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
Layla's POVIn the ancestral mansion of the wealthy and influential Torres family, a shocking and unimaginable incident was unfolding.The rain poured down heavily as screams and shattering of glasses could be heard."Mom!" I shrieked, my voice piercing the air as I witnessed a shocking scene unfold before my eyes. My grandmother's face was twisted in a fierce scowl as she violently pushed my mother, her words cutting deep like a knife."Leave this place, you slut!" she bellowed, her voice echoing through the halls. "Oh, you think we didn't know? You seduced my son into marrying you just to inherit his properties. You poverty-stricken being!" The venom in her words was palpable, her anger and resentment boiling over like a pot left unattended.We've pretended for far too long," my grandmother's voice dripped with hostility, her eyes blazing with a fierce intensity. "Now that my son is dead, you'll leave this house with nothing! You came here with nothing, but you've managed to produce
Layla's POVI smiled brightly as I read the message on my phone. "I can't believe it!" I exclaimed, pumping my fist in the air. "I just got the job at the city's most influential club house!"I remembered sending an application a month ago, and they really chose the best time to reply.Seems like fate has finally smiled on me.Now, I could take a loan to pay for my mother's treatment. I heaved a sigh of relief.I hurried to her ward, feeling a mix of emotions. She lay frail in her bed, her eyes sunken. I broke down in tears, feeling guilty. She worked so hard for me that she neglected herself.I became so determined to care for her, to fight for her, just as she had always fought for me."Mom, I won't let you down," I promised, holding her frail hand in mine. "I'll do everything I can to make sure you get the treatment you need."She weakly shook her head, her eyes filled with tears.The next day, I fasted and prepared for my interview. I really need money because I don't want to dro
Alexander's POV"Last night's incident was a mistake and it should be forgotten. Women are scum!" I slammed, trying my best to forget last night's encounter with the waitress. "Why can't I get her out of my head?" I ruffled my hair with my hands agressively. "I hate this!"With a throbbing pain in my head, I entered the bathroom and switched on the shower.I allowed the water to do its work as it ran its way through my skin.I seethed with rage, wondering who had the audacity to spike my drink.The culprit is either extremely foolish or has a death wish. I guess they have no idea who they are messing with. I will make them pay! They will beg for their dear lives.As I stepped out of the bathroom utterly naked, trickles of water coursed down my body, forming a tiny puddle on the floor at my feet.Today is Sunday and it's family time for the Kings' family.I put on a cotton shirt and a denim jeans, and ran to the grand hall where we have our family time.Everyone was already sitted e
Alexander's POVI went back to the club the next day in search of her.I don't even know her name, how do I find her?Surprisingly, it wasn't a difficult search. I think she is quite famous because they all know who I was describing.But I was shocked with the response I got."She doesn't work here anymore." The manager said, his head bowed to the ground."What!" How is that possible? Why? Is she okay?" I couldn't stop myself from asking questions.She is the only one that can save me from this doom."She quit her job yesterday, sir and didn't give a reason." He said, wondering why I would be searching for a mere waitress. "So how do I find her?" I demanded, my voice laced with desperation. I stared hard at him, my eyes burning with anger. I looked like I might explode if I didn't get the answers I needed.With fear in his eyes, and his head bowed to the ground, he stammered. "I…I…don't know sir." She said she won't be working for long, so I didn't get any details." He was visibly
This man is gorgeous. His cold hands on my skin was affecting me in a way I can't explain."I'm sorry, Layla." He pleaded. Awwn, he is so cute. I felt a flutter in my chest as he said my name. No one has ever called my name so perfectly.What is worng with you Layla? I shouldn't be feeling this way for someone who took my pride and left me all to myself.Caution Layla! Caution! I warned myself, but there's no going back."It's just a contract marriage, for three years." He explained, holding out some papers. "You can read the terms before signing it." I collected the papers from him.Shock gripped me as I scanned the content.A part of me wanted this marriage to be real not just a fake agreement.We went back inside. " So what do you say? He asked.I hesitated, not wanting to seem desperate. But I am desperate!"Hum, do I get to think about it?" I asked. "Yes, you can, but I really don't have much time, you have just one week to decide. When you are ready, call my assistant." He sa
Layla's POV"Who are you?" She asked, looking at me disdainfully like I was dirt.I was taken aback. My mind went blank as I struggled to respond. What do I say? That I am his contract bride or what?I just stared blankly at her."Alex, darling." She turned to him, smiling from ear to ear "Who is this…this person?" Alex's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in annoyance. "Get your hands off me!" He growled, his deep voice resonating across the room.In fear, she took her hands off, visibly shaking."You want to know who she is, huh?" He walked closely to me and wrapped his arm around my waist. "She is my wife." He said sweetly, smiling. One would have confused us for newlyweds who are madly in love.I looked at him in surprise and he signaled me to act along.My face flushed red. The room suddenly became hot.How do I pretend? I wondered.I just smiled sweetly back at him."This better be a joke Alex!" She screamed, her face blazing hot. Our parents are already making preparations for o
Alexander's POVMy grandmother's slap sent Layla stumbling backwards, almost falling to the ground. I reached out to hold her. Confusion was etched on her face. "Grandmother!" I bellowed. "What was that for?" I asked, my face blazing with anger."What are you doing with the daughter of a harlot?" My grandmother asked. Her veins were popping out of her head. She turned to Layla. "You think I don't know? I have done my findings. This was the same way your mother married your dead father!" She spat in her face. "Don't be a disgrace to this family. Just leave quietly now, you are not welcomed."I stepped forward, my face burning with anger. "Grandmother, stop it! You can't talk to her like that, she is my wife!" He slammed.I hate when my choices are being questioned.My grandmother gave a cold smile. "Amelia is your wife, not her. Do you want to tarnish the image of this family? Huh! I won't have you bring a blemish on the name your grandfather struggled to build." She pointed at Layla,
