Ronald excused himself to go hang out with Gabriel while Raina was seated with Jemma when she saw Loretta approaching her. She mentally grumbled as she wondered who invited her.
"Hi," Loretta said with a small smile as soon as she approached them. There was an empty chair beside Raina so she sat on it.
"I came to talk to you, Raina." She said, not caring Jemma was on the same table with them and was likely to hear whatever she had to say
"I'm truly sorry for everything I put you through. I guess I was so obsessed with Ronald but you need not worry, it's all over now. He likes you, he's engaged to you and there is nothing I can change about that. I believe if I put myself out there and give myself the chance to mingle, I will find someone like your fiance. I'm happy for you guys and congratulations on your engagement." She said without any trace of jealousy in her voice.
Raina was shocked, she was definitely not expecting all that came out of Loretta's mou
EPILOGUETHREE MONTHS LATERRaina and Ronald got married exactly one month after their engagement. It was a wonderful wedding attended by friends, family, and well-wishers.As promised, Alexa and Adrie were the flower girls and they looked beautiful on that day but not more than the bride herself, Raina.The newlyweds had their honeymoon in Dubai while the girls stayed back home with Clarice.Alessandra and Adriana's reaction was priceless when both Raina and Ronald told them they would be big sisters in a few months. The girls couldn't get over the fact that their younger sibling will be joining them soon.Raina's restaurant had been doing extremely well and it was already known in the city to be one of the best. She goes to work every day to supervise the restaurant since there were more than enough workers to do everything. But sometimes, she does some cooking and baking."Girls, you have to go to bed. You two have school tomorrow.
“Ronald is very lucky to have you. I’m sure he is going to be surprised.” Jemma smiled.“I’m so blessed to have him too. But I feel a little guilty about not being able to throw him a proper birthday party.” Raina responded.“You’ve not been feeling too well lately so it’s understandable,” Jemma said.“I know.” She looked down at her seven months old bump. “It wasn’t like this with Adrie. I remember working till the first few days of my nine month pregnancy but with Jayden, I feel tired without even doing anything.”“Ronald has been working from home since Monday to take care of me. He didn’t want to leave today but something urgent came up so he had to show up at the office.”“I just pray that everything goes as planned and thank you for helping me.” She said to Jemma.“Of course, what are friends for?” Jemma c
“Jemma, please take her home. Ronald and I will join you guys soon.” Gabriel said.“I’m not going back to that house,” Raina said firmly.“Then Jemma can take you to our place. Please, Raina.” Gabriel pleaded.Ronald did not want Raina to go but on the other hand, he knew she needed her space to calm down. He was glad Gabriel suggested going to his house. He knew she would be safe there with Jemma rather than being alone in a hotel.After Jemma and Raina left, Ronald and Gabriel walked back to Ronald’s office.“What are you still doing here? Haven’t you caused enough HARM already?” Ronald lashed out at Annabell.“Oh, please, She was bound to go sooner anyways.”“Just get the hell out of my office and don’t come near me because I’m getting a restraining order against you.”“Suit yourself.” She hissed and then left hi
“Can you promise me that nothing happened between you and Annabelle except what I misinterpreted in your office?” Raina said to Ronald.“I promise, Ray.”“Nothing happened and I promise never to keep anything away from you.” he wiped her tears.“Gabriel told me about the surprise office party, I’m so sorry I ruined your plans.” He said sincerely and she could see the regret in his eyes.“You threw a surprise party for me on my birthday, you gave me the best gift I could ever ask for and I thought I should do the same for you.”Ronald felt guilty. Despite his wife being unwell and placed on bed rest, she went out of her way to plan a surprise party for him.“I’m so sorry, love.” He kissed her forehead.“I’m sorry too. I’m sorry for judging yo....” He cut her off.“There’s nothing to be sorry for Ray. I would ha
The Billionaire's StruggleSynopsisHe has been longing for a family again, since the death of his wife. Five years later, he finally finds love with a new addition to the family. His daughter, Luna, gave him a new reason to live after the death of his wife but the depression started when the cute 4-year-old went into coma.For good three months, she was still in coma, he could not do anything because of lack of concentration. He lost deals worth millions.Having no one left to fight for, he went to a bar to drink away his sorrows and he ended up having a one night stand.The lady from the one night stand ended up being his miracle in disguise, the one whom he eventually fell in love with, The one who later became Luna's mother after the little girl woke up from coma and the future mother of his kids.......................Emerald immediately jumped off her couch and ran into the bathroom with the need to thro
