Felicia POV
I look at the window of my bedroom and stared at the sunrise. Holding a cup of coffee, I sipped. "Good morning!" I smiled, ready to take the challenge of the day.
My phone alarms, it's 6 am in the morning but I woke up even earlier just in case. I cannot afford to waste my time in the bed and never get the chance to meet the sunrise. It's my beautiful part of the day.
I drank all of my coffee and proceed downstairs. Wearing my sleeveless shirt and shorts, I will prepare for breakfast. I always prepare breakfast for us, my parents.
As soon as I entered the kitchen, Mom is already putting plates on the dining table. She noticed my presence.
"Good morning, sweetie,"
"Mom, you prepared?"
"Of course! I woke up even earlier than you. Sounds fun competing," mom laughs.
I chuckled. "Now it became competition,"
"It's just a matter of acts of service, sweetie. You've been busy and yet you still get to bond with us,"
I smiled. "It's a matter of priorities, mom,"
I grew up with a happy family. And we are not living in luxury before. I have a big brother but he died because of an accident when he was riding his motorcycle cycle—off to his work that time. I was only 16 when that happened.
We don't have enough money for paying hospital bills and for the burial. Mom was in extreme depression. Dad took all the work and applied multiple jobs just to pay for the amount of debts we had. We lost loved ones, and money became our enemy.
From that day, I promised to myself I'll work hard to provide for my family, the safety, the luxury, I want a life that will not burden my family anymore. I don't want to see my parents work with blood and tears.
And here I am, living in my dreams. At the age of 29, I have my own company. I love fashion and cosmetics, so I built this one.
Dad came over the kitchen with dog Peachie. My dog is siberian husky. A sweet huge dog!
"Good morning, darling, good morning, love," Dad greeted.
We started our breakfast.
When I was 17, I started my writing career. Freelancing, and ghostwritings, and many more. I discovered it and was paid, plenty enough for my school financial support, since my Dad was really having a hard time on his multiple jobs.
When I turned 18, I knew I had an interest to fashion and cosmetics. So I tried to buy some and put it on. Then as a business minded person, I decided to research about resellings and small business for students. I had my first cosmetics small business when I turned 19. Just a little amount of effort on social media sites for selling and attracting costumers.
When I was in college, my little business went down due to that I became busy with school. Most tiring years was in college.
For the long story short, here I am, having my own business company with over millions of branches all over the world.
With my busy days, I always compromise my parents needs. I make sure that I will always spare some time for our little bondings together.
After the breakfast and morning routines, I went immediately to the office. I parked may black car and get out.
As soon as I arrived inside the building, all of my employees greeted me. I greeted them back and hurriedly went to my office. 7:30 am, at this exact time I always start working.
Upon entering my office, my heart dropped when I saw Cedrick standing while reading a file record in his hand.
"Fvck it, Cedrick. What are you doing there?"
He looked at me with his confused eyes. "Why are you so surprised?"
"Your a big man and standing in front of my desk like you were waiting for your next victim," I rolled my eyes and find my butt sitting at my swivel chair.
"Did you drank coffee this morning?" He asked, putting down his papers on my table.
I raised my eyebrow. "Yes, I am," proudly, I say.
He grabbed a pen and swat it to my forehead.
"Aw!"
"Coffee is prohibited,"
I just sighed in defeat. I'm having palpitations whenever I drink coffee, so coffee is not allowed. "Okay, okay. Now let me check that papers, what is it?"
He took the papers and gave it to me. "Report from your secretary. It's about the new perfume we are about to launch this week, and the new shoes for men. It says her that we cannot launch the perfume next week because she had an allergic reaction when she tried it, however the new shoes is ready,"
"Where is she?" I asked.
"She's absent. She's at the hospital,"
I bit my lower lip. "Alright, I guess we need to postpone the new perfume. Visit her and provide her with her needs at the hospital. Also, I want to check the perfume ingredients myself. I wanted to see how they are doing with my request,"
Cedrick crossed his arms. "You are really dedicated with this? We can create something that's not too critical,"
I clasped my hands. "Cedrick, I want a product that my customers want, and not what I want,"
In building my company, it is not all about me but the product that my customers would enjoy. Fashion clothes, make ups, perfumes, skin cares. I dedicated all my effort for this success.
