Thanks a lot for reading.
A fog of shock dumbfounded Loney as he watched the two sisters mention each other's names. His head felt light, confirming Danica was a twin to Daniella. He went numb, little veins in his brain processing a bit of information. Both sisters seemed like strangers to him. They were still standing at the doorway, blocking the way for other customers. Daniella hadn't noticed Loney, as she gazed at her sister. Instincts of admiration and pain flunking her. Danica seemed not only to survive but also flourish wherever she found herself. Realization hit Danica, her mind clearing from shock. She pulled her sister from the entrance, "We are blocking the way," she muttered, stopping a few meters away from the entrance. Her heart sank at how quiet Loney was when he followed them. His expression was unreadable but he looked sapped. A deadly glare narrowed from him, clad in a coffee brown suit but Daniella's mood lightened up at his features. She found him attractive and with a mere look at him, s
"You were right, Herty, I should have told him," Danica said tearfully as soon as she answered the call. She wasn't just in pain because Loney ignored her but the disappointment she saw in his eyes hurts her more, the fact that Loney was hurting because of her. "Forget about that, Danica, you can't keep crying in your condition. You have to stay strong, at least for the baby," Herty helplessly tried to encourage her. "For the baby?" She sniffed. "He won't even talk to me. I don't think he needs a baby anymore," Danica sounded dejected. "Don't be ridiculous. He has spent so much already. He is just upset but it will cool off. Just hold on okay?" Herty tried to find the right words to comfort her friend. She wasn't a relationship expert but at least she knew her friend. "Thanks for not judging me, Herty," Danica sniffed. "You already judged yourself. I don't have to. Will it be okay if I come and visit?" Herty asked. She wanted to be there for Danica because throughout the times her
Jones sat back on the sofa, ran his hands through his messed up black hair and said, "I too had a life before meeting Christ. I wasn't always like this." Herty's eyes popped in curiosity like a ball, "Ray is my uncle. My late father's older brother. He manipulated my father to carry drugs for him and when my father wanted out because of me, he set him up," Jones said. There was a long pause. Herty was bewildered. This wasn't what she expected but it was also a great revelation. "My father wanted a better life for me so he told Ray he couldn't work for him anymore but before he let him out, he made him carry one last confinement. It was a setup and my innocent father fell for it. Ray threatened to either kill him or I would replace him. I agreed to replace my father because he already had underlying health conditions. I was only twelve but my father died a few months later and Ray would not let me go. I served him for nine more years. He made me do things that I regret everyday." "He
"I'm afraid that won't happen..." A familiar voice echoed. Loney turned to see Mabel at the doorway, just as Marie strutted and knelt before him. Mabel stalked Paul from the car park since she had zero trusts in Paul's ability to convince Loney. She waited a while in front of the door under Marie's restriction. Still, when she heard Loney's statement of never returning till Danica gave birth, she couldn't take it any longer. "I'm sorry sir, she just pushed me aside and barged in when I won't let her," Marie pleaded. Loney boiled, his eyes flickered with rage, but it wasn't towards Marie. "Get out, Marie," he snarled, his gaze on Mabel. Marie didn't wait for the command to be repeated. She stood up and ran out as if her life depended on it. "What do you want here, Mabel? I didn't pay you to be in my office," Loney scowled, his expression dark and curved in a grimace. "Then you should rather fire me because I won't be held responsible for the complications of a pregnant woman starvi
Daniella's heart did some dancing at the sound of Loney's voice or perhaps, butterflies were romping in her stomach. Her lips curled into a smile, as she tucked a strand of her behind her ears and followed Loney. Paul's gaze held Mabel's, his fist tightening around his glass, it almost broke, before both of them pinned their gazes on Danica. She was fighting to hold back her tears. "Hey, relax okay? From what he told me, Daniella was the first girl he fell in love with but she didn't want him. It was a long time ago okay?" Paul forced a smile and was impelled to let go of his hard feelings at the moment. He wanted Danica to feel better but she only got worse. If Loney loved Daniella, then he would never love her. She pushed her plate away and stood on her feet. Turning around, she ran up the stairs. "You made matters worse Paul, why couldn't you keep your mouth shut?" Mabel chastised. If she had known that getting Loney home would be in Daniella's favour, she would have found her w
Danica's heart rate increased, sounding in her ears as Loney walked closely behind her. Before she reached the door, he had gone ahead to open it for her. Danica should be flattered but she wasn't. Perhaps, Loney cared because of his baby which she carried in her womb. Beads of sweat began to form on her forehead when she heard the door close. She turned abruptly to a stony Loney. "You have a very scheming way of dealing with me ha?" His tone was cold, a deep frown overrunning his features. "I don't understand," Danica didn't hide her confusion. Her stomach tinged with grief. "Starving yourself when you are carrying my child, don't ever try it again," Loney's groaned and beckoned to the sofa. Danica ambled towards it and sat, tears lined her cheeks. "I'm sorry," she muttered. If Loney saw her tears, he didn't show any remorse. He sat in front of her, his legs crossed, "you have five minutes. Tell me what you want to say," he groaned. A billow of adrenaline cruised through Danica
