“What are you talking about? How did he get in here?” Lake asked seriously, wiping her tears with the thumb of his hand, but Coco choked on more tears.Michelle came around and comforted her. Seeing her torn dress, she was enraged. “I sent him to prison, and the case was still in court,” Michelle added her voice. “Are you alright? He hit you again, didn’t he? And he wanted to force himself on you?”Pain registered in Michelle’s eyes, and she was about to call the cops when Coco spoke through tears.“He videoed our intimate moments and wants to send it viral.”Lake ground his teeth so hard, it almost cracked. No wonder Coco was behaving strangely.However, his concern at the moment was in saving her dignity. It would be unwise for him to allow something like that to trend. Lake did not even want to see the video and remembered that his hacker sent another hacker’s number to Ezrah and called his hacker, but the number did not go through, so he called Ezrah. “Can you send me the conta
“Release it.”Michelle’s fingers shivered on the keyboard, and Coco’s face drained of color. Only Lake trusted that Ezrah was up to something.Rush was shocked at the end of the line. Clearly, he did not expect such a response from him.“What?” Rush could not hide his confusion. Ezrah added more fuel to it.“What makes you think that I care for Coco? Michelle is fine, and that is all that matters to me. I’m not even the one who dealt with River.”If he showed that he cared for Coco, then Rush would use it to his advantage. Hence, he chose this style in dealing with the matter.Michelle wondered if it was right for Ezrah to handle it per Rush’s response.“Isn’t it that Lake guy? I’m releasing the video,” Rush said with determination. Ezrah spoke from his side of the line, his voice heavily loaded with a warning.“You have to know that he already saw it. Coco would still live a good life even if her image in the media is destroyed. She has a man who loves her to bits, but what about you
“Michelle?” Coco asked, but she shook her head. She did not want to be anywhere near Ezrah after embracing her newfound independence.“You guys can go. I have a few things to take care of, but you can bring me takeout.”She was working on her computer when Ezrah leaned against the edge of her desk, facing her.Knowing she was avoiding him, he was not willing to let it continue like that. He placed his hand on her keyboard, halting her movements as he spoke seriously.“For how long are you going to avoid me, Zora? If Lake and Coco get married one day, you won’t be able to avoid seeing me.”It was a sad truth Michelle had to swallow, but she also felt she was strong enough to overcome every obstacle alone.“I don’t care for you, Ezrah. I’m busy.”She wheeled her swivel chair slightly to the back to avoid any skin contact as Ezrah shook his head bitterly.“Lies. I see it in your eyes. If you claim to not love me, then why do you keep avoiding me? I won’t believe it’s because you are disgu
Knowing there was no way to avoid seeing him, Michelle spoke seriously.“Ezrah, the only thing that would make me happy is if you stay away from me forever. Don’t talk to me and don’t ever come close to me.”“You hate me that much?” Ezrah looked pained, but Michelle did not care. She was equally suffering emotionally.“You have no idea.”Ezrah had no idea how he even drove her back to her office. All he wanted was to make her happy, so if that was what she wanted, he had to respect it.Pulling over at her underground car park, Ezrah returned her earpiece to her.“Since you don’t want to see me again, I promise not to disturb your life anymore, but you have to forgive me for this.”“What?”Michelle asked, looking lost as Ezrah unbuckled his seat belt. His hand snaked around her head, and without permission, he pressed his lips against hers.Michelle was furious and out of breath, though the kiss was not deep. When Ezrah pulled away, a slap met his cheek.“I hate you,” Michelle said and
“Margo, what are you doing here?” Madison asked. Margo was full of smiles, dressed decently in a long designer pleated dress, looking stunning. She and Madison lived together in the new mansion she purchased for Sebastian.She even insisted that Madison drive one of the luxury cars to the office but had not informed the latter that she would be coming to her office.This made her intentions suspicious to Madison. Margo’s attention was only focused on Ezrah. The man was aging like fine wine, making her blush at the sight of him.“Margo?” Ezrah asked, still on the phone. “Ezrah, is Lake’s sister with you?”Madison had told Sebastian about Margo since the two had gone to purchase the house and car together. Margo surely had great taste, influencing everything Madison bought.When Madison thought the mansion and car were too expensive, Margo insisted they add another car since the house was too big and would look empty with just a single car. She had ended up feeling like she spent to
"Everything about Lake is now Coco. Please, Ezrah, just this once and I will be leaving for Hawaii after," Margo pleaded.There were some old friends turned models who were pursuing her after her return.She told them she was dating Ezrah, not expecting to be rejected by him.When it so happened, she intended to meet them with Ezrah, just to show off.After that, she would live permanently in Hawaii and whatever happened after would not concern her.Ezrah went quiet, and when she saw that his hand was reaching for his phone, she feared he was going to call Lake and added,"I have a guy who loves me, but the truth is, I've always had a crush on you since you saved me back then. Now that I know your heart still belongs to your ex-wife, I won't cause you trouble. I would accept the love knocking on my door, so what do you say?"Madison had heard Margo continuously reject someone on the phone but never took an interest to ask about it. It seemed to her that Margo was telling the truth.Ez
