“Bye, baby.”"Bye, Aunt Ricia,” Ray says, kissing my cheeks before storming off to class with her friends.She is so excited to resume school. The summer holiday was indeed a lengthy one. Daniel rushes to open the door of the car as I approach it.“Daniel, this is embarrassing,” I say, looking at the parents currently staring at us.“I'm just being a gentleman,” he says, chuckling."Thanks, but I can get the door myself. I don't want to steer up unnecessary talks.”“Regardless, whatever you do or don't do, people will always have something to say. Besides, you dropped Ray off today, and that's going to have people talking already. Aside from family and Miss Charity, no one picks her up or drops her off.”“Maybe I should print Ray’s nanny, the Bakers’ housekeeper, on a placard to keep everyone’s mouth shut."“That's quite extreme,” Daniel says, shaking off the thought.I notice Jordan’s GLK sitting in the carport, which is strange because it wasn't there this morning.“Is Jordan home?”
All the going back and forth with Patricia and this issue with Mildred kind of has me pissed. What the hell is Mildred playing at coming to my house, knowing fully well that I’m not home,only to come and tell Patricia things that Patricia doesn’t want to disclose? Mildred will be hearing from me soon, and she’s not going to like it.I don’t get why Patricia can’t just make up her mind already. I know she at least feels something towards me, but she’s just restraining herself. I sigh exasperatedly as I walk to my room and collapse on the bed. That run was very much needed.I shower and change into something corporate, but style it casually. I don’t feel like going into the office today; rather, I’ll go say hi to Tony for a bit, come back and work from home so I can spend enough time with Ray when she gets back from school, and maybe even take her out after I surprise her with my little gift. My GLK pulls up in front of Tony’s three-level penthouse. I called him earlier to let him know
As I drive through the streets of East River, I begin to wonder the outcome of this meeting with Mildred. Since I appeared on the news regarding the Chinese project, I’ve had paparazzi flocking all over me. If only I had the power to stop it from going on air. I miss when I didn’t always have to watch my back. Especially now that I have to meet up with Mildred. Thank God for bars like this with secluded arenas and, of course, face caps and tinted windows.The cloud suddenly turns grey, becoming pregnant with rain. Well, even better for me. I stop in front of the restaurant, adjust my black face cap, and throw on my black hoodie. It reminds me of the other day when I was in the restaurant and saw Patricia.Thanks to the helpful lady who offered me a cap. I’m glad I was able to settle her fees all through college and reserve a spot for her in the company. Hopefully, she passes the interview. Now she doesn’t have to juggle many jobs or save men in distress like me.“You are twenty-minute
I’ve made up my mind; Jordan is my choice. No one has treated me as well as he has, and to be honest, I have a soft spot for him too, but I didn’t want to dwell on the feelings that were building for him because I have a boyfriend. It’s time for me to experience what it means to be with someone who loves and cares about me, someone who treats me well, and that’s all Jordan has done since the first day—treat me right—and this is something Bryan has not done in a very long time.He owes me a lot of money, which I doubt he will want to pay back, and as much as I am happy that things are going great for him, I don’t want to be with him again. I’ve endured a lot, put up with a lot of things I shouldn’t have, and was blind to his faults, but never again.I remember Jordan’s words. Think about it deeply, and let me know where your heart lies. I’ve thought about it deeply, and I choose Jordan over and over again, but I hope Mildred is not going to be an issue because it will hurt me to know t
What in the world is a rugit? It's getting pretty dark, and Daniel has been waiting in the car for so long now. I've googled it, and it's saying it means roar or howl. I'm trying to call Jordan to tell him there's nothing like that in all the supermarkets we've checked, but his number isn't connecting. Sweet Lord, this is the fifth supermarket! I don't want to disappoint him by not coming home with whatever this Rugit is.One more stop, and that's the end. If I don't see it in the next supermarket, I'm heading home. Aside from the frustration of trying to find this so-called thing, Bryan has unexpectedly disappeared from the face of the earth. How do I break up with someone who has vanished into thin air? To make matters worse, I don't even know where his office is, and his cousin isn't picking up my calls. I hope he is okay, though.We drive back home without the so-called rugit. Why is the whole place so dark? I wonder as I try to find the switch to the corridor light."Jordan?" Tr
This man must certainly be an angel! I've been taught that only God is without flaws; therefore, I want to have an insight into his flaws because how can one be this good, loving, gentle, and kind-hearted? Is it crazy that I want to catch a glimpse of his demons?"Thanks; that meant so much to me. You never talk about Ray's mom, and the day you brought it up, you were wearing so much anger on your face.""You have to promise never to mention this to anyone.""I promise." I watch him struggle to get the words out of his mouth, like it's an abomination to speak of them. We all look tough on the outside, but we have things going on within us that bring out that frail part of us."Your mom knows, though. Her name is Vanessa. When I was young, wild, and reckless, I had a fling with her. She was a supermodel who got pregnant and wasn't ready to keep the child. Fortunately, my dad overheard our conversation and was furious because he didn't like the idea of sex before marriage, and it was s
