AMELIA'S POVA familiar wave of acknowledgement washed over me as I pressed forward, my heels clicking gently against the creak floor. The air around me thickened with a smell that felt familiar, something I was once used to. I looked around, beaming with amusement. The environment still looked the same even after months of not being here, except for a few new designs at the entrance of the house, nothing really changed. I clenched my fists, my heart raced as I made an attempt to knock on the door. It was a surprise visit and I wanted every bit of the suspense to count. "Who's there," her voice came from within. As usual, thin and friendly. "Someone who needs help," I responded, making my voice firm and unrecognizable as much as I could.I heard the sound of the key twisting in the lock and that made a rush of excitement wash over me. "Amelia!"Clara jumped on me immediately and her eyes landed on me. Her whole body rested on me and the weight of her body almost made me collapse
AMELIA'S POVMy mind reeled with the implication of what I had just said. Why did I call him husband? I could have slapped myself hard on the face if Bryan wasn't there. But it was not possible right now. My thought drifted back to the money, my heart skipped a beat at just the mere remembrance of it. I had never received such a huge amount all my life. Then Nelson's voice rang in my mind again. "It's fine. Just make sure you get yourself something nice and beautiful, I'll check it out okay?"What was I going to buy? "Take me to the boutique," I said to Bryan. "A classic one."The ride felt extraordinarily longer. I couldn't wait to get into the store and pick up a classic cloth that befits my standard. Of course, I hadn't been a fan of sophisticated dresses, but that was the price of being a billionaire's wife and maybe I was ready to pay. And also enjoy the luxury. "Here you go," Bryan declared as the car came to a halt, and he opened the door. "Don't come with me, I'll be
AMELIA'S POVThe bustling city came to life again. The sound of engines compiled into a melody, one that felt both thrilling and sore to my ears. We were done now and I was heading home. I remembered the satisfactory look on Clara's face after everything. "I'll see you very soon and I promise, I have a surprise for you," I said, giving her a side hug before sliding into the car. I could see her wave into the air through the side mirror, even as the car slowly drove away. And gradually, my mind gave way to another thought, Clara's picture fading from my mind. 'What does Alex want from me now? Why did he appear now of all time?'The look on his face when he called me earlier was demanding. "Isn't it good to be back? I thought you should be happy to see me," he had responded when I asked him what he was doing there. I could sense disappointment from the way he spoke. A wave of guilt washed over me. Maybe I was too harsh on him after all. I lowered my gaze, my voice rehearsed into a p
AMELIA'S POVThe room was suffocatingly silent, but my heartbeat was deafening.Nelson’s eyes locked onto mine, dark and unreadable, but his gaze told me everything his lips refused to say. I could feel it in the way his breathing had shifted. In the way his hands had curled into tight fists at his sides, like he was at war with himself.But the battle was already lost.His eyes swiftly traveled downward, dragging over my bare skin, lingering at every exposed inch as if he were keeping it to memory. My back was still half-bare, the dress clinging stubbornly around my waist, refusing to move higher.I should have turned away. Should have pulled it up, covering myself, breaking this spell.But I didn’t. I couldn't. Why? I didn't know.Nelson’s lips parted slightly, as he swallowed. His Adam’s apple throbbing out as though he were struggling to breathe. His hesitation was thick in the air, combating with the silence that hung in the room. The soft ray of the light illuminated his face,
AMELIA'S POVThe empty bed space was cold beside me.A testament to the strange emptiness that settled in my chest as I laid still, staring at the empty space where Nelson had been. The sheets were rumpled, roughened. A faint warmth lingered where his body had once been as my fingers brushed against the fabric. Has it all been real? Or was it just another dream?My mind filled with memories as they rushed back, vivid and precise. Everything unfolded slowly. Bit by bit. The way he had touched me last night in a desperate manner. The way our bodies had moved in sync, as we both seemed to surrender to a force greater than us both. I inhaled deeply, my heart beating rather too fast.Nelson had always been a mystery to me, a locked door I could never fully open. But last night felt different. It wasn’t just lust or just obligation. There was something else beneath it.Or was I just fooling myself?Was he simply playing on my emotions, knowing exactly how to make me vulnerable? No, that
NELSON'S POV"Nelson... What are you doing here?" Amelia asked me, surprised and perplexed. She seemed to have stayed glued to her seat. The tension that hung in the air was unmistakably thick, simmering between our locked gaze. From the look on her face, I could sense how flabbergasted Amelia was. She sat rigidly in her chair, her eyes fixed on me. Her mouth dropped open, and her hands flew up from her laps, barely covering her face as it hung mid air. "That's not important now," I roared, moving towards her in a predatory style. "I should be asking you what you are doing here?" "I can explain," she answered, lips quivering as if threatening to fall apart. Her eyes were now red and calling for empathy. Her eyes widened and her eyebrows shot up, her face frozen in a mask of astonishment as she struggled to process how my presence came about.I bet she must have thought it was a set up. "You have just a few minutes to explain yourself, and your time starts now," I growled, my ange