"No doubt why you are the number one," Cedrick commented. "I have your schedules, I personally want to come with you at that orphanage,"
Cedrick came from a orphanage. We became best friends when we were in college. We both have our own goals and vision. He is now having his 2nd child with his beautiful wife.
My schedule this morning is to visit the orphanage where Cedrick stayed when he was a little child. Having no parents is difficult, and this orphanage became Cedrick's home.
Nothing much happened at the orphanage, I just had a little chat with the caretakers, and also, Cedrick played with some childrens and cooked for them.
After the orphanage we went back to the building. We had our separate ways. He head to his office while I went straight to the studio.
Everyone was hustling on their work. A woman who's age is 40 and above walked towards me. "Hello, ma'am! You want to check our pictorials?"
She was about to call everyone's attention when I stopped her. "No, let me walk through without them noticing me."
She smiled. "Yes, ma'am,"
"Get back to your work," I command.
This is the studio where we take photoshoots for our new products. I walked through and went at the front. Our model is new, I don't know his face. I observed him a little more.
"Who is this?" I asked the lady who is wearing glasses and a file holder on her left arm.
She was surprised for a bit when she saw her own boss. "O-Oh, uhm... He's our new model, w-we found him when he gave us flyers for a brand new car."
I nodded. "He has potentials,"
"Y-Yes, ma'am,"
I inhaled. "Okay, make sure everything here is fine. I want the pictures later in the evening, raw pictures and edited. It's about lunch time, make sure everybody gets their lunch down stairs. Provide for all the employees here,"
As I said those command, I immediately went outside the studio. It's lunch time. I'm craving for something spicy so I went outside. I want a spicy chicken. There are fast food restaurants here, walking distance so I won't have to drive my car.
I went outside wearing sunglasses, my hair is tied in ponytail. I just had my office suit. This kind of would attract people but I just want to eat.
A chicken fast food is getting the attention that it deserves. I went in and ordered spicy chicken. This fast food has their best sauce and chicken. I don't know what they've put on but it's too delicious.
My favorite spot was in front of the counter, it's easy to call for additional rice. I love rice!
As soon as my order arrived, removed my sunglasses, and I started eating. "This is the best," I murmured.
While eating, a television is open. Chewing the leg part, I looked up. My brows furrowed because of the headline.
'A teenager who was missing for 3 weeks is found dead at the dump site'
The reporter speaks about the kidnapping schemes and syndicates. It is extremely alarming these past months. I have doubt about this things. Why is the kidnapping too clean? Police officers always reportedly having crisis. No evidence, no leads, no suspects. This is getting intriguing.
Even the death of my brother is still a mystery to me.
It's almost 1 o' clock and I finished my food. I have an exclusive interview to one of the most viewed television show. I feel like a celebrity with this kind of thing. But, mentioning this thing, my name is also the most search in the internet.
I regret not riding my car, now I have to walk with full stomach.
The building of the network was a bit far from my building. It is really a hassle work being this rich, but this is my life now. Despite, I enjoy working.
My phone rings, a call from Dad. I slid the green button and put my phone at the dashboard—in a aloud speaker.
"Yes, dad?"
"What time is your interview?"
"1:30," I answered. "But I think I'm getting late, it's 1:20,"
"You still far the place?"
I bit my lower lip. "Yeah..."
I heard my dad laugh and shouted to mom 'Your daughter is getting late for the interview'. "Alright, you need to go. Your mom opened the tv and she's waiting for you,"
"Thanks, dad. Bye!"
I arrived at the tv network. Hurriedly, I went out of my car and walked as fast as I can. I don't need to run, it might ruin my look. I need to look good and sophisticated.
I looked at my wrist watch. "Fvck, it's 1:39," I greeted my teeth.
Then a staff saw me and hastened, leading me to the studio itself. The show already started. I was stunned when I saw Kalixo, sitting in front of the interviewer and seriously talking about something I don't care about.
Why is he here?!
