Mysterious Man's POV
The sterile operating room was very quiet except for the quiet hum of machinery as a tall, masked man adjusted his hand gloves. In the medical world, he was an enigmatic figure, who is both feared and revered by all. He looked at Trina who was now lying completely still and unconscious on the operating table. He felt a flicker of something— perhaps pity, but quickly shoved it aside. Despite his years of experience, there was something about this particular case that left a sour taste in his mouth. However, he pushed the feeling aside and focused on what he had to do. "Scalpel," he requested, holding out his hand. As he made the first incision, the masked doctor couldn't help but speak out what's in his mind "It's quite fortunate that Mr. McAllister is the most clever, most cautious and most meticulous person I’ve ever encountered. This woman must have deliberately slept with him just to get pregnant. They're all like that. Imagine, she even came this far abroad just to give birth to his child." The head nurse assisting him, Miranda, let out a derisive snort. "The little ignorant fool! She just doesn't know who Mr. McAllister really is or else she wouldn't have made that mistake. He won't give her the chance to threaten him with his child in the future." "But I must say she's one lucky little bi*ch," Miranda added, her voice dripping with disdain. "If it wasn't for Mr. McAllister, never in her lifetime would she have gotten a chance to have you deliver her child, Sir." The masked doctor just brushed her comment aside with a simple command, “Let’s proceed.” With highly skilled accuracy, he began the procedure. To him, this was not just a regular cesarean section. It is an act that must be done in order to prevent any possible future risk to the meticulous, carefully planned out world of the enigmatic Mr. McAllister. Within minutes, he was gently lifting a wailing infant from the still-unconscious Trina's womb. "It's a boy," he announced as he handed the child to the waiting pediatric nurse. But as he turned to face Trina once again, a frown instantly materialized under his mask. Trina's belly was still distended, far more than a new mom’s own should be just after delivery. With the frown still on his face, he put both hands on her belly and began to palpate it gently. And what he discovered made his eyes instantly widen in surprise. "There's another one!" he muttered in a low voice, more to himself than to the staff around him. The head nurse, Miranda's head instantly snapped up. "What? But Sir, Mr. McAllister didn't tell us she's expecting twins!" Instead of responding, the masked doctor just shook his head as he concentrated on delivering the second child. With a frown of confusion and uncertainty on her face, Miranda tried to remind the doctor. "But he only asked us to bring back an heir for him. And the first twin is a boy, so that makes him the heir, right?" Instead of answering her, the masked doctor concentrated on carefully extracting the second baby, which turned out to be a girl this time around. The little girl’s cries combined with those of her brother, filling the hitherto quiet theater with baby wails. Miranda looked at the masked doctor. “What are we going to do, Sir? He said he needs an heir and so if it's a boy, to bring him to him and if it's a girl, then she shouldn't be separated from her mom. And now, we have two heirs— a boy and a girl!” "Well then..." The masked doctor trailed off, looking at the newborn girl. He seems to be contemplating on the right decision to make. Miranda stepped closer, her eyes darting between the doctor and the little girl who was still wailing while the umbilical cord connecting her to her mom was cut off. "What do we do?" she whispered. The masked doctor took a deep breath as he made his verdict. "We’ll do as Mr. McAllister requested. He specifically mentioned taking a boy to him and if it's a girl, not to separate her from her mom. So we'll proceed as planned with him." He then paused, looking at the baby girl in his arms. "As for this little one... she doesn't exist, as far as Mr. McAllister is concerned." "But…" Miranda began, only to be cut off by the masked doctor. "No buts, Nurse Miranda. What happens in this room stays in this room. Understood?" His tone left no room for argument. Miranda had no choice but to nod in agreement, with her face pale. "Yes, Sir!" The masked doctor wasn't anyone she could disobey! From then, he concentrated on skillfully and efficiently patching Trina’s cut belly up and finishing up his work before taking his leave. ************************************* Five Years Later… (New York city, USA) Trina's POV As I stepped out of the airport in my home country for the first time in many years, my right hand instinctively tightened around my little girl’s own. The gesture was both a subconscious reflexive act which came from five years of protective, motherly instincts and