Luke smiled warmly at Caleb, who was tightly wrapped in his arms, his eyes lit with excitement at the reciprocation of it from the cute three-month-old baby who smiled pleasantly at him." He seems to like you a lot," Rissa said, watching the duo while updating the pharmacy log." Children love me a lot," Luke responded instantly without taking his eyes off Caleb who wiggled playfully in his arms.Rissa knew Caleb must have felt drawn to Luke's positive energy as everyone else did. If only she could bring herself to feel a romantic connection with him.Unfortunately, she couldn't, or probably she wasn't willing to. Love was torn out of her dictionary over a year ago when she became an infamous laughingstock of all blogs." Don't you think it is high time you put up interest in the pharmacy?" Rissa asked out of the blue taking Luke by surprise." I…I don...I don't want to Rissa," he responded frankly " Why? You are smart and intelligent," she said reminiscing over the memory of stumbl
" Miss Rissa Stonebridge, your contract with Perchy Peach has been terminated," Rissa read out rubbing her eyes over and over again.She shivered slightly at the thought of her worst fear being realized. She knew her contract was about to expire at Perchy Peach processing factory, but she desperately wished to be contacted.She sat dejectedly, holding her hand to her chest; how was she going to survive single parenting without another job apart from the part-time at the pharmacy?PimPim made its way into the pharmacy signaling Mrs Wilson's return. Rissa sat up quickly, pretending to be all right." Hello, Rissa," she said, smiling pleasantly as she walked in gently. Her muscles had gotten weaker from ageing." Mrs Wilson, it took you quite some time," she said as her voice was laced with concern." Yes, I had a more elaborate test carried out on my sight," she said smiling pleasantly.Rissa's phone chimed, but she ignored it, still bittered by her supervisor's negative news." Check o
" Mum! I am skipping music class today; Mr Wilson's is so boring," Caleb said, scrunching up his nose while adjusting his mother's oversized sunglasses that he had on.Rissa laughed out loud at his childish outburst, she pinched his nose gently "You aren't skipping classes under my watch silly"" Ouch! Mum, it hurts. Can I go to grandma's instead?" he asked with pitiful eyes.Rissa thought long as she almost fell for it but she remembered Matthew complained of Caleb's inattentiveness in class." No! I insist you don't get to skip class, Matthew.....I mean, Mr Wilson wouldn't like that, and so your grandma; you can visit her over the weekend," she said, kissing his forehead lightly." Hi supervisor," Rissa looked up to see Camela carrying her toddler and walking towards the cabin excitedly.Rissa's eyes lightened up. "Camela, hi, nice to have you here," she said, engulfing her in a tight embrace." Congratulations Rissa, I heard your long-term effort has served its reward to you; I am
" No mum! I…I don't think I can," Rissa said crossing her hand over her chest." And why is that?" Stella asked raising her chin challengingly Rissa threw her a disbelieving look "Mum! You....know ....why," she stuttered." And so?" Stella responded defiantly "Look around you young lady, you and Liam is a stale news now, people have moved past it except you" " I know but....." Rissa started " But what! Rissa, you are a vibrant thirty-year-old woman with a good degree and qualifications; I can't let you rot in this countryside; you deserve better, and he deserves better, too," she said, arching her head towards Caleb, who had dozed off already." Mum, I have nowhere to return to," Rissa said, painstaken as the thought of facing Liam surfaced in her mind.The disdainful look he threw her the last time they saw each other which was the day he divorced her." You can always start over," Stella snapped back hastily "You need to meet another man of your standard and get married""Again!!
