Layla's POVWhat is Mr Grant doing here? I wondered, as I stepped out of the car.I had handed over to him one of the mansions my mother willed to me so he could no longer stay in that shabby house.“Do you want to get yourself killed?” I exclaimed, looking at him angrily. I had vowed to keep him safe and happy, because of all his sacrifices and loyalty to my mother.I had gone through my mother's files, through the night, because I couldn't sleep. I was too excited for this day. My mother detailed all of her experiences as the chairwoman of Starlight Entertainment. She gave a list of her competitors and those who stood by her through thick and thin of which Mr Grant was one of them. He moved towards me, his hands trembling.“Layla, you can't enter that car now!” He said, his voice laced with a hint of fear and urgency.It sounded more like a warning to me. Alex stepped out of the car and came to stand by my side.“Who is this man?” He questioned, his gaze full of disgust and anger
Alexander's POV“Is that a gunshot I hear?” Layla panicked.“Be calm,” I pushed her aside.I went into my study room and brought out a small gun in one of my drawers.I pinched my forehead in annoyance. Enough of this bloody shit! I groaned under my breath.I stepped outside, of course after warning Layla not to set a foot outside.I laughed after sighting the intruder. “Oh, it's you. Bitch!” I cursed. I walked towards her, standing in front of her. I glared at her. “Like a mother , like a son.” She was dressed like a whore. Almost naked, with her sensitive parts outside for the work to see. She wore a very short skirt that only covered her bum and a low-neck crop top that revealed her boobs.Disgusting! I exclaimed inwardly.“Alex!” She thundered, pointing a gun at me. “Who do you think you are? Treating my son like a slave?” She glared at me. Her veins popping out like they are about to burst out.“What do you think you are doing?” I looked down at her, my anger rising. “Get your
Layla's POV I rolled to the side of the bed, expecting to touch Alex so he could wrap himself around me but it was empty. Instead I rolled on the floor, hitting my head on the damn floor. I stood up in shame with a hint of anger. “Where is he?” I said, looking around the room but he wasn't there. I decided to go check in his study room so he could explain why he left me alone in the room. I stepped out drowsily, dragging my feet towards his study room when I sighted a figure in the dark. I didn't bother putting on the light because I know my way around the house already having spent up to a year. I hid myself behind one of the pillars. Watching the figure closely. The silhouette is of a man, and I figured it could be Stephen. Why is he roaming suspiciously? I thought. I never liked him, but because he is Alex's cousin I had to put up with him. The way he stares at me like he could ounce on me gives me the creeps. He moved towards Alex's study room and I followed him gently
Alexander's POVAs we settled into our first-class seats, I felt a sense of excitement and luxury. We had the plane to ourselves, except for our personal air hostess, who greeted us with a warm smile. We sat facing each other, sipping our juice and enjoying the quiet intimacy of the moment. I had done my research earlier, and Cape Town was my best option for our vacation. But we had to endure a long journey of 26 hours and 30 minutes, with layovers. It won't be easy but I was ready to make the most of our time in the air, and enjoy every moment of our trip together.I glanced at her and I was pleased to see a smile on her face. She deserves every bit of happiness. And I'm going to make sure she is always happy.As the plane took off, I felt a rush of excitement. We chatted and laughed, enjoying each other's company, and the air hostess attended to our every need. She offered us a selection of fine wines and upscale meals, which we savored and enjoyed.“You have such a handsome husban
Layla's POVI was enjoying myself, admiring the black and white people as they mixed and talked together. I really want to talk to a black and hear their sweet accent once again.The lights flickered creating a creepy atmosphere.“We are so sorry for the disturbance, people. We will fix it now!” A masculine voice echoed through the microphone.Few minutes later, the lights became stable and I continued my admiration.I remembered when my mother brought me here. I met a young boy of my own age. His dark skin glistened and he was so handsome.I had promised him to come back here for him, but who am I kidding. He was such a sweet kid. We talked and became very close. His father was the photographer in my mother's crew at that time.Where could he be now? I wondered.I smiled, my face turning red as I thought of him.“What's so funny?” Alex whispered and I came back to myself immediately. It's just a crush, I told myself.“Nothing, babe. I just love these people.” I said, and just then a
Alexander's POV“Where do you think you're going, woman!” I slammed. Writhing with rage as I tightened my grip on her hand.Tears welled up in her eyes. “I was just going out for some fresh air.” She stammered.I dragged her back inside the room, slamming the door shut with my feet.“Don't tell me you want to go see that bastard!” I thundered, throwing her on the bed.“No,” she begged. “I couldn't sleep, that was why I decided to go out. I'm sorry, Alex.” She rubbed her palms apologetically, looking sober like a lost kitten.My heart softened. “I will put you to sleep, okay.” I said and she nodded her head, shivering in fear.She lay on the bed and I covered her with the duvet and lay beside her. Cradling her head against my chest, she shut her eyes as I patted her gently.Few minutes later, she dozed off, snoring gently as her breaths fanned my chest.How dare he lay his filthy hands on my wife! He will pay dearly for daring to covet my wife. I don't care if they were childhood swee
