Chapter 27Evil Plan“Not at all,” she shrugged.“Like I've always said, I'm forever indebted to your mother for her kind gesture.” She added casually. But there was no hint of indebtedness in her tone. As even the smile she was wearing was evidently a forced one.“It's nothing, ma'am. She has to do that because you've given her the best daughter-in-law any woman could ever ask of.I'll be forever grateful as well,” Grey appreciated with a smile.“I'll be at the reception,” he added when Cynthia and Janell stepped in. He needed to give them some privacy as a family.“Cynthia, can you plead with your husband to give us Lila's address? I don't mind going there by myself to get her to come see your dad; he has been demanding to see her since he woke up." Elena said with much worry in her tone.“Mum, don't tell me that you'd stoop so low to beg that witch just for the sake of dad!” Cynthia scoffed.“Cynthia, you and I know that we have to find something that would make her look bad before
Chapter 28 THE AIRPORT Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome on board. Flight reference MB3R2H.This is Captain James Toner speaking, and I have some information about our flight. Our flight time today will be 10:00am UTC+8, and our estimated time of arrival in the United States is 11:00 pm UTC+8.We ask that you please fasten your seatbelts at this time and secure all baggage underneath your seats or in the overhead compartments.We also ask that your seats and table treys are in the upright position for takeoff.“Hello boss, we're at the airport now, and they just finished making the preflight announcement.” One of the men put Mrs. Elena on call.“Find her! You just have to do everything possible to make sure she doesn't escape! Or you better don't come back alive!” Mrs Elena threatened.Since she left the hospital, she had stayed hidden, sending some thugs to go after Lila, which was her main reason for insisting that Cynthia shouldn't go by herself.The men paraded the ai
Chapter 29 NEW ENVIRONMENT “We can't probably go back to report this kind of news to boss Elena. We need to find a way out!” One of the thugs suggested after they've left without accomplishing their mission.They've been working for Elena for long. They know how cold-hearted she can be when one fails at executing a task she gives.“Then let's fake her death! That's the only way we can ward off her punishment,” the other suggested.Mrs. Elena had returned to the hospital to check on her husband, with hope that her accomplices were doing a great job out there.“Mum, why didn't you come back with Lila? Cynthia demanded, feigning concern.“I ran out of patience in waiting for her,” Mrs. Elena responded coldly.“But, mum, I...”“Enough! Cynthia. Hearing that name over and over again makes me sick!” She yelled with a frown.“I've done my own part; whether she comes or not, right now I don't care if your father just dies!” She declared sternly, her voice devoid of any emotions.“Excuse me,
Chapter 30Lila took a deep breath and squinted. Finally, this day has arrived. A day where she can dress and appear the way she wants. She lifted her eyes and looked at the tall building before her, admiring every feature of it. For the past three years, she had ceased to appear like the way she did today.“I know today will not be the last, but I'll be coming here every day.” She assured herself and navigated her steps to the HR office.“Miss Lila, based on your CV, it shows that you've worked as a journalist for a long time before you stopped. And I seem not to have found any working experience after that. So, why do you suddenly want to go back to the career that you've long abandoned?”The interviewer remarked, exchanging gazes between the woman seated in front of him and the CV he was holding.Lila remained quiet after giving him convincing reasons why she quit her previous job, trying by all means to conceal her crashed marriage as the reason for her resignation.While sitting,
Chapter 31Keeping Secrets Lila was seated in the dining room, enjoying some tea while talking on the phone. Her tone sounds like she’s making a confidential call.She spoke for long, while she kept monitoring to know if anyone was watching her, yet she didn't even notice that Aunt Kendy was stealing glances at her.Aunt Kendy could only guess that she was speaking with a man, but certainly not a friend nor a lover. The tone doesn't sound like one who is in love!To keep the confidentiality of her communication, Lila had put her phone on the lowest volume."Please make it snappy and be extra careful. I'll be at the airport, waiting for you,” she said in a low voice with a serious but calm look.“What is she up to? Oh, I just hope my angel has not gotten herself entangled in any criminal act because of the hardships of this life.” Aunt Kendy couldn't help but feel worried about Lila's nature of call.“Young Miss Lila,”Aunt Kendy interrupted.Lila growled at the moment she heard Aunt
Chapter 32 New Home“Do you think I care if your master is still alive or dead? Well, I'm sure he should be dead by now, but do you know what is unfortunate now is the fact that you are still alive? It would have been more perfect for you and him to join Lila in the eternal journey of no return; at least you can form a big family of four in heaven or hell,” ma'am Elena declared without any hint of concern over her husband's disappearance.“You know what? I only picked up your call because the number appeared without an identity on my phone screen, so be warned and stay clear of my life and my family!”“Do you know my only concern now is his will and nothing else?" She added hoarsely and hung up the call.“Old witch! It would never go well with you!” Aunt Kendy cursed inwardly and dropped the phone.She wished there was something she could do to help in the search for her master.Aunt Kendy sat down worried and devastated, feeling bad at how pitiable her master would look if he's stil
