“Are you certain she's the same person as shown in the photograph?” Ryan's mother speaks in the phone, her eyes diluting with an untold emotion.Ryan, on the other hand, was confused as he stared at her with his brows creased. He wondered who on earth his mother was speaking with, and what photograph was she referring to, is she hiding something he was not aware of? “Okay, I get it…" That was her undeniable reply before putting the phone away from her ear. As quietly as she had brought her phone out from her bag, she returned it in the same way, too.For seconds and without batting her eyelids, her intense gaze was on Ryan, who finds her stare uncomfortable.“What now, mom?” He muttered, suddenly looking elsewhere just to avoid his gaze being locked on hers. No matter how much he tries, he can't win against her —staring without breaking is one of the things she's in most cases good at her.He sighed heavily in defeat. “I know you are still staring at me, mom.” He informed her in a ca
Ryan is perplexed right now, he did not even know what to do or say. He saw there was with a little or no hope of ever seeing Ciara. He is aware that the task of ever finding Ciara is a huge one that he won't be able to fulfill. The States is too huge, and he can't be searching for one single soul all over the state, it's like looking for a pin in a well. It is impossible for him to do so —and who does that anyway? His phone began to ring, at first, he hesitates to pick the call but on seeing who the caller was, he had no choice than to pick it up. He couldn't ignore her even in a tight situation, and this won't be exceptional —it was Anne. “Hey, there Ryan…" She called from the other end as soon as he put the phone on his ear. Ryan could stare at his mother without saying anything to the caller. In return, his mother, who had returned because she forgot her keys, gave him a deadly stare. “You don't stare at me in such a foolish manner.” His mother said. Ryan quickly composed hi
“Let's elope…" Anne suggested with a glint in her eyes. “We can go somewhere far away and start a new life together, away from all the drama and stress.”Ryan was taken aback by the idea, but couldn't help but feel a wave of excitement wash over him. This could be their chance to start fresh and truly be happy together. He looked at Anne, her eyes were filled with hope and sincerity. It was if she had planned this for a while now.Ryan felt a smile growing on his lips and without hesitation, he took her hand and was tempted to say, “Let's do it. Let's abandon this present life and go very faraway…” But instead he stopped himself and simply smiled warmly.He can't leave his mother, though she nags a lot, but she's always worried about him. Additionally, there are still many things he can't let go off —mostly the companies.Where would he start from if he elopes? A once CEO turns out to be working under a new manager or worst still, a supervisor —that sounded like a good headlines news,
The early morning sun peeped from the horizon, casting its warm yellow shades over the quiet courthouse in downtown States.The lovely couple, Ryan and Anne, could sense the butterflies in their stomachs unwinding as they slowly paced closer to the entrance, hand in hand.Ryan could hardly comprise his exhilaration as today marked a momentous occasion in his life. Having fallen in love with Anne during their university years, he was eager to begin a new chapter with her as husband and wife.The icing on the cake was that they had decided to hold a secret marriage ceremony in a quaint courthouse, adding a touch of mystique to their amorous journey.The air felt electric, surging with the anticipation that enveloped the couple. As Ryan gazed into Anne's eyes that flickered a wondrous azure blue, he was reminded of the endless intensity of their love.Anne's eyes shone just as bright, reflecting the incredible happiness that filled her to the brim.As they exchanged a warm and knowing gl
Ryan stood before the door, his heart pounding, his mind racing at a million miles an hour. In his hand was a folder containing legal documents filled with proof of his secret court wedding with Anne.He knew what was inside that folder could shatter his mother's expectations and was of the heartbreaking consequence if she goes through it. It might forever alter his relationship with his mother.He clenched it tightly, trying to gain strength from its firm, undeniable proof. Today, he was going to confess his secret to his mom —he had married Anne in a court, and was now a happily married wedded man.He wasn't sure how his mother would react; their relationship had always been tumultuous and strained. She had done everything in her power to govern him from a young age, moulding him into her version of ‘the perfect son’. Since he could recall, he had always been trying his best to be the dutiful son to her.However, Ryan had reached the end of his tether —and Anne had proven to be the
Ciara's brown eyes surveyed the familiar building as she cautiously approaches her early life home. The neat, white painted house adorned with wild rises and by creeping up the tall walls had always represented warmth, love, and stability.Yet as she approached the giant gate, Ciara could not help but feel a pang of expedition. Nine months had exceeded since she left home and her brother, Dwayne, with no note or explanation.She had made a course with herself to leave behind the sorrows that enveloped which appeared too tough to, on the quest of finding the root of her parent's strange death, she got tangled up, and it became more complex when she fell in love instead.She never for once, thought about returning home soon or how much hurt her brother might have been for the past months. Her initial thought from the start was coming back home and bringing with her the answer they both has been searching for —however, she was wrong. Things did not turn out as she had hoped it to. Upon
