There in the poorly lit environment, someone lurked around the street, dressed in all black. The black silky hair that had a smooth flow with the wind made it evident the person was a lady. Her black attire also made her blend with the darkness. The atmosphere seemed cold from the coldness that radiated off her. Anyone close by would feel the dark aura around her. The aura made her appear domineering despite her unseen face.
Hands tucked in the pocket, she walked towards the bench she saw around and sat down. She shut her eyes as she felt the cool breeze soothe her skin.
Few minutes into the overbearing silence, the quiet lady began to tap her legs impatiently.“One,” she muttered silently.After what seemed like eternity, she opened her eyes.
“Two,” she smirked.“Three,” she tilted her head sideways, just in time to avoid a dagger that was aimed at her.She stood up, removed her hands from her pockets and dusted her clothes as though there was dust on it.“It’s fine. You can come out now.” She said to no one in particular.Everywhere remained silent as if someone’s life wasn’t just threatened seconds ago. The lady clicked her tongue and smiled.
“Come out now, will you?” she half-yelled. “Whoever sent you know too well than to annoy me. I can be really dangerous when I’m pissed off. They didn’t tell you that?” As soon as she finished talking, different sounds of footstep were heard from behind the trees around and she was all surrounded the next minute.“You want something quiet?” she smirked as she walked closer to the one who seemed to be the leader. “Is that why you chose to get me killed with a dagger?”
The young man looked unshaken by her as she walked closer and closer to him till she was close enough to stare at him in the eyes.“While I’m being nice, tell me who sent you.” She said as she tucked her hands across her chest.The man stared at her for a while like he was hypnotized by her eyes but when he seemed to snap out of it, he yelled out an order.
“Attack.” “Arrgh,” she groaned inwardly. “This is about to getting dirty, I’m sure.”She turned to face the rest of the assassinators, who all aimed their daggers at her. She moved away from the ringleader because she thought it won’t be advisable to fight his men with him at her back. He could attack her from the back for she cared.With a low yell, the men all charged at her with their daggers. Skillfully fighting off the first man that came near her, she collected the dagger in his hand and stabbed him to death. She threw a punch at the next man, making him move backwards unexpectedly to disrupt the flow of those coming up behind him. It bought the lady enough time to get a dagger out of her socks.
Now that she had two daggers in her grip, she began to fiercely and fearlessly attack, swinging the daggers skillfully as if they were the lightest things in the world. The assassinators fell down lifeless.
Without wasting time, she continued to slit their throats before moving to the next target until she stood face to face with the leader.The ringleader looked surprised to see his men down. They were the best of his men and he wondered how a lady could kill off ten men within the twinkle of an eye. He should have declined when he was ordered to kill with only a dagger. The boss thought a gun would call for attention.
She was surely skilled and fearless just as she had been described. But he just didn’t realize sooner that he’d be sacrificing his men and probably himself because his dagger had been knocked out of his hand.
Before he could react, the lady knocked him off his feet and he fell on his knees. She held a dagger at his neck, making the man tilt his head up in fear of her slitting his throat.
“Who sent you?" she questioned but the man kept mute. “It’d be better for him to die while sticking to the allegiance he pledged than to give out the information she seek.” He thought.“You won’t answer?” she smiled. Even her smile seemed cold and cruel at the moment. The man didn’t respond, which made the lady sigh.
“Fine, you know what?”She frowned. “I don’t need the name. But do well to inform him that I’m back for good.” She said as she simultaneously cut the man at his arm.“Nothing or no one can stop. Now, run!” she ordered and the man stared at her wide-eyed. “Do you need me to repeat myself?”
She turned her back to the man and she stared at the daggers in her hands that blood dripped from.“Leave when I’m nice. You won’t like me when I change my mind.” She frowned.The young man, thankful that she spared his life hurriedly stood up and began to run away from the scene as he held his hand that blood continued to flow down from. When he was several feet away, the ruthless lady turned to look at him.
“I might as well just change my mind now.” She smiled as she pulled out a gun from her pocket and aimed at the running man before pulling the trigger twice.The man screamed and groaned in pain before he fell down, holding his two legs dearly. The lady returned her gun to her pocket, tucked her hands in and pulled the hood over her head.
