《I Swear, Let Me Love You Again》


 Drama Queen

    Lydia¡¯s POV:


    ¡°How are you today Mrs Lydia?¡± Nurse Nia, who had been in charge of the blood transfusion since we began, asked with a smile as wore her gloves.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡± I replied tiredly and shook a bit as she inserted the needle after looking for an easy ess vein.


    ¡°You seem tired.¡± She analyzed me but I just shrugged it off. I was tired physically, mentally, emotionally but everything was somehow going to get better. I really hoped so.


    As we were about to start talking, Doctor Fian and my husband entered the room. I grinned just looking at him in his blue suit and trousers. He was just so handsome and many would describe him as having the attributes of a Greek god. Every time I saw him, I realized why I loved him.


    ¡°Lydia, how are you doing? Have you been taking all your vitamins and iron supplements?¡± Doctor Fian asked and I nodded in response feeling blood leave my body.


    ¡°How are you Nathan?¡± I asked him but he didn¡¯t respond. He kept talking to the doctor and I pursed my lips in embarrassment.


    I just looked around the hospital room I have grown fond of these past few years. The whole room was painted in cream and the bed wasid in white bed sheets.


    ¡°Here.¡± Nurse Nia handed me an energy drink afterwards and used a cotton wool to clean the part of my arm the needle was ced in.


    ¡°If you will excuse me.¡± Nurse Nia and Doctor Fian exited the room with my blood in the bag.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    The room was quiet with just my husband and I just here. He broke the silence when he said. ¡°The money has been transferred into your ount.¡±


    I remained silent, preventing myself from saying anything that may lead me to say something I wasn¡¯t meant to.


    After a minute, he exited the room and I wore my blue denim jacket following behind him. I was debating myself if I should still try and start a conversation with him or let it be.


    We arrived at the room of the woman I was donating my blood to. ¡°Hey Nathan.¡± She smiled and for some reason she seemed¡­okay, healthy even.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± I stepped into the room and it seemed they hadn¡¯t still noticed my presence. My chest tightened at the fact that he cared to ask how she felt and never ever even for once asked, ¡°How are you?¡±


    ¡°Weak. My thigh still hurts despite everything.¡± Aubrey replied. She had a cut on her thigh which was slowly healing but ording to her, it was still extremely painful no matter the treatment administered to it.


    ¡°What did I miss?¡± I shut my eyes tight regretting my decision when I saw my mother-inwing out of the bathroom in this luxurious hospital room which was almost like a hotel.


    ¡°Nothing Mrs. King, Nathan just finally came to see me.¡± Aubrey smiled widely, touching Nathan¡¯s arm. For some odd reason, Nathan didn¡¯t push her arms away and Mrs. King was just focused on her, which hurts.


    ¡°Ohhh, Hi Lydia.¡± Aubrey gave a tight-lipped smile calling everyone¡¯s attention to me. Mrs King, my mother-inw, rolled her eyes in a full circle while Nathan didn¡¯t spare me a nce.


    ¡°What are you doing here? She has done what we called her to do, do you still need her here?¡± She turned her attention to Nathan. He sighed deeply, not saying a word in response.


    Before I could respond, she said to Aubrey, ¡°Her presence must bring you nothing but disgust, so I will send her out of here just rx.¡±


    An emotion of embarrassment and hurt shed through my eye but like what any normal person would, such as saying something smart or just exiting out of the room, I stood there like a fool unable to calcte my next step.


    ¡°No Mrs. King. She is already doing so much for me. I mean I¡¯m literally getting better just because of her.¡± She tried to y all nice but I could see right through here.


    Mrs King scoffed while Nathan¡¯s phone ringing loudly had him excusing himself leaving all three of us.


    They didn¡¯t pay me any attention, Mrs King brought out a cream she had gotten for Aubrey to heal her scars. I was always envious looking at how much Mrs King and the whole King Family adored Aubrey¡­they treated her like she was some kind of heroin or would I say delicate substance. They all adored her and no matter what I did, I doubt it would ever lead to them caring and loving me like they do to Aubrey.


    I watched their every movement like a creep, but I furrowed my eyebrow in confusion when Aubrey easily moved her legs and as soon as her hospital gown raised up I was able to see only a slight cut on her knee.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing there staring like a fool?¡± Mrs King was just so rudely blunt and not once over the years have I watched her rude energy. I respected her for birthing the man I loved, every single day I prayed she would care about me.


    I shook my head still watching Aubrey and suddenly it hit me. Nathan walked into the room and without thinking twice, I spoke out loud,


    ¡°She¡¯s pretending. She¡¯s just acting like she¡¯s in pain and needs blood knowing that that¡¯s the only reason you check up on her or care about it. She¡¯s ok¨C¡±


    ¡°Hey calm down Lydia. What are you even saying?¡± Nathan cut me off furrowing his eyebrow. It seemed like he didn¡¯t hear me the first time maybe because I was speaking too fast as realization dawned on me.

 Choosing Me

    ¡°Look, they are all minor cuts.¡± I moved towards her, showing him the cuts. ¡°Nothing too serious and you made me give my blood away for just this?¡±


    Nathan knitted his eyebrow staring at my proof and seemed genuinely taken aback while his mother remained surprisingly silent.


    ¡°What is she talking about Aubrey?¡± Nathan asked and I was a bit ted he was finally listening to me.


    ¡°I.. I don¡¯t kn.. know what¡¯s she talking about.. The cuts might be minor but the pain is severe. I haven¡¯t even had time to check them with my eyes, the doctors simply said they were deep and since I didn¡¯t want to irritate myself by staring at them.¡± Aubrey stammered out crying in between. His mother instantlyforted her while Nathan¡¯s look changed from surprise to annoyance. Annoyance probably channeled towards me for speaking the truth.


    ¡°Like why would you even say that? I¡¯m literally here on the hospital bed fighting for my life and yet¡­¡± She trailed off speaking to me, more tears fell from her eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry.¡± He rubbed his temple trying to keep himself calm.


    ¡°Lydia,e with me.¡± He spoke leading the way while I just stood there staring at her as she faked tears.


    ¡°You know what¡­¡± He grabbed my hand dragging me out of the room. I turned around and saw her smirking in the arms of Mrs King.


    ¡°Calm down!¡± He raised his voice a little when I kept mumbling words under my breath and pacing back and forth.


    ¡°For real, why are you doing this?¡± He questioned and I knitted my eyebrow in confusion.


    ¡°Doing what?¡± I retorted looking at him with annoyance. I hated liars and pretenders, that girl in that room right now had me fuming right now.


    ¡°Hold up.¡± I raised my hand to cut him up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you believe that girl and don¡¯t trust me.¡± I pointed at myself. ¡°Your WIFE.¡± I emphasized but his face held nonchnce.


    ¡°You¡¯re seriously believing that she¡¯s not healed all along?¡± I questioned and he sighed deeply.


    ¡°Listen to me, Lydia. I don¡¯t know you all that well. But Aubrey has been my¡­confidant for as long as ever, she has no reason to lie to me. You couldn¡¯t possibly understand anything I do for her.¡± His words stung but I kept myposure.


    ¡°So basically after I showed you proof that they are all slight cuts. You¡¯re still going to believe her over me?!¡± I asked with tears brimming in my eyes.


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand.¡± His tone and demeanor gave it all. He was tired of this conversation and just couldn¡¯t wait for it to end.


    I knew he didn¡¯t give a damn, but I still wanted to believe he did.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°Make me understand!¡± I snapped but he didn¡¯t respond. He ran his hands across his face bringing out his phone. I assumed he wanted to show me something but rather he called the driver toe pick me up.


    ¡°Nathan, you know what? I¡¯m sick and tired of this. I¡¯m tired, I can¡¯t do this anymore.¡± I shook my head.


    ¡°I¡¯m filing for a divorce.¡± I spoke sternly as if trying to convince myself as well.


    His eyebrows rose and I could see a shock expression on his face which quickly faded away. ¡°Don¡¯t make meugh, you don¡¯t even know what divorce is.¡±


    ¡°I do, but I can change my mind if you follow me and let¡¯s go home.¡±


    ¡°Are you insane? I have got to be there for her always, or do you want her to die? Are you that heartless? Anyways, Damien is waiting for you downstairs, just go home.¡± He waved me off and left, going back to the room that bitch is.


    I nodded slowly and looked at him again for thest time. I mmed the door and entered the elevator.


    As the elevator slowly closed, a part of me wished he would just stretch his hand or leg to stop the elevator door from closing but it was simply a wish. I felt so pathetic and dumb thinking he would ever choose me.. he would ever love me. A single tear rolled off my cheek, it symbolized disappointment, hurt and unrequited affection I had shown him and his family.


    Quickly wiping it away, I came out of the elevator and fixed my posure. I was done being treated like this, like I didn¡¯t matter. I am done just trying to make him see me when all he ever cared about was Aubrey.


    If he didn¡¯t believe me, he was in for a big shock when he realized I¡¯m actually getting that divorce.


    ¡°Hold up what¡¯s going on?¡± The help, Molly, asked, as soon as I burst into the room taking my things.


    I didn¡¯t reply to her question, I was simply waiting for Damien toe in with divorce papers I had requested from mywyer.


