The day had finally come, a coffin was placed in the middle while people dressed up in black surrounded it. The framed picture of a young girl with a beaming smile sat on top of the closed coffin.“We are gathered here today, to not only console the grieving family but to also pray for and share all the loving memories we had with Miss Layla Johnson.” The Reverend began the service. “We will start with whoever wishes to begin then we will round up with her parents.”Someone from the crowd raised up her hands. “My name is Rebecca Milton, I used to be a classmate to the deceased. Trust me when I say that I was not the least close to Layla. I was actually jealous of her, I envied her beaming smile, her elegant steps, her charismatic words and her beautiful aura. Each time I stared at her I saw a competition and not a human. When I heard of Layla's death I was stunned, I spent half of my life in the shadows trying to surpass Layla. Now I have no idea what to do with my life, maybe I will
FOUR YEARS LATER:A man is seated in a spacious office, files are scattered across his table. When a lady walks into his office, with a stack of files in her hands.“Is there a problem? Carol.” The man asked, still engrossed in his laptop.“Well I reviewed these files and discovered that there had been some sort of miscalculations made in the company's records.”The man was about to reply when his phone suddenly started ringing. He stared at the caller Id and hissed loudly. He decided to ignore the call but the caller was persistent so he decided to pick up the call.“What is it?” The man asked, picking up the call.“What's up bro, I called to invite you to Imani’s baby shower.” The person at the other end of the phone announced happily. But the man remained silent. “Why are you so quiet Michael? Are you not happy for me?”“When is it?” Michael asked, ignoring his questions.“Tomorrow.” Vince replied.“And I am being told about this now.” Michael commented. “Did you ever consider the
Michael sat on the edge of his king-sized bed, a towel draped over his waist, droplets of water still dripping from the tips of his wet hair. The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the luxurious room. He reached for his phone on the bedside table. As he scrolled through his emails, his phone rang, displaying an unknown number.Expecting it might be the masked model, he picked up the call. "Hello, this is Michael.""Good morning, Mr. Brown. This is Jerry, the manager of the masked model you spoke to at The Rosewood Hotel, yesterday."“Good morning, Jerry. What can I do for you?""Your business proposal intrigued her, and she informed me about it. I'd like to discuss it further."Michael leaned back against the headboard, his curiosity deepening. "I was hoping to discuss it over lunch with her directly."“I'm afraid that's not possible. Any business matters must go through me. We can meet for lunch, and I'll convey the details to her."Jerry said, politely
Three sleek, black cars pulled up in front of the towering building of Brown's Inc, their glossy surfaces reflecting the morning sunlight. The building, an architectural marvel of glass and steel, stood tall against the city skyline. As the cars came to a halt, a bulky man dressed in black emerged from the first vehicle. He made his way to the middle car and opened the back door.Jerry stepped out first, adjusting his suit jacket and scanning the area with a keen eye. He then extended a hand, and the masked model gracefully exited the vehicle. Her face as usual was hidden behind the mask that had become her signature. She was flanked by a team of security guards, who formed a protective circle around her as they moved towards the entrance of the building.Inside the grand lobby of Brown's Inc, the receptionist, a young woman with a professional demeanor, looked up in awe as the entourage approached. "Good morning. How can I assist you?" She asked, her eyes briefly meeting The masked m
Li Sun Mi slipped into her purple pajamas, the soft fabric gliding over her skin. She moved to her room's dressing table and began her nightly skincare routine, applying a hydrating facial mask. The mask felt cool and soothing. She glanced at the reflection of Jerry, who was seated on the edge of her bed, legs crossed with a concerned expression on his face."You shouldn't give out too much information about yourself.” Jerry warned, referring to her discussion earlier with Vince.Li Sun Mi sighed, adjusting the mask on her face. "I guess I got too comfortable.” She admitted.Jerry's brow furrowed. "Your parents would have my head if any harm befalls you.” He said.She turned to face him, leaning against the vanity. "I know, Jerry. It's just... I feel different when I'm around Michael. There's something about him that makes me feel safe, like I can be myself.”Jerry looked at her thoughtfully. "Different how?"Li Sun Mi paused, searching for the right words. "It's hard to explain. I fe
Michael stood in the expansive lobby of the event center, his phone pressed to his ear as he spoke with one of the event planners. Around him, people bustled about, setting up decorations and adjusting lighting fixtures, it was a hive of activity."Yes, I understand the requirements. Please ensure everything is in place by tomorrow morning," Michael instructed.As he ended the call, he glanced at his watch, noting the time. The preparations were progressing well, thanks to the meticulous planning of the event team. Just then, he spotted Vince striding towards him through the bustling crowd."Michael!" Vince greeted. "How are the preparations going?" He inquired.Michael turned to face his friend, a brief smile touching his lips. "Everything is on track. The event planners are making good progress."Vince nodded, suddenly his expression became serious. "That's good to hear. I also wanted to talk to you about something else."Michael raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"Vince hesitated for
