MARTHA
Fear, disbelief, surprise and a sense of motherly yearning for her child all attacked me at once.
My son was back? I knew what he was and his capabilities but he was still my son.
Thought there was a reason he was dead to us. He had to be.
"Are you certain of what you're saying?" Jared questioned, the dread and disbelief on his face wa enough answer for me.
Jerome's presence meant a lot of things would go wrong.
"Of course he's not certain of what he's saying. How can a dead man be back? Back to where?" Mia remarked.
Everyone went silent immediately. No one could tell her the truth. Even she was not aware that Jerome was alive. We had her and others believed he was dead.
"Right?" She looked at Jared, then at me and finally at my brother-in-law.
None of us spoke.
"Why's everyone quiet?" She was asking, looking clueless. "Is he alive?" She faced me.
"Yes, he is but I'll tell you
"Hello, ma'am."The young guy I'd employed recently to work for me discreetly greeted as soon as my car stopped at the spot I'd asked him to meet me.It was a deserted place that had old, abandoned houses and other buildings. It used to be a residential area from the looks of it but now was like no man's island.He was already there, waiting for me. I had just finished from the restaurant and came out to meet him. "Hi, Kazim."He was a Muslim and a Pakistani. He had come highly recommended. He was not more than twenty two but was very good.I also liked the fact he wasn't much of a talker. At least, it won't be me doing the spilling of our secret business. He handed me an envelope. "The information you need, ma'am.""Thank you." I took it and brought out its contents to peruse. My eyes widened in surprise at what I saw, I raised my head to meet his eyes. "Are you sure this is the right information?""Yes, ma'am." He simply replied.So Catherine had a son. Perfect! Such a pity he wa
As soon as I stepped into the house and heard the cries, I hurried my steps, maternal instincts kicking in."What's wrong with him, uncle Pete?" I rushed towards them."He's been crying few minutes after you left." Uncle Pete was seen trying to calm Zion but my little boy was having none of it. "Zion baby." I tried to hold him but he clung tighter to uncle Pete's shirt and cried harder. "He's not letting me hold him.""Do you think he's fully recovered?"Uncle Pete had to increase his tone just so I could hear him over my son's ear-splitting wails. "Or we should take him back to the hospital?""Let's go back to the hospital." The fact that Zion had never behaved like this before, worried me even more. He was discharged yesterday and had been calm until now. "Hospital?" He paused in his tantrums to look at us both. "Are we going to the hospital?"Uncle Pete and I exchanged glances then looked back at him. He was rubbing his watery, puffy eyes and sniffling back tears and snot. "Why
MIA"I knew you wouldn't disobey me." He commented as soon as I walked into the living room of his home.I eye rolled. "This is an issue of urgency, Jerome. Why didn't you tell me about her?"I dropped the small brown leather purse I was holding in the nearest sofa and folded my arms. "What difference will it make?" He chugged the remaining contents in his glass. "Why don't you sit and let's have a drink?""I'm not having drinks with you until you answer me, Jerome! Why didn't you tell me you fucked and impregnated Hailey?!" The more I thought of the matter, I felt used and stupid. "Are you jealous?" He flashed me a grin that made a dent on both sides of his face. Jared had the same dimples and the skin on both sides of his face sucked in whenever he smiled or laughed. The same effect it had on me whenever Jared smiled was the same effect it was having on me now seeing Jerome flash me a grin. That was ridiculous, I told myself. I could not be harboring feelings for two brothers.
MARTHAIt was difficult to comprehend the scene before me even though I was seeing it with my own two eyes.Mia and Jerome?"Mom." Jerome seemed shocked to see me, but there was excitement as well.I was stunned speechless that I could only stare foolishly at them both. Mia quickly got out of Jerome's hold and wore her clothes.She was trembling, that much was clear to me. Trembling out of fear."How did you find your way here?" Jerome crossed the room to meet me buck naked, I saw him signalling his boys to go.I turned back to see their backs. I faced him again.As he was about to hug me, I moved back and slapped him. "Get dressed!"He grinned and wore his clothes.Mia didn't say a word, she grabbed her bag from the sofa I was standing near and made to leave."Where are you going to?" Jerome went to grab her."Leave me alone." Her voice shook as though she was abo
PRISCILLA "You need to know when to stop, Phil. What are you doing?!" I yelled at my husband in exasperation.His face was taunt with anger and determination. "You had better shut your mouth, Priscilla."I wanted to flinch but held it in. I knew Phil had a temper and could throw tantrums like a baby if he was not getting his way.Sometimes he could get verbally and emotionally abusive towards me but I'd endured.Lately, it was getting worse and I had somehow knew it had to do with his anger over not being invited to that party. An event that had taken place weeks ago! How petty could he be? It was beginning to grate my nerves raw. I wasn't one for confrontations but he was making it difficult to live with him. I just had to address it. "Why don't you just focus on your business and let Peter Johnson be. He's family by marriage.""I don't care who he is, Priscilla. I need to have the upper hand. I just heard from a reliable source that Jared is being favored for that political positi
