“Don’t open your eyes until I tell you to, princess,” Sebastian ordered as he freed his hands from Kaira’s eyes.“Alright, boss,” she responded sarcastically, smiling as she anticipated the surprise. She was blindfolded, and Sebastian had driven them from the house to a secret location. He had covered her eyes with his hands when they got out of the car, claiming she might see through the blindfold.Sebastian backed away, standing in front of her with a key in his hand. He pulled it from his suit pocket and jiggled it in front of her. “You may open your eyes now,” he whispered.“I’m blindfolded, remember?” she said with a laugh. He chuckled as he moved to remove the thin cloth covering her eyes.Kaira adjusted to the light, blinking after having her eyes shut for so long. The first thing she noticed was the key he held up close to her face, gleaming under the sunlight. Her expression turned to confusion and curiosity as she took the key from him.“What is this for, Seb?” she asked, ar
“Hello, Everyone. My name is Julian Stone. You all probably know me. I’m the Director of Blackwood company.” Julian’s voice echoed around the hall, different broadcasting stations were present, wanting to get the first hand information.The press conference the Blackwood family had discussed was held today with the family press watching him intently while nodding their head in approval in what he had just said. “There’s been alot of chaos because of what happened the past week, putting the Blackwood company in a tight spot and I sincerely apologize for that.” He continued looking at Evelyn as they both shared a smile for a brief moment having rehearsed his words before looking back at the camera. “Firstly, I will love to address the scandal that broke out between I, and my sister in law, Kaira Blackwood. Yes it is true I did everything that was said about me and I sincerely apologize for it. Honestly I was under the influence of alcohol that night because our team had a party that d
“Your apology seems to have touch the heart of many, because they are now leaning towards your story.” Mathias beamed happily as he stared at the comments from the press release from the past day. Julian smiled smugly, “Of course it would, father. I read through the words Evelyn had prepared for me over and over. I’m sure in no time the company would be back on its feet like it was before.” He bragged, his arms wrapped around Evelyn as they smiled at each other feeling accomplished. Julian had turned his affection towards Evelyn after realizing just how far she was willing to go to get his name out of dirt. He had realized he might have been chasing shadows whom would never return his feelings. Ever since then, they have turned into a lovely couple with their goals being same— which was destroying Kaira’s life. “I’m just happy everything worked as planned.” Claudia said briefly with a smile. She was glad she couldn’t be roasted by her husband should he ever discover her major inv
Mathias sat on the chair in front of Sebastian desk stiffly as he tried to control his racing heart. “Nice to meet you, again father in law, it’s been a while.” Sebastian said mockingly as he flipped over their contract on his desk.Mathias looked at him suspiciously feeling there was something definitely off, the man has never referred to him as father in law before—he was quite intent on keeping it professional.“Yes it has been, What is the matter with the contract?” He asked directly, trying hard to cover his fear. Sebastian glanced between him and back to the paper they had signed, “Ohh It’s no big deal.” He shrugged off, pushing the paper for him to read the terms written on it. Mathias gazed at the paper, then back to Sebastian, “Go on and read it.” Sebastian encouraged, his lips curling up in a dark smile. Mathias exhaled before reading through the open page in their contract, his eyes widening as he read over the terms written. He had to read it several times to confirm h
“Can you believe the nerve of that man?” Mathias voice boomed as he walked into the room, his features showing visible anger. “What happened?” She asked, standing up from the bed as she stared at Mathias agitated face.“Sebastian Ashford happened. The nerve of him to ask me to pay a $1 million within two weeks for breach of contract.” He explained sitting on their bed as he tried to control his racing heart. “What? Does that mean his calling off the contract?” Claudia asked sharply.“What do you think, Claudia? Of course he is calling it quits because we didn’t keep our terms in the contract and yet we have been earning from associating with his company.” He said angrily, blaming himself for believing he could play smart with a man like Sebastian. “I’m certain it’s that slut that convinced him to call off the contract.” Claudia snarled angrily, as always blaming Kaira.Mathias shook his head, “No, I don’t think she did that, why convince him to call off the contract after having co
“Nice seeing you here, sister in law.” Elijah’s voice came from behind Kaira, who was on her way of the Ashford company after dropping lunch for Sebastian who left early for work without eating. Elijah who had just been appointed as the head of the legal team after returning from law school.She spun around, her eyes glancing at him with a hint of irritation, “I can’t quite say the feeling is mutual.” She responded, unable to hide her emotions. He chuckled, unfazed by the disdainfully eyes she was shooting him. “Don’t be like that, sister in law and here I believed we would be buddies.” He said playfully, in a firm voice. “Well you have the wrong notion there.” She snorted. “Why? Are you scared my cousin would get jealous?” He asked teasingly, his eyes hinting at something she was yet to understand. “What do you want?” She asked getting straight to the point. He grinned widely, “There’s no harm in acknowledging my sister in law’s presence is there?” He asked sarcastically. “Tha
