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THREE

last update Last Updated: 2024-05-19 01:46:29

RILEY 

TWO WEEKS LATER

“We’ll launch the new product in a week after having tested it. That will be all for now,” I announced, rising from my seat and dispersing my employees.

They say the best way to take our mind off certain things is to focus on a completely different thing. To ease the hurt that was weighing down my heart after the incident, I dedicated all my time to launching a new product here in my company. It was a drug we had gotten approval to produce but had been taking things slowly. However, being the CEO, I was able to push the production forward and here we are, after two weeks we were almost ready to launch it.

Getting back to my office, I lowered myself onto my seat and rested my head on my desk.

“You should go home and get proper sleep, you've been sleeping here for over a week now,” my assistant, Nancy’s voice resonated from a corner of my office.

“I have nothing to do at home…”

“You've been saying the same thing since forever. I don't know what went wrong, you don't deserve to get stressed like this over whatever went wrong, please Riley,” she walked over to me and took my hand into hers.

“I'll go home once the new product has been launched,” I assured her.

“As if sleeping here will have any impact on the product. Anyway, since you won't listen to anything I say, it's obvious you don't want me as your assistant anymore. I'll just stick to being your best friend,” she mumbled and handed an envelope to me.

“Nancy, you…”

“I just resigned…”

“Nancy….”

“You know what, I'll go home tonight,” I sighed, ripping the envelope apart.

The emotional blackmailer of a friend laughed and pinched my cheeks.

“That wasn't so hard after all,” she giggled.

Eying her unpleasantly, I rose from my seat and she instantly packed my bag and handed it to me. Not saying a word to her, I walked off.

I've been avoiding staying alone all these while, so I wouldn't relieve my pains but then that seemed inevitable right now. Getting to my car, I turned on the radio before driving off.

“Nathan Martinez has launched a new airline…” The one name I've spent weeks trying to forget was called, followed by lots of praise as to how hard-working he was.

“Bastard,” I growled, aggressively turning off the radio.

The rest of the drive was in silence till I got home only to meet two figures seated right outside my home.

Getting down from the car, I approached the. It was my sister, Leah and Nathan’s mum.

“Leah, Aunt…” I muttered, bringing their attention to me.

Leah was the first to rush over to me and engulf me in a hug. 

“You've been avoiding me, Riley. Did I do anything wrong?” she cried, clinging onto me.

“You did nothing wrong, Leah. I just needed some time alone,” I pulled her hand away from myself and cupped her face.

“You would never do anything wrong. I'm sorry I made you feel like you wronged me,” I earnestly apologized.

“Why haven't you been answering my calls then? You moved without telling anyone, Riley. You paid agents to come get your things at home and worst you refused to see me when I came to your workplace. Something is definitely wrong with you,” she insisted.

“Look, Leah, I'm fine,” I smiled, even though the last thing I wanted at the moment was to be here answering these queries.

“Riley, you…” she tried saying again but was cut off by Nathan’s mum.

“Leah, let her be, she looks exhausted,” she said from where she stood. I locked eyes with her and she gave me a small smile before walking over to where I stood, with an inquisitive Leah clinging onto me.

The moment she got to me, something hit my nose, it was the scent of her perfume. It made my stomach so bad that it made me want to puke.

“You okay?” she asked, getting even closer to me.

I couldn't hold it anymore. I ran to a side and puked all over.

“Riley…”

“I'm fine,” I cut a worried Leah off.

“This is nothing. Aunt Hailey’s perfume made me puke.”

“You're sick, Riley. We're going to the hospital,” Leah announced.

“Leah…”

“Don't give me that shit about you being okay when you're not. Aunt Hailey’s perfume made you puke, really? Haven't you always used the same perfume as her? A scent you love suddenly makes you puke and you want me to believe that you're okay?” She yelled.

“Aunt get into the car. We’re going to the hospital,” Leah muttered.

I didn't utter a word and just let her pull me into the car. I was okay, this might just be the after-effect of spending too much time at the company and working with those chemicals.

Soon, we arrived at the hospital. It was our family hospital, so I was instantly attended to. 

After a series of questions and answers with the doctor, she handed me a pregnancy kit. 