My heart dances with joy every time I think of Jordan and how incredibly well he has been treating me. It is as though I have stumbled upon a love like no other, and each day brings new reasons to fall deeper for him.From the moment we met, he has shown me what it means to be cherished and respected. His actions speak volumes, far louder than any words ever could. It was in the little things—the way he holds the door open for me, the thoughtful messages he sends me just to brighten my day, and the way he looks at me as if I were the most important person in the world.He doesn’t mind our relationship being public, but I’m a tad bit sceptical of what people will say about a billionaire dating his daughter’s nanny. I also want to officially end things with Bryan before anything else.His depth of love and understanding leaves me awestruck. He listens to my dreams and encourages me to pursue them with unwavering support, even going as far as getting me into a fashion school.He makes me
It feels good to be able to officially call Patricia my woman. Let me not begin to brag about how I asked her to be my woman. I took her out on a date to a five-star restaurant, which I booked just for both of us.“What is that boyfriend of mine thinking about?”“How lucky I am to have you in my life.”“I must be very special then.”“You are. Süsser, have you finally given it a thought?”“Given what a thought?” I ask, feigning ignorance.“You know exactly what I am talking about, babe.”“Jai, don't get me wrong, I want to be seen outside with you, but don't you think a ball where different dignitaries are is too immense for our first appearance as a couple?”“Hence the more reason I want to show you off at such a big event. We've been dating for two weeks now, and having to travel to Shanghai back and forth is never going to give me time to take part in other future events. You know how I had to squeeze out time to attend this ball, and that's because I'm one of the sponsors.”“We are
Epilogue6 months later I tap my fingers on the driving wheel, humming along to the pulse of the road, feeling the beat echo within. Each song becomes a personal concert, and my audience is the world outside my window. With each note, the journey transforms into an adventure full of songs and delight, making every mile unique.The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow as I drive , my pregnant belly gently cradled by the steering wheel as I embark on a journey to pick up Ray from her mother Vanessa's house. The anticipation of seeing Ray radiates through me blending with the rhythmic kicks of the little one in my belly.Arriving at Vanessa's house, I take a moment to steady myself before ringing the doorbell. Vanessa greets me with a warm smile. "Thanks for doing this, Patricia, for allowing Ray spend the weekend even though it wasn’t my week.” Vanessa says her expression soft with gratitude."It's my pleasure. Ray and I have a special bond, and it’s important that she has that type of
“Son, we are so happy for you.” father says super proud “Your father is right and we are glad you are very happy because we see how your face lights up all the time.”“Thanks. I love how both of you show up for me every time and support me. How you guys helped me raise Ray with unwavering love.”“You are our child and she's our granddaughter. It's our duty.” father says.“All the same, thanks again.” “I’ll leave you two to discuss while I check on what's cooking.” mother says excusing us.“So how's work?”“Going smoothly, dad. Thanks for asking.”“Don’t you think it's high time you take a break?”“I was thinking so too. Tony and I are organizing a group trip for our ladies.”“Now that's my boy. How's Ray and how’s she coping with this new chapter?”“Surprisingly good. Vanessa is good with children and I'm wondering what changed.”“People change. You did too.”I nod, father's words sinking in. "Yeah, people do change," I agree, pondering the evolution of myself and those around me."Y
The car hums softly as we embark on the journey back home after an emotional reunion with Ray's birth mother, Vanessa. The air in the car is thick with a mixture of lingering tension and unspoken questions. Ray, sitting in the back seat, stares out of the window, seemingly lost in thought. I wonder how she must be feeling after meeting her mother and if she has any question on her mind. Jordan, his hands steady on the wheel, steals a glance at Ray. Concern etched on his face, he speaks gently, "Ray, how are you feeling?"Ray sighs , her gaze still fixed on the passing scenery. "I don't know, Dad. It's a lot to process." I turn in my seat reaching out to touch Ray's hand. "We're here for you, sweetheart. Whatever you're feeling, it's valid."Ray nods , a small smile playing on her lips. "I appreciate that, Mom." I love it when she calls me mom and the thought of having a little child growing in me that will call me mom as well is so exciting. The car moves in a comfortable silence