    Ignoring a clearly confused Molly I packed my things in a small box leaving whatever thing I had gotten from his money behind.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I snatched the documents from Damien heading into Nathaniel¡¯s home office. Without giving it another thought, I signed and left the document on his table along with the card and a note he had to read.


    ¡°Where to ma¡¯am?¡± Damien asked but I shook my head.


    ¡°I will just take a taxi.¡± I exited out of the mansion which had only brought me pain, self-doubt, countless embarrassment and SUFFERING.


    I was going to do better for myself, fuck the unrequited love I had for a man who couldn¡¯t even say a simple thank you. He couldn¡¯t even trust my words even after years together.


    I was beyond hurt and felt disrespected.


    It¡¯s time to choose me.

 This Is Me

    Lydia¡¯s pov


    I took a look at the mansion onest time. I felt extremely pathetic that someone like me would let myself be yed with like this.


    I should have sensed that. All these years, he never bothered to know me more and even the maids got more chances to see him than me. How could I be so naive to believe that such a cold man would ever treat me differently?


    No, he is not that cold. It¡¯s just his tenderness was never for me¡­ I was just a nobody¡­


    ¡°Well, well, looks like you¡¯re finally leaving?¡± A voice filled with mockery came from my back and when I looked back I saw Dia, she is one of the maids. She nced from my suitcase to my face. Lomi, another maid, stood next to her.


    ¡°A¡­I wanna say we are going to be so hurt and miss you but that will be a very nasty lie. If you go, who will do all our house chores?¡± Dia added.


    ¡°Is everything okay Mrs Lydia? Mrs. King asked us to pack your things.¡± Lomi asked with sincere worry in her tone. I bit my lip to prevent myself from breaking down at the question. I didn¡¯t want to show any weakness before I left, especially to those who had hurt me.


    Dia gave her an angry nce and mouthered for her to shut up.


    ¡°Next time stay in your ce and avoid looking for rich men to get married to, you this gold digger.¡± Dia spat with disgust in her tone.


    ¡°Stop it.¡± Lomi cautioned sternly. Dia eyed her but in a sh, I pped her hard.


    Who the hell did she think she was talking to? I had been called different names like pathetic, poor, needy but one thing I would never y with is calling me a gold digger when I have never ever cared about his money.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ever speak to me like that ever again¡± I stared at her with coldness.


    Pouring out my frustration on her, this was thest straw because I was sick and tired of how much they had all walked on me.


    She was about to speak when I raised my hand up to stop her, ¡°Shut the fuck up! Now you better know your ce and stay there. Dumb little girl.¡±


    It felt so thrilling to say this, to let out all the bottled anger. She removed her hand from her face slowly moving towards me but Lomi held her back.


    My phone rang loudly and I took deep breaths before picking up.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡± Andrew asked and I nodded before saying ¡®yes.¡¯


    ¡°Alright, almost there.¡± He said then we exchanged goodbyes.


    Suspicion slid through Dia¡¯s eyes but I didn¡¯t give a shit what she was nning.


    I turned around to Lomi and gave her a hug. She was the only one that cared about me in this home. She was always trying to help within her power.


    ¡°Bye Mrs Lydia, I hope you find the peace and love you deserve because you¡¯ve truly been a gem in this household and I¡¯m going to miss you.¡± Lomi said with her voice trembling.


    ¡°Thank you Lomi. Really thank you so much.¡± I spoke and she nodded, giving me a warm smile.


    A honk came up from outside the door. A smile creeped on my face when I saw the man standing beside the ck Rolls Royce. His lips curled into a smile and I instantly ran into his open arms.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¡­I really am sorry.¡± I apologized repeatedly as he pulled for a bear hug.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, thank goodness you¡¯re fine.¡± He whispered in my ear exhaling in relief. ¡°Dad is waiting for you back home. You have no idea how excited he was when he heard the news that you areing home.¡±


    I wiped my tears after his words and asked with a little worry. ¡°Isn¡¯t dad angry at me for leaving home for so long?¡±


    ¡°Silly girl. What¡¯s family for? We¡¯ll always be here for you no matter what you do.¡±N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    I almost burst into tears again but I held it back because I didn¡¯t want my brother to worry about me.


    How silly was I during these years? I abandoned the family who loved me without any condition for all my life and came here to take care of the people who treated me like trash. It¡¯s all because of the stupid decision that I made.


    I knew I must have broken their hearts when I hid my identity to marry Nathan. They paved the most smooth way for me and I chose the hardest one. Stupid girl who chose love over family!


    Now I am more conscious than ever before. And no one could hurt my family again, not even me!

 Gone

    NATHAN¡¯S POV:


    Sitting in therge room with eyes focused on the financial report while the CFO presented. I could hear him speak but I wasn¡¯t listening. I flipped through the document and ensured the finances were in ce. My phone vibrated from my pocket rather than holding up till the end of the meeting to respond or check it like I usually do. I unlocked my phone in haste expecting a message from a particr someone who I haven¡¯t heard from for a few days now.


    I snorted in annoyance when I saw a message from one of my business partners. I dropped my phone on the table and snapped my eyes shut.


    Opening my eyes, I met everyone staring at me and the room dead dropped silent. Rolling my eyes at them, I wordlessly motioned for him to proceed.


    ¡°Are you alright sir?¡±


    20 minutester, the meeting came to an end. I nodded ¡®yes¡¯ in response to my assistant¡¯s question


    As we walked through the door, I took in the impressive view. The office was spacious and airy, with tall windows that offered a panoramic view of the city below. I took a seat on my ck ergonomic chair and scrolled through my phone waiting for just a single message toe in. Meanwhile my assistant ran down thest two meetings I have, the other at dinner.


    ¡°Did you hear me sir?¡± She asked politely and I thought for a minute.


    ¡°Cancel my meetings.¡± I checked the time on my Patek seeing it was now 6:15pm.


    ¡°But sir¡­¡±


    ¡°Tell my driver to prepare the car.¡± I had to head home to check on my Wife.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    It was currently 7:15 and we had just arrived at the estate after trying to beat traffic. I had not heard anything from Lydia since the morning at the hospital, which was four days ago where she told me she was getting a divorce. I was anxious hoping she was alright due to the fact that since the day we got married, she texted me in the morning to have a good day and at night she would tell me all about her day even when I never replied to any of her messages.


    She never cared if I responded or not, she would do it anyway. Which is why her silence bothered me so much I couldn¡¯t pay attention at meetings.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°We¡¯re here sir.¡± My driver announced and I looked at my phone exiting out of Lydia¡¯s old messages which I was simply re-reading again.


    He opened the door for me and I exited out of the car holding a box of cupcakes in my hand. I adjusted my suit ignoring the greetings of the staff.


    ¡°Wee sir.¡± A maid who I wasn¡¯t too acquainted with greeted me with a huge grin on her face.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Lydia?¡± I questioned looking around the room. I snatched back the box as she cautiously tried to take it from me.


    ¡°I apologize sir.¡± She quickly said, noticing the anger stered on my face.


    ¡°But who is Lydia?¡± She knitted her eyebrow in confusion. I gritted my teeth sharply and watched another maid whose name was Lori or Lomi¡­I couldn¡¯t remember.


    ¡°Good evening Mr King.¡± She bowed her head in respect.


    ¡°Where¡¯s my wife?¡± I scrunched up my face in irritation, tired of repeating myself.


    ¡°Oh sir¡­ she left.¡± She responded with a solemn look.


    ¡°What do you mean? What are you saying?¡± I questioned in disbelief. Rather than waiting for their response, I strolled upstairs storming into her room.


    This was the second time since we got married, I entered here. The room had lost its warmth probably due to the fact that she was truly¡­gone. I shook my head, dropping the box of cupcakes on the bed. I knocked on the door to the bathroom hoping to get a response but still nothing.


    Looking through the room, some of her stuff is for sure missing. I smacked my lips in annoyance dialing her number.


    ¡°The number you¡¯re calling¡­.¡± I hung up for the second time as the call machine kept repeating the same thing. She had either blocked my number or changed her sim.


    I left the room


    ¡°Sir-¡± I raised my hand to stop Molly from speaking before entering into my mini home office I had in the house. I sat on the chair and knitted my eyebrow seeing a paper¡­they weren¡¯t just any paper but a divorce paper and Lydia had already signed hers. So she wasn¡¯t joking back then in the hospital.


    I scoffed in disbelief noticing the credit card I had given her right from the first day she stepped into this house. I saw a written note but couldn¡¯t bring myself to read it yet. I ran a hand across my face and I re-dial her number again which wasn¡¯t avable and it fumed my anger.


    ¡°Oh hi son.. I heard you just got back.¡± My mum said with a smile entering the office.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Lydia? Why didn¡¯t you let me know when she left?¡± I bombarded her with questions through gritted teeth.


    ¡°Lydia? Son, that name is forgotten around here.¡± Sheughed sitting down on one of the seats there.


    ¡°I had been trying to tell you everything but you didn¡¯t pick my calls.¡± She lied through her teeth.


    ¡°When did you call me mum?¡± I pursed my lips trying to keep myposure.


    She shrugged carelessly, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. She stole most things in this house and left. Oh, I mean your ex wife. Plus she left with a man, did you know? He pulled in a Roll Royce and she ran to kiss him right in front of her matrimonial hom-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± I snapped in annoyance. She giggled, raising her hands up in defense.