Caleb waved endlessly after disentangling himself from his teary-eyed grandmother. " Don't worry, my sweetest, I will come visiting every time," Stella shouted after them; she busted into uncontrollable tears while leaning towards Abraham, who seemed to be in a similar sad state as she was. " Mum, we will miss the train at this rate”, Rissa said playfully, her heart heavy with affection. She held Caleb tightly and also their luggage. Finally giving in to Stella's persuasion, she decided to take the opportunity the previous Asian supervisor presented to her on a platter of gold. A chance to work her transfer to Perchy Peach headquarters in Los Angeles. Fortunately, he offered to rent out an apartment in the city to her which was his sole property all his working years. They boarded the train, found a good seat close to the left window, and settled in. Caleb's enthusiasm for travelling for the first time made it less easy on her. " Mum, can't granny travel with us?" he asked te
" Miss Stonebridge?" the stout man asked raising a questioning brow " Yes, I am”, Rissa responded instantly, plastering a pleasant smile on her tense face. " This way, please," he led her to a spacious office and requested she sit opposite him. Rissa breathed in and out, gathering her courage; her mind drifted to Caleb, whom Mandy had promised to keep busy till she returned. " In order not to waste both of our precious moments, Mr Kim had sent us a recommendation letter on the merit of working in our branch factory for six years. Am I mistaken?" he asked, raising a brow at her. " No, very accurate," Rissa responded confidently "Noted, despite that, I need to have a short interview to determine if there is accuracy in his review" Rissa nodded in understanding and braced herself for likely questions she had earlier prepared to be asked. " Your resume states that you worked at Golden Fingers at a point as a marketing manager before you joined Perchy Peach as a countryside contrac
" Aren't you supposed to stop me from playing video games for hours? Isn't that what babysitting is about?" Caleb asked Mandy yawning lazily." Boy! I agreed to babysit you my way, not your mum's," Mandy said, shrugging her shoulder with her focus on the cortex she was applying on her legs." I think I like your own way,” Caleb said enthusiastically, picking up candy from a pile he had already munched on." Well, I guess I will make a terrible mother after all”, Mandy responded nonchalantly.“Of course, you will make a terrible mum”, Caleb responded, showing off his missing tooth.Mandy laughed hysterically, scaring Caleb, but she threw him a reassuring smile."Your accent is funnier than your blunt remarks Caleb," she said, pinching his chubby cheeks.Caleb's eyes were focused on the video game for much longer till a knock at the door distracted him." That must be mum," he said excitedly and rushed to the door.He felt a pang of disappointment when the door swung open, and a tall, f
Rissa picked up a bunch of flowers and wiped it over Diane's shocked pale face." How dare you!" She screamed out her lungs staring intently into her face." I am sorry, Rissa, it just happened”, Diane shouted back and busted into uncontrollable tears.Liam stood in the distance, watching their brawl with less interest, and crossed his arm over his broad chest." I trusted you; how could you marry my lover?" Rissa shot back." You betrayed him first, remember? Now he belongs to me”, Diane responded swiftly, wiping off her tears and walking into Liam's outstretched hand.She kissed him on the lips, and Rissa rushed over to attack her when she felt shaken, and Caleb's voice rang in her ear." Mum! Mum! Mum!" Caleb called out rubbing his sleepy eyes.Rissa jolted up from her dream, her conscious mind felt bad for her silly dream." What was revenge going to serve me," she muttered to herself." Mum, I want to use the restroom," Caleb cried out sleepily. Rissa picked him up and ushered hi
The door opened with a loud thud and Adrian jumped up abruptly, his heart thumping loudly that he could barely manage to stand up straight. Rissa rushed towards them, and they all gathered around the surgeon, who threw a casual look at Rissa's exquisite shimmering flowing white gown.“The surgery was successful”Just one word and jubilation filled the air; Bianca and the baby boy had made it, and to their relief, Caleb hugged his cousin Gracia, who was still so overwhelmed that she had gotten a little brother at her teenage age. Bianca’s husband broke down in tears and Adrian had to console him.Adrian held Rissa's hand, and they exited the hospital; now that the baby had been born, they could enjoy the later part of their wedding party in merriment. Once they returned to the venue, Rissa rushed back to her changing room, where her designer was waiting patiently; Adrian had booked her for the whole day’s worth, so she had no problem with their little charade.“Let us skip the second l
The cool breeze blew in Rissa's face, and she felt bliss formed in her heart; for the second time in her lifetime, she heard the priest announce her arrival.“Here comes the bride”All heads turned in her direction, and thousands of eyes followed her gentle stride; from the pleasant look on their faces, her designer had done a flawless job. The stress that came with fitting her bulging stomach into the elegant dress she chose was a really hilarious moment for Camela. Rissa had vowed that her pregnancy wasn't going to stop her from slaying to her wedding.Abraham got up, Stella gave him a reassuring nod and he made for Rissa's side. She gave him a soft smile as the feeling of safety engulfed her; he had been nothing short of a wonderful father figure since she met him, and she wasn't willing to trade him for anyone, even if her real father were to show up, which was very unlikely. Walking her down the aisle, Abraham had truly earned it.Rissa's eyes met Adrian's, he looked at her so dr
Rosa kept shooting daggers at Adrian, but he didn't care; all that mattered was getting them deported out of Los Angeles. The police officers ushered them into the van. Bryan was silent, which bothered Adrian a little, but he overlooked it.Mrs Denver didn't show up; she had invited them, Bryan and Rosa, over only to hand them over to Adrian, who was hellbent on putting them behind bars or getting them deported. Unfortunately, Bryan had no other recorded crime aside from illegal entry, but Rosa could spend a few years behind bars for abetting Diane's crimes.Rosa was being dragged forcibly by a policeman when she screamed out; he released her arm as black blood was seeping out; Adrian remembered their last encounter, the bullet wound, and explained to the officers; they allowed her to undress the wound, to their surprise, it was rotting away.Adrian closed his eyes, disgusted by the pungent smell coming out of them; they decided to take her to the hospital while Bryan was to go into d