also, due to the nerves knotting my stomach over the uncertainty of what lays ahead of us now. Blissfully unaware of the tension radiating around me, my little bundle of sunshine, the happy-go-lucky Eleanor Ryder skipped happily and excitedly beside me, her strawberry blonde pigtails bouncing with each step she took. I smiled down at her, wishing I could share her excitement about coming to her real homeland for the first time and also, reuniting with the man who's her favorite person in the world… apart from me of course. As if the thought of him conjured him, my eyes suddenly fell on Justin a few feet away from us as Eleanor and I passed through the baggage claim with our luggage. He was holding a little sign in his hands and even from the distance, I could clearly read the names “Trina and Ella” written boldly on it. My gaze instantly shifted to the gorgeous blonde woman standing beside him, who was obviously hitting on him if the seductive flip of her long hair is any indication. And as the stunning woman with the megawatt smile let out a girly giggle at something Justin said and leaned closer to him with her hand casually resting on his arm, I didn't know when a smile instantly materialized on my face. No doubt about it, she's surely flirting with him and I’m really happy to see that. Justin isn't just my best friend but also, the kindest person I have ever met and so he deserves nothing but the best. However, it seems as if my daughter and I don't share the same thoughts on that matter because as soon as she saw them together, her joyous and excited demeanor changed as she abruptly came to a halt. She paused for a short while, glaring at the poor, unsuspecting woman before all of a sudden, a mischievous smile appeared on her face. And before I could comprehend what she was about to do, she let go of my hand and scampered towards Justin, squealing, “Daddy!”, with her arms outstretched in the air.Trina's POV Justin's face instantly whipped in our direction upon hearing Eleanor’s voice and even though I saw the surprise on his face which is undoubtedly due to the name she addressed him with, his eyes lit up at the sight of her. He quickly flung the sign he was holding aside before meeting Eleanor halfway and scooping her in his arms. And just as he always does, he began spinning her around, eliciting giggles from the delighted little girl.“There's my little princess! I missed you so much, pumpkin!”“I missed you too, Daddy!” She responded, emphasizing on the “Daddy” while stealing a furtive glance at the gorgeous blonde. Holy macaroni! What on earth is my little mischievous angel up to? Surely not I’m thinking! I know she's very fond of Justin and even though she never said it out loud, her actions speak clearly enough– she wants him to be her dad. She had gotten that notion so much into her head that she hated to see him with other women— just like now. Unfortunately, I wi
Trina's POV "Excuse me," I quickly said, standing up. "I need to use the restroom. I'll be right back."Justin's face instantly whipped towards me, and his brows furrowed into a frown. He’s my friend and knows me as well as I know him, so I'm sure he figured out the real reason why I’m excusing myself but nonetheless, I simply smiled and walked away. There's no question about it, I’m certain that I can't give Justin what he wanted from me– what he really deserved. But who knows, maybe this fan of his, or someone like her, could…With my mind preoccupied with thoughts of Eleanor alone in the car with the chauffeur, I absentmindedly pushed open the door to what I assumed was the women's restroom. I don't trust chauffeurs at all, afterall, my dad was once the chauffeur to my mom's extra-rich family who pretended to fall in love with her and see where that landed us!Upon entering, I realized that the restroom was empty and silent, much to my preference.I approached the sink, the sound
Trina’s POV My heart was racing as I hurriedly made my way back to our table at the coffeehouse. However, to my surprise, both Justin and his fan or rather, lady admirer were nowhere to be found. Without wasting another second, I quickly exited the coffeehouse and walked as fast as I could to Justin's waiting car. As soon as the Mercedes came into view, I saw Justin and Eleanor high fiving each other with huge grins on their faces. Hmm, something seems fishy here… I quickly scanned my eyes all over the area, searching for the lady who had been fan-girling over Justin earlier but she was nowhere to be seen and that only heightened my suspicions. Momentarily forgetting about the embarrassing scene I just left behind, I asked them in a suspicious tone. “What's going on here? And where's that pretty lady I left you chatting with, Justin? Your huge fan?” Running a hand through his blonde hair, Justin chuckled, "Oh, she already left. You wouldn't believe what happened." My head
