Chapter 5
LYLA'S P.O.V My legs were frozen all of a sudden. It felt like I was glued to my position. My body began to tremble like I was thrown into a pool of ice. Why was I suddenly shaking? I let the pictures in my hand fall and slowly covered them with another file. “Lyla Thompson,” the voice called my name. I recognized it without turning. It was Mr. Blackwood. What was he doing here by this time? Or rather, what was I doing in his office? A smile laced on my lips as I turned swiftly. “Mr. Blackwood. Didn't expect to see you here,” I blurted. His gaze shifted from me to the floor, but I stepped right in front of the files immediately. “I'm sorry, didn't recognize this was an office,” I added immediately. He inched closer to me. Every step he took toward me made my heart race faster than ever. But my pretty smile was on. I believed that it would cover up the fear brewing in me. “Are those tears? Are you okay, Lyla?” He asked. He sounded concerned. I didn't realize my tears were still obvious. Neither did I care if he was concerned about my tears. All I wanted was to get out of the office, safely. “Yeah, something got into my eyes. Couldn't locate the restroom, so I found this door open and thought I should check if there was here,” I answered quickly. I guessed he noticed how tensed I was from the way I was breathing. He didn't seem to suspect anything. He just kept his gaze fixed on me. He took one more step and I could feel his breath fanning against my face. “Urmm…” I stuttered. “Grey must be looking for me,” I found my words. I expected him to step away immediately. At least he would understand that his son loved seeing his wife by his side. Maybe he did know of Grey's hate for women. Maybe he didn't. I took a step to the left, but he followed with a step. “You seem tensed. Did Grey hurt you?” He asked. Why was he asking all these? Why did he care? Wasn't he among those who agreed to marry me off to his son? Why act concerned all of a sudden? More thoughts ran through my head with his gaze still fixed on me. He wasn't going to do anything stupid. At least that I know. Deep down, I wanted to stare back into his eyes. Although he was of age, Mr. Blackwood had this unique aura and dreamy eyes which was a rare feature for men of his age. I bet Grey's alluring and charming looks came from him. I only wondered what he looked like when he was little. I was trying to avoid those dreamy eyes of his. But his scent was all around me. He was in my space. How was I supposed to walk out? “You haven't answered me, Lyla,” “Grey? No. No. Grey and I are perfect. I just walked him off to the hall and returned to get my purse. Grey wouldn't harm me,” I defended his never-loving son. All this was just to get away. I needed to leave the office. “Don't lie to me, Lyla,” his husked voice breathed over my forehead. I felt a jolt of lightning travel through my nerves as his breath fanned against my head. What was he trying to do? “Why are you here?” He asked, taking closer steps to me. I couldn't help but take steps backward. I hadn't even looked at him ever since he walked into the office. He cupped my face in my hands, slowly lifting my face to his level. My head was tilted upwards, but my eyes were down. “Are you scared of looking me in the eye?” He threw another question. My heart raced faster as I caught a quick glimpse of the door which was still open. What if Grey walked in and found us in this awkward position? “No, I'm not. I just… I just think it's umm… umm…. inappropriate for us to be in this kind of position,” I stuttered. I felt his thumb brush my cheek with his palms still cupping my chin. “Then look into my eyes. I don't bite,” he said. With every courage and strength, I raised my eyes till they were staring directly into his. Good God! How can a fifty-two-year-old man be this good-looking? His green eyes weren't so bright, but they were Charming. I had rarely encountered men of his age with such good looks. Damn! His genes are strong. My brain flooded with dirty thoughts as our eyes stayed locked on each other. He didn't say anything. He was just silently staring into my eyes. His hand slowly let go of my chin, and I could feel it travel to the back of my dress. I felt a jolt of electricity in my body as his fingertips touched my back. I didn't realize my zip was open. “Your zip is undone. You need help?” He whispered into my ear. Fuck! This man! I shouldn't be in this position with him. What was I supposed to reply? Yes? No? My entire body went numb. I tried saying something, but my voice was gone. “I'll take it as a yes then,” Mr. Blackwood said. In his attempt to go behind me, I stopped him immediately. Going behind me meant finding the pictures scattered with the documents. Who knew what he was hiding? The fact that my pictures were in his office meant there was something Snoopy going