Melissa had to leave, Mark knew who she was making her more scared. If she stayed to take care of him then with no time he would know about tommy and she couldn't have that. Tommy was her life no way was going to let them take him from her. She had seen many cases and the poor mother is always on the losing end. How would she fight the most wealthy man in country yet she had nothing?
After getting out of the room, she went to the manager's office with a plan in mind. She needed money for Tommy's school and her aunt's business but she couldn't stay in the hotel with Mark there. Not only did he threaten her son's wellbeing but he messed her brain to. Being in a hotel room with him was like relieving that night. The night that never left her mind. "Excuse me sir can I come in?" She inquired after knocking on the managers office door."Yes come in Melissa, is everything with the client okay?" Her nemesis was the most important client in the hotel at the moment and the manager was so keen in making him feel at home so much so he could sign off anything as long as you mentioned the client's name."Yes sir Mr Johnson is settled in and everything is all set, I came to ask for some days off. I've got a family emergency I need to take care of." She made an excuse hoping the manager won't call her bluff."Can't it wait? Who is going to do your job?" The manager asked with a worried look."There are so many qualified employees sir they can handle the job well. Sir I really need to solve my problem else I won't be able to serve our client well." Fingers crossed, she brought up the clients need, silently praying that he would allow her to go. Hopefully in a weeks time Mark would be gone, never to cross paths with him again. "Okay you can fill your leave form, pray Mr Johnson won't mind the change of staff. If he does you will have to come back." After thinking about it for a few minutes, he agreed. Mellisa was a very capable employee, he knew she couldn't ask for leave unless she really needed it. Since she started working she had devoted herself to the hotel only asking for leave when she was in a tight situation. He had no issue with her taking days off but the biggest dilemma was explaining to the guest why they had to change the housekeeper. Mr Johnson was a very principled and powerful, from the little he read about him, he knew he was not one to impress easily. The manager hoped he would understand if not then Melissa would have to get back since they couldn't afford to loss such an important client.....Back home when Mellisa returned her aunt was surprised to her back so soon. She had informed her the day before that she would stay in the hotel for a week and barely a day she was back."Melissa what happened? Why are you back so soon?" Melissa walking into the house, run and hugged her aunt."Aunt he's going to take Tommy away from me." She lamented in between sobs."What? Who wants to take my grandson?" Betty surprised by her surging emotions asked tapping her back trying to sooth her."I saw him aunt, i saw Tommy's father and he is a very powerful man. Aunt I don't know what to do. If he find's out about Tommy he might take him back to the capital." Calming down Melissa told her aunt about her earlier encounter with Mark. "I don't want to loss my son.""Shh calm down child. He can't take him away, your his mother and the child needs his mother since he's small. So don't be afraid of him. The law is on your side." Her aunt said still soothing her but in her heart she was afraid what happened to her would happen to her niece. Losing a son is very painful, she couldn't go through all that pain again......Back in the presidential suite when James, Mark's assistant got back. He found Mark seated on the sofa with his eye's closed and the two coffee cups which had turned cold still on the table next to his iPad."Sir are you okay?" Seeing him deep in thoughts, James inquired.Without opening his eyes, he just nodded his head massaging his temples. "Then I'll take these away, where is that housekeeper?" James took the cups to the kitchen looking around, inquiring about Melissa.Before he could check the small room, a knock came from the door. Opening to check if it was the housekeeper, he saw the manager accompanied by another male staff."Sorry for disturbing you Mr Johnson." The manager apologized walking into the room. Nodding, Mark motioned for him to speak. "Sir,the housekeeper we had arranged for you early has an emergency so we have to replace her." He swallowed hard waiting to be reprimanded but Mark said nothing. "This is Luke, he will be serving you for now. He is the assistant housekeeping supervisor and quite efficient in his work." The manager explained silently praying he doesn't raise an issue.Still in the same position, Mark looked at the manager and the new staff. Melissa had managed to run away from him again. He couldn't make things difficult for the hotel management but he had to find a way to get her to a place she couldn't escape that easily."I don't mind, as long as the work is done to my satisfactory. Why don't you sit and chart with me manager." Mark spoke lazily dismissing James and the new staff. "Yes, do you need any information from me Mr Johnson?" The manager asked. He encountered many business men and when they invite you to join them, they most definitely need something."Mmm.... the manager is a smart man. I want to know abit about this hotel. With my understanding the founder left it to his son when he died a year ago." With his resources and power their was no information he couldn't find but he needed to build a close relation with the manager. This way he would help him get what he