Trina’s POV Early the next morning, I stood in front of the mirror, checking and rechecking my appearance for the umpteenth time and taking deep, calming breaths. I need to look as presentable as possible because this interview is very important to me. It is the ticket to the independence I so much crave, and also, my chance to show my evil conniving family what I am capable of. It's also my ticket to power and getting back what's rightfully mine. With one last intake of breath, l grabbed my portfolio and headed out of the door.The Sunnyville hotel truly lived up to its reputation. It was indeed a sight to behold, with its grand, magnificent building radiating opulence, adorned with elaborate chandeliers and marble columns that nearly reached for the skies. Each step I took inside felt surreal, just as if I was walking through a dream. I was both awed and determined as I walked into the opulent lobby. I’ll definitely do my best to get this job!Just then, a smartly dressed middle-a
Trina’s POV I regretted it the moment it came out of my mouth! I mean, who describes their expertise as cooking when applying for a managerial position?!I closed my eyes in remorse, ready for the ridicule to come.I waited a second or two, but nothing happened. There was complete silence.So?I opened my eyes and saw that everyone in the room was looking at me with very serious expressions.Did they think my joke was too vulgar? Gosh! I guess my blabbermouth has now caused me to lose the chance to get this much-coveted job.Suddenly, the mini man's eyes lit up for a moment, a stark contrast to his otherwise serious demeanor. He turned to the butler and in an authoritative tone quite identical to the man who I assume is his dad, he ordered, "Take her to the kitchen. I want to see what she is capable of making."And just like that, I found myself being ushered out of the office and down to the hotel's large, ultra-modern kitchen. I couldn't believe that things took such a one-eighty d
Trina’s POV My heart kept pounding very fast as I followed Randolph out of Mr. McAllister’s lavish office, with my mind still buzzing from the unexpected turn of events. The interview I had painstakingly prepared myself for had completely changed into something else entirely, making me quite confused and disoriented.Randolph, the distinguished butler, led me through the hallways in the magnificent building until we got to a sleek, modern office. And as he addressed me, his voice carried a warmth that contrasted with his impeccable, aristocratic appearance.“This way, Ms. Ryder. We’ll complete your employment paperwork first then I'll show you around the building. Afterall, you need to familiarize yourself with your new workplace, right?”Giving him a timid smile, I followed him into the office where I found myself signing one document after another. And as I caught sight of the salary figure, my eyes instantly widened in shock. It's double of what I had initially been offered! The p
Trina's POV Shaking my head, I made my way out of the building and as I walked to my car, I quickly pulled out my phone and dialed Justin's number, eager to share the strange events of the day with my best friend."Justin, you won't believe what just happened!" I blurted out as soon as he picked up, not wasting time on any pleasantries."Trina! How did the interview go?" As usual, Justin's voice was very warm and he sounded quite curious.As if that was just what I was waiting for, I instantly launched into a detailed account of what happened, from the unexpected job offer to the cryptic answer the butler gave me and finally, to my encounter with the intense, too-mature little boy. As soon as I finished recounting all the details, Justin burst out laughing."So, let me get this straight," he said, a hint of playful jealousy in his tone. "You never cooked for me when we were abroad. In fact, I was the one who did all the cooking! And now you've accepted a job to cook for some rich guy
Zane’s POVPushing away the paperwork in front of me, I got up and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows of my penthouse office, with both hands shoved into my pants pockets. Though my eyes were fixed on the city view, my mind was elsewhere. Despite myself, my thoughts keep wandering to the events that happened earlier in the day when I hired Ms. Ryder as a so-called manager. I don't know what it is about that particular woman but I find her very intriguing. One thing I’m sure of is that there's something about her that reminds me of the unforgettable night I had with a mysterious woman some few years ago. Whether or not she's related to the unknown woman remains a mystery. A mystery I won't rest until I get to the bottom of…Five years ago, I asked my good friend, the so-called best surgeon in the country, Dr. Hemsworth to do something for me... And that's how I got my son back from that woman. Afterwards, Dr. Hemsworth told me that the woman didn't survive the operation due t