    ¡°I¡¯m your mother and I¡¯m just letting you know that girl was simply useless and a big cheat. A gold digger even.¡± She shook her head with her expression changing from yful to serious.


    ¡°Now how about Audrey¡¯s health? Lydia is simply a selfish woman¡­extremely.¡± She ranted while I picked my brain on if Lydia had a loved one or any one in particr I could reach in order to speak to her.


    ¡°Leave.¡± I spoke coldly in a low tone.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± She asked and I shut my eyes.


    ¡°I want to be alone.¡±


    She scoffed, rising to her feet, ¡°There¡¯s no time to be stressing over a woman that was obviously cheating on you while trying to pretend like she was so in love with you. We need to start thinking about Aubrey.¡±


    I clenched my jaw and she walked out the office mming the door.


    My leg hit the floor repeatedly and I stared at the credit card and divorce papers.


    Contrary to all what my mother had spoken about her, Lydia never asked me for a dime, all the money I had been sending to her was still intact and things I had purchased for her were still in the room.


    I felt horrible and I just couldn¡¯t bring myself to sign the divorce papers and finalize it. Nothing in the divorce paper even asked for a penny, she just wanted to be away from¡­me.


    Sighing deeply and massaging my temples, I shifted the whole document and tried her number again but still nothing.


    She was truly¡­gone from my life.

 Divorce Papers

    NATHAN¡¯S POV:


    I waspletely exhausted and drained and was about to head home after a long day. I had visited Aubrey and surprisingly the doctors had said she was slowly getting better and that added some light to my day. My happiness died down when I remembered it was all because of her that I lost Lydia and I still haven¡¯t heard a word from her.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I picked up my phone with an attitude while sitting in the back of Range Rover as the driver started the car.


    ¡°Watch your tone.¡± She spoke sternly and I pursed my lips not really in the mood to hear her go off. My mum had been calling and texting all day and I hadn¡¯t replied because she always seemed to have the wrong word to say to set me off.


    ¡°Your sister is back! So let¡¯s have dinner tonight and I don¡¯t want to hear no buts.¡± She hung up afterwards and I sighed deeply.


    My little sister, Rachel, had been out of the country for a while spending time with her boyfriend who I had not met. Rachel was literally my mum¡¯s twin, she looked like the younger version of my mother and behaved the exact same way. Her behavior always came as a barrier between us.


    ¡°To the family house sir?¡± My driver asked, looking at me from the mirror. I nodded in response.


    With Lydia heavy on my mind, I decided to text her. It felt like if I didn¡¯t, just thinking about her might blow up my mind, I thought of what to text her.


    CALL ME!


    I settled for that and secretly hoped she would see I needed to talk to her¡­that¡¯s all.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    AN HOUR LATER.


    ¡°You¡¯rete and you didn¡¯t even seem a bit excited to see me when you got here.¡± My sister spoke as she started eating with the maids standing next to us¡­her in particr.


    I stared at her with a nk face not even having an appetite. She wore a pink long sleeved gown with stripes. Her hair was let down and she had done her makeup. She kept staring at her phone which meant she was either waiting for a text message from someone or just feeling uneasy.


    ¡°How was your day son?¡± I almost scoffed noticing my mother was trying to take a caring route to get to me but I knew her so well.


    ¡°I heard your Lydia finally left¡­a, your dearly beloved wife. Hope she¡¯s not asking for a dime of our money?¡± Rachel raised her eyebrow in questioning.


    I knew she had been tormenting and being a bully to Lydia but I never paid any attention. This just made me feel so much worse.


    ¡°That¡¯s true. Did you check through your things and ensured that she didn¡¯t steal anything? Like your watches or your¡ª-¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± I growled with anger. My patience and ability to control myself had reached its limit. My mum had kept asking this and I was tired.. the worst part was they didn¡¯t even care that the maids were listening, which is why they had no respect for my wife.


    ¡°Keep her name out of your mouth.¡± I snapped and my young sisterughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry..¡± She stillughed, gesturing with her hands as an apology.


    ¡°It¡¯s just that this woman is obviously a gold digger who pretends to be all in love with a man and jumps on the next man when she doesn¡¯t receive affection and probably¡­let¡¯s say sex. She¡¯s just an opportunist whore while you¡¯re here defending her like¡­¡± She trailed off frowning at my mum kicking her from under the table.


    I stood up abruptly and when I got to the entrance of the door, I turned around and said,


    ¡°Rachel, Mother, The maids and pass my words to the rest of the servants in this house: the next time I hear something of sorting out from any of you mouths or mentioning my wife¡¯s name, my wrath will be raised, I promise you all.¡± I spoke sternly and the maids looked down. My mother stared at me with a knitted eyebrow in a state of confusion and Rachel scoffed.


    I stormed into my home office with a heavy heart and shut the door behind me. Opening my call logs, I decided to call Lydia and if she didn¡¯t pick up thisst time I would hire a private investigator to locate her whereabouts. I will do all it takes to find her.


    It rang, which surprised me. At the fourth ring, she surprisingly picked up and I exhaled,


    ¡°Hello?¡± Her voice sounded impatient.


    ¡°Lydia, How are you?¡± I asked softly, trying to piss her off.


    ¡°What do you want, Mr King?¡± She questioned like she¡¯d rather not speak to me.


    ¡°I saw the divorce papers and I haven¡¯t finalized it. Though you didn¡¯t ask for anything, I would like topensate you for everything you¡¯ve done for me and my family.¡±


    ¡°But I don¡¯t need anything from you and your family. You all have alreadypensated me well enough.¡± I heard the anger in her tone.


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°Goodbye Mr King.¡± Without waiting for my response, she hung up.

 Lost Her

    NATHAN¡¯S POV.


    I stared at my phone in disbelief. She really just hung up on me?? I sat there about to open the letter that she had left for me. Though I was dreading it, but, I needed to. As I slowly opened the letter, my mum barged into my office and shut the door behind her hastily.


    ¡°They are here.¡± She whispered and I looked confused.


    ¡°Your sister¡¯s boyfriend¡¯s family.¡± I waspletely thrown off but that. I had no idea she was even in a rtionship.


    ¡°Hurry out. They are the Wilist Family and they own thergest constructionpany in this country. Can you just imagine how wealthy we would be if the two families merged?¡± She was simply excited and the amount of desire for her to amass wealth was oftentimes worrisome.


    ¡°I will right there.¡± I spoke tly and she sucked her teeth in irritation mumbling how I was always so nonchnt and boring until she exited my office.


    I hid the letter back into my cab and exhaled deeply strolling out the room. Three new faces were added into the room and their chattering came into a pause as I entered the dinning room.


    They all looked so much alike. The older man looked in his early 60¡¯s with his white beards and facial features. He was in a gray suit and the woman beside him, who was his wife, was dressed in a sky blue gown and she had beautiful facial features. She looked between her fifties and her son who had to be the man Rachel was dating, he had her face.


    He had full beards and his hair was brown and slicked backwards with a gel. He had a pretty boy face and wore diamond studs on both ears with a fitted ck suit. He seemed like a retired bad boy.


    ¡°Excuse my son¡¯s manners. This is my oldest child and the son who runs ourpany, Nathaniel.¡± I was introduced to them and I simply gave a politely head nod. A young man who I assumed was Rachel¡¯s man stressed out his hand for a handshake. I stared at it for about a minute, rxing coolly on my seat.


    Feeling a kick from under the table, I reluctantly shook hands with him. Rachel gave me a stank look and focused her attention back to her boyfriend.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m Jason by the way. These are my parents, Mr and Mrs Wilist, we own the Wilist-¡±


    ¡°So, I have heard.¡± I cut him off using the knife and fork right in front of me to cut the chicken In my te.


    ¡°How did you guys meet?¡± I questioned it directly to Jason andpletely disregarded everyone else on the table.


    ¡°Umm-¡±


    ¡°We met at a charity ball about a month ago. I went with mother when you were out of the country. So he said Hi andplimented me. And that¡¯s how we hit it off. He had been the sweetest ever since.¡± She cut him off smiling from ear to ear. They looked at each with googly eyes and smiled. I stared at them with irritation and the parents on the table smiled proudly at them.


    ¡°You n on marrying her?¡± I inquired, shaking off any feeling of hate.


    ¡°Yes, I do. I adore and love Rachel and I can¡¯t wait to just make her my wife.¡± After just a month? Yeah, okay. But then again what do I know about love?


    ¡°So Nathaniel, are you married?¡± His mum questioned staring at me hard. Rachel let out a stifledugh.


    ¡°He is a divorcee and open to any special woman.¡± My mother answered looking at Mrs Wilist to her te of veggies.


    ¡°That¡¯s shocking. I barely even heard that you were married. She must not havee out with you to events, am I right?¡± She questioned again.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t. She was just.. what word would I use to describe her? Let me just say she wasn¡¯t the right one for my son and now he¡¯s back as that handsome, sessful bachelor who is open to a rtionship that¡¯s worthwhile for him and the family.¡± My mother answered and I could feel myself getting angry again. But I wasn¡¯t about to cause a scene and embarrass myself and family in front of these people. So I kept quiet.


