JAMESThey meticulously combed through every inch of my study, running their hands over every surface. The sound of drawers being pulled open and papers being rustled filled the air. Mrs. D stood nearby, with a disapproving scowl as she observed the chaos they left behind. The smell of dust and must lingered in the room, a result of their thorough search."Master Jimmy, do they really need to turn everything upside down?" Mrs. D questioned, her voice filled with concern. "Who do they think is going to clean up this mess?"I reassured her with a pat on her shoulder. "Don't worry, Mrs. D. They're just wasting their time," I said, giving her a playful wink. Luckily, Luke had taken care of disposing of the burner phones, ensuring there was no evidence linking me to Jenna.Time seemed to drag on as they continued their fruitless search. Hours passed, and my once orderly house now resembled the aftermath of a tornado. But just as I thought their invasion was over, they found something.“Eh?
DESTINYI watched the police take James away, with so many unanswered questions and doubts roiling through my mind. Has he been taking drugs all this time without me knowing it? I had no experience in drug abuse, wouldn’t even know what signs to look for. Alcohol abuse was my only reference thanks to my dad, and James certainly didn’t fall into that category.Ronan’s heavy hand on my shoulder snapped me out of my thoughts. The weight of his touch on my shoulder made me acutely aware of his presence.“Destiny, I’m truly sorry for everything.” His voice held just enough remorse to sound sincere.“You know, I don’t think I’m ready to discuss this with you, Ronan,” I replied, my voice sharp with frustration and confusion. I shrugged off his hand, feeling a mixture of anger and vulnerability.“I just want you to know that you can rely on me for whatever you need. James isn’t the right man for you, Destiny.” And there it was, his true colors finally showing.“And you are?” I said cuttingly,
JAMESI don’t know how Smythe did it, and I didn’t ask too many questions. I was just relieved to get the hell out of that god-awful cramped room. My first appearance would be in two days.“Just answer the questions as honestly and to the point as you can, Mr. Barrington,” Smythe had said during our long consultation.Honest and to the point. I was concerned. What if they asked questions I didn’t want to answer?***It was pitch dark when the Uber dropped me off at my gate. I didn’t have my phone or my keys with me. Feeling like a stranger lurking in the dark in front of my property, I pressed the intercom and Luke’s deep voice answered. “Yeah?”“It’s James. Open up.”Imagine my surprise when the lights turned on and I saw the old beaten-up Datsun parked in the driveway. Not this again! God knows I wouldn’t be able to stomach Aurora Johnson after all that happened. I thought we were rid of her. The gate slid open, and I dragged my feet, thinking of the best way to handle this situatio
DESTINYWhile I busily prepared our dinner, James kept hovering around me, his eyes never leaving my every move. It felt as if he was afraid I would suddenly vanish. Once, I caught him staring at me with such a profound sadness in his eyes that it tugged at my heart, filling me with concern."Are you alright?" I asked, abandoning my tasks and rushing to his side, wanting to comfort him.But he swiftly composed himself, his expression instantly changing. "I'm fine," he replied, a faint smile gracing his lips. "You're overcooking the steak."Just then, Luke entered the kitchen, his overnight bag in one hand. "Hey, guys," he greeted us. "Will you be okay on your own? Thought I'd give you some alone time. There’s a friend nearby where I can stay tonight. I'll only be five minutes away if you need me."I couldn't help but smile at his considerate offer, as it reminded me of a child seeking permission for a sleepover. "I'm sure we can handle it. What do you think, James?"James winked at me
JAMESWhile Destiny slept the sleep of innocence, restlessness consumed me as I tossed and turned. Eventually, I surrendered my futile attempts at sleep and retreated to my study. In the dimly lit solitude of my sanctuary, I contemplated and prepared in case everything went south, because fate had a cruel way of fucking with my life. Mr. Smythe appeared optimistic about the outcome of the trial. But knowing that my father was to testify against me had my mind in turmoil. I had to make provisions for Destiny and my unborn child. I wasn’t about to let them suffer because of my fucked-up family.Determined to protect them, I breathed a sigh of relief as I opened my banking app. It was a minor comfort to see that my accounts remained unfrozen. Thankfully, we had a prenuptial agreement safeguarding Destiny's funds. With a sense of satisfaction, I transferred a substantial sum into her account, ensuring she had enough to embark on a new life if something were to happen. Closing my laptop,
DESTINY"Have you seen James, Luke?" I found Luke in the bright, sunlit kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. His smile was contagious, hinting at the happiness he must have felt from visiting his friend's last night. "Good morning," he greeted, turning to face me."Saw him leaving when I came in this morning. He seemed to be in a hurry," Luke replied cheerfully, his voice blending with the clinking of the coffee mug against the counter."That's strange. His court appearance is only next week," I pondered, the sound of my voice trailing off. Unless something unexpected came up. I reached for my cellphone, intending to call James, but a notification from social media caught my attention. It was James' birthday, a fact that had slipped my mind. Why hadn't he reminded me?"Oh, shit..." Regret washed over me. How could I have missed this?"Something wrong?" Luke asked, taking a sip of his coffee. "Make you some tea?" He turned, the sound of the kettle whistling as h
