“The good news first,” Ezrah said, as Madison informed him over the phone at the same time Michelle went into the shower.“Your stocks have gone up by two hundred percent. EZ Group has overtaken Gannon Group by forty percent.”Ezrah had seen it coming. He had wanted to remove some of the board members, but his father had refused.With his experience, he could only focus on diverting his projections to EZ Group. It hadn’t been up to two years, and it was already at the top of the business list. Ezrah should be proud, but he had Michelle to thank for this.If she hadn’t left him, he would not have tried to break free from the chains of his family.Though excited, his voice remained calm as he heard the sound of the shower.How he wished he could join her, but he did not seize the opportunity when they were married. For now, he had to utilize the two weeks to not upset her and could not entertain the thought of joining her.“That isn’t bad, and you deserve a hundred percent increase ac
“Ezrah, what are you doing?” Michelle lowered her head as Ezrah went to sit in front of her with his back turned.“Didn’t you say you wanted to apply the ointment for me?” He tried to pin his deliberate action on her, but Michelle couldn't accept it.“You didn't have to be naked for me to do that.” She tried hard to avoid staring at his hunky back by focusing only on the area of the stab wound.The wound had healed well and was almost turning into a scar.Michelle was glad for this but knew that the main reason for his check-ups was the effect of the poison.She masked the funny thoughts going through her mind, opened the lid of the ointment, and began to gently rub it on the affected area.As soon as she withdrew her hand, he stood up and went to the closet to pick up casual clothes.Ezrah was careful not to count his chickens before they hatched.After putting on his clothes, he walked back to sit beside her on the bed, and only after speaking did Michelle snap out of her shock.“Yo
“Where exactly is Piper?” Ezrah asked seriously. The response was prompt.“When we apprehended the thugs, they told us her location, but she seemed to have gotten a hint and moved away.”“However, we are certain that she is still in Johannesburg, and we are still searching for her.”Ezrah was furious. Piper suddenly grew smart, or she knew that it wouldn't go well for her if caught.A bitter smile laced Ezrah’s lips. If it were in New York City, Piper would not have been able to escape him.His only worry now was how Michelle would feel, knowing that her twin sister’s life was in danger.Wisely, Piper chose to relocate and orchestrate whatever plan she had from afar, but Ezrah did not mind sending the Interpol after her.The spies he had in Johannesburg were those she paid to protect Odette, so their focus was not on Piper.As to whether Piper would still be there if he sends another team, he was not certain.“How is Odette?” He asked worriedly. The response shocked him to the core.“
The sudden troubled look in Ezrah’s eyes raised Michelle’s concern as she walked with Ezrah to his car.As soon as they both sat, Ezrah opened up to her. “Piper sent thugs after Odette.”Michelle smiled bitterly, guessing the reason for the move. “Let me guess. She thought Odette was me.”Her smart way of thinking only made her more attractive to Ezrah.“Yes, but we couldn’t get her, though her thugs were apprehended. She must have a lot of money to be paying for all this. How much exactly did Rush pay her?” Ezrah thought aloud.For someone like him who was always willing to spend anything to get what he wanted, he did not see the same for the likes of Piper.However, she only stunned him, and Ezrah liked to do the chase. For as long as Piper remained on the face of the earth, he was not going to give up.“He said ten million,” Michelle revealed, and everything began to make sense to Ezrah. No wonder Piper had the means to pay the best to work with her.It was funny how she was spendi
“Ezrah, we are not married anymore,” Michelle reminded him without a hint of coldness in her tone. It sounded rather warm.“What if I want us to get married again?” Ezrah teased back, but Michelle’s expression was serious.“Ezrah, please don’t force it.”Ezrah leaned in closer to her, their gazes locked. “Zora, what’s wrong if two people in love share a kiss?”He could not endure walking her back to the set without it.Before Michelle could respond, her words were cut off by his lips. His tongue danced passionately with hers, his hand pressing the back of her head.Despite her initial resistance, she found herself responding to the kiss, feeling Ezrah’s body pressing against hers.Living apart from her for all these years and saving himself for her had not been easy for Ezrah.With erratic breathing, a moan escaped her as Ezrah’s fingers slipped into her shirt. Realization hit her, and she quickly pulled away.“I’m sorry,” Ezrah said insincerely, observing her flushed cheeks and face.
Another week passed, and Michelle was shooting her last scene.Coco was not in this scene, as her character had tragically been killed off as a sister who died in place of the FL.It was a sad shoot, and the final shoot was not so long. As soon as the shoot was over, Michelle ran over to Ezrah.All the production team were now used to seeing them together with the knowledge that they had been married before, but the question remained as to whether they would get back together.Edmund finally gave up totally, accepting defeat, and was also one of the people who made the others aware that Michelle had been married and divorced.Though privy to the rumors, Michelle was never upset with him as it was the truth.From the look of things and how Michelle and Ezrah easily got along, most of them were convinced that the couple would get back together, but others, especially the guys who tried to date Michelle before, thought otherwise.She could be a sweet friend, but matters of marriage turne
Michelle had thought about this for a long time, and after discussing it with Ezrah, she felt that now was the right time to reveal everything, even though Ezrah had not fully agreed to it.“Rush is receiving treatment and is doing well,” she hinted, and Ezrah caught on and responded.“You're not completely sure about that yet, Zora.” For as long as Ezrah was concerned, Rush was just afraid of going to prison or losing his inheritance so he had to see some form of true repentance to believe the latter.Also, he knew that Michelle had a soft spot for Rush because of her benefactor, Mr. Newman and could be blinded by it.Despite being busy with room service, Ezrah's ears were tuned in to the conversation between the sisters.Michelle agreed but asked, as she thought of a way to prove it.“What if I confirm it after speaking with him? Ezrah, he fears you, and we could test their relationship by having him sign some kind of bond of good behavior or something.”As Ezrah considered her sugg
The funeral was scheduled to kick off early the next day, so Michelle met with Rush upon his arrival at a restaurant close to the airport.She walked in with Ezrah, and from Rush’s table, her eyes were glued, trying to discern his reaction, but there was nothing of concern until Ezrah kissed Michelle on the lips for the next four seconds.When they broke from the kiss, Rush’s head was lowered as Ezrah said, “I will wait in the car.”Rush only lifted his head after Michelle sat in front of him. “So, when are you two getting married again?” he asked.Stunned by the question due to his earlier reaction, Michelle asked seriously, “Do you want me to give him a chance?”“It’s obvious you are still in love with him,” Rush responded curtly, not giving a direct answer.Michelle smiled and moved on to the next step of the game. “I was thinking of giving you a chance.”She saw the stunned look in Rush’s eyes before he shook his head.“Please stop it, Michelle. I know that you don’t love me. It’s
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