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
Alexander's POV“What's wrong?” I asked, looking at her as she bent close, staring at me. She placed her hand on my head, “did you go back in time?” she stammered. I squinted my eyes. “What do you mean?” I asked, looking suspiciously at her. “It's our wedding anniversary, we should be at the resort! What happened?” She gave a nervous laugh, “that was last year!” She exclaimed, feeling my head with her palm. “Let me go get the doctor!” My grandmother said, hasting out of the room.I looked at Layla, who wore a worried look on her face as she paced the room. She looked more beautiful and it felt like I have not seen her in a long time. “What's going on, Layla?”She let out a sigh, walking towards me. “Apparently, you gained your memories back, but you lost the…” she paused. “I don't know!” She slammed in frustration.She gazed at me, then her face lit up. “It's better this way.” She nodded. “It's better You don't remember the recent occurrences.” The doctors walked in, all dressed
Layla's POVBeads of sweat formed on his head as he shook vehemently on the bed as though he was being chased by someone. He looks so terrified. Tears streamed down his cheek as he muffled sentences I couldn't grasp. Fear gripped me. What is happening to Alex? I thought. What had the woman done to him?Alex's mother was now safe at the hospital, receiving treatment. The strange figure I had presumed to be a man was actually a woman. The same woman who had approached Alex at Emilia's charity event. How could she have been so heartless to have done that to his mother?The occurrence at the mansion came flooding back. As the figure approached, she threw a needle at Alex and stuck to his neck making him act strange. He slumped on the floor and started spitting foam.I bent to his level, shaking him, but he didn't respond. “What have you done to him?! I thundered, my blood boiling.The figure let out a hysterical laughter, that was when I knew that it was a woman.I charged at her with ra
Alexander's POVMy eyes widened in shock as the figure emerged from the shadows. I couldn't shake off the feeling of fear and danger.I am Alexander King! I can't be scared of my fellow man who might just be pulling a prank.But my confidence dissipated when he brought out a sharp long knife, dripping with blood. I shuddered in fear, as a chill ran down my spine."Who are you?" I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady.My first instinct was to shield Layla from this deadly looking man. I pulled her behind me and I could feel her breath fanning my back.I should have listened to her!The figure chuckled, a cold, gloomy sound. "I'm someone who's been watching you for a long time, Alex. Someone who knows all about your dirty little secrets."I took a step back, my eyes darting towards my mother's motionless body. "What do you want?"The figure took a step closer, its smile growing wider. "Oh, I think you know. I want what's mine. And I'll stop at nothing until I get it."I felt so vuln
Layla's POV“What are you doing?!” I screamed at Alex, seeing the way he smashed his phone.His temper has gotten worse! Is it because of the accident he had?He looked at me, standing to his feet. “I think something happened to my mom!” “Calm down, Alex.” I caressed his shoulders. He shoved my hands away. “You keep telling me to calm down!” I glared at him. “Cos that's the only way you can resolve your issues, not by getting mad!”“Okay,” he took a few deep breaths.“Good, now call your grandmother,” I said and he looked at the already destroyed phone, regretting his actions. “It's already destroyed.” He pouted.I rolled my eyes. “Take mine.” I handed my phone over to him.He dialed Emilia's number and she picked on the second ring. “Grandma, I think something’s happened to my mother.” He complained. He looks very worried.After all she did, he still cares about her! I clenched my fist in anger.I looked up at him and his expression says it all, his grandmother isn't interested at
Alexander's POVLayla is taking too long, it's been five hours now since she left the house. What if something bad had happened to her. She has never left my presence for this long, no matter how pressing the matter was.I stood up and wore my clothes quickly. I dialed Larry's number, “give me the location of Layla's grandmother's house.” I ordered and he sent it to me immediately.I drove quickly to the place, only to encounter a horrifying sight. A middle aged woman was running towards Layla with alarming speed. My heart almost jumped out of my chest when I sighted the sharp knife in her hand.“Layla!” I shouted. Jumping out of the car, I rushed to Layla, who stood glued to a spot. She must have been shocked.I pushed Layla out of the way and I felt the sharp knife pierce through my stomach. The woman stood frozen, looking at me as blood oozed out of my belly.“Alex!” Layla screamed, her tone, a mixture of pain and agony. “Not again!” She thundered. I slumped on the floor feeling
Layla's POVWhat does she mean by he killed his own mother? I wondered as I eavesdropped on their conversation. I glued my ears to the door as I heard Alex's grandmother sob.I tiptoed after Alex earlier, he was in a hurry that he didn't notice someone silently following him.“What!” Alex hundred. He must have been taken aback by such revelation.“What do you mean, I killed my mother?” He asked, his voice shaking.Alex's grandmother blew her nose, “you were still a young boy at that time. It must have been out of anger. Since your father just died, we thought you might be grieving.” She paused for a while and I couldn't hold myself, I became impatient. Go on! I thought.“Your mother never cared for you when you were a child. She never loved your father, it was an arranged marriage by your grandfather, but the both of them never loved each other. It was always from one quarrel to another. You practically grew up with me. I had to look after you. Your father loved you dearly. There's no