“Good evening, Grandfather, Uncle Henry.” Sebastian greeted walking into the Ashford family house with Kaira by his side.Older Mr Ashford was in living room, with Elijah, Henry and Caleb while the women were in the kitchen. “Welcome, Sebastian, Kaira.” Henry acknowledged with a smile. The other father and son didn’t react as though anyone had entered the room, not as though Sebastian cared about them because he never acknowledged their existence.“I was starting to think you wouldn’t make it.” Older Mr Ashford said with a smile. Today was his 77th birthday and they were throwing a party just within family. “We would never miss your birthday party for anything, Grandfather.” Sebastian responded in a light tone, pulling the man into a hug. “Happy birthday, Grandfather.” He whispered with a small smile pulling away. “Happy birthday, Grandfather.” Kaira said, pecking his cheeks. “Thank you, Kaira.” He responded with a warm smile. She beamed at him, handing him a small package. He g
“Cheers to life.” The Blackwood family toasted happily as the news of Sebastian arrest became the headline of every broadcasting station the morning following his arrest. “I feel so happy.” Julian beamed as he sipped the wine, having been the one who tipped the police about Sebastian ‘secret.’“We all do, baby.” Evelyn agreed with a smirk. She was the mastermind in the whole ploy after all, her hate for Kaira being a strong motivation to bring them down. “Just happy our plan worked out well.” Mathias said with wide smile plastered on his face. “Now it’s payback time.” Mathias added his smile turning cruel.A week ago“There’s got to be some dirt on him. He can’t be a complete saint!” Julian screamed in frustration, running his hand on his hair. He had been looking for Sebastian’s secret that could ruin his reputation but nothing seemed to be going his way.“Calm down, baby. I heard from my sources that Sebastian and his uncle aren’t on good terms because his uncle want the Ashford
Kaira walked to the gate hesitantly, hearing the screeching of wheels. It was only Nora who knew her whereabouts and she wasn’t coming today because she had slept over. She pulled the gate opening, poking her head out slightly. Her heart raced when she saw Sebastian standing by his car with a wide grin.“Hello princess.” He said softly, his eyes lighting up. Her heart fluttered at the pet name she had missed listening to for over a month.Kaira opened the gates widely, staring at him with different emotions. She was happy to see him, it felt like years she had seen him and she couldn’t help but feel guilty over the bags which seemed to be under his eyes. “Aren’t you going to invite me in, princess?” He asked, walking towards her. “Sebastian.” She managed to say her voice cracking as she wrapped her arms around him, her swollen belly poking him slightly.“I missed you, princess.” He mumbled against her neck, stroking her hair. She opened her mouth to respond but nothing seemed to c
"Thank you." Nora smiled at the saleslady as she took back her card. She had stopped by the closest stores near Kaira’s place to pick up a few things."Do come again!" The saleslady beamed. Nora gave her a nod before turning to leave—only to bump into someone."Are you okay?" A man’s voice rang out in concern as she bent down to gather her fallen groceries."Yeah, I’m—“ She stopped mid-sentence, eyes locking onto the man in front of her. Cole. His initial look of worry quickly switched into a scowl the moment he recognized her."Miss Gray." He greeted her with a fake smile, eyes full of disdain. Even knowing it wasn’t real, her heart still fluttered."Cole." She responded evenly, meeting his gaze."Fancy running into you here. I don’t believe you live around this area." His voice carried a hint of sarcasm as his eyes flicked to the groceries in her arms."I don’t," she replied curtly, slightly taken aback by his sudden interest. He usually avoided her like she was the plague."Must be
Sebastian sighed, glancing at his watch for what felt like the hundredth time. His patience was wearing thin as he waited at the restaurant for Nora and Elijah.Just as he was about to get up and leave, they rushed in, both breathless, as if they had just sprinted the whole way."Nice of you both to finally show up," he remarked, his voice laced with irritation as they struggled to catch their breath."The traffic was insane," Nora explained, her voice raspy."We ran here because we know how much you hate waiting," Elijah added, sinking into the empty chair. Nora followed suit.Sebastian’s irritation eased as curiosity took over. "Why were you both late in the first place?""I stopped by Grandfather’s before coming here, and we used his car," Nora replied.Sebastian nodded—until realization hit him. His eyes widened. "Wait… where the hell is the car if you both ran here?""Still stuck in traffic," Nora said with a grin.Sebastian shook his head in amusement. "You two are absolutely cr
