"I know you must be very busy. I didn't want to disturb you," Anabel replied."I wasn't complaining. I planned to welcome you in a special way. Anyway, no problem; we still have other things to do. Thank you for honoring my invitation. I'm so happy to have you here."Daniella snorted, "Why are you giving her special treatment as if she's anything special? You must have mistaken her for someone else. Anabel is a country bumpkin, a common janitor. She should be thrown out. She's not worthy of attending this party.""What? Do you know who you are talking to?" Miss Michelle turned to Anabel. "What is she talking about?""Don't mind her," Anabel replied, and Miss Michelle stared at Daniella, trying to recognize her, but she couldn't."Who are you, and what are you even doing here?" Daniella smiled and extended her hand for a handshake. "My name is Daniella. I'm among the guests."Miss Michelle ignored her handshake. "I didn't remember inviting you. I don't even know who you are. This is a s
"Miss. Michelle. Don't take her words and actions to heart. No need to pursue the matter any further. You can let her stay on my behalf." Anabel said, and Miss Michelle hesitated before accepting. "It's alright. She can stay." She turned to Desmond. "Mr. Desmond, you are free to help yourself to the bar. I need to welcome my other special guests." Miss Michelle said and left."Come, let's go." Desmond said and headed to the bar, thinking that Daniella was with him. Daniella had stayed behind to confront Anabel."I thought you had divorced him. Why are you shamelessly pestering him like a parasite?" Daniella started. "I know you wanted him back. That is why you are doing all these. But let me tell you. Desmond no longer needs you. You can't have him anymore. I will advise you to forget about him.""And who said I wanted him back?" Anabel asked."You don't need to say anything. Actions speak louder than voice. I will advise you to stay away, very far away from him. He will never take pat
A few minutes later, they all settled down, and the event started properly. Miss Michelle welcomed everyone, especially Anabel. Desmond and Daniella still found it annoying."Why will she welcome her in a special way as if she's a big deal?" Daniella mumbled."I think we are missing something. Would she be Anabel Orton?" Desmond asked."She can't be. That's not possible. Is it because of her name? Remember that anyone can answer Anabel. She's never the one." Daniella replied."Then why is she showing royalty to her? Don't you find it disturbing? My ex-wife might be a billionaire heiress.""What are you even saying? Don't tell me you want to fall for this cheap trap. Anabel is a country bumpkin and will always be. Stop giving it a thought.""I'm going to find out who she really is." Desmond said with determination.After the introduction, they addressed the guests and launched their latest brand. After that, they ate, drank, and danced, each person with her partner.As Desmond was danci
The crowd was amazed to see the beautiful face behind the mask. The beauty was out of this world. Desmond and Daniella were surprised. They didn't see that coming."So Anabel is Orton's daughter?" Daniella asked."I always suspected it. This must be the reason the contract was denied. I can see. So my ex-wife is the daughter of a billionaire? the richest man in the country?"Anabel quickly picked the mask and wore it back. They danced a little before they rounded up and left the stage.Just when the party was over, Desmond and Daniella went to meet Miss Michelle and Anabel at the back."You deceived me. You are a liar. Why didn't you tell me that you are Orton's daughter?" Desmond asked."Miss Anabel Orton is sick." Miss Michelle spoke up to defend her. "I asked Anabel to perform on her behalf since she's good at dancing."Anabel knew that Desmond would come for her and asked Miss Michelle to defend her. She told her everything about her and Desmond."I knew it. She can never be Sir Or
Daniella came back from a outing and saw Desmond's mom smiling and sipping her wine. Her attention was focused on the television as if she was watching the most interesting program."Welcome my daughter inlaw. I hope you bought all the things you wants." Desmond's mother asked with a broad smile.Daniella leered at her before responding, "Yeah. I can see you are enjoying yourself.""Yeah, You can see. I can't stop watching this program. You can freshen up and join me." The mother inlaw said."Don't worry, I just need to rest." Daniella replied and headed to the room. Few minutes later, the door opened and it was Desmond. She welcomed him with a kiss and helped him remove his cloths."I wonder what your mom and sister is still doing in this house" Daniella suddenly blurted out. Desmond was startled to hear her say that.He turned towards her in confusion. "You wonder what my mother and sister is doing in my house? What are you saying? You are talking about my family, Daniella.""I know.