    ¡°Exactly. Our sons need an elegant woman from a good home and I¡¯m so grateful he met Rachel. I mean she is a beautiful young woman who understands a woman¡¯s ce.¡± While my mum smiled nodding and taking in her words, I remained silent just observing and I truly did not like the tone.


    ¡°Not a gold digger.¡± My mum slickly added and I scoffed downing my ss of wine.


    ¡°It was nice meeting you all. But I have work to do, so I will retire in my office.¡± I stood up after my words and without waiting for a response. I returned to my office and shut the door behind me.


    I sat down loosening my tie and sighed deeply. I started fishing for the letter before a knock rang through the room.


    I ignored it with the assumption that it was my mum but after a second knock. The door opened slightly and a young maid walked into the office with a tray in her hands.


    ¡°Good evening sir.¡± She greeted me politely and stood far from the table. I gave her a head nod bringing out the letter while she served the cup of coffee.


    ¡°You might not know but I am Lomi. Will you please permit me to speak sir?¡± Without thinking anything deep. I motioned for her to proceed.


    ¡°I was close to Mrs Lydia when she was still around. I watched her suffer time and time again. She was bullied and tormented by everyone here but she kept staying and taking all hoping that you will just be here and love her. I tried so many times to defend and stop her from working but she refused. She did everything with joy. I also want to let you know that she did not steal a single thing from you. Not a single dime or essories. Even when she was sick, she didn¡¯t allow me to go and ask you to help purchase medicines. So I just thought to let you know because it doesn¡¯t feel right hearing people speak about her knowing she had been a precious selfless person.¡± She expressed and her words brought me pain.


    ¡°I deeply apologize if I crossed my boundary. Please don¡¯t fire me sir or inform your mother because this is my only source of ie and I would not want to be under your mother¡¯s wrath.¡± She quickly added with fear in her eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright. Thank you so much Miss Lori?¡± I tried to remember her name.


    She shook her head and said, ¡°Lomi.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°If you will excuse me sir?¡± She bowed her head and I dismissed her without uttering another word.


    The guilt was choking me up and I opened the letter, it red;


    Dear Nathaniel,


    I had always wondered what it was like to be loved by a man. Since I saw you I felt like a teenager who had met her celebrity crush. I was ready to do anything for you so long as it made you happy. When you said you wanted to marry me, I didn¡¯t care if it was because of saving your friend¡¯s life or anything.. to me it was just a step closer to being loved by you. To my goofy crush being reciprocated.


    When my family said no, I shouldn¡¯t marry you, I fought against them and cut them off all for you. But at the end of the day, it was all for nothing, NOTHING. Here are the divorce papers and the card containing all the money you have ever sent to pensate¡¯ me. I don¡¯t need it. Just like the way youughed in my face when I said I wanted a divorce, I hope youugh harder after reading this and see how pathetic I have been all along. How I kept embarrassing myself and taking on all the ill treatment given.


    I wish you the best, it hurts that you would always have a ce in my heart but for now and forever. I hope to never ever see your face ever again.


    Goodbye Nathaniel.


    Iid back on the chair running a hand across my face. My heart was heavy, guiltid in my heart, tears brimmed in my eyes. The words of the maid and the content of the letter pierced through my heart.


    I needed to apologize and beg Lydia for hurting her when all she ever did was love me.


    Wiping my eyes, I picked up my phone and dialed her number but the call simply dropped. It didn¡¯t even ring, it just dropped.


    I lost her, I had really lost her.


    And It was my fault

 Jenny鈥檚 Return

    NATHAN¡¯S POV.


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying now that she¡¯s healed?¡± I questioned that doctor and he nodded with a huge grin on his face.


    We stood in front of Jennifer¡¯s room as the doctor filled me in on her improvement. She was wearing a pink Her blonde hair was packed up in a messy bun and she seemed healthier than I have seen her in thest few years.


    ¡°Yes sir. She just needs to be catered for and probably a nurse toe check on her every few weeks.¡± I frowned at that, turning around to face him.


    ¡°A nurse to check on her improvements and blood count. Catered for in the sense that she needs to eat healthy and be monitored that she¡¯s indeed eating well.¡± He exined seeing the look on my face and I nodded my head in understanding. I locked eyes with Jenny as she preferred to be addressed and she smiled from ear to ear.


    ¡°Nathan!¡± She squealed in excitement and ran to hug me. I gave her a tight-lipped smile and hugged her back.


    ¡°You¡¯re feeling better?¡± I inquired, breaking the hug and staring at her closely.


    ¡°Yes, now I can go home with you.¡± She spoke with excitement and I knitted my eyebrow in confusion.


    ¡°Uhh.. you will be staying in my mother¡¯s house. I wille see you when I can.¡± She frowned deeply at my words, looking like she was about to cry.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t your wife in that house? Isn¡¯t she going to maltreat me or poison me? She¡¯s literally going to kill me in that house I swear.¡± She spoke with fear written on her face and I shut my eyes to refrain myself from getting angry.


    ¡°My mum already told me she informed you of Lydia divorcing me. You don¡¯t have to pretend like you don¡¯t know.¡± I snapped and she pursed her lips with her cheeks turning a hint of pint.


    ¡°Ummm¡­so I will stay with your mum while you stay in where? Your penthouse all by yourself?¡± I ignored her motioning for one of the guards to get her things.


    ¡°You bring girls to your penthouse don¡¯t you? Now that you¡¯re fully divorced from that woman.¡± She stated again.


    ¡°Let me just stay with you, at least you care enough to ensure I¡¯m eating well. And trust that while I¡¯m in your house. I will take care of you and protect you just like old times.¡± She continued while we slowly exited out of the room I had beening to for years. I was beyond grateful that I would have no reason to be back here. This hospital brings me memories of the woman I had hurt and I didn¡¯t want anything to bring me such memories of thest time I saw. Especially how hurt and sad she was that I didn¡¯t believe her.


    I nced at Jenny who was talking to the doctor in hushed voices. Staring at her, it was weird how she was now agile and well after just a few days after she denied Lydia¡¯s usations.


    Was Lydia indeed right? Was Jenny simply pretending but for what? What could she have gained from my wife¡­my ex wife continuously donating her blood?


    I had no answer so just like thest time I shook off such thought and decided to trust Jenny. Afterall I knew her more than I ever or will ever know Lydia.


    As he walked faster, Jenny and the doctor smiled at each other appreciating one another for helping them to achieve their goal.


    ***********


    The car ride to my mother¡¯s house was silent much to my liking. Jenny texted on her phone and I was on mine waiting for the documents I needed for the meeting I was headed to after dropping off Lydia.


    I should have used the other car. I thought to myself.


    Jenny looked up and hissed through her teeth seeing my mother¡¯s house. She was probably expecting to stay at my penthouse but I couldn¡¯t or wouldn¡¯t allow anyone there. It was my safe space and I didn¡¯t need any energy there.


    ¡°I thought we were headed to your ce.¡± She folded her arms across her chest and I shrugged.


    ¡°All the instructions will be given to the maid and my mum in order for them to cater for well being efficiently. You also have a lot of people around you while I¡¯m barely around.¡± I pointed out and she huffed putting on her dark shades.


    She looked around the surroundings and kept her gaze on the fountain and beautiful garden. Lydia always ranted on how she loved the garden and how she grew a flower. I missed listening to her go on about her day though I failed to give her my full attention or would cut her off when she spoke. I winced thinking about how hurt and embarrassed she must have been.


    ¡°Your house is still beautiful as always. Remember when we used to y around the house?¡± She reminisced looking my way and I nodded.


    Jenny and I were literally raised together and had a lot of childhood memories together as our parents were friends.


    ¡°Sir we¡¯re here.¡± The driver announced hopping out of the car. He went to gather Jenny¡¯s things while I got down to assist her out of the car.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She thanked me with a smile, holding on to my hands even when I tried to let go.


    ¡°Ohh sorry.¡± She smiled awkwardly when she saw me not moving and just staring at our intertwined hands. We walked into the house with the maids greetings.


    ¡°Wee Miss Jenny.¡± A maid greeting with a smile and Lomi, the maid whose name and face I doubt I would ever forget weed Jenny with a slight attitude. I could understand some reasons why and almostughed at the thought that my ex wife would care so much that she sent Lomi to poison Jenny.


    ¡°My Jenny.¡± My mum stretched out her hand widely to hug Jenny and my sister, Rachel, ran into the room getting excited as she saw Jenny.


    ¡°OMG¡­ I¡¯m so d you are back and healthy. Though Lydia¡¯s slimy ass did not care about your healing, you found a way to bounce back. I¡¯m so happy for you.¡± Rachel gave her a big hug and I stared at her in irritation.


    She always found a way to throw shades at Lydia and I couldn¡¯t possibly imagine how more horrible it might have been for her while she was here.


    I turned around to take my leave but obviously I had to be stopped.


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t even acknowledge your mother¡¯s presence? ¡± My mother began and I discreetly rolled my eyes.


    ¡°How about you stay for lunch? We prepared plenty to celebrate Jenny¡¯s return.¡± She added and I looked at the time on my Rolex.


    ¡°I can¡¯t, I have to be back at work.¡± I gave no room for protest and she looked at me with an annoyed stare. Jenny pouted but I was unmoved, workes first.


