Hera. “Newspapers, get your newspapers at a very affordable price.” The seller’s gruff voice echoed in the dim lit street, interrupting my sleep for the umpteenth time. “Arghh, can you go elsewhere to sell those bloody papers, I’m trying to get some sleep, and who reads newspapers these days?” I rolled my eyes at him, irritation evident in my voice. “Look, homeless girl, the streets belong to no one, if you’re not okay with me selling these papers, you can give me a better job.” He replied in a standoffish manner. I raked my fingers through my hair, burying my frustration with hisses and snorts. He was right, the streets belonged to no one, except if you’re a Flemming, then you owned everything. My stomach let out a low insistent growl, reminding me I hadn’t exactly had anything to eat since dawn. I rose from the bench I sat on, retrieved my bag and made my way to a cafe that was just right across the street. Since I arrived in London, I’d been wandering the stre
Eggust's POV The weather was bright and sunny. I just couldn't believe it. It had started out stormy but sometime between the time we left and when we arrived, the sun had started smiling. "It's lovely weather we're having today." Ezekiel commented as we headed out. "Yes indeed. It seems like luck is finally on our side." One of the policemen concurred. I didn't remember his name even though we'd been introduced. Actually, Ezekiel had told me his name during the briefing last night but with so much on my mind and little interest, I totally forgot. He was a tall burly man that seemed to wear the buzzed haircut like it was made for him. In general, he was the billboard perfect image of a policeman. "With the plan we've hatched out, nothing could possibly go wrong." I almost groaned. Overconfidence was always the bedrock of failure. He must have noticed my frown because he rushed to assure me. "You don't need to worry sir. We'll catch her today." Well, I certa
Marco. I pushed open the creaky door and stepped into the old library, where I had asked Hera to meet me. The bell above the entrance rang out and the few people there peeked up from their browsing. I mustered a smile, as everyone looked in my direction. The last thing I needed right now was attention, but still, I played it cool. I scanned the room, taking in the unfamiliar sighs and smells. Shelves upon shelves of books stretched towards the ceiling, their work covers and yellowed pages filling the air with a dusty scent. I had chosen this this place to meet Hera because it was discreet. I found it yesterday when I happened to walk by and met an old lady who needed help with her bags. It was the first time in a long while someone smiled at me with kind eyes and the memory of that small act lingered, making me feel more at ease here than I had on the busy streets outside. Out there, I couldn’t walk without looking over my shoulders, worried that Eggust’s men would
Eggust’s Pov. I stood outside the station, taking a long drag on my cigarette. Huffing and puffing as the smoke filled my lungs. And for a moment, I forgot about the chaos around me. Ezekiel was inside negotiating with the other man that claimed Hera was his prisoner and not mine. Who knew the poor bitch had it in her to go around causing troubles for herself. I always thought she was the spineless chicken and Isla was the hothead but people are indeed full of surprises. Take my mum for instance, going after my girlfriend who also happened to be her best friend that is pregnant with her grandchild/godchild. The world is indeed crazy. Taking another drag of my cigarette I cackled at my analogy and decided to enjoy this moment as best as I could. However my peace was short-lived. “Eggust!” A voice called out, it was stern and disapproving. I knew that tone all too well. and like you must have already imagined, it wasn’t from my father. No, you see my father wasn’t rea
Hera’s Pov. I sat on a cold metal bench in a cell void of light. The cell wasn’t only dark in terms of lighting, it was also dark because of the people there, people who made my skin crawl. I didn’t belong in a place like this. The air was thick with the smell of sweat and fear. Well, sweat from the bodies of the other women here and fear from me. But somehow, I preferred being here than facing Eggust. My mind raced with thoughts of the past few hours, replaying every moment like a bad movie you somehow got stuck on. I had been here for a day now but it felt like eternity. How did my life spiral out of control so quickly? One minute I was at the top of my game and the next, I was trapped in this nightmare, which had only just begun. I thought about my family, my aunt, Mia, even Isla. were they safe? Had they been released from wherever they were being held? And David…. What about him too? My heart ached with worry, as I thought of all the people suffer
Juss’ Pov I picked a table at the corner of the cafe. It was cozy and surrounded by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, plus no one would really pay attention to it. The sunlight streaming through the large windows brought a sense of warmth to the cafe and helped with the dreadfulness I felt inside of me. There were art works plastered on the walls, each carrying a different but soft meaning, creating a welcoming atmosphere. I chose this place specifically for its privacy and comfort. I hadn’t heard from Eggust since he walked out of the hospital that day and I just needed to talk to him. As I waited for Eggust to arrive, I felt a tingling sensation inside my belly. I couldn’t help but smile. My baby was growing bigger every day and it still felt surreal that I was meeting them soon. I took a sip of the herbal tea I had ordered earlier, savoring the soothing flavor while taking a whiff of the aroma, which helped calm my nerves. I kept glancing towards the door, hoping Eg
