MIA PILLAX"What's going on?" I stepped into the living room to see Martha seated calmly but looking very angry.Jared was fuming, pacing about. "She's gone." Jared blurted, looking more pissed as he uttered those words."Who's gone?" I stared in sheer confusion."Who else?! How dare she?!" Jared kicked a table."I don't care that she's gone. I'm just angry she stole from you." Martha put in."Mom, the money is the least of my problem. I don't care how much she made away with. I...I just don't know why she would leave!" He groaned, then kicked the poor table again."Hailey?" I guessed that would be the only person they were talking about."Yes." Martha responded when she noticed Jared was not going to."And she had the fucking guts to drop me divorce papers and this stupid note!" I took a seat and watched him display anger in ways I'd never seen him do before. Was he that affected by her leaving?"This should be good news." I said. "I mean, aside the money she stole. Though what wou
JARED"Hey babe." My wife, Mia, stepped in through the door.I raised my face from the computer on my office desk to offer a smile. "Hey wifey."She came around the desk to sit on my lap. I pushed away the computer to give her space to sit comfortably.My hands went around her waist.It's been five years since we got married. Mom and me decided not to go with the kidnapping plan because there were loopholes. We didn't want to tell the media a lie that would return to haunt the Johnson family — specifically me.So we went with telling the media Hailey had just disappeared from the scene. There had been talks and all but then it died down.A year later, Mia and I tied the knot and we had been happy ever since. I loved her, she was my highschool sweetheart. It was only right I ended up with her.Five years had been peaceful only that she was yet to get pregnant but I was hopeful. We were both still young.She was twenty nine and I was thirty, that was definitely considered young. "What'
"Are you ready...woah!"I turned with a beam on my face. "How do I look?"Uncle Pete's expression read of awe and admiration, it didn't feel weird at all. Rather I felt satisfied that the group of stylists I'd called had done a marvelous job."You look like you'll make the men have a cardiac arrest and the women go green with envy." He complimented, proceeding into one of the rooms of the mansion I'd just acquired with his help.That had me laughing. "Thank you, uncle Pete. You look dashing in that suit as well."He really looked good in his custom-made suit. Even at fifty two, the man looked really handsome. The strong, attractive genes ran in their family."Ah, come on." He waved away my compliment.I shook my head, knowing he was a bit...I wouldn't say shy but he wasn't really the type to care about his looks or the compliments given on his features.I was so grateful for him. These past six years he had been wit
"Why, Hailey?" Uncle Pete looked at me in surprise.Our limo was close to the venue. "Because I don't want to reveal myself yet." I told him."But you're the CEO of Astra-Z not me. I have only been managing it these past few years.""Please, uncle Pete." I begged.I didn't want to reveal myself as the CEO yet for reasons best known to me. "Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Uncle Pete questioned.Our limo slowed to a stop. My burgundy painted lips spread in a smile. "I guess. We're here. Let's go, Mr. CEO."He chuckled as our chauffeur came around to open the door for us. He stepped out before me, holding out a hand for me to take. I took it and stepped out confidently, squashing any buzz of apprehension that wanted to sway my confidence and have me falter in my heels.I was no longer that pushover. I was matured now. A mother, a successful business woman with people who loved and supported her.I beamed at uncle Pete.His eyes told me he understood how I felt beneath. Maki
"Uncle Pete?" Jared rushed to meet us before others could come to us.After his speech and the commencement of the events of the evening, everyone wanted to talk to the CEO of Astra-Z."Hello, Jared. It's been a while." Uncle Pete greeted as casually and as warmly."You..." He began but caught himself, realizing there were eyes watching."You were saying?" Uncle Pete urged.I stood beside uncle Pete, quietly watching the drama about to unfold."We'll talk later, uncle." He decided.Uncle Pete nodded and went on to attend to other guests wanting his attention.I sipped my champagne, ignoring the fact he was literally standing close with Mia who would not stop giving me the sneaky stink eye.It didn't bother me, just amused me.Then I remembered. "Oh yes, Jared. I believe you saw the note I dropped on your desk that day." I brought out my phone from my purse. "I'll need your account details so I ca
PETER"Uncle Pete, I am disappointed in you." I watched Jared paced the confines of the office of the CEO of Astra-Z Corporation.It belonged to Hailey but she wanted me to take over for the main time.I had my own office before now, though she had never occupied hers. I stood in for her in everything but after the President's party three days ago, she had asked me to take the office since I was now known by the public as the CEO of the company.I had no idea what her plans were but I was going to trust her and help her whatever way I could.There was a reason I made the decision to stick by her all these years. It was a reason even she was not aware of.I knew of her existence even before she knew of mine. There was also a reason she couldn't know who I was until her troubles started.I observed my nephew looking quite unsettled and disappointed. I had ask him to come meet me in the office because I didn't trust the public anymore. I was now under the microscopic view of the public