“You'll need to take a pregnancy test before we go ahead with any other test.”

My heart skipped multiple beats upon hearing this. I've been so caught up in wallowing in self-pity that I forgot that after pills existed. 

“I can't be pregnant,” I muttered.

I took the kit from the doctor and stood there staring down at it.

“Let's go in together,” Leah offered, locking hands with me. But then I moved aside.

“I'll be fine.”

Minutes later, it was crystal clear that I had just become a soon-to-be mother.

“Congratulations,” the doctor announced as I handed the kit back to her.

I was too speechless. I didn't know how to react. Getting pregnant outside of marriage was something I've never imagined myself doing and worst of all, I was pregnant for a jerk.

“I won't keep the baby, I'm getting an abortion,” I declared.

“I'll be back,” Aunt Hailey excused herself at my outburst.

“You're being impulsive right now,” Leah tried to talk me out of it, but I was hearing none of it.

“I think the father deserves to know before you make this big decision,” Leah said in her bid to make me change my mind. But her words enraged me.

“What do you know about the father? What the fuck do you know about him to tell me to inform that jerk before making a decision!” I raised my voice at her for the first time.

“Riley, you…”

“Do not say my name,” I shunned her.

I turned to the doctor.

“I want an abortion.”

“Slow down, Riley,” Aunt Hailey’s voice sounded behind me.

“I've made up my mind…”

“No one is getting an abortion,” she cut me off. “Nathan get over here,” she growled.

Nathan walked in with his head bowed, much to my detest.

“I don't want to have anything to do with that bastard!” I yelled, pointing at him.

“Sorry, Riley, but I won't let you get rid of my grandchild.”

“The both of you will get married and raise the child together…”

“Aunt…”

“You're not cold-hearted, Riley. You wouldn't hurt an innocent child, Riley. You won't deny an innocent child her father's love. You'll get married to Nathan. If not for anything but for the baby growing inside of you.”

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  • Night + Rum = Passion    FOUR

    RILEY Somehow, Aunt Hailey managed to convince me to keep the child. At 23, I have never been able to make important life decisions myself. Even after I insisted on getting rid of the baby. Aunt Hailey threatened to fire the doctor if she went ahead to help me terminate my pregnancy. I had no choice but to leave the hospital with them that day. Worst of all, I was made to go to my brother’s mansion with them. Call me an idiot, call me a fool or whatever, I won't judge I've always been foolish and cowardly. The only person who stood up for me, who argued that I must have an important reason why I wanted to get rid of my pregnancy upon getting to know about it, was my sister Leah, and my brother's wife Rosaline. However, the elders were quick to hush them saying that there had never been a history of getting an abortion in the family.“You're a christian, Riley, do you think getting rid of a child God blessed you with is the best thing to do?” Aunt Hailey had asked.“God knows all. I

    Last Updated : 2024-05-19
  • Night + Rum = Passion    FIVE

    THREE YEARS LATERNATHANIt's been three years since that incident, three good years since I fled from my wedding. Honestly speaking, back then getting married was the last thing I had in mind coupled with the insistent problems I was falling into. Starting a family merely as a result of a one night mistake was obviously not the best decision for me at that time. To save myself from it, I left when no one was looking. Three years later, my entire family still hasn't forgiven me. After I left New York for Texas, I haven't had any contact with my family or anyone there of. According to my mum, I disgraced and made them look bad. My twin brother cut off all ties with me, apparently, his fiancé, Riley’s younger sister broke off their engagement after what I did.To be sincere, I didn't really care about all these, I have my own life to live and so does my brother. My parents had already become what they would be in life and this was my turn to make a name for myself and I wasn't going to

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  • Night + Rum = Passion    SIX

    NATHAN“What?”I said aloud, surprise flashing on my face. Never in a million years did I expect Riley to suddenly change so much, even to the extent of being this blunt and crude.“I've been in the industry for years….”“Save your explanation for those who want to hear it, Mr Martinez. I'm not the tiniest bit interested in it. When you come up with a better project, you can come meet me, if it isn't shitty, I'll willingly invest in it…”“Are you knowingly doing this, Riley!” I asked, running my hand through my hair.What changed her so much? I couldn't help but query myself.“It's Miss Wright. I do not think we are friends for you to address me so informally Mr Martinez. See yourself out.” she pointed in the direction of the door.Never in a thousand years did I imagine that a day like this would come, a day my beloved would look at me with such cold and soulless eyes, a day she'll look at me like she has never loved me. It hurt me so bad that all I could do was clench my fist and s

