[ Xavier ]“Wait here, I’ll be back in five minutes.” I instructed my driver and stepped out of the car on a bright sunny day. I put my shades on and walked forward with my head high.Her back was facing me as she talked animatedly with her friend whose eyes landed on me first and she gestured her to turn back.“Xavier?” Her eyes scrunched up and the wide, cunning smile wore off her lips.“Good morning, Emily.” I greeted her but she didn’t look pleased to see me outside a Prada store.“What are you doing here?” She asked me while avoiding any eye contact with me.“I came here to buy some clothes for my wife and I spotted you with your friend.” I replied waving at her friend with a smile, who scanned me from top to bottom like I was a piece of meat.“Hello, Mr. Linwood. I can recommend you some new, trendy clothes which will suit your wife.” She grinned at me.“Sure, you can pick some clothes for my wife and make sure they’re comfortable because she is on wheelchair. You can buy someth
[ Adeline ]“You’re looking absolutely stunning, Ade and before you complain about your wheelchair, these ladies will tell you how gracious you look on your throne.” My Mom jumped in excitement when she saw me all dressed up but sitting on the chair, waiting to be shifted on my wheelchair.“Your mother is right, Ma’am. This wheelchair isn’t hindering your beauty. You still look the same, powerful and gracious yet like a princess.” My maids complimented me and I blushed.“Xavier has a taste in women’s clothing. Just look at this dress. I am in love with it.” Mom clasped her hands. I stared at my reflection.Xavier chose a red fluffy gown with frills to hide my casted leg. If I sit, nobody would be able to notice but I won’t hide it anymore. If my husband and my loved ones are being proud of me and support me on every step of my life, I’d not disappoint them.“May I come in?” My husband’s deep yet smooth voice interrupted our conversation. The maids excused themselves immediately but Mo
[ Adeline ]“Don’t be nervous love, you have faced it so many times.” Xavier whispered to me while wheeling me inside the convention hall where he had thrown the party.“Yes, I did but we haven’t done something this big before, Xav.” I replied and flashed polite smile at the cameramen. They were allowed to cover the event except the trusted media houses. They were the same people who assassin my character recently. It was my way to show them that they can’t force me to give up.“Time for the show to begin. Put up your best smile, my love which will burn the enemies’ hearts.” He said.The spotlight fell on us as Xavier wheeled me on the centre of the podium. I spotted his secretory with the microphone. Xavier took the microphone from him. Our guests were famous and prominent personalities. I palms began to sweat but I acted confident. I also saw the Linwood family and my mother with Lisa on the front tables. My eyes scanned the crowd for my father but he couldn’t be seen anywhere.“Goo
[ Xavier ]I was busy interacting with my guests when my eyes landed on the only person whom I wanted to see tonight. She walked inside the hall in a shimmery red dress with her friend behind. Her hawk like eyes searched for someone and my eyes followed her keenly. She was a red sign and I don’t want her anywhere near my loved ones.When her gaze fell on my wife and she smiled sinisterly, my sixth sense alerted me. I excused myself from my guests and made my way in their direction but she was already shaking her hand with my wife.“I heard about your accident and trust me, Adeline. I was worried about you.” I heard her saying to my wife and my blood boiled. This woman was trying to rub salt on our wounds, specially Adeline.“I didn’t expect you to come, Miss Jones and Miss Candance but we’re glad to have you here. Please, enjoy the party.” I said placing my both hands on Adeline’s shoulders from behind.Emily’s smirk dropped seeing me and my closeness with Adeline.“Mr. Linwood, thank
[ Adeline ]Arnold was holding the microphone in his hand, his eyes were on the people who had been waiting for him to end the suspense. His face looked guilt free and a strange calmness settled on his old, sick face.“Good evening, my dear friends and my family. I know you all have been wondering why my son called me here to address you all, right?” He began his speech.I held Xavier’s hand tightly to wait for the moment.“Forty years ago, my first wife and I took over the control of this company. People used to call us the ‘power couple’ and we actually proved that our coordination wasn’t only limited to our house but also in our business. She laid the company to a new zenith and even built her own company by her hard work and passion. Sadly, I lost her. I and my son grieved her death but it didn’t stop us from fulfilling her dreams. My daughter-in-law is the reflection of my wife. Tonight, I am feeling very proud to announce my retirement because I am suffering from cancer and I ha
[ Adeline ]The guests were gone, the party ended on a good note because our security was tight and there were more than hundred media persons who were capturing the whole event but I was impatient for the party to end soon because I am always an after party lover.“Arnold, what was that?” Linda pointed her painted nail at her husband once we assembled in one place, her eyes reflected the betrayal she received from the man whom she robbed all these years.“I think you have good knowledge of English language, Linda. I am setting you free from your responsibilities. You have your whole life ahead of yourself. Live your life as you wish. All these years, you played my wife’s role and you have been good at it. I do not want to die with the guilt of ruining twenty-right years of your life.” Arnold again answered her very calmly.“Cut the crap, Mr. Arnold Linwood. You never accepted me and Mom. For you, she’s just your mistress and I am a mistake. You ripped me off my birthright and gave it
