“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
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.
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.
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
“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 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
"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
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
“Happy birthday, Nora.” Sebastian said with a smile with a banquet of flowers in his hands. “Thank you, Seb.” She responded accepting the flowers. “Happy birthday, bestie.” Kaira quipped, pecking her cheeks. Nora smiled pulling her into a hug. The dinner began once they were settled into their seats. “You’re getting old.” Elijah teased, twirling his fork in his hand. “We are same age, Elijah.” She shot back, ruffling his head like a child. “Now we’re same age, I thought you were always older than I am.” He said mockingly and she shot him an irritated glare. “Enough bickering already.” Caleb scolded, shaking his head in slight amusement. “He started it, Uncle.” Nora defended with a pout, adjusting her chair. They were having their usual family dinner which held each month and it had happened to fall on Nora’s birthday. “But he’s right, Nora. You’re getting old.” Sebastian teased. “I’m still younger than you are, mister.” She defended, puffing her chest high as thou
Kaira sat in front of the glass with Sebastian standing beside her. The security guard brought Mathias in from the prison doors. “What are you doing here?” He asked in irritation, crossing his arms as he sat on the chair. “You had the opportunity to reject the visit, yet you didn’t.” She retorted with a straight face. She had recovered from the injuries she sustained that was why she was able to visit her father. He was sentenced for murder after under going trial with the evidence they had provided the court with. However Claudia was released due to lack of evidence against her. “Did you ever regret it?” She questioned, studying his features. “Regret what?” He asked feigning ignorance. “Did you ever regret killing my parents?” Sebastian interrupted before Kaira respond. “Kill your parents? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Mathias brows furrowed in confusion. “Ohh, but you do, Mr Blackwood.” He responded blankly, “It wasn’t Kaira’s mother you killed that
Evelyn shuffled through the drawer, hissing in anger when she found nothing—She was out of cash. It has been ten days since she fled in panic after nearly killing Kaira. Ten days of searching for her endlessly. She was laying low in a small motel because she knew the cops were after her. Her parents had been arrested and she was declared wanted. Thankfully, the motel manager didn’t recognize her as the same person trending on news and she was extra careful not to be caught. Evelyn had resulted to pickpocketing to stay alive and yes she hated her current condition, but she couldn’t do much about it. She needed to stay alive. She reached for her phone, scrolling through her contact and pausing at Julian’s name. She bite her lips, contemplating if to call or not. He was the only one who could help her right now, after all they were in same side. Without much thinking, she dialed the line, tapping her feet as she waited patient for him to pick the call. “Evelyn?” Hi
“Can you hear me, Kaira?” Sebastian voice echoed in Kaira’s subconscious.“Sebastian?”She responded in a low tone, trying to open her heavy eyes. “Yes it’s me, princess. Can you see me?” He asked softly, and she felt a hand on her face. She could only see a blur vision of him because her eyes weren’t completely opened. She tried harder, slowly adjusting her eyes to the light in the hospital. She tried to arch her neck, but she couldn’t. It was broken. “Don’t try to hard, princess.” Sebastian said softly, his face coming to her vision. “Sebastian.” She cried out, with a smile on her face. A smile of relief. “Yes, princess. I’m here.” He assured, holding her hand and sitting at the edge of the bed. “My whole body hurts, Sebastian.” She confessed, her voice cracking. “You’ll be fine, princess.” He gave charming smile, kissing her forehead lightly. Her eyes widened as realization hit her. “Our baby.” She said in panic trying to feel her baby bump, but Sebastian held her hands tig