The day for the remembrance ceremony finally came, guests mingled quietly. At the front of the room, a large photograph of Layla smiled down on them, capturing her vibrant spirit.Imani stood at the podium with her protruding belly, her eyes glistening with tears as she looked out over the assembled guests. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before speaking."Thank you all for coming to remember Layla with us.” Imani began. "She was a bright light in our lives, and though she's no longer with us, her memory lives on in our hearts."Imani paused, glancing at the photograph of Layla. “I remember this one time during a camping trip in middle school, Layla decided she wanted to bake cookies for everyone. But instead of sugar, she accidentally used salt. The look on her face when we all took a bite was priceless! She was so embarrassed, but we all ended up laughing about it for days.” Imani said and the guests chuckled softly.One of Layla's friends, Sarah, stepped forward to s
Michael boarded a plane that took himself, Carol, his company's manager, Sun Mi, Jerry, Vince, Imani and all other business partners to Korea for the preparation of the grand opening of his new branch.Michael, Jerry, Sun Mi, Carol, and a few others boarded business class. While Mrs. Brown, Imani, Vince and other well wishers boarded the first class.IN THE FIRST CLASS:Imani and Vince sat opposite each other, while Mrs Brown sat together with a friend of hers who was around the same age as her.“Have you received any valuable updates on Layla's mother's whereabouts?” Imani asked Vince, while nibbling on a cupcake.“Not yet, he is quite a busy man. He should find something by tonight.” Vince replied, letting out a deep breath. “How are you feeling? You know the doctor advised you not to travel in your condition but you insisted.”“I feel fine Vince, I am perfectly fine. I just desperately wish to lay my eyes on Mrs Johnson, it's been such a long time.” Imani replied, still munching
River's POV:We were done with the appetizer in no time, we moved to the main course which we had Beef Wellington and Lobster Tail. Then for the side dish we had Truffle Mashed Potatoes and a White Rice Pilaf. Finally for dessert we had Tiramisu (an Italian dessert) and Chocolates Fondant.We were currently seated at the dining table sipping champagne from a fancy new glass.When Michelle decided to break the silence. “So River, I heard that you studied History, is that true?”‘Oh boy here we go again. What is it with these people and my choice of study.’“Well yes I did. In Fact, I work as a manager of one of the greatest Museums in England.” I added to lessen her criticisms but it seemed to only fuel it the more.“So you are in it for the money?” She asked rhetorically.“Same question I wanted to ask the other time we met.” Natalie (Derek's aunt) chimned in.“Well, no I am not in it for the money, I am in it for the passion.” I replied.“So what about your father's business, do you
River's POV:We were done with the appetizer in no time, we moved to the main course which we had Beef Wellington and Lobster Tail. Then for the side dish we had Truffle Mashed Potatoes and a White Rice Pilaf. Finally for dessert we had Tiramisu (an Italian dessert) and Chocolates Fondant.We were currently seated at the dining table sipping champagne from a fancy new glass.When Michelle decided to break the silence. “So River, I heard that you studied History, is that true?”‘Oh boy here we go again. What is it with these people and my choice of study.’“Well yes I did. In Fact, I work as a manager of one of the greatest Museums in England.” I added to lessen her criticisms but it seemed to only fuel it the more.“So you are in it for the money?” She asked rhetorically.“Same question I wanted to ask the other time we met.” Natalie (Derek's aunt) chimned in.“Well, no I am not in it for the money, I am in it for the passion.” I replied.“So what about your father's business, do you
River's POV:The black dress my dad bought for me to wear to the dinner was strapless, above the knee, and a bit too tight. I could barely breathe in it, and I had no idea what material it's made of, but it felt almost as strong as plastic. It really cinched my waist and accentuated my curves perfectly.I paired it up with ankle strap heels, a pearl necklace, earrings and bangles. I made sure I put on light makeup. I didn't want to come out as desperate.After glancing at myself at the mirror for a third time I took a deep breath, picked up my phone and made my way downstairs.The dining table was already set, my dad was seated on the head of the table as usual, my mom was nowhere to be seen. I looked around and realized that the Milton's were yet to arrive.I glanced at the time on the top of my phone screen and I saw that it was forty minutes past nine. The agreed time for the dinner was nine so they were forty minutes late.Suddenly, Lola ran into the dining hall, “The Milton's are