[ Adeline ]“What the hell just happened, Xav? Your father completely nailed it. I mean it came like a four-hundred watt shock to me, I can’t I imagine how Linda must be feeling. Arnold flipped her world in a blink of moment.” I said once we were back to our home. Mom decided to stay with Addison since she was worried for her safety.Xavier was unusually quiet. He didn’t respond to me which made me worried about him, it wasn’t easy for him to witness the fall of his family, a family which was the biggest illusion. I grabbed his hand and then he looked at me with those sad eyes.“Hey, you can talk to me.” I looked at him, it was my silent gesture to make him feel better and an unsaid promise that I am always with him.He exhaled a deep breath and sat down on the edge of the sofa.“Xavier, I am here for you. Please, talk to me.” I insisted him in a soft voice. Sometimes, he needs to be cracked as he doesn’t open up easily.“I don’t know what to say, Ade. Linda and Arthur paid for their
[ Xavier ]A week has passed. My life is similar to a land after a storm. I haven’t heard from Emily. She had to withdraw her plea from the court as I refused to pay her anything except the fixed deposit. It was her money which I couldn’t claim.After killing my baby, she deserves only hell and I know what’d be my next step. I heard from Candance that she’s applying for jobs in different companies and receiving rejection due to her under qualification. Suddenly, my intercom buzzed. I put it on speaker.“Sir, you received a call from your friend, Mr. Harris. He said that he received resume of Ms. Jones for the position of assistant manager at one of his VIP clubs. Shall I transfer the call to you?” My P.A. said from the other side.“Yes, please.” I said and an idea popped in my mind. I got the perfect chance to give her a taste of her own medicine.“Okay Sir, I am transferring his call to you.” He said and after a beep sound, I heard M. Harris’ voice who owns a chain of clubs.“Good af
[ Adeline ]“Good morning, sleepy head. It’s nine in the morning and our little devils are waiting for their mom to wake up.” I heard my husband’s husky voice in my ear and lazily I opened my eyes. His beautiful eyes looked more intense in the bright sunlight which was peeking through the window.I cupped his face and brought him close to peck his forehead, “Good morning, love. It’s not my fault that I slept till this late.” I said and threw my arms around his torso.“Don’t blame me, you look ravishing in red and black and it’s been a week since I last had you.” He defended himself.“Now, it’s my fault?” I raised my brows while he took me to the bathroom and placed me on the countertop. He applied toothpaste on my brush and gave it to me.“Thanks, love. You can leave now. I’ll join you and our sons in fifteen minutes.” I said but he remained there.“What?” I gave him a confused look.“I won’t mind taking another shower with my sexy wife who’s looking more ravishing with my marks on he
[ Xavier ]The day of the judgement has finally come. I held my wife’s hand tightly, it was a silent promise that no matter what happens today, I’d stick by her side and we’ll start a new journey together today. The trial was in progress, my lawyers were doing their best to prove Emily and Linda guilty but I didn’t think Linda would get imprisonment, her mental health worsened after the death of her son. She couldn’t believe that he was actually gone.It was more severe punishment, she’d live the rest of her life in this pain and denial. Speaking of Emily, she remained silent throughout the hearing. Her family didn’t show up as they were hiding themselves from the law but her brother testified against her.We also brought the father of her ex-boyfriend in Cananda to solidify a murder case against her.“We’re going to win this case, Xav.” Adeline whispered to me.“I don’t doubt that. I am thinking where should we go to celebrate this day, just you and me.” I gave her a side glance.“Le
[ Adeline ]“Yes, Addison. You look pale, maybe sick. What’s the matter?” I asked my sister with a raised brow while Adam was busy playing with the house staff. I told Xavier not to come out because he and Addison still don’t look into eyes.She looked here and there, the coffee I served her was still untouched. She was tapping her foot on the floor, which does it whenever she’s nervous.“Look, we both aren’t very close, I get it but it has a brighter side. You don’t expect me to judge you or give you advise, you just want to talk, then talk. I am listening.” I said to ease her and she looked up.“But you must promise me that you won’t tell Mom or anyone else.” She said and I was shocked, she was requesting me.“If you have doubts on me then don’t tell me. I didn’t ask you to come to me.” I said in a little annoyed tone, blame my imbalanced hormones.“I didn’t mean in that way.” She tried to justify and a tensed silence sprawled between us.“Addison, if you are seeing yourself on a cr