wanted.Melissa could run but couldn't hide from him for ever. After charting for a while the manager left. Leaving Mark with a broad smile on his face, contented with the information he had acquired. He could use it to trap her.Soon the week was over and Melissa had to go back to work. She thought Mr Johnson would complain or look for her after she left but he didn't bother with her. From her colleague's she heard of how he praised the hotel staff and tipped Luke handsomely for his meticulous work.All the talk of how well he worked with Luke made Melissa upset, she couldn't understand her own emotions, its like deep down she wanted Mark to go after her yet in real sense she was running away from him."Stupid Melissa how could you think such a man can chase after a poor woman like you. What happened four years ago was just an accident." She scolded herself several times trying to push the thoughts out of her mind. Though he recognized her it didn't mean he had any interest in her."Hey Melli you're back, how was the week?" Lisa was always cheerful and chatty. The moment she saw Melissa she dropped everything rushing to hug her. "Melissa why did you suddenly ask for a week off yet you didn't even inform m
For two days Melissa spent everytime she had with her son, and helping her aunt reopen the flower shop. The shop had closed for some months but they still got clients ordering flowers for functions and a few hotels around town got their centerpieces. Having worked in corporate, as a professional accountant, Betty went back to what she loved doing when she lost her family. When her husband and son died, she couldn't live in the city anymore. She lost her home and job making it too hard for her to cope, opting for a new life in the province. Though she never talked about her family, Melissa knew she had never forgotten the hurt and humiliation she suffered back then. Her mother had told her stories about her aunt and when she came to get her, Melissa in her heart promised to always take care of her and Tommy since they where the only family she had."What time are you traveling tomorrow?" Aunt Betty inquired when they sat down to watch cartoon with Tommy after having dinner."Before
After waiting for almost ten minutes, true to his word's the road cleared and traffic moved smoothly. After waiting for almost ten minutes, true to his word's the road cleared and traffic moved smoothly. Stopping in front of the big gray and white painted building, Melissa straightened her skirt, took deep breaths walking into the building with every step wondering what kind of people she would be working with. She was not good at making friends upfront and without a doubt she expected some hostility. Sauntering to the front desk, the receptionist smiled at her. She was kind and welcoming and Melissa would tell she had been waiting for her. Showing her where to leave her suitcase, the receptionist directed Melissa to the elevator up to the managers office."Excuse me sir, Miss White is here." The secretary knocked at the managers office popping her head through the slightly opened door."Okay, show her in." Sightly raising his head, the manager invited Melissa to sit when she wa
Getting back to his hotel room after finishing his meeting, Mark sat on the coach briefly closing his eyes only for her face to popup. Since he saw Melissa again, he couldn't get her out of his mind. That day at the hotel as their eyes met for the first time in years, he still got that electrifying feeling just like the first time. She was older now but more beautiful reminding him of why he couldn't stop himself that night. Now having agreed to his job offer to disign the hotel, he chose to leave the country not only for business but most importantly so she would have time to get acquitted with her work and settled in his house. He needed her to get hooked to her job so she sign's the contract and for her not to leave when she finds out he is her employer and house mate. "Sir Melissa White reported to the office and the driver took her to the villa as ordered." James his assistant had to keep him informed of everything Melissa did."That good." His lips slightly curved up. Si
Living in the gated community, the driver had to drop off Melissa to work every morning then pick her up in the evening. Soon their was a rumor that the CEO's lover was working in the company when they saw his driver but Melissa didn't pay much attention to it. Having not seen the lady who was driven to the company by their CEO's driver, many didn't take it seriously. Since joining the company, Melissa got along well with her two colleagues and the other employees at the company as always helped each other complete the project."Ladies, today lunch is on me." Nancy said while arranging the design paper's on her desk preparing to leave the office."Nancy, what the occasion? We always eat at the company cafeteria or is the food not up to your standard today." Jenifer asked mockingly.Taking her bag, Nancy stopped to stare at Jenifer. "You think? Anyway a friend opened a restaurant some two weeks ago and invited me for lunch since I helped with interior design and yes, of course I can
After the brief lunch break, Melissa was able to complete her days work on time. As she got off two hours earlier, Melissa walked a few blocks from her office building then took a taxi to the address where her father's former secretary worked.Since she got to the city, she was able to reconnect with the former secretary but it had taken her several weeks of convincing her to meet and share any information she had about the company that could be helpful."Hello I'm here." Alighting the taxi a few blocks as directed, she walked then made a call confirming their meeting place once outside the building. "Come up to the procurement office at the fifth floor. If anyone asks, say your company sent you to get some document don't say whom you're going to meet with. I'll be waiting." Looking at the phone in her hand that had gone silent, Melissa wondered why the lady was being so mysterious.Tucking the phone in her bag, Melissa went into the building thinking of what to say if anyone stops h