Trina’s POV Standing by the window, I watched my little munchkin laugh as she petted our neighbor's llama in the courtyard. I don't understand how having such unusual pets has become a new trend nowadays. However, a bittersweet smile spread across my face as I saw her excitement. She reminded me so much of my beloved younger brother, Mason, who would have been over joyous had he been in Eleanor's shoes right now.Mason loved animals a lot. His face would light up at the sight of anything with fur or feathers, like when he got his puppy. But that joy was short-lived because in a fit of rage, my evil father had angrily tossed it away, leading to its tragic death. Mason had been completely heartbroken at that time. The image of his tear-streaked face still haunts me up till now.I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block out the painful memories, but they just kept coming as my thoughts shifted to those of my late mom. I remembered the last call I had with her head doctor. Though she was
Trina’s POV As I checked my phone, I realized it was a message from Mr. McAllister. My heart instantly skipped a beat. Why would Mr. McAllister be texting me at this hour? Not just at this hour, he had never texted me before! I just hope all is well! With trembling hands, I opened the message which read, "Ms. Ryder, I hope you and Eleanor had a pleasant evening. I wanted to let you know that the school paperwork is ready for your review. No pressure, but I believe this could be a wonderful opportunity for Eleanor.”I stared at the message,with feelings of both gratitude and apprehension washing over me. So far, the cold, human iceberg Mr. McAllister had been nothing but kind, yet I couldn't shake off the feeling that accepting his help would change our lives in ways I couldn't predict. Everything about him, his attitude towards my little munchkin and the way his son dotes on her… it's just so overwhelming. And now, this new school they have enrolled her into…Sighing, I made my way t
Trina’s POV The next few days passed by in a jet’s speed, and gradually, both Eleanor and I have gotten used to the routine of waking up early, going to the McAllister mansion and spending the day with the nice and friendly staff members… and of course, the too mature mini man, Jayden when he returns from school. As for the big boss himself, I haven't set my eyes on him ever since that first day.On Friday, which marked my fourth day of working at the McAllister mansion, as we drove home after a sumptuous dinner, Eleanor dozed beside me while I sat quietly in the car, my mind buzzing with thoughts. After he returned from school, Jayden had told me the ‘good news’ about the confirmation of Eleanor’s enrollment into his school and although I genuinely thanked him, deep down, I was overcome with worry.I know without any iota of doubt that Jayden’s elite school, which is the best in the entire city, is full of children from extremely wealthy, creme de la creme families and so my little
Dr. Noah Hemsworth’s POVThe moment my eyes fell on the woman Zane had introduced as ‘Ms. Trina Ryder’, time seemed to stand still. My heart skipped a beat and for a split second, I found myself being transported back memory lane to that fateful night five years ago in Paris…Although the woman standing before me wasn't really the same as that one from that night, there's just something about her… the resemblance was uncanny enough to make my heart skip a beat and remind me of that act that has been gnawing at my conscience ever since. Really, if Zane had not threatened to reveal one of my darkest secrets to my father at that time, I would never have done what I did. It was the only time I did something out of line in my career as a doctor and I'm still regretting it up till now.This woman, Ms. Trina Ryder, had chestnut brown curls and hazel eyes that sparkled with determination, quite unlike the other woman in my memory, who had strawberry blonde straight hair and light blue eyes fi
Trina's POV As I left the kitchen with my heart still beating fast from my encounter with the world-renowned chef, my eyes fell on the way leading to the hotel dining room and my interest was instantly piqued. Should I or should I not?Taking a deep breath, I made up my mind and headed straight to the dining room. I had the big boss’s permission afterall, so it doesn't matter what the secretary says. And I'm glad I made that decision because I was awed by what I saw— gleaming chairs and tables, sparkling crystal and gold decors everywhere. I was still marveling over the opulence and glamour of it all as I made my way back to the lobby. Deep in thoughts, I nearly bumped into the arrogant secretary as I got to the lobby. Her face instantly squeezed into a haughty frown with her eyes narrowing as she saw me.Then in an equally haughty tone, she snapped at me. "The president is extremely busy with work, as am I! So a newbie like you shouldn't be troubling us with such trivial matters!"