JAMESI left the majestic court building, pushing my way through a horde of relentless reporters once again, as I made my way towards my car. The blaring sounds of their questions echoed in my ears while I tried my best to ignore the bloodsuckers.I felt a little better about my birthday after the day lightened up. It might not be a complete disaster like I thought.To my immense relief, the prosecution barrister didn’t charge me with assault. However, there was to be a formal inquiry into Jenna's accidental death, a mere formality, as Judge Harris assured me. Her family asked for it, which I get, but I totally forgot about her family and what influence her death had on them.In all the time we had spent together, I had only visited Jenna's parents' home on two occasions. They were not a tightly knit family, but Jenna's lineage held a significant influence, which explained my grandfather's infatuation with her. He valued social standing more than anything, and that was precisely why I
DESTINYHave I walked into the lion’s den? The dimly lit room cast a foreboding shadow over Lord Barrington, who appeared more like a defeated lion than the king of the jungle.“I can’t stay long. I have guests over to celebrate James’ birthday.”He turned a bewildered face to mine. “What? You’re celebrating his birthday?”“Yes, is that news to you?” I retorted, somewhat sarcastically. He should know his own son’s birthday, shouldn’t he?His lip lifted slightly in a semblance of a smile or a sneer. “You don’t know? He never told you.” He uttered a weary sigh. “I need a drink. Have a seat. I’ll have the cook brew you some tea.” Without another word, he walked towards the distant kitchen. I followed, eager to uncover the secrets James was keeping from me."Wait for me in the solarium. This is not something I wish to discuss in front of my staff," he explained, guiding me towards the sunlit room.As I entered the room, the scent of lavender and dahlias filled the air, mingling with the w
DESTINY"I have something for you," James smirked, his blue eyes twinkling mischievously as he held his hands behind his back. The scent of his cologne, a subtle blend of musk and sandalwood, filled the air around us."What is it?" I asked, my curiosity piqued as I leaned in closer, my heart fluttering in anticipation."The traditional gift for a one-year anniversary is paper, isn't it?" he replied, a playful glint in his eyes.“I didn’t figure you for a traditional type of bloke, Mr. Barrington,” I teased affectionately.Victor watched us from his cot, his bright blue eyes sparkling with interest. He chewed happily on his tiny fist and gurgled contentedly.I hadn't gotten him a card, as was the tradition. Instead, Cassidy had helped me choose a digital photo book, its sleek design fitting perfectly in my hands. Our precious memories filled the pages - from our engagement and wedding photos to Victor's first photo shoot. The glossy photographs captured our love and happiness, a tangibl
JAMESThe Christmas holidays felt never-ending, dragging on with a sense of timelessness. Instead of having a relaxing time with only the two of us, our home had become a bustling hive of activity.The sound of laughter and chatter filled the air as Lorraine, Cassidy, and Jenny barged into the house, their arms laden with packages filled to the brim with baby goods. My mates, Chris, Steven, and Joel, followed closely behind. The only one missing was Ronan, and his absence weighed heavily on me. I missed my best friend, but I hadn't yet found it in my heart to forgive him, despite Destiny's constant urging.“Surprise! You didn't think we'd forget to give you a proper baby shower, did you?" Lorraine exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement and warmth.Destiny embraced them all, her face glowing with joy. "You guys! This is unexpected," she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine surprise.I couldn't agree more with Destiny. The sight of her happiness warmed my heart. She needed this
DESTINYIt has been going great with us. Everything seemed to be working out just fine. James was back at work and the company’s reputation restored to its former good standing, like a phoenix rising from the ashes.James described how the air was filled with excitement as business boomed and new opportunities bloomed. Now that the guilty parties have been brought to justice, their shadows dissipating like smoke, and Lord Barrington's name cleared of all charges, the relationship between father and son has blossomed. It felt like a weight had been lifted, and I couldn't help but feel eternally grateful for this newfound harmony.Days flowed into each other and before we knew it, it was the Christmas holidays. We were expected to go to the Barrington mansion on Christmas Day.My parents have moved to Wales, where Daddy found a well-paying job in the mines. Hopefully, Aurora would focus her energy on raising Arthur and being a faithful wife to Daddy, their home now a sanctuary of love a