“So the buyer is coming today to see the house.” Mathias announced in a light tone. Evelyn and Claudia’s hummed in response, the sadness on their faces was clear. It still felt surreal that they had really crumbled to that level, and worst to the point of even selling their house to get extra cash.“You are both quiet.” He said, sitting on the couch. “What do you expect me to say, Mathias?” Claudia spat in a harsh tone, “Am I supposed to be happy with the way things are going with us now?” If Mathias were to hold grudges against them for how the treated him when he was in jail,then he would have thrown them out. But he considered them his family which is why he let it go.“We aren’t as broke as you make us out to be, Claudia.” Mathias tried to convince himself than her. “Really, Mathias? We had cars in this house, but what happened to them huh?” She questioned sarcastically. “We sold everything.” Evelyn responded in a gloomy tone. “Exactly, Mathias. We sold everything to clear u
“I want to buy the house.” Kaira declared, after Julian had informed her about Mathias putting up their house on sale. “What?” Sebastian and Julian said in unison, their voices loud from shock.“I said I want to buy the house from them, and the company of course.” She repeated, with a knowing look. “Why could you want to buy their house, princess?” Sebastian quipped, pursing his lips in confusion. “It’s my mother’s house.” She corrected, her eyes darkening, “It’s only fair I take back everything the owe me, right?” “I don’t know, but buying the building seems a little rash…” Julian trailed off when Sebastian shoot him a cold stare.“What are you still doing here, Mr Stone?” He asked in annoyance. Julian sealed his lips, instantly standing up to his feet. What he had understood with Sebastian after working with him for a short while was that he’s calm was only reserved for Kaira. “I’ll be leaving now.” He announced, and they both gave him a subtle nod. He forced a smile on his fac
“What are you doing here?” Claudia’s tone came off harsh, as she stared at Mathias in front of the door. They had laid off staffs because they couldn’t afford such luxury anymore. “This is my house, Claudia.” He snapped, pushing her out of the way, and walking into the house. He was released today, after his lawyer had managed to come up with the money. “When were you released?” She asked in near anger, shutting the doors and following him. “So you did know I was arrested, yet you didn’t bother to coming?” Mathias snarled. Originally he believed they weren’t aware, but it was almost impossible when the news of his arrest was everywhere, yet he forced himself to believe otherwise. “Of what use was it?” Claudia spat out, no longer hiding her emotions. “You’re back, father.” Evelyn beamed, walking into the living room. Mathias sent her a cold stare raising his hand up as she tried to embrace him. “Don’t you dare father me, Evelyn.” She swallowed, flinching away from him. She had n
“It’s been rather peaceful with Mathias in jail.” Kaira remarked with a soft chuckle. “Hasn’t it always been, princess?” Sebastian teased, glancing at her as he massaged her feet.“I feel happy seeing his face on every broadcasting channel I switchto.” She continued, ignoring his teasing. “He’s probably thinking of ways to bail himself out of jail.” Sebastian drawled with a smirk, “He doesn’t know it’s just the beginning.” He chuckled mockingly. “With his ‘precious family’ abandoning him, I doubt he would get himself out.” Kaira said thoughtfully.“Don’t underestimate Mathias, princess. He’ll do everything in his power to get out of there.” Sebastian countered with a dark expression.“Good thing we have other means of putting him in prison.” She quipped, and they both chuckled. “It wouldn’t be too early to celebrate right, Seb?” Kaira’s eyes glinted. “You’re not supposed to be drinking, princess.” Sebastian reprimanded, setting her legs down gently as he to sank on the space clo
The media sparked with news of the former CEO of Blackwood company arrest for embezzlement of funds, and allegations of fraud. It was the headline news on every broadcasting channel, and whispers of it were around the crowd with multiple opinions regarding the arrest.“How did your father allow himself to get arrested?” Claudia snapped with anger written on her face as watched the news.“Do you think that’s the most important at the moment, mother?” Evelyn shoot back, fumbling with her. “What is more important then, Evelyn? Your father should have known better than to walk around smugly without covering up his mess.” She argued bitterly.The family were equally finding out about Mathias arrest through the news. After informing them he was going to visit a business associate, they hadn’t expected him to show up on news hours later.Julian sat by the corner with a smug grin on his face. They were finally beginning to get what they deserve!“Mother, stop already.” Evelyn stated curtly,