Several Weeks LaterOliviaA lot has happened since the abduction.Rita faced trial and sentenced to thirty years imprisonment with hard labour.I didn't want to be there at the court but I had to.The kids had spent quality time with my father just like Gloria had.She still hadn't said anything as regards her obvious feelings for my father but I wasn't going to rush her.She had all the time in the world to think carefully about her feelings for him.Jeremy got back once he heard the news of the abduction.He was horrified when I told him more about it, especially about Rita; my best friend being the perpetrator of such evil.It was often said that sometimes, it was the people we know that hurt us the most.Mrs Smith and Rita had in need no doubt, proved that to be true.Now that Jeremy was back, he helped out with setting up my business.I wasn't exactly sure of what I wanted to do but I was eager to try out something new, something that didn't involve me working under anyone."It
Asher“For the last time Asher, you are not getting any younger!” My mother yelled at me, her hands on her waist.Her slim nose was upturned in anger as her lips twitched. She looked like she was ready to devour me so, I coiled on my couch.I can’t take her tantrums anymore.Did she really have to do this whenever I wanted to work?I rubbed my forehead. I’m definitely going to get another migraine at this rate.As I stretched to reach out to one of my expensive pills on the table, she grabbed it away from my reach.“I already told you mother, I just need time.” I sighed tiredly.What was her deal anyway? I’m only 29.“Look Asher. You either get someone to present at our family dinner next month, or I get someone for you.” My mother warned, her red plastic nails directly in my face.“Mom?!” I yelled at her.“I have made my decision Asher and nothing will make me go back on it, certainly no one too.” She finalised.“But?” Before I could complain, she turned on her heels and clicked away
AsherI took a day off from work today, to sort out my current problem.It took me a really long time before I could finally sleep off but unfortunately, I couldn’t complete my eight hour sleep.My mother had called me early today to remind me of our deal. She was truly hell bent on making my life a living hell.“Remember Asher, you either find a suitable girlfriend, or I get one for you.” Was her threat before she hung up on me.What the hell was she expecting me to do?Go girlfriend hunting?Well, if I would settle to doing that, there’s one person that could help with that.I lazily got out of bed and picked up my phone, searching for Sebastian’s number.While I was awake last night, I thought of the possible way to avoid my mother’s wrath, as well as her plans for me.There is no way in hell, I’m letting her pick a girlfriend for me from one of the daughters of her numerous lousy friends.I wonder how she copes with all of them.After many rings, Sebastian finally picked his phone
AsherI was enjoying how angry the cleaner had become. Well, she deserved it for soiling my shirt like this.I bet her annual salary can’t even afford my tie.She had even dared to raise her tiny finger in my face.What a nerve she’s got!I was almost smiling at her daring behaviour until I felt something sharp on my face.What the hell?!Did she….just…..hit me?“No way.” I heard Sebastian’s amused voice and turned to him with a hard glare.He quickly composed himself but before I could unleash my anger on the little person that had slapped me, she walked away with no remorse whatsoever.I held my face, still trying to comprehend the fact that a tiny lady just slapped me.“Did….she..just..?” I was finally able to find my voice.“Um…Asher?” Sebastian called me and I looked at him.He shifted closer to me “Everyone’s staring.” He whispered.True to his words, the whole café was staring at me.Aside from when my mother made me wear a shirt to the pool at 17, this is the most embarrassing
OliviaI already applied to seven different companies hiring secretaries.I know the vacancy I was applying for wasn’t worth my standard of education, but I am more likely to not get the job if I applied for something better.Before dad came home, I took my bath and changed into my pencil black skirt and white shirt.Another day as a waitress in that stupid bar.When would it ever end?I packed my hair into a tight pony tail before heading out. It might take a while before I got responses from the companies I applied for. Till then, I have to retain the only job I have left.Hopefully, I wouldn’t be hitting anyone tonight and running off with just an apron.AsherSebastian didn’t support my plan, I knew that but he could do nothing.No one could. I had made up my mind already.I wasn’t one to spend time in clubs nor coffee shops. Most of my time was spent at the office, working while the remaining fraction; at my house, still working.Whenever I felt needy, I just called on one of my
Asher"….what?” Sebastian was taken aback.Just before I could say anything else, Olivia came back with the bottles of water.She was in a haste to leave but I quickly grabbed her hand.“This is not part of your order sir.” She said, nervously.“I know this is your only job Olivia.” I started.“Let me go.” She whispered.“And I know it doesn’t pay enough to take care of your father.” I said and I saw a glint of fear, mixed with surprise in her eyes.She stopped struggling and just stared at me in awe.“ Asher whatever you’re thinking, stop! Let the girl go.” He said, trying to release my grip on her.“So, out of my generosity, I am offering you a job.” Her body relaxed once those words flew out of my mouth.I left her hand but she didn’t walk away.I knew she wouldn’t.“Asher, you are not doing this.” Sebastian tried to stop me, already knowing my plans.I didn’t bother to wait for her to ask what my offer was about, I simply told her.“You need money Olivia, I know that. But I need a
