"I'm sorry I kept you waiting," Zacky spoke politely with a smile totally ignoring Barbara 's presence.
Barbara couldn't help but feel abit confused and shocked at Zacky's attitude.
"Zacky, you are here," Barbara leapt forward excitedly towards Zacky.
She had one thing in mind to show Cecy who the boss was. Deep down, Barbara knew Zacky loved her. She moved forward toward him trying to hug him but Zacky drastically moved aside leaving her to fall down in a loud thud.
"Whaaaaa...." Barbara was totally speechless. She looked up her face filled with embarrassment and with teary eyes.
"Zacky, I need to tell you something," she said softly after gathering a little bit of courage.
"Keep it to yourself," Zacky replied harshly before turning to Cecy.
"Mmh," Cecy replied. She turned to Barbara who was still on the floor pitifully and then uttered a silent goodbye before walking away.
"Nothing I can't handle,"
"We'll go see grandma first,"
"I want to pick a few ingredients for her, grandma's health doesn't seem too good I need to handle her with care until she gets better,"
"What do you need I'll get my assistant to buy them,"
"No need I can handle them myself,"
"Mum," Barbara lay on her mother's chest as tears rolled down her cheeks. She knew she was her favorite daughter and would do anything for her.
Compared to Cecy, Barbara knew how to impress people and touching their sore spot this was one of the reasons why she was more loved.
"Who bullied you? Tell mommy," her mother said softly as she patted her back. Barbara knew that she had already hit the spot so she let out a small smile.
"I will talk to Cecy about it don't worry,"
"Grandma, did you behave today?" Cecy smiled softly as she held her palm.
"The Old Lady behaved really well today and she kept talking about you, do you know she sat outside and bragged about you to everyone who passed by," Aunt Lin said proudly. Cecy couldn't but stare at her with a bright smile.
"Then, I'll go prepare food you must be hungry," she replied still holding her palm.
"I'll help you," Zacky who was standing not too far away said.
"Go, don't worry about me, I have Aunt Lin here," the Old Lady said with a bright smile.
The Old Lady watched as her grandchildren retreated away.
"Old Lady, you have a wonderful granddaughter she is very thoughtful, pretty and ever since she arrived your health seems to improve greatly," Aunt Lin couldn't help but praise Cecy.
"I'm glad and happy, I was worried that my workaholic grandson wouldn't be able to have a wife and that he would just marry anyone. I can now die in peace seeing how happy he is,"
"Don't say that Old Lady don't you want to see your grandchildren?"
"Of course, I do but before that, we must make sure they fall in love with each other I won't let my grandson lose such a gem," she replied with a sinister look.
"Old Lady, what do you suggest?" Aunt Lin asked excitedly.
Ever since Cecy had arrived the loneliness in the house had immediately dissipated and was replaced with laughter.
"What's wrong you seem so unusually quiet? Is something bothering you?" Zacky asked.
Cecy wasn't quite sure of what to tell him. They were still trying to work out their new marriage and she found it quite hard to open up.
"Nothing," she replied after a while. Zacky could see the hesitation in her eyes and definitely knew there was something bothering her.
It was their second day into the marriage and from Cecy's personality he knew she wasn't comfortable and he understood it.
"I had a really rough day today," he spoke. He figured this was the only way to establish a communication between each other.
"Ooh really, why?" Cecy asked curiously. Zacky felt quite satisfied seeing that he had captured he had interest so he continued.
"I had alot of meetings,"
"Did you skip lunch?" Cecy asked worriedly.
"I rarely have time for lunch and I tend to forget,"
Cecy had already understood why, she had heard stories about how the CEOs were busy that most of them spend the rest of the day on an empty stomach.
"From today, I will be handling your meals," she said softly. Zacky's lips curled up into a smile.
"Now why don't you tell me what was bothering you," he said after a while.
Cecy immediately stopped what she was doing and then stared at Zacky. She finally understood why everyone called him a tyrant in the business world, Zacky was capable of manipulating one's mind and that was what he had done. He had manipulated Cecy into getting her to open up.
Cecy smiled in defeat before giving in.
"It's about my sister," she paused checking for any reaction in his face but he was still expressionless.
Zacky could already figure out what Cecy was about to say next.
"She is on to something and might be planning something, I know her she won't stop at that."
Did you do it?" Cecy asked after a while as reality hit her.
"Don't play games with me, I know you are capable of doing anything,"
"Fine, I did it," he sighed.
"About your sister, don't worry about it have you forgotten who your husband is? I'm the richest and most powerful man she won't lay a hand on you even a strand on your hair,"
"Narcissist," she uttered under her breath.
"Hello?" Cecy was interrupted by a phone call after a while.
"What happened? Where is she?" She spoke on the phone her eyes glued onto Zacky.
