Chapter 011Esther's POV “Good morning, ma'am, a man is here to see you, he looks like a CEO from another company, ” she said.What! a man? I wasn't expecting a visitor. Well, I'm the CEO now. I'll expect new people in my life regardless of my position. “Well, let him in, please. Oh, you haven't told me your name,” I asked as I leaned back comfortably. “I'm Jennifer, ma'am, your secretary,” she replied. I nodded as she made her way out. After a few minutes, a young man entered he dressed in a gray suit, holding a file in his hand. His blue eyes locked up with mine as I felt my soul trembling. He turned and slammed the door behind him gently as he walked towards me and stood. My mouth went dry as I swallowed hard, trying to quench the thirst in me. “Good afternoon, Ms…..?” he said as he stretched his hand, demanding a handshake, his blue eyes still piercing through my soul. I sat properly before throwing my hand for a handshake. “Esther, and are you?” I asked curiously, trying
Chapter 012John's POV I couldn't believe who I saw a few minutes ago. This morning, I entered the Mave company limited, angry and frustrated because, after the death of the CEO, the company had not yet appointed a new CEO for over a year now, and I owed them a huge amount of money. The moment I got the news that a CEO was appointed, I rushed to go and claim my money, but then I saw Esther, the CEO. Her beautiful face made my anger vanish immediately. ~I entered my car and sat, letting out a deep breath, replaying what just happened in my head. “wow! I really need to go back tomorrow, to see Esther,” I whispered to myself. I started the engine and drove home. The picture of Esther's face couldn't stop playing in my head when she came close to me and slapped me. I was glad when she slapped me because I used that opportunity to get closer to her even more. Shortly, I arrived home. I went straight to the dining table and pulled the dining chair to take my seat. I took a bottle of
Chapter 013 Esther's POV “Mom, we are in trouble, big trouble,” I said in my hoarse voice as tears streamed down my face. “Come baby, tell me what is wrong,” she said as moisture began to gather in her eyes. She came and gathered me in her arms. “Let's sit down first,” Mom said as we went and sat on the couch in the living room. I wiped off my tears and placed my briefcase on my lap, then brought out the loan file without a word. I handed them over to mom, who was seated beside me. She quietly collected the file and read through it. “Oh my God, fifty million!” she shouted as her hand went to cover her mouth in shock. Her tears dripped on the papers. One of us must be strong enough to console another. I placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to console her as we all sobbed. “Your father's name and signature are on the papers,” she whispered as she leaned her head on my chest. “It's OK mom, we need to figure something out,” I said softly. “I don't think our co
Chapter 014Esther's POV I felt sick all of a sudden. My head began spinning, trying to comprehend what I just saw. “I can't do either of this,” I said in a pleading tone, hoping he could reconsider. Was John fucking crazy? How does he expect me to pay the money within ‘3 fucking weeks’ or I'll sign a marriage contract with him? “Well, if you aren't OK with any of these, I'll involve the court,” he said as his gaze remained fixed on me with unfaltered intensity. A simple smile was plastered on his face. I let out a heavy sigh before standing up to walk to him. My footsteps reverberated throughout the office. I stood in front of him. “What do you want me to do: kneel and beg? I can do that now! Please give me some time! Please have mercy,” I pleaded as I plastered a pity face on me. My heart kept pounding. “It seems you didn't read through the file I gave you. Well, let me explain to you. Your dad was supposed to pay me six months ago, but unfortunately, he died. May his soul re
Chapter 015John's POV I branched to a bar and drank some coffee before making my way to the office. “shit,” I murmured as I gritted my teeth. I never expected Esther would choose to return the money in 3 weeks. I took the elevator as I stormed into my office angry and depressed. Does that mean I have lost Esther? Noo, I can't imagine life without her. This can't happen. So stupid of me! I could have needed my money in 5 or 7 days instead of 3 weeks. I need to do something, but I have to wait and see if she can really return the money within the due time. I reclined effortlessly in my sleek leather chair, fingertips lightly steepled, exuding calm authority as I surveyed the bustling cityscape through the floor-to-ceiling windows. I turned my chair towards my table. My eyes suddenly pinned a copy of the offer I made to Esther as a wave of frustration ran through my veins. I picked it out by reading through it again. I immediately hid the paper under my table when I heard som
Chapter 016Esther's POV I was lying on the bed, my gaze fixed on the ceiling fan as my heart weighed down with a deep suffocating sadness. The weight of yesterday's tension and pressure pressed down on me. I could have been in my marital home with my baby and my husband living our best lives. My child could have been walking by now. My child would have started calling me ‘Mom’ or ‘mama’. Maya took everything away from me. My husband, my happiness, my child and the trust I had in her. Michael foolishly fell for it. Who knows, maybe Maya was already carrying Michael's child, or she had probably given birth. “fuck!” it felt like someone stuck me in my chest, shattering the emotions I had so carefully built.Yes! Someone stuck with me and it was Michael. I thought the love we shared was real. I thought he would investigate deeply before making the decision he made. All my life I had been nothing more than an obedient wife to Michael, never wanting to trouble him. Enduring his excu