on. I couldn't let him see it. “I'm fine, totally fine,” I forced a smile, taking his palm and rubbing it softly. I didn't understand why I chose that part, but I felt it was best seeing he was already driving that way. I pulled into him. He was way taller than me, so to reach his ear, I had to stand on my toes. “I can help myself, Mr. Blackwood, unless you insist” I whispered into his ear. I let my feet down, but they shot back up as I felt his hand grab my ass. He squeezed onto it, keeping me on my toes. The shock I felt that instant was nothing compared to when he bumped into me with the files on the floor. My heart was crying to be freed from his firm grip. “You should probably…” I tried taking off his hands off my ass, but he held my hand behind me, crossed it over my back, and pulled me further into him. I could feel his bulge. It felt like it was caged and was in a rage to be freed. “You shouldn't have said that,” his thick husky voice whispered in my ear. Yeah, I shouldn't have said that. I was staring into his eyes, hoping he would remember the fact that I was his son's wife. But it became plain to me that these two men were so sexually driven. A few minutes ago, I was being forced by Grey to have sex with him in the office. Now I'm with his dad, who doesn't mind that the door to his office is open. “We shouldn't be doing this,” I managed to say amidst my hard breaths. His hand was trailing into my gown, till I could feel it on my innerwear. I felt two of his fingers slide against my pants. An evil smile tore through his face after realizing how wet I was. “Good,” he whispered into my ear. With his other hand, he grabbed my hand and placed it on his throbbing dick. If this was the only way I was going to successfully prevent him from finding out that I found my pictures in his office, then so be it! I grabbed onto it, and he let out a soft moan I'm my ear. “Good girl,” his voice came whispering as I felt his fingers thrust into me. “Fuck,” I couldn't but moan. I leaned into his neck, slowly bringing him to the ground. He stretched my legs apart and traveled his tongue down there. I took the opportunity to search for the pictures with my other hand. When I found them, I forced them into the file on the floor and pushed them away. It wasn't long after he began eating me that we heard the door leading to the office section close with a loud bang. “Lyla!” My name thundered in the quiet hall. Mr. Blackwood's head shot out from underneath my gown immediately. Our eyes stayed met each other's, and I could tell he was enjoying himself. “Someone's coming,” he muttered. *****Chaptewhat'sLYLA'S P.O.V“Why are you in my father's office?” Grey asked. His eyes were scanning the entire office as he stood before me. His eyes were heavy. I couldn't tell if he was drunk or he had been crying.“I needed some time alone,” I replied to him. “In my father's office,” he returned immediately. I knew I wasn't supposed to reply to him again. I just stood there, gazing innocently at him. His eyes were red, and I concluded he had been crying. But why? Could it have anything to do with what Janet said about his troubled past? “Are you hurt? You seem upset,” I advanced towards him, but he made me halt instantly with his palms widely open before him.“Did you see my dad?” He asked. “No. No. I didn't,” I stammered. My gaze traveled to where Mr. Blackwood was hiding. I could see the hem of his ash trousers. I sighed my fear away, turning back to Grey.“But someone saw him heading this way,” Grey said to me. He began walking toward his dad's table. The closet where Mr. Blac
Chapter 7THE PRANKLYLA'S POVThe heavens pour out in a distant land, and the chilliness of the morning reveals so - My lips tremble, my hands so cold. As the Leaves tickle down a dew, with the silent drizzle, I tuckle down in my bed.There I was lying in my king-sized bed, alone, - thinking about everything that had just happened, especially the emergency call I got from home. it left quite a mark on my psyche. I watched the clock slowly tick as I broke down in tears.I could hardly keep my acts together. I was shaking basically. I just hope my mom is safe, I mumbled. My dad sounded so worried that he requested my presence the next morning.I haven't heard from my mom ever since my arranged wedding. I just hope the Blackwoods kept to their end of the bargain, otherwise.. eventually, I fell asleep.The day dawned crisp and clear, the sun rats escaped through my window into my room.I woke up to the alarm beeping, growing louder as I lay, procrastinating the smack to shut off the soun