CHRISTIANI spotted her in the dark corner of the bar, nursing a drink. One long look at her and I knew she was not in a good mood.Although that was to be expected. I'd been informed.The ringing of my phone cut off my thoughts.Jerome."What's up, man?""Have you spotted her?""Yes. I'll get back to you soon."I ended the call and took a seat on the high stool at the bar where I could easily keep an eye on her, waiting for my moment.I was doing this as a favor to Jerome. He had said he was going to help me with getting Hailey back. I'd been trying to reach her ever since but she wouldn't pick my calls and it was really difficult seeing her these days."What would you like to have, sir?" A young bartender with red hair that looks obviously dyed and a long pattern of tattoo that ran from her neck down to her left arm addressed me."A shot of tequila." I responded, still keeping an e
I stormed into company, my glass, custom-made heels clicking angrily against the polished floor. The aura I oozed off, despite the ridiculously big bouquet of roses I was carrying, was intimidating.And that was what I was aiming for but not to intimidate these innocent staff but their boss.Their stupid, arrogant, stubborn boss who was gradually turning my home into a garden of roses, daisies and chrysanthemums.He couldn't even get my favorite flower right. Tulip.Not to say these weren't beautiful but I didn't want anything from him."Good day, ma'am.""Hello, ma'am."Greetings followed me as I continued my angry march towards the elevator and up the building to his office floor. His secretary saw me and recognized me immediately. I was a famous face.Who would forget the face that had been on the news on and off for the past six years?The only difference was now I attracted respect and honor as the 'fiancee' of America's biggest and most influential CEO — Peter Johnson.Though
I hated that I was enjoying his lips assault mine. I hated that I loved the rage oozing off of him as he pillaged my mouth and exercised dominance.I hated that his hands were crawling up my waist and gently squeezing my firm butt. I hated even more that I was allowing this. I had loved him and given him everything I was worth back then, but he'd taken it for granted and made a fool out of me. He was back. Begging. Because his marriage with the love of his life was not going according to plan. If he had children with Mia, he would not be regretting. He would not be sending flowers. He would not have paid mind to my kids. He would have still ignored me like I didn't exist. "So sweet." He groaned in my mouth. He had once said he could not resist my body. I had thought it to be a compliment and let it get to my head but it wasn't...He had just seen me as an available tool for satisfying his sexual urge and his insatiable urge died off the moment Mia returned.I had looked so stup
JAREDMy eyes widened. "W-what?!" I almost choked on my own spit. "Slow down, Nina. We're never going to happen. You're a beautiful girl...""Woman." She corrected firmly."Sorry. You're a beautiful woman and I'm sure there are guys your age who'll be willing to...""I don't want them. It's you I want, Jared. And it's you I'll have." She rose from her seat. "Come see me off. I have somewhere else to be.""I can't let you go alone. I'll have to reach out to my uncle, then he'll reach out to your father." I brought out my phone.In a swift, unexpected motion, she leaned over and grabbed my phone, giggling and heading for the door in a race."Give me my phone, Nina." I followed her, already exhausted from her child-like behavior."No, I'm not letting you call anyone." She opened the door and I went after her.Eyes raised from their respective jobs once again to lock in on an excited Nina and an embarrassed me.&n
JAREDI was going through the ledger when I heard the little commotion going on outside my office. What was happening?I rose from my chair and stepped out of my airy office to see my secretary having a little banter with someone.Other staff were watching with interest. Few eyes caught my presence and went back to their station or faced their jobs...or at least they pretended to.I had never seen Miss Bordeaux in this infuriated manner. And the person she was talking back to was a bit hidden by a staff's work station."You do not have an appointment, little girl." My secretary snapped."Do you know who I am? Who my father is?" The familiar voice had me halting in my tracks. Maybe I should let Celine handle this one all by herself.I had just done a U-turn and was about to flee to my office when I heard the excited squeal. "There he is! There's my boyfriend!"I froze in place. I could hear the deafening silence that followed her statement. Eyes were on me. Everyone knew I was marri
CATHERINE"You know we have to be careful how and where we meet. The last time we almost got caught by that bitch." I complained as soon as I entered the passenger seat of his car. And by that 'bitch', I meant Hailey. I had been quick to spot her at that hotel before she sent her goons to come after us.She didn't know Derek yet, just me. So it was specifically me she had wanted. Derek and me hadn't met again until now when he'd called to see me. "Exactly why I chose a place far from town and in this car with tinted windows, one can hardly recognize us." He responded, tucking a strand of his brown long hair behind his ear. "How has it been?" I shrugged and lied. "Fine."But I knew everything was far from fine. My son was held in that bastard's custody. And then he'd had the guts to call me to order me to carry out his bidding. "Are you sure?" He observed my expression.Rather than give him a response, I extended my palm. "The money you promised me."He stretched to the backseat of
