Chapter Five
Damien paced up and down the hallway, outside the hospital room. He could not understand why he was so agitated but there was something about seeing your wife, unconscious, in a dead faint and also in another man's arms. It rattled him. Her white face and limp body had scared him as he watched the man carry her in his arms, bridal style. He stopped pacing and looked ahead, his brows coming together in a huge frown and a sour taste came into his mouth, as he stared at the man who had saved his wife. Zaire Ludovic. C.E.O of SERENE, A MultiBillion-dollar Fashion and Entertainment Company and one of the top rated fashion company in Emerald City. He was Damien's biggest Rival. The Romero family owned MAGIC, another top rated fashion and Entertainment company in the City. It had been in the family for years and was the source of all their wealth. The MAGIC group had other subsidiaries in other industries - Retail, Education, Manufacturing, Sports etc but MAGIC Touch, which embodied their Fashion and Entertainment Industry was the epitome of the MAGIC Group. The business summit at the Reign Gardens was open to all business icons and reputable people of the business world Zaire was one of them. Zaire was standing erect, neither looking sideways but facing the door of Lana's hospital room. Damien watched him with narrowed eyes. What the hell was he doing here?, he thought. True, he had brought Lana to the hospital but his job was done. He should leave, already. Damien did not like the way Zaire was standing guard over his wife's hospital room. Lana was his wife, not his, Dammit! He started walking towards him, to tell him to get the hell away from his wife's hospital room door and out of their lives, when suddenly, the door to Lana's room opened up and he stopped in midstride as Lana walked out and walked towards them. "Lana, are you okay?" He went towards her hurriedly, placing himself between her and Zaire. Lana gave him a withering look. "What's it to you? My wellbeing is none of your concern, last I remembered!" Her tone was scathing and her eyes cold as she stared up at him. Damien was taken aback by her coldness and was even more shocked at his reaction to her coldness. He felt nervous, as though something precious was about to slip from his fingers or had already slipped from his fingers. "Let's go home" he started to say but Lana ignored him. He saw the direction of her gaze and his eyes flashed with anger when he saw that she was watching Zaire. The way her expression softened as she stared at Zaire, made his blood boil. Without thinking, he grabbed her arm, and pulled her to himself "I said, Let's go home!" He hissed in her ears and Lana struggled in his grip. "Let go of me, you jerk!" She struggled and suddenly, she was free. Zaire reached out and pulled her to his side, breaking Damien's grip. "She said, let go, Romero. Why are you manhandling a lady?" Zaire's voice boomed out and Lana who was by his side could feel the vibrations from his voice. Seeing that she was not struggling in his grasp, almost made Damien go mad. He saw red and almost exploded. "That's my wife, Ludovic! Take your hands off her!" "I don't care if she's your wife. She's a lady and she does not want to be with you at the moment!" Zaire smirked at him before turning to Lana and saying softly "Let me take you." Damien could not believe his eyes, when Lana glared at him before nodding slightly. Zaire smiled and led her out of the hospital. Damien swore as his fists clenched and his face reddened as he watched Zaire lead his wife, away from him. "Damn you, Lana!" *** As soon as Lana stepped into the house, Vera stood up from the sofa where she and Rina had been sitting, and walked towards her "I thought you were going to be hospitalized for a long time but now I know you only pulled that stunt to embarrass my son!." She wagged a finger in front of Lana as she spoke. Lana merely glanced at her and started making her way up the stairs to her bedroom. "I'm talking to you!" Vera roughly pulled Lana back and glared at her "You lowlife! I allowed you to marry my son because of that old wretch and now you dare to disrespect me?!" "Don't you dare call Laura that" Lana fired back and Vera was taken aback at her sudden fierceness "Although, she did that for a good cause, I was a fool for going along with it." This was a new side to Lana that she had never seen before, and it shocked Vera. Normally, Lana stood like a coward when Vera berated her and had never raised her voice to her. Vera wondered if Lana had gone mad. "Stop acting as though you didn't manipulated her into it" Vera threw back at her, her arms crossed "I know your type , you gold digging lowlife." Lana smiled bitterly. "Well then, I'm sure it will gladden your heart to know I'm correcting the mistake Laura made" she calmly said, her eyes glittering like ice "I'm getting a divorce!" This revelation shocked both women and Rina actually stood up and walked towards Lana cautiously, a sly smile on her face. 