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'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
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 said aloud. “S
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
AMELIA'S POV“Could you drive faster, please?” I screamed at the taxi driver carelessly. “I am, ma'am. There's a speed limit around here, it is a Government Reserved Avenue,” the young man stated pleadingly.It wasn't that the car was moving so slow but the urge to get to the hospital consumed my reasoning. I looked at my reflection through the interior rearview mirror and I could see pain and grief written all over my face.The only thing which remained unchanged about me was my blood-red lip gloss. That has been the only lip gloss I apply whenever I go to work. I sent a glance towards my wrist watch, I realized I was 35 minutes late for work. But that wasn't what mattered most now. I had almost gotten ready for work when my phone rang, it was the hospital number. “Come to the hospital now, your father's health keeps getting worse,” the voice said sharply.“Arrgh! Finally,” I grunted as I alighted from the taxi, handing a note to the driver. The strong aseptic scent of the hospita
NELSON'S POV“But dad, I'm already 28, what else is the problem? Didn't you say I'd be legalized as the heir to your inheritance when I clock 22?” I snapped at my father, my eyes burning with anger.“But your mom says you must get married, son,” he replied pleadingly. “You see it's for your best, we need to ensure that you grow into a responsible child.”I kept quiet, I didn't say anything to his last words. Somehow I was angry at my father but I wasn't sure why. Maybe because he was too lenient to have allowed a woman control his life or because he couldn't fight to protect his son's interest, perhaps, because she was not my biological mother?Growing up, my father had always been too gentle. Unlike other rich business men that I knew who were always powerful and ruthless, my dad was the complete opposite.“I can't continue with this, dad. Why can't you all consider my interest too? Would you have me marry the wrong partner because of inheritance?”“Your mother knows best. You shoul
AMELIA'S POV “Hey, you don't look alright. You are crying too much,” the man said, bringing an end to my moment of wonder.The presence of this man got me captivated and glued to the spot. His towering height, his muscular arms and broad chest sent shivers to my body.“I'm fine,” I finally managed to respond before reaching for the door. “And… I'm sorry for bumping into you.”“It's alright,” he waved, a devilish smirk playing on his lips.I reached for the door in a hurry, humiliated by my reaction. I knew I admired the man but I secretly prayed he didn't read through my actions.Soon, the day's work was over. I picked my bag and was ready to leave the office. Frustration settled on me again. Fresh as ever I remembered that my father had less than 68 hours to live if I didn't get the money.I took a taxi and headed to Clara's place. At least , “ a problem shared is half solved they say.”“Hey, shaddy,” Clara said. That was her way of addressing me fondly. I didn't say anything, I sa
AMELIA'S POV“What condition is that?” Clara shouted, walking forward and ready to negotiate.He snapped his fingers, and the young man from earlier appeared again, placing a document in his hand. “Here is the condition,” he muttered.I took the paper, glancing through it with my heart racing. Clara leaned in on my shoulder, stretching to see the content of the paper. I never realized I was still standing until I saw something shocking on the paper - a contract marriage with rules attached.I looked up from the paper, his gaze locked into mine and he seemed to have read my mind correctly, seemingly answering the question that lingered on my mind. “Yes, be my wife for two years and I'll handle A-L-L of your expenses,” he grinned.For seconds, I was torn between surprise and indecisiveness. Then it began to make sense to me; he had probably inquired from Leo about the reason for my sad countenance earlier.“And the rules?” Clara asked.“Yes, the rules must be strictly adhered to: No un
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 said aloud. “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.
AMELIA'S POV Nelson sat behind his massive oak desk, his face straight and posture narrowed. Looking from the entrance, his face was a cold mask of indifference. It was my first time ever in his office and I couldn't help but marvel at the captivating beauty which welcomed my sight. "Sign it," he yelled, his voice echoing through the walls of the expensive setting of the office. His voice was clipped, lacking any iota of warmth. The way he addressed me made me feel worthless, like I was nothing more than a business transaction.His office smelled faintly of cedarwood and leather, the scent was sharp in my nose as I stepped forward hesitantly. His gaze, penetrative and distant, didn’t shift toward me as he slid the document across the polished desk. "I have other things to attend to," he said again, dragging another file across from the table.My fingers shook as I reached for the papers. Why was this so urgent? Bryan had picked me up with no explanation. The only response I had g
ALEX'S POV"What do you mean?" I fired, my voice rising beyond my control. I couldn't help but feel my disappointment skyrocket as I plopped the phone to my ear. My fingers clenched into fists without my approval, rubbing against my warm thigh."I'm sorry, Alex. But they tried, my team gave it their best possible..." the voice trailed off as if waiting to hear my heartbeat, then it continued "...to convince them into agreeing to the clause."The words felt strange, like a blow to my face. The sudden realization that my plan was crashing, and the walls of my mission was crumbling, dug deep into my soul, rekindling my quest for vengeance. I hesitated, letting my hammering heart steady a bit, then said, "They didn't try enough then. I mean what's so difficult in convincing a company to sign a beneficial deal, all they freaking had to do was give them fake promises, lure them in with benefits.... even if they are not there."The line was quiet for a while, and the lingering silence seeme
NELSON'S POVThe squeaking sound of the door jolted me back to reality. I straightened my head, shaking off the overwhelming feeling of disappointment that washed over me. My company's biggest and most recent achievement - partnership with tranXglobal group was at the verge of crumbling. "You sent for me, sir," Benita articulated immediately as she stepped in. Her navy blue shirt neatly tucked into her skirt, her hair perfectly styled into a ponytail and her overall appearance commanded formality and efficiency. I pushed myself back a bit, leaning my back against my chair. "Yeah, I did. We should talk about the newly added clause , alright?"She nodded, her eyes sparkling with amusement. Her fingers twisted into each other, resting slightly above her knee. "Okay, sir.""You may sit." She pulled the visitor's chair, slumping her body into it. "I think we might have to face the bitter reality at this point," I uttered, observing her reaction.She adjusted her position, eyes searchin
AMELIA'S POV "Do you think wearing Nelson's ring makes you special?" Hazel's voice cut through the air like a razor, her arms crossed over her chest, a wicked smile playing at the corner of her lips. I stood stiffly by the dining table, the pain from her cruel words burned through my chest, just as much as the slap from earlier. My nails dug into my palms, but I managed to keep my face straight despite the turmoil. Rose plopped lazily on the couch, sipping her juice as if this was a show meant solely for her entertainment. Her lips curled into a mocking smile."She actually does," Rose muttered. "I mean it's cute, like a little girl playing games in a house."I felt like I had been punched in the gut, I swallowed hard, keeping my voice as steady as I could. "And I never said I was special, I only stated that I was Nelson’s wife."Although I wasn't sure if it was true, that was a subtle reminder that no matter how small, I still had a place there, although I didn't know how long.