Vanessa stands there, seemingly untouched by time, her slender figure and unchanged appearance hinting at a timeless beauty. There's a momentary question lingering as to whether she could truly be the mother of the boys following behind, given the absence of any visible resemblance."Vanessa," I call out from the car."Welcome to my home. Jordan and Patricia, thank you very much for this. I do not take it lightly," she acknowledges."Hi, Rachel. It's so lovely to see you. I'm Vanessa.""Hi, Mom," Ray greets warmly.Vanessa's face lights up, glowing with joy like a myriad of stars."Can I give you a hug?""Yes, please," Ray responds, embracing her eagerly."These are my sons, Gabriel and Nathaniel Parker. My husband and their father are late," she announces."Sorry for your loss," we chorus, following the boys' greetings."It's alright. It was a long time ago. Shortly after I got married to him, he took ill and passed. Let's not waste any further time out here. Let's all go in."As we
It's a relief that Jordan and I were able to work through our issues and emerge with a renewed vow to never let secrets ruin our relationship. The lesson acquired from the difficult experience emphasised the critical value of honesty and transparency.What truly surprised me was Jordan's apology for his impulsive decision to ask me to leave without taking the time to process everything. Admittedly, my choice to withhold essential information felt like a significant breach of trust, casting a shadow over our relationship.However, Jordan's perspective on the dynamics of marriage startled me. Despite the hurt caused by my actions, he believed that a successful marriage necessitates navigating such challenges through open communication and forgiveness.At that moment, I felt conflicting emotions—my initial guilt for withholding information, Jordan's surprising apology, and his conviction in the essential aspects of trust and openness in a marriage. It forced me to rethink my concept of t
In the solitude of this past week, amidst the echo of my own thoughts, I've embarked on an odyssey within myself. In the wake of shattered trust, I find myself navigating a labyrinth of emotions, haunted by the echoes of betrayal. Yet, amidst the debris of fractured promises, there's a yearning to rebuild what was once a sanctuary of companionship. The road to reconciliation feels like walking on shards of glass, each step a cautious maneuver to bridge the chasm that divides us. But within this tempest of hurt lies a glimmer of hope, a desire to unearth the truth, to mend the rift, and perhaps forge a stronger bond, weathered yet resilient in the face of adversity.The air in my father's study hangs heavy with the weight of unspoken words and hidden truths. Stepping into this sanctum of memories, the familiar scent of aged books and polished wood offers solace amidst the impending revelation.Mother's absence is a blessing in this moment, sparing her the pain that lingers within the d
The ticking clock echoes in my quiet room, each passing second emphasizing the void left by three days of strained silence. The memory of the argument with Jordan replays in my mind, the pain still fresh, and the weight of regret settling in my chest.My phone lies untouched on the table, its screen devoid of messages or missed calls. I can't bring myself to break the silence, understanding that the wounds from my actions need time to heal. I feel empty without him, unable to eat or sleep properly, spending my days confined in the room, looking like a mess.Regret gnaws at my conscience as I replay the argument in my mind. I had kept a secret, thinking it would be a protective shield for Jordan, only to realize that it has become a barrier between us. Communication truly is key in a relationship; the outcome might have been totally different if I had spoken to him about it as soon as it happened and we had discussed ways on how to go about it. Now I feel like I’ve lost his trust and I
I lay in the hotel bed totally famished and emotionally drained. I don't deserve this. My head is spinning from days of trying to phantom everything that has happened.We were supposed to be on our way to Greece today. I hope she's out when I get back. I need a break from her to be able to think things through. If I'm going to have to get over her which I doubt is possible, I would have to see less of her or her things till I've made a decision. I feel so betrayed!I had to put off my phone because she kept calling non-stop. Only Tony knows my whereabouts and what's going on. I can't bring myself to tell my parents.A knock on my door draws my attention back to my surroundings. That must be room service. I can't let them see me like this.“I'm very busy at the moment, kindly check back later,” I say from behind the door.“It's Tony man.”Arghhhhhh. How do I conceal the wounds on my knuckles?“I'm waiting or else I'll have them bring down this door.”I open the door and resume back to m
The weight of reality hits me hard—I can't believe he found out before I had the chance to tell him. Not that his reaction would have been different, but I wanted to be the one to explain. The door closes behind me, leaving me on the floor, where minutes ago I was pleading with Jordan not to leave.Unable to stand, I remain seated, weeping, and wondering how it came to this. It's only been three months of marriage, and now this. What if he decides on a divorce? I can't lose him; imagining life without him feels unbearable.The gravity of the situation hits me, and I crumble into more tears, my shoulders shaking with the weight of heartache. Realizing I've lost something irreplaceable, coupled with the remorse for not trusting Jordan with the truth, devastates me. I should have mentioned it the very day Bryan sent the message, but I just couldn't. And now, my greatest fear has come true.I don’t know how long I sit crying, but by the time I wake up, it’s past nine. Summoning the courag