Daniella sleeked in restlessness. She calculatedly sat in the living room pretending to watch tv while she waited for her sister to come out of Loney's room. The longer her sister spent, the greater her agitation. She wasn't ready to give up. Loney might be upset with her because of what happened in the past but she can make things right. She can make him love her. Her body fought to shut down but she kept her eyes wide awake, not giving in to the demands of her body. Advertently, her prayers were answered when the door pushed open, expedited by the intense anticipation that covered her features. Loney stepped out but let alone, her sister was still inside. She saw Loney pass her without sparing her a glance. It was as if she didn't exist. She waited eagerly, her eyes glued to the door. Her sister must come out any moment. Seconds passed to minutes, as she continued to wait. Thirty minutes later, she got tired of waiting and strode to the door. She held the knob gently and before she
Daniella was washed out. Her face turned red. With a swift movement, she ran to her room, embarrassment following her hurried steps. Paul glared at Loney. Admiration stretching his lips into a thin smile, "I was beginning to fear that you had chosen her." Loney scoffed, "she's no longer my type. She used to be Ray's pawn." "I'm not surprised. She's too phony. I've dealt with her type. They don't give up Loney, you have to throw her out," Paul frantically suggested. "Just keep an eye on her for now." Loney knew that Paul was right. Daniella back then could have any man she wanted. She was well favoured with beauty and knew how to use it when she wanted. Danica was the only one who cared less about looks. Paul was solemn, "I will," he firmly said. "Let me get some sleep," Loney let out and climbed the stairs, leaving Paul. The latter did some final checks with the security systems before going to bed. Loney's heart warmed up at the sight of Danica. Her silky brunette hair spread ov
"Mum!" "Dad!" "Wake up!" A soft but firm voice kept screaming, matching the knocks vibrating on the door. Loney woke unexpectedly, followed by Danica as the sound grew louder. They didn't have to guess who it was. They slipped into their robe and picked their scattered clothes on the floor, dropping them into a laundry basket before Loney headed to the door. His eyes glistened with tears as he eagerly unlocked the door. Two small hands wrapped around his legs tightly. "Dad! You are back!" Loney knelt to meet his form, pulling him into his arms. The last time he held his son was five years ago when he was just a month old. He had grown. It felt good seeing him physically and not through video calls. He had his mother's brunette hair but his father's facial features. Same grey eyes and thin lips. "I missed you, Lord." "I missed you too, Dad. Will you leave again? I don't want you to go. All the kids at
5 YEARS LATER "Chef Danica, we have a request for a chef's special." Gabriella, one of the waitresses eagerly conveyed to busy Danica. She was doing what she loved, thanks to Loney. Exactly one year after he travelled, he sent her a surprise package containing the keys to a restaurant in her name. Their son was a year old by then and Loney hadn't returned to Mexico therefore, Danica was amazed as to how he was able to put it all together. She couldn't tell if it was something he was working on before his business trip but it was the best gift ever. He gave her the dream of owning her restaurant. In four years, it has risen among the top three restaurants in Mexico City. "Today isn't Friday, Gabriela." Danica continued with the order she was previously working on. She occasionally wiped the beads of sweat forming on her forehead. The kitchen was hot and busy yet she loved it. "I know, but the man insists. He's so authoritative as
Herty was terrified. Her stomach pinched in fear. She wasn't expecting her parents to return any time soon but that was the thing about the missionary work. It's so unpredictable. Her mum caught her. Her little rendezvous was about to end. Stationary, when she spoke, Herty thought she had heard wrongly. "What are you doing out there? Bring your boyfriend inside." Paul was equally fascinated and didn't have the chance to speak when the blonde middle-aged woman yanked him in, shutting the door. Well, they were nothing Paul expected. Herty was upfront and told them about Paul's loath for the church, thinking it would make her parents judgemental of him but they were rather polar. They welcomed him to their home because he was the first man their daughter brought. They could see that she was happy and as for Paul, they didn't have to worry. Years of experience in the missionary had taught them that even the stoniest of hearts could melt at the right time. Sunday morning. Herty woke up
