Chapter 8Aretha"The room is ready, doctor," the nurse's voice broke through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. I heaved a deep sigh, still struggling with the decision I’d made. But I remained adamant. This had to be done."Let’s go, Aretha," the doctor said, his tone gentle. I managed a weak, wry smile as I stood to follow him into the scanning room, my feet feeling as heavy as lead as I took each step, doubt whispered in my ear, but I shoved it aside. There was no turning backAs we walked, the doctor glanced at me, his brow furrowed slightly. "Are you still sure you want to go through with this, Aretha?" he asked, his voice tentative. "I mean—you’re still young, and you have a good chance of becoming a great mother."His words made my heart clench. A great mother? Could I really be that? I shook my head, trying to stay resolute. But he pressed on, his tone softening further."You could even consider adoption if taking care of the baby is what worries you." He paused, a
Chapter 9"Aretha..." The doctor called my name for the sixth time before I finally looked up at him. His eyes held a quiet concern that almost made me crumble again."Trust me, everything will be fine," he assured, his voice a gentle balm to the turmoil within me. I wanted to believe him, but the weight of my fears anchored me to the floor, pulling me back into the storm of my thoughts."Thank you, doctor," I whispered, accepting his hand as he helped me up from the cold, hard floor where I had collapsed. My legs wobbled, but I forced them to support me."I think I'll leave now. Thank you very much for your time," I continued, trying to hold onto the last shreds of my composure as I wiped the tears from my face."I'll see you off," he offered, his voice full of genuine concern, but I quickly shook my head."You've already helped me more than enough, doctor. From cutting the line to your comforting words... I really appreciate it," I muttered, my voice raspier than I intended. The tho
Chapter 10Aretha's pov I checked in for two nights at the hotel into the most exquisite room at the hotel."Here's your room card ma'am," she said and flashed a customer service smile at me.I recognized those forced smiles that had to be on one's face.Happy or not, it had to be there."Is there anything that you'd like while you're in your room, your meals will be made according to your preferences and our private chefs will be in standby," she explained, and I could hear the slight cracking of her voice underneath the facade safe was putting on."It's okay to be sad sometimes, I hope you know that," I said, offering the words that I wished to hear my self.She looked up at me, transfixed for a short moment."I'm sorry if my services have not been up to your expectations, she said again, her voice laced with an unshed tears."I'm telling you, Brittney that whatever it is you're going through, it will all be fine," I said and she nodded, wiping the tears that were eventually drippi
Chapter 11Aretha's POV"Hey, whore," I heard Mary, my aunt's daughter, call from the top of the stairs. Her voice grated on my nerves, pulling me out of my thoughts."I saw you perform your theatrics down there with Mom. What... who do you think you are?" she sneered, stepping down the stairs with an air of superiority that made me wish, just for a second, she’d trip and fall. Maybe a hard knock on the head would give her the brain cells she desperately needed."Why are you looking at me like that? Don't you know better than to keep your gaze on the floor? You dare to look at me like that!" she spat, nudging me backward with her finger. I could smell the faint scent of her cheap perfume mixed with the bitterness of her words.I slapped her hand away, disgust curling in my stomach. I didn’t want to deal with her now—or ever, really."You don’t get to leave when I’m talking to you, Aretha," she hissed, but her voice was nothing more than an annoying buzz in my ears. I sighed, feeling t
Chapter 12ArethaI stood up to head into the bathroom after making the calls with the estate agent, a small smile brimming on my face at the prospect of what would become of them in a month or two.The shower drizzled down on my body, and I ran my hand through the length, taking the shampoo on the stand to wash it."Exquisite..." I muttered with a smile on my face, the full-body mirror reflecting my shape.It turns out the unnamed hate I had for myself and the insecurities were because I never saw a full view of myself.Curvy in all the right places... in a word, I was beautiful. The annoying sound of my phone ringing broke my reverie, and I draped a robe over my body before leaving the bathroom to take the call."I've gotten the house, ma'am, and I would need you to come to sign the documents; it's already been done by them," the agent said, and I flashed another grin to myself."Text me where you are, I'll be there in half an hour," I replied before hanging up.I rummaged through
chapter 13Aretha's POV I took a cab to go back to the hotel, and the thought of what to do next flashed through my mind. The city that once held so many promises now felt suffocating, burdened by memories that weighed on me with every passing block. I wasn’t going to live in that house, at least not now. The thought ran like wildfire through my mind as the car honk shot me out of my reverie. I heaved a deep sigh, shaking off the heavy reverie for the moment before I stepped out of the car, walking towards the hotel's entrance. The door to the entrance was opened and I stepped into the hotel and took the elevator to my room.A new resolve surged through me."This is it," I thought.I was done with New York. Done with the weight of the past pressing down on me. I wasn’t just leaving the City, I was leaving all the pain, the betrayal, the suffocating expectations, the one from the people I thought were my family.I would close this chapter for good.Stepping into my room, I dropped
