NELSON'S POVMy eyes beamed with satisfaction as Bryan accompanied Amelia in. "Welcome home, contracted wife," I had wanted to say but it was a secret between just four people - Leo, Bryan, Amelia and myself. And maybe, Amelia's friend."Make sure she settles in well, and help her know her way around the mansion, my bedroom excluded," I said to Stephanie who seemed happy for reasons known only to her. "Definitely, sir," she nodded.Some moments later, dinner was ready. Preceded by Stephanie, Amelia wore a long look as she came for dinner. Her eyes, red and swollen were evidence of her continuous cry. "How is your father," I asked curtly, trying to keep my emotions in check. She heaved, hands fumbling with the fork in her hands. "He seems to be better but he's still unconscious. The doctor said he developed some complications," she paused, checking my expression before she continued. "He advised that I stay around him," she sniffed. "You can't be away from me now, I need you her
AMELIA'S POV"Get someone to stay with her father at the hospital and pay whatever cost it incurs," Nelson told Bryan as he marched away in anger. "Make sure to keep her locked in her room till I decide her punishment," he added. I remained quiet as Bryan dragged me away. His reaction revealed that he was torn between helplessness and pity. He was helpless because he couldn't act contrary to Nelson's order yet he felt pity for me. "I'm sorry, ma'am. I just have to do this," he pleaded as we drew nearer to the entrance to my room. He gave me a little push at the back and I could hear the thudding sound of the door behind me. 'You are a strong woman, you can make things happen for yourself. You don't always have to do it in people's way,' a voice swirled continuously in my head. I had a quick flashback of how everything had unfolded earlier. It was that time of the month, and I had suddenly felt the urge to use the restroom as Sandro and I were about to leave. With Nelson's a
AMELIA'S POV"We don't have much time now, this will continue some other time," Nelson interrupted the journalist, salvaging the situation. He stood still, anger emanating from his eyes. He walked towards me, and his steps uncontrolled. My heart pounded so hard as he came closer with fists clenched. But rather than yell, his eyes softened as he came closer to me, and his lips parted into a dry smile."We should go now, darling. We have several appointments, remember? The journalists will be here next time, " he said to me. He stretched out his hand, reaching out for mine in a romantic manner. I hesitated but finally gave him my hand and he dragged me gently into the car. His eyes portrayed affection but I understood the stunt he was pulling. He wanted the arrangement to remain a secret. Back in the car, Nelson exhaled occasionally, and his eyes bloodshot. "How else do I have to warn you not to talk when I don't ask you to?" "But it's the truth," I retorted defiantly. "I needed to…
I stood there dejected. I stared blankly at the picture of me that hung on the wall and my headache in response to the agony I felt. I felt some strange movement across my feet to my waist, which made me feel so numb. Such that I felt the day the doctor told me about the surgery.“Promise you what!” I bellowed, hands clutching my chest as if to suppress the sudden pain that I just developed. “I would be a fool to trust you again. You've been lying to me, father. How could you?” I stated, tears streaming down my cheeks.My father dragged towards me, his movement frail and infirm. “Amelia, things are not the way you think. The document is not about you,” he rubbed his hands across his eyes as if fighting back some tears. I moved closer to him, my eyes red from tears yet burning with anger. “So who is it about? Tell me all you have been hiding.”The tension in the room sprouted dense, our gaze locked onto each other as I anticipated his next words with my heart beating in thousands.“Am
NELSON'S POVA burning sensation traveled through my veins as I stood there in anger and bitterness. The air thickened with tension as I tried to contain my fury. "You are not going to manipulate me into marrying anyone, I'm a man of my own life," my jaws clenched as I gave a befitting response to her statement. "The necessary documents should be ready by the time I'll be coming here again," I said and made to leave.I gripped the steering wheel tightly, my knuckles still ached from the hard pressing against the couch. Memories of my step mother smiling manipulatively stirred in my mind. I couldn't help but be amazed at her audacity, trying to control me like a puppet on strings. As I sped down the winding road, my speed increased, and my vision suddenly began to blur away. Darkness gradually crept in and everything began to fade. My emotions cut through me like a flowing river. Just then my phone buzzed. Checking the caller ID, it was Linda. With my frustration still fresh, I te
AMELIA'S POVI didn't wait a second longer, I hurried out of the room. But as I went farther from where he laid, I couldn't get over the feeling of fear and guilt that had clung onto me. Maybe I shouldn't have pushed him. "Don't go, Amelia. I promise to make everything up to you…" I could hear his faint voice but it wasn't going to change anything. Not even the pain that accompanied his words could stop me at the moment. Outside, my eyes were welcomed by the approaching darkness of the night. But the darkness was nothing compared to the weight of trouble that I carried within. My shoulder slumped uncontrollably and my head threatened to break from aching. I ran forward still, determined not to let my problem weigh me down, I approached where Bryan had parked the car earlier."The car was here," I said to myself as I rotated on the same axis, hoping I wasn't dreaming. I rubbed my palm against my eyes, to be sure it was real. Only then did I realize the balls of sweat that had gathere
NELSON'S POVFor moments longer, I couldn't overcome the feeling from what I just did. Or should I say what we just did. I stole a glance at Amelia, her face portrayed indifference but from the little moment, I could tell she enjoyed every ounce of what we did. Ever since Amelia got into my house, I haven't felt anything close to what I felt some moments ago. Not even when she was dressed in the most sexy way. I lean farther from her, thoughts ravaging between why I felt so much attracted to her. I felt the urge to say something to Amelia, at least to clear the air but I didn't know what to say. "You know," I started, trying to break the tension, "That moment back there. I let out a warm breath, shaking my head. "We were never supposed to be anything more than a contract..." Amelia cut me short, "What? It's fine," she snapped. Amelia nodded, her gaze still fixed ahead. "I know what you want to say. You never thought you'd see me that way, I didn’t think you’d ever see me that way
NELSON'S POVI sat at the breakfast table, the aroma of fresh coffee and toast filling the air, but I barely noticed the meal. My fork clinked severally against the plate, pushing the scrambled eggs around in frustration. My mind was elsewhere, consumed by the thought of the property that should have been mine but was not due to my father's weakness. I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the frustration, but it wore on like a dark cloud. I glanced at Amelia, her faint smile a stark contrast to the turmoil inside of me. As I sat there at the table, Amelia's gaze seemed to pierce into my soul. I knew what she felt. It was only last night since we made out and she expected a little bit of calmness than before. "I want to talk to you, Nelson," she said but the words made my ears itch. I fumbled for my phone in my chest pocket and once I found it, I was gone. I had no choice. At least not anymore. The doors of desperation seemed to be closing around me. My father's survival,
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.
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