    ¡°Take care of yourself.¡± I tried to walk away but Jenny said¡­¡±You won¡¯t even give me a hug?¡±


    I gave her a quick hug but she decided to hold on longer sniffing my cologne. Trying my best not to embarrass her in front of everyone, I let her be then whisper in her ear.


    ¡°I have to go.¡± She quickly nodded and moved backwards.


    ¡°Take care of yourself.¡± Her voice followed me out and I was about to shut the door behind me.


    I heard Rachel say to Jenny, ¡°He had never even smiled at his ex wife let alone even go to hug her or look at with affectionate eyes. You¡¯re literally the only woman in his heart.¡±


    They giggled at her words including my mother. My chest tightened at that.


    *******


    I arrived at the business lunch which gathered a few influential people in the industry and in the whole country atrge. While some greeted and tried to pitch in an idea for a business deal or merging, my eyes remained on the fellow who I was trying to hand a deal to.


    He was always upied and talking to someone. Famished, I grabbed a slice of red velvet cake. While doing that, I could help but listen to the conversation of a few women who weren¡¯t aware of my presence.


    ¡°Rumors have it that his wife left because he was a workaholic.¡± One said and the others scoffed.


    ¡°He was cheating with his ex-girlfriend, that¡¯s the real story.¡± They all hummed.


    ¡°But I heard his sister is getting married to the Wilst family due to bankruptcy.¡± I almost burst outughing at the idea of us getting bankrupt.


    I grabbed a cup of coffee and by the time I tried to approach the man whose name I had no knowledge of, but I knew he had a huge business. He was gone and I kissed my teeth calling the attention of the gossips.


    I need to get his name and information on hispany and family in order to get this merger.

 Lorena

    LYDIA¡¯S POV.


    ¡°Have you made a decision?¡± My father asked the two of us to sit down for breakfast.


    Andrew looked at me through the corner of his eye waiting for my reply but I didn¡¯t have one.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know that, I¡¯m still trying to figure it out but if you want me to work in thepany then I guess I have no choice.¡±


    ¡°No Princess. I want you to be involved in the affairs of thepany and know the in and out of everything. So you can finally take your ce at thepany. Or do you have something else you¡¯re interested in?¡± My father stared at me waiting for a reply. Andrew, who had his eyes on the te before him, stopped to analyze me.


    Did I have something else I wanted to do? Nope, I had majored in business so I could work at my father¡¯spany. That was my only goal, to make my father proud in all aspects of my life. Luckily for me, he wasn¡¯t too hard on me either and he encouraged me all steps of the way.


    ¡°No, there¡¯s nothing else I¡¯m interested in. I really do want to work at thepany.¡± A smile of satisfaction crossed their faces.


    ¡°Good.¡± My father said and Andrew stared at me longer trying to detect a hint of lies or uncertainty but there were none. They went ahead to discuss the numbers of thepany and I zoned out sipping my ss of orange juice.


    ¡°The King Industries might be merging with the Wilst Family. As one of the kids is getting married.¡± I caught that and I was taken aback.


    Nathan is getting married already? I scoffed under my breath. That wouldn¡¯te as a shock to me at all.


    ¡°A merger? They wouldn¡¯t go for merging, more of owning more shares in each other¡¯spany in order to be able to make decisions.¡± Andrew nodded his head taking in my father¡¯s words.


    ¡°But I have to get going now. I have a meeting by 8.¡± He sipped his juice and stood up nting a kiss on my forehead.


    ¡°Have a nice day.¡± I said after him and he responded the same. My dad also stood up picking up his expensive phone which was seated on the table next to his food.


    ¡°I¡¯m headed to thepany as well. Any ns for today?¡± He asked and I smiled brightly.


    ¡°Yes, Lorena ising by and we will probably go shopping.¡± Lorena has been my best friend since childhood and we have always been close. She, like my family, stood against me getting married to Nathaniel but when she saw how adamant I was, she supported me.


    We lostmunication after my marriage as she traveled to Paris to start her fashion line contrary to her line of study which was in Legal Practice. Her parents were quite disappointed but seeing that she was thriving in the fashion industry they became more supportive.


    ¡°Alright Princess. The driver will be on standby, and call me for anything.¡± He kissed my forehead and I smiled holding his arm.


    ¡°Have a nice day daddy and don¡¯t stress yourself out.¡± I told him sternly and he smiled nodding.


    After he left, I went ahead to take care of my hygiene and clean up my room. Iid on my bed out of habit after having to clean around at my matrimonial home. The other day, a maid came into my room and saw me cleaning my room. Her face was filled with horror and she literally begged me to stop. The sight was amusing but it was something I was used to and wanted to do.


    I put on a ck and white striped jumpsuit which was tight enough to bring out my curves. I had been eating well and rxing without any stress or worry so I had gained a little weight much to my liking.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am.¡± A knock came through my door as I stared at myself in the mirror.


    ¡°Yes,e in.¡±


    ¡°Miss Lorena is here.¡± She announced and I grinned widely. Lorena stared at me with a nk expression on her face, making my smile falter.


    ¡°Hi Lorena.¡± I waved shyly, not liking her facial expression one bit. She stared at me from head to toe with her Louis Vuitton Bag in her hands and shing her manicured nails. She looked like a model with her wless skin and her beautiful figure. She had always been the most beautiful, calling the attention of guys with her aura and body. I admired her a lot and her ability to pull off any dress was insane.


    ¡°Girl, if you don¡¯t give me a hug.¡± I instantly ran into her arms and she returned the smile showing off her white teeth.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°I missed you so so much.¡± She hugged me tightly and my eyes watered thinking about all the memories we have shared and ones I had missed.


    ¡°I missed you more.¡± She sounded like she was about to cry. So I broke the hug to look at her face.


    ¡°Wow¡­you¡¯re about to make me ruin my makeup.¡± She fanned her eyes and I giggled blinking repeatedly.


    ¡°We have to catch up for real. You look so good.¡± She stared at me from head to toe and I frowned.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you do. But first let¡¯s go to the spa. We can fill each other in on everything and get our nails done at the same time.¡± I nodded in agreement.

 Seeing The Mini Devil

    Lydia¡¯s POV:


    I gathered my things and she unted her hands in my face. My eyes almost bulged out of their socket when I saw a diamond ring and I held her hand.


    ¡°You¡¯re getting married?¡± I squealed in excitement and she nodded frantically with a smile on her face.


    ¡°Yes, Darren proposedst month.¡± Darren was her on and off boyfriend since college and he always seemed to be a yer as he was an athlete. Hearing that he was finally acting right and putting a smile on my best friend¡¯s face brought me nothing but joy.


    We strolled downstairs and she filled me in on how he proposed at Eiffel Tower after her show in Paris. I smiled listening as the driver, Mr Fil, opened the back seat of the ck Rolls Royce for us.


    ¡°That had to be the happiest day of my life.¡± She concluded and I chessed teasing her.


    ¡°So where to?¡± Mr Fil asked, looking at us through the ss.


    **********


    We arrived at the spa and I had gotten my nails painted in baby blue and cream. While we were meant to be catching up, Lorena being a fianc¨¦ and a business woman of a multimillion fashionpany got calls from her man and differentpanies.


    I sighed deeply admiring my nails and now we were getting a pedicure.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, so where were we?¡± She dropped her phone, keeping it in her bag. I shrugged, giving her my attention.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Ummm¡­you told me what it¡¯s like to be a Mrs King.¡± She began and I grimaced thinking back to the fact that I was actually a divorcee as young as I was.


    ¡°I¡¯m so proud of you, you know? You were able to leave that man even though you had the biggest love for him and that¡¯s so admirable.¡± I nodded, taking in her words.


    ¡°For real, cause you know how I stay delusional. I would have thought, what if this is the year he¡¯s going to be affectionate to me.¡± She said and I bursted outughing.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I said to myself¡­every year I¡¯d tell myself this is the year he¡¯s going to love me.¡± I shook my head at how embarrassing that was. Sheughed at that.


    ¡°Well that¡¯s how I was. I kept telling myself this is the year Darren would settle down and now finally¡­¡± She let out a breath and I smiled at that.


    ¡°My bestie is in love.¡± I sang nudging her side.


    ¡°I am¡­I am.¡± She had a glint of love in her eyes.


    ¡°Now you¡¯re going to start having kids. Ouuuu, I can just imagine my little goddaughter.¡± She shook her head left and right about to protest.


    ¡°Hell no.. Don¡¯t even say things like that.¡± Iughed and looked at my toes all done.


    After getting our nails done, we got a rxing treatment from the masseuses and got out of there. We headed to different stores getting beauty products and body lotions. Lorena headed to Foot Locker getting a Nike Product for her man while I decided to get some kicks for Andrew.


    As we exited, I heard my name being called.


    ¡°Did you hear my name?¡± I asked Lorena who wasining about how hungry she was.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t hear a word, let¡¯s go.¡± She dragged me to a small bakery at the mall. She got chocte doughnut and a vani slice of cake while I purchased a red velvet slice remembering how much Nathan loved it. I shook off the thought of him.


    ¡°Okay, I don¡¯t know if its because I have eaten or not but I really do hear your name.¡± We turned around and I groaned deeply seeing a face I was hoping never to encounter.


    ¡°O MY God, it really is you.¡± She smiled looking at me from head to toe.