Layla's POVI'm now regretting my actions. How could I have been so foolish to think he would understand me?Alex clearly warned me not to leave the room, but I didn't listen.Immediately he left, I had my bath, put on my clothes and went downstairs in search of Damian.I must have been a fool to think we could talk it out like adults.I couldn't sleep well last night, his thoughts were coming to my mind. I truly felt bad for the way Alex treated him yesterday. It wasn't his fault anyway, it was I who made a foolish confession at a young age.Now I have been kidnapped and tied up in an abandoned house. I cried in pain, begging him to release me, but he turned dead ears to my plea. “If you truly love me, Damian, you won't treat me like this.” I cried as he stared at me.He spat on my face. “Don't tell me that! You left me, Layla and I waited patiently for you.”“Are you a fool?” I asked, my anger rising. “How could you trust the words of a little girl? I said them out of impulse. I ne
Alexander's POVLayla lay on the bed half naked, and my heart pounded in anger. “Alex, what are you doing?” She asked, her voice shivering with fear.“Get away from her you bastard!” I yelled, kicking Damian off the bed. He landed on the floor, his head hitting the floor badly.“Shit!” He cursed, glaring at the mess and massaging his head gently. “How did you manage to get inside here?” He squinted his eyes at me.I laughed, “you think a bunch of lazy boys will stop me? You don't know who you're messing with!” I growled, hitting him in the head. He fell face flat and I dragged him outside. Layla followed quietly, not daring to make a sound.“Mr King!” His father cried, “please have mercy! I have failed to raise my son properly. Take me instead.”I kicked him away in frustration, “do not get in my way old man!”“I will do anything you want, please just don't take my son. He is my heir!” He wailed, rolling on the floor.“I need to teach your son a lesson. Never in his life will he covet
Layla's POVI patted Emilia gently on the back. And I must say this the first time we are sitting this close to each other.My heart ached for some reason as I saw the tears flow down her cheek.Shouldn't I be in regret that I ended up in a family like this? So full of secrets and wounds? I heaved a sigh, staring into oblivion.There is no going back, Layla. I said to myself as I glanced at Emilia who cleaned her nose with a tissue.Rachel stood up to get water for Emilia, “let me get you a glass of water.” Emilia held her hands. “Bring me alcohol instead.” She said,I shook my head at her. “No Emilia, you can't take that. It's dangerous to your health. You're growing old already.”The tears she had held back escaped her eyes as she wailed. “I need to get wasted. I need to punish myself for not looking after my son.” She sniffled. “He ended up in this situation because of me!”I nodded at Rachel as I stood up to go look for Alex. “What is taking him so long?” I muttered.Just as I tur
Alexander's POVAs we walked away from the City's old park, I could feel the weight of our mission settling in. We had to uncover the Order's plans and stop them before it was too late.As we split up to start our tasks, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. We were taking a huge risk by going against the Order, and I knew they wouldn't hesitate to strike back.But I also knew we had no choice. We had to stop them, no matter what it took.I made my way back to SHADOWS' headquarters, my mind focused on the task ahead. I had to find a way to get into the Order's systems, to uncover their secrets and stop their plans.As I sat down at my computer, I took a deep breath and began to work. The clock was ticking, and I knew I had to move fast.Layla already dozed off, her head on the desk as she snored loudly. She must have been so exhausted. I thought as I carried her bridal style and placed her gently on the bed, tucking her under the duvet. I placed a gentle kiss on her head.As I t
Layla's POVAs Yvette stepped forward, a sly smile spreading across her face, I thought for sure she was the spy. But then she spoke."Alex, I've been investigating the Order's communication channels. I think I've found something big."My eyes narrowed, confusion etched on my face. "What are you talking about, Yvette?" I asked.She glanced around nervously before pulling out a small device from her pocket. "I've been tracking a suspicious signal. I think it's coming from one of our own."Alex's eyes shone in alert. "What do you mean?"Yvette hesitated before speaking. "I think the spy is someone close to you, Alex. Someone who's been feeding information to the Order."Alex's expression darkened.My mind raced as I thought about the possibilities. Who could it be? Rachel? Phoenix? Larry? No, it couldn't be. I trusted them with my life."Who is it?" Alex demanded, his voice firm.Yvette hesitated again before speaking. "I'm not sure yet. But I have a few suspects in mind. Let me investi