The staff I'm with signaled the interviewer.
The interview, a gay, holding a cards of questions speaks. "I see, that is interesting Mr. Montenegro. It is such an honor to have your here. And now, for our viewers and the moment you've been waiting for! Our leading business woman who inspires a lot of women to be the best version of themselves. The intelligent and beautiful lady, Ms. Felicia Avimayor!"
I smiled and entered the stage. I put a wide smile on the camera and wave before sitting at the vacant seat, unfortunately, beside Kalixo.
"You're late," Kalixo stated.
The interviewers mouth formed 'o'.
"Excuse me, who is this?" I threw.
The interviewer cleared his throat. "I didn't even pulled any questions yet the fire is already starting,"
"Asked," I command. "Let's not wait for the introduction like what this man did. People already know me,"
I heard Kalixo scoffed.
"This is getting really interesting, okay. Alright, first question for both of you. Why do you hate each other?"
This interview is worse! I think I probably know what the other celebrities feel like they've been used for the show.
Kalixo answered first. "Ms. Avimayor is not an inspiration. She's just tolerating other women with their confusing characteristics and put their standards too nonsensically high,"
I looked at Kalixo. "How come that is your reason, well in fact you said something behind my back?"
He looked at me. "A woman who inspires a lot won't gossip to people's conversation, how come you know?"
"You don't deserve any recognition if you only want money. Come on, Montenegro, you're getting into my nerves every single day. Of course we talk behind our backs, I'm not a saint. Also, my employees don't deserve to be treated with that attitude of yours,"
"So Mr. Montenegro disrespected your employees, Ms. Avimayor?"
Kalixo chuckled with a bit of pissed. "And you don't deserve any recognition if you let your secretary be at the hospital right now because of an allergic reaction. You're not looking up to your employees, and you must be just letting them get sick. Maybe because the perfume experiment—"
"Woah," the interviewer cut. He chuckled. "Everyone must be seeing this hot interview. Viewers, this is just the first question. You two must have really hated each other, what ever the reason is,"
The interview went long. And it was draining. I went o my car and lean. I got no energy left. Montenegro drains all my positive sides.
On my side mirror, I saw Kalixo looking at me before he decided to enter his car and went away.
I felt a little bit confused. Why does his look is kind of weird?
Felicia POV"How come you're so calm and chillin' like a villian?" Cedrick stated, as he sits on the sofa here at our house. I'm wearing a long pajamas and an oversized shirt. Anyone who would look at me would be definitely shocked. My hair was so messy and I have no make up on. My family is preparing for our little outing today. Mom is getting all over with her looks, so as father. And I'm here, still sipping a glass of milk. Cedrick is here, he won't allow me to drink coffee."Except for the villian. I'm not. Do I look like a villian? Montenegro is the villain here,"Cedrick sighed and looked at me straight. "Yeah, you look like a witch with that..." he gestured my hair, "crazy wild hair of yours,"I rolled my eyes. "It's early in the morning and don't piss me off! You said your wife made me a cake! Where is it?!"Cedrick pulled out something from his black bag. There is a transparent box. Oh...a strawberry flavor!"Here," I dropped it on the coffee table. "I'll just put it here,"
Kalixo emerged from his sleek car, his figure adorned in a tailored black office suit. He meticulously brushed away the minuscule specks of dust that dared to settle upon his broad shoulders. The uniform accentuated his commanding presence, sculpting his physique into a captivating silhouette.Towering with confidence, he exuded an air of a seasoned actor and a distinguished model. His nose, straight and refined, harmoniously complemented his naturally rosy, heart-shaped lips. Yet, it was his eyes that truly captivated, possessing an almost hypnotic allure. A single gaze from him had the power to melt hearts and compel obedience to his every word.With purpose, he strode into the prestigious building that bore his name. Inside those walls, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy of Avimayor pervaded. Darkness cloaked the space, wrapping it in an atmosphere heavy with gravity.The ambiance held a palpable seriousness, rendering it evident that the denizens of this place were unfamiliar