The shrill, drawn out sound of the doorbell echoed all through the lobby as Sheila, the secretary of Ms. Fellers, moved quickly to permit in the various important members of the company. As the assistant to their new boss, Sheila experienced enormous trepidation at the prospect of yet another close encounter with the new female superior. Little did she know the upcoming first board meeting would elicit such an exceptional range of emotions and perception into the enigmatic mind of Ms. Fellers. The furnishings within the prestigious boardroom bore an unspoken and undeniable elegance, a clear reflection of the many successful years and the company has basked under the comforting umbrella of stead fast growth and profitability. An immaculately polished teak table occupied the center of the room, a shining beacon of order and structure amidst an atmosphere cloaked in uncertainty and trepidation. Surrounding the table were plush, Navy-blue seats, each one occupied by a fellow staff memb
It was a Wednesday morning, and the bright morning sun illuminated the streets of the States. Ryan, now ranking among the top three successful businessmen, was known for his precision, had made sure to spend an extra ten minutes preparing for today's work. He'd landed a contract as a new lead supplier of office material for a large trading firm and needed to make a good impression. As he meticulously straightened his tie one more time, his right lingered on the reflection in the hotel room mirror.The businessman admired himself and felt a jolt of exhilaration. Today would be a start of a new chapter in his life, a day filled with a larger budget and even loftier aspirations.Within that same hotel room, also beaming in anticipation, was his new wife, Anne. A true vision of femininity, she bore an image that offered compassion to the Greek goddess.Beneath this pleasant, serene exterior, she held inside her a powerful desire to make her mark in the world. It was this side of her pers
"There she is..." Jamel whispered but audible enough to Alex's hearing, who only nodded with out a reply as he strode towards Ms. Carter. They both exchanged pleasantries before he had his seat opposite her."It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Carter." Alex said as he sat down. Ms. Carter looked at him with an inscrutable expression, her green eyes glittering."The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Alex." she replied, her voice smooth and calm. "I understand you're the CEO of The Williams cooperation. It's quite an impressive company, I've heard lots about it."Alex smiled slightly but it was enough to brighten the atmosphere. "Thank you, but I'm hardly the only one responsible for its success. I'm lucky to have a great team." He uttered, still maintaining his slight smile. "A great team, and a great leader." Ms. Carter vocalized with a few head nod. With out much further ado, she cleared her throat, deciding to go straight to the point. "I supposed you are yet to find a shareholder yet, or ha
The long ride was slow and as well as a quiet one too. Alex sighed for the umpteenth times, unable to fathom the reason behind his sigh that seems not to be coming to an end — of course, he has many reasons for his continuous sigh, but he could not pinpoint which one of it was gnawing at him.Though his mind and thoughts seems to be in fuzzy, he managed to forced his focus on the wheels —he can't repeat the same mistakes twice and this time, he might not be lucky enough and might lose his life. Alex did not want that to happen to me once again, he dreaded the thought of it. He had almost seen death once —he won't face it this time.He's currently facing a lot but losing his life shouldn't be the thought on his mind. His mother —he had stressed her enough with his continuous and never seems to end escapades lately, should he add more to it? No, right? And his daughter too, what would happen to her if she's left behind? Times like this, Alex wished he could turn the hand of time and go
When Lisa walked into her office, she was surprised to find that Judas was not there. On a normal day, Judas would be the first one to greet her upon her arrival. But today, he was nowhere to be found. Lisa was confused and concerned, so she decided to call him to find out what was going on.When she pulled out her phone, she quickly dialed Judas's number. The phone rang and rang, but there was no answer after two try. She had wanted to dial the number for the third time but shrug it off, and decided to keep her phone.Just when she was about to do as thought, the phone rang, vibrating softly in her grip. She checked the caller — it was Judas. With a deep frown settling on her face, she reluctantly picked the call. "Hey..." Judas hailed dryly from the other end. "Sorry, I screened your call. I was about parking when you called so I couldn't answer the phone." "Where are you?" Lisa questioned instead, ignoring his excuses. "I just entered my office and find it empty — you aren't her