Chapter 017Esther's POV I woke up as early as 4 in the morning and did a little bit of research on the CEO who wanted to help us with forty million dollars. I found out that aside from being a CEO, he owns luxurious hotels and villas in America, the UK and England. I wonder why such a man with so much money would want something in return when he could just give us the complete fifty million dollars without even feeling anything. Well, maybe he needed what money couldn't buy from us. I just hoped it was something that wouldn't be beyond our power. My stomach flipped just thinking I would have to meet him in person. After a few minutes of research, I went back to bed, to take a nap before the sun rose, but the sleep wouldn't come. I kept rolling back and forth in bed. The curiosity of meeting such a successful person kept playing in my mind. I quickly opened my eyes when I heard my alarm ring. It was already 7:30 in the morning. It felt like I was lying there for 30 hours. I qui
Chapter 018Mrs Williams, (Esther's Mom's) POV It felt late. I rose from the bed, yawning and stretching. My body has been rough and heavy lately. It's getting dusky outside as I open the window curtains. Still groggy from the long sleep, I changed into jeans and a t-shirt, then headed straight down to the kitchen to make some food before Esther returned. I started washing that pot when I heard Esther's voice from behind. It was almost a snarl. I sensed something was wrong. I swallowed the lump in my throat before turning. I saw her eyes darkened, the expression she wore was grim. Her eyes pierced through me. I could feel that the meeting wasn't successful. “He agreed to help us only if I had sex with him, mom,” her voice, barely audible, makes me shudder from head to toe. A wave of shame ran through me. “What the fuck,” I murmured, my eyes widened. I could see the pain and anger all over Esther's face. “Esther, it's OK,” I consoled as she turned her face away, allowing tears to
Chapter 034Esther's POVI had thought about mom's maid's suggestion and I tried going to the hospital to meet the doctor and discuss if there is any way I can give birth again. It was hard to outsmart John. I told him I wanted to visit a friend of mine in the hospital, and luckily he agreed without suspecting anything. I told him I wanted to go alone and, without a protest, he agreed. I arrived at the hospital about 30 minutes ago, and I was already waiting for the doctor who was busy with patients. Just then, the door cracked open, and the doctor came in.“Heyyy, Esther, how are you?” he asked, plastering a smile on his face. I cleared my throat as my heart kept pounding. “I'm fine Doc, thanks. I came about my inability to give birth… Is there anything you could do… Maybe surgery or something?” I asked, my gaze fixed on his lips. He leaned back in his chair and let out a heavy sigh. His expression already told me what I needed to know. I know there was no way out. I just can't
Chapter 033John's POV I sat impatient in my office, seconds gave way to minutes, minutes gave way to hours, but there was no call from Esther. I told her to call or text me when she was done with the office, but she didn't. I dug out my phone from my pocket, angry and frustrated, I dialed her number. It rang but there was no response. My heart skipped a beat as multiple thoughts crossed my mind. I raked my hands through my hair trying to brush it off. I dialed her number again and luckily she picked up. “Hello, aren't you done with work? You should have told me you would be late,” I asked, worried. “I'm at mom's house,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. What! She wasn't even in the office. I gritted my teeth as a mix of anger and frustration pressed down on me. Why didn't she tell me? If she knew how worried I was at that moment she wouldn't dare to shift an inch without telling me.“What the fuck. Why didn't you tell me? I'll come and pick you up now,” I restored. I
Chapter 32Esther's POV “Here we are, ma'am,” the chauffeur announced before the car came to a halt. “Alright,” I said. As I was about to carry my handbag that was between us, I felt John's eyes on me, which made my heart skip two beats. Yes! My instincts were right, he would definitely look at me. I raised my head and my gaze fixed on his face. “Wow! You look beautiful, little doll,” he said, his voice soft and soothing. Hearing those words alone, my nipples began to harden, I was just so consumed with John's handsome face that I didn't even thank him for the compliment. His strong jawline, the distinctive shape of his face, and his commanding presence pulled me in.Despite my heartache and turmoil, I felt I still had a room for love.As he put a smile on his face, my breath caught, the horns and sound of vehicles passing by faded into the background. It was as if we were the only two people in the world. “Are you OK, little doll?” John tugged at my arm.I barely registered hi