Sylvester’s Pov. The news. I sat across from my father, the chessboard stood between us like a battlefield. I tried hard to focus on the game but my mind was elsewhere. In fact, my mind had been swirling with thoughts ever since I left Marlani’s house that day. At first, I was shocked, but after processing the shock, I just became plain confused. “Your move,” dad chimed, narrowing his eyes, his brows furrowed in concentration. The old man invited me for a game of chess whenever he had something important to spill or wanted to get into my head, or both. It was an old family tradition. He often said his dad did it with him as well. But I knew that tradition would die in the hands of Eggust and I. I moved my pawn to e4, “Dad, I need to tell you something,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. He looked up from the board, his eyes searching mine, perhaps for a clue of what I was about to say. “You’ve never been one to seek for permission, so, go on.” I hesitat
Marlani's POV "I'm afraid there's no other reason to keep you here Mrs Flemming. You're stable enough to be discharged." I looked at the doctor in exasperation. What on earth was his problem? Was he really kicking me out? I’m a VIP patient!! He told me I was ready to be discharged three days ago but I didn’t want to leave yet, so I pretended to feel general body weakness and he fell for it. He'd told the nurse to let me stay two more days so they could observe me and my time had run up yesterday...... I had no more excuses to use. "But I haven't recovered fully!" I insisted. "Would you really send me home and risk something going wrong again? What if I develop something........ something!" He smiled patiently. "I understand your fears well madam, but you're past any crisis or risk of a relapse. And you'll recover more quickly when you're in a familiar environment in the midst of family and loved ones." 'Well, that's the problem!' I thought to myself, I had no hom
JussOne week came to an end in the blink of an eye and it was time to go back home.“Babe, can we not go home?” Eggust groaned.“No way babe. The plan was to spend three days but here we are eight days later.”“Does it matter?” He whined.Eggust has always been a big baby and he wasn’t planning to grow up any time soon.“It does! Now stop being a baby and get up.”“But I’m a baby, or isn’t that what you call me.”I raised my hands in surrender triggering laughter for the both of us. “You win. So dear baby, get up, mummy wants to bathe you.”“Mummy should carry me to the bathroom.” He murmured.“Really?” I bent down to carry him immediately and fell back on his body and we got into another fit of laughter.He ended up carrying me to the bathroom.While we were bathing together everyone was washing their bodies so I had nothing in mind when I applied face wash with my eyes closed, but Eggust had other plans.He started massaging my soapy breast. It was soft and slippery, making me moan
Eggust's POVThree years laterThe excitement woke me up. It was our wedding anniversary and I was going to have Juss all to myself all-day for the first time in such a long time.I couldn't wait. I opened my eyes with a smile when I felt little feet pushing again my rib.Yep, one of the kids had snuck into bed with us again. It had become a habit in the past one year but my mom assured me that they would soon outgrow it really.I certainly hope so because this sharing business was not funny at all.Ten minutes later, at exactly 7:00 a.m. the doorbell rang and I rushed downstairs to get the package from the delivery guy.I had ordered a breakfast package to serve her in bed because I knew I wouldn't get through with cooking before she woke up. These days the kids ruled the house and whenever they woke up, everybody else had to wake up too.Juss had been craving Chinese for a while now and so I decided to surprise her with it. I put it on a tray and waltzed into the room singing a son
Marlani's POVIt was such a monotonous routine. Everyday, I woke up with a pain in my back due to the uncomfortable couch in the hospital room. I did my morning oblations in the bathroom then came to sit by his bedside till about noon when the second maid would come with lunch, then I'd go home, change and come back.The doctors tried their best to assure me he would be fine, but when your loved one was in a coma, it was difficult to have good thoughts. Grandfather’s dream replayed on my mind over and over again. I almost found myself begging him to let Sylvester go. It wasn’t his time yet. I was on the verge of giving up. The only thing that had kept me sane was talking, and talking I did.I went on to tell him about everything!Things that were happening in the world and in my life, hoping he would wake up and ask any questions but he never did.There was nothing I did not do.I cried.I prayed.I got angry at him.I begged.I appealed to him but nothing seemed to work.He just d