"I know what I'm saying is true, Lisa." Andy insisted, seeing the doubt in Lisa's eyes. "Since you left for Los Angeles and made me the acting chairman, my father has been pressuring me to take over the company." Andy went as far as explaining every little detail to Lisa not leaving one out of it. He went as far as telling her how Xavier left home since he refuse to dance to his tunes and even him going to apologize to his father thinking maybe he had change. Lisa was dumbfounded after listening to all what Andy had said, even though she had expected those cunning men not to back away easily. The one she mostly find hard to believe was Xavier cutting ties with his son over his petty greed but since it's coming out from Andy's mouth, she has no other choice than to believe it. "— I shouldn't be saying this, but I can't let them hurt you. I've watched you grown up and I see how kind and considerate you've been..." Andy muttered slowly in conclusion. "I won't possibly be at peace if I
As Andy stood there, staring at his father, he knew that their relationship was irreparably broken. No matter what he said or did, he would never be able to repair the damage that had been done.The man standing in front of him was not the father he had once known and loved. He was a stranger, a man consumed by greed and ambition. He was lost to him forever.Slowly, he turned and began to walk away. He didn't look back, didn't say another word. He simply left, and never looked back.Andy couldn't help but wondered how his father had turned this way — at this stage, he's beyond repair and no matter the amount of words said could bring back his old self which seems to be lost forever.‘Am I really doing the right thing?’ He asked himself, giving his actions a second thought. ‘Leaving him and walking out of his life the moment he's alone and needed someone by his side, is it really okay to desert him like this?’He's not alone, he has his brother who are always supporting him, no matter
"Whether it's sinful or not doesn't matter to me." Xavier cut his son off, matching his angry tone. "Did you think I wish to remain hidden while that bitch enjoy all the luxury to herself and her illegitimate kids?"Andy would have calmed down a bit but his father was only adding more fuel to his anger. "How dare you, father..." He uttered repulsively, trying to defend Lisa. "Why would you speak such ill words of her and her kids who had done nothing wrong against you?""Nothing wrong, eh?" Xavier muttered with a scoff. "Her existence alone has wronged me greatly. Now that I'm into it already, I won't back down until I see her got ruined completely."Andy shook his head sideways, the look of disgust that was on his his face deepen. "You aren't worth living with, Mr. Xavier. It's a good thing you left me on your own." He said with scoff. "I see why mom left you two decades, taking Stephanie along with her.""You..." Xavier yelled with anger written all over him, pointing his index fing
Ever since Andy could remember, he has never been anxious as he is at the moment. He wasn't even sure of the best words to say to his father when he see him. It was at that moment it all dawned on him that he has not planned all of these well enough which made him let out a low but tiring sigh.The moment Andy stepped in and as though his father had been expecting him to come, Andy was welcomed by his father's blazing gaze — if only looks were capable of ending one's life, Andy was sure to have dropped death on spot."What is this ungrateful brat doing here?" Xavier's thundered in anger, his voice laced with hatred and he did not hesitate to give his son that same look as well —hatred, anger, frustration and fury! He turned towards his brother's direction. "Fred, why did you allow this boy in?""I think he has something to say to you." Fred muttered, though audibly to Xavier's hearing with a slight shoulder shrug, collapsing on the nearest couch. "Let's listen to what he has to say. H
It was barely past noon when Andy had returned home from work that afternoon, he couldn't come back home the previous day because it was already late in the night when he finished from the theatre room so he took his rest at the hospital instead. Andy sat on his favorite couch with a heavy sigh of relief but his relief did not last more than a few moment, because his relief was swallowed with his gnawing feeling of emptiness. Everything seems empty to him — and he felt as though he's alone in the whole big world. He knew something was amiss somewhere and tried figuring it out. Alas! He figured out that it was the absence of his father. He had missed his father's presence in the house, his nagging and miss seeing his scowling face as well —all of these had made the past five years bearable for him but for the past one week, he has no one else to do all of these to him. Andy couldn't help but blamed himself for the emptiness he was feeling, he was the one who had sent his own biolog
Once they were gone, Lisa let out a sigh of relief. She was glad to have a moment to herself, and she was looking forward to the peace and quiet. Although she couldn't help but feel a bit guilty about sending the kids away but she had things to discuss about with Judas.Judas moved closer and sat down on the seat opposite Lisa's desk. Lisa, as well, sat down in her usual position, her eyes fixed on the man before her. His facial expression says it all, of course he has a lot o say to Lisa and could not wait to be permitted so he could relay his words. "It seems you have something to say, Judas." Lisa finally voiced out after observing Judas for a while. She's not too blind not to have noticed —she knows Judas too well. "What have you come up with this time around?" "Uh, yeah." He nodded his head in agreement, adjusting slightly on his seat. "You can guess..." his voice was drawling and far from usual.Lisa raised her left brow slightly. "Beats me. What are you up to this time, Jude