The Zanders empire sextupletsAretha's POV Chapter 1I sat in the car while the driver drove back to the gates of the mansion, the tears in my eyes were getting uncontrollable until I burst into tears, remembering the scornful words of my Aunt her daughter Raina." You're going to get your life ruined by working in that place," my step, Aunt Ana, said when I brought home my work letter. " You're studying on scholarships and you know and if your grades fall one bit, that's the end of college for you." She said again, blowing air onto her paint-painted fingernails. I'd been hired to work as a hotel receptionist and help, more like an errand girl, but I didn't mind it. I needed to source money for my writing classes and the stipends her husband and she gave to me weren't heading anywhere.Not that they couldn't afford to pay the complete fee for my classes if they wanted to, they just thought it would be more reasonable to squander their money on boujee dates than to sponsor my class
The Zanders Empire sextupletsChapter 2Aretha's POV She glared at me fiercely before turning to Open the drinks on the table .Her neatly done nails towered above the rim of the glass, and it was unethical to do that, I however kept mute, when the owner of the drink, Mr. Zanders said nothing.I watched as she continued pouring the drinks, rubbing her fingers continuously all over the glass.She handed him the first drink taking the other for herself, and taking a sip, carefully watching him do the same. I could have sworn I watched a smile form on her face before she composed it back to a frown. My legs were beginning to ache but I dared not to make a sound, the only chance I could get was if I was asked out of this place." Mr Rhys," what I'm about to discuss with you is very confidential, I don't want a third party listening in on our conversation, she said darting a vicious look at me. " We've signed a confidentiality for....mm," I opened up to say when I was cut off by him. "
chapter 13Aretha's POV I took a cab to go back to the hotel, and the thought of what to do next flashed through my mind. The city that once held so many promises now felt suffocating, burdened by memories that weighed on me with every passing block. I wasn’t going to live in that house, at least not now. The thought ran like wildfire through my mind as the car honk shot me out of my reverie. I heaved a deep sigh, shaking off the heavy reverie for the moment before I stepped out of the car, walking towards the hotel's entrance. The door to the entrance was opened and I stepped into the hotel and took the elevator to my room.A new resolve surged through me."This is it," I thought.I was done with New York. Done with the weight of the past pressing down on me. I wasn’t just leaving the City, I was leaving all the pain, the betrayal, the suffocating expectations, the one from the people I thought were my family.I would close this chapter for good.Stepping into my room, I dropped
Chapter 12ArethaI stood up to head into the bathroom after making the calls with the estate agent, a small smile brimming on my face at the prospect of what would become of them in a month or two.The shower drizzled down on my body, and I ran my hand through the length, taking the shampoo on the stand to wash it."Exquisite..." I muttered with a smile on my face, the full-body mirror reflecting my shape.It turns out the unnamed hate I had for myself and the insecurities were because I never saw a full view of myself.Curvy in all the right places... in a word, I was beautiful. The annoying sound of my phone ringing broke my reverie, and I draped a robe over my body before leaving the bathroom to take the call."I've gotten the house, ma'am, and I would need you to come to sign the documents; it's already been done by them," the agent said, and I flashed another grin to myself."Text me where you are, I'll be there in half an hour," I replied before hanging up.I rummaged through
Chapter 11Aretha's POV"Hey, whore," I heard Mary, my aunt's daughter, call from the top of the stairs. Her voice grated on my nerves, pulling me out of my thoughts."I saw you perform your theatrics down there with Mom. What... who do you think you are?" she sneered, stepping down the stairs with an air of superiority that made me wish, just for a second, she’d trip and fall. Maybe a hard knock on the head would give her the brain cells she desperately needed."Why are you looking at me like that? Don't you know better than to keep your gaze on the floor? You dare to look at me like that!" she spat, nudging me backward with her finger. I could smell the faint scent of her cheap perfume mixed with the bitterness of her words.I slapped her hand away, disgust curling in my stomach. I didn’t want to deal with her now—or ever, really."You don’t get to leave when I’m talking to you, Aretha," she hissed, but her voice was nothing more than an annoying buzz in my ears. I sighed, feeling t
