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,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,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,The ray that streamed into my room that early morning came with the warmth I had always loved. It had always filled me with a renewed strength to push through another day, but not on that Saturday morning that was supposed to be the happiest day of my life.My excitement was far from me, and a great sense of sadness had seeped into my heart. I felt hollow and void and wished I had been dreaming all along. As I lay there watching my life and all that I had dreamt of slip through my fingers, with no control over my own life, the door to my room swung open."Oh my goodness, Elsa!" Mrs Catherine's jaw dropped open. Her shock and disbelief written all over her features as she saw me, "I can't believe you're still shuffled," she added, snapping me out of my thoughts. She was dressed already, in a milky flay gown. She was getting ready for my supposed big day, and her makeup was almost done. I knew she had only come to make sure I was getting ready, As I stared back at he
LEONARD KISH'S POV,Upon our arrival in church that morning, I noticed the pews were packed with my fellow businessmen and rivals, invited and uninvited guests who had come to witness my wedding.The news of her sudden collapse had gotten to us, but we were assured of her regaining consciousness within the hour. As we awaited her arrival, my patience began to wear thin, and a great sense of uneasiness crept into my heart.She had taken thirty minutes into the time already, but I tried to hold back my composure because I didn't want to give my rivals and foes the satisfaction of finding pleasure in my discomfort, but deep within me, I had sworn to make her pay dearly for keeping me waiting and encroaching on my precious time,Seated on my right were the Yukas and Zeus, who I was sure had only come to witness my wedding fall apart. They kept whispering among themselves, with sly smiles playing on their faces, which further irritated me."What!" Sam my assistant and friend who was seate
Chapter 3 - Getting Pregnant.ELSA ELKINS' POV,Three days had passed already since I had escaped from my supposed wedding, Daniella had taken a few clothing along with her to the agreed place with the help of Orlando on the day she had left to get the concoction, including a few hundred dollars, Even though I knew it wasn't enough to begin a new life, I was determined to make do with whatever I could instead of getting stuck in misery for the rest of my life.I had called my parents with a new phone to assure them if My safety and ever since then, they had not stopped calling. As I dwelled on the satisfaction I was beginning to feel from a profound sense of freedom, Daniella walked into the room, carrying a bowl of soup in her hands, snapping me off the thoughts that had gotten me busy."I don't think anyone can find us here," I let out the thought that had kept me busy,Daniella's voice was calm and small as she responded. From her words, I could tell she was partly occupied in t
LEONARD KISH'S POV,The words from my father kept running through my mind as I settled in the office that Wednesday morning, he had called earlier that morning depriving me of my beautiful sleep to inquire about my search for the lady that had disgraced us."You have to find her and preserve our image," he had said when I broke the news to him, "I can't allow your carelessness to damage the reputation I had worked so hard to build, we are the Kish and everyone should know us for what we are." He added. From his tone I could sense his displeasure,As I sat there pondering his words and brooding over my wrath, Sam walked into the office, the sight of which snapped me off my thoughts,"Any news about her location?" I Inquired immediately with anticipation in my heart, my desperation for a solution palpable as I spoke, but the expression on his face was a flood to a flame as it poured down on me, dampening every form of hope in me, He lowered his head, his hands crossed over his thigh
ELSA'S POV,My heart skipped a beat and my smile disappeared at the sight of Leonard standing right before me, I felt glued instantly, unable to say a word,My initial exuberance had eluded me and a sense of shame and disappointment washed over me, I got scared as cold ran down my spine,Right before me was the man I thought I had successfully escaped from, I couldn't believe I had been lured back into the lion's den after my careful calculations,From the smirk on his face, I could tell he wasn't oblivious to my coming, right then I realized I had been tricked,"What?" He questioned, his eyes gleaming with mischievousness as he stared at me, his smile had never left his face, Even though he was smiling broadly, his ice-cold eyes made him look like the devil himself, he seemed to be enjoying himself, Even though I was scared, I managed to hold back my composure, as I didn't want him to see through me."Aren't you happy to meet your husband-to-be?" He questioned, his voice dripping w
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