MIA"You have to talk to your husband, Mia. I need this partnership." Dad sounded aggravated.I heaved a weary sigh. "Daddy, you do know Jared is not the CEO of Astra-Z.""But his uncle is. Come on, princess, that company is the biggest and most influential in the country right now. I've done my research and even discovered they have other branches outside the country." He let out an angry grunt. Dad had a short temper that could blow up if he wasn't getting what he wanted. "Do you know what that would do for my career? Moreover, he's now friends with the President. I hear that the President has taken a liking to him. I need that sort of connection.""So what do you want me to do? Chain my husband and beat him up until his uncle agrees to partner with you?" Annoyance was already seeping into my voice."Sarcasm isn't helping your father right now, Mia." He deadpanned."Mom, aren't you going to say anything? What does Daddy want me to do?" I turned to my mom who sat quietly, watching b
I was shocked to see him seating in that office chair, looking like he belonged there."Hailey." Uncle Pete too was surprised because he was not expecting me.He hugged the twins and placed them on his lap. They were oblivious to whatever was happening.I avoided Jared's gaze on me. I was fighting the urge to hurry out of that office with my kids...our kids.No! I chided myself. Zion and Zaya were my kids. Emphasis on 'my'. He didn't want them. He had given me money to get rid of them when they were still in my womb as fetus.He had no right to them especially since he believed I had aborted the pregnancy.Calming my churning emotions and regaining composure, I stepped further into the office.My office. "Daddy?" Jared finally uttered a word. "Uncle Pete, they just called you their dad.""That's because...""That's because it's true." I cut uncle Pete off, scared he might spill the beans. I met Jared's gaze, raising my left hand to show him the new engagement ring nestled beautiful
MIAThe smile that had plastered itself on my face would not come off and I didn't think I wanted it to. This was going to be another issue but I didn't realize how much I missed waking up beside Jared.I couldn't remember much of yesterday but I knew something had happened between us both and it was really nice. I wish both brothers would let me be with them together.A woman having two husbands was unusual but not forbidden. "Where have you been?"The familiar voice finally succeeded in wiping off my smile, the old hag. Slowly, I did a turn to face her. I'd intentionally ignored her presence on one of the sofas while her face was glued to the television, hoping she'd ignore me as well. "Out." My response was bland."Jerome called you all night and this morning.""I already told him where I'd be." I knew how to deal with Jerome, if only Martha would butt out of it. "Yeah, of course." She sneered."What are you watching the television for anyways, you're better off in your room."
"Hailey?" "Mommy!"Celine was with Zion when I entered...or to be exact, pushed in by the good, nerdy doctor.She seemed shocked to see my condition but was happy as well. She hurried towards me.Zion too. They hugged me at the same time, causing a wince to escape me as Celine's embrace was a bit too tight, so was my son's but his hands were still very small and could do no harm or cause much discomfort.Not to say I didn't like Celine hugging me but my body was still covered in bruises. I guessed she heard me wince and pulled back, releasing her hold on me. She took a long examining look at me, her brows furrowing. "What happened to you?""Mommy, I missed you. Who hurt you?" Zion chipped in, his innocent eyes roaming my face. "I'll be fine, baby." I held his both hands, my heart swelling with love for my son. I couldn't tell him exactly what had happened. He was too young to hear such plus he wouldn't even understand all of it. "Who did this to you?" Celine asked, her expressi
It's been hours since Christian left after receiving that call, but he'd made sure the doctor had left as well before locking me in.I had to find a way to escape but how? I had no phone to make call. I tried to stand on my feet, it was a failed attempt. Frustration, pain and anger clawed viciously at me. I couldn't even walk to get to the door, much less break it to find a way out of the door.The only thing I was capable of doing was sitting on the bed and crying my eyes out. The pain relief drugs that doctor had given me just before he left had helped with the pain some. I heard an activity just outside the door, making me apprehensive. I couldn't tell what was happening but when the door opened few minutes later, it was the doctor.Relief flooded me. A familiar face, the one I hoped to see before I eventually gave up. "Doctor? I stopped hoping you would come a while ago.""I didn't think I'd change my mind too. My conscience and need for not involving myself were at a clash, I t
