I walked up to the conference room where the scheduled meeting was supposed to take place, my heart longing to discover more about this child. Every bit of my being felt on edge, I felt restless in my spirit. Something kept pulling at me from the inside, the connection between Olivia and Jumia; the little boy had just met. Just when I couldn't hold on any longer, I announced the adjournment of the meeting and requested the presence of the principal in her office. “Sir, you called for me. What can…” she trailed off as I raised my hand to stop her. “I need the report and information on a certain child named Jumia, probably in kindergarten.” “Oh! That. You mean Jumia Peters, sir?” she inquired, a grin spreading across her face as she bent to open the computer on the table. “What’s that for?” I asked, feeling slightly awkward at her sudden grin. “He’s such a smart child and was just registered yesterday.” “Yesterday?” I cut in, almost stunned that Peters’ suspicions were actually t
I was just sitting in the meeting and getting acquainted with the new staff feeling elated to be with them when suddenly I got a call from an unsaved contact. I ignored the call, and moments later, I was done and heading to my car. Today was another day off work for me, but the Joy of acquaintance never dissipated.I knew Jumia should be out of school by now and would be patiently waiting for me. Just as I was about to start the engine, I got the same call again. I ignored it once more, the joy I felt replaced with bitterness. However, this time, the caller called back immediately, and I shrugged before answering. My instincts already told me it was Liam calling. I knew too well that after yesterday's confrontation at the grand opening, he would try to get my number and call. He appeared desperate.“Hello, don’t call me again. I don’t….”“This is the police. Your driver just had an accident. From the report, he was badly injured and has been taken to the hospital,” the voice asserted
The tables were set, and I made sure everything was arranged as expected while we awaited his arrival.Jumia seemed more excited as he glanced at his little wristwatch at intervals. I shot him a playful stare and continued with what I was doing while he sat in the living room, waiting for his guest.Shortly after, I heard a car horn at the entrance and suspected that his guest had arrived. His “Uncle Nice” had finally arrived. I assigned the remaining duties to the maid and hurried upstairs to change into something more decent and casual. I didn't want to appear undressed or unkempt before this fellow. I anticipated he was as nice as Jumia praised, even though I felt a little restrained about the whole issue. “Just a thank you for being nice to my son out there when he was in danger, wouldn't be a bad step” I assured myself, walking up the stairs. I wanted Jumia to be proud, as always, to have a classy mum by his side.Once in the bedroom, I quickly changed into a red crop top and a
Liam's POVI felt like a little child, terrified by a scary movie, when my gaze met hers. I never expected that the Olivia I knew was the same Olivia Peters who had borne him.At first, upon discovering the truth, I thought it was merely a coincidence because she was known as Smith. But today's encounter proved me wrong, it wasn’t just a coincidence; it was reality. She is the same as Jumia's mother, a reality that struck me real hard.It hurt to realize that I had come with a different motive, and now she was calling me a liar. I had arrived despite all doubts, just to see this little kid I was so fond of. I thought that honoring his request to see me would make him happy and also give me the opportunity to meet the lovely woman who had given birth to such a smart, adorable child; only to find out that it was her.I stormed out of the house, devastated that she had sent me away without even waiting to hear my side of the story. Instead, she went as far as denying that I wasn’t the fa
Olivia's POV A rush of excitement swept through my heart, a slight chuckle lingering on my lips throughout the ride as we drove in the direction of his school.It was my first time coming on my own after the accident, and I felt I should arrive a little earlier this time. Jumia was my joy and deserved every bit of care, affection, and protection I could offer. He would be pleased to have me pick him up alongside his uncle James, who had offered to come with me since he hadn't set eyes on Jumia in a long while. I could already picture the glint in his tender little face; that glint that made all the hard work worthwhile.I was pleased with James' offer, but even more so with the realization that soon, we would become one big happy family: James, Jumia, and me. I pictured the exciting moments we would share and the joy of being loved, a feeling I had cherished ever since I met James four years ago at the airport.My gaze momentarily darted towards James, who was carefully focused on t
Liam coming out with my son, Jumia, holding what looks like candy in his hands? Liam’s hands are on Jumia’s hair?My rage increased instantly, my eyebrows raising in annoyance at the scene before me. They had practically been together for heaven knows how long. The smile on Jumia’s face said it all, and the visible chuckles on Liam’s face brought so much pain to my heart. Jumia must have been so acquainted with him and free around him to display such visible affection.No! Not a chance.I moved toward them instantly, and those small, elated grey eyes suddenly turned cold upon seeing me. The chuckles vanished, and the joy once displayed froze.“You!” I barked. “What are you doing with my son?” I asked, quickly pulling Jumia over to my side.My gaze darkened as it fixed on him. The sting of the pain that had just lifted resurfaced in my heart, intensifying my anger.“Can you ever forgive me?” he spoke up, his gaze pleading and his voice filled with emotions I had never seen in him befor
