CHAPTER NINE.Nathan jogged from the studio, headed to his house. He tied his sweater round his waist. As he jogged, he buried his mind in thoughts.His mom was moving crazily and it hurt him. He slowed his pace when he noticed Kim's car parked in front of him.Kim whined down, "Come on, get in!" She said. "I'll give you a ride."Nathan opened the front door of Kim's car and settled into the seat. He shot her a grateful glance. "Hi, good afternoon ma." He drew a deep breath before beginning to talk. "You're God sent, thank you." "The energy you used while jogging, like an athlete." Kim said. "Why are jogging under this hot sun, it's ridiculous."Nathan looked away, ashamed. "Nothing." Kim studied his expressions. "Something is wrong, you look sad." "I am." Nathan replied. "Why? I won't give up easily." Kim persuaded. "Talk to me, I would help if I could." "Just a terrible unlucky day." Nathan said dismissively. "How have you been?" "Not bad. I'm alive." Kim replied casually. "
CHAPTER TEN.Kim was by the pool side in Bryan's mansion. She wasn't swimming even though she was in her bikini. She sat staring at nothing in particular, she ransacked her head, explored ideas on the best way to get her son back. She didn't seem to find the best idea yet.Bryan tip-toes to the pool using his hands to cover Kim's eyes, not in the mood, she sholves his hands. "Baby you have been giving me attitude since I came back from my music video shoot, why?""Music video shoot huh? I watched the thriller on your laptop, that is not a music video shoot, it is a porn shoot. More than ten girls were flashing their boobs and ass in your face and you call it music video shoot?" That was in no way the reason for her mood, but, Kim saw an oopportunity and used it. "Baby calm down, you are overreacting. I have had nastier music videos." Bryan stroked her hair gently. "Okay." The word came out before she realized she had said it. "Okay fine. I will re shoot the music video, anything
CHAPTER ELEVEN. "You're two weeks pregnant!" Jennifer announced, pulling a chair to sit beside Kim, at her balcony. She wanted to get her mind off a lot of things.Somewhere in her heart, she felt concerned about Payson, each time she remembered how angry and devastated he was when she left his office.Her painting brush fell off her hands. "Pregnant?" She asked."Yes." Jennifer nodded excitedly. "Congratulations! Our celebrity baby is on the way." "I didn't plan to have a child now but..I love babies so.. harari!" Kim smiled. "Perfect way to hold him down." Jennifer said."I don't need to get pregnant to hold him down." Kim rolled her eyes."Talk to me, what is happening? And when will you tell Bryan you are pregnant?""After the release of his Album.""He also needs to know you are Blade."Kim shook her head disapprovingly. "Do you know how much he hates Blade? I don't want to lose Bryan.""Yea, you shouldn't lose him. He is a celebrity. How big is the wedding going to be?" Kim
CHAPTER TWELVE.Payson looked at Alex in shock when he stepped into the living room. How did he find her? How did he know she was at Rose's apartment? Her friend, Rose, shot her an apologetic glance."I'm sorry," Rose said. "But I couldn't ignore him. I'll be outside." Rose scurried out of the living room. Alex sat on the couch, opposite Payson. He studied her face quietly. "Kim is lying, if you don't believe me then let's run a DNA on yourself and Nathan." Payson stated. "Yes we will, today, shall we?" Alex simply said. Payson looked at him differently, what had Kim done to her husband? Never had he ever had doubts about her. "You don't believe me, you believe Kim over me?" "You have decided to take my docile nature for granted, but not anymore.." He paused then continued. "Just say the truth Payson and save us the time. I love you and there is no way I will side with Kim, but I need to know the truth so I can know how to prepare." Payson stared at him for long then exhaled s
CHAPTER THIRTEEN."You are pregnant?" Sarah forced out the words, nearly having a heart attack. "You're what?" Dalvin opened his eyes in shock. No, he didn't expect that. Pregnant? "I thought you were a virgin." Pink moved backwards, then quickly turned and ran down the staircase.Sarah jumped to her feets and chased after her. Dalvin sank into the couch, perplexed, looking at the pregnancy strip test. ***Alex barged into his living room. He saved himself to stress to greet a bunch of pretenders. "Payson!" Alex yelled, looking around until he finally caught glimpse of her. "Oh there you are! Why haven't you signed the divorce papers?"Payson scoffed. "I will not sign any divorce papers.""Why won't you? Is marriage a death sentence?" Alex asked."It is for better, for worse." Payson responded."Alex my son, please calm down let's talk things out." Onome tried to pacify Alex."Dad please. Why are you even divorcing mom? Please talk
CHAPTER FOURTEEN.Kim raised a glass to make a toast. "To long life!" "To long life!" Sarah chorused, laughing. Dalvin stood on his toe, stretching his neck to spy on the two women.He couldn't be more confused. Suddenly they were drinking and gisting like old time high school friends, trying to catch up. ***Al Badger Desert, United Arab Emirates. Kim is sitted in a quad bike drinking water. Bryan tickles her from behind, she turns looking at him startled. "Bryan... You scared me." Kim said, smiling awkwardly."So it's Bryan now?" He rolled his eyes."Baby boy.." Kim said."Yo! That's more like it. I am a baby boy." Bryan stated, pinching her nipples."Excuse you? Young man, it is disrespectful for you to walk up to a beautiful woman with your green dyed hair, scarf tied around your neck and slip your hands under her blouse caressing her breasts." Kim wrapped her hands around his neck, kissing his lips softly.Bryan pau