OiviaMy hands dropped to my side and I didn’t know when a tear escaped my eye.The Bank?Was back?“What?!” I said in a barely whispering tone.“I….i got a message this evening Olivia. I had just returned from work. I had thought the message was from you. Probably, you were trying to tell me you were going to come home later than usual tonight and I shouldn’t stand out in the cold. B…..b..but when I checked, it was from the bank Olivia.” My father explained, his shoulders heaving as he cried.I raked my hair with my hands, breathing erratically.“But what do they want?...a..and didn’t we already pay up our loan?” “We didn’t pay the interest Olivia?” My dad reminded me, a tear sliding down his face.“But they can’t hold us for that anymore?!” I found myself yelling.“Olivia…” My father tried to calm me down.“No! They can’t possibly do this to us! The bank manager had let us go without paying the interest. Dad, I remember everything. That day, I was the one who had gone to deposit th
OliviaTwo days had passed since my dad got a message from the bank.I called in sick because I couldn’t afford returning to the bar.I can not run into Asher again. Judging our present state, I’m likely to give in to his offer and that is something I do not wish to do.Maybe if he visits the bar more often, and doesn’t see me there, he’ll forget about me and never visit the bar again.Seems like a bad plan.But well……Bad plan is better than no plan at all.Dad decided to start working two jobs so we could raise the money faster.I tried persuading him not to, but he already made his decision.I was scared to check my email. I can’t hide the fact that I’m black.Because of this, I’ve been afraid of getting another rejection message.Well, I can’t avoid my email forever, can I?What if I eventually got the job and out of my ignorance, I lost it?I still haven’t been able to get Asher’s offer off my mind by the way.I just hope I get the job, and I don’t have to think about him and his
Several Weeks LaterOliviaA lot has happened since the abduction.Rita faced trial and sentenced to thirty years imprisonment with hard labour.I didn't want to be there at the court but I had to.The kids had spent quality time with my father just like Gloria had.She still hadn't said anything as regards her obvious feelings for my father but I wasn't going to rush her.She had all the time in the world to think carefully about her feelings for him.Jeremy got back once he heard the news of the abduction.He was horrified when I told him more about it, especially about Rita; my best friend being the perpetrator of such evil.It was often said that sometimes, it was the people we know that hurt us the most.Mrs Smith and Rita had in need no doubt, proved that to be true.Now that Jeremy was back, he helped out with setting up my business.I wasn't exactly sure of what I wanted to do but I was eager to try out something new, something that didn't involve me working under anyone."It
OliviaI jumped in fright when the door came down, dust rising in the air.I had to close my eyes for a second and when I opened them again, I saw Asher standing right before me."Asher?" I tried to get to him but the ropes that tightened around my skin reminded me that I couldn't.He noticed this and rushed to me."Olivia? Oh my goodness! What happened? Where is she?" He asked multiple questions as he freed me.I answered none, I had no time to.Once I was completely free, I tried to run in the direction I had seen her go after she said what she was going to do to the twins and I."Where are you going?" Asher dragged me back even before I could make a move.I tried to wriggle out of his grip but I couldn't."She has the kids Asher. She has Kian and Kianna!" I didn't realize that there were tears in my eyes until they began rolling down my face.I had never been this scared of anything before.The image of Rita's malicious laughter that continued popping up in my head reminded me of t
AsherSebastian arrived on time while I alerted the police.Mr Anderson seemed to be troubled by their presence but I was too worried about Olivia's absence that nothing else seemed to matter to me.According to them, they were close to finding her but I knew they were only saying that to make her family and I feel better.They couldn't track her phone, it was like it had been thrown into water.Whoever had called earlier, didn't call anymore which made me more nervous.Usually, when abductors want something, they keep calling and threatening the victim's family until they get what they want in exchange of letting the victim go.But it wasn't the same in this case.The abductor wasn't making any call which made me feel like he might have all of what he wanted already buy only called the other time to know that she had what I loved.I couldn't help but fear that she might try to harm Olivia and the twins.If she made any attempt to, I would make sure to punish her myself before handing
