"No, you don’t. You don’t want to try again," Loretta snapped and tried to get free from his grip, but he wouldn’t let her."I do. I’ve been looking for you ever since.""No, you weren’t. Stop this, Roy, move on. You’re not in your right senses.""That’s the problem, I’m not in my senses because all I think about is you. I’m not on alcohol, so you won’t say I’m dissociating. Please hear me out.""I don’t. I don’t want to listen to you. Do you know what Fabian would do to you if he finds out that—?""But you’re not happy here, are you? He treats you like a rag, he does nothing but hurt you. You’re just his pet.""That’s better than being with you, Roy. I hate you." Loretta made an effort to leave again, but Roy was persistent."I’m sorry, okay? I really am.""Sorry for what? Tell me."Roy took deep breaths, and when he noticed Loretta was no longer struggling to be free from his grip, he started, "I’m sorry for sleeping with Maddie on our first date. I was drunk and I dissociated, but
"Damn it, Loretta," Fabian cursed under his breath."What is it, sir? Is everything alright?" Mikel tried to understand Fabian's change in expression.The mafia boss didn't reply to him or anything and headed out to get her back, but just as he was about to pass through the door, his mum held him back."I would love you to meet these two men. They said they have a solution to your new anonymous business rival," the tigress said."Mum, I can't right now. I need to handle something. Besides, you have this rule of no business at parties," Fabian tried to discourage his mother, though he knew it wouldn't work."Come on, son. I had to get these gentlemen for you. It would be rude if you don't give them your attention," Sandra spoke, giving him the puppy dog eyes.Fabian knew there was no saying 'no' to his mother, so he took a little excuse, "Okay, give me a second, I'll be back with you shortly."The mafia boss went to meet with his assistant, "Mikel, come here." Fabian called him out fro
"No, no, no, this can't be happening," the mafia boss muttered to himself and went to meet with Loretta, who was still shocked.But somebody dragged him and placed their lips on his. Fabian opened his eyes to discover it was Tasha.He wanted to break free, but the room immediately went dark. While he was still thinking about what happened, the spotlight came back on, but it was on Fabian and Tasha as they kissed.The crowd started clapping and cheering for them as they kissed, and suddenly the light came back on.Loretta wiped the tears that threatened to fall.Mikel could have just let her go. She noticed how Fabian seemed so happy as he kissed Tasha, the same way he reacted when he kissed her.Loretta couldn't stand the sight and walked out of the room and into the restroom.Fabian saw her leaving the room, and his heart dropped. This wasn't what he wanted.He didn't like kissing Tasha; he wanted Loretta to be the one in his arms and her lips on his, but all thanks to his mother, sh
Fabian's rejection stung, and the surge of anger and hurt boiled over inside her. She'd leave him to his business and Tasha. She spun on her heel to make her retreat and collided with a server carrying a tray of drinks."Oh, I'm so sorry!" Loretta apologized, helping the server gather the spilled glasses."Miss, be careful," said the server in a whisper, as he handed her a napkin. "You are better off not being with these persons. They're no good for you."Loretta's eyes sparkled with surprise at the words of the server. She nodded subtly, taking the napkin.As she walked away, Loretta noticed Mikel staring across the room at her. Their eyes met, and he arched an eyebrow-just inquiring if everything was fine with her. She forced a weak smile to her face and nodded.Her evening turned into one big blur; though she did the things she was supposed to do, she faked all her amusement. Loretta kept her distance from Fabian, Roy, and Tasha and nursed her hurt feelings.As the night wore on, L
Mikel waited, watching the deserted garden.Mikel's instincts were on high.He made his way back to Loretta's room in a rush but she was nowhere to be found."Where is she?" Mikel muttered.Mikel entered the living room where Loretta sat sipping wine next to Fabian.Mikel's eyes set on Loretta's before he waved for her to come near him."Loretta, can I have a word?" Mikel spoke softly.Loretta's eyes darted to Fabian before rising to her feet."Excuse me," she said.As Loretta neared Mikel, he led her to a corner where Fabian could not hear them."What happened outside?" Mikel asked in hushed tones.Loretta looked at the room, checking if no one was looking."I met a woman," she whispered. "She says she will help me."Mikel did not change expression."What did she say?" he asked.Loretta seemed to hesitate before she answered. "She said she would help me get out of here," she replied.Mikel's eyes narrowed. "Do you trust her?" he asked.Loretta nodded slightly. "I think so," she whisp
The morning after, the sun peeked through the curtain and woke Loretta.She stretched, recalling last night.All the crying had made her eyes swollen and painful.The door opened with a creak, and an elderly woman entered."Good morning, dear," the woman said with a smile.Loretta sat up and rubbed her eyes."I guess you're Loretta?" the woman asked, eyes glinting."The butler told me all about you."Loretta's wariness was ignited. "Who are you?"The woman chuckled. "I'm Mercy, dear. The housekeeper. or you can say, the nanny."Loretta's confusion heightened. "Nanny?"Mercy nodded. "Yes, I've taken care of Fabian since he was a boy.Now, I help manage the household."Loretta's gaze lingered on Mercy's gentle face.Something was soothing about her presence."Fabian's not here, is he?" Loretta asked, well hoping to get a sense of her situation.Merci shook her head. "Non, chère. He's busy avec his.business."Loretta heard the evasion in Merci's tone.But the warmth of the older woman se
Mercy led Loretta into a shop bursting with a fusion of vibrant fabrics. "This one, dear," Mercy mentioned, holding up an emerald green dress that was simply befitting."Try it on," Mercy urged, handing the garment to Loretta.Loretta struggled into the dress soft silk falling on her skin. It was the right fit, accentuating all her curves properly.Mercy smiled in approval. "Beautiful! You have a natural elegance."Then Mercy selected a flowing, lavender gown. "This one will make your eyes pop," she promised.Loretta donned the gown and checked herself in the mirror. The color was certainly bringing out the sparkle in her eyes.As they continued to shop, Mercy talked to the vendors, greeting them with warm smiles and easy bursts of laughter. For the first time, Loretta started to think of Mercy as a person-warm, concerned, rather than just Fabian's conscientious assistant.But Loretta's mind was fixed on escape. She glanced around the market, looking for her opportunity."Mercy, I nee
Mercy staggered through the rain-drenched streets, her eyes scanning for Loretta with exhaustion and worry taking their toll.She saw Mikel up ahead, a beacon in the downpour, but her legs gave out.Mercy fell, her body hitting the wet pavement.“ MERCY!!!!!"Mikel yelled, running to her. He picked her up, holding her in his arms.The vendor walked up, Mercy's bags in hand."I told her to wait in the shade," a look of concern etched in the vendor's features.Mikel frowned. "Where was the girl with her?" he asked gruffly.The woman shook her head. "I didn't see her. She was gone"Mikel's jaw clenched, fist tightening.He relieved the vendor of Mercy's bags."Thanks," he growled, before turning to go.He carefully placed Mercy in the car, securing her seatbelt.Rain drummed against his windshield as he drove away.Mercy's eyes flickered open. "Mikel.Loretta."Mikel's expression softened."Don't worry, Mercy. We'll find her."But his eyes told another story.Fabian's wrath would show no