Herty woke up refreshed from a long sleep. Her body craved it. She too had not slept throughout yesterday. However, joy cruised through her. She had fought it for so long. Paul wasn't the only one who suffered thinking about her. She too has had her fair share of sleepless nights, thinking about him and how impossible their love would be. She knew that her parents would never accept Paul. They want her to marry from the church but she doesn't have to marry him. She can be his friend. A close one and see what the future holds. When the subject of marriage comes in, they would cross over. Just as she came out of the shower, a maid brought her a parcel. "A delivery guy brought this for you." It was unexpected. She has never received anything like this. This was her first time experiencing this part of life. It could only be from one person and she was right. She unwrapped the gift and pulled out a beautiful black knee-length Versace dress. It was beautiful but a little shorter than her
A smirk appeared in the corner of Loney's lips. Jones was smart. He was always a step ahead. "I will let her off on one condition." Jones was ready to exchange his life for Daniella's therefore, he said, "I will do anything." "20 years of your life for hers." Loney was deadpanned but Jones's mind was a mist. "I don't understand." Loney stared him in the eyes. "You will work for me for twenty years from now. You are still entitled to all benefits but you don't get to leave or resign till after the 20 years terms." If the mist cleared from Jones's mind, then Loney wanted a longer service from him but what Loney didn't know was, Jones wanted it too. Loney's company was the best. The wages were top of the rank aside from fringe benefits and all. "I will sign a bond to it." Loney's lips thinned. a smile stretching it. He knew the capabilities of his managers and Jones was one of the most outstanding. With people like that, he loved to keep them for a long term and since he has promise
"But, I can't..." Loney's expression darkened. His hopes were crushed. His heart pumped with the speed of an aeroplane. She didn't want him? "You - can't - marry - me?" He let out word by word, his heart shredding. According to the contract, this was where it ended. He had nothing to hold her to. She agreed to be his woman but she didn't want to be his wife. "No, don't overthink this. I mean, I can't let the world know that I'm yours." She wanted him but she feared that whoever ordered her abduction might want to hurt her child. So, she wanted him without the knowledge of the world. It was simple but complex. "Make me understand, Danica" Loney didn't want to hope but he wanted to introduce her to the world as his. He wanted to let go of everything for her. "I want our marriage to be kept secret," she uttered in plain words but Loney was incensed. Could her meeting her Pastor be the reason for taking this decision? "Because you are a Christian and you don't want to be associated w
"Take a deep breath and push Danica," Dr Jeff encouraged. Danica gripped Loney's arm tightly, she thought it might rip off. She huddled a long breath and gave a strong push. This was her eighth push so far and she was exhausted. "Just two more, Danica. Two strong pushes. I can see your baby's head already," Dr Jeff continued to encourage her. "I'm tired," she yelped. Loney kissed her sweaty forehead, caressing her bump. He hovered around her, trying to find any way to help. He wished he could help. He desperately did. "Please, do it for me. For our child. I wish I could take the pain from you," Loney pleaded with her. He hated seeing her in pain. It ached him so much that Danica rejected Dr Jeff's suggestion. Danica gripped Loney tightly, another strong push. Then, she took deep breaths. She felt her walls overstretch, she thought it was going to rip apart. The pain was excruciating, she was breathing through her mouth. She was about to push again when Dr Jeff spoke. "Wait! We have
The nurse was scared. His behaviour could worsen the patient's condition and the nurse feared being at the receiving end of his anger therefore, she veered to Dr Jeff's office. He would know what to do. He couldn't protect her. He couldn't protect her. He failed. How would she perceive him when she woke up? Regret and confusion washed him as he continued to sob. Paul was trying to understand everything but nothing seemed to make sense to him. Whichever way, he tried to console Loney. "She will be fine. You just have to be there for her." "She will hate me," Loney's tone was bitter. Her sister kidnapped her because of-" "Loney, your surrogate has been inquiring of you. What are you doing here?" Dr Jeff's voice broke through Loney's last words. The nurse had come to inform him that Loney was going nuts because of the accident patient in the emergency ward, which got him startled. He wondered what the patient did to get him so hysterical. Nonetheless, Dr Jeff's words began to sink in
"Please call Loney. He said he would be with me. He promised," Danica said amidst her painful contractions. Dr Jeff nodded, instantly putting a call through to Loney. "Danica is in the hospital," he said as soon as the line connected. Loney pressed the brake instantly and the tyres screeched on the smooth asphalt. He was depressed and agitated when he lost connection with Danica. Probably, her phone must have gone off without her knowledge. Therefore, he had planned on finding Ray and forcing him to call his men to bring Danica to him or verify their location. He should be excited right? But it felt strange. How did Danica get to the hospital? What if it was Daniella pretending? He couldn't keep his mind from thinking in that direction. However, his suspicions were buried when Dr Jeff continued. "She said you promised that you would be with her." A smile thinned Loney's lips just as a tear fell from his eyes. He knew it was Danica sending him the message. This was the promise he made