    ¡°Oh hi, Rachel.¡± I gave her a tight-lipped smile. She wore a pink mini dress and essorized with a gold ne, bracelet and earrings. She wore pink thigh high boots and her ck hair was curled. She looked beautiful nheless carrying a bunch of shopping bags.


    ¡°I saw you while waiting for my man. Hello.¡± She waved at Lorena who was just busy eating her food with no care in the world.


    ¡°How are you doing? It was nice seeing you.¡± I quickly dismissed any further discussions but she obviously wasn¡¯t having it.


    ¡°I¡¯m good actually, you seem great. Let me guess you went ahead and found yourself a wealthy man to prey over? Or hold on, don¡¯t reply to that. My brother pensated¡¯ you, didn¡¯t he?¡±


    Lorena bursted outughing, she fell into a fits ofughter.


    ¡°Oh lord, that was hrious.¡± Sheughed so hard, Rachel knitted her eyebrow, staring at us in annoyance.


    ¡°What made my question so funny?¡± She questioned with an attitude. Her name was called with an annoyanceced in it, a man approached us and he did not look pleased at all.


    ¡°What the fuck do you have on?¡± He grabbed her arm roughly and she tried to ease herselfmunicating with him through her eyes.


    ¡°This is my brother¡¯s ex wife, Lydia. Lydia, this is my man, Jason Wilst.¡± She introduced wincing as he let her goposing himself.


    ¡°Nice to meet you.¡± I shook his hand as he just stared at me.


    ¡°Well, it was nice to see you again, Lydia and her friend. We will probably see you around.¡± She scurried away with her man walking with her bags and his guards were collecting her bunch of shopping bags.


    ¡°Was it just me or did that give off abusive?¡± Lorena asked, watching them walk off. I shrugged wishing her the best.


    A part of me hoped it was nothing of sought.

 Engagement Party

    LYDIA¡¯S POV.


    I sat in my dad¡¯s home office opening a bunch of files and books he had given to me to read about thepany. He hadn¡¯t told me the position that was waiting for me at thepany but he had slightly hinted on the position of the C. F. O. I was a bit giddy at the thought of being the Chief Financial Officer but I cautioned myself. Lorena and I were the same, we stayed delusion.


    Unlike me, her delusion became true. Tonight was the official engagement party and I had caught a few symptoms of pregnancy on her. Well not few but her constant cravings and nonchnce to eating anywhere without a care in the world. Either it was growth or my suspicions were right.


    ¡°Why was thisrge amount of money deposited into this ount?¡± I asked myself squinting my eyes to see properly.


    Was there someone stealing from us? I thought to myself.


    Our family, The Millers, was prominent in the hospitality industry. We owned chains of famous hotels, restaurants, resorts and recreational centers all over the country and world atrge through constant expansion and a strategic alliance with the Jones Construction Company.


    I made a mental note to inquire about this deposit from my dad or Andrew. A knock came through the door and I jerked my head up.


    ¡°Come in.¡± I invited the person in and one of the maids who I often discussed with, Patricia, walked into the room with a tray in her hand and a bright smile on her face.


    ¡°Good afternoon Miss Miller.¡± For some weird reason, hearing myself being called Miss Miller stung a bit but I waved it off.


    ¡°Hi Patricia.¡± I took my anti-blue ray sses as she set the tray on therge wooden office table where various documents were scattered around. In a haste to prevent a liquid substance from greasing the papers, I shifted it all to the side of course with her help.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I just thought you would be hungry since you have been here all day. So I made you something to eat and prepared coffee with lots of milk and sugar just how you like.¡± My whole mood lightened at that.


    ¡°You¡¯re a lifesaver.¡± I grabbed the coffee first and shut my eyes close savoring the sweet taste. The meal presented looked extremely delicious and I took a nce at her. Her eyes twinkled anticipating me taking a bite.


    ¡°I¡¯m safe right?¡± She giggled lightly and nodded in affirmation.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting my license in cooking so I¡¯m usually very pleased when I cook for anybody and it¡¯s to their liking.¡± She told me and I nodded slowly taking in her words. I took a bite and moaned at how delicious it was.


    ¡°It¡¯s so good.¡± Iplimented and she let out a breath.


    ¡°Thank you ma¡¯am.¡± She thanked me and I simply continued devouring the food in front of me. She handed me a bottle of water as the food was spicy.


    ¡°Lest, I forget. A package came for you ma¡¯am.¡± She informed me and I raised my eyebrow in questioning. She excused herself heading out the room to get the ¡®package¡¯.


    A list of possible packages crossed my mind such as the divorce papers,pensation, my old things. A thought of a bouquet of roses which contained a letter from Nathan apologizing and asking to be his wife crossed my mind and I almostughed at myself for thinking that. Knowing I had nothing but hate for him.


    ¡°Here it is.¡± She brought in a box of dress from a popr seamstress whose name was my Lorena, my bestie. I smiled standing up to open it,


    Will you be my maid of honor?


    ¡°Aw.¡± I pouted and brought out a white gown in it.


    ¡°It¡¯s gorgeous.¡± Patriciaplimented and I had totally forgotten she was present. I returned it back into the box and ced it on the long grey couch in the office.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She carried the tray out of the office and just before she shut the door, I stopped her with the next few words.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to make a beautiful chef one of these days.¡± And just maybe, we would hire her into one of our many restaurants.


    ¡°Thank you Miss. It means a lot to just hear those words.¡± My heart warmed seeing the sincerity in her eyes.


    She shut the door behind her and I got back to the finances. Though this was not so much, another thousand dors had been deposited from thepany¡¯s ount to a private ount.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    It wasn¡¯t suspicious if it was added to thepany¡¯s report right?


    I huffed shutting down the reports and got back to reading thepany¡¯s rules and regtions. It was a green hand book as the theme color of thepany was army green.


    I dozed off with the missing money at the back of mind. The fear of either my brother or father paying off a woman for various reasons crossed my mind.


    ********


    ¡°Hey Little Girl.¡± Andrew walked into my room as my stylist curled my hair for tonight. I was seated in front of my dresser typing away on my phone wrapped around in a ck robe alone.


    ¡°Heyy.¡± I smiled brightly weing in. He brought in a lc bouquet of flowers and I pouted admiring it as he set in on myp.


    ¡°A, thank you.¡± He nodded looking around the room.


    ¡°But what is this for? I literally have nothing to give you in return.¡± I told him with finality. Growing up anytime we gifted each other, we always wanted something in return.


    ¡°Little girl, don¡¯t even think like that. I was passing in front of a flower store and saw this bouquet of flowers. I just decided to get it for you because you know no woman in my life.¡± He exined and I bursted outughing.


    ¡°Laugh as hard as you want divorcee.¡± Myughter died down and my jaw dropped. I threw a brush at him and heughed ducking.


    ¡°So now it¡¯s not funny.¡± He handed me back the brush and I snatched it from him with a rather amused expression on my face.


    ¡°Whatever. You¡¯repletely single, I¡¯m divorced. There¡¯s nothing wrong with us right?¡± He snorted dusting off imaginary dirt of his ck Givenchy suit.


    ¡°I won¡¯tpletely say, I¡¯m single because I got girls left and right. But you seem to have a deserted pond because there are no fishes.¡± I gasped again and I heard a small snickering from the stylist. Andrewughed like he had cracked the funniest joke ever.


    ¡°Just get out, till I¡¯m ready.¡± I shooed him off and he raised his hand up in surrender still chuckling.


    ¡°Hurry..¡± He shut the down behind and I pouted, folding my arms across my chest.


    My pond is not deserted.

 Engagement Party (2)

    ¡°All done.¡± The stylist said and I admired my hair and slightly caked up face.


    ¡°Let me get your gown.¡± She went into my walk-in closet while I just admired myself in the mirror. It had been a while since I had actually looked at myself and found myself gorgeous.


    She helped me into the gown and I hadn¡¯t fully taken in the beauty of the dress. It was made of a delicate white fabric that flowed and moved with every step. The neckline was simple and elegant, with a modest V-shape. The sleeves were long and billowy, adding a romantic touch to the dress. The length of the dress slightly grazed the floor.


    ¡°You look gorgeous ma¡¯am.¡± My stylist gushed with sincerity. I thanked her and I looked at the time. It was a few minutes to 8pm and the party was starting at exactly 8. So I quickly grabbed my gold clutch bag and the gift I purchased for Lorena and Darren. I hurried out the room with the stylist adjusting my gown following behind me.


    ¡°Finally.¡± Andrew let out a breath and suddenly covered his mouth.¡±My little girl is all grown up.¡± I rolled my eyes in a full circle.


    ¡°Can we go now? Y¡¯all making me feel like some type of celebrity.¡± Heughed helping me down the stairs.


    He opened the back seat of his Bentley and assisted me in. Then go into the right side, the driver zoomed off.


    ¡°Where¡¯s daddy?¡± I inquired from Andrew who had gone from goofy to business man mode.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Probably workingte.¡± His reply didn¡¯t sit right with me. Maybe due to the fact that I was suspecting either one of them for the missing funds.


    Maybe he was seeing someone??


    I debated on asking Andrew but with the presence of the driver, I decided to keep it till another day.


    **********


    ¡°Congrattions you guys.¡± We greeted each other with a warm smile and quick kiss on the cheek. Then gave Darren a small hug while he and Andrew shook each other.