LYLA'S P.O.VI woke up with a baggage of past yesterday's, hefty melancholy fogs my heart's Chambers. My mind doesn't want to open its doors. I rub my eyes to tell myself— it starts again.The cycle of days I kept paddling. I wrap my quilt with little unease. Looks like my arms lack vigor. My heart's allied with my body, both disheartened with fate’s conspiracy. Should I tell myself to change my perspective? Can I dig into my past?What if I am unable to do so? Doesn't matter, I can't get too close before my husband gets too suspicious. The sun has already crossed its rising point. I dragged myself to hydrate and hurried to the bathroom. A few minutes later, a knock came at my door. Still on my towel, I hurried to the door and flung it. “Mr Blackwoods here to see you,” Janet said comfortably. My heart skipped a beat as it was palpitated. I have been avoiding him ever since that one night of incident. Now he was at the Blackwoods mansion. Is he trying to blackmail me emotionally?Di
Chapter 9Most times, the most difficult moments in one's life are when you are in a dilemma to make such risky decisions. As I lay restlessly in bed all night, lost in the depths of my thoughts, I weighed the precarious odds and potential benefits of my situation. The tangled web of relationships had captured me completely. Mr. Blackwood's relentless pursuit continued incessantly, despite our familial ties. His persistence both intrigued and unsettled me, casting shadows of doubt on the affinal bond we shared. Is he even aware of the situation we are in?? Does he even respect his son? Oh well, it is a planned marriage, what else would I have expected from such circumstances?As I pondered and fought with my thoughts, a question crossed my mind like lightning. Why me? Why will they use it as a price to help with my mother's bills? It's not like Grey has any feelings towards me, could it be that Mr Blackwood wanted me for himself? Why didn't he just marry me, why would he marry me t
I suddenly developed wobbly feet as he was the last person I wanted to see that morning. Hello wife, he suddenly said as he looked up at my eye area. I immediately covered my body with the blanket on the bed. He turned around, locked the door, and started moving slowly towards me. We have an unfinished business and I hope you remember because I will remind you in the process. There was this wicked smirk on his face, hmm you are not that bad after all and at this moment, my heart raced as though it wanted to fall out of my chest, I was already teary and scared. He held on to the blanket which I was already too weak to hold tightly and he slowly unwrapped it. His eyes were fixed on my breast and without hesitance, he grabbed them with both hands and I winced in both pain and this unfamiliar pleasure, don't worry, by the time I'm done, you will scream down the whole Blackwood mansion. Suddenly I got the courage to talk, I'm I'm going somewhere, Grey, please can this wai tt, I wasn't
LYLA’S POVThe norm in every billionaire's mansion was a series of parties to celebrate the small wins. No matter how little or insignificant they might look, a party will always be thrown. I made my way out of the room after getting dressed for about an hour. I had waited for another for Grey’s arrival until I was told he’ll be closing late from work. Todays occasion was Elena’s boutique grand-opening after party. I was more than uninterested to attend it. But it was mandatory for every Blackwood. Janet was already waiting at the door by the time I got there. She and the other servants were dressed in a different uniform. She walked me down the hall and stood by my side for a few more seconds. “When did they say Grey would be arriving?” I asked, scanning the hall. “No specific time regarding Mr. Blackwood’s arrival was given, my lady,” Janet answered. I sighed and took a glass of wine from a waiter who was crossing by. Just as I was about taking a sip, I saw Greys father. His e
LYLAS POV“Grey,” Jacob Blackwood called his son with so much surprise in his tone. He dragged the name until he was facing Grey. The expression on Greys face was one that informed me to leave. I followed my instincts, walking away from his father.Greys hand obstructed my path as he stretched it out. His face didn’t turn to me, instead, they stared at his father with curiosity. “What’s going on?” He asked. “Mr. Blackwood only wanted to…”“I asked my father, pretty,” Grey interrupted me. Did he just call me pretty? That was the first time something sweet came out from his mouth which was directed towards me. All my days in the mansion, he’d barely paid any attention to me. “Your wife was a good pick, son. And I heard she’s good with art,” his father’s smile grew as he covered the gap between him and his son. Grey made a nod, his hand dropping as he joined his father at the center of the balcony. There was tension between them, and for a moment I thought Grey knew. My heart sank as