ALEX'S POVThe dimly lit room smelled of old books, and aged whiskey. A scent I had associated with my grandfather's apartment since a very tender age. Grandfather sat across from me, on his wheelchair as usual. His frail arms rested on the edge of the chair. Despite being aged, his sharp eyes studied me, leaving a lasting impression that he used to be a great observer right since time. But the frailness in his gaze made me doubt him, wondering if he still possessed the same air of authority he possessed years ago. "Would grandfather be able to help on this?" I cussed beneath my breath. But I needed to trust the process. I needed to give him a trial, especially now that Nelson was aware of my arrival and the possibility of him knowing that I had met with Amelia. I knew Nelson could be a hard nut to crack, and he would make a retaliating approach, but I was ready for everything he had in store. Grandfather cleared his throat, his old but thick voice jilted me to the moment. "You m
AMELIA'S POV"It's been a long time since I last came here, not much has changed though. I guess Nelson was still the same as well, quirk as ever." The voice echoed from downstairs as I descended the stairs, my eyes staring sideways in a detached gaze. The voice was unfamiliar. None that I've ever heard of. My feet stamped against the hard floor as I went downstairs, but the echoing sound of the stranger overshadowed its sound. My heart beat slowly, syncing with my footsteps. Who was that?Finally, I was downstairs, a sense of emotional numbness washed over me. My eyes scanned the living room, eager to catch a glimpse of whoever was there. Stephanie walked past me, carrying a small luggage, one that seemed too heavy for her, but she wasn't going to give up. "Hey," the voice came again, but this time, directed at me. "I'm Hazel," she grinned, stretching forth her hand without invitation. "I'm Nelson's cousin." I hesitated before taking her hands, my eyes scanning her simultane
AMELIA'S POV 5 YEARS LATERStanding before the mirror, my mind reeled with bewilderment at the reflection that I saw. I could almost say the woman inside the mirror wasn't me.Except for memories which brought back the pain from the past, there was no trace of the hurt anymore. The scar, disappeared and the wounds healed.This is the kind of woman I had wanted to be. An independent woman, with a world of her own. Ruling her life and not having to live in accordance with whatever standard any fucking person set for her. I styled my hair in the regular manner, applied my make up. My lip gloss was resting seductively on my small lips. One last glance at the mirror and satisfaction from my appearance washed over me, I headed out of the room.My heels clicked against the floor, a constant thing which usually announced to the house that I was ready to go to work."Good morning, mummy." I turned to see Daisy, sitting on her favorite couch in the living room, fingers crossed on her chest,
AMELIA'S POVThe cold wind brushed against my skin as I stepped out of the burial ground, making my body tremble slightly despite the scorching weather. My fingers trembled from clutching the flowers I had just placed on the grave.His name rang in my head, perhaps for the last time. It was cold and final. I swallowed the lump that was still in my throat, fighting back tears that threatened to blind my vision."Rest well and forgive me," I whispered again, the rustling trees barely making my voice inaudible.As I turned to leave finally, a wave of dizziness washed over me. I stopped, gripping the iron fence to steady myself. Maybe it was just exhaustion. I hadn't eaten much lately and I had barely slept. Grief enveloped me, like a butterfly to a flower.'You'll be fine,' I murmured to myself. 'Just get home.'But with every step, my legs grew heavier and weaker, lagging helplessly against the dusty ground. It was as if a magnetic force was pulling my leg from beneath. My breath quic
NELSON'S POV"A man never makes a wrong decision," I cautioned myself as I stood in front of the mirror. I didn't know how long I had been standing there. Maybe minutes or hours?The only thing I knew was that the man inside the mirror wasn't the me that I used to know.Everything in my life had been going well until recently. My company had mysteriously lost the opportunity of partnering with one of the largest firms in the city due to a devilish clause that was beyond explanation. In order to secure enough financial back up to keep my company running, I had decided to divorce Amelia according to Linda's request, but still, she wouldn't let me have a grasp of my father's assets.And to worsen it all, Alex, my you get brother whom I thought was dead and gone for good, had just appeared. He wasn't dead.And just like everyone would do, he wanted revenge.My slender frame had become even more tiny, my eyes were empty, making it obvious that I lacked happiness. My shoulder, wide as the