JAMESI woke up in a vast field of vibrant wildflowers, their delicate petals brushing against my skin as a gentle breeze whispered through the air. Initially, confusion washed over me, for I was certain I should have been somewhere else. Yet, lying there among the blossoms, gazing up at the expanse of the cerulean sky, a sense of pure bliss enveloped me. I wanted to stay there forever. It felt like heaven.Suddenly, a familiar voice called out my name, breaking the tranquility of the moment. "Mother?" I sprang up, searching the surroundings with bewilderment. It had to be a dream, it couldn't be real. But then, there she was, appearing exactly as I remembered her.Overwhelmed with joy, I tried to run towards her, but my movements felt as if I were tramping through heavy sand. The harder I tried, the more I struggled against an invisible force. "James," she called out, her voice filled with concern. "Stop. You must go back.""No, Mother, I don't want to go back. I want to be with you,
At Lord Barrington's insistence, I agreed to accompany him to a hotel just a block away from the hospital. As the owner, he had the manager prepare the grand presidential suite for our stay.Stepping into the suite, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the grandeur. They spared no expense, from the crystal chandelier in the center of the living room to the oriental rugs adorning the floor. Three luxurious bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, left me in awe. Without Lord Barrington by my side, I would have felt utterly out of place in the opulent suite.Lord Barrington said kindly, “At least now you can take a warm shower and have a good night’s rest.”He left me in the bedroom I chose at random, thinking how strange it was spending the night with my father-in-law alone in a hotel. The gossip tabloids would definitely have a lot to speculate about if they got wind of it. I chuckled mirthlessly to myself. What a ridiculous thing to be worried about under the circumstances. My bl
Was I dreaming? The world around me felt surreal, like a hazy fog had descended upon reality. The air was thick with a mix of anticipation and dread. Just a few hours ago, we were filled with joy, discussing baby names and envisioning the perfect nursery. The nightmare of Jenna's death seemed like it was finally coming to conclusion, and we could move on from all of it. Everything was supposed to be fine. But then, in a split second, it all came crashing down.Curious onlookers buzzed about, their whispers and murmurs blending in a cacophony of noise. Security officers stood tall, forming a barrier between the crowd and the chaotic scene unfolding before them. Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably, blending with the sticky warmth that seeped through my trembling fingers as I clung desperately to James."James, don't leave me," I pleaded through sobs, my voice choked with anguish. I gently caressed his deathly pale face, hoping beyond hope that my touch could somehow anchor him to
DESTINYIt was late evening when we made our way back home. The violet sky overcast with gray clouds hanging low signaled the promise of snow. Winter has finally arrived.Lord Barrington seemed reluctant to let us leave, finding many excuses to keep us there. The aroma of a delicious lunch drifted through the air, enticing us to stay. As the hours passed, lunch turned into dinner, filling the grand dining room with the clinking of cutlery and the soft murmur of conversation. Afterwards, the staff brought us steaming cups of tea, accompanied by the sweet aroma of freshly baked biscuits. I couldn’t resist. It was as if Lord Barrington didn't want to be left alone in that massive, eerie mansion. And honestly, I couldn't blame him. The place felt haunted, even if I didn't believe in such things.At least there was some semblance of harmony between James and his father. They engaged in polite conversation, discussing minor matters instead of arguing. It was a significant improvement, and
JAMESHaving heard nothing from my father, we drove to the hospital, anyway. Destiny insisted we stop at a fast-food restaurant on the way to get my dad something to eat. The aroma of sizzling burgers and salty fries wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of freshly brewed coffee.“I don’t care if it’s not healthy, James. He needs comfort food. Just this once.” She was determined to get him what she considered being comfort food. I just shook my head. I’ve never seen my dad eat a hamburger and fries. Ever. But there was no arguing with a pregnant woman. The lack of peanut butter or strawberry ice cream in the house had already agitated her. I had to promise her solemnly to get it for her.We found him in the waiting room where we left him. He looked as if he hadn’t slept at all, his tired eyes reflecting the fluorescent lights overhead. The uncomfortable chairs creaked as we sat down next to him. Outside the waiting area, the hospital staff carried on with their task. The low
DESTINYI listened to what Lord Barrington said. He was convinced that his actions caused his father's stroke.“Grandfather always had a bad temper.” James remarked. He had regained his composure after his emotional outburst. I thought it was endearing to see him so vulnerable. He hardly ever showed that side of him.“I know, but I just couldn’t keep quiet any longer. Not after what he confessed to.” Lord Barrington rubbed his temples as if he had a headache.Looking closely at Lord Barrington, I noticed a red welt on one side of his face. “What happened to your face?” I blurted out.He subconsciously stroked over the red mark. “He struck me with his walking stick,” he said, grimacing. “Right before he fell.”Curiosity piqued, I asked, “What did you argue about?”He let out a deep sigh. “It doesn’t matter now.”“Really?” James raised an eyebrow at his father, his voice filled with skepticism. “Was it about the inheritance?”“Among other things. You should go home. I can see Destiny is