CHAPTER FIFTEEN.Nigeria. Alex is making a phone call in his office."Doctor, I am not interested in the D.N.A report again. Yes, you can trash it, anything you decide. Thank you for your time. Have a nice day." "Wait, why?" Doctor Ben asked. "Nothing." He replied. "Not necessary anymore.""You really need to see result, I insist." Doctor Ben said, this time firmly. "The result of this D.N.A test will shock you." Alex huffed. "I don't need anything that will shock me, I don't have a shock absorber." "Alex.." "Okay! Send it to my house address. Thank you." Alex ended the call. ***Doctor Ben in his car parked in front of Alex's compound, discussing with Mercy.Doctor Ben gives Mercy an Envelope. "Please give this to Mr.Alex whenever he comes back home. It is his property. Thank you.""Ofcourse I will." Mercy smiled. After Doctor Ben drove out, Mercy opens the envelope and goes through the content."What kind of fake D.N.A
Dear Reader, Thank you very much for being an awesome and supportive reader. I appreciate. I do hope you are enjoying the book? Please don't forget to vote for PEACHES AND BOTTLES. Do drop a review too, so I'll know your thoughts. Enjoy!Warm Regards,❤️Pinkie Alaha.CHAPTER SIXTEEN. Nigeria. Kim is in her bedroom. She is laying in bed crying, her dog playing with her hair, her laptop beside her. Jennifer walks in with breakfast; Porridge yam cooked with dry fish, uziza leaf and diced beef. Jennifer keeps the tray on the table beside the bed, she stretch to peck Kim on the cheek. "Good morning her majesty.." Jennifer teased. "Good morning.." Kim answered. "How is Pink?" "She's fine, having breakfast." Jennifer said, sitting beside Kim. "How long have you been crying?""I am not crying.""Don't tell a lie, don't even deny it. Listen baby girl, it's natural for you to cry and feel hurt but I know soonest the pain you are feeling now will become only but a memory. You don't hav
CHAPTER THIRTY - ONEThe sun was setting over the cemetery, casting a warm orange glow over the rows of headstones. Nathan sat by Pink's grave, his eyes fixed on the inscription etched into the stone."Beloved daughter, sister, and friend," it read. "Forever in our hearts."Nathan's eyes welled up with tears as he gazed at the words. He looked a mess, his hair disheveled and his clothes stained with dirt and sweat. He had been sitting by Pink's grave for hours, drinking and smoking, trying to dull the pain that had been eating away at him since her death.As he sat there, he felt a sense of peace wash over him. It was as if Pink was still with him, watching over him from beyond the grave.Just as Nathan was starting to feel a sense of calm, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to see Jude, his friend, walking towards him."How did you know I was here?" Nathan asked, his voice barely above a whisper.Jude shrugged, his eyes fixed on Nathan's. "I just do," he said, si
CHAPTER THIRTY Kim and her friend Jennifer strolled through the upscale shopping district, enjoying the warm sun on their skin and the sound of birds chirping in the trees. Kim was dressed in a stunning yellow sundress, her hair tied up in a loose bun, and her feet clad in strappy sandals. She looked like a ray of sunshine, and Jennifer couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy.As they window-shopped, a sleek, black Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up to the curb, drawing a crowd of onlookers. Kim's eyes widened as a live band emerged from the car, setting up their instruments on the sidewalk."What's going on?" Jennifer asked, her eyes scanning the scene.Kim shrugged, her eyes fixed on the band. "I have no idea."Just then, Bryan stepped out of the car, looking dashing in a tailored black suit. He flashed Kim a charming smile, and her heart skipped a beat."Bryan, what are you doing?" Kim asked, her voice barely above a whisper.Bryan dropped to one knee, pulling out a small box from hi
CHAPTER TWENTY - NINENathan slumped against the wall, his eyes fixed on the floor as he nursed a bottle of whiskey. The dim light of his room cast a gloomy shadow on his face, reflecting the turmoil that brewed inside him.He took a swig of the liquor, feeling the burn all the way down his throat. It was a futile attempt to numb the pain that had been gnawing at him for weeks.His mind wandered to his mother, Payson, sitting in a prison cell, serving a life sentence for a crime he knew she didn't commit. He felt a wave of anger and frustration wash over him, his fists clenched in impotent rage.Why had he been so stupid? Why had he let things go so far? If only he had listened to Pink, if only he had been more careful...The guilt and regret threatened to consume him, and he reached for the pack of cigarettes on his nightstand. He lit one, taking a long drag as he tried to calm his racing thoughts.But the nicotine only seemed to fuel his anxiety, and he found himself pacing back and