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  • Night + Rum = Passion    SEVEN

    NATHAN “Do you know who he is?” Standing there and watching Riley throw a series of questions at Leah, ignoring my presence sent waves of inexplicable emotions within me. “His wife suddenly attacked me,” Leah lied, eyeing me. It was as if she was trying to avoid something. “I should just gauge out your eyes!” Riley growled at Nancy who had just managed to rise to her feet. Seeing Riley’s angry face must have scared her, she stumbled and fell flat on the ground again. “You didn't only act uncultured. You also brought your wife to cause trouble,” She turned in my direction. “I don't think I'm interested in investing in any of your projects both now and in the future. I hope we never see each other again.” Eying me unpleasantly, she took Leah’s hand and headed back into the company. I watched the duo disappear before turning around and heading towards my car. The moment I got in, I turned on the ignition, ready to move, when someone hit my car loudly, it was Nancy. “D

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  • Night + Rum = Passion    EIGHT

    RILEY Clasping Leah’s hand like I was afraid to let go even for a second, I led her up the elevator and soon we arrived at my office, none of us saying a word the entire time. Upon getting to my office I let go of her and watched her settle down in one of the seats, acting nonchalant. “Care to tell me what you were doing with that guy downstairs?” I asked, not bothering to sit and going over to stand in front of her. “I told you, his wife suddenly attacked me from nowhere,” she said in a bored tone. “So, you mean to tell me that you were just standing in the parking lot and the lady randomly attacked you?” I queried, doubting the authenticity of what she said. Honestly, I feel like my sister has been lying to me for the past three years. Starting from the day I opened my eyes at a hospital here in Texas. That day, she was the only person next to me. I could recall what she told me that day. “I’m your only remaining family, our brother, Liam died years ago. You can’t recall t

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  • Night + Rum = Passion    NINE

    NATHANWalking over to my closet, I took my time to pick out an outfit, today is a very special day to me and I honestly want to look my best. Last time I went to LLH company, I didn’t really put much effort into looking nice, I never expected to see Riley that day, if not I would have put an extra effort into looking good. However, today was going to be different, I have decided to look my best. After listening to my mum talk about how much I hurt Riley, I didn’t know what to think. I never knew I hurt her this much and it was never my intention to do so. It was all Nancy’s fault. “No, it’s my fault for not standing up to that bitch, it’s my fault for not even putting an effort into getting rid of her…If only I did something to her back then things wouldn't have escalated to this point.”After picking up the last piece of clothing, I picked up my car keys and walked off, mumbling to myself.I had transferred all my shares in my family company to Ethan, it was all to make everyone hap

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  • Night + Rum = Passion    TEN

    RILEY Leah and I, like always, drove to the company together. Previously, we'd be all chatty throughout the entire ride, but something was different today and I was sure it was yesterday’s incident.I didn't bother saying a word throughout the entire ride, knowing my mind was already made up on what I'd do. Upon getting to the company, I stopped at the entrance gate like I've always done.“You should get down here, I'll park the car and join you,” I told Leah, leaning close to her to open the car door for her, but she held onto my hand.“Don't worry, Riley. Let's park the car together today,” she said, flashing her teeth at me. Her smile was kind of weird and I suspected she still had something to say to me. Nodding, I reversed the car and headed in the direction of the company’s parking space.Upon getting there and parking the car, I was about to get down when Leah held onto my hand. She inched close to me and stared directly at me. “I don't know if you took my words seriously at

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  • Night + Rum = Passion    ELEVEN

