Chapter 43: The Games We PlayRobert pulled into the driveway, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. The weight of the previous night lingered heavily on his shoulders—Rebecca’s sudden reappearance, Emma’s betrayal, Natalie’s cryptic warnings. It was all too much.Stepping out of the car, the cool morning air did little to calm him. He pushed open the door to his house, half-hoping for silence, but instead, he was greeted by a voice that made his stomach twist.“Well, look who finally decided to come home,” Carolyn said, lounging on the couch as if she owned the place.Robert froze in the doorway, his jaw tightening. “You’re still here?” he asked, his tone clipped.Carolyn stood, smoothing down the silk robe she wore—a robe that wasn’t hers, he noted bitterly. She had a way of making herself at home in places she didn’t belong.“I was thinking of leaving when you got back,” she said, feigning sweetness. “No need to be so harsh, Robert.”His eyes narrowed. He’d heard this tone bef
Maya adjusted her dress as she stepped out of her sleek car, her pulse quickening. The towering gates of Robert’s estate stood before her, a symbol of everything opulent yet unattainable in her life. She hesitated for a moment, clutching her purse tightly. She knew this wasn’t just about fun anymore. It hadn’t been for a while. But as much as she tried to convince herself otherwise, the flutter in her chest every time she saw Robert was undeniable.The driveway stretched endlessly, lined with pristine hedges and marble statues that whispered wealth and power. Maya had been here before—many times—but tonight, something felt different. She wasn’t sure if it was the way Robert had sounded on the phone earlier, his voice rich with amusement, or the way her heart seemed to race without reason.When the butler opened the door, she stepped inside with a practiced smile, smoothing her hair. “Evening, Charles.”The older man gave a polite nod. “Good evening, Ms. Hayes. Mr. Robert is expecting
The boardroom was nothing short of spectacular. Polished marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of recessed lighting, and the walls were lined with sleek black panels that radiated authority. The centerpiece of the room was an imposing oval table, surrounded by high-backed leather chairs that seemed to demand respect from anyone who sat in them.Maya adjusted her blazer as she entered, the sharp heels of her nude Louboutins clicking against the floor. Her tailored navy suit fit her perfectly, accentuating her poised yet confident demeanor. Her dark hair was swept back into a low chignon, and her makeup was subtle but flawless,a touch of blush, nude lips, and eyes lined with precision. She looked every bit the part of someone who belonged here.As she stepped into the room, all eyes turned to her. She felt their gazes, some curious, others skeptical, but she held her head high, her back straight. This wasn't the Maya who had cried in her car outside Robert’s mansion years ago. This
EMMA POVDr. Aaron's words hung in the air like a guillotine, poised to drop and sever all hope. Emma's heart raced as she clutched the armrests of the worn hospital chair, her knuckles weak with desperation."Hold on…Let me get this straight, Doctor," Emma said, her voice trembling. "You're telling me that my mother's surgery, her only chance at survival, depends on me finding a huge sum of money? And without the money there will be no treatment for her? Even if she dies right in front of you? Even if I am to pay that huge amount of money, I should be given time to do so, she is suffering and she is in pain right now the only thing stopping you to save a life is money?"Dr. Aaron's expression was a mask of sympathy, but his eyes betrayed a hint of impatience. "I'm afraid so, Emma. The hospital's policy is clear: payment upfront or no procedure. Your mother's condition is critical, and time is running out."Emma felt like she'd been punched in the gut. She thought she'd been prepared
—“A stripper….” she said to herself“What did you say?” Natalie asked.“Nothing, nothing, thank you very much I am going to be at the club tomorrow night, I am staying with my mom just for tonight” she said Natalie nodded even though Emma couldn't see her “Bye then" she said and ended the call. ROBERT POVI gazed at my cell phone, my eyes heavy with exhaustion from a long day of work. The screen vibrated, but I didn't bother to check it, too drained to care who texted. Ryan, my friend and confidant, peered over from the adjacent couch, his voice low and conspiratorial."Robert..."I raised an eyebrow, my voice barely above a whisper. "Hmm? What is it?"Ryan's expression was serious, his eyes locked onto mine. "Sophia."My head snapped up, my gaze intensifying. "Sophia? What about her?"Ryan gestured to my phone, a sly smile spreading across his face. I picked it up, my heart racing with anticipation. Five new text messages from Sophia. My smile grew wider as I scrolled through the
Emma's eyes, red and swelled up from lack of sleep, fixed on the doctor as he delivered the devastating news. Her mind raced, trying to process the weight of his words. The machines surrounding her mother's frail body seemed to close in, their beeps and whirs a constant reminder of the ticking clock."Listen Doc. i truly understand and appreciate everything you have been doing for me but Please, Doctor, just give me today," Emma pleaded, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll bring the money tomorrow morning."The doctor's expression softened, and he nodded. "Fine, but I must warn you, Emma, time is running out, I am doing everything I can because I know you don't have anywhere to run to but I hope you meet someone who will truly and genuinely help you."As the doctor rushed out of the room, Emma's gaze followed him, her eyes locking onto the tall, imposing figure standing beside him. Robert, the man who the nurse rushed in because he arrived, heavens truly blesses some people.With
