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Chapter Eighty-Eight
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2024-05-10 16:30:18Related chapters
TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter Eighty-Nine
Lana’s POVIt had been a long week, and my whole body ached from top to bottom. I looked around the room, hoping for something to cure my boredom until Cameron got back from work, but there was none. The unusual silence from across the hallway indicated the sleepy state of the twins, which was a wonderful miracle to me, especially at this time of the night.Catching up on the social media trends I’ve missed during the week, I heard the familiar rumbling of Cameron’s Bugatti V12 engine. I jumped from the bed and ran downstairs, amazed at how much I had missed him just for a single day. I jumped on him from the doorway, and he caught me mid-air, confused at the level of adrenaline thundering through me.“Uhm… babe. What’s up?”“Nothing; I just missed you.” I admitted.“Okay… I just left the house this morning. Like, some hours ago.” He was still eyeing me suspiciously, prying through my eyes to get the least hint of what could be going on.“Nothing; I made dinner. Your favourite.”“Hmm,
Last Updated : 2024-05-10TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter Ninety
The rain had also gathered speed from a little drizzle to a heavy downpour, beating down on the city with increasing intensity, but they didn’t care.Cameron and Lana didn’t care about the whole world as they were wrapped in each other’s arms, expressing love to each other in a language they both understood. Now, it was morning, and the dark greyish clouds had been replaced with the bright morning sun, stealing its way behind the mountains and skyscrapers and finally splashing its rays around, announcing the arrival of a new day.The rays of the sun shone brightly through the window, striking Lana’s shut eyes and forcing her to wake early. She batted her eyes, yawned lazily, and fully opened them, still feeling the grip of her partner on her.She turned to the other side of the bed and adored his naked masculinity. Last night had been the night of a lifetime to her; she had loved and felt loved; this man had placed her on top of the globe, making the world around her fall away when h
Last Updated : 2024-05-11TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter Ninety-One
Today was probably a stormy day. Today would be a pivotal day in the history of her babies; today was the day they started school. But before they got registered, there was one more thing she needed to confirm.She picked up her phone and punched in the numbers, waiting impatiently at the droning sound of the network service provider before it connected on the other side. The usually lively voice of Sally came alive at the other end."Hey, Sally, good morning.” Lana tried to match up with her liveliness.“Good morning, most beautiful. How may I be of help to her royal majesty today?” She always had her way of making the latter feel flattered, and she succeeded again today.Lana could feel the blood rushing to her face and her cheeks turning red when she heard ‘royal majesty’ but she knew in one corner of my heart that she only got showered with all these accolades because she was a party to Cameron increasing Sally’s salary.“I wanted to ask how it’s going with the documents.” She mut
Last Updated : 2024-05-11TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter Ninety-Two
Kathy’s POVAndre had been behaving erratic in the house in the last few days, which I had noted and reported to Freda. Despite my distrust for Freda, I had gone out of her way to report my errant husband and trusted Freda to do what was necessary.It’s been three days since he last ate dinner at home, and I made sure to include that in the report I gave to Freda. Now Freda had invited both of us to dinner, possibly to resolve the issue. I knew quite well that I could be nailed on a cross at the dinner, but I decided to take the risk.Intentionally arriving a little late for the dinner, I wanted to make the impression to the icy queen, as her children liked to call her, that I wasn’t someone that could be ordered around but that I still respected their family.The chairs were arranged from the top to the bottom; the table was heavily loaded with foods from different cultures and settings, even though only a few plates of them would be consumed. I was confused to see the number of chai
Last Updated : 2024-05-12TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter Ninety-Three
Andre’s POV I was in the trenches, visiting our supervisors on our upcoming projects. The Trenches, as we preferred to call them, were the ghetto areas of the city—the vermin that scoured the beautiful landscape of our urban city. The name was derived from a song of the same name, narrating the sufferings of soldiers trapped in trenches in the Second World War and how they were similar to the people caught in the crossfire of poverty, trapped in the ghetto. Driving through the Trenches is usually a rough and demanding experience, with the poverty-stricken air attacking through all your senses. Right from the pathway that leads to the residential areas, you start to feel the nausea welling through you. Underdressed and malnourished children, mothers with tiny bodies and expectant faces, cheap alcohol, and prostitution were the things you could surely find here, among a few others. They had even formed their own type of government—an authoritative man claiming to listen and fight fo
Last Updated : 2024-05-12TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter Ninety-Four
Now, here they were at the dinner party. It was more of a trap, and Freda was the mastermind behind it all. She had honed her manipulative skills and was ready to put them to use at this event. Andre looked around, pitying the ignorant CEOs who had attended. The workers walked around in an organised manner, tending to the needs of everyone at the table. Filling cups with wines and filling plates with foods, the house workers made sure everyone had their fill while they exchanged pleasantries, conversing in small talks. Hermione, seated directly in front of Andre, engaged him in a conversation, trying to prove to Kathy that she was closer to Andre than Kathy. “Hey brother, how’s the business?” “We’re topping the charts, as you can see.” He replied absent-mindedly. Hermione noticed his attitude and decided to try another angle. “So… Mum told me we are expecting a grandchild,” she sneered while eyeing Kathy, who had suddenly become uncomfortable in her dress. “And... how is that a