    LEAH I couldn't believe Riley would someday go against me, when all I've been doing was protect her. I abandoned everything, my life, my friends, every single thing to relocate and give my sister a better life, away from all that hurt her, away from every single person that caused her pain. I called off my engagement with my innocent fiancee who had nothing to do with all these to be with my sister just to make her safe, and what do I get in return? How Riley remained adamant on wanting to collaborate with Nathan annoyed me greatly. But all I could do was threaten Nathan and lock myself in my office, since I obviously can't do any other thing. I'm the real CEO of this company. I established this Company years ago, with my brother's help, while Riley chose to start up a pharmaceutical company which had been her lifelong dream. When everyone hurt Riley and she didn't have a single person to lean onto, I pushed them all away from her, I banned my brother who had blamed Riley for ge

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Latest chapter

  • Night + Rum = Passion    FINALE

    RileyI sat in the aircraft and admired the man by my side, he had once been my fantasy and dream but he was finally my reality. Mine to keep without worries. "Did anyone ever teach you that it's unladylike to stare?" Nathan caught me staring at him and I immediately looked away."I was not staring." I tried to deny it but he just chuckled and looked out the window.We were returning to Texas where I was going to give my testament against Nancy and send her to jail for good.Waking up and seeing Nathan’s injured arm, I knew he could give his life for me so I gave him another chance in mine."Riley!" Leah literally jumped on me when she spotted me from where she stood with Ethan holding my name up.We had stayed a few weeks in New York until Nathan’s arm was completely healed so I hadn't seen Leah since the whole saga with Nancy.I hugged her very tight not willing to let go."I'm sorry Riley, I'm sorry for not ---" "Shhhh, today is a happy day and the past is in the past so let's not

  • Night + Rum = Passion    FORTY FOUR

    LiamWatching Nathan slide to the ground I knew he knew something we didn't know but I didn't insist because I was not sure I wanted to expose Tina to just any information. I easily consented to letting Nathan ride in Tina's car because I had my own plans."What am I going to do if I lose the both of them Liam?" Tina cried.Tina was very attached to my sisters and the twin brothers as well."Hey, look at me. Nothing will happen to any of them, I called the station already they should arrive any moment and we'll lead them to Nathan, there we'll find Riley too. Dead or alive but I need you to be positive." I comforted her.Beyond my duty to keep her happy as her husband, I had a duty as an older brother to keep my sister safe as well and I was not going to neglect that."I think they are here Liam." Tina sat on the porch and waited for the police to arrive. We got into my car and I led them to where Nathan was."Please the both of you just stay here, we don't want any collateral damage

  • Night + Rum = Passion    FORTY THREE

    EthanI knew letting Leah get anywhere close to Nancy was not good but I had a different plan up my sleeves. Nancy was laughing like a maniac."Oh dear, you are going after the wrong person because your darling sister will be nothing but a corpse in a matter of minutes save your energy to pay your last respect to her."Nancy was intentionally pushing Leah but I held her back."She's not worth any of your anger, she's talking trash. Riley is safe with Nathan, okay? Calm down." I held her close to my chest but Nancy would not give up or drive away."Just go away from here Nancy and never show yourself here again." I knew better to expect Nancy to leave yet I turned to go back into the hotel with Leah."Why are you doing this? Please just let me go already." Riley's voice sounded over the phone Nancy held."That's your big sister right now." Nancy sneered, I observed that she had come down from her car and she was leaning on it while holding the phone out."Come and speak to her so you

  • Night + Rum = Passion    FORTY TWO

    Nathan I staggered a bit and my phone suddenly felt too heavy."What is it Nathan?" Liam asked. We all heard the gun shot and saw the call disconnect but they had not seen the image I was sent. I slid to the floor devastated and shattered, it was the end of the road for me, I could not save Riley, I wasted three years of my life with that useless Nancy yet I could not beat her at her game and keep Riley safe.A thousand thoughts tormented me, Riley's last words rang in my head. "Save me if you truly love me Nathan." She had pleased but once again I failed.I failed her.I got a text on my phone when I would not pick up the several calls I was receiving from Ethan. I did not pick up because I did not know how I was going to break the news to him that Riley had been shot dead but I opened his message. If I could not save Riley, I was not going to spare Nancy either."Nathan hurry, save Riley. Not everything you are told is true." The text was like a warning but I knew it came late. E