"What's going on?" Zacky immediately asked seeing her terrifying look.
"She is trying to kill herself,""Let's go, I'll drive you,""What about the food? And grandma?""Don't worry about it, Aunt Lin is here she will take care of everything," after saying that, Zacky held her hand and then led her outside."Grandma, something came up we have to leave," before any response, Zacky and Cecy had already stomped out leaving Aunt Lin and the Old Lady dumbfounded."Where are they?" Zacky asked as he drove out of the compound."Just drive, I'll give you the directions,"As Zacky drove, he noticed Cecy's silence and he understood it all.Cecy had always treasured the bond she shared with her twin sister, Barbara . They had grown up inseparable, their lives intertwined in a web of shared secrets and unspoken understanding. However, their unbreakable connection was about to face its greatest challenge.Despite their difference, they were still sisters after all. It would be a lie if Cecy wasn't scared she felt very stressed up."I told you to run away from the marr
"Let me think about it first,""It's okay, whenever you are ready," Ethan had nothing more to say. Every scars and wounds required time to heal and he was happy that he married Cecy instead of Lara."Are you hungry?" he said as he drove."No, I'm fine don't worry,"The whole drive was silent. As soon as they arrived, Cecy went to her room.Ethan watched as she walked up in silence and felt a heartache. He picked up his phone and then called his assistant."President, what can I do for you?""Set up a meeting with Mrs Smith,""But President, you have alot of meetings tomorrow,""Cancel," after saying that he hung up the call,"The next morning, Ethan drove Cecy to the college and after that he walked into a cafe to meet up with Mrs. Smith."Ethan," Mrs Smith said excitedly. She was in high spirits after Ethan's assistant called her and asked to meet up. What she had in mind was that Ethan had changed his mind."It's President for you," Ethan replied with a cold and ruthless face.
"I will do the DNA test," Cecy said nervously. Ethan could feel the hesitation in her voice but he chose to ignore it. Instead, he stretched his hand towards her as an assurance."Don't worry, I'll be here you have me, grandma and Aunt Lin always know that,""Can you drop me off at home so that I can get samples,""Whatever that you want," Ethan felt happy with the decision that Cecy had taken. This step would bring her closer to her freedom.After an hour, Ethan parked in front of the house. Cecy got out first leaving Ethan behind. She walked to the door and then rang the bell. After moving in with Ethan Cecy stopped carrying her own key."What are you..." Before Mrs. Smith could finish yelling she was dumbfounded at the sight behind Cecy .It was none other than Ethan James."President James, you are also here I didn't know that you also came my bad, welcome in don't stand at the door. Cecy go get water," her mood instantly softened and it shocked Cecy ."Cecy , get som
"Hey, its okay I'm here," Ethan said as he parked his car. Despite Cecy saying that she was okay, Ethan knew it bothered her slightly after all she was still human.Cecy turned to him and then smiled slightly."I'll get going then," she opened the car door and then stepped out."I'll pick you up wait for me," he said. He watched as she walked away and then drove after she disappeared."Cecy , are you okay gosh I was so worried," Sandy heaved a sigh of relief when she spotted Cecy .Ever since she became friends with Cecy in kindergarten she knew more than her own parents. Cecy was the kind of person who knew how to hide her pain as she hated bothering others.In kindergarten when others cried for their parents Cecy had already learned how to use the bus or walk to school alone. She was naturally independent more independent than her own sister.Most of the times, Cecy attended her own meetings as her parents were too busy pampering Lara.As she stared at Cecy , Sandy co
"Miss, what did you have to say about your daughter? Miss Lara Smith, was what she said the truth? Miss, please answer us we want to know," one of the female journalists bugged Mrs. Smith with questions.Mrs. Smith had total confidence this was her only way one to back Lara up and also she had finally found a way of humiliating Cecy . She peeped slightly but didn't see Cecy around and knew it was her chance."Enough, I will answer all your questions before that let me introduce myself, my name is Caren Smith the biological mother of Cecy and Lara you all know Lara my daughter a superstar."While saying that, she couldn't help but speak with a lot of pride and happiness that everyone around noticed."I see you love Miss Lara a lot right?" One of the journalists asked unknown to Mrs. Smith that question was a trap.Mrs. Smith wasn't one from a wealthy family so she did not know how cruel and smart the journalists were."Ooh, yes I love her so much," she smiled happily."So what Mis
"Grandma, I missed you have you been behaving well?" Cecy 's mood immediately changed when she walked into the house."Silly girl," the old lady said softly."Grandma, let me check your pulse," after a while she let go of her hand."You seem to be doing well grandma, your insomnia has also been cured,""Yeah, thanks to you, the medicine that you prescribed worked well,""How about I prepare you dinner, what do you think of that?""Sure, but before that, we need to talk," the old lady stared at Cecy despite her cheerful smile she knew something was bothering her. The Old Lady was someone who could see through someone especially someone as open as Cecy ."My dear, you don't have to hold it in you can talk to grandma," hearing that, Cecy immediately understood what she meant."Grandma, what they said is not the whole truth, this is what happened," after narrating the whole incident, she was shocked when the Old Lady chuckled."Silly girl, do you think I'm that weak to believe a str