Chapter 10Aretha's pov I checked in for two nights at the hotel into the most exquisite room at the hotel."Here's your room card ma'am," she said and flashed a customer service smile at me.I recognized those forced smiles that had to be on one's face.Happy or not, it had to be there."Is there anything that you'd like while you're in your room, your meals will be made according to your preferences and our private chefs will be in standby," she explained, and I could hear the slight cracking of her voice underneath the facade safe was putting on."It's okay to be sad sometimes, I hope you know that," I said, offering the words that I wished to hear my self.She looked up at me, transfixed for a short moment."I'm sorry if my services have not been up to your expectations, she said again, her voice laced with an unshed tears."I'm telling you, Brittney that whatever it is you're going through, it will all be fine," I said and she nodded, wiping the tears that were eventually drippi
Chapter 9"Aretha..." The doctor called my name for the sixth time before I finally looked up at him. His eyes held a quiet concern that almost made me crumble again."Trust me, everything will be fine," he assured, his voice a gentle balm to the turmoil within me. I wanted to believe him, but the weight of my fears anchored me to the floor, pulling me back into the storm of my thoughts."Thank you, doctor," I whispered, accepting his hand as he helped me up from the cold, hard floor where I had collapsed. My legs wobbled, but I forced them to support me."I think I'll leave now. Thank you very much for your time," I continued, trying to hold onto the last shreds of my composure as I wiped the tears from my face."I'll see you off," he offered, his voice full of genuine concern, but I quickly shook my head."You've already helped me more than enough, doctor. From cutting the line to your comforting words... I really appreciate it," I muttered, my voice raspier than I intended. The tho
Chapter 8Aretha"The room is ready, doctor," the nurse's voice broke through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. I heaved a deep sigh, still struggling with the decision I’d made. But I remained adamant. This had to be done."Let’s go, Aretha," the doctor said, his tone gentle. I managed a weak, wry smile as I stood to follow him into the scanning room, my feet feeling as heavy as lead as I took each step, doubt whispered in my ear, but I shoved it aside. There was no turning backAs we walked, the doctor glanced at me, his brow furrowed slightly. "Are you still sure you want to go through with this, Aretha?" he asked, his voice tentative. "I mean—you’re still young, and you have a good chance of becoming a great mother."His words made my heart clench. A great mother? Could I really be that? I shook my head, trying to stay resolute. But he pressed on, his tone softening further."You could even consider adoption if taking care of the baby is what worries you." He paused, a
Chapter 7"Hello, miss?" The voice of the receptionist snapped me out of my trance. I had been staring, transfixed, at the faint blue light glowing in the distance."What can I help you with?" she asked, her tone professional yet warm. My throat tightened as I struggled to find the right words to say I was here for an abortion."Um... I need to see a doctor, please," I finally managed, my fingers fidgeting nervously with the strap of my briefcase.The receptionist nodded, her eyes scanning my face as if trying to gauge my situation. "Okay, miss. I suggest you take a seat," she said, picking up the phone. I watched her with bated breath, each second feeling like an eternity. After a few minutes, she hung up and looked back at me."I'm sorry, but you'll have to check back tomorrow. The doctor is busy at the moment, and there's a long line of patients ahead of you," she explained gently.I nodded wordlessly, my attention drifting to a mother across the room, cradling her baby with a tend
Chapter 6Aretha's POVI stood in front of the Zanders mansion, my eyes brimming with tears as I stared at my reflection in the glossy metallic glass by the gate.My aunt's words replayed in my ears. "Do not come back until you bring to me the loser that got you pregnant," she said, and I smiled bitterly at myself, looking again at the gates of the house.I wiped off the tears that were on my face, even if the heavy eye bags did nothing to conceal them."Miss, do you want to leave?" A cab driver asked, jolting me out of my reverie. "Yes," I answered, sniffling as I walked to the elderly cab man.The door was opened, and I stepped in, plopping into the back seat of the cab. "Where to, miss?" he asked, and I shook my head, not even sure of what to do.I had nowhere to go, and this cash that was with me... It could last me for as long as I wanted, to fund my dreams, but these—these babies, they were a big hindrance for me."Please... just—drive," I muttered dryly. He looked at me f
The Zanders Empire sextupletsChapter 5Aretha's POV My body was thrown across the room and I was sprawled on the ground, tears welled in my eyes and I blinked them back, hoping to stop them from streaming down my face. I wasn't here for tears, I wasn't here to put on a display of pity, I just needed him to claim it lest I'd be out in the streets before daybreak."Get out," he said, but I firmly refused, I shook my head in refusal, still sprawled on the ground." You think you've got the guts to face me right?" Is this a joke or something, get out young lady, before I lose the last bit of diplomacy within me." I cannot leave Mr Zanders, I don't need you to take responsibility for the child, I just need you to show up to my aunt lest I'll be out in the streets by tomorrow," I said coughing choked breaths from my lungs.I couldn't fathom how dangerous the Zanders were but I knew they weren't a small family to deal with, he could take my life in the blink of an eye and no one would be