'This was perfect' she thought 'Everything is going according to my plan.' However, Vera had her eyes narrowed at her. She scoffed and eyed Lana with disdain. "A divorce? really? So you can get half of my son's inheritance, right?!" "I don't care about his inheritance!" Lana asserted "And I don't care if you believe me or not, I'm getting that divorce!" "You're going nowhere!" A voice thundered from the entrance and they watched as Damien strode towards them. His face was red and his grey eyes were flashing with anger as he remembered how Lana had left with Zaire at the hospital "How dare you bring up divorce?! After you manipulated my grandmother into withholding my inheritance?!" Damien leaned down and spoke fiercely to Lana. Lana stared him down, unwilling to back down. "I have no idea what you're saying, and I don't care!" She yelled back at him, and he was shocked at the fire in her eyes "I won't stay under this roof with your little whore!" "Well, you got yourself into it, you conniving bitch, so deal with it!" Vera fired as she went to stand beside her son. They all stood before Lana, glaring at her. Lana was undaunted, however. She was leaving this house even if it meant she was smuggled out. She thought of Laura and her heart clenched with sorrow but she could not take this anymore. She would explain to Laura later. "Excuse me, sir" A voice interrupted the tense moment and they watched as Damien's assistant, Liam, walked up to him. "What is it?" Damien snarled, his angry eyes never leaving Lana's face but the next words that came out of his assistant's mouth, had them all staring at him in shock. "Your grandmother, sir. She's dead!"Chapter Six "We gather here in loving memory of our beloved sister, Laura Penelope Romero..." Lana sat very straightbacked, the pew hard beneath her as the priest went on. The entire church was so silent that if a pin dropped, the sound would bounce off the walls. Laura was dead. Laura, the one person who had been in support of her marriage to Damien. Laura, who had been like a mother to her this past three years. Laura, the only reason she was still holding on. Lana took a deep breath, as she fought back tears, which stung her eyes, and threatened to fall at any moment. She was seated among the other callers, while Rina sat with her husband and his family, in the pew reserved for families. Lana didn't mind. She had deliberately separated herself from them, and even though she was occasionally receiving dark stares from Damien, she would not budge. Finally, everyone filed out of the church, and the coffin was placed in the freshly dug hole in the ground. There were sniffle
Chapter Seven "Lana, is that you?" Samuel Fernandez's deep voice came through the phone. It was filled with awe. He could not believe he was talking to his daughter, after three good years. He stood up, as though in slow motion and held up his hand. In an instant, the entire boardroom in which seventy shareholders were sitting became silent. They watched him in shock, as he walked towards a window, his face filled with glee at the call which he received. They had all been in the midst of a serious meeting when he had that call but now, he was not in the mood to listen to them anymore. However, at the sound of his voice, after so many years, something came over Lana, and she crumbled immediately. The tears fell in torrents down her face, and she made no effort to wipe them away as she walked down the Lane leading to the gates guarding Reign Estates. Bodyguards stared at her as she passed, shocked to see her crying but she did not care. She had missed her father so much. Why had
Chapter Eight "Please, call me Zaire." Zaire placed his right hand in the small of Lana's back she tried to lead her away to his car, and away from the rain. The car was sitting in the rain, a gleaming Bentley, and the driver stood outside, taking shade under a black umbrella while waiting for them to approach, so he can open the door for them. Lana stopped and stared into Zaire's eyes. His green eyes held a light that bespoke kindness, and there was a gentleness behind his touch. He had told her to call him,"Zaire" thereby putting them on a first name basis. Lana stared at him, unsure if she wanted to venture into this new path. Suddenly, something occurred to her, and she looked closely at him, her eyes narrowed with curiosity, "What are you doing here?" She asked, indicating the huge gates behind her which signified the Romero's Reign Estates. "Did you come to call on the family?." Zaire smiled, showing perfect white teeth, "That would be unheard of" he answered, a lazy s
