MAVISAs I entered the compound, the gatekeeper waved and I only nodded in response to his greetings. Coincidentally, my father and stepmother were just exiting the house as I pulled up, and I braced myself for the inevitable questioning about my whereabouts the previous evening.I knew I'd have to answer their questions without telling them everything I'd done.Checking my rearview mirror, I noticed my Dad and stepmom sharing puzzled looks as they waited for me to park the car. The glances they exchanged suggested that they were both curious about my whereabouts from the night before.I intentionally lingered inside the car in the hopes that my father and stepmother would get tired of waiting and proceed to the car. However, they kept waiting, indicating that they were determined to have a conversation, and with a sigh, I steeled myself and exited the vehicle.Estelle's presence at the hotel had not eased the ache in my heart but only intensified it. The thought of Isabel's betrayal
MAVIS "No, I haven't. I wanted to finish tidying up Miss Isabel's room before moving on to yours," She replied, biting her lip slightly before continuing to my room ahead of me. In the absence of our parents, I deduced that Isabel would be occupying herself with activities in the children's parlor and she would likely remain there a bit longer until her room is completely dry. Also, the children were in school and Jane left for shopping so I thought that I could spend some intimate time with Amelia to distract myself from my relationship problems. I believed that making out with other women would help me forget about Isabel, and ease the pain I was feeling from our breakup.After I had felt the tabletop, I noticed that Amelia had already cleaned my room, and she was just pretending to clean so that she could spend time with me. As she prepared to wash the floor, she sensually moved her waist as she poured the washing powder into the bucket. I could sense that she equally wanted t
ISABEL After the flight had landed, the passengers made their way toward the baggage claim area to retrieve their belongings. Amidst the commotion of the crowd, I was looking out for Jackson or his resemblance. Despite my efforts to locate him, he was nowhere to be found and I began to feel I had misidentified him in the first place. Perhaps, in the flurry of activity and excitement of the journey, my mind had played tricks on me, conjuring up the impression of Jackson in the crowd. I found myself wrestling with doubt, and wondering whether I had simply mistaken another traveler for Jackson. Retrieving my luggage, I exited the terminal, determined to find temporary accommodation while I sought a permanent residence. The reality of navigating this unfamiliar city alone sank in as I surveyed the surroundings of the airport, fully aware that securing lodgings and eventually an apartment would require careful planning. With the heavy baggage with me, I set off to get a taxi. As I
ISABEL My hands began to shake as I couldn't hold up the phone any longer. It felt as though I had been exposed and everyone knew about our romance.I wanted to ask her how she got to know about us but couldn't say a thing. My silence invited Jane to elaborate further. "I'm not certain about what happened between you too but I do know that Mavis has caused you great pain and that's why you decided to leave us. I felt compelled to take matters into my own hands, so I infiltrated his room and seized several crucial cards and a significant amount of money from him. These items are hidden at the bottom of your smallest box. I am remorseful for my actions, and I ask for your forgiveness," She confessed, "Please if you ever returned those items to him, don't tell him I got them for you."The revelation left me stunned, unable to immediately process Jane's confession.A prolonged silence set in as neither of us found the words to continue. Finally, Jane spoke up, "It's okay if you need tim
MAVIS The annual summit of the state gynecologists will be taking place in two days. It was an important event that required my presence as a professional in the field. However, the protocols demanded that my identification be presented upon arrival, making it necessary that I retrieve my lost identity card in order to be admitted into the venue.The consequences of failing to attend the event were grave. Aside from that, my absence would jeopardize my chances of being selected and offered an award which I was expecting. The stakes were high, and I knew I had to act swiftly to get back my missing identity card. As if to add to the existing chaos, my phone began to ring with Jackson's name hovering over the screen. I didn't want to pick it up so I allowed it to continue ringing.When it persisted, I decided to pick up the call. "Hey, buddy!" Jackson hailed as lively as he usually did as though he had forgotten about our misunderstanding."Hi," I said tiredly."It's been a while, you
ISABEL.After deciding to rest, my sleep was abruptly interrupted by a call. The promptness of Mom's call which she redialed after the initial call went unanswered signified the urgency of her message."Hello, Mom," I answered, my voice slightly muddled from the sudden awakening, "I was just trying to catch some sleep.""I apologize for the interruption, dear. I had no idea you were resting," My mother replied, with concern. "Please don't let me keep you up any longer. We can talk when you've had a chance to rest. Take care of yourself."No Mom, speak I'm listening.""If you're certain, I won't hesitate to share what's on my mind," My mother responded, "I'd like to have your address, in case I'm able to visit San Francisco in the next month. It would be wonderful to spend some time with you. If that'll be possible.""I'm staying at a hotel right now," I explained, " My residence is at Dawn Hotel, located on Lane 3 of Groove Street. I expect that my stay here will be temporary, possib