"And what is that?" Sandy asked."Fight back," Cecy replied coldly.The next morning, as soon as they approached the campus, a group of reporters who were led by Mrs. Smith stood Infront of the gate. They blocked the gate that no one could pass as they yelled.Cecy shifted uncomfortably next to Ethan as she watches her yell. She couldn't believe that was the woman she once regarded as her mother. After all that, she finally understood why she was so much unlike her so-called sister Lara. Like mother like daughter. At this point, she wondered if her own mother was alive."Are you okay?" Ethan broke the silence as he stared at her driven in thoughts."Yeah," Cecy replied almost in a whisper."Are you sure you want to do this? We can just use the other gate," Ethan was quite worried. He definitely understood Cecy 's character and type. Cecy was the type of girl who was silent and easy bullied but when putting an end to it nothing could stop her.But he still felt worried about i
"I'm not sure, after filming she just disappeared she didn't even attend the release of the movie itself," the manager sighed heavily."Why didn't you look for her?""I didn't know how to find her, it was at that time that I realized I had no idea of who she really was outside filming,""I never saw her parents or anyone come for her she was always alone, despite her bright and kind nature I figured out that she was broken inside,""What happened to her after?""There were rumors that she died,""Cecy ,have you heard?" Sandy walked into the room excitedly."Woah, you've not seen the news? It's all over,""What are you yapping about? I'm going to class,""Wait, here it comes, guess who is coming back to the country?""Idiot, your first love,""Hehehe, what first love sssh," Cecy smiled awkwardly."You know who Cecy , Larry aaah I've missed him it's been seven years I wonder how he is now? By the way did you get over him? Or are you still in love with him? That bastard broke your he
"Good morning love," Arianna woke up to Marcel peppering butterfly kisses on her jaw and nuzzled her neck, deeply inhaling her scent as if she was a drug that he was addicted to. Well, that was not entirely wrong. He was fucking addicted to her. "Morning," Arianna croaked, sleepy-eyed, and turned her back to him. They had done a lot of bonking last night and she was sore and tired as hell. Not that the move deterred him because she could feel his hands caressing her naked body beneath the sheet, stirring up a fire that should be extinguished already. Unfortunately, her body was a greedy bitch and a sucker for pain. One would have thought that after giving birth to three children, their sex life would have dwindled, but the reverse was the case. This was the reason they had to get away from the children and the base. Sex with Marcel was always loud, dirty, and rompy and they didn't want the children walking into something inappropriate. Moreover, just because they had children, did
Ten years later….. ___________"Mummy? Daddy?" Penelope walked into her parent's room only to realize that it was as dead as a graveyard. Her parents were nowhere to be seen and she went into a panic. Penelope was four years old and the third child to be born to Marcel and Arianna. It was obvious that the girl was conceived with love and named after Marcel's mother whom she bore a bit of resemblance as well. The young girl had Marcel's blonde hair and her late grandmother's blue eyes marking her different from her siblings who had the signature gray eyes of the Luciano family. With Penelope taking up the role of their last child - although that position was likely to change in the future - she was spoiled and treated like a princess and it was not surprising that she burst into tears when she was unable to find her parents. "Mummy," She climbed into the bed and began to cry at the top of her lungs knowing that somebody was going to find her anytime soon. Penelope was used to the a
For someone mad at Marcel for taking Aricel out for a visit in the middle of the night, she ended up spending more time there instead. By the time they decided to go home, it was already three o'clock in the morning and even their resilient daughter couldn't fight nature anymore and had fallen asleep. It happened that Adele ended up revealing the news of her pregnancy publicly instead and that sparked off a celebration. There was a lot of drinking and eating in between light conversations that by the time they were done, Arianna was a hundred percent sure that she was drunk. Marcel was the daddy of the year because he refused the alcohol knowing that he would have to drive a drunk wife and sleepy daughter instead, even though Luka was available to take up the role of a designated driver. ραпdα---nᴏνa| сom And yes, it had taken Marcel quite some time to get used to the fact that his best soldier and friend - he would not admit it - did not betray him, rather he stepped out of line i