Ezrah did not want anything to hinder the progress of these projects and was not amused by Madison’s silence.“Be quick about it, and why have you not told me until now?”Madison pursed her lips before speaking again. “That is because you never wanted to take advantage of Michelle by using these projects.”“That’s not what I mean. The secret garden should still be ready nonetheless. When she left, there was no trace of her except for that diary.”Ezrah recalled how Michelle had slept on the couch downstairs that night, leading him to his insomnia and suddenly took an interest in her handbag.That was where he took the diary from and hid it.He was just trying to get something on her so that if she turned against the contract, he could use it against her, but he never thought he would see the things he saw.“I decided to fulfill everything in it for her soul to rest in peace. Who knew she was just in Los Angeles under a disguised name?” Ezrah’s lips stretched into a remorseful smile.G
Madison thought over her relationship with Lake. To her, it was pure friendship, and though she never wanted it to end, she never considered the possibility of marriage.“I honestly never saw him that way, and if that had happened, it would have ruined our relationship.”The corner of Ezrah’s lips curled up a little. It was just what he thought, and since Madison was picking on Sebastian’s personality, she was caught up in her own trap.“Then you never loved him as a boyfriend or considered him someone you should spend the rest of your life with. Why was that when he was so fun to be with?” Ezrah asked. Madison was dumbfounded.“I honestly don’t know.”Ezrah equally did not have an answer. If he knew the things about love even a little deeply, he would not have suffered the pain he was in now.“Matters of love are complicated. I’m no expert, and I’m still trying to crack the woman I love, so please get out of my office.”Ezrah was suddenly embittered and helpless. Thinking about Madi
Congratulations, Mr. Newman. Your wife is one month pregnant," the doctor declared, the atmosphere filled with excitement. The bond they shared brought them unparalleled happiness, each genuinely happy for their friends, including little Esther. Zora and Madison spent time with Coco, leaving Esther with the men. The triplets were adorable, the boys taking after their father and the girl after her mother. "I swear, Zora, this is my first and last time. It hurts like a bitch," Coco said, as Zora and Madison laughed. "I heard women were designed for this. You did amazing, mama. Congratulations," Zora kissed her on the forehead and said. Months later, Zora and Ezrah welcomed their twins, Eugene and Eugenia Gannon, and five months after, Madison had a baby boy, Justin. Esther was the best big sister anyone could ask for. Ethan and Ethel welcomed a daughter, and a year later, they had twins, two girls. Lucas never remarried, unable to get over his ex-wife. One day, he received a messa
The day before, Rush had called to inform Ezrah and Zora that he and Odette had a son. Due to the distance, they had not yet visited, and now, he was meeting Lake at the hospital without Coco by his side.“Ezrah, what are you doing here?” Lake asked, his joy radiating on his face, but Ezrah was surprised to see him so happy at the hospital.“My wife fainted, and what are you doing here? I don’t remember the hospital being a place for happy people.”Lake laughed and made a joyful revelation. “My wife had triplets. Two boys and one girl. I was just about to call you.”Ezrah recalled Lake wishing for triplets; it seemed he got his heart's desire and something to keep his parents busy.“Congratulations, Lake, you got what you always wanted.”“Yeah, we found happiness. Congratulations to us, but what’s wrong with Zora?” Lake asked again, his joy fading due to the news about Zora, but Ezrah’s explanation lifted his spirits.“I suspect she’s pregnant. She refused to take the pregnancy test, a
“Lucas, you are insane. I will never choose you over Ethan, and I will never have anything to do with you again,” Ethel said through gritted teeth. Lucas was furious.“Then you leave me no choice,” he yelled and pulled the towel from her.She ran to seek cover in the closet, but he caught her and pulled her to his chest.Ethel felt ashamed and furious as her naked body pressed against his.She tried to free herself, but he was stronger and also drunk.“Why do you want to hide from me? We’ve had each other many times,” he cooed in her ear, but all she felt was disgust and anger.“We were married then, but not anymore. Just let me go,” she tried to push him away to no avail as he tried to force some alcohol down her throat.“I was ready to be kept on the side, but you refused.”After successfully getting the alcohol down her throat and watching her frown as he forced her to swallow it, his lips were closing in on hers.Ethel felt a burning sensation down her throat, and as a woman who n