Liam's POV That look! I muttered in my heart as I watched him approach. My heart filled with countless thoughts of the past; flashes of memories that I couldn't piece together in my subconscious. My gaze widened, searching for a possible connection. I felt downcast that I still couldn't figure out who he truly resembled from my past. He looked familiar yet vastly different, I must say. The more I tried to wrap my head around it, the more frustrated I became. After a moment of reflective brainstorming, I gave up. Maybe he wasn't the same as I had known him before, I assured myself. My gaze darted to my surroundings, the sun shining intensely on my skin, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Stay away from them. I won't warn you again. Otherwise, you'll leave me with no choice but to stop you my own way," his voice surged, still familiar to me. His face contorted as he turned to Olivia, holding her affectionately by the arms, his gaze scanning her from head to toe. "Hope he didn't hu
I broke free, but she remained numb, disregarding my words. When her thumb pressed against my lower part, I saw Olivia. Only she could do that whenever we made love. My heart swirled, and I mustered the last of my strength and consciousness to hold her close to me; my craving, her longing, for more and more, thrusting harder and harder, her moans filling my heart with intense joy until I finally drifted off to sleep, lying on top of her... ***** The creaking sound of the alarm clock at the head of my bed rang in my ears, and I groaned softly, feeling completely weak. A sharp pain shot through my head, causing me to wince. Slowly, I opened my eyes, the bright light from the window beaming into them. I blinked repeatedly, rubbing my temples. Why do I feel so weak? And why is my head throbbing so much? I muttered to myself, trying to sit upright in bed. My eyes stung as I struggled to ease my discomfort. I had never suffered from headaches as severe as this. I turned my gaze t
Who could that be?I peeped through the little opening at the edge of the gate.A slender young lady, slightly above average in height, with brown skin and light-colored hair, stood before me.“Nina or whatever you call yourself, I want you to get rid of whatever is growing in your womb this minute because there is no way I’m letting you blackmail me,” Fiona snapped, her anger seething.“You lie, Fiona. You lie. I’m not getting rid of this child.”“Then get ready to face me the hard way because this child is certainly not going to stay,” Fiona snapped, her tone firm.I remained rooted, unable to comprehend anything.I tried to return to the house, but she said something striking, pinning my legs in place, eager to hear more.“You hired me to do your dirty work, and I complied. But when you realized your dirty little secrets were at risk, you couldn’t let go. You arranged for his sperm to be stored with the lab attendant; I made sure of it. And now that everything is taking its turn, y
My heart skipped.My entire body remained numb as I watched the handle, frozen in place. My plans to wait and see how everything unfolded were gradually being crushed.I flinched.Just then, the handle stopped, and I could hear Mum's voice again.Relief washed over me as I held my hands to my chest, gently heaving a sigh.I carefully and discreetly moved towards the living room, ignoring whatever Mum had left to say.I was already consumed by what I had just heard and needed to think before I acted. It sensed Fiona had every step well-prepared and planned.Once in the living room, I stumbled onto the couch, my hands clapped to my heavily breathing chest.My eyes landed on the glass of water in front of me. Fear crept over me.“What if she put something in it?” I whispered. But staring at it wasn’t going to quench my thirst.I restrained myself from taking it and slammed my arms on the armrest. If only I could remember the slightest thing, except for today, then everything would have b
Next dayLiam's POV Sitting and patiently waiting for the water when the door of the mansion creaked open, and Mum steps into the building, holding a medium briefcase in her arms and approaching.My face fixed on hers, stunned, my mind numb.What was she doing here with a bag that made it seem like she was planning to stay a while?I held back, watching, waiting for her to drop the case. But instead, she hurried toward me and pressed a warm kiss against my forehead.“Son, how are you doing?” she asked, her face lighting up with a warm smile.“I’m good, Mum,” I replied, then fixed my gaze on the briefcase and back to hers. “Mum, what are you doing with a briefcase? Are you going on vacation?” I asked, and she raised an eyebrow.Her face lit up with shock.“Son, have you forgotten I told you I was coming two days ago?” she snapped, her eyes widening.“Two days ago?” I echoed, equally surprised. I had no memory of that.“I’m sorry I didn’t call again. Your father had a slight fever, so