PHILIPI watched from across the street as they held hands, my blood boiling. "Imagine the bitch I married! As though selling me out was not enough, she had to get a boy toy!""That's Christian, Denise's ex. Who would have thought that my stepdaughter's ex would end up with your wife? Life's funny." Derek was making a joke out of it and it was irking me.I turned from the wheel to give him a look, he raised his hand in mid-air surrender. "Don't be so uptight, man.""Try telling that to someone whose life is ruined by the devil he married. The police have raided my home and company. They have literally taken over. I can never return to my old life. All the companies I have shares with are busy ratting me out to the cops and pulling me from my shares." There was an angry whine coated in my words. "Well, their reputation is also at stake, Philip. You slept with their wives and girlfriends, they didn't like it but for the sake of their reputation, you were put on board. Now that your sec
DENISEThese spoilt rich kids knew nothing more than to command and act like they deserved to be pampered and obeyed. Jared might be a hardworking, nice guy but he was nonetheless as spoiled as, his brother, Jerome was.I was doing my best here yet he couldn't even be thankful for it. He was lucky we couldn't yell, else I'd be screaming his ear off! What a crazy, spoilt guy Hailey had to go find her...what the fuck! I legit froze for a minute the moment I saw the person I'd never expected to see before rushing away from view to go hide at a corner. Peeking my head out from behind one of the pillars in the wide restaurant of the hotel, I studied him and the woman he was with.She looked older than him. What was he doing with an older woman? Who was she?My brows quirked in surprise as he lifted her hand, kissing it. Oh my! When did my ex become interested in older women?I couldn't see the woman's face, just her back and if the years of wealth I'd lived in was anything to go by, I
JARED"Hey." The look of surprise on her face showed she'd thought I'd never want to see her again.And she was right. I never wanted to see her again but if she was the vessel to be used in finding Hailey and helping her get revenge for the destruction of her family's company, then I had to. "Hey." I was sure my expression was unfriendly and stoic."I was not expecting you to call me." She took a seat, facing me at the table of the restaurant of the hotel Denise and me had finally agreed upon.Denise had wanted us to use the restaurant in my own hotel but I'd refused. No extra person had to know about my hotel and I definitely didn't want Mia going there. "I wouldn't have called you if it wasn't important." My response was sharp that it had her blinking, her surprise deepening. I had to play this out better than I was doing. "I'm sorry, I've just been stressed, you know. Trying to get my life back on track."She observed me, then looked around us, her eyes sweeping the area in an o
"She'll be fine, though the healing process might take a while." The doctor diagnosed, after checking me up medically."H-how long is a while, doctor?" I was the one asking. It was my second day here, the doctor had arrived five minutes ago. I'd watched them exchanged pleasantries all the while hoping the doctor would be kind enough to help me. "Depends. Could be months or a year. Your bones are badly fractured and to repair will take time. Your face also, it'll take time but it will definitely heal. We can facilitate the process by having you do surgery."A year? Months before I could walk again? Tears stung my eyes that I so badly wanted to be left alone to cry my eyes out. Christian stood beside my bed, observing without a word. Saving the tears for later, I willed them back. "Is the surgery reconstructive?""Just know it is nothing that will alter your original facial features, just to fix a few damaged tissues." His tone was reassuring, he had probably seen the fear in my eye
JARED"What were you saying on the phone earlier?" I questioned as soon as she opened the door of her suite. "Hello to you too." She closed the door and pulled her see-through robe tighter around her, taking slow steps towards me. "What deal did you make with my brother?" I ignored her attempt at making me realize how rude and brash I'd been walking into the suite without a word of greeting.I didn't care about greetings at this point, my head was full and my heart was bothered greatly by Hailey's disappearance. "The deal that will get us what we both desire." She stated casually, walking past me to go get glasses and a bottle of chilled wine on the mini glass refrigerator-shelf "How do you expect us to find evidence of Mia cheating on him?" Frustration and annoyance tinged my tone, not to mention the fear lurking behind for Hailey. It would have been better if she was kidnapped for ransom only purpose, I'd have paid to have her free and by my side. "We find someone, a guy, lure
UNCLE PETEWe reached the location where Hailey's car was abandoned.There were few spectators curiously miling around to know what had happened to both the owner and the car. One of the brake lights was smashed into a lamp post. The front of her car door was open. Jared stuck his head inside to know if he could find anything useful.His location had led us here and when he finally brought out his head, he was holding a phone. "Her phone. Found it on the floor of the car.""Is it still in good working condition?" I asked. He tapped the screen of the phone, it came on immediately. "Yes, I guess it is." He gave the whole vehicle a thoughtful stare. I could literally see the wheels of thought turning in his head. "She was kidnapped, that much is clear." I said with certainty."Of course she was kidnapped, damn it!" Angrily, my nephew punched the body of the car. "Relax, Jared. All we need to do is involve the police." I reminded him.He gave me a rueful glare. I exhaled, raised my