Chapter 33First day at work The echoing of those unbelievable words still left Aunt Kendy in shock.“W–what do you mean by what you just said, young miss?” Her face was expressionless as she asked.“I just said it now, that you're not seeing a ghost, Aunt Kendy; that's my father you're seeing in there. I know you might be surprised, but he just arrived today. Remember when I left for the supermarket earlier? I just went to pick him up at the airport and bring him down here,” Lila explained.“So you mean you're responsible for his disappearance all this while? You mean you were the ones that kidnapped him?”Aunt Kendy interrogated with a fixed gaze at Lila. Lila said nothing; she only nodded in response.In an instant, tears of joy welled up in Aunty Kendy's eyes as they began to flow uncontrollably while she embraced Lila in a warm hug.“I'm so proud of you! I knew that you don't have a wicked heart to keep grudges against your father,” she whispered into Lila's ears.“But, how wer
Chapter 34 COINCIDENCE As Lila hurtled towards the pavements to the ground floor, she stumbled upon Mr Damian Marley and a lady ascending the stairs. Lila greeted and halted her steps when she noticed that Mr. Damian wanted to talk further.“Oh, sorry, Lila. I never introduced my secretary to you. Meet Joan Morris, my secretary,” he said, gazing at the lady beside him with a smile.“Joan, meet Lila Sims, the new assistant to Mr Anthonio. She's now officially our assistant head of operations,” he explained.Lila tried to feign a smile but the other lady was resolute in her frown, ignoring Lila's hands as she stretched them for a handshake.“If only you knew that I'm doing this because of Mr Damian,” Lila mumbled inwardly but maintained a neutral expression.Mr Damian was bewildered by the actions they were putting up. He exchanged gazes at Lila and his secretary, the awkward expression on their faces could tell that something was wrong, but he couldn't place his hands on it. What was
CHAPTER 61THE ACCOUNT HAS BEEN HACKED. Cynthia couldn't believe what she just heard. How could Grey just blacklist her from all of Shun's establishments? What would now become of her? A poor housewife? Never! She can't sit and watch herself turn into a subject of ridicule by the people around her.“I have to do something and maintain my steez,” she said to herself.“Ho—honey, "I said, Shut up!” Grey cut her words mercilessly and pinned her in place with a dark and menacing gaze. Cynthia was inflamed, but she couldn't snuff out the anger she was feeling, because the anger in Grey's eyes looked like he'd dismember her if she dared to create a fuss. “Can we please meet up tonight? It's urgent.” She grabbed her phone as soon as they reached home and sent a text to Brian. Without hesitation, she sent him the address of the venue.“Why the urgent call? Aren't you supposed to be with your husband by now?” Brian demanded to see Cynthia. She couldn't voice a word but only threw an expre
CHAPTER 60BLACKLIST CYNTHIA Cynthia's feet got stuck on the spot for a few seconds. Everyone was beginning to wonder what could be wrong.She turned, hoping that it was Grey's voice and she'd see him waving at her to stop right there, but she realized it was only a whisper from her weird imaginations as she was only able to be met by his angry eyes glaring at her. His expression was deeply bathed in a dangerous frown that she can't predict the outcome if she fails to comply with the apology conditions.Right behind her, on her left-hand side, she sighted Brian, who winked at her and shook his head as their eyes met.She could read from his expression that he was not in support of her apologizing, but what would be her fate with Grey if she decided to go by what a total stranger wants? Besides, she has not accomplished her mission in the Shun’s family yet.“Miss Ricks, I'm sincerely sorry for what happened yesterday. Please find a place in your heart to forgive me,” Cynthia said a
CHAPTER 59APOLOGY WITH PRIDEHearing those words, old Mrs. Shun clenched her fist as soon as she ended the call. Breathing heavily like someone who had just escaped being killed, her countenance changed with her face growing darker with anger at every passing second, raising tension in the minds of all who were at the table, but no one dared to ask.“Mo–ther, is—” Grey tried to demand from her what could be the problem, but he instantly went mute the moment the resounding slap launched on Cynthia by his mother echoed in his ear, followed by the rattling sound of a falling chair.“Ahhh!” Cynthia let out a loud scream of pain, her palms married to her cheeks. Grey can't remember when he last saw his mother with such anger and frustration in her eyes.Old Mrs. Shun had tried all she could to restrain herself from slapping that bitch of a daughter-in-law, but she couldn't until she finally hit herEveryone's eyes widened and their brows raised in shock.“Better pray we fix this mess you