Numerous vehicles were squeezed tightly together in the unbearable length and thickness of the traffic. They appeared like a queue, moving at a snail's pace. The honking of cars was incessant. Some drivers rolled down their windows to see what was happening up ahead, while others were on the verge of losing their temper and violently gripping the steering wheel.Kalixo could only let out a sigh as his black car inched forward slowly. He decided to rest his elbow on the open window before resting his chin on his fist. The sun was blazing, but its heat was not too intense. Every now and then, a loud shout reached Kalixo's ears, coming from behind him. He glanced at the source of the noise through the side mirror."Hey! Can't you all be more careful?!" shouted a man wearing a summer polo shirt, giving the impression that he was headed for a vacation in Hawaii."This isn't funny!"The shouting from the people behind caught everyone's attention. Every now and then, a few motorcyclists wear
The couple had been waiting for their child all night. They sent text messages and tried calling, but there was no answer.The mother was starting to panic as she repeatedly dialed their child's number, but still, no one picked up. She sat on the sofa, with the television on, hoping for a sudden interview announcement or a product advertisement featuring their child."Have some water," the father said as he placed a warm glass of water in front of his wife. "That's enough, darling. Our child will come home eventually. Maybe there's an emergency meeting or a sudden trip abroad, like before, which is why she can't come back."The wife shook her head and dialed again. "No, our child always informs me even when they're incredibly busy at work. She answers my calls, so she'll send a text to reassure me."Her husband sat beside her and embraced her. "Just try to understand our child for now. Think of the possibilities as to why there's been no contact.""I'm worried. I have a bad feeling,"
As the call dropped, Kalixo stepped on the gas and sped away in his car. With each passing moment, the heavy rain poured down, gradually subsiding. Every droplet of water danced on the wheels of his car. The people on the side of the road were splattered as he raced by. They couldn't complain as he was driving so fast, as if he were in a race. Kalixo arrived at a pier where a yacht was anchored nearby. Two men were aboard the yacht, both dressed in black attire. He parked his car on the side and got out. When a guard on the yacht saw him, he approached. "Boss," the guard said. Kalixo handed him the keys to his car without saying a word, and passed by the man he had given the keys to. Kalixo headed towards the yacht and boarded it. Meanwhile, the man got into Kalixo's car and sped off. There was no one around on this deserted pier, allowing Kalixo to walk freely without worrying about CCTV footage or paparazzi. "Let's go," Kalixo said. The driver headed down below and began maneu
Felicia's POVAs I felt like someone was following me, I immediately ran in the opposite direction and hid among the trees. However, not far away, I spotted a yacht with a man aboard, as if he was in a movie, dramatically embracing the breeze that hit his face.Though my vision was a bit blurry, I couldn't recognize who he was. I hadn't eaten yet, and I still felt dizzy. My mind wasn't functioning properly. I glanced back at the direction I came from and saw that no one was following me. So, I made the decision to approach the yacht the man was using. That would be my means of escape from this place.I walked cautiously, making sure I would reach there without being caught. As I proceeded along the path, I was puzzled to see a flat expanse of grass not far away. There were also gardens and a fountain. Wait! Above all, there was a mansion! Why would there be a mansion in this place?!At this moment, m
Felicia's POVHis expression changed. I had forgotten that he had been drinking, which explained his slightly glazed eyes. "Follow me," he said, and began walking. I obediently trailed behind him.Due to the vastness of the mansion, it took us a few minutes to reach a room. In front of us stood a magnificent door. He opened it, revealing a spacious office. Large bookshelves lined the walls, filled with books and documents in cartons and folders. In the center, there was an office table with a swivel chair. Two chairs were placed in front of the table for potential guests.I stood at the doorway while Kalixo held the door to prevent it from closing. His expression was serious, as if I were a candidate he was about to interview. "You can either come in willingly or I'll drag you in. You want answers, don't you?"I didn't reply and walked into his office. I heard the door close behind me, but I noticed