Chapter NineThe party boarded the helicopter, and it took off.Diego was numb with shock. He kept glancing at Lana, but somehow he could not say anything to her.He was especially scared of the dignified man who sat with the pilot in front, and he held his peace.Paul was her father, Samuel Fernandez's chief assistant, which was why he was entrusted the task of bringing the young Miss home.He looked stern, and had a face that screamed no-nonsense but was infacet a very softspoken person.He had not said anything when Lana boarded with Diego. She only said he was her person, and was with her and that reassured Paul.Finally, the helicopter finally landed at an airport, and the party came down.Diego could still not close his mouth, and his eyes widened all the more when he saw the private jet, sitting regally and looking spectacular.The party walked briskly towards it, the bodyguards flanking Lana on both sides, and soon they were ensconced in the private jet which took off into the
Chapter Ten"Miss, the chairman asked if you would honor dinner with your prescence." The maid stood just outside the door to the balcony, and said in a respectful voice."He has a special guest he wishes to introduce to you."Lana stood outside on the balcony of her bedroom, looking down on the vast land of the Fernandez's Estate.It stretched for miles, and there were several other buildings in the Estate, both residential and non residential. At the sound of the maids voice, she turned away from the view to call out her reply."Alright, tell him I'll be down in a short while." She flashed a brilliant smile at the maid, who bowed respectfully at her then exited the room.As the maid left, Lana turned back to the view which she had been enjoying. She lifted her face up into the sky, and inhaled deeply.The morning sun warmed her face and the gentle morning breeze, ruffled her hair, bringing with it the scents of the beautiful flowers, which were planted everywhere across the estate.
Chapter Eleven"I'm going back to Fashion Designing!"Lana looked at her father, her face lit with pleasure ,as she thought about what she had just said.It was time to rediscover herself and, get the old Lana back.She would go back to fashion designing, and make a name for herself just like her mother had done."But Lana, you only just got back! Don't you think you need to rest a while?" Samuel said, worried that she would stress herself.Lana shook her head as she stood up, carrying the box carefully, and placed it back in the walk-in closet."I've made up my mind, Father" she replied, as she walked back to his "its time to go back to my former self, to how I was before I..."She hesitated, reluctant to say anything but the next words her father said startled her."Before you met the Romeros." Her father completed for her grimly, and Lana's eyes went wide with surprise.In the next instant, however, she sighed wearily as she walked to sit back to the vanity table."How did you know
Chapter TwelveFive Years LaterThe sky was blue and the wind soft, as it carried the smell of the clean grass and flowers through the garden.Damien walked through the garden holding Lana, a satisfied and relaxed smile on his face. Lana held a baby in the crook her arms. It was their child. They were together forever. She looked up at him and smiled contentedly, and he had never felt as happy as he did in that moment.But suddenly, the garden was no longer a garden, the blue sky turned dark with gray clouds and lightning raced across the gray storminess, and Lana was no longer by his side.He squinted, looking into the distance, trying to make out her figure standing far away from him, phantom and ethereal."Lana!" He called out, yelled as he desperately tried to move his feet so he can return to her side.But the grasses suddenly grew taller with amazing speed, and around him, blocking his sight and seeming to choke him.The last thing he saw as the grasses closed to round him, wa
Chapter ThirteenDamien walked out of his room with long strides, and directed his steps into his study.Walking towards the desk, he pressed a button and his assistant's voice came loud, and clear over the speakers."Yes sir. Good morning, sir ""Call for Doctor Robert at once." He said in a voice that did not sound so urgent "Miss Carter is in need of medical assistance.""Yes sir" The assistant replied instantly, and the line went dead. Damien sat down in his chair behind the desk, his elbows propped up on the table as he held his head in his hands, relieved to be away from Rina and her demanding self.He was tired of Rina and her sneaky ways.The only reason he was still keeping her close was because he felt responsible for her.For how she had turned out.Rina was the sister of his best friend Lucas, who had sadly passed away ten years earlier.He had been madly in love with her when they had met and Lucas had been glad they were together.But when his grandmother insisted on h