AMELIA'S POVJust like everyone says, I had always thought grief would come in waves, or still, in little drops. But no, it was different standing here. And the scorching weather did not in any way offer fortitude.As the casket lowered beneath the earth, letting in what remained of a man I never thought I would cry for. A cold shiver pierced through my skin, and fresh tears streamed down my cheeks again.Beside me, Pastor Evans adjusted his posture against the wind, his kind eyes watching me before he opened his mouth. "You can say something if you’d like," he offered gently. His voice was steady, against the storm of emotions swirling inside me.My life had grown into an abode of unsteadiness, a whirlwind of emotions and occurrences. A minute, it would be a happy one, the next it would be a sad occurrence.I swallowed hard, words stuck in my throat like a piece of stone. What do you even say at a funeral where you’re the only mourner, wouldn't it just be as if I was addressing mys
AMELIA'S POVI stared at the check in my hand as the car drove slowly away. I clutched it tight as it might vanish any moment from now. The number on it was outrageous, too surreal to believe.I felt like bursting into a long dry laugh. I mean just some hours ago, I was sleeping in my ex lover's house, reminiscing on the shock that came with Nelson's sudden request for divorce.I was still filled with pain and bitterness towards Nelson. One minute I was his wife, the next I was a piece of trash. I had hoped he would change, see me for my worth, and acknowledge me beyond the contract but I was wrong. Funny thing? I didn't realize I was wrong until I was forced out, with nothing to go back to. Not even a home.And now… this? A fortune dropped into my lap like a twisted fairytale. Only that I wish this wasn’t one of those crazy dreams, because I might keep living my life in the dream world.No, dreams didn’t come wrapped in guilt and regret. So it wasn't a dream.I felt the earlier feel
My eyes widened in shock, hands tracing the edge of my dress. I tried to speak but I couldn't, until I finally forced the words out. “But you almost gave me the check just now," I retorted slowly. "I'm sorry for the mix up, It was a mistake, Amelia. There's one more thing.” " And that is?” "A signatory is required.” What does that even mean? " A signatory?” I asked as if I didn't hear him the first time. " Yes, someone who signs to confirm your identity. It could be anyone, so far they have a certificate of citizenship.” With that I stood to leave. Fuck! I was just about claiming a life changing fortune. Why did it not work? Outside the building, I stood arms akimbo. Frustration washed over me fresh and undiluted. A salty liquid washed over my skin. I was sweating. Who could be my signatory? Clara, the only friend I had who could help out was out of reach. Minutes passed away, there was no one to call, no hope in sight. Then the name called in my head. 'Alex.’ “No," I s
AMELIA'S POVThe sound of the door echoed in my ears for minutes. I was rooted to the spot, my legs felt as if they had been planted to the spot.Why did it have to be me again?For several moments, I couldn't leave the spot. My hands glued to my waist, trying to shake off the feeling of disappointment mixed with sorrow, attempting to knead my bitterness away.I reached for my phone, trying to reach out to Clara but it dropped. Unable to connect.'Where do I go from here?' I said in my head, hoping for answers. Answers that never came.A warm, salty liquid tripped down my cheeks, and my eyes were heavy with the weight of shattered dreams. My chest ached with a dull throbbing pain, as if someone squeezed my heart. It was difficult to catch my breath, the same way it was impossible to escape the suffocating sense of disappointment that wrapped around me like a wall.'You should just get used to disappointment' I told myself before I carried my suitcase and left. The world felt strange a
AMELIA'S POVAs the night wore on, my mind was nothing but a battleground for several thoughts. I wriggled from one side of the bed to the other, but that didn't help me find answers to the numerous questions threatening to shatter my head into pieces.Why couldn't Nelson find the good in me? Why did he have to resolve to divorce when we were supposed to be married for 24 months?I had been a fool to have fallen for him and expecting him to do the same. And Alex… what did he know? Was he telling the truth? Why did he appear again just when I thought Nelson and I were getting along?Was Alex aware of Nelson's act?And then to the news of the $500 million, was it true or just someone behind the scene playing some pranks?I could barely wait for the night to be over and, finally, it was, after what felt like eternity.The first thing I did was grab my phone. I felt a sharp throbbing in my head as I tried to lift my body off the bed. I found my way to the bathroom and in no time, I was r
AMELIA "What are you doing? Why the hell are you doing it?" I asked again, choking him with questions.My breath seized, heart pounding like mortar against pestle, forcing into the background, the gentle patter of rain around us. But he remained calm, his face, his look, everything about him commanded control. This couldn't be real. "What am I doing?" he said, his mouth advertising an elaborate smirk then he continued. "I'm trying to get back what belongs to me.. And why? Because I need to let you know that I still love you as much as I believe that you do as well."This whole thing was getting more unbelievable. I stared outside of the car, the rain was still coming in a furious downpour. And I couldn't believe that I wished I was in it again, hoping its cool, gentle brushing against my skin would wash off the boiling rage inside of me. "That's a lie, Alex. A big one, I'm not a fool to believe your woes of a lie," I cried out, letting my voice come in a painful, shallow scream.