“I’m Lia and I never miss my target.” She said as she trailed backwards, leaving the area and then gradually blending with the darkness until she could no longer be seen.Ryan’s POVI pulled out my car keys after I was assured I parked the car properly. I reached out to the board I placed my phone on and I picked it up. I opened the car door but before stepping out, I grabbed a plastic bag that I had earlier placed in the car.Letting out a deep breath, I head towards the house after locking the car doors, pressed the door bell and waited patiently for the door to be opened. While waiting, I unconsciously tapped my fingers with my back to the door.“Ryan!” I turned at the sound of the surprised voice.“Aunt Melinda,” I smiled at the middle-aged lady who seemed so surprised to see me.Aunt Melinda, as I call her, worked at our house even before my birth. She was someone closer to me after my own mother. She made my childhood fun-filled and so lovely that I was never affected by the fact that I couldn’t see much of my parents around.&n
Samantha’s POVI stood to my feet in a hurry and my hand has instinctively flown to my side purse where my revolver was. I moved away from the VIP section and went back to the general area. Everywhere has suddenly become deserted and I wondered when they all had the time to leave.Confused, I entered the VIP section again and scanned through the area but the coast was clear.“What the hell just happened here? How come no one is here?” I thought aloud. “And I didn’t even notice?”I ran my fingers through my hair. Something must definitely be wrong for this to happen and I needed to get myself out of here.I ran out of the VIP section,, straight to the bar area where I ought to see Nate but he was nowhere to be found as well. I moved down the hallway over to the main hotel area yet I found no one.“What exactly is going on here?” I thought as I stood still. My ph
Samantha’s POV“If it isn’t my baby…” I smiled with fake courage as I stared back at him with the same intensity. Even with the small mask he had on his face, I undoubtedly recognized him. How can I forget this man? “We meet again.” “Yeah,” he nodded. “I’ve been dying to see you again.” “It’d have been better if you were dead.” I mumbled slightly, enough for him to hear me.“Nah!” he shook his head and chuckled. “I can’t die like that.” “Leave guys.” He ordered the four men that stood behind him and they filed out.I kept quiet and expected him to say something when he continued to stare at me. For him to be right here in my presence, he definitely tracked me down. Or someone probably gave him the information that I was back.“How did you find me?” I asked. His mouth moved into a sma
Ryan’s POV“Thank you for coming.” I offered my hand to the tall man that stood beside Roman, in appreciation.“The pleasure is all mine.” He shook my outstretched hand firmly with a broad smile. “Permit me to take my leave, gentlemen.”“Sure!” I nodded and with a last broad and professional smile, the man exited my office. I sat down and Roman followed suit.“The business deal sounds great.” He commented.“I know right.” I replied curtly and then focused my attention on the paperwork on my desk.“Ryan!” he drawled which got me to look at him.“What?”“What’s wrong?” he queried.“What makes you think something is wrong?”“You look disturbed.” He frowned and eyed me seriously. “Is there something you’d like to share?&rdquo
Samantha’s POVI hurried out of bed as soon as the alarm clock rang out. I can’t believe I slept in so late. I rushed into the bathroom to get myself ready for the day’s work.After observing the proper hygiene routine, I got dressed as usual in my suit and pant. I gelled up my hair and styled it to the masculine type that I always go with.Once I was done, I took an observant look at myself and I was certain I was good to go. I grab the necessary things I needed and rushed out of my room. I glanced briefly at my wristwatch and I realized my phone would get disturbed soon by calls.I didn’t even get the chance to complete my thoughts before my phone rang.“Damn it!” I hissed when I saw Philip’s name flashed across the screen. I swiped to the receive side and placed the phone close to my ear.I made sure I held it in place with my shoulder while I moved closer to the kitche
Ryan’s POV I was taken aback when I saw a familiar face behind the mask. “Long time no see, Ryan.” He smiled as he walked closer. My armed men hurriedly came to stand in front of me in a bid to protect me. “Adrian Leigh!” I frowned slightly. “Surprised to see me?” he asked. I should have known he was back in town. But why would he be right here in a store room that belongs to a foe? What exactly was he doing here? Could he be the mastermind behind all that has been happening to my businesses? I wouldn’t be surprised if he actually was the one that masterminded all these. It doesn’t look like something he wasn’t capable of doing. Moreover, the Andersons and the Leigh were not best of business partners. They were practically foes. Always at each other’s necks, being the second family name that reigned in our business world. “What are you doing here?” I asked. “I shou