  • Night + Rum = Passion    FORTY ONE

    NathanThe situation seemed helpless since I was sure that Nancy was in Texas, I tried to figure out who had abducted Riley, a part of me told me Nancy had something to do with it but I needed more than just my sixth sense to lead me to the answer I sought."Nathan i think we should call the police," Liam said worried but I was not going to sit around and wait for the police. The police was going to ask us to wait a couple of hours before reporting a missing person and I was so broke on time that I couldn't afford so many hours.Riley would have been long dead if that were to be the case.I called Nancy."Hi baby, did you call to apologize and return to me before your little lover is killed? Typical of you to save her life again not so." She laughed hysterically.Liam wanted to respond since I put the call on speaker but I stopped him."Stop your silly game Nancy. I swear to you, if you harm a single hair on Riley's body then I will not spare you." "Relax, alright fine, I won't harm

  • Night + Rum = Passion    FORTY

    Riley"My head hurts, my - oh my goodness. Ouch!" There was a throbbing pain in my head, it ached like I had been hit with Thor's hammer so I held it to keep it from falling off my neck.I tried to hold my head but I couldn't, that was when I realized that my hands were bound, I struggled to free my hands only to discover that my legs were also bound, I looked down and realized I was completely strapped to a chair.Wait?! I was really hit on the head. Where was I? I looked around and carefully observed the very unfamiliar room, I tried to recall how I got there and I completely remembered. I was in the porch in Liam's house with the others when the power went out, I had motioned to take shelter in the house immediately to avoid any impending danger but that was when I received the blow on the back of my head and at the same time, a cloth with a pungent smell was put over my nose and mouth so not only could I not scream, I could not even breathe.I had struggled for some time with the

  • Night + Rum = Passion    THIRTY NINE

    LEAHFEW HOURS AGOI picked up my phone after such a time with Ethan and saw a lot of missed calls from Riley. I bet she was worried sick about me but her text calmed me and I knew she knew I was safe and with Ethan. Kudos Nathan, who else would have told Riley that?I tossed my phone aside and snuggled closer to the man that made my heart beat regularly. He was beautiful, I traced my fingers along his jawline and admired the stubble on his jaw."What are you doing?" Ethan grabbed me by the waist and pulled me over him without opening his eyes.I chuckled and tried to free myself from his hold. "Let go of me you." "No," he opened his eyes but he looked very serious. His expression and tone didn't match my jovial one."I mean it this time Lee, I'm never letting you go again. Ever again." What was he saying?I was just joking but he was being very serious so I dropped my gaze to his bare chest, my face completely flushed."Where are you going" he asked when I tried to roll off his bod

  • Night + Rum = Passion    THIRTY EIGHT

    NATHANSeeing her cry further strengthened my resolve to protect her, she looked vulnerable and delicate, her face plae and pink as she wept in her hands."What did I ever do wrong? What was my mistake?" Riley had questions that no one could answer."How can you tell me that Nancy, the same Nancy that I loved like Leah my sister..." She choked on her words amidst sobs "That same Nancy was responsible for the accident that cost me my child, my memory and almost my life." Riley broke down completely but the good thing was this time, she broke down in my arms. She was not pushing me away or fighting with me, she was just leaning on me for physical and emotional support and I was comfortable with our progress so far."Babe you need to calm down and you need to come with me." Like she was shocked by electricity, Riley jolted away from me like she only just realized who she was embracing so casually.I could have remained quiet but the longer time we spent there the more endangered Liam a

  • Night + Rum = Passion    THIRTY SEVEN

    NathanEverything was happening so fast yet in my favour. I was halfway to success but I was still yet to tell him the entire plan. "I would call Ethan right now and ask him to stay back and keep an eye on that bitch, I'm sure he is making plans to chase after Riley and I with Leah.""Good, please do that right away." Liam encouraged me, you could see the worry lines etched on his forehead as he spoke.Ethan's line kept ringing but he didn't pick up. So I dropped him a text hoping he'd see it as soon as he picked his phone up. Ethan was the kind of guy that checked his phone often because he believed in the power of communication more than anything else. "Did you get through to him? How is Leah? Is she still with him?" Liam's questions were endless but I did not count it against him because if was in his shoes I'd have started throwing punches about. "Not yet but I left him a message." "We can make do with that for now. So Riley would stay here a while I guess to keep her from har

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