He should have known. Marcel felt his phone ring earlier, but then, he had been so engulfed in the fun he was having with the children that he ignored it. Moreover, he had not expected Arianna home until the early hours of the morning, nor had it ever crossed his mind that she would ever come here. Even late at night, the children had a great burst of energy and didn't tire easily and who knew that the game would turn out to be more fun than he thought? Victor decided that they should play paintball and it was even stunning that he had the equipment in his booth as if he had seen this coming. Enlightening the kid on how to play the game was a bit taxing at first, but after about four trial games, they were good to go. The kids were smart and Marcel couldn't have been more proud of his daughter over the way she expertly dodged the Marker, paint-filled pellet. However, they were holding back on purpose because he, Elijah, and Victor were all expert shooters and this was supposed to
"I feel sick," Adele moaned over the toilet seat. "Shhh, it's okay," Arianna muttered, rubbing her back, "You're going to be fine and we are going to take you home right now." "No, I'll be -" She was about to protest when another wave of nausea hit her and she was retching into the toilet once more. Good thing no other person was coming in to use the restroom since this wasn't exactly a pretty sight. Adele was kneeling over the toilet while Arianna was behind her keeping her hair from getting in the way. The toilet cubicle was opened since it wasn't spacious enough for the both of them. "Mimi, could you stop staring at that strip and get the car ready? '' Arianna chided her with a glower. This was not a joke. Mimi in question was leaning against the sink and staring at the pregnancy strip as if it was a national treasure. While Adele had not denied the allegation of sleeping with her "husband" she was positive that she wasn't pregnant. It was too early nor did she have plans of
"Daddy! Daddy! carry me!" "Daddy! Me too!" "Daddy! Liam pinched me!" "Daddy! Look, I'm a dinosaur! Roar!!!"Such was the condition Marcel and Victor found Elijah in when they arrived at his place. The cousin had not come together, but somehow they met in the driveway and thus, came in at the same time only to see this disaster. "And I thought I had problems." Victor hinted at his son trying to wriggle out of his arms. "I second that," Marcel said, glancing down at his daughter Aricel who was trying to reach for her cousin Caleb, both of their hands touching but not exactly reaching. "No, Leo! Don't touch the vase!" Elijah was already reaching for the boy but the deed had already been done because the vase fell to the ground and shattered. At this point, Elijah stood helplessly staring at the twin who lifted his hand to his mouth and giggled shyly,"Daddy, sorry." "God, no," Elijah lifted his hand and rubbed his temple where he could feel a throbbing headache. He thought that h
Adele was so embarrassed by her breakdown that she didn't dare to look any of them in the eyes and she was extra grateful when the food arrived. Now, she had a reason to not look up, burying her face in her food instead. As if they understood her, Arianna and Mimi did not bother her and let her be. Perhaps, this was the reason she preferred their company rather than being completely alone - aside from the fact that both of them were the only people relatively close to the word "friends" in her life. They respected each other's boundaries - most times, she thinks - and didn't push their buttons. Also, Adele felt better, lighter, like this huge load in her chest had been taken off. Who knew talking was therapeutic? "So…." Mimi started up another conversation, which wasn't surprising. She must hate the silence or something. "What's Marcel's plans towards Aricel?" The question was obviously directed at Arianna. "What do you mean by that?" Arianna looked down, absent-mindedly rolling
Arianna, Mimi, and Adele finally decided on a simple restaurant that was just around the corner and didn't have to trek too far. Although the late-night air cleared their head just a little bit and in no time they were basking in the warmth the restaurant provided. Picking up the menu, they made their orders before relaxing for a conversation that wasn't going to end anytime soon. "So…" Mimi started, which honestly wasn't surprising. She was a natural at initiating conversations even with the most awkward company, "How is married life going for you?" The question was directed at Arianna and she blinked in surprise, pointing a hand to her chest, "You mean, me?" "Yes, you. Who else was I going to start with?" Mimi shrugged, looking between the both of them - she and Adele. Arianna said, "You practically know everything about me. I thought you were going to start with her, she's the most reclusive person in this group." Adele in question lifted the glass of water to her lips and to
The slap sent the man reeling as he saw stars in his vision. Unlike Mimi who had been taken aback by his action that reacted instinctively, Arianna's slap was well planned hence the reason she put a lot of her strength into it; she intended to hurt him "Who are you calling a bitch, your mother?!" She scolded him, stepping in line beside Mimi with her head lifted high. How dare that piece of shit lay a hand on her girlfriend? "Y-you!" The man raged, now holding the cheek where Arianna slapped him, "The both of you are dead!" He threatened her. "You have quite the confidence." Arianna scoffed, folding her arms across her chest. And oh, she finally saw why the man was confident because he did not come alone and about three of his minions stepped out confidently from the crowd. Just one night Arianna decided to be away from the stress of motherhood, and violence calls instead. At this point, those dancing on the floor abruptly halted their having sensed something violent was about to