At the airport "Sir where to?" James, Marks assistant inquired when they got to the car, as they had just landed at the airport from his business trip. "Drop me off to the mansion. I need to talk to grandpa." He responded checking his phone briefly then tucked it in his pocket. "Any progress on the case I asked you to investigate?" Inquiring, he looked out of the window at the tall buildings along the way, with her face constantly popping up in his mind. "No, we are still working on it, but we can only get to them through Ms White." "I can't risk her safety to bring down the organization." He said running his figures along his chin, wishing he could keep Melissa out of the way. "She is in deep in this, and they are going to target her, especially when they find out she is trying to dig information of what happened to her father's company." James informed him handed him an iPad with Melissa's recent activities. "Ms White has been meeting up with the people who worked with her fat
"Oh! Come on Grandpa, you can not do this to me." Mark raised his hands then dropped them in frustration, as he leaned on the office desk looking at the stubborn old man. Raising his eyebrows, the old man looked at him the way he mostly did at the conference room. "Grandpa, that promise was made years ago when I was a small boy. I didn't have anyone in mind then, but now I already have someone I like." "You! What do you mean someone you like?" Pointing at him, he questioned getting more agitated. "I love someone else grandpa, and this marriage with Sasha won't be a happy one. If I'm not happy, I can't run the company well, besides we don't need a merger, the company is doing well. We will keep doing business with them anyway." Using what he believed was his grandfather's weakness, Mark made his argument. "You think I only care for the company, huh?" The old man questioned looking at him intently. "I love you my grandson, and very much want to see you happy, but I can't let you mak
At Edward's mansion, the whole family sat together for the first time since the explosion. The blast that claimed three of Mr Edward's employees. Mr Edward accompanied by David made a press briefing assuring the country that his family was safe and the explosion was caused by a gas leak. Now with the renovations complete, the mansion stood greater than it was before. Mr Edward, Ms Lucy, and Mr Johnson sat in the garden talking mostly about their childhood and how their lives had changed since they fell apart. Thanks to Diana's confession, they now knew her grandfather was the one who planted the gold jewellery in Edward's jacket, sending him to prison. Moses' father was an employee at Johnson's farm but got fired when his drinking and negligence caused the farm a handful of cattle. When Edward's father replaced him, Moses father committed suicide, and since then, Moses blamed Edward for his ruined childhood. When Edward started the organization, Moses' empire collapsed. He
“Richard, you’ve come." Cassandra rushed from the first floor carrying a doll in her hand and a lady dressed in white running after her. "Aunt Cassandra!" Mark stared at her as she wrapped her arms around his waist. "Cassandra!" Her sister peeled her from Mark. “You see, I told you Richard will come for me and our baby." She smiled, holding onto Mark’s arm, stopping him from leaving. “Yes Cassandra, let him have some rest first." Sasha’s mother took Cassandra’s hand forcing her to let go of Mark. “So sorry for that." Sasha’s mother apologized holding Cassandra back. “They diagnosed her with dementia. Most of the time she makes things up and confuses people." She explained to Mark who froze staring at Cassandra. After learning of Cassandra's evil scheme that kept his family apart, Richard sent her away. They didn't have her imprisoned but Richard declined all communication with her. “Oh! I'm so sorry." Mark took a step back when she tried to hold his arm again. Staring at what
At the states, Sasha sat opposite her mother and grandfather, biting her fingernails. She couldn’t dare look her grandfather in the eyes. “Please forgive me. I never meant for all this to happen. Mum!” When her mother overheard her phone conversation with Diana, she forced her to confess to her involvement in Melissa’s kidnapping. “I can’t believe you are capable of this Sasha. Do you see how your obsession with Mark has hurt people?” Her mother asked with tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry!” She sniffed trying to hold her mother’s hand. “This is my fault. I pushed my daughter and granddaughter too hard. I turned them into heartless monsters. Being a Johnson was my dream and now my children suffer because of my greed.” Sasha’s grandfather said ashamed of what he had made them do. “No father, you only did it thinking of their well being. Don’t blame yourself father, they chose to force what was not working.” His eldest daughter tried to console him. “But I put the idea in them. How