Trina's POV I was seated in one of the plush seats in the lobby, deep in thoughts when I heard a feminine voice address me.“Ms. Ryder, right?”I raised my head up to see an elegantly dressed woman in suits with her red hair pulled back into a bun looking down at me with a condescending look on her face. I ignored the look as I smiled at her, “Yes, Ms. Trina Ryder.”She didn't return the smile as she quickly turned and started walking away, muttering “Follow me” in an authoritative voice.Shaking my head, I simply got up and did as she said, wondering why the unknown woman is acting so arrogant towards me when I don't even know her, talkless of knowing what I might have done to offend her. As if she read my mind, I heard her muttering not so subtly– as if she deliberately wanted me to overhear. “As the secretary to the CEO, I have so many better things to do than showing some… wannabe staff member around as if I’m her escort!I didn't know when a small smile spread across my face b
Trina’s POV As soon as I stepped foot out of Mr. McAllister’s state-of-the-art office, I released a shaky breath that I wasn't even aware I was holding as I leaned my back against the wall. Phew! Finally! Mr. McAllister’s office might look like one straight out of one of those posh magazines but it is also suffocating— at least to me!Or perhaps it's the effect of the man himself, not his office. I already know how intimidating and charismatic he is but in that lavish office, sitting behind that massive desk and with those piercing, steely gray eyes on me… oo la la! I felt as if he could see right through me, my lies and half-truths when he fixed those intimidating and piercing orbs on me!Zane McAllister. Even his name screams authority and oozes of power and influence. Standing there in front of him as he questioned me with those piercing eyes scrutinizing my every reaction, I felt like a bundle of nerves– all hot and bothered.Taking a deep breath, I pulled away from the wall and
Zane’s POV As soon as Ms. Ryder stepped foot into my office, the very appetizing aroma of food instantly wafted to my nostrils, reminding me that I haven't had a single meal throughout the day, as I had just been taking coffee since morning.“Good evening Mr. McAllister Sir,” she said in a voice almost as cheerful as her cute daughter's own. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything too important. I’ve brought your dinner.”Without saying word, I simply gestured to her to keep the picnic basket she was holding on the table in front of the sofa at the far corner of the office. As she did so, I decided to seize the opportunity to gather more information. Perhaps a bit of questioning could bear more fruit than even Claire's investigation.In my most calm, casual tone which most people still find intimidating and cold, I simply asked. "Ms. Ryder, as my personal chef and hotel manager, I just realized that I don't know much about your background. Where did you go to high school? Was it here
Zane’s POV As soon as the three hour long international conference call finally ended, I loosened my tie a bit as I leaned back in my leather seat, releasing a deep sigh of relief. It has been a very long but fruitful day as once again, I have succeeded in closing a multi-billion dollar deal for my personal company, McAllister Enterprises.As I shut down my MacBook, my eyes fell on the Rolex on my wrist and my left brow raised a little as I saw the time– 7:46 pm. Yet another unavoidable late night at the office. Even though I was quite used to staying very late into the night at the office in the past, I had made it a point of duty to ensure that I return home as early as possible ever since my son Jayden was born. Since I'm the only parent he had, I need to be there for him whenever he needs me.A soft knock came on the door, breaking into my thoughts. "Come in," I called out.My secretary, Claire, walked into my office with a file folder in her hands and seeing that, I instantly sa