Chapter Two Hundred And TenDiego stared at him, dumbfounded."Damien Romero is in Emerald City?!" He asked in astonishment. "Might be." Liam said, already moving towards the door, "Just get Fernandez on the phone and explain everything to them. And you..."He nodded at Detective Ryan, who looked confused as to what he was trying to say.Liam was exasperated, "Lets go, dammit!" He bit out, throwing his hands in the air in annoyance, "There is no time for dilly-dallying!"The detective hesitated before he bowed slightly before Lana, then walked out after Liam.Diego was left in the office with Lana."He's alive?!" He asked in disbelief.Lana nodded and a broad grin stretched across the assistant's face, "I always knew you were right, Miss Lana. This is amazing, really!""Yes it is," Lana answered quietly, "Everything will be fine now once he's found.""Arielle will be fine." Diego said softly, in understanding. He knew that Lana was most worried about her daughter and she needed to he
Chapter Two Hundred And NineFor a long moment, Lana and Liam stared at the detective like he'd spoken in an alien language.It was hard for them to comprehend what he was saying not to mention actually believing it.Damien Romero had amnesia?!It totally explained why he had not being able to reach them after four years, even after he was miraculously rescued.He did not even know who he was, how was he supposed to remember them?But still, it was hard to believe and Liam found himself glaring at the detective even harder."You're lying." He stated simply, "That's just bullshit."The detective did not bat an eyelid at Liam's accusation, "Half the town's people in St. Hayes know this from a fact that the golden haired man lost his memories," he replied tersely, "Besides, Mr Romero suffered severe injuries before he fell into the river. Don't you think that might have affected his health one way or the other?"Lana's breath hitched at the mention of that horrible accident four years ag
Chapter Two Hundred And Eight"What?"Lana was standing in front of the floor to ceiling windows in the CEO's office, her office.She held a mug of freshly brewed coffee in her hands, which started rattling badly as her hands trembled. She was staring at the suited man in her office in disbelief.It was one of the men who had been in St. Hayes a few days ago, inquiring about the golden haired man."What did you just say?" Lana asked once more, taking quick steps towards the man, "You found Damien?!"The man, private detective Ryan, looked taken aback. He blinked in surprise and hastened to correct her, "No. No, ma'am. " he said hurriedly, "I said, we were able to get some information on his whereabouts."Lana's hands were trembling really badly by now. She dropped the coffee mug in her desk and clasped her hands together to still the trembling."So he...he's alive?" She whispered the words, afraid it might come back void to her."Yes, it would seem so." Detective Ryan stated simply an
Chapter Two Hundred And Seven"He's staying with me, grandfather.""You mean, he should live with you?" Pa Eugene asked, a frown darkening his brows."Yes." Maya exclaimed incredulously, flipping her hair back in exasperation, as though she was surprised the topic was even been debated, "He's amnesiac and knows nothing about the city. I, on the other hand, have lived here most of my life. He needs me to make it here in the city."The two men stopped and frowned at the obnoxious woman in front of them. Pa Eugene closed his eyes and sighed in frustration at his grand-daughter's behaviour."There's absolutely no reason for him to stay with you, Maya." Pa Eugene said, "He's a grown ass man and you all are nothing to each other, so why would he live with you?"Maya scoffed, "Um, hello, I did get him a job here in the city." She went on, a cheeky smile tugging at her lips, "Without my help, he'd be stranded here. So it goes without saying that he needs me.""I'd rather not impose." Noah sai