“UGH what am I going to do?” Silvia said over the phone. She had just called Guy to ask for advice after explaining the whole Emerald’s situation to him.Silvia has conflicted with herself since her talk with Emerald this morning. There was no way she would have a hand in killing an innocent one.Silvia told Emerald she was going to think about it, after which she gave her some money to buy some food for herself and take the day off. Emerald didn’t want to collect the money but Silvia forced her to. She could not allow her to keep on eating leftovers. Especially now that she’s expecting a baby even though she’s still adamant about not keeping it.Silvia told her not to worry as she will cover up for her as to taking the rest of the day off. Of course, She collected Em’s address, promising to come over later in the day and they would talk things out.Silvia has just finished her shift for th
Immediately after Silvia told Em the news, She called Guy to give him the news also. He literally screamed for joy over the phone and they agreed to meet at the hospital.Emerald was thinking if she should ask Silvia if she could come with her. She wanted to see Luna so badly. She wanted to see the colour of her eyes, hear her voice. Maybe it’s what she had imagined. But on the other hand, she doesn’t want to pry. She was thinking of letting them have their family time. But Emerald couldn’t stop herself so she decided to ask anyway. “At least there is nothing wrong in trying.” She said to herself.“Um, Silvia can I please come along with you. I would love to see Luna too. But it’s alright if you don’t want me to.” Em said.“Sure, you can,” Silvia replied.“Really?” Em asked surprised as she had expected a negative response from Silvia.&ldquo
“Come on Silvia, I don’t like the look you are giving me,” Guy said, already frustrated.Luna had fallen asleep so Guy and Silvia decided to go get a coffee at the Hospital’s cafeteria. Since Emerald left, Silvia has been behaving rudely to Guy, giving him a one-word answer to his questions.Silvia wants to confront her brother about Emerald. She knew something is or was going on between them and it hurt her so much that her brother is keeping away something from her.She was waiting for Luna to fall asleep before asking her brother about the issue. But immediately Luna fell asleep, Guy suggested they go get a coffee at the Cafeteria and Silvia followed him, sensing it might be a good place to talk. So here they are, at the hospital’s Cafeteria, sitting opposite each other with their coffee on the table in front of them.“What’s going on between you and Emerald?” Silvia asked going st
FOUR YEARS LATEREPILOGUELawrence and Madiana's marriage faced trials but their love was able to overcome all obstacles.Some days after Madiana found out she was pregnant, She went for a check-up which revealed she was almost two months pregnant, and in seven months, she gave birth to a baby girl. She was called Luisa Irene Williams. 5 pounds, 6ounces.Luisa's birth brought so much joy to both the extended and immediate family.Lawrence had to find a temporary secretary to fill in for Madiana.Lawrence also spent more time working from home so he could assist Maddie with the kids and be closer to his family.Oh, their wedding! They did it a month after he proposed. It was a very beautiful one.Lawrence and Madiana never saw the need to hire a live-in nanny because Maddie and Lawrence's mother were there to help and they still had Luis's nanny, Kelly.Again they had help from Omo, Lenora, and Luciana. Even Lucas was of
Madiana tried her best to stay awake but she failed miserably.Lawrence had called her early this morning to inform her that he would be returning today but it would be later at night.So she had spent her day with Luis. She took him to the mall and when it was noon, they went to the park together.It was just a few minutes to 10 pm and she had slept off..................................Lawrence could not wait to see Luis and Maddie. He had missed them like crazy. He did all he could to rush the deal so he would be back home tonight instead of tomorrow, Monday.He took a taxi from the airport. It was already late and he didn't want to disturb Dominic, his driver.He paid the Taxi man and proceeded to the apartment with his suitcase. He had his spare key so he didn't bother to press the doorbell. He entered inside and his heart melted at what he saw.Madiana had fallen asleep on the sofa in the living room. The TV was still on
THREE MONTHS AND SOME WEEKS LATER"Maybe I should just cancel the whole thing," Lawrence said. The thought of not seeing Maddie and Luis for a few days was making him go crazy."You should go, honey. We will be fine." Madiana assured as she placed Luis on her chest. The little boy was playing with her hair, trying to put it in his mouth but she was preventing him from doing so.Lawrence was to go on a trip to Paris for some business deal. He was representing his father's company since he was a partner there.When his father informed him about the trip, he was reluctant to go, telling his father to go himself or appoint someone else to represent the company.His father, Liam, chuckled at his reply because he knew his son was reluctant to go because he didn't want to leave Madiana and Luis behind.But he had no choice because this deal was a very important one and he only trusts his son to make the best of it. Besides, he will only be gone for