Lyla hurriedly got down of the taxi, rushing into her family's apartment across the street without even bothering to check for incoming vehicles. She hung her coat and proceeded to the room.“Lyla” her dad called as she walked in.“What did the doctor say?” She sat beside her I'll mother, taking her palm in her hand and pressing her lips softly against it.“Same thing,she needs the surgery immediately or we'd lose her”She felt a burning sensation in her heart as the thought of losing her mother crossed her mind. She had just lost her best friend to a car accident the previous year. One more loss of a loved one and she could go down the drain.“This is the only option Lyla,”her father's voice said gently, pulling her out of her thoughts. He had a brown envelope in his hand which was stretched towards Lyla. She stared at the envelope curiously before taking it slowly.“What's this dad?” she asked, tearing off its sealed top and reaching for the paper inside.“That's the only solution”
LYLAS POV“Grey,” Jacob Blackwood called his son with so much surprise in his tone. He dragged the name until he was facing Grey. The expression on Greys face was one that informed me to leave. I followed my instincts, walking away from his father.Greys hand obstructed my path as he stretched it out. His face didn’t turn to me, instead, they stared at his father with curiosity. “What’s going on?” He asked. “Mr. Blackwood only wanted to…”“I asked my father, pretty,” Grey interrupted me. Did he just call me pretty? That was the first time something sweet came out from his mouth which was directed towards me. All my days in the mansion, he’d barely paid any attention to me. “Your wife was a good pick, son. And I heard she’s good with art,” his father’s smile grew as he covered the gap between him and his son. Grey made a nod, his hand dropping as he joined his father at the center of the balcony. There was tension between them, and for a moment I thought Grey knew. My heart sank as
LYLA’S POVThe norm in every billionaire's mansion was a series of parties to celebrate the small wins. No matter how little or insignificant they might look, a party will always be thrown. I made my way out of the room after getting dressed for about an hour. I had waited for another for Grey’s arrival until I was told he’ll be closing late from work. Todays occasion was Elena’s boutique grand-opening after party. I was more than uninterested to attend it. But it was mandatory for every Blackwood. Janet was already waiting at the door by the time I got there. She and the other servants were dressed in a different uniform. She walked me down the hall and stood by my side for a few more seconds. “When did they say Grey would be arriving?” I asked, scanning the hall. “No specific time regarding Mr. Blackwood’s arrival was given, my lady,” Janet answered. I sighed and took a glass of wine from a waiter who was crossing by. Just as I was about taking a sip, I saw Greys father. His e
I suddenly developed wobbly feet as he was the last person I wanted to see that morning. Hello wife, he suddenly said as he looked up at my eye area. I immediately covered my body with the blanket on the bed. He turned around, locked the door, and started moving slowly towards me. We have an unfinished business and I hope you remember because I will remind you in the process. There was this wicked smirk on his face, hmm you are not that bad after all and at this moment, my heart raced as though it wanted to fall out of my chest, I was already teary and scared. He held on to the blanket which I was already too weak to hold tightly and he slowly unwrapped it. His eyes were fixed on my breast and without hesitance, he grabbed them with both hands and I winced in both pain and this unfamiliar pleasure, don't worry, by the time I'm done, you will scream down the whole Blackwood mansion. Suddenly I got the courage to talk, I'm I'm going somewhere, Grey, please can this wai tt, I wasn't
Chapter 9Most times, the most difficult moments in one's life are when you are in a dilemma to make such risky decisions. As I lay restlessly in bed all night, lost in the depths of my thoughts, I weighed the precarious odds and potential benefits of my situation. The tangled web of relationships had captured me completely. Mr. Blackwood's relentless pursuit continued incessantly, despite our familial ties. His persistence both intrigued and unsettled me, casting shadows of doubt on the affinal bond we shared. Is he even aware of the situation we are in?? Does he even respect his son? Oh well, it is a planned marriage, what else would I have expected from such circumstances?As I pondered and fought with my thoughts, a question crossed my mind like lightning. Why me? Why will they use it as a price to help with my mother's bills? It's not like Grey has any feelings towards me, could it be that Mr Blackwood wanted me for himself? Why didn't he just marry me, why would he marry me t