[ Adeline ]“Hey, I told you not to move much. Your wound is healed but it doesn’t mean that you’d be walking and running here and there like this.” I reprimanded my husband who was watering the plants in our balcony.“Ade, don’t treat me like a patient anymore. It’s been four weeks and my wound is completely healed. In fact, you should take care of yourself now.” He said turning to face me.“Yes, you’re right but I am taking care of myself, Mr. Linwood. You should worry about yourself. The doctors advised you to avoid pressure on your muscles for next two months. Take it seriously, Xav. You’ll be a father very soon and this kind of behaviour isn’t appreciative from any angle.” I reminded him and on the mention of his baby, his eyes sparkled.He walked briskly towards me and caged me in between his arms, “I still can’t believe that we’re going to have a baby in next seven months. Our boy or girl will be with us to add more happiness in our world.” He said, his smile said a lot than he
[ Adeline ]“Linda, how are you?” I spoke over the microphone and her screaming stopped.“Emily, I hope your leg is healing now. It’s a long time since we met and I am feeling very elated to see you both. I hope you’re being treated well.” I said.“Adeline, you bitch! You coward whore, if you have guts, come in front of me.” Linda sneered and yelled at the cameras.For the first time, I witnessed her losing her temperament and it showed how vulnerable she was. Emily’s eyes moved on the camera as well but she didn’t express anything.“Linda, don’t shout, you’re making it hard for Emily to survive with you.” I said.“You’re enjoying this right? Just remember, if anything happens to me, my son will destroy you and that bastard.” Linda screamed.“I am sorry, Linda but your son can’t do anything now or ever.” I said and suddenly the two sided mirror became transparent and now, she could see me.Her eyes turned dark and she marched towards the glass.“I am going to kill you, Adeline Greyson
[ Adeline ]“What you both did inside? It was ridiculous.” I reprimanded Travis when doctors told us to leave his ward when they came to examine him and proceed with his shift to the hospital which was financed by the Linwood company.“It’s simple, we don’t trust the staff here because we don’t know them. What if his security is breached again by any insider? And what if this news leaks in the media, the damage will be beyond repair and all the suspicion will be pointed on Xavier. The investigation is on full swing and we need to keep low profile until the case is closed.” Travis explained and I thought he was right.“His wounds are fresh, I am afraid if he gets hurt while moving in an ambulance.” I expressed my concern.“Don’t worry, they are the latest technology, bumps on the roads can’t be felt and the best paramedic team will be with him and the route is only of twenty minutes at night time.” Travis assured me and I hoped everything happens smoothly.“Travis, can I ask you for a
[ Xaiver ]“I’m pregnant, Xavier.”These three words sent my mind into frenzy. For a moment, I thought I was dreaming after waking up and it could be the effect of medicines but when she kissed my forehead and placed my hand on her flat belly, my whole world stopped.I was numb to react and unable to process anything. She told me that we’re about to have a baby, our baby. I am going to be a father and when I just narrowly escaped death.The history might repeat itself once again. I could have lost my wife and another child if it wasn’t my fate and the God’s blessings.“Please, say something, Xavier. Your silence isn’t good.” I heard her wavered voice and when I met her eyes, I could see insecurities and many questions.“I can’t kiss you, how horrible a situation can be? I’m going to be a father and I am hearing this news on a hospital bed, with a hole in my stomach. I am overwhelmed, Ade.” I spoke the truth as I was still trying to wrap my mind around this news.“I can understand, Xav
[ Adeline ]“Hey, love. Wake up. See, I am here, your Adeline.” I whispered to the sleeping figure of my husband but he was in a deep sleep under the effect of the medicines. My hands ached to touch him but I was scared of hurting him. His abdomen was wrapped in bandages.I hadn’t left his side since I came back to the hospital with Grandma. Eventually, I had to tell her everything. Sooner or later, she’ll find out so hiding from her wasn’t an option. She took everything really patiently, even the death of her other grandson who wanted to kill her elder grandson. She expressed no remorse for his death.She wanted to come with me to the hospital but I insisted her to stay home and promised to bring her to the hospital once he gains his consciousness.“Xavier, I have to tell you something. I also got to know an hour ago but this is really an amazing news but you have to wake up first because I want to see your reaction when I tell you this.” I talked to him in a hope that he was listeni
[ Adeline ]Hours passed, perhaps the dawn rolled on but we didn’t hear anything from the doctors yet, they just kept rushing out and again going inside with medicines and other supplies, they refused to answer anything and it grew my fear even more. I couldn’t wrap my mind around this sudden halt in my life.“Here, have this or you’ll fall sick, Adeline.” Travis offered me coffee but I refused by shaking my head negatively.“No, I am fine but thanks, Travis.” I tried to smile but failed.He sighed and sat down on the vacant chair beside me.“I can’t feel the depth of your pain and fears, Adeline because I haven’t seen someone I love in this situation but I am here for you and Xavier, always and I know my friend, he won’t like if he learn that you tortured yourself. So, for Xavier, have some coffee. He is under the best care and we’d shift him to the best hospital in the city once his condition stabilizes and the doctors approve his shift.” He said and again tried to make me have the