Morning came. I couldn't sleep properly. Who could sleep well in a situation like this? I was kidnapped, and they planned to use my company for their drug operations, which was Kalixo's surprise for his father. They even intended to involve me in the transactions, using my name. My status as number one would be used to boost drug sales, like sales skyrocketing due to the influence of an endorser. Just like my new shoe model that was recently launched. Its sales exceeded my expectations. Sometimes advertising has a significant impact. There was a knock on the door, and it opened. It was Maria, pushing a cart with a tray of food. Compared to the meals she used to cook for me when I was in the old house, this food looked delicious. I was attacked by a sense of shame. I was locked up here, and it seemed like life was still comfortable. These might be my last moments because I felt like I would eventually die. This was my current situation while I knew that my parents had almost lost the
Felicia's POV I woke up feeling a warm body enveloping me. It's Kalixo. We had a great night, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss his husky voice whispering my name. It seemed like my name was the most beautiful in the world. Thinking he was still asleep, I lifted my head to find him already looking at me, a smile on his face. "Good morning, my queen," he greeted, planting a small kiss on my forehead. I smiled. But my smile faded as I remembered Deokwa, and Kalixo and I discussed his decision to surrender to the police and reveal everything he knew. [Flashback] I sat on the bed after ending a call with Deokwa. I couldn't fathom how he found out Kalixo was here. If it was Deokwa, it wasn't impossible that he had eyes on me everywhere I went. Kalixo sat beside me. "Tomorrow, I'll tell the truth." I looked at him. "Wh-What?" "I don't want to see that pain, fear, and anxiety in your eyes, Felicia. My lies need to stop. I never truly protected you; it was a wrong decision. Now,
Felicia's POVAfter my conversation with Dad, I couldn't bring myself to eat the food he had bought for me. I'm not angry with him; it's just that the information he shared hasn't fully sunk in yet.As I was about to ascend the stairs, I suddenly felt a buzz at the top of my head. I quickly turned towards my room. Who could it be? There couldn't be any commotion here with Dad around."Felicia, honey—""Yes, Dad!" I replied, raising my voice, which startled him since he was right behind me, carrying the food.His mouth fell agape. "U-Uh, let's just put this in your room's fridge—""I've got it, Dad!" I said with a wide smile. "Don't worry, everything is fine!"Dad blinked three times. "E-Everything is... is fine...?""Yes! Absolutely! I'll take care of it. Thank you!" I immediately grabbed the plastic bags and went upstairs.Dad was left scratching his head in bewilderment. When I reached my door, I realized it was locked from the inside. I raised my hand to turn the doorknob. Now, the
Felicia's PerspectiveCedrick and I had finally returned home. The house was heavily guarded, as we had recently hired a team of butlers. Tomorrow marked a significant day, the day when I would reveal the truth to everyone, including... Kalixo.A sudden pang in my chest gripped me, but I brushed it aside. It no longer mattered.Technically, I wouldn't be revealing it alone. I would be joined by Cedrick and Rose. Rose would present the information, and I would second every statement and confirm the details. I would also work from home, as it was deemed too risky for me to venture outside. And indeed, it was a dangerous world out there."Felicia, your father and I are going out for a bit," Mommy announced.I was in the living room, watching the news. The city had fallen silent, especially now that those who had been with me in captivity had returned. Thankfully, they had been instructed not to disclose anything about me."Where are you headed, Mommy?" I inquired."Your father will be vi
FELICIA'S PERSPECTIVEWith resolve, I unveiled the truth. "My brother concealed that drug. I conducted in-depth research on it and stumbled upon a groundbreaking chemical with the potential to revolutionize human health. I refrained from using it, awaiting the collaboration of other experts in the field. My investigations took place in my perfume laboratory. Rest assured, it is well-secured. Only my secretary has access due to her exceptional genetics."Cedrick interjected with a question, his tone earnest. "Felicia, I have a query. Who, if I may ask, was the fortunate individual who received the drug successfully?"I hesitated, fully aware of the magnitude of this revelation in his life. "I will disclose that information at a more opportune moment. For now, our focus must be on more pressing matters. The reason they pursue me is the possession of the formula. I'll compile a list of involved parties, recognizing that some may no longer be among the living."As I commenced typing the n