Madiana slept and woke up with a smile on her face. In all her 25 years of existence, yesterday was the best birthday she ever had. All thanks to Lawrence, her Boss, her Boyfriend.Yes, she had said yes to him. She liked Lawrence since the first day she set her eyes on his picture. That was even before she got the job as his secretary.The last time Madiana dated someone was in College. But she swore that this time around, it was going to be different. She liked Lawrence a lot and she would do all that it took to make him happy and Luis also.Madiana got up from her bed and proceeded to the bathroom to do her morning rituals. She got dressed in a black pencil skirt and a white button-up shirt. She applied some makeup, slipped her feet into her heels, and grabbed her handbag and car keys.She rarely eats breakfast except during the weekend. She hoped Alice, Ethan's Secretary would grab a coffee for her today like always.Madiana got out of the eleva
DAYS LATERMadiana was engrossed with the work she was doing on her laptop. She was distracted when there was a knock on the door.She looked up and saw it was her Boss, Lawrence.He came in and took a seat opposite her."I have to leave for Luis's Doctor's appointment. I will be back as soon as I can.""No problem." She replied and before she could say anything else, they were both interrupted by the door opening and someone entering.It was Ethan. He was holding a gift bag."Hi, buddy." He greeted Lawrence as he took a seat beside him."And here's for the birthday girl," Ethan placed the gift bag on the table and pushed it towards Madiana."It's your birthday?" Lawrence asked, shocked.She nodded."Why didn't you tell me?" He asked slightly upset, which made Maddie nervous."Calm down dude. Do you expect her to start announcing it to everybody?" Ethan chuckled. He could sense that his best friend w
THE FAMILY DINNERLawrence spent Saturday doing some work. He also spent some quality time with Luis, his son.When it was almost evening, he began preparing for their dinner which was to take place at his parents' mansion. He still had to pick Maddie on his way. So Lawrence dressed up in something casual, he arranged Luis's baby bag and got him ready.When Lawrence got to Maddie's apartment, He couldn't go down to knock on her door because Luis was sleeping in his car seat. He couldn't leave him alone in the car.So he called Maddie on the phone saying that they were already outside.Once he saw her walk out of her apartment and approach his car, Lawrence got down and assisted her in opening the door to the front passenger's seat.She blushed a little, thanking him and once She was settled, he went back to the driver's seat."You look beautiful, Maddie. I think black colors fit you best, ''he said."Thanks, Mr. Williams.
"That was emotional. I'm so happy for you guys." Madiana told her Boss with a sad smile on her face.She had accompanied him to the board meeting at his father's company. Lawrence was a partner there so his presence was required and he took Maddie along.After their meeting in the conference room, Liam, Lawrence's father had invited Lawrence into his office while Maddie waited for him outside the office.Both father and son resolved their differences. Not like they actually fought, but Lawrence was very close to every member of his family. They all felt it during the past few days when he distanced himself from them.Lawrence explained the whole situation to his father. Liam comforted his son and gave him the advice he needed and also made it known that he was looking forward to meeting his grandson.And Lawrence promised that he and Luis would be there at the next family dinner.Madiana did not mean to eavesdrop. The two men were just loud
Lawrence was able to get so much work done while Madiana watched Luis and did her work at the same time. He admired her for being an expert in multitasking.When lunchtime came, she still insisted on being with Luis. Saying the little boy was keeping her company. So Alice, Ethan's secretary, brought Lunch to Maddie in her office and they spent lunch together with the two ladies gushing over baby Luis...........................Lawrence sighed as he plopped down on the couch in his living room. He had just put Luis to bed. Since Luis was now in the picture and he cared so much for his son, he had to vacate work early, unlike those days where he would stay in his office and work till almost midnight.Being a single parent was really hard. Especially when he never saw it coming and had no time to prepare.Lawrence remembered Ava today when he was getting Luis ready for bed. He wondered what it would have been like if Luis had his mom around.L
Madiana groaned as she heard the sound of her alarm. She reluctantly sat up and quickly said her morning prayers, committing the day to God's hands. After that, she stood up from her bed and arranged it before heading to the bathroom to get ready for the day.She eventually decided to wear a black dress and moved to the mirror side to apply her makeup.She smiled at herself in the mirror as she was satisfied with her look. She then walked towards her bedside, sat on the edge as she slipped on her heels.Maddie reached for her handbag, laptop bag and car keys and found her way to the exit.Madiana arrived at the office earlier than expected because there was less traffic on the road. She entered the office building then proceeded to the fifth floor. That was where her office was. Well, The Bosses and Secretaries office was located on the fifth floor of the building.Madiana entered her office and saw a cup of coffee on her table. She smiled at that.