CHAPTER TWENTY - EIGHT The lights shone brightly in the packed auditorium, casting a warm glow over the sea of faces. The air was thick with anticipation as the students, teachers, and parents waited for the prize-giving ceremony to begin.Dalvin, dressed in a sleek black suit, his eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep, made his way to the stage. He was here to collect the awards on behalf of his sister, Pink, who had tragically passed away just a few weeks ago.As he reached the microphone, the principal, Mrs. Johnson, handed him a stack of six awards. Dalvin's eyes welled up with tears as he gazed at the shiny trophies and certificates."Ladies and gentlemen, students and teachers," Mrs. Johnson began, her voice trembling with emotion. "Tonight, we gather to celebrate the academic achievements of our students. And among them, one student stands out for her exceptional brilliance and dedication. Pink, our beloved student, who left us far too soon, has bagged six awards tonight."The au
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN Kim stepped out of her car and onto the crumbling asphalt of the prison parking lot. The sun beat down on her, casting a harsh glare over the entire scene. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come.As she entered the prison, she was immediately struck by the stark contrast to the outside world. The air was thick with the smell of disinfectant and stale air. The fluorescent lights overhead cast an unforgiving glare, making every face look pale and gaunt.Kim made her way through the security checks and into the visiting room. Payson was already seated, her eyes fixed on Kim as she entered. Kim's heart went out to her, seeing the deep lines of worry and regret etched on her face.Payson's eyes filled with tears as Kim approached. "Kim, I'm so sorry," she whispered, her voice cracking. "I was wrong to do what I did to you, all your life. I was so blinded by my own fears and doubts. I was selfish, I am sorry." Kim sat down across from Payson, he
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIXThe courtroom was packed, the air thick with tension. Nathan and Payson sat in the defendants' chairs, their faces etched with worry. Sarah and Dalvin sat on the opposite side, their eyes red-rimmed from crying.Judge Thompson, a stern-looking woman with a reputation for being tough, entered the courtroom and took her seat. She adjusted her glasses and surveyed the room before focusing on Nathan and Payson."So, Mr. Nathan and Mrs. Payson, you are here today to face charges of negligence and manslaughter in the death of Pink, the daughter of Mrs. Sarah. How do you plead?"Payson stood up, her voice shaking. "Your Honor, I plead guilty. My son, Nathan, had no hand in this. It was all my doing."Nathan's eyes widened in shock. "Mom, no!" he whispered urgently, but Payson ignored him.Judge Thompson's expression turned stern. "Very well, Mrs. Payson. And you, Mr. Nathan? How do you plead?"Nathan stood up, his voice trembling. "Not guilty, Your Honor. I didn't do anyth
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVEAfter performing at the club and taking Kim to his hotel room, that was the last he saw her. He woke up the next morning to her absence, she left him a handwritten note that read: "Dear Bryan, It felt good being with you last night and I enjoyed every second. You're a sweet soul but I have to go. Please don't look for me. Kim." Bryan sighed heavily, tossing the note aside. "Fuck you Kim..I will find you." He walked to the table and poured himself a glass of champagne. He focused on the trails of bubbles arising from his champagne. The days went by and Bryan didn't hear the end of it. His mother scolded him every day for his performance at the club. His freestyle at the club went viral worldwide and everyone was talking about it. Everyone wondered why he hadn't gotten married to Kim yet. Eva had made a press release addressing the public that Bryan and Kim did not have a relationship again and the club freestyle was a little show for fans. Bryan was unaware,
CHAPTER TWENTY FOURBryan drove into his mansion and walked to his bedroom. He was having a terrible migraine. He paused by the entrance of his bedroom, glaring at Beverly. She was standing by the mirror, naked. With a light groan, he closed the bedroom door and walked inside. "Superstar.." Her voice was sensuous, she turned to fully face him, smiling. "I've been waiting for you all night." "We need to talk." Moving closer to him, she said. "We're talking." Bryan moved back. "I'm calling off the engagement." He took off his jacket. "There are a lot of things I can't remember, a lot of things that aren't adding up. Look, I'm tired okay?" Beverly had expected rejection tonight but calling off the engagement? She didn't see it coming. She shook her head, trying to wrap her fingers around his neck. "Baby.." "I mean everything I've said tonight and still saying." Bryan pulled away, he walked to his wardrobe then pulled out a blanket, covering Beverly in it. "I am putting an end to a
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE"Who's there?" Kianna asked, tip toeing to the window. She stared outside the window trying to see who it was that was ringing the bell. Past 9pm and she was home alone, almost asleep. "I said who's there?" Her voice was louder. "Kianna, it's Pink," Pink responded in a low voice. "Please let me in." Kianna sighed, relieved it wasn't some serial killer or thief. She opened the door and Pink stepped into the living room. "Pink..." She said, locking the living room door. "How did you find... come in."Pink hugged Kianna tightly, crying softly. "I'm sorry for barging in on you this way, this night..I had nowhere else to go.." Kianna rubbed a hand over Pink's back, patting her gently. "Pink, let it all out if you have to..I am here for you." Pink pulled out from the embrace and lowered herself to sit on the couch, sniffing back tears. "I ran away from home.." "Why?" Kianna sat beside her. "What happened?" ***Bryan winced, and h