"What do you mean?" Desmond asked."Stop asking me questions and do what I said. Not that I'm asking a difficult thing. You are getting married to me, Desmond. Husband and wife are meant to live together and alone. We don't need any third party around.""But we are not yet married." Desmond said, puzzling Daniella."Are you saying you will not marry me? You want only my child?" Daniella asked in curiosity."I never said that. I mean... we are still dating. So you don't have to demand for privacy. I can consider if we are married. But for now, we are not yet married. So don't talk about who is leaving and who is staying. Afterall, we are all big family. I don't see any need to have them leave.""I don't know why you are finding this difficult. This is what real men do. Don't tell me you are mummy's boy.""Why are you sounding this way? The last time i checked, you are not doing any house chores. My sister does that. Ever since you came into this house, you have never entered the kitchen
You should be pampering me. I need a baby treatment from all of you.""Then show some respect. You. can't just come over and change the channel without asking for permission. You're not even Desmond's wife yet, and you're acting like you own this place."Daniella's eyes flashed. "I'm Desmond's fiancée, and this is my house now. I make rules. You are the one who is even supposed to show some respect. You are supposed to take permission from me before making use of the television.""Have you gone insane? In my son's house? Remember that I'm the reason you are in this house.""And so? You rooted me for him because you know that I'm the best. It's a privilege for your son to have me. You should be happy that i accepted.""I was. but now.. I don't know what have suddenly came over you.""Nothing came over me. Just keeping you in your place and reminding you that I'm now the madam of the house. If you still wants to watch your program, you can make use of the television in your room."Mrs. E
Daniella got up from the seat when she saw it was Desmond. "Thank God you are here. You are just at the right time.""What is that? Is there any problem?" Desmond asked, still holding his office bag."Your mother. She's disturbing me." Daniella reported. "She's been dragging the television with me, stressing me out.""My mom?" He turned to his mother. "Is she telling the truth?""She's now acting victim as if I'm the problem problem here." His mother replied. "I was watching a program when she came and changed the channel without taking permission. I can't remember having any problem with her. Just talk to her because I won't take it lightly if she repeats that rubbish.""But why will you do that?" Desmond asked Daniella. "You don't change her channel without telling her. I won't like you disrespect my mother.""So you are supporting your mother right? Instead of supporting your wife, the mother of your baby.""You expect me to support you when you disrespect my mother?" Desmond asked
Anabel couldn't help but laugh at Daniella's words. "This is so funny. I didn't know you were a comedian.""What's funny about what I said now? You should be thanking me for informing you on time. You should be grateful to me for letting you know." Daniella said."I’m not sure where you are getting your ideas, Daniella, but let me make one thing clear. I don’t need Desmond in my life anymore. I've found a man who will be a better father to my unborn child. I'm even wondering why you left the man you snatched from someone. He's no longer taking good care of you?"Well, let me give you the full picture, since you are clearly out of the loop." Daniella began. "I never wanted to marry Desmond and live with him forever after. My intention was to marry and divorce him, then take half of his wealth, and it worked. I never loved him, and he's not even the father of my baby.""You must be joking.""I'm serious. I have a boyfriend, and he's the father. We just used Desmond, and soon, we will be
"Like I've said, I’m getting tired of this. I can’t keep doing this. Sitting in this hospital bed all day. It’s exhausting. I need to leave. I’m done." Sylvester leaned forward. "Vanessa, I know it’s hard, but you have to have patience. We are so close to pulling this off. Anabel believed everything today. We just need to keep up the act for a little longer." Sylvester said, and Vanessa rolled her eyes and set the spoon down with a clatter. "I’ve been lying here for days, Sylvester. I’m stuck in this bed. My body is seriously paining me. I can’t move freely, and every time someone comes in, I have to act like I’m about to die. Do you know how mentally and physically draining that is? I’m getting exhausted. I want to get out of here." She said, and Sylvester sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I get it, Vanessa. I do. But we can’t afford to mess this up now. If Anabel even gets a hint that something isn’t right, it’s all over for us. You just need to hold on a little longer.