Samantha’s POV I got down from my car and headed towards the cabin while a guard closed the door behind me. When I got to the cabin’s entrance, the man who stood guard bowed. “Miss!” “Tell him I’m here to see him.” I ordered. With a slight nod, he moved away from the doorpost and went inside the cabin. Few minutes later, he came out with the permission to make me go in. I entered the cabin and I saw different armed men who stood guard. Before I could get the chance to ask any of them where my uncle was, I saw him seated at the far end of a table which was surrounded with empty seats. I believe he just had a meeting with his men. With a slight sigh, I walked closer to him and before I could eventually get to him, he was on his feet, walking up to me. “It is a rare privilege to see you here, my lady.” Uncle Mark bowed with a hint of mockery in his tone. I was sure he was still unpleased with wh
Samantha’s POVMy whole life at some point simply revolved around revenge but then I realized there was more to revenge than to just nip at someone. There was more to that guilt… that regret. There was actually more things to focus my entire being on achieving that’d actually assist my goal. I found something worth more my time…something I needed to take charge of. Something I needed to be responsible for! And that was power! Acquisition of power was my goal now.~“Did you get the mail I sent to you last night?” Ryan asked and I nodded.“Yeah, these are the information I got.”I stretched the folder I had with me to him. He collected it and glanced through it.“All right. This should be enough.” He nodded as he acknowledged the information I got for him.He turned to Philip.“What about the statistical report I requested?”&ldq
46The moment Ryan left Samantha’s house, she couldn’t keep herself calm. Guilt ate her up as she accepted the fact that Ryan was not wrong about anything. She was in fact the one to make amends and becoming Ryan’s pretend bride wouldn’t be bad in any way. She liked him at least, even though she wasn’t meant to. As Samantha sat in silence in the living room, she could feel Nathaniel’s intense gaze on her. She knew he would give her another earful. Sometimes, she wondered whether or not she was the older one or Nate.“Just say it.” She sighed and sat back, shutting her eyes. “I already had enough today but I certainly do not mind listening to you top it up.”“Why are you bent on ignoring your heart, sis?” Nathaniel asked instead. “It’s obvious, even to the blind, that you like him. You might not notice but the way you try hard to push him away just screams one thing to me.”“What?”“Samantha Emilia Gray is in love with Ryan Robin Anderson.”“Nate…”“I advise you move closer to him rat
Author’s POV continues…Stepping into the hotel room, Ryan let out a sigh as he sprawled out on the couch. His head ached badly and he felt drained. His whole life at the moment seemed to revolve around issues. As much as he tried to think, he couldn’t figure out any other way out of the scandal, other than the option the crisis manager provided. Besides, it wouldn’t be much of a problem since he was no longer with Brianna. Just as he thought about her, Ryan realized he might have had issues with the available solution to the scandal if Brianna had not done what she did.~*Four months ago*Ryan alighted and locked the car doors. With some white gift bags in one hand and a bouquet on the other, he strolled towards the building. Apparently, he had thought of visiting Brianna’s parents after he came back from the vacation at France. He hadn’t informed Brianna that he was back and he knew she’d be at her parents’ place since they were the one that called her back.On his way to their p
Author's POV“Where’s she?”This was the first thing Ryan said the moment Nathaniel opened the door. “How did you get here?” The boy wondered.“Can I see her?” Ryan stressed, ignoring his question.“I’m sorry, no!” Nate answered and tried to shut the door.“Don’t you dare!” “Ryan Anderson,” Samantha called from within the house. “Threatening or snapping at the child won’t get you anywhere near me.”Ryan sighed and rubbed his temple. Ever since he met Samantha, it has been from one issue to the other. He was just there, at Samantha’s place, to get things over with. He was tired of the ups and downs and really wanted to be free from the Gray’s unending schemes.“It’s bad enough that I have to deal with several attacks yearly. Now, I have to deal with being called a molester. What more damage do you intend to wreck, Samantha Gray?” Samantha shut her eyes at his words. She understood the fact that series of news had been circulating about him that are really bad for his reputation, but
Samantha’s POV A groan escaped my mouth as I turned around on the wide surface that provided the comfort I needed. I heard a bell ring and the loud sound made my forehead creased, even though my eyes were still shut. I stretched my arms but paused when I hit something hard beside me. My eyes flung open. “Oh my god!” I screamed, pulling the blanket with me as I shrink back into the bed like that was even possible. In reflex, my head banged and I winced, rubbing my temple with my free hand. The hard thing I supposedly hit hissed from my shriek and propped himself up. He rubbed his eyes and then held on to his temple. One could tell he was still in the mood for more sleep. “What’s with the scream?” He drawled, his eyes half opened. “What… Are… You… Doing… Here?” I cried out. My cry seemed to call his full attention to the situation at hand because his eyes went wide the next second. He stared at me and his mouth went agape. “Sam?” He called, his voice laced with some certain le
