OliviaIt was finally Asher's family game night.Joseph and I had chosen the book we both wanted to buy at the store for everyone to read, THE BILLIONAIRE'S HIRED GIRLFRIEND.The second time we went to the store, the lady had more copies.Asher didn't seem to agree to it initially because it was the definition of our lives in written form.But with a lot of persuasion, he finally have in.So, here we are, ready for the quiz."I welcome you all to Smith first ever family game night!" James said, dramatically.Marianna had forced him to host the game.Their relationship was just too adorable, even for their age.As we all cheered, I glanced over at Mrs Smith who looked happy.It wasn't surprising that she looked happy, she had organized all of this anyway.Even though I know her happiness wasn't genuine, it was still satisfying to see everyone smiling tonight."So the rules are as simple as reading the book. All you have to do is answer the question asked once it gets to your turn. Ther
AsherI stirred in my sleep, expecting that someone would be beside me.But when I ran my hand on the bed, all I felt were the cold sheets.My eyes snapped open, scanning the room for Olivia.I got out of bed and checked the bathroom but she was not there."Where could she be?" I asked myself, putting on my robe as I exited the room in search of Olivia.The first place I checked was the living room but she wasn't there.I checked the poolside and the balcony but there was no sign of her.I returned to the room, just in case she had returned from wherever she went but she still wasn't there.I tried calling her phone but I heard it's ringing from the side of the bed where she slept.She didn't take her phone with her.My mind drifted back to the two times she had been abducted but then, I shook off the thought.There was no way she would have been taken from the room and I wouldn't have noticed.Moreover, the gatekeepers would have raised an alarm if anyone had broken into the house.J
AsherI moved closer to the bed, unnoticed.Before she would turn over, I covered her mouth and kissed her hair."What was that for?! You really enjoy scaring me, don't you?" She frowned, playfully hitting my chest.I got into bed, laughing.This never gets old."Where were you anyway?" She asked me, laying on her side so she could look at me."Where were you?" I replied to her with a question.Pulling the sheets over her, Olivia sat up, her back on the bed head just the same way I was seated."I couldn't sleep so I got out of bed. I knew you were tired and decided not to wake you." She answered."Well, I want you to know that no matter how tired I was, you can trust me to always be there when you need me. So don't ever feel like I would be too tired to be there for you, okay?" I took her face in my hands, regretting ever getting mad at her over something so unnecessary."I know that look Asher. You only give that look when you want something from me." She moved away from me, chucklin
AsherThe next morning came so quickly.Olivia and I woke up early despite the fact that we had slept late.We got prepared for the day and went to join the rest of the family at the dining area.My mother had left for the office before everyone else.Marianna and James had to also leave very early.They were both part of the board members so it was necessary that they left early.Anna wasn't going to come with us because of her pregnancy.So, Sebastian and Rita were going to stay back too with Anna.While Joseph and my father rode in my dad's car, Olivia and I rode in my car.Father and son got to the office before Olivia and I did.I never expected this to happen but I suddenly became really nervous by the time we arrived at the company.My mother would be expecting me to be on her side now and do everything she had told me to last night.But that wasn't the reason for my nervousness.I was afraid that we were going to lose to my mother and the board wouldn't give their consent to J
AsherMy mother was already seated in the conference room when I entered with Joseph and my father.She looked pretty confident, so confident she could throw you off with just how she looked.Hopefully, she didn't do so to Joseph.We sat for a while before the board members came in.We all rose to our feet and exchanged greetings with them before settling down to the business of the day."This meeting is called in respect to the allegations against Mr and Mrs Smith, over Joseph Smith."I got to know that his birth certificate had been changed so that he now bore Smith.The head of the board addressed the case as we all listened.I really couldn't tell what conclusion they had come to as I could read neither Marianna nor James's expressions.Whatever it was that they're had concluded, I just hoped that it was in our favour.Joseph sat in between my dad and I.Occasionally, I would glance over at him and if he was also staring at me, I would give him an assuring nod so he didn't return
THREE MONTHS LATEROliviaA lot of time had passed since the incident at the company.Joseph was now CEO while Asher worked with him.In a few more months, he would earn his business degree.Anna had a baby boy and decided to remain with her husband.Turns out, she grew into loving him.Right now, I was out on grocery shopping with Joseph.I had decided to use this as an opportunity to get a present for Asher.I had never really gotten him anything so I thought it would be nice if I did that today.Mr Smith got released on bail but the court had said that we had to bail out Mrs Smith too.It was a difficult situation as Asher didn't want to take it but with enough convincing, he agreed.Strangely, she didn't return to the house after her release.In fact, no one heard from her ever again.We were happy to finally have her out of our lives but at some times, I just felt like she was still around, somewhere close planning on ruining the family once again."Don't you think you should get
Asher"You look superb!" I complemented Olivia, kissing her.She pulled away quickly before I would pull her closer."Mm-hmm, which is why you shouldn't try to spoil my make-up." She walked away, returning to the dressing mirror to reapply her lipstick.It was her birthday and I had decided to take her out on a date.Ever since our first date which was a disaster, we hadn't gone out on another date except the time in Hawaii.I felt happy that things were finally falling into place for us.Ever since my mother mysteriously disappeared, this family had felt whole again.Anna now got to work the company like she had always wanted.Olivia's best friend; Rita also worked in the company too.With everyone around and happy, my health came back to normal.I had a big surprise for Olivia tonight although, I had mixed feelings about it.I had told Sebastian about it and he had encouraged me to go ahead with it.I have been considering engaging Olivia's since my mother's arrest but I felt like t
Asher I stared at her, my hands clenched by my side as my breathing wavered. I felt uneasy just staring at her. "What are you doing here?" I asked her, seething. "You never bothered to look for me Asher. Did I matter that little to you?" She asked, faking sadness. "You don't matter……at all." I responded, holding Olivia behind me as I saw her gaze sweep across the room until it landed on her. "What are you doing here?" I asked her again. She strolled over to a table in room and sat. She said nothing but stare at Olivia and I. I heard footsteps coming from the door. When I looked, I saw Sebastian and the rest of my family including Anna's husband. They all froze on a spot when they saw my mother. How did she even get to know I was going to be here in the first place?! Somebody must have told her, there's no doubt about that. "Oh…. everyone's here I guess. This is just perfect." She said, taking out a tiny object from her purse. When I took a closer look, I saw that it was a
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