“Julian!” Evelyn screamed her lungs out as she stormed inside his room. He raised his eyes from his phone, glancing at her face filled with rage. “What do you want now, Evelyn?” He hissed in angrily. “How dare you?” She asked, stepping closer to him, lounging on the bed lazily. “How dare I do what?” He snapped, irritated by the annoying suspense. “I gave an order in the company as the new CEO for everyone to gather for a brief meeting today and you convinced them otherwise?” She asked rhetorically, her hands fisting on her hair in outrage. Julian paused, searching his memory for her accusation. “I simply told my team that we were having a meeting.” He said dismissively.She laughed bitterly, “Who do you think you are to challenge my orders, Julian?” She spat out, her eyes red from anger.“Your husband.” He retorted bitterly, the words repulsing him. “My husband?” She repeated with dark glint, “You’re nothing but a piece of trash, Julian.” His jaw tightened in anger, springing u
Sebastian sat on his office desk, his eyes glued to the paperwork on his desk. It was infuriating how little he had to do today. He wanted to bury himself with work, the need to escape the reality of returning back to an empty house each day. “Come in.” He commanded, hearing a knock on his door. His eyes flicked to Clara stepping into the office.“You have a visitor, sir.” She informed in a professional manner. “A visitor?” He echoed, wondering how it could be now. Nora just left his office a while ago so it couldn’t be her again.“Yes, the other Mr Ashford.” She clarified, referring to Elijah. Sebastian sighed in frustration, clenching the pen in his hand. Elijah was the reason Kaira wasn’t here now and he had the guts to show his face to him? “Let him in.” He commanded regardless, the curiosity of what had dragged him all the way to his office when he was still in suspension consuming him.“Yes, Sir.” She responded curtly, turning on her heels. Soon Elijah entered the office with
Sebastian stared at the picture of Kaira on his phone with a smile on his lips. It had only been days, since she left but he already felt as though he was loosing his mind. He hit the gym more often, burying himself with work each time just to stop the urge of reaching out to her. “Are you okay?” Nora asked loudly pulling him out of his trance. He glanced up at her and offered a small smile. “Sebastian.” She called out as though saying he could talk to her. She knew exactly what the problem was but she already made a promise to Kaira, though she was sure he knew her where about. “I’m fine, Nora.” Sebastian reassured sternly, dropping his phone down on the couch. It had now become a habit, always spacing out in the middle of a conversation. “We should go out on a date, tomorrow.” Nora offered with a smile, twirling the glass of wine in her hand. She made it a routine to visit him often either in his office or at home just like she did with Kaira. “Get a man to go on a date with.
Kaira left the next morning just as agreed, with the condition of returning when she felt sane. She traveled way out of the cities of New York where she believed Sebastian wouldn’t find her easily but she knew deep down he find her if he wished to. “Are you sure you want to do this?” Nora asked as she drove her out of town. Nora was the only person she could trust because just like her, she was equally kept in the dark about everything.“For the hundredth time, Yes, Nora.” She responded with a roll of eyes.“I know Sebastian was wrong but—“Enough about Sebastian, please. I never said I was getting a divorce now did I?” Kaira asked with a flicker of irritation in her eyes as she cut her off.“No you didn’t. But girls say something and do something else. I’m not saying this because his my cousin but I just don’t want the child to grow without a father.” She admitted in concern. Kaira sighed, “Even if I were to get a divorce, I’m sure my child would never grow without a father’s love.
“So tell me the lies you have to feed me now.” Kaira said sarcastically staring at them. They both shared a look between themselves almost as though asking who would speak. “Stop the hesitation and just talk okay?!” She snapped in frustration. “Kaira.” Sebastian whispered in warning as he walked over and sat close to her. She glared at him but didn’t protest.“First I would like to apologize for keeping the truth away from you.” Older Mr Ashford said in sincerity that almost touched her heart. Keywords, Almost.“You apology won’t bring back the dead would it?” She asked in mockery. “I understand how you feel but please understand that it was an accident.” He responded and she chuckled bitterly.“An accident you say? Your grandson happened to accidentally kill two of my family? Such a coincidence, don’t you think?” She asked in rage, sarcasm evident in voice.“Actually, Sebastian didn’t—“ Aunt Layla said but she cut her off. “Save it. Just say whatever you have to say and leave!” S
It had been a week since Kaira last stepped foot outside of the building, turning to Sebastian’s captive. The few times she had attempted leaving the house had proved futile, having being told that Sebastian had ordered that she doesn’t step foot out of the building. Keeping her against her wish was suffocating her enough when all she wanted to do was to get away from him as far as possible. He caged her in their room, making sure she doesn’t move to the guest room and when she did? It was useless after all. He would still pull her back to their bedroom and act as though everything was fine between them both when it was far from that.Kaira sighed in frustration , rubbing on her flat stomach, her stare hardened on the door as she heard the sound of Sebastian’s car driving in. “Hello, princess.” He beamed as he walked in with a wide smile on her face. She didn’t as much as react to him, rising abruptly from the sofa. “Kaira please…”He whispered, running his hand through his car in f