"They are moving, I have to get to Melissa." Mark glanced at the tracker in his hand. "We are almost there." Robert fastened his seat belt. "Once they pass the bridge it will be too late. Call Andrew and the police chief, they have to close the road." Mark instructed him. "I can't lose you again Melissa." He said to himself looking at the wedding ring on his left hand clutching the steering wheel. "Careful bro. We can't save her if we are dead." Seated beside Mark, Robert cautioned as he accelerated the speed. "We are running out of time, Robert. I promised to protect her." "And you will get her back." On the other side, David and his security team raided the house. They shot dead most of Diana's men, injuring several of them. "Where did they take my sister?" He beat up one of the guards but no matter how hard he hit him, he didn't say a thing. "Stop, you're going to kill him." The lady who helped Melissa shouted. "These people know nothing, even if you kill them they won
"Ma'am, we have a problem." One of Diana's men got into the office out of breath. "Our men on the perimeter just informed me, there are several vehicles with armed men ending this way." "What? Are they police?" Diana asked as she gathered her things, stuffing them in a travel bag. "No, they look like the men from Edward's security." He explained. "Damn it. How did they find us?" She ran a hand through her hair. "What do we do now ma'am?" "Get my car ready. We have to get to the plane." She ordered walking out. "You think you can outsmart me?" Diana banged the door open and woke Melissa up. "What happened? Ouch, you're hurting me.""Get up." Diana pulled Melissa up by the hair then frisked her body for a phone. "You brought them here." "What's going on? I have nothing on me, Diana." Melissa cried out as Diana pulled her hair. "What is this?" Diana asked, looking at the tiny red light on Melissa's necklace. "What?" "F*ck, this led them straight to us." Diana plucked off the n
Two days earlier. In Mr Edward’s office, Mark almost went mad calling everyone on his contact list. As he looked for ways to get Melissa back, David and Mr Edward organized a search team with the police and his security team when Luke Edward barged in. "You have to get out." "Luke!" Mr Edward roared as the door bust open. “There is a bomb in the office dad. We have to leave now.” The three men stared at him as he checked the bookshelf and the cabinets.Trying to get information on the new gang in town, Luke sent one of his trusted men to investigate. The man was later captured and tortured. While locked up, he overheard the plan to bomb Edward's mansion and as they took him out to finish him off, he escaped. Then went straight to Luke's office. When Luke got the information, he instructed his men to take him to their private doctor as he ran to the mansion. Though he never saw eye to eye with his father on most things, he still loved him and was willing to risk his life for h
When Melissa opened her eyes, she glanced from the blue bed sheets to the gray painting on the wall. With her hands and feet tied, she looked around the unfamiliar room. A few minutes later, the door opened inviting in a young lady carrying food and water on a tray, followed closely by one of Diana’s armed men. “Take some medicine for your head.” The lady instructed, handing her the glass of water and a white pill. “Please untie my hands.” Melissa requested which the man obliged to. Then cuffed her left hand on the bed. “Make sure you eat. I’ll come for the plate later.” The lady instructed, after making sure she had swallowed the pill. “Where is Diana? I want to see her. I demand to know if anyone survived the explosion. Hey, where is Diana?” She asked, but no one talked back to her. They left the room, locking the door. Curled on the bed, Melissa stared at the food for a while. Watching the explosion felt like her world had ended. She didn’t want to imagine life without Mar
Driving from Edward’s mansion with her brother, Melissa got a message from Sasha. She asked to meet at a hotel a few miles out of town for some interior deco inputs on an office she was opening in the States where she planned to relocate to. “I’m afraid I can’t come with you to the company. Sasha wants us to meet for lunch. She needs my help with something.” She informed David after reading the message. “Are you sure it’s okay to meet with her alone? I can take you there.” David said, feeling restless about the meeting. “She is not that bad of a person when you get to know her and I have to be friendly with her for Mark. The two families are very close. Whether I like it or not, she will always be around whenever we go for any of Johnson’s family functions.” She said, trying to ease his worries. “The driver will take you. Be very careful. If you suspect anything, get out and make sure to call me once your meeting is done.” He instructed, still feeling reluctant to let her go a
Seated in the office at the steels company, Melissa smiled remembering the wonderful places they visited over the weekend. The family of three took road trips most of the free weekend's, which was both exciting and educational for Tommy as they visited different parts of the world. Mark was extremely affectionate, always pampering her and providing everything they needed more than they asked for. Which often reminded her of her father. The man who worked hard to provide for his little girl. After the ceremony they had moved into the Johnson's mansion but since his mother was back at the farm and her aunt had moved to live with the Edward's as she prepared to move to her husband's home, they went back to the villa house. After years of mourning, Betty reunited with her son and husband. Cassandra didn't accept Richard going back to Betty. In a fit of range she attacked Betty and threatened to slits her throat if she didn't turn down Richard, luckily Richard and the family interve