“I believe you are holding our family's treasure, Mr. Hickson.”Mrs Denver's loud voice cut through the air, the amusement behind her voice, a loud sound of victory. Liam contemplated calling off her charade but he decided to be civil about it.“I thought you said she wasn't your husband’s illegitimate daughter?” he questioned with a slightly raised brow.“I lied, but now that the three of them are dead and I don't have to take sleeping pills to force myself to sleep, I need to rub it in my husband's face by burying her ashes beside his”.Liam paused for a few seconds savouring the bitterness behind her words. She wasn't totally wrong. Diane’s bad blood was inherited from her callous father, Mr Denver, and they didn't really deserve any mercy. He looked down at the ceramic he was holding and stretched it forward to her.He had achieved his aim already, so having her ashes taken away by her family wasn't a big deal. His mind drifted off to the day he got their divorce papers signed, th
*Diane's Dream*Clara tried holding Diane's hand, but she pushed her hands away; the pain in her eyes, the unspoken resentment, she wondered how she even recognized her, but none of it seemed to matter; she just wanted to get out of her sight.“I am sorry my child”Diane turned around and gave her a disdainful look as if it mattered at all; all she wanted was to return to Rissa's ward and infuse the poisonous substance into her bloodstream. She looked around herself, everywhere looked so bright and deserted.She walked on, ignoring the helpless lady standing by her side pleading for her forgiveness; her life had been made miserable all thanks to her mother's reckless choice of man.“Diane, I never abandoned you, it is just….”“Save it to yourself, woman; I do not think I want to hear your excuses; I just want to get the hell out of here.”To her surprise, the woman did as she said, within a split second she disappeared, replaced by an all too familiar face, Mr Smith. Diane felt fear
“Adrian, am I pregnant?” Rissa wanted to scream but she held it in. An awkward silence ensued in the room; Adrian looked away instantly, avoiding Rissa's piercing gaze. Liam took it as a clue to leave, his bombshell seemed to have caused a shift in the atmosphere of the room.“I will check up on you later,” Liam said and winked playfully at Caleb, who smiled warmly in return. He walked out of the room with Adrian by his side. The moment they were out of sight, he apologized profusely to Adrian for spilling the beans. He had unintentionally eavesdropped on Adrian and the doctor's conversation earlier, which made him realize she was pregnant at a very early stage.“It is fine; congratulations to you, too. I guess Mrs. Hickson must be overwhelmed.”“She is, our daughter Bella is barely eight months old and……wait! Why are we talking about this?” Liam said bewildered.“Beats me too; we aren't friends after all,” Adrian responded, and awkwardly, they both laughed heartily.Adrian and Liam
Bryan paced endlessly, agitated by the silence around him. She had promised to reach out to him when the coast was clear but apparently something unfortunate had happened. He ruffled his lustrous hair as frustration welled up in him. Rosa wasn't the type to ghost him indefinitely.He thought inwardly about taking the offer discreetly. Mrs. Denver had reached out to him without Rosa's knowledge; she had warned him of her two-faced plot, and he was caught between calling it a bluff or actually naming her a traitor.Diane and Rosa have their pictures and videos circulating the internet. He was certain they were together but had she changed her mind and taken Diane's side again? He didn't want to talk about it.A knock sounded at the door, and he opened it immediately; he staggered backward, startled; he had expected a hotel attendant, but to his amazement, two prominent men in Los Angeles had paid him a visit.“Can we come in?”Bryan’s eyes widened, and he stared intently into Adrian Gre
Chapter One Hundred and Ninety-ThreeWhen It Seems to Be OverLiam couldn't help but feel impressed by Adrian Grey again. He had always surpassed his expectations in every way possible. The news of his family's safe return had raised a lot of jubilations that made even Liam happy.When the news of Rissa and Caleb's kidnap was aired, fear gripped him; he couldn't take his eyes off his family for days. He felt bad for Adrian, but he felt worse because it was Rissa. Bella crawled up to him enthusiastically flaunting her rattle in his face.Liam picked her up and wrapped his arm around her, she was growing up way too fast that it gave him unexplainable joy. Amber entered the room looking dejected and Liam got worried. He walked up to her and inquired what the problem was, her response shocked him to the bone marrow.“You mean we are having another baby?” He questioned wide-eyed.Amber responded with a short nod and busted into tears. Liam left the room immediately to drop Bella with her n
“Shall we play a game, Adrian?” Her devilish wink sent shivers down his spine; he looked down at Caleb, who seemed to be fidgeting too; he exchanged knowing looks with him, assuring him of having the situation under control.“The rules are simple: just nod your response, no talking, you talk, he dies! non-negotiable”.Adrian closed his eyes and nodded in affirmation, Diane sat up on the chair and faced him while still on his knees. Adrian could feel his knees hurting, but he didn't care at all; all that mattered to him was getting his family out of the hellhole.“Did Mr Smith offer you a deal?”Adrian nodded affirmatively, and Diane cursed inwardly; she suspected that sly bastard was up to something; she should have thrown him to the fishes when she had the chance.Her phone rang, and she looked over at it; she exchanged stiff glances with Rosa, who got the message clearly. Rosa came close to her and held Caleb by the shoulder while Diane left to pick up her discreet call.Rosa star