"Yeah, the doctor did a great job." Sylvester spoke up. "I was afraid I was going to lose my cousin sister. Thank God it was successful." Anabel smiled at him and rubbed on Vanessa's shoulder. "I'm happy nothing happened to her." Anabel stayed by Vanessa’s side, gently asking her questions about how she was feeling, whether she needed anything, and what the doctor had advised for her recovery. Vanessa answered slowly and carefully. Her every movement was slow and gentle. Just like someone who wouldn't be able to kill an ant. Starting from the way she adjusted her blanket to the way she leaned back against the pillows. For a while, the three of them chatted lightly. Desmond joined in occasionally, offering a few comments about how Vanessa needed to focus on resting and not push herself too hard. Not long after, the door creaked open, and the doctor stepped into the room. He was carrying a clipboard and had a stethoscope around his neck. He gave a polite nod to everyone in the roo
The following day after After Vanessa's fake surgery, Anabel woke up and made her way to the bathroom to take her bath. Visiting Vanessa had been on her mind all night. She was eager to see how Vanessa was recovering after the supposed surgery before going to her company for an important meeting. When she got to the hospital, she felt the need to call Sylvester. She didn't know the new room that they were staying in. "Hi dear, Which room is she staying in?" Anabel asked. "We are on the 5th floor, room 597." Sylvester replied with a panic. At that moment, Vanessa was very hungry and was about to take her breakfast. "Alright, babe, I'm coming." She hung up and made her way to the elevator. Sylvester dropped the phone and turned to Vanessa. "You need to keep the food and lay back on the bed." Sylvester said as Vanessa was about to take the first spoon. "But I'm very hungry." Vanessa replied. "Anabel is coming. I don't think it will be okay if she sees you eating. Remember you just
As his mother pulled back from the hug, she noticed that the sadness was still in his eyes. "But if this isn’t what’s been weighing on you, then why are you still sad? Why have you been so down?" "I'm depressed because I lost a gold for a wood. You called her bumpkin, but Daniella was the actual bumpkin. Losing Anabel had been tearing me apart. She loved me, but I stamped on it. It's as if I lost everything that made me who I am. Though I was rich when I met Anabel, I got richer and richer while with her.. I didn't realize this until she left. I was getting a lot of contracts when she was with me, but after she left, I began to lose even the ones I was about to sign. And ever since then, I've never signed a reasonable contract. She was a blessing to me." "Yeah, we were wrong about her. I thought it was just a coincidence. She was really a blessing to us. The problem was that she was barren. I was so desperate and in a hurry for a grandchild. I should not have brought Daniella. I
"Yes, I think Mom is making sense. We won't remain calm and watch her take anything from you. Losing your properties, your money... everything you worked so hard for. There was never a marriage. Not even up to one week. The court will see the truth and support you. I'm sure we will win.""You think all these things will work? When the judge is a woman?" Desmond asked. "Anyway, losing my properties to her was never part of my problem. It's never a threat to me. My frustration is losing the one that really loved me." As he said that, both his mother and Bella blinked in surprise, exchanging puzzled glances. They were confused. How is it not bothering him? That's a lot to lose to the thief. "Wait....I don't understand. What do you mean by that? She’s acting like she’s already won, and you are saying this?" Bella asked. "You mean you are not bothered that she's taking everything from you?" His mother asked, adding to what Bella said."Let her say whatever she wants. I was ahead of
"I made the mistake, and if I could go back and undo it all, I would without hesitation. You may not believe me but It hurts me more than you. Please forgive us, son. Let us be here for you now. Let us support you and help you. We are still family." The mom continued to plead. Bella stepped beside her mother as her tears threatened to spill over. "Desmond, we are sorry. We will do whatever it takes to make things right." Desmond closed his eyes, trying to calm the storm raging within him. For a long moment, the room was silent. Finally, he opened his eyes and looked at them both. "Fine. You guys are still my family and very precious to me. I forgive you both." He finally said, and the mother stepped forward and hugged him. "Thank you, son. Thank you." Bella joined and hugged him as well. "We will be here for you, no matter what." She said, and just then, his phone began to ring. He checked, and it was an unsaved number. He picked it up and placed it over his left ear. "Who is
"Uh, who’s this?" Bella asked in surprise. "And what is she doing here with you?" Desmond's mother looked at Grace and then at Desmond, waiting for an explanation. Desmond didn't say anything. He was wondering what they were even doing in his house. Grace stepped aside, clutching her washing equipment. "Nothing, I’m just a cleaner. Mr. Desmond hired me to clean the house. I'm leaving now. Thank you again, Mr. Desmond." She gave a polite nod to Bella and Mrs. Elizabeth before stepping out the door. Mrs. Elizabeth continued to stare at her from the back, as if trying to gauge whether there was more to the story. As soon as the door closed, Desmond spoke up. "And what are you guys doing in my house? I didn't remember inviting two of you. What the hell are both of you doing in my house!" "We....we came to see you. We heard what happened." His mother answered. "Now that you have seen me, can you leave my house now?" "Oh, son. It hadn't gotten to that. I know we have wronged y
"Come with me." Desmond said, and she followed him. When they got to the kitchen, she was surprised to see how beautiful and well furnished it looked. It was the most furnished kitchen she had ever seen. "Use what can find and prepare a delicious meal. Don't burn down my house." He said and left. After checking the kitchen out, she began to rummage through the cabinets and fridge. Though the fridge was a little sparse, she managed to find enough ingredients to whip up a nice meal. She was giving all she had so she may have a chance of getting hired again. She has never cooked in that kind of kitchen. There were some gadgets she couldn't use. There are some she couldn't even tell what they were used for. She went on to use the ones she could use. When the food was ready, she plated it carefully and set it on the dining table. "Here you go. I hope it’s to your liking." Desmond sat down, took a bite and nodded his head. "This is really good. Thank you." "You’re welcome," Grace r