    ¡°Thank you my love.. you look gorgeous. Spin around for me real quick.¡± Iughed spinning around and she hyped me up.


    ¡°We need to take pictures.¡± She called on the photographer. He took dozens of pictures of the four of us, Darren and Lorena alone, My brother and I and Lorena and I.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head in for a second.¡± Lorena told Darren who simply nodded. We were first outside at what felt like the red carpet where guests took pictures with the couple before heading in.


    As we stepped into the luxurious hall, I marveled at the pristine white decor, from cascading drapes to glistening silver ents. Crystal chandeliers shone through the hall in a soft glow, highlighting the elegant floral arrangements. The plush white carpet beneath our feet felt like a cloud, and the air hummed withughter and clinking sses. Seated on sleek white leather, the atmosphere exuded an undeniable sense of refinement.


    ¡°Lorena, this is beautiful.¡± She smiled brightly at mypliment, mouthing an appreciation. She escorted Andrew and I to our table specially reserved.


    ¡°We will be right back, we are just going to mingle for a while.¡± I nodded in understanding. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder why Darren was in an uptight mood, usually he was yful and chatty. But I guess in about three years people will change.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    While Andrew was busy talking to someone on his phone, I busied myself with sipping the champagne offered and looking around the hall.


    I sucked my teeth discreetly when I made eye contact with a high school mate and to my dismay she approached this table. She was wearing a short white gown and eight-inches long ck heels which lifted her regr petite figure.


    ¡°OMG, isn¡¯t this the very Lydia King, oh my fault, Lydia what again?¡± I gave her a fake smile rising to my feet.


    ¡°Georgia, it¡¯s been a while.¡± She stretched out her hand for an embrace and I reluctantly obliged.


    ¡°You look different but in a good way.¡± Iplimented and she smiled.


    ¡°You look the same, like literally how you looked in high school. Now sadly as young as you are, you¡¯re divorced.¡± I pursed my lips tired of the word.


    The news of me being a divorcee was out? I know Mrs King would be quick to spread the news.


    ¡°What can I say? Life works in mysterious ways.¡± She hummed discreetly, rolling her eyes.


    ¡°And who was the man with you? You went ahead to find yourself a new rich hunk, you naughty girl?¡± I faked augh and turned around realizing my brother was no longer seated there.


    ¡°It was nice seeing you, Georgia.¡± I ended the conversation and she gave a fake smile.


    ¡°Same.¡± She left and went ahead to find someone else to taunt. My heart beat rang through my ear but I shook off any fear or anything else.


    ¡°Now don¡¯t tell me that was annoying short bald headed Georgia.¡± Lorena startled me by taking a seat and Iughed.


    ¡°Yes, that was her. Turns out my divorce is out.¡± I informed her as she munched on the small chops she brought.


    ¡°No it isn¡¯t. But now that she is aware, best believe it¡¯s gonna be all over the news by the end of this week.¡± I huffed at that.


    ¡°But are you good? You are literally stress eating.¡± I pointed out and she sighed deeply.


    ¡°Of course, I am. I want this night to go perfectly.¡± She told me and I patted her back.


    ¡°It¡¯s going to go well, it is going well.¡± I assured and she smiled a little, rxing.


    ¡°What would I do without you?¡± She asked and I shrugged. ¡°Probably thrive or cry.¡± Sheughed standing up.


    ¡°Now let me introduce you to a bunch of people.¡± She dragged me up despite my protest.


    I met her parents who I hadn¡¯t seen in a long time and they embraced me warmly. While she introduced me, I loved the fact that no one knew about me, no family ties, infact no means of upation or even the fact that I was married to the very own Nathaniel King. While we were together, many didn¡¯t even know as I failed to apany him to events just as he instructed.


    To everyone I was simply Lydia. They were the ones who would go ahead to research about me.


    ¡°To the Bride and Groom.¡± A toast was made by one of Darren¡¯s friends, Lucas. Lorena had asked to probably put me on with him and I refused adamantly. I waspletely good without any man in my life.


    ¡°To the bride and groom.¡± We all chorused raising up a ss. The two shared a kiss and we all looked at them with loving eyes.


    I walked out of the hall in search of the bathroom and met Andrew still talking on the phone with someone. Speaking in a hushed tone.


    ¡°Look, I¡¯m busy. I will call you when I can.¡±


    Who could this person be? I stared at him with suspicious eyes and he jumped when he met my eyes.


    ¡°I will call you back.¡± He said to the unknown person.


    ¡°Work.¡± He informed me with a weird smile and I nodded, keeping my thoughts to myself.

 Trending News

    NATHAN¡¯S POV.


    I sat at my desk, staring out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the sprawling city below. The bright lights of the city were dazzling, but the view was mine alone, from my perch at the top of the skyscraper. I felt like the king of the world, surveying my domain from my lofty position.


    I took a sip out of my ck coffee which contained about three tea spoons of sugar in order to energize me for the day. I hadn¡¯t gotten adequate rest due to therge deal we had just been given.


    The King Industries was one of the biggest constructionpanies in the country and being able to attend two contracts on the job of constructing a new mall and arge duplex was appealing. Though it generated lots of revenue and the team was already working on it, I couldn¡¯t help but feel unsatisfied.


    I was following in the footsteps of a great man and I couldn¡¯t afford to allow the board members to doubt a single move I make or any proposal I make. So I was quite careful but determined to retain the pride of ourpany by constructing every single infrastructure both for the good of the country andpanies.


    ¡°Good morning sir.¡± My secretary, Lisa, greeted me walking into the office. I gave her a head nod in response, cing my cup of coffee on myrge wooden table next to the pile of documents.


    ¡°Sir, you would be having a meeting with the marketing team for the CSR project in about 20 minutes. After which, Mr Liam has set a meeting with you stating that he had to book a meeting just so he can talk to his best bud.¡± I rolled my eyes at thest part as she ran down my further activities of the day.


    ¡°Thank you Lisa.¡± She gave me a baffled expression before masking it up. I couldn¡¯t me her, I didn¡¯t usually respond nor utter a single word or gesture in response.


    Today I felt a bit ted but just the single thought of her being gone and the bittersweet feeling of being utterly alone in the midst of all this chaos crossed my mind and my mood deted.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee sir. If you will excuse me sir.¡± I nodded in response and she gracefully walked out the office.


    As soon as she closed the door behind her, I scrolled through the documents of the CSR project which we were having meetings for.


    I nced at my ck Patek wristwatch noticing it was about five minutes to the meeting. I rose to my feet and headed towards the board room where the meeting was about to take ce.


    Every morning while I headed to a meeting, shbacks of Lydia reminding me to grab a bite or encourage me to have a nice day shed through my mind. Guilt and an utter sense of apology often followed wincing at how I would simply dismiss her or send her call to voicemail.


    I shook it off and adjusted my ck suit which I have often heard the employees gossiping about,


    If I had lost my wife or a kid? Or a rtive due to my regr choice of color. As usual I would remain silent and ignore it all. I was simply d the news of my divorce wasn¡¯t everywhere but knowing the media and my mother, it wouldn¡¯t take too long.


    ¡°Good morning Mr King.¡± The marketing team chorused as soon as I entered into the room. I gave a head nod taking a seat at the ck chair.


    ¡°So let¡¯s begin.¡± I didn¡¯t need any formalities, I wanted to delve in at once. As the head of the marketing team began with the presentation, everyone nced from her to me once in a while.


    The project was simply thepany constructing an orphanage home in order to boost the image of thepany. I was down for it but I needed to listen to the cost, partner and idea for publicity.


    ¡°With the construction of the orphanage home for the kids, the King Industry still remains relevant and the heartthrob of the society. Obviously thepany cares about the ki-¡±


    ¡°Delve into the cost.¡± I cut her off, annoyed at her continuous repetition. She flipped using the remote control to arrive at the page in the projector where the page was.


    Suddenly, three phones dinged loudly simultaneously and threedies apologized at the interruption.


    ¡°With the gross ie which thepany is likely to attain from just publicity, we are staring at over a million. But with over 25 million for the construction.¡± As she exined, I nodded, flipping through the documents with heavy debate. Until a loud gasp interrupted us all.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry sir and ma¡¯am.¡± Ady with full ck hair and a tan skin tone hurriedly apologized, setting down her phone.


    ¡°You keep distracting us, Ms?¡± I began raising my head up from the document presented and the fear in her eyes twinkled.


    ¡°Chr.. Christina Tall.. tallman.¡± She stammered out rising to her feet and bowing her head down in respect.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, but this news sir might seem to interest you.¡± I scrunch my face and every single person was taken aback just by the look on their face you could tell.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± I jerked my head forward, shutting the presentation file. She pursed her lips handing me her phone, I almostughed at her bravery. Unbeknownst to her, I could literally smash her phone for herck of work ethics.


    My amused facial expression fell when I saw the news which was obviously trending everywhere.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    I kept an emotionless face observing the anticipation of the workers in the room while I muttered, ¡°Oh Fuck.¡±


    Handing her her phone back, I gave a tip-lipped smile and said, ¡°Let¡¯s proceed.¡±

 Intoxicated

    NATHAN¡¯S POV.


    At A Bar


    Later that night.