Lightning flashed across the sky as the rain pounded on. It was a stormy night and somewhere in a secluded area was a luxurious villa that looked abandoned from its exterior view. But right in this villa, a young lad could be seen in the living room, seated on a couch with a pillow on his laps which he rested his hands on. With the dim lightning in the living room, he focused on the show that played off on the television.From the lifeless looks of some of the characters in the show, it was evident that he was watching a horror drama. His attention was so keen that he didn’t notice someone walk up to him. All he felt at first was the cold breath at his neck, making the hair on his body stand. But right before he could regain his composure, he felt a pair of cold hands snake up to his shoulders which made him flinched hard, jumping out of the couch as he screamed at the top of his lungs. The lights in the room all came on, brightening the room with their full intensity. The lad turn
A lady moved swiftly as she disappeared around the corner, walking her way into what seemed to be a hideout for criminal acts. The men at the entrance all bowed to her as she walked past them, giving no regards to their greetings. She traipsed further into the building, her mind focused on just one thing as she ignored the men who she came in contact with on her way. “Miss!” A guy hurriedly stood to his feet the moment she barged into a room. The people in the room all stood to acknowledge her presence. The room had a setup similar to a conference room and it looked like she interrupted their discussion. Taking a quick glance at the faces of people in the room that had their head lowered slightly in respect to her, the lady walked across the room.“Why are you here by this time, Miss?” “David,” the lady pulled out a chair and sat on it. “I believe you remember why this group came into existence.”“Yes, Miss.”“Mind if you remind me?” The cold gaze and emotionless tone the lady sp
Samantha’s POVTears trickled down my face while I stared at Nathaniel on the hospital bed. I held his hand in mine and placed a kiss on the back of his hand as different thoughts ran through my mind. “Why would anyone try to kill him? He is not a threat to anyone. I made sure of that because I rarely give him a chance to get involved in anything. All I asked him to do is work at the hotel so why would anyone see him as a threat?”I felt a hand rest on my shoulders and I looked up to see Adrian, staring at me with worry-filled eyes. I didn’t even realize he was back. He took an excuse to do something few minutes ago.“You need to rest, Lia. Nate is out of harm’s way now and I’m here to watch over him.”“No,” I shook my head. “I’ll watch over him till he’s awake.”“But, Emilia…” I cut him off.“I want to be the first person he sees.”Letting out a sigh, he moved away to sit on a couch. I turned back my attention to Nate, who doesn’t look like he’d open his eyes soon. “Would you at le
Adrian’s POV“What?” I raised my head to look at the man who stood in front of me. “What do you mean by that?”He had lowered his head, with guilt written over his face. “I thought I made the deadline clear so why is this still not ready?” The sound of my hands colliding with the table made him flinch. If he thought his excuse would make me go lenient on him then he is wrong. “Boss!” Alexander barged into my office and his action made me raise a brow at him.The man realized that might be his chance to escape my wrath at the moment so he tried his luck.“I’m sorry, sir. I’ll get the documents ready and send them to you before tomorrow morning.”“You had better do that.” I answered, giving his luck a chance to work.“I will, sir.” He nodded frantically and was about to scurry away from my presence. “Who’s in charge of the company’s introduction letter?” He stopped in his tracks and turned.“I…uhm… Mr…” I sighed.“You know what?” I waved him off. “Just leave. Tell whoever it is to
Samantha’s POVThe meeting with Mr Atkinson went hitch free. I had promised myself that would be the last meeting with the man, so I made sure I sealed every deal before leaving his place. The moment I entered my suite, I got ready to go back home. Dragging my travelling bag behind me, I dropped it close to the bed and packed some of my things. I threw every bit of my stuff into the box and when I was certain I left nothing behind; I zipped the bag and pulled it up. My phone’s screen lit up, so I reached out to pick it up. It was a message from David. My brows arched as I read.“I’m sorry I cannot escort you back home. I had to leave immediately, Miss. Something urgent came up, and I’ll tell you about it when you get back. My apologies!”I deleted the message and navigated through my phone to get Aaron’s contact.“Hello.” I breathed out the moment he answered, and I simultaneously sat on the bed. “I’m done packing. You can get the cab now.” “Okay, Miss.” He answered with no hesit