Chapter 318 – I loved you before, but not anymoreA week ago, Ethel arrived home with Ethan, but he was called away to take care of a few things because Ezrah was still on his honeymoon.The past month and a few weeks had been peaceful, and with Ethel moving in with Ethan, she had no need for a bodyguard. However, on this particular night, things did not seem the same after Ethan left.Unlike his brothers, Ethan never had his domestic staff live with him, but after his mansion is ready, that will change.They were not only planning their wedding but also their future together. All that they wanted for their kids, they wanted to ensure they had it in the mansion.Ethel had gone to shower after a tiring day at work only to find Lucas seated on her and Ethan’s bed.“Jesus, what are you doing here?” She halted in her steps, right in front of the shower room door.Lucas looked drunk, which made Ethel scared. Before she could reach for her phone to call Ethan, Lucas took it from her and inst
“Why? Don’t you like it?” Ezrah asked teasingly. Zora screamed, “Like it? I love it, Ezrah. I’m a lover of pools, but I’ve never seen anything like this before.”She couldn’t take her eyes off her room. Everything was natural, with multiple pools scattered around.For the first time, words failed her when she tried to describe the aesthetics of the room.It looked as if it were carved out of natural rocks.Even the footsteps around were made of natural black stones, and the water was crystal clear. She could also see the Mediterranean Sea in the distance.“To clear up your confusion, we are at Papa’s beach, and this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. I thought you would love this as a honeymoon location.”Zora, though rich, had been too focused on business and revenge before. Honestly, she had never heard of this place.“I’m fascinated to be here.”“Great. Let me explain further. This is Calilo on the Greek Island of IOS. There are only 35 suites in this hotel, and each r
The silence was thick in the air as everybody waited for Ethel’s response, which was not forthcoming.Feeling like he was just being used, Ethan had the understanding that she could not bring herself to trust him.“Dad, she doesn’t love me,” he said on behalf of Ethel. Lucas smiled, but his smile soon went stiff when Ethel responded.“I do, Ethan.”She saw Ethan freeze with a shocked look in his eyes and explained.“I mean, I never imagined having anything to do with my ex-husband’s kid brother, but I’m ready to give it a try.”“You do?” Ethan was so shocked that he lifted her in the air by the waist. “I love you so much, Ethel. I will prove it to you.”Their lips met once again, but they were rudely interrupted by Lucas. “Dad, how can you condone this? It’s shameful.”He could not believe how his submissive housewife could take an interest in his kid brother. This was unexpected.Ethel should have rejected Ethan and not this. However, his mother spoke this time.“You know what, Lucas
“Kate?” Lucas turned in the direction of Ethel’s gaze, calling out accusingly, but Kate made a 180-degree turn and was headed to the exit when the man she came with blocked her.It was obvious that she was trying to escape the accusation, but everyone was interested in hearing what she had to say.Homewreckers were not exactly welcome at occasions like this, as every woman with a man of her own began to get protective.“You seem to be running away,” the man she came with said, not pleased by the revelation.Lucas walked towards her and questioned, “Did you kick her in the stomach?”Kate was covered in so much shame that her lips trembled because of all the gazes on her and replied, “It was an accident.”“No, it wasn’t,” Ethel interrupted, not upset but wanting to prove a point.“You said I didn’t deserve to carry his child because he didn’t love me. You were right because he divorced me,” Ethel smiled, no longer feeling the pain of losing her scum husband.Only Lucas had a pained expr
From a distance, Ezrah and Zora watched everything unfold.“Lucas, I need to put him in his place. Can you give me a moment?” Ezrah was about to go to the scene of the incident when Zora held him back.“No. Didn't you say that Ethan seemed genuine with his feelings? Let’s see how he handles this situation.”Ezrah was unsure if Ethan could come out of this cleanly, reminding Zora,“You told me to protect Ethel or better still, let me get her bodyguard.”Zora shook her head. “Sometimes, the heart doesn’t know what it wants until the opportunity presents itself. Let Ethan deal with it.”Ezrah smiled and relented. “Alright. If you say so.”They heard Lucas mocking Ethan and Ethel. “Why? Can’t you kiss your woman? Sebastian has kissed Madison like three times already, even though they aren’t the bride and groom.”Indirectly, he was taking away the opportunity for Ethan to use the event as an excuse for his inability to kiss Ethel.“Lucas, how we choose to define our relationship is none of
Everyone was excited for Ezrah and Zora, and right after the cake cutting, the couple's dance was announced.Ezrah and Zora had just left the dance floor and were speaking to some guests when other couples took over.Ethan saw it as the perfect opportunity to dance with Ethel, but there were other men eyeing her as well, and they were not afraid to show it.To make matters worse, they reached her before him.“Hi, I’m Rick,” one of them said. Ethan didn't recognize him from their company, which could mean he might be one of Zora’s co-stars.Ethan didn't like this but knew he had to be a gentleman to win Ethel's favor.“Ethel,” she responded with a forced smile, trying to be polite, and somehow, she was glad to see Ethan nearby.It was Ezrah’s birthday, and his focus would only be on his wife. Her bodyguard was there to protect her from danger, not lovers, so he was with the other bodyguards.The only man she had loved all her life was Lucas, and she had never had the chance to mingle b