It was round 9pm, Emma gazed at her cellphone and the time was nearer, she stepped out of the house and walked towards the club way. As she stepped into the club, Natalie's eyes widened in surprise when she saw Emma. "Hey, you actually came," she said, a sly smile spreading across her face. Emma nodded, my heart racing with anticipation, feeling unease and uncomfortable.Natalie's gaze roamed over me, her expression softening. "You don't look too good,Emma, are you sure you wanna do this?" she asked, concern etched in her voice.Emma nodded,her jaw set in determination. "Yes, ofcourse, I will, I have to so that my mother could live, this is the only chance I have now and I dont wanna screw it up, I have to try my best and to whatever it takes if only it's just for tonight."With that, Natalie took her hand and led her into the dressing room. They had only 30 minutes to get ready, and the air was thick with tension. A flamboyant man, dressed in a sparkling outfit, greeted us with a war
EMMA POVThe room was dimly lit, the faint hum of the neon sign outside casting a soft,flickering glow through the half-drawn window. His heartbeat echoed in my ears, so loud I could barely hear the low rumble of his voice."You're a virgin?" Robert’s question hung in the air, as if suspended by the weight of his disbelief.I nodded, unable to trust my voice. My throat felt dry, and my hands trembled slightly, though I quickly folded them in my lap, hoping he wouldn’t notice. His face, which had been calm, even smug moments earlier, was now an unreadable mask of shock and concern. He shifted his weight off me, sitting up abruptly as though the words had physically knocked him back.He repeated, softer this time, almost as if asking for more confirmation, guess he didn't believe the truth "A virgin?"His eyes searched mine, as though he were looking for some sign that I was joking, or playing some pranks, lying. But I wasn’t. It was actually the truth. I had never been with anyone, not
The boardroom was nothing short of spectacular. Polished marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of recessed lighting, and the walls were lined with sleek black panels that radiated authority. The centerpiece of the room was an imposing oval table, surrounded by high-backed leather chairs that seemed to demand respect from anyone who sat in them.Maya adjusted her blazer as she entered, the sharp heels of her nude Louboutins clicking against the floor. Her tailored navy suit fit her perfectly, accentuating her poised yet confident demeanor. Her dark hair was swept back into a low chignon, and her makeup was subtle but flawless,a touch of blush, nude lips, and eyes lined with precision. She looked every bit the part of someone who belonged here.As she stepped into the room, all eyes turned to her. She felt their gazes, some curious, others skeptical, but she held her head high, her back straight. This wasn't the Maya who had cried in her car outside Robert’s mansion years ago. This
Maya adjusted her dress as she stepped out of her sleek car, her pulse quickening. The towering gates of Robert’s estate stood before her, a symbol of everything opulent yet unattainable in her life. She hesitated for a moment, clutching her purse tightly. She knew this wasn’t just about fun anymore. It hadn’t been for a while. But as much as she tried to convince herself otherwise, the flutter in her chest every time she saw Robert was undeniable.The driveway stretched endlessly, lined with pristine hedges and marble statues that whispered wealth and power. Maya had been here before—many times—but tonight, something felt different. She wasn’t sure if it was the way Robert had sounded on the phone earlier, his voice rich with amusement, or the way her heart seemed to race without reason.When the butler opened the door, she stepped inside with a practiced smile, smoothing her hair. “Evening, Charles.”The older man gave a polite nod. “Good evening, Ms. Hayes. Mr. Robert is expecting
Chapter 43: The Games We PlayRobert pulled into the driveway, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. The weight of the previous night lingered heavily on his shoulders—Rebecca’s sudden reappearance, Emma’s betrayal, Natalie’s cryptic warnings. It was all too much.Stepping out of the car, the cool morning air did little to calm him. He pushed open the door to his house, half-hoping for silence, but instead, he was greeted by a voice that made his stomach twist.“Well, look who finally decided to come home,” Carolyn said, lounging on the couch as if she owned the place.Robert froze in the doorway, his jaw tightening. “You’re still here?” he asked, his tone clipped.Carolyn stood, smoothing down the silk robe she wore—a robe that wasn’t hers, he noted bitterly. She had a way of making herself at home in places she didn’t belong.“I was thinking of leaving when you got back,” she said, feigning sweetness. “No need to be so harsh, Robert.”His eyes narrowed. He’d heard this tone bef