Marlani's POV"We need to leave now ma'am." My housekeeper said to me very early this morning.I couldn't understand how the day was so bright when I felt so gloomy.Today, we were holding a funeral for my father in law! His death still felt surreal, he was such a pillar and leader. Yes, he was gruff and grumpy and even mean occasionally, but generally, he had been a wonderful person.Nature had to show respect and join in the mourning!!!I smiled sadly to myself as I realized the impossible and crazy thoughts I was having."What has come over you Marlani?"I guessed it was panic. A really big one.Grandfather had been the only one who had kept the family together and now that he was gone, I didn't know what would happen to us.No one was capable of or willing to fill his shoes. Sylvester had changed, but I had doubts he could fill in grandfather’s shoes. Eggust was still mad at everyone for what we did to Juss, though he tolerated us because of her, he still held grudges. I didn’t th
Juss’ Pov Today was the final court hearing for Hera’s case, I was already getting frustrated with the way the case was going. They had all the evidence, why did they still need to have multiple hearings, just to prove that Hera was really guilty?Her cohorts had already confessed to their crimes, it took a little push from Ezekiel to get them to all turn against Hera. They were released and asked to pay a fine because they were her accomplices. But her charges were more, as the mastermind.It was funny how a harmless looking person like Hera, was responsible for my dilemma. She didn’t even look like someone who would go as far as opening an anonymous account just to ruin my life. Yet, I felt pity for her. She was just a woman who fell in love with the wrong person. Her obsession with Eggust had driven her to do all of those things. I was this close to begging Eggust to drop the charges, but I held back when I realized I wasn’t the only one she put through trauma. Eggust suffered
Juss’ PovAs I slowly opened my eyes, the haze of sleep began to clear, and I was met with the sound of faint chatter. My motherly instincts immediately kicked in, and I scanned the room for my babies. My mind relaxed as I spotted them safely in the arms of Eggust and Marlani. She had been a different person since I gave birth. Two days ago, she even offered me a heartfelt apology. Of course I forgave her, but that didn’t stop the awkwardness between us from lingering. I was grateful she cared about Oscar and Elaine though. It still felt like yesterday, even though it had been a whole week since I had my babies. I was to be discharged today and Sylvester had made arrangements for us to stay in grandfather’s house, as per his request.Grandfather was the first person to notice I had woken up. "Ah, Juss, you're awake," he said, drawing others attention to me. His voice was weak but filled with love.I tried to sit up, but my vision started to blur, a wave of dizziness washed over me,
Marlani…I found myself in my car, a couple of hours after Sylvester left, driving towards Eggust’s house. I couldn’t bear the feeling of guilt that gnawed at me. His house was a few miles away from here, so it took me some time to get there. When I got to the front door, I heard some noises coming from the living room. I recognized the voices as Sylvester’s Juss’ and Eggust’s.Sylvester was here? what was he doing here?There was a bit of scuffle, Sylvester and Juss were not exactly in an argument, Eggust would definitely not allow it. But they went back and forth. Sylvester accused Juss of hating him and being the reason why I never gave him a chance to redeem himself. While Juss insisted she was only trying to protect me. She knew what he did to me, and didn’t want me to go through something like that again. Eggust only interrupted when Sylvester’s voice got louder. He repeated the same words “careful dad, I will not let you insult my fiancée in our house.”“Our house?”They wer
Sylvester’s Pov I got into my car, turned on the engine and drove to god-knows-where. I had nowhere in particular I thought of going to, I just knew I wanted to be as far away as possible. Not because I was mad at Marlani for what she said, ‘cause truthfully I deserved it.Instead, I was mad at myself, for thinking I could offer an apology, show her how much I’ve changed and the effort I’m putting in to make sure our relationship is better, then she would accept me again, and helplessly fall in love with me. That didn’t only make me a jerk, but completely delusional as well. But did she have to do it immediately though? After our moment of wild sex. Couldn’t she have just waited until tomorrow or the day after then?My grip on the steering was firmer. A car tried to overtake me, but I was too focus on my anger to notice that. Due to his frustration, the driver honked at me, cursing as he was finally able to.I yelled back in frustration, flipping the driver my middle finger. My knuc
Marlani After the meeting with Eggust’s grandfather, Sylvester drove me back to his penthouse. We hadn’t really talked about the day, which I was thankful for, it was a sour topic and the last thing I wanted was to be vulnerable around Sylvester. Things were much better now that we were living together, than they were in the last twelve years. Sylvester worked from home and barely left the house, unless he wanted to buy groceries, which was weird, because he never went to the grocery store himself. At first, I thought it was because of a lady, perhaps a new fling he was hooked on. But after his constant requests for me to join him, I realized he was doing it all to please me. Sylvester Flemming, doing everything in his power to be called a better husband? Who would have thought? Certainly not me. I just finished making breakfast and was setting the table, when I heard footsteps approaching, I turned around to see Sylvester sauntering down the stairs. He flashed me a warm smile as