Olivia"Rita?" I gasped, staring at her."H…..h…No, this isn't real!" I tried to assure myself but failed miserably.Now that I listened carefully, Janette sounded just like Rita.Little wonder she felt oddly familiar and I felt strange around her.She was the person I had been looking for, for so long!"I had plastic surgeries done after the incident of the video. I thought that I could win Asher's heart if I came around when you were no longer in his life but that wouldn't work too. Even with you gone, no other girl was able to take your place in his heart. Despite how much he despised you for what he thought you had done to him, he still loved you. It was inexplicable but undeniable, Asher still loved you, deeply." She explained, moving away from the bed."So you never wanted me with Asher all these while? Best friends are always happy for each other's happiness and we were supposed to be best friends, Rita." I felt mad and hurt.I had trusted her so much as more than a friend.Rit
OliviaI felt a sharp pain at the back of my head and my eyes fluttered open instantly.I closed it back afterward, like the pain would magically go away afterward.And surprisingly, it did.I tried to get up only for me to realize that I couldn't.I struggled but I couldn't even get my hands away from my back.I struggled over and over but the more I struggled, the harder it became.I couldn't take my hands away from my back simply because I couldn't but because I had been tied up.How the hell did I end up like this?!The last thing I remembered was getting prepared for my date with Asher.I was supposed to be on my way to New York City if the driver hadn't switched lanes and……That was it!When I tried to argue with him, he locked the car doors and sprayed something in the car.I passed out afterward.Whatever he had sprayed in the car must have been the reason I passed out as I couldn't remember anything after that.I looked around wherever I was but I couldn't see anything but da
AsherSeveral minutes have passed after the time Olivia was supposed to meet up with me.I didn't want to call her because I needed her to take her time and do as she pleased.But her absence here was beginning to get uncomfortable until I was pushed to take out my phone.I placed it on my ear after dialing her number, waiting for to hear her voice from the other side of the phone but that never happened.I dialed her number over and over again but it just rang with her never answering the phone."This is not some joke, Olivia. Pick up your phone." I mumbled under my shaky breath."Would you like to place your order now sir?" The waitress walked up to me and asked for the umpteenth time.I had waved at her not to worry severally, because my date was on her way here and I didn't find it fair to place orders without her presence.I had somehow however, managed to attract the attention of the other customers around.This was a restaurant for couples only and I had over time, reassured th
OliviaMy didn't speak of Asher until later that night.And fortunately, he gave his full support toward my relationship with Asher.At the hospital, he had shown his displeasure in my decision to stick to Asher but decided he could do nothing against it since it had been my decision.But last night, he had told me that he was ready to fully support me.I think seeing the way the kids acted around their father must have made mine consider his decision and support me."You're going to be late if you keep staring at the mirror like that, Lila." Gloria said, suddenly coming out of nowhere and startling me.I visited Asher and his family frequently after we got back from the hospital.So I got in touch with Gloria again.Asher wanted me to return to the company but so much had happened, too much actually, for me to wish to return to that place.So, I was just going to to set up my own business like Jeremy had suggested.Today, I and Asher were going on a date.I also refused to move in wi
Asher"Oh….that…." She stuttered uncomfortably."It's fine if you're not ready to come over yet. I honestly do not wish to make you feel uncomfortable." I quickly said when I realized she hadn't meant what she said to Sebastian.It was unexpected that she had actually let me into Kian and Kianna's lives.I didn't want it to seem like I was taking advantage of her kind heart and making her do things she wasn't comfortable doing.She shifted on the chair and just looked outside the car at the house like she could see through it."I've not decided on that yet." She spoke up after a long moment of silence and I nodded."I understand. Whenever you're ready, you could just call me to come pick you and the kids." I responded and she nodded, smiling genuinely."I guess this is goodbye then." She got ready to leave the car."Wait….!" I called her back, pulling her in for a kiss.My lips were almost on hers when she withdrew."What are you doing?" She whispered, her breath fanning my face."Oh…
OliviaAsher and the twins woke up shortly after I left the ward and Sebastian helped them get ready.I was right about my dad going back home to bring some clothes and food for the twins and I.And just as I had planned with Sebastian, I took the clothes and food he brought for me."Do you think Kianna and Kian would still want to come home with me?" My dad asked when I returned from the restroom where I changed."Why do you think they wouldn't want to? They've been so eager to see you." I responded, taking a seat beside him.Ever since Sebastian and Asher made it to the hospital last night, my dad's mood had completely changed.I could tell that he was worried.Initially, I thought it was only about Asher, regarding everything that had happened in the past.But now, it seemed he was bothered beyond that."It's just that, their dad's here now. I can't help but feel like they would forget about me so soon. Usually, they would want to be around me but since last night, they've just sti