Chapter Two Hundred And Six"What?! Its working?!"Pa Eugene exclaimed as the screen of the cellphone turned bright.However, in the next second, it immediately went blank and would not come back on, no matter how many times Noah tried the power button."It needs fixing." Noah said eagerly, "Where can I fix this?""Not in St. Hayes, no sir." Pa Eugene sighed as he relaxed on his chair, "Not many of the people here use cellphones such as this, except the young ones who come for a visit. What on earth would a fisherman need a cellphone for? The payphone is all we need. Convenient too."Noah had shut out the old man's ramblings. His head was spinning with different thoughts, and his heart was beating loudly in his ears.He had this cellphone all along here and Pa Eugene had to wait four years to give it to him?!Inhaling deeply, he tried to calm his erratic nerves. He knew it wasn't the old man's fault and the cellphone was on a bad condition in itself, with the screen cracked and chippe
Chapter Two Hundred And Five"Oakcrest City?"The men stared at her in shock and she nodded quite seriously, giving them a straight look."If you say he's your boss, then why hasn't he contacted y'all yet?" She asked the men, feigning curiosity."That's impossible." One of the men muttered, then raised an eyebrow at Maya, "Are you telling us the truth?""Of course, we can't just keep him here forever." She said, flipping her hair behind her shoulder, "I mean, we took care of him for four years, don't you think that's enough?""How come he was here for four years?" The other man asked, "Did y'all keep him here against his will?"Maya scoffed in disbelief, her mouth twisting with rage, "Why on earth would we do that? What do you take us for, huh, some kind of primitives?" She hissed at them, then smirked, "You are just trying to pass blame because for four freaking years, you were not able to find your so called boss. Incompetent! Get off my stoop!"With that, she slammed the door again
Chapter One Hundred And Four.Maya swallowed hard as the men stared at her, waiting for an answer.She shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other as she tried to make sense of the situation, although she needed no seer to tell her that they were talking about Noah.What did the detective say just now? Our boss?!Was Noah in some kind of gang or Mafia?The men had mentioned Oakcrest.Oakcrest was a mega city on its own and had a lot of powerful people. Maya had never been there herself and she hoped she would soon but Noah was from there?!That explained his regal grace and character. He must be one of those powerful people.A slight smile curved her lips as she thought of these. This smile died down however, as soon as she looked at the men in front of her.They did make her unsettled."Where is the town head?" The man spoke up again, making Maya jerk slightly from her tied up nerves.She inhaled and exhaled deeply, and fixed the detective who spoke with a stern glare, "I alread
Chapter Two Hundred And ThreeMaya hurriedly placed the lunch box, with packed meals on the kitchen counter top, before hurrying over to dish the breakfast they'd be having that morning.She was bubbling with excitement, mostly because of the activities of that day. Finally, after four years of waiting, Noah would be moving with her to the city. She almost did a little twirl as she ladles soup unto a bowl and placed it on a tray.Everything was really going smoothly for her benefit though, and that literally made her want to scream for joy. Its about time Pa Eugene sends him to the city anyways.It was clear the man does not belong in this little fishermen town. She'd take him to the city, have him brush himself up and thereby, have him start a good life altogether.She was sure Noah would be able to fit in well in the city. Once she'd gotten him settled, he'd be so grateful that he had her in his life and then they'd think about their future together. With these delusional thoughts
Chapter Two Hundred And TwoThe men laughed rauciously, except Pa Eugene. They winked at each other at what they thought was Noah's foolery.This gigolo looking guy, who does not even remember his name wants to sort out a book of accounts.They snickered and nudged each other in derision."Looky here, Noah, we know you like to show off, and strut around like some kind of mysterious guy," Jeb said harshly, "But this is not something for you to do. Give it here!"He yanked the book right out of Noah's hands, and threw it down on the table, eyeing him with derision, "you can't even gut a fish and yet you want to sort out a book of accounts. What a fool, ha ha ha."The men laughed once more, but this time the laughter was cut short by Pa Eugene who slapped the back of Jeb's head hard."Oi, what you hitting me for?!" The young man cried out in pain, rubbing the back of his head. He glared at the old man who wagged a thick, stubby finger in his face,"He says he wants to try." The old man s