CHAPTER 58. THE REAL CULPRIT “Why not display the footage if she insists!” Some people in the background suggested in murmurs.Cynthia began to feel nervous; she tried everything possible to refute the idea of wasting their time to go through the CCTV, but it was futile. One after the other, the sharp ones who had been making videos with their phones slowly dropped them down, folding their arms as they anticipated the video.Cynthia felt dejected as she watched the security scroll through the footage. She knows that she'll be exposed once the video is made available.“Ahhhhhhh.” The crowd exclaimed with their mouths agape. Everyone's face changed as they watched how Cynthia slipped the watch into Lila's handbag when they walked past her.The crowd that was once throwing accusatory looks at Lila got stiffened, and they began throwing apologetic looks at her. Cynthia was so embarrassed that she couldn't stand the ramblings of the angry mob.She lowered her head and tried to secretl
Chapter 57SHE'S A THIEFLila sneered and continued her shopping as if she cared less about the woman.To show the woman that she's not afraid of her, Lila kept an eye on her direction of movement.“Over there; I think I've seen the type of jewelry I've been looking for all this while,” Lila said to her partner who was romantically helping her out in holding the shopping basket.“Yes, here is it,” she said and tapped him to halt his steps as soon as they approached the woman who was trying to shy away from her earlier.Cynthia looked at her in disdain with bloodshot eyes.Lila acted as if she never knew her from anywhere but made sure she raised her voice and acted more intimately to provoke more anger in Cynthia.Seeing how the man was assisting Lila like they're a newly wed couple only reminds her of everything that happened yesterday.“Never! You can never go free today, Lila! I must teach you a lesson you'll ever regret!” She thought to herself as her heart pumped faster than usua
CHAPTER 56THE SHOPPING MALLAs usual, they both drove home in different cars. From the moment Derrick claimed Lila to be his invited guest and decided to be overprotective of her, Grey didn't have a good expression. Every second of the smile Derrick shared with the woman was provocative, steering out every ounce of jealousy in him.Cynthia also was heartbroken. The one and only birthday she had ever taken out her time to organize turned out to be the worst party ever. She couldn't appear in the clothes a celebrant ought to have appeared in because of some malicious woman, who turned out to be the center of attraction instead of her.“I believe that you're not blind, Cynthia,” a husky voice retorted the moment she attempted moving up the stairs to her room.Cynthia retraced her steps. She actually saw the old woman seated on the couch, but because her day had been messed up, she decided to pass without any greetings.“Hmmmm,” Cynthia took a deep breath and growled, looking angrily a
CHAPTER 55 “Don't you have some little shame in you, Miss Ricks? Look how you're flaunting yourself on a married man in public." Cynthia rambled as soon as she got close to them and pushed Lila away from her husband's grip, which made her almost slip on the floor.Lila remained mute. She calmed herself down because she knew it would be pointless arguing with a demented woman.“Well, congratulations on your new achievement, Mr. & Mrs. Grey Shun. And to you, Mrs. Shun, I wish you a glamorous birthday. It's really nice meeting you, and I hope we meet again,” Lila said politely and sashayed back to her partner with her smiles, ignoring the bitter looks Cynthia was throwing at her.“I said it! I know Derrick can never be associated with any good person in this life!” She continued.“Enough! Cynthia, this is the last time I'll ever tolerate you talking ill of my brother again!” Grey yelled with a thunderous voice, which began to draw unwanted attention to their side. He had gotten enough
CHAPTER 54EXCHANGE OF PARTNERS Cynthia slowly dropped her hands, which were clenched to Grey's shoulders, with an absent-minded look on her face. “Are you okay? You look tired,” Grey observed with a bit of concern when he saw the mood swing in his wife immediately after his mother left.“What did she tell her?” He wondered.“Isn't this what you wanted? That I go dance with your good-for-nothing brother while you dance with your mistress?” You and your mother are so despicable, Grey!” She said hoarsely with teary red eyes and made an attempt to move.“Where do you think you're going?” Grey demanded while he held her wrist tightly, drawing her back with force.“Let go of my hands! You're hurting me!” Cynthia screamed, hitting his hand hard with a violent pull of her wrist out of his grip.“What are those two doing? Fighting in an event they planned?” Derrick, whose eyes had been glued to them since he noticed their silly dance steps, muttered loudly with a frown.“Well, that's what w
CHAPTER 53UNFORESEEN THREATSDerrick watched as Lila's smile gradually faded at the mention of her resemblance to Mishell.Seeing that he was beginning to get suspicious of her, Lila fixed her innocent eyes on him with furrowed brows as though in deep confusion."M...I...shell? Who is she? Plus, the name sounds familiar!” She claimed.“You know her, right?” Derrick replied immediately with a light grin on his face.“Is she your sister? Or your aunt? Or, is she your mother? Is she,”“Hey—hey—hey! Calm down.” Lila interrupted his speech, pressing her hands in the air to calm him down.“Who is the lady to you, and why are you so obsessed with knowing my connection to her? Besides, I don't even know her! I mean—this is the first time I'm hearing such a name!” Lila claimed with a plain face.“Is this woman cracking a joke or something?” he said inwardly, looking more confused at her funny act.“Lila, are you serious? You live in New York City, yet you don't know who Miss Mishell is? The m