Last Updated : 2024-05-13TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter Ninety-Five
The television reporter looked high and gay in her dress, beaming smiles from ear to ear as she welcomed both me and Cameron to the studio’s dressing room at the ABCN corporation, one of the biggest media moguls in the region.Featuring on this TV show was a sure ticket to garnering recognition, both locally and internationally. The presenter’s assistant came into the dressing room, passing some sticky notes to us as we relaxed on the plush cushions.Soon after, the TV presenter, a stocky woman in her late twenties with a body shape that made teenagers jealous and heads turn, walked into the room, pulsating the aura of buzz that was expected from someone of her class and profession.Her retro-styled packed ponytail rested softly at the back of her nape, while her suit seemed to be tailored from heaven, fitting perfectly to her streamlined body. She walked closer to us and extended her arms, a wave of sweet-smelling female cologne sweeping through the air.“Hi, I’m Millie Pedro, your p
Last Updated : 2024-05-13TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter Ninety-Six
The studio was much more than we saw on television. It was a sleek modern space with a professional atmosphere as the crew scattered themselves in different parts of the room to enable them to take the conversation from multiple angles. I looked around, drinking in the aesthetics of the building: a neutral grey paint on the walls and a polished black floor. A large, curved desk was sitting at the centre of the room with three chairs positioned on either side, which meant one for the reporter and the other two for me and Cameron. The most breathtaking part was when Millie pressed a button and one section of the wall mechanically slid away, revealing a breathtaking view of the city. In the final settings, the strong light transitioned to soft, warm lighting, illuminating the space with a combination of floor lamps and overhead lights that created a flattering glow. Looking to the other side, away from the eyes of the cameras, was a small table with a pitcher of water atop it. “So o
Last Updated : 2024-05-14
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TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter Two hundred and three
Andre’s POV Two Years LaterMy mother was upset that I had gone behind her back to sabotage her. To sell her company to that little brat—that is what she refers to Lana as now—who knew nothing about business, but I did not have to tell her that it was either that or see her remanded in prison. To watch everything I had and everyone I loved taken away from me. I did not need to tell her that we were lucky we had a choice. The poor girl had no choice back then and had to take life as it was handed to her. My mother would live—abort sourly—but at least she would still live. We could build back the company even if it took a long time. Thankfully, all she had back then was a minor heart attack. As for the little brat, Lana, she and Cameron got married two years ago and have spent the last two years of their marriage touring the world.I was envious of the love they found. The comfort they gave each other, the strength in their numbers, but as time went on, I too was beginning to live wi
TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter Two hundred and two
Lana’s POV The house was still the same way I remembered it. The chairs, the arm stool, and the and the settees All of the arrangements were still the same, and it struck a chord of familiarity within me. I settled into the plush armchair and watched Andre move towards the bar, his demeanour calm and composed. It was hard to reconcile this composed man with the man I had known years ago. Andre returned with a glass of red wine, just the way I liked it. He handed it to me, then sat across from me. “Have you come to a conclusion regarding what we discussed?” I crossed my legs, one above the other, and stared blankly at him. “Regarding what exactly? The only thing I remember that we have yet to talk about are the kids and how we’ll split their days between us. Other than that, I don't think we have any unfinished business. Except you are talking about signing the documents, which would see me as the new CEO of Ranhold.” Andre heaved a long sigh and rubbed his temples. Was he beginnin
TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter Two hundred and one
Lana’s POV We spent the next week gathering evidence against Freda and meeting with potential witnesses who could testify against her if we were to take her to court, but it seemed as though that would not be needed. It was some time towards the end of the week when what was going to be our break happened. It came in the form of André getting a recognition award. I had no idea what his relationship with Freda had been like following everything that had happened lately, so I cannot talk about that. But upon receiving the award, Freda was so happy with her son that she decided to allow him to make certain decisions that regarded the leadership of Ranhold. In the past, André had been nothing but a figurehead. Although he sat in the CEO position, his mother, Freda, usually handled all the decision-making, and everyone knew this. He was useless, and if it was important that his signature be appended to a document, he had to get permission from Freda first before doing it. But now, all
TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter Two hundred