Chapter 031Esther's POV My eyes snapped open, my chest heaved as I gasped for air. I was drenched in cold sweat and the blankets were wrapped around my body.“shit, fucking bitch. fuck it,” I groaned, biting my lower lips before raking my hand through my hair. It was a terrible nightmare again. It has been almost two weeks since we returned from Dubai and I often see Maya in my dreams. She kept hunting me over and over again, trying to strangle me to death. It worsened to the extent that I had to find comfort in valium to cure insomnia.I gently swung the blanket off my body before jumping off the bed. I walked to the toilet and brushed my teeth.I headed downstairs, John was already dressed for work and he was having his breakfast. “Good morning, John,” I greeted him. “Morning,” he said. I could feel his gaze fixed on me. “Another nightmare?” he asked. My dark circles ratted me out for the umpteenth time. “ahh…. Ah…”“I heard you scream,” he cut me off, before I even thought of
Chapter 030John's POV The scent of the dinner wafted through the dining area as I focused on Esther, admiring her beautiful face, her brown hair falling just right, framing her pointed nose and sharp jawline. She was just… one in a million. That was the first time I tasted her food, and it was…. Lit. It was our first trip overseas together, and in commemoration of that, I suggested to Esther that we have an indoor dinner - just the two of us, and to my greatest surprise she agreed without protesting and that was a gesture I considered very lovely. I chose to sit across from her because I wanted to see and explore all her beauty more.I could see that Esther was already getting over all the burden, and she had started getting familiar with me. “Do you enjoy the meal?” Esther asked, interrupting my train of thought. I cleared my throat first. “This is the best food I have eaten since this year began. I'm awed by your culinary skills. You are really a great chef,” I complimented, p
Chapter 029Michael's POV After the entire event was over, I returned to the hotel we lugged. I couldn't believe what I saw on that occasion. Esther was already married to one of the most influential CEOs. “shit!” I groaned, gritting my teeth. I took hold of the vodka bottle I bought in the bar opposite the hotel, and poured a short into my glass, the strong scent wafting from my mouth, as I could perceive it.A gasp escaped from my mouth as I continued to consume one shot after another until a pounding stomach ache set in, I guess as a consequence of my over drinking. I struggled to focus on the surrounding clarity, but it offered little relief.“Esther, you have ruined my life. I just… Don't know what to say,” I spat, as if she was standing in front of me. The image of Esther's beautiful face pictured back in my mind. Damn it! Esther was called onto the stage, an opportunity that many CEOs and businessmen are looking for. “fuck!” I screamed, before shattering the vodka glass on
Chapter 28Esther's POV I hadn't seen him in years and the sight of him brought back lots of emotions. He must have been invited to the occasion. Who was beside him caught my attention. It was Maya standing next to him. The same woman he left me for. The same woman that ruined my life. The same woman I once called my best friend, and beside them was a little boy, who looked around five to six years old. I knew it, I knew Maya must have given birth to a child for Michael. My heart clenched as I stared at the little handsome boy. It could have been my son standing beside his dad, and me in place of Maya. I went straight to them as I felt an overwhelming urge to connect with the little boy. I looked at Maya, and she quickly lowered her gaze as it was written all over her that she was guilty. Conscience of her past actions. I rolled my eyes before squatting on the little boy's level, to talk to him. “Hey, what's your name?” I asked as I plastered a smile on my face. “I'm Joshua, an
Chapter 027Esther's POV I slowly opened my eyes as the sun's rays projected into my face. I blinked repeatedly trying to get accustomed to the lights. I stretched and yawned as I felt the weight of the journey, the great time I spent with John, and everything pressed down on me. It was the occasional day. John was already dressed, so I quickly took my bath and got dressed. After having my breakfast, we went out as the chauffeur was already waiting for us. We shoved in and drove away. We arrived right on time. I dressed in a sophisticated blue ensemble that screamed luxury and poise, matching John's blue suit. I stepped out of the sleek black car and onto the scorching asphalt with the sun beating down on me, nonstop. John came and held my arms as the chauffeur swiftly appeared by our side holding a blue umbrella above our heads, shielding us from the harsh rays. While we walked majestically like true couples towards the event hall, I noticed the diverse crowd gathered around us
Chapter 026John's POV “Please John, you can't come, it's a wedding, and you are….”“Then you are not going. If I am not going, you also have to stay with me,” I cut her off as I continued scrolling through my phone. Esther stood up from the dining room and came to sit next to me. I knew she would try to convince me to let her go, but I wouldn't. She was my wife. I can't allow her to travel to another country alone. If something happens to her, I won't forgive myself. I sensed something strange about her. I knew it wasn't a wedding, it must be something else. She must be planning something. Something very important must be the cause of the trip. “Look, John, please I really need to go alone,” she said, placing a hand on my chest. I shoved her hand immediately. “Look, you should tell me what you are going to do in Dubai. I'm your husband. At least let me know, I know it is not a wedding,” I said. She rolled her eyes and raked her hand through her hair. Just as I opened my mouth