FELICIA POV"Are you sure about your decision, Felicia?" Cedrick asked me. We were currently in the living room, joined by my parents and his family. I had told them that today was the day I planned to reveal everything, and I wouldn't postpone it any longer.I nodded. "I am strong, and there's nothing wrong with me. Besides, that's the whole point of all this—the truth. I can't stay here and keep quiet any longer because we don't know what they're planning. We're not certain."My father sighed deeply. "If that's truly your decision, daughter, I won't stop you. Just make sure, my child, that you stay by Cedrick's side no matter what happens."Cedrick's wife held my hand. She didn't say a word, just gave me a reassuring smile. I held onto her hand as a reminder that everything would be okay."Don't worry. I'm here now, and they won't dare harm me because they need me," I said confidently.My mother furrowed her brow. "What do you mean, child?"I simply smiled in response.--As soon as
Felicia POVMy feet felt numb after the almost 30 minutes of walking and running through the woods. Blood and bodies of dead people spread all over the woods. It's a creel, a hella creepy place that old man made."Montenegro said no one will be able to see us if we'll take the path. I doubt that at first but it seemed like he's telling truth. I wonder where did the other people go," Cedrick took a glance on me. "We're here. You can explain everything to me now,"I sighed. We stopped on our tracks. We reached an empty road and a car hidden in the bushes. "Are we going to wait for your friend investigator?""Nope. She already plotted something. Minutes by now, reinforcements are coming. I need you to be safe. Let's go," he said and led me inside the car. Car is a bit old. Cedrick started it and immediately drive. It works well despite it's rusty appearance. "Explain, Felicia," he added, as he drives the car. I sighed. "I've been searching for those people who killed my brother Leo. T
FELICIA POV A certain noise woke up my entire body system. Someone is screaming, and a strange vibration made my heart pound into its beat. When I fully opened my eyes, it turned out that it isn't coming from my place. It's in another cell. And I was separated from the others. . .or might be. . .an another room? "Let me out of here! Let me talk to her!!" Its a voice of a woman. "Shut up!" I heard from a man. I roamed my eyes around the cell. It's different. This isn't the usual cell I'm at before. There's no one but me in this place. The temperature in here gave me goosebumps already. As I sit myself up, I tried to remember what happened before I woke up and see myself in here. It was clearly on my mind that I passed out when I got panic attack after watching the huge screen playing live videos of people killing each other. I may not know the real reason of my triggers but it could definitely be one of the reason why I wanted the Boss to finished his delusions. He is a crazy psy
FELICIA POV Duguang collapsed onto the floor, with Kalixo still clutching his side where my small knife had found its mark. It paled in comparison to the horrors they had inflicted on my brother Leo. With a complete lack of emotion, I turned to the Boss, who now wore a sinister grin while gripping his katana. "Finally, the true colors of an Avimayor emerge. I had a feeling Leo entrusted that to you. And I refuse to believe it's gone," he taunted. A glint emanated from the golden necklace hanging around his neck. A sudden sense of dread washed over me, and the hairs on my neck stood on end as I sensed a looming, shadowy presence. In the blink of an eye, the Boss vanished from my sight. "I never thought you could do that to my protege," he remarked. Protege? Kalixo? They were both heartless! I spun around, ready to strike, but the Boss had disappeared as if I had swiped at thin air. Panic began to creep in as I searched frantically, unable to locate him or sense his presence. Could
FELICIA POVDid Kalixo truly no longer care about me? Should I truly believe in the words he had just uttered? It hurt, the pain was so overwhelming that I could hardly tear my gaze away from his emotionless eyes. Was it really that easy for him to cast me aside?He walked slowly towards me, head held high, our gazes never parting. I couldn't fathom why I almost recoiled when he trapped me between his arms against the wall, his piercing stare moving from my eyes to my nose, then my lips, and back to my eyes. I couldn't help but gasp when I heard the sound of him drawing a knife from the wall. He then walked away from me and turned his back."You're still just a woman, Avimayor," the old man suddenly interjected, causing me to avert my gaze from Kalixo's imposing figure. "Do you really think you stand a chance against him?"I turned to the old man in annoyance, then quickly ran towards him and leaped onto a table, launching myself in his direction. He managed to evade me, but my table-