Olivia's POV I was already at home, my heart a total mess, devoid of any iota of numbness ever since I left James at the roadside.“My decision was the best for both of us,” I whispered to myself as I alighted from the cab, but something sprang up in my heart.My car was parked at the hospital.Taking the cab, I returned to the hospital with the intention of not going inside the building.Upon arriving, I was surprised to spot James with Becky; she looked almost unconscious.I was stunned to my marrow.Had he actually come back to the hospital to confront Becky for spilling the truth? What kind of a man was he?Rushing Becky over to the emergency ward, all the teams rushed over and assisted in the process of resuscitating her.It appeared he had nearly snapped the life out of her moments before I arrived.My heart quickened. He was a beast.After a moment of panic and pressure, she was finally stabilized and placed on oxygen.I heaved a sigh, my heart heavy with grief and hatred.“Sh
James POV My gaze remained fixed on hers, curiously demanding an answer.My heart raced as I dreaded the response she hadn’t given yet.Her confused yet determined expression said everything. Even without her words, I already felt a sharp pain in my heart.“Please, Olivia, tell me what the issue is. You already forgave me, and I have promised to always be honest with you from now forth. Why are you stopping the car?” I demanded desperately.It seemed like my words hit her, stirring a soft spot in her heart. She lowered her head, arms wrapped around herself.I leaned closer, resting my hands on her shoulders slightly.“I’m sorry, but I’m starting the car now,” I said boldly. But she didn’t react, didn’t say a word neither.I felt shattered, but I had to do something.I gripped the key, ready to start the engine, when her hand brushed against mine, stopping me abruptly.She looked up at me, her eyes filled with sorrow and determination.“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I can’t go through
My heart couldn't contain the depth of deceit, and I pulled out my phone to dial James' number.Pressing the call button, I waited for him to pick up after a brief moment.“Sorry, I was trying to….”“Just save that explanation and meet me at the office now,” I declared, pressing the hang-up button.How could he? I muttered aloud, my gaze fixed on my phone.My arms slammed against the office desk, making a sharp creaking sound that echoed through the entire space.The longer I waited, the more the unease grew in my spine. Finally, the door creaked open once more, revealing no one else but James.His dazed gaze met my angry stare, and he hurried toward me.His mouth was agape, his expression perplexed.“What’s the issue? And why are you still in the office with that look on your face?”I let him speak while I watched impatiently.The veins in my body tensed, my muscles pulled tight.“How could you do such a thing? How could you?” I blurted out bitterly.He leaned forward and held my arm
I pace around the living room, my gaze fixed on the image displayed on the screen of my phone.How it hurts. But then, no one seemed to realise how much pain I was going through, how much was at stake just to make sure he was still alive.It's been months since he was transferred to another hospital, yet I still couldn't let go of the feelings I had when I watched his lifeless body lying on that bed.Nevertheless, I had to move on.I pressed the delete button on my phone and quickly erased his picture and everything that I felt was connected to his image or personality.My marriage to James was in just two days, and I felt it was best to let go, start afresh, and give love a chance to thrive once more.***** D-DayI arrived at the office earlier than usual.My heart soared with joy from the moment I woke up. It wasn't unusual to feel this way ever since I had agreed to move on with James.I had one thing to do at the office this morning before meeting up with him at the designated ar
His gaze burned with jealousy as he asked the question.My face lit up with a smile that left him confused. His face scrunched up, his gaze widening. It lingered on me, silently demanding an explanation."Alright! That was just a joke. It's someone from the hospital," I chimed, my mouth curling into laughter."Don't ever joke about such delicate matters again, alright?" His hands gripped my arm, his gaze serious as he fixed it on mine, waiting for a reply."Alright," I assured him, standing upright and picking up my bag while patting my face to ensure my makeup was in perfect condition."Where to?" he asked, looking fazed."It's time for us to spend some time together outside this building. I've already booked a private reservation for two," I replied, feeling a little excited."That's why I'll always love you." His hand brushed against my face, lifting my cheeks slightly."Always love you," he repeated, and my heart melted at the sincere, longing gaze fixed on mine.I swallowed har
Olivia's POV I felt a rush of excitement pulling through my heart as his text popped up on my phone, asking if we should meet.It was the same way I felt when he replied to my text earlier; my entire body swirling with joy once more.Three long weeks of separation, yet it felt like forever. My heart longed for him, yet the thought of Nina kept restraining me.‘It won't be a bad idea if I gave him the opportunity to explain things since I haven't really heard his perspective,’ I thought as my finger rested over my lips in deep reflection.We had come a long way together; he was practically my backbone when I had no one and nowhere to lean on; not to mention that painful, haunting night I had tried countless times to erase from my memory.I hissed aloud, drifting my gaze away in disdain as the thought resurfaced, replaying in my heart all over again.Finally, after a long moment of deep reflection, I decided to give love a chance to thrive.I couldn't deny what I still felt for him lin