Lana’s POV Back at my apartment, we laid out all the new information we had gathered. It felt like we were finally making progress, and the weight of uncertainty was beginning to lift. But then a call entered my phone, which was going to either bring everything crashing down on us again or continue pushing us forward.We had laid everything on the table in front of us, and we were about to start sitting through them when the ringtone of my phone shattered through the peace, quiet, and anxiety that had settled over us. Sighing and thinking it was from one of my colleagues at Lukem, I pulled the phone from my pocket and paused when I saw the caller ID displaying on my screen.“Hmmm... Andre.” I said it out loud, alerting the other guys to who the caller was. Without waiting for their response, I swiped on the screen and placed the phone in my ear. “Hey, Andre.” I greeted. “What’s going on?”“I found something.” He announced. From over the phone, I could not make out the time of his vo
TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter One hundred and Ninety-nine
Lana’s POV Fred smiled warmly, taking a seat beside Clara. “It’s been a long time, Aunt Clara. We have so much to catch up on, but there’s something important we need to ask you about first.”Clara looked at him. “Of course, anything. What do you need to know?”Fred glanced at me, and I handed Clara the letter. “We found this among my father’s papers. It mentions a promise to protect you. We need to understand what happened.”Clara took the letter and began reading it. As she read through it, I noticed the change in her expression. She took a deep breath and glanced up at us. “This... this brings back memories I thought I’d buried. Your mother and Mr. West were the best friends I ever had. But there was more to it, and it brought trouble or would have brought trouble had Mr. West not decided to act in what he believed to be the best interest of everyone, including your mother. Fred’s face lightened up, as did mine. “What do you mean?”Clara sighed. “Secrets.” She whispered. “Anne an
TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter One hundred and ninety-eight
Lana’s POVFred shrugged. “She hinted at societal expectations and family obligations,” he replied. “But she didn’t give specifics. I think she knows a lot more than she’s letting on.”I nodded slowly. “My father never mentioned anything about your mother or you and Kathy. And I started going through his papers; maybe I would find something.”Fred’s expression softened. “I’m sorry you had to find out this way, but it is not to be helped. I cannot say I know how you feel or what you are feeling right now. Finding out that a person you think you know has another side, which you have no idea of, can really do something to you.”I reached out and touched Fred’s hand briefly. “We’ll figure it out together. I have some of my father’s old letters and documents that might help us piece things together. Maybe we can confront Freda again with more concrete questions? What do you think? Right now, she’s the only person who can give us answers, and we are not even on good terms.”We returned to m
TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter One hundred and ninety-seven
Narrator’s POV Freda’s smile faltered for the briefest of moments, a shadow crossing her eyes before she quickly regained her composure. She leaned back in her chair, interlacing her fingers and resting them on her desk.“That’s quite a heavy topic, Fred,” she said, her tone now more serious. “Why are you suddenly interested in this?”Fred shrugged. “Perhaps after Kathy’s death, I realised something. I just want to know why he abandoned my mother, why he chose his other family above us, and why he caused us so much pain and loss. I want to understand all of these things; perhaps it would help me forgive, let go, and move on.”A shadow of a smile crossed Freda’s face. “Ahhhh... I guess it runs in the family then.” Fred narrowed his eyes, wondering what she meant by that statement. “I don’t understand. What runs in the family?”Freda stood to her feet and approached the floor-to-ceiling window, which offered a great view of the city. From here, he could view the city’s skyline and wat
TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter One hundred and ninety-six
Narrator’s POV Freda’s office was located on the uppermost floor of the skyscraper that acted as Ranhold’s headquarters, a detail that made Fred pause as he stepped out of the taxi five minutes ago. He blinked against the rays of sunlight reflecting off the monolithic structure of steel and glass, momentarily blinded. The reflective surface mirrored the city below, creating an illusion of infinite depth.The other buildings around it were similar in their grandeur, each with its own unique design. For the umpteenth time since his arrival in the city, Fred was reminded of how little he had traveled. There were places outside of his known world yet to be explored, and this city of steel and glass was one of them. He had spent—wasted—five minutes entranced by the sleek, modern design, temporarily forgetting his purpose for being there.Pulling himself back to reality, he straightened his suit and approached the entrance. The revolving glass doors spun smoothly, ushering him into a grand
TOO GOOD TO LEAVE TOO BAD TO STAY Chapter One hundred and Ninety-five
Lana’s POVI took tentative steps towards the bouquet. Whether unconsciously or by some reflex response in our system, we all had taken steps away from the bouquet. For some reason, we felt threatened by it. This was not the first time we would receive threats disguised as gifts, and I guess that has taught us a lesson. Slowly, I pulled out the card in the bouquet and glanced at Cameron and Sally, who both gave me curt nods. I opened it and began reading it aloud. “Congratulations on Zoe’s recovery. Best wishes for the future. – Freda.”The room fell silent as the implications of the message sank in. Sally was the first to break the silence. “Freda has acted once again. First of all, it was an almost dead bird on my door, and now congratulatory bouquet?”My grip on the card tightened. “Is this supposed to mean something?”Cameron stepped closer, resting his hand on the small of my back. “Hey, we’ll keep our guard up. She’s only trying to play mind games, but we won’t give her the sat
