth!" I greeted her, sharing in her warmth. After exchanging warm pleasantries, Nanny Ruth said gently, "It seems Leonard brought you breakfast." Warmth glinting in her eyes as she stared at me.I shrugged. After Leonard's attitude last night and his coldness that I was used to, I wasn't about to be swayed by that single gesture, no matter how thoughtful it seemed. "Well, he did," I answered, my voice as flat as my expression. "But there's nothing more to it," I added calmly.Nanny Ruth's eyes softened, and her gaze turned inward as my words sank into her. Her smile, although still present, whispered a gentle concern."I heard the both of you arguing last night," She began softly,"But I want you to know that Leonard is a good kid and not as bad as you think," she said calmly, her words ec
ELSA ELKINS' POV,The curtains on the floor-to-ceiling window had been pulled back, allowing the ray to fall on my face that morning.I squinted and blocked the ray with my palm. The brightness of the day made my lips spread into smiles. I sat up, my eyes half-closed as I stretched my limbs, feeling a renewed sense of energy coursing through me.Suddenly, my eyes flung wide open, and I snapped off my grogginess. My smile varnished as memories of the night before, came flooding my mind. In that instant, I felt my blood begin to boil as a renewed sense of anger - like blood, coursed through my veins.My head whipped around the room, my eyes blazing with determination as I searched for Leonard,But instead of finding him, my gaze fell on series of closed doors, and my brows furrowed.Just as I was about to leap out of bed to search for Leonard, the entrance door swung open, and Leonard strolled in with a broad smile on his face."Good morning Mrs Kish!" He announced exuberantly, his vo
ELSA ELKINS' POV,At that moment, I couldn't believe my ears. I poked my cheek to make sure it wasn't a dream, and yes, it wasn't. It was real, Leonard was standing right inside my room, giving me an absurd instruction."Leonard, are you okay?" I questioned, my sharp voice dripping with disbelief. "Does it look like am not?" Leonard's response came immediately, and for the next five seconds, I tried to find the words to describe how unreasonable he sounded, but I couldn't find any, which left my mouth hanging open in total bewilderment.My blood boiled with a mix of anger and frustration, while I tapped my head repeatedly, as I tried to put a peg around my surging anger.But Leonard wasn't perturbed a bit, instead, he let out a snort of amusement, even though I was on the verge of breaking,Ten seconds passed, but he stood rooted on his spot, and at that moment, I knew I couldn't take it anymore."Get out!" I said, gesturing towards the door, my gaze fixed intently glinting with fury
ELSA ELKINS' POV,After a very busy day with the children at the Orphanage - reading stories, and teaching dancing, the only thing I longed for was a beautiful escape. No sooner had I sunk into the soft embrace of my bed, feeling the weight of exhaustion gradually lift from my shoulders, than the knock on the door shattered the peaceful silence. The sudden sound was a jarring interruption to the rest I desperately needed, causing my eyes to fly open in irritation.Reluctantly, I stood up and dragged myself towards the door. As I opened the door, the sight of Leonard standing right at my doorway with a stern face made my brows crest,He was the last person I had expected to see, and I couldn't stop myself from wondering what he wanted."What do you..." I started to say, but my words were cut off as he pushed the door wide open and strode into my room with an air of confidence that made my brows furrow tightly,For the next three seconds, I struggled to comprehend what had just happene
LEONARD KISH'S POV,My steps were heavy with determination as I strode back to my office with Sam. With the weight of the shareholders' decision weighing heavy on me, I felt a heightened determination coursing through my veins and propelling me forward.I refused to be deterred, and not even Mr. Ricardo's staunch resistance could shake me off my goal. As far as I was concerned, his resistance had only fueled my resolution.As soon as I settled onto my armchair, I turned to Sam, whose erect posture and intent gaze conveyed his readiness. "What's the latest with Mr. Ricardo?" I asked, my voice firm and steady, bearing the weight of the situation.I knew I had to decipher the reason behind Mr. Ricardo's sudden change since it was clear he had picked sides with Richard. "Nothing much Boss. Apart from that day, he visited Mr. Yuka; they hadn't met again, except at Mr. Yuka's birthday party, which you witnessed as well." He answered, his voice firm as he spoke in a matching intensity.Hi
MR RICARDO'S POV,Mr. Gustavo's lips parted for a fleeting second, then he burst into a loud chuckle, as he settled into the sofa beside me."Mr. Ricardo, you've never changed a bit." he said, his voice tinged with humor as he spoke with a broad smile on his face, while I waited patiently for us to begin with a small smile on my face."What can I do for you, Mr. Ricardo?" Mr. Gustavo finally asked, his tone tinged with genuine curiosity, which sparked a low, rumbling chuckle from me.Since I had not visited to beat around the bush, I went straight to my purpose. "What do you think about procuring furniture products from our company?" I asked, my smile never leaving my face.Although I wasn't certain he was the one Leonard had contacted, I threw my question at him, which was an attempt to confirm my suspicion.Just as I had suspected, Mr. Gustavo couldn't contain his excitement, "Oh! I've seen the designs, they are great, and suit the standard of my rooms," his response rang out with e
Mr. RICARDO'S POV,My smile varnished as soon as I stepped out of the hall. Although Leonard had tried his best to keep the buyer under wrap, despite my deliberate effort to get him to say who he was.Deep within me, I couldn't shake off the feeling that his meeting with Mr. Gustavo of Avo's World the other day, had something to do with it, and since he had deliberately shielded whoever it was from me, I was going to take my chances.My mind reeled with countless thoughts as I strode towards my car, and as soon as I slammed the door behind me, I said to Bobby, who was already seated in the driver's seat, "Contact Gustavo. I need to see him now." "Okay, Boss!" Bobby answered, swiping through his official phone like a robot.He put a call across to Mr. Gustavo and handed the phone over to me after Mr. Gustavo had received it. I had just placed the phone in my ears when Mr. Gustavo's voice boomed in, "Mr. Ricardo!" He exclaimed, his enthusiasm palpable,"What a pleasant surprise to rec
LEONARD KISH'S POV,Right in the board room were gathered members of the shareholders who had come for further deliberations regarding the ongoing project with J.K."Now that we've completed the initial stage of material procurement, we're gathered today to discuss the financing of the production phase itself," I stated, my tone firm, resolute, and unwavering, as I prepared to propel the project forward.Immediately, Sam stood up and distributed the document outlining the expenditures incurred during the procurement of materials and the proposed production costs,"Left on the fourth page of the document in your hands, you'll find a detailed estimate of the production costs and the required materials, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the project's scope and...""Leonard!" Mr. Ricardo's voice pierced through the thick silence, snapping me off my words.I turned sharply to my left, where he was seated calmly, to find the document on his desk and realized he hadn't opened it.My