Alexander's POVI woke up groggily, rubbing my eyes. "What's going on?"Layla took a deep breath before speaking. "Alex, we need to talk to you about your father."My expression changed from sleepy to alert in an instant. "What about him?"Rachel stepped forward, her voice gentle. "We've discovered that Phoenix, your father, is alive."My eyes widened, and I sat up straight, as if punched in the gut. "What? That's impossible."Rachel nodded, feeling a pang of sympathy for me. "We know it's a lot to take in, but we have evidence. He faked his own death to protect you and SHADOWS."My face went through a range of emotions. Shock, anger, confusion. I looked like I was struggling to process this new reality.Finally, I spoke, after much silence. My voice barely above a whisper. "Why didn't he tell me?"Rachel shook her head. "We don't know, Alex. But we're here for you, and we'll help you find out.”“How did you find out, yourself?” I asked Rachel who was looking at me.“Yvette, a skilled
Layla's POVI had always watched my husband, Alex, walk out the door, every morning, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead. As the leader of SHADOWS, he had a heavy burden to carry, and I couldn't help but worry about his safety.But I knew he was strong and capable, and that he had a team of skilled fighters and strategists behind him. I had to trust that he would come home to me every night.As I went about my day, I couldn't help but think about the journey that had brought us here. From the moment Alex had discovered his father's secret, our lives had been turned upside down. But through it all, our love had only grown stronger.I remembered the look on his face when he had told me about becoming the leader of SHADOWS. I had seen the fear and uncertainty in his eyes, but also the determination and conviction. I knew then that he would do great things.Now, as I waited for him to return home, I felt a sense of pride and admiration for the man he had become. He was fighting for a
Alexander's POVAfter I had signed the necessary documents, I left the mansion a changed person.As the car sped away, I remembered the man's words.“You are the new leader of SHADOWS. Those people must be aware already and they know you came here, so they will try to kill you. They must have sent their men to the road by now to get rid of you since they can't get into this place. That's why I'm giving you a group of skilled fighters and bodyguards who will follow you everywhere.” I looked behind me and saw a fleet of cars driving behind me and some in front. Even the president isn’t this heavily guarded.As I gazed out at the convoy of cars surrounding me, I felt a mix of emotions. Fear, excitement, and a sense of responsibility. I was now the leader of SHADOWS, a secret organization that seemed to be hidden in mystery.The driver, a skilled fighter named Marcus, glanced in the rearview mirror. "Sir, we have a situation ahead. There's a roadblock up front, and it looks like an ambus
Layla's POVAs the man approached us, I felt my legs trembling in fear. His massive figure stood in front of us, trying to be intimidating and he really is doing a good job. Alex didn't quiver, he kept his stern expression.“You may have your seat,” he said.We had our seats and the butler came in with maids crying trays of food. They placed it on the table before us.The exquisite foods made my mouth watery as I eyed each plate of professionally cooked delicacies. I took a quick glance at Alex, whose gaze was fixed on the man as though he was trying to read him.Neither Alex nor Larry are making an attempt to touch their food. This is not fair! I exclaimed under my breath. Alex looked at me and I smiled. He gave me a sign and I knew to take my eyes off the food.“Is the food not to your taste?” The man asked, as he smoked on his cigarette, choking me with the smoke. There were like ten already smoked cigarettes in the ashtray. “I'll have them prepare something else for you then.” He
Alexander's POVI need to learn more about the secret society members. Why didn't my father mention them in his journals? I've searched his study and library, but found no clues or documents. How can I become their leader when I know nothing about them?I entered my father's room, searching for it for the umpteenth time today. I slumped on the bed, worried for my life. How can I go against people I know nothing about?As I looked around, my eyes landed on a strange object in his walk-in closet. It blended with the silver design. How did I miss this?I pressed it hard, and suddenly, a ladder dropped from the ceiling to the floor. I was surprised and wondered what secrets I would uncover this time.I climbed the ladder and entered a small room. Looking around, I realized my father was indeed involved in a secret society. The room was filled with arms and ammunition on the walls and computers on tables, displaying various activities.On the screen, a casino was displayed as people gambl
Layla's POVThe way Alex stormed off made me worried. He is back to his old self.I didn't want to annoy him further so I left him to himself, praying inwardly that he comes back to his senses.I kept having the feeling that the King's family has deep secrets that no one must hear about. I have to uncover them if I want to have a peaceful marriage with Alex.Should I go talk to Emilia about it? I chuckled softly, who am I?Since Alex had decided to stay mad, I decided to explore the mansion. It has gotten better since the last time I came, all thanks to Emilia’s unique taste.I walked through the long corridors, taking in the familiar sights and sounds. Suddenly, I heard a faint noise coming from the library. I pushed open the door and found a hidden room behind the bookshelf. It was slightly opened, that was why I knew someone had been there, but not recently. Spider webs covered my face as I walked in quietly. Inside, I found a series of journals belonging to Alex's father. His nam