The penthouse was silent, save for the faint hum of the city outside. Robert stared at the city skyline, his whiskey glass empty on the counter beside him. His head was spinning, but not from the alcohol, Emma’s sudden betrayal to him was a knife that kept twisting deeper. His nephew. His own blood. And Emma, the woman he had been chasing all his life around, had chosen him.His phone buzzed again. He ignored it, pushing the glass away. He needed air. The penthouse, though vast, felt suffocating tonight. Grabbing his coat, he headed to the one place he knew could distract him: The Velvet Room.---The nightclub was pulsing with life. The bass thumped through the floor, the room dimly lit with streaks of neon. Robert slipped past the crowd, heading for a private booth. He wasn’t in the mood for company, but the anonymity of the club gave him a reprieve from the weight crushing his chest.A waitress approached him, her tray balanced perfectly as she smiled. "Your usual, Mr. Robert?"He
ROBERT POVI froze there, shocked with what I saw, why would Emma be pregnant? And why was she in the hospital? These thoughts lingered in my heads for a while then I saw Daniel. “Daniel” I called out to him and he stopped in his tracks Daniel stood in the hallway, his arms casually crossed over his chest, a friendly smile on his face.“Uncle,” he said, his voice calm, almost too polite, as if he was holding something back.I forced a smirk, though unease prickled under my skin. “Thought you’d left already, I was about to leave since you wouldnt meet your uncle” I replied, my tone sharper than I intended.He nodded, his gaze briefly flickering toward the hospital room down the corridor. “I should have. But I wanted to make sure everything’s running smoothly. She is my mother-in-law, after all. I have to make sure she’s comfortable.”The words landed with a weight I wasn’t expecting. Mother-in-law? I blinked, barely managing a neutral nod.“Take me to see her,it wouldn't be nice if I
EMMA'S POVI nodded understandingly, I knew the nurses wouldn't want to tell me anything, its their work and it's their right to keep everyone's matters private but how on earth would I know what she came to do.“Emma” A voice called out to me, I looked back only to see a tall, rich man behind me.Robert.I gasped and stepped back, I never knew we could meet one on one in a place like this, I touched my big belly.“Robert?” I said my voice barely above a whisper, he could see the shock in my eyes.Robert stood there, his eyes wide with a mixture of shock and suspicion. His question hung in the air like an invisible weight, pressing on me. “Are you pregnant?” His voice was sharp but not loud, filled with urgency that made my chest tighten.I froze. My mind raced, caught between truths and lies. I could feel my heartbeat drumming in my ears, drowning out the sterile hum of the hospital.Slowly, I dropped my hand from my stomach, the subconscious gesture that must have betrayed me. With
EMMA POVI sat outside Mom's hospital room, lost in the serene landscape beyond the window. The gentle rustle of leaves and chirping birds offered a fleeting escape from the weight of her illness. Suddenly, a familiar voice broke the tranquility."Emma."I turned to see Natalie standing behind me, her eyes tinged with a mix of guilt and hesitation."Hey, still here?" I replied softly, my curiosity piqued.Natalie's gaze darted around the hospital corridor before settling on me. "I'm heading home, but I wanted to just stop buy before leaving and apologise for...everything." Her voice trembled.I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What's going on, Natalie? You're being really cryptic, you did nothing wrong."Natalie took a step closer, her eyes locking onto mine. "I know I shouldn't have said such a thing that day. I was stressed, and I took it out on you. I'm so sorry."My expression softened. "It's nothing, Natalie. Friends fight, and we settle." I offered a reassuring smile.Natalie's f
ROBERT POV Hours passed as I tried to piece together fragments of the night, but it was all a haze. Carolyn had locked herself in the guest room, refusing to speak to me, her sobs echoing faintly through the walls.The kids noticed, their wide-eyed gazes flicking between me and the closed door, sensing the tension. They didn’t ask questions, but the silence was damning, like a silent judgment hanging over me.That evening, I confronted Carolyn.She looked at me with a scornful smile, her lips curving slightly as she crossed her arms. “What do you want, Robert? I already told you everything that happened, do I Have the energy to force you on me? I don't, you did it yourself and you were satisfied,so what more do you want?”“I want answers, real answers, tell me the truth” I replied, my voice a mixture of frustration and desperation. “What happened last night?”“You don’t remember?” she asked, feigning innocence. “Or are you just pretending, so you can escape the blame?”“I don’t trust
EMMA POV“What's the problem?” Daniel asked, his gaze drifting between me and Ava I smirked back at him so he wouldnt know what we were talking about “We were just discussing something important” I said my voice firm.ROBERT POV“What a long day” I said as I dropped my car keys in front of the table, my hands in between my chest as I zipped off.The phone's screen glared back at me, messages lined up, missed calls pinging in one after another. But I couldn't bring myself to respond. I slouched back in the armchair, sinking into its worn leather. My fingers absentmindedly tapped the armrest, my mind drifting. Everything felt hollow.The door swung open without a knock. Carolyn stood in the doorway, her familiar smirk tugging at her lips as she walked in, balancing two glasses and a bottle of wine.“Welcome, Robert,” she purred, eyes glinting as they trailed over me.I sat up, frowning. “A little privacy would be nice, Carolyn. Knock next time,” I muttered, my voice low, weary. But Ca