MAVISEmbarking on my first night flight was exhilarating. I eagerly anticipated the experience. I grabbed my phones and informed Matilda about it but she advised that I be patient until the next day.I convinced her of my reasons for leaving and of course, it was a lie. As Nathan drove the car through the gate, my phone buzzed with a message from Bennett. It said that Isabel doesn't have my identity card or the other items, and so going to San Francisco would be pointless.I decided to ignore the message from Bennett. I wanted to find out if what I imagined was true or not."Are you planning on coming back anytime soon, sir?" Nathan asked, slowing down the car. "If it were possible to return tonight, I will do so. I don't intend to overstay, I got an important event in two days."We drove silently to the airport. It was easier to get a flight ticket and secure a spot on the plane because I had to use the VIP plane.While waiting for the plane to take off, Estelle forwarded a porn v
MAVISHer offer was swiftly met with my swift rebuttal, "No, that won't be necessary."She pressed on, "But don't you want some company? I could come with you."I gently shook my head in refusal, offering an alternative, "I promise we'll plan a trip together soon. But really, how would you manage to accompany me to work? It's simply not practical," I said, lightly chuckling at her suggestion to diffuse the tension.My response made her ponder for a while, "Mavis... Do you still have feelings for her?"Taken aback by the unexpected question, I stammered, "For who?""I mean, for your step-sister, Isabel.""What? Why would you ask that? What a question!"Persisting, she replied, "A question deserves an answer, so please tell me. Do you still have feelings for Isabel?" She looked at me, as she pushed the door knobRetaining my composure, I responded, "I'm afraid I don't have an answer for that. There are simply no words to convey the complexity of my emotions."She seemed unconvinced, "Re
ISABEL It happened in an instant. A deafening and sudden explosion, "POP!" It felt like my soul was drawn out of my body. It was like the sharp sound of a gunshot. It shook even the foundations of the courthouse vehemently. "Isabel! Get down at once!" my stepfather's voice boomed from the back. But before I could do anything else, someone swooped in, grasping my waist and pulling me down. His steps faltered, and we both tumbled to the floor while I landed on his bleeding body. I gazed down in horror as blood gushed from his upper limb, his face contorted in agony as he clutched the wound. Everything went blurry, and I collapsed, unsure if I'd passed out or left this world behind. **** Third Person POV As Isabel and Mavis shared a desperate embrace, Jason's men burst in, flooding the courthouse with loaded guns. Jason had promised to pay them off if they succeeded together. They descended upon the courthouse by a hired helicopter, his heavily armed team catching t
Third Person POV Isabel shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears. "No, Mavis, that's not what happened. She slipped and fell on her own, and then she tried to ruin my dress with wine. She's just trying to cause trouble." Mavis's expression turned cold as he gazed at Estelle, "You don't need to cry, my love," he said, turning to Isabel and taking her hand. "The cameras will clear your name. Look, there's the broken glass of red wine, proof of her actions." Estelle's face contorted in anguish as she screamed, "You believe her? Why don't you ever listen to me? I was only sipping my wine when she pushed me!" Mavis's eyes fell on Estelle once more, "Congratulations, Estelle. Your jealousy has cost you dearly. You've lost your place and respect as a part of the Mulan family. You never deserved to bear our name. I'll call a doctor to tend to you, and then the police will take you away to serve your sentence. You're no longer welcome here." "Please, Mavis, don't call the polic
Third Person POVMavis's estate in Beverly Hills, now referred to as the Big Master's residence, was buzzing with guests trooping in and out. The maids were busy attending to familiar and unfamiliar faces who had come to grace the ceremony.A commotion ensued at the entrance as some guests, who had not received invitations, attempted to gain entry.However, in accordance with Mavis's instructions, the security officers firmly turned them away, adhering to the strict "invitation-only" policy.Meanwhile, Estelle was hiding in the toilet to put a call through to her accomplice. "Jason, did I ask you to wait until after the wedding?" She asked over the phone."Yes," Jason replied, "You did, are you under pressure? I can hardly hear you." Moments earlier, she'd received a shocking instruction. She was to remain confined to the house, restricted from stepping out until the wedding was over. The reason was clear, Matilda mustn't see her. According to Isabel, her mother would worry that sh