MISS BORDEAUXI stepped out through the glass doors of my workplace, ready to go home. It was such a honor to be working for the second biggest company in the country.Also, with a boss like mine, it was an absolute dream come true. Mr Johnson was such a wonderful sight for good eyes, though it was a bumper he was married. Well, at least, I got to admire from afar. He wasn't the type to chase after women. And he respected the company's rules of no office romance. I hailed a taxi. A young graduate like myself from the trailer knew better than to wish for something she had no right wishing for.Mr Johnson treated me nice like every other staff under him. He paid us well and when I attended trips with him, I sure did have fun but he never made any advances.Sure he would talk to me but in a friendly, boss to employee manner. "Where to, ma'am?" The beardy cab man inquired. "Fin Square." I replied, proceeding to open the back of the taxi."That won't be necessary, Miss Bordeaux. I can
The room smelled of passion and the result of satisfying lust as we both held onto each other, reaching our climax at the same time. He spilled his seeds inside of me before collapsing on my body. None of us could talk for a while. I waited for my brain cells to return to normal and be able to comprehend what had just happened. When it did, I couldn't even bring myself to look at him or even speak.But I had to say something. "Get off me."I swallowed, totally not expecting my voice to tremble as it had just did. Why was I on the verge of crying over something that I'd been a willing participant?He raised his head to study my expression, then he sighed. It was low but I heard it. "What's wrong Hailey?""Your wife needs you." I managed to get out through an emotional voice.He roll off me but didn't let go, rather he cradled me in his arms. "I promise this is not like six years ago."That made me even struggle harder to get away from him. "Unwrap your arms from my body this minute,
DENISE"Finally! I thought you'd never return." I stood to welcome the man who had been the only family I'd known all my life. Mom had died young leaving me in the care of my stepfather, who was then her boyfriend. Yeah, they never got a chance to tie the knot before she died, so had my stepdad explained.I owed the man a lot especially when he'd gone through the stress of helping me find my root and discovering I was the biological daughter of a rich man.A dead rich man.He hugged me. "Yeah, I had some business to attend to. It took more time than I'd expected." He explained.He'd been gone for days. "I'm glad you're home now." I told him. He studied my face. "How did your meeting with Hailey go?"He had not been able to reach out to ask. The day I'd gone to see Hailey was the same day he'd left for his business. He dealt in a lot of illegal stuff but I didn't care and was ready to support him with whatever he wanted. He hardly made calls whenever he was on his business trip so
It propelled us until I was naked and he was shirtless, only then did it occur to me...I pushed him away. "No! Not again. Never again."Ashamed of myself, how quick I was to melt into his arms at a mere kiss, I grabbed my sheets and covered my body. "Go away.""I swear I'm not leaving, Hailey.""What is wrong with you?! It's not like you want me! You want my children!""It was my mother's plan." The bulge in his pants was too obvious. Too distracting but I forced my eyes away and planted them on his face. "You think I'm stupid? You think I'm still...""Listen to me for once, Hailey. Please." He sounded exasperated and maybe there was a hint of desperation."I do not want to listen to any more of your...""Shut up, damnit!" He yelled.I jolted in shock, not expecting that deep, angry voice to be raised at me. I kept mute but fumed silently. He heaved a sigh, rubbing his face. "I'm sorry for raising my voice, I just want you to listen to me."I calmed but didn't relax. My mouth was p
My jaw tightened and teeth clenched when I walked in to find Jared trying to engage Zion who was sparingly giving him his attention. He was focusing all his attention on uncle Pete, wanting them to play together.Though Jared didn't seem mad or impatient, he stopped when he spotted me.I averted my gaze from his, focusing on uncle Pete. "What is he doing here?"But he ignored me, focusing on his interaction with Zion. "Son, let's go get you some ice cream. Are you in the mood for one?" "Yes. And new toys." Zion said, already harboring that excited gleam in his eyes. "Let's buy for Zaya too. She might wake up anytime and ask for hers. I don't want her fighting me for mine."I gaped at uncle Pete. We had never told him Zaya's condition. He only knew she was still in the hospital but not how she was. So how did he know?Uncle Pete understood my expression. "I told him." He clarified."Why? He's just a child." My voice was low and calm. Zion, like his sister, was smart and could detect
"Hello, Kazim." I answered the phone."Mommy, who's that? Is that daddy? Is he coming home? What is he saying? Can I talk to him?" Zion threw questions at me, temporarily abandoning his his soldier figure that was about to war with his batman figure."No, it's not daddy, honey." I pulled the phone away from my ear to whisper to him. I pressed the intercom on the wall of the playpen."Where are you, Kazim? Any update?" I continued with my call."Yes, ma'am. I'll text you the location and you'll come meet us." He said.I pulled the phone away from my ear for the second time when the door opened to reveal the person I'd summoned through the intercom."Yes, ma'am?" The young lady who was in her thirties stood before me.She was my son's new live-in nanny. I didn't want to have any because I didn't trust anyone but uncle Pete talked me into it plus I knew he was right.This election was drawing near, he neede