River's POV:The next three days I had the same routine: wake up, have an awkward breakfast with my mom and dad, plan my outfit for a date with Derek, go on a date with Derek, come back from my date with Derek, give the full details to August over the phone and fall asleep during our conversation.Today was the long awaited day, Derek's parents, himself and his sister would be arriving for dinner. The whole house has been busy from installing new house decorations to brewing crazy recipes in the kitchen. Mom and Lola have been in the kitchen all day supervising the chefs. I can't believe they paid chefs to prepare dinner for The Milton's.Dad has been on the phone placing calls to different wine brands to get the latest and most expensive wine.Then there is me, the trophy of the event. Sitted on the couch staring back and forth at the people pacing up and down, working relentlessly on making this dinner a success. This whole scene kept on adding to my already exiting nerves, and if
In a rusty apartment in a less glamorous part of town. Li Ping stood before an apartment’s door and knocked on it impatiently. He didn't care about the noise he made or the possibility of the door falling apart, he just kept on knocking.Until the door was pushed open revealing George standing not too far from him.“Are you insane, were you trying to break down my door?” George asked rhetorically.“Are you not going to invite me to Georgie?” Li Ping asked not caring about the angry look on George's face.George took a deep breath in an attempt to control his anger. “Did Aiden send you here?”“Let me in and I will tell you who sent me.” Li Ping said with a sheepish smile.George stared daggers at him then moved aside, gesturing for Li Ping to Walk in.George's apartment was filled with high-tech gadgets, maps, and surveillance equipment.Li Ping stared around for a while before sitting down on the couch.“Do you really live here?” Li Ping asked while staring at a pile of take outs at t
"Hey." River said as she made her way to Derek.Derek turned to face her with a weird look in his eyes."Is there a problem? You look annoyed." River asked."Well, that's because I am annoyed." Derek answered."What got you annoyed, is the arcade not to your liking? Should we go somewhere else?" River inquired."You know I don't understand what your problem is, you're the one who wanted us to come here when we got here you were acting all weird and suddenly you're all happy." Derek said."Is your problem the fact that I'm happy or is there something else?""My problem is that you ran off to meet some dude all upset and annoyed, and now you are all happy. If you had a man in your life, why insist on making things work.""I only said that he looked like someone I knew. I don't recall mentioning that he was once a man in my life. Tell me what's your problem exactly?""My problem is that the young man walked up to me saying that you had denied ever knowing me." Derek answered.River: “...
Aiden sat in front of the television in his modest apartment, where a female newscaster reported the latest business news."On business news tonight, AD Innovations has acquired yet another enterprise," the newscaster announced. "Yesterday, it was reported that Twilight Incorporated had suddenly gone bankrupt. A few hours ago, it was confirmed that AD Innovations successfully negotiated the purchase of Twilight Incorporated. The company will soon proceed with rebranding."Aiden smirked mischievously as he switched off the TV. He dialed a private number on his cell phone, which surprisingly went through. "Good work," he said before ending the call.Putting on his jacket and grabbing his helmet, he made his way to the Arcade for its grand opening.River stood in front of Aiden's bustling arcade, a sign proclaiming "Grand Opening" greeted visitors at the entrance. Customers bustled about, attendants diligently catered to their needs.Suddenly, the roar of an approaching motorbike caught
"Oh, trust me, it is," August countered."So what are we talking about here, millions or billions?" She continued"He hails from a wealthy family and is affluent himself, perhaps boasting billions. Trust me, I couldn't care less," River replied"So, is this gamer guy some kind of legendary gamer or does he own a gaming company?""He owns an arcade downtown," River replied."Seriously?" August sounded incredulous. "Your problem is choosing a scooter over a Bentley. Honey, you need relationship therapy ASAP.""I don't know why I thought you could be useful. Goodnight," River said, ending the call abruptly and switching off her phone to avoid any further disruptions. She lay back, staring at the ceiling for a moment before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.It was past 11:00 in the morning, and River was just getting up. She quickly brushed her teeth and took a shower before slipping into a pair of shorts and a white top. Rushing downstairs on her way to the kitchen, she noticed
River nodded, feeling awkward. "Yeah, it was urgent, that's why.""I've noticed this before, it's like you always have something urgent going on. On our first date, you were on a call when I approached you and you couldn't stop looking at your phone all through the little time we spent together. It was as though you were expecting a call or something. And today at the cinema, you seemed lost in your thoughts. It's like you have a lot of calculations going on in your head," Derek observed.River felt a surge of frustration. "Goodnight, Derek. I would have invited you in, but it's too late now. My parents must be asleep. Goodbye," she said abruptly, opening the car door and stepping out, already feeling upset.River quietly ascended the stairs on her way to her room. As she passed her parents' room, the door suddenly swung open, revealing her father's curious expression as he emerged."How was the movie date with Derek?" he inquired, still holding onto the door handle."It went really w