LYLA'S P.O.VI woke up with a baggage of past yesterday's, hefty melancholy fogs my heart's Chambers. My mind doesn't want to open its doors. I rub my eyes to tell myself— it starts again.The cycle of days I kept paddling. I wrap my quilt with little unease. Looks like my arms lack vigor. My heart's allied with my body, both disheartened with fate’s conspiracy. Should I tell myself to change my perspective? Can I dig into my past?What if I am unable to do so? Doesn't matter, I can't get too close before my husband gets too suspicious. The sun has already crossed its rising point. I dragged myself to hydrate and hurried to the bathroom. A few minutes later, a knock came at my door. Still on my towel, I hurried to the door and flung it. “Mr Blackwoods here to see you,” Janet said comfortably. My heart skipped a beat as it was palpitated. I have been avoiding him ever since that one night of incident. Now he was at the Blackwoods mansion. Is he trying to blackmail me emotionally?Di
Chapter 7THE PRANKLYLA'S POVThe heavens pour out in a distant land, and the chilliness of the morning reveals so - My lips tremble, my hands so cold. As the Leaves tickle down a dew, with the silent drizzle, I tuckle down in my bed.There I was lying in my king-sized bed, alone, - thinking about everything that had just happened, especially the emergency call I got from home. it left quite a mark on my psyche. I watched the clock slowly tick as I broke down in tears.I could hardly keep my acts together. I was shaking basically. I just hope my mom is safe, I mumbled. My dad sounded so worried that he requested my presence the next morning.I haven't heard from my mom ever since my arranged wedding. I just hope the Blackwoods kept to their end of the bargain, otherwise.. eventually, I fell asleep.The day dawned crisp and clear, the sun rats escaped through my window into my room.I woke up to the alarm beeping, growing louder as I lay, procrastinating the smack to shut off the soun
Chaptewhat'sLYLA'S P.O.V“Why are you in my father's office?” Grey asked. His eyes were scanning the entire office as he stood before me. His eyes were heavy. I couldn't tell if he was drunk or he had been crying.“I needed some time alone,” I replied to him. “In my father's office,” he returned immediately. I knew I wasn't supposed to reply to him again. I just stood there, gazing innocently at him. His eyes were red, and I concluded he had been crying. But why? Could it have anything to do with what Janet said about his troubled past? “Are you hurt? You seem upset,” I advanced towards him, but he made me halt instantly with his palms widely open before him.“Did you see my dad?” He asked. “No. No. I didn't,” I stammered. My gaze traveled to where Mr. Blackwood was hiding. I could see the hem of his ash trousers. I sighed my fear away, turning back to Grey.“But someone saw him heading this way,” Grey said to me. He began walking toward his dad's table. The closet where Mr. Blac
Chapter 5LYLA'S P.O.VMy legs were frozen all of a sudden. It felt like I was glued to my position. My body began to tremble like I was thrown into a pool of ice. Why was I suddenly shaking?I let the pictures in my hand fall and slowly covered them with another file. “Lyla Thompson,” the voice called my name. I recognized it without turning. It was Mr. Blackwood. What was he doing here by this time? Or rather, what was I doing in his office? A smile laced on my lips as I turned swiftly. “Mr. Blackwood. Didn't expect to see you here,” I blurted. His gaze shifted from me to the floor, but I stepped right in front of the files immediately. “I'm sorry, didn't recognize this was an office,” I added immediately.He inched closer to me. Every step he took toward me made my heart race faster than ever. But my pretty smile was on. I believed that it would cover up the fear brewing in me. “Are those tears? Are you okay, Lyla?” He asked. He sounded concerned. I didn't realize my tears were
Lyla washed off and went back into her room. There was a red dress lying in wait on her bed. She cuddled her towel properly as she watched the servants creep in and out of her room, setting one or two together.“Janet,” she sighed Janet and called her. Janet got to her and genuflected. “What's going on?”“It's the tenth anniversary of the Blackwoods dynasty. Usually celebrated every fourth night of the sixth month,” she responded.The Blackwoods were very prominent in Manhattan, New York City. They dealt in various areas of the economy, ranging from finance, electricity, real estate, art and designs, interior decorations, and construction. No one knew how Mr. Blackwood was able to acquire all these. He delved into a lot of profitable businesses, placing his name at the top of the board.The anniversary was a way of creating awareness of how the journey has been. Influential and prominent people, popular models, usually graced the event with their presence.Lyla saw it as a lot to tak