Third Person POV Soon after Bennett left, Estelle settled into the living room sofa, engaged in a conversation with Jason. "Did you not tell me that he lost his job?" Jason continued, "yet he resides in a Beverly Hills mansion? How did he achieve that?" "Maybe Isabel helped him, you know she has a big business now." "Her business is barely a month old, and I doubt her funds could afford even a single room in Beverly Hills," Jason replied. "I suspect Mr. Mulan must have provided financial assistance to Mavis. But if it's Isabel, what about her employees, will she even pay them?" "Hmph! That's none of our business, we should make our move when Isabel is alone, but be warned, the estate is heavily guarded by vigilant security personnel." "Don't worry, I have a team of thugs who'll take care of her until she miscarries," Jason said grinning over the phone as he thought of the pain he would be inflicting on his ex-turned-enemy. "Yes!" Estelle concurred, "She should lose her b
Third Person POV Bennett's gaze was riveted on the sentences displayed on the card: "...for the Midtown Group." The logo accompanying the text seemed familiar. Mavis, oblivious to Bennett's sudden fascination, stood upright and said, "Alright, let me get a maid to show Estelle to her quarters." "I'll be with you shortly," he added, but Bennett's attention remained fixed on the identity card as he retreated. Bennett sat there, astonished, her mind reeling with possible interpretations of what she had just seen around Mavis' neck. Isabel called her name for the third time, snapping her back to reality. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I was just... umm..." Bennett stuttered. "What's wrong?" Isabel asked, noticing Bennett's distraction. "Your husband-to-be..." Bennett started, trying to form a coherent sentence. "Yes, what about him?" Isabel asked, becoming interested in her weird reaction. "Where does he work?" Bennett inquired. "Nowhere, currently. I told you, he's living off h
Third Person POV "You're not just evil, you're the devil herself!" Bennett exclaimed, her voice trembling with rage while Estelle laughed hysterically. "Of course, I am. Are you just realizing that?" She raised an eyebrow, her gaze sweeping over Isabel and Bennett. Bennett turned to Isabel, "Listen, I know how you feel, but since you signed up for this, don't let her win." She urged. Isabel whispered back, "You mean I should kill her?" Her eyes darted to Estelle, who seemed to be enjoying the exchange." "No, but don't let her swing you around like a pendulum. Stand your ground, Isabel." As Mavis descended the stairs, his eyes scanned the room, taking in the tense atmosphere. His gaze landed on Bennett, and he understood that she could be tamed if ever she was upset about Isabel reuniting with him. But when his eyes met Estelle's, he was enraged. "Why are you here, Estelle?" Mavis demanded. Estelle smiled sweetly, her hand caressing her belly. "Where did you think Ju
Third Person POV In a luxurious Beverly Hills setting, a lawyer exchanged warm pleasantries with the soon-to-be-wed couple, Mavis and Isabel, before grasping his briefcase. "Thank you for having me Mr and Mrs Mavis," he said with a bow, and Mavis shook hands with him in appreciation. "Thank you, Sir, for coming around." With a smile, the lawyer nodded at them. "I'll arrange for the statutory wedding in a day. Have a beautiful day together." "Thank you," Mavis and Isabel chimed in unison. Isabel's pregnancy had been causing her discomfort and mobility issues since it became more pronounced, making everyday tasks a challenge. Some things, like using the restroom, required personal attention that a maid couldn't provide. This was why Mavis had been staying home to assist with her daily needs and to help her get around. Isabel's mother had accompanied her to Mavis' house when they moved in two days ago. She returned the next day to make arrangements for Isabel's postnatal c
MAVIS For a while, there was dead silence until Mom cleared the air, "Your Dad had immediately arranged for a violinist, in the person of Jane, and a pianist to make today unforgettable for you two." After her smile, she looked at her husband who smiled with a nod in return. Dad turned to us while we were still entangled with each other, his words catching us off guard. "From this moment on, my rightful daughter-in-law will be none other than my stepdaughter, Isabel. No one will take her place. Got that?" I nodded, still in shock. "Yes, I understand. It's something I had already agreed to." The room erupted in applause. Jane was there too, exchanging a knowing glance with Isabel, who smiled briefly in response. "A confession please, I have one more confession to make," Isabel said stepping forward while the room became silent again. My heart palpitated and although no one else spoke up about being anxious, I knew I wasn't the only one experiencing anxiety in the room. She
ISABEL "The truth is, he captivates me even until now. I've always imagined him as a husband never as a stepbrother," I choked on my words as emotions attempted to overwhelm me. Mom opened her arms wide, inviting me into her bosom. "Come here, dear," she said. "I want you to be happy and fulfilled. I know you ran away because of Estelle's lies, which Mavis believed. If not for that, you would have stayed and claimed him as yours." I nodded because her words were true, "I'd always wished he wasn't my stepbrother, Mom" I admitted, my voice muffled against her shoulder. "But I can't wish that he had chosen a different path to be with me because if he had, you wouldn't be with Mr. Mulan." Mom held me tighter. When she had released me, her face lit up with a broad smile. "Anyway, for peace to reign and for everyone to be content, we've decided to let go of the past. We're free to choose what makes us happy, as long as it doesn't come between us. And that's why...," she paused for a mom