    ¡°My brother.¡± Liam pulled me into an embrace grinning widely at my presence. Kelvin and Jacob dapped me up with our usual handshake we have been doing since young.


    Liam and Jacob¡¯s parents are friends to the family and we all grew up together. Went to the same high-school and college. Kelvin was introduced into the group at high school and was literally the yboy of the group even at 30 was unwilling to settle down. He had the look and aura of an actor which attracted girls to him.


    Liam was also the same except he had an on and off girlfriend named Riley. What they had was cute but toxic. She was a beautiful young girl from a wealthy family as well and Liam¡¯s family adored her.


    Jacob on the other hand was quite the opposite, he was married with a child and he had a nice and easy going personality which was in contrast to Liam and Kelvin to wild and stubborn behaviors.


    I loosened my ck tie and exhaled deeply. I was exhausted and perplexed.


    ¡°You look handsome.¡± Liam nudged my side handing me a drink and I sucked my teeth at his yfulness.


    ¡°No for real man¡­You look good and look like shit at the same time. Are you well? Do you need a drink? Quick fuck? A new wife? Good head? Talk to me.¡± Kelvin asked and he and Liam bursted outughing.


    I waved them off about to take a drink out of Kelvin¡¯s ss of hennessy but Jacob quickly stopped me.


    ¡°I know you must be tired but I¡¯m sure you must remember you can¡¯t just drink any of these two drinks.¡± Jacob pointed out and the two of them chuckled deeply. They were literally kids in grown people¡¯s bodies.


    ¡°Jacob why are you always killing my fun uh?¡± Liam bucked at Jacob letting a single strand of his blonde fall in his face.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°You two act like you¡¯re thirteen. When do you want to start acting responsible?¡± Jacob truly sounded like someone¡¯s father scolding their children.


    ¡°Sorry daddy.¡± Liamughed so hard while Kelvin replied, ¡°Ew.¡± To Liam¡¯s reply.


    ¡°So anyways back to our divorcee, I mean you¡¯re divorced right?¡± Kelvin began and I nodded in response. Liam mouthered, ¡°Aw.¡±


    ¡°I take it that you¡¯ve seen the news? I did tell you she was a good for nothing girl who was simply after your money.¡± Kelvin stated and I clenched my jaw.


    Did I mention Kelvin had no filter?


    ¡°Look, they are divorced and she can do whatever and be with whoever she pleases. You guys just never liked her for whatever reason which is why you guys speak this way. Y¡¯all are just rooting for Jenny for whichever sly reason.¡± Jacob concluded sipping out of his drink.


    ¡°Jacob, go sit somewhere. How long has it been that she¡¯s out there jumping onto the next wealthy man? She¡¯s a gold digger and luckily for our brother here, he was able to escape without a dime collected or jewelry given right?¡± Liam asked to confirm and I remained silent.


    I don¡¯t even know what to believe right now¡­My friends except Jacob and his wife, Melissa never liked Lydia at all, they had never spoken any good about her.


    Was my mother right about Lydia all along? Was she a gold digger after my money?


    ¡°Just get me something stronger.¡± I ordered and Liam, being the alcoholic, snapped his hand calling for the waiter. I ignored the protests from Jacob, it was just too much right now.


    My phone was going crazy now, with a bunch of calls from my mother, sister, media and shareholders. I was drained and unable toprehend anything so I decided to just drink it all away.


    *********


    ¡°Man, don¡¯t fucking copse on me right now!¡± Kelvin snapped, helping me out of the elevator. I was barely even able to stand up straight, my legs were wobbly and I was seeing a single thing and three forms.


    Jacob had already headed home and Liam wasn¡¯t as drunk as I was but was simply tispy so hezily followed behind me.


    ¡°O My God, Why did you let him drink so much?¡± I was struggling to pinpoint whose voice that could be. I secretly prayed it was neither my mother or sister because I wasn¡¯t about to deal with their yelling.


    I was a quiet drunk, that is, I barely uttered two words when drunk. Contrary to others who talked too damn much. Plus I was just usually extremely sleepy, it was almost as if I was drugged with how deep I slept when drunk.


    My eyes fluttered open meeting Jenny¡¯s eyes. Her eyes met mine and she gave me a small smile. She assisted Kelvin in helping me to my bed.


    ¡°Was it because of that woman he was drinking?¡± She questioned Kelvin and Liam. Kelvin simply shrugged as I fought to keep my eyes open.


    ¡°Well, thanks for bringing him back and calling me to take care of him.¡± Jenny said to the guys as they strolled out of myrge luxurious room.


    ¡°You know we trust you with our brother there.¡± I heard Kelvin¡¯s reply. I was in disbelief at hearing they had summoned Jenny knowing how much I preferred my peace and quiet.


    With the sleep heavy in my eyes, I finally let my eyes close and thankful no thought of my beautiful ex wife crossed my mind.


    ¡°Look at how drunk you are.¡± She assisted me in removing my ck coat and white t-shirt leaving me in just my white singlet and pants.


    ¡°Let me take care of you tonight.¡± I heard a familiar seductive voice with rubbing hands on my chest. I felt a peck on my cheek and I attempted to push whoever off.


    With slumber and fatigue, I drifted into a deep slumber without any knowledge of who and whatever was going on and present.

 Spotted With A Prominent Man

    LYDIA¡¯S POV.


    EARLIER THAT DAY.


    ¡°Let me just finish this.¡± I said to myself sitting Indian style on my softrge queen sized bed tucking my hair to the back of my ear as it was getting in my face.


    In order to keep my identity a secret which my father had always done since I was a child, in fact the majority of people believed Andrew was my father¡¯s only child, I was going to work from home.


    I was uncertain if my father was going to still grant me a position at thepany but nheless, he had instructed me to know the in¡¯s and out¡¯s. So I was going to do just that.


    I snacked on the cookies Patricia had baked, I strongly believed she was literally cooking and feeding not just because it was her job but also in order to get employed at one of our luxurious restaurants as a chef. And maybe her ns were working.


    A sound of my phone ringing from the bed stand broke my attention from the pile of documents in front of me. I sighed deeply stretching to pick up my phone, the caller ID revealed it was no other than my best friend calling.


    ¡°Hey girl.¡± Lorena¡¯s cheerful tone rang through my ear.


    ¡°Hey sis, you sound enthusiastic.¡± I pointed out and she giggled.


    ¡°Yes, I am and you would be in a few hours. But you know¡­.¡± She trailed off speaking to someone in the background.


    ¡°Hold on Lydia.¡± I nodded like she could see me while the conversation I had with my brotherst night crossed my mind, I was disappointed to say the least.


    ¡°O My Fucking Lord.¡± Lorena¡¯s voice interrupted my thoughts. Her exmation was filled with annoyance and worry at the same time.


    ¡°What? What¡¯s wrong?¡± I instantly asked to move off the bed and sat at the edge in case I had to run to her.


    ¡°Oh no, no, no ¡­ . Lydia just rx okay? I will be thereter tonight.¡± I knitted my eyebrow together in confusion and pondered what she could be talking about.


    ¡°Love, just tell me what¡¯s going on? Why do I even need to rx?¡± I inquired, feeling uneasy with possible scenarios being created in my mind.


    Did anything happen to my father or brother? Was something rted to my family or the business exposed?


    ¡°I¡¯m going to send an article to you.. just rx and read it. I will stay on the call with you.¡± I became uneasy as if I slowly opened the article she sent to me.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    I tucked my bottom lip when I read the headline,


    WIFE OF THE VERY OWN NATHANIEL KING, CEO OF KING INDUSTRIES SPOTTED WITH A PROMINENT MAN AT THE JENERIES BUSINESS EVENT LAST NIGHT.


    ARE THEY INDEED DIVORCED? AND COULD THE RUMORS THAT HE CHEATED ON HER BE TRUE? AND NOT ONLY CHEATED BUT WAS EXTREMELY ABUSIVE.


    I scrunch my face wondering where the rumor that he had been abusive even came from.


    I took down a memoryne at the events that took cest night.


    shback.


    ¡°Oh, my dear, you look absolutely stunning,¡± my father eximed as I descended the stairs. Andrew, who was previously engaged in a hushed conversation with my father, stopped and gaped at me in awe.


    The dress was made of a rich navy blue fabric that flowed gracefully as I moved. The neckline was modest, with a simple jeweled brooch at the cor. The sleeves were long and fitted, and the skirt fell in soft pleats to the floor. My makeup was light and natural, with a subtle hint of blush and a soft pink lip. She wore simple pearl earrings and a matching pearl ne, whichplemented the ssic style of her dress.


    ¡°Can¡¯t believe you¡¯re divorced.¡± Those were the first words that escaped out of Andrew¡¯s mouth and I almost threw my silver clutch bag at him.


    ¡°Thank you daddy. And this is for you.¡± I gave him a middle finger and heughed.


    ¡°Can we leave now?¡± I asked impatiently, with a bit of excitement to leave the house. But on other hand, I just wanted the night to be over.


    ¡°Yes love, just a minute.¡± My father handed him a box of Cartier and he muttered a ¡®thank you¡¯. I smiled slightly watching as Andrew turned his attention back to me.


    ¡°So here.¡± He opened the box revealing a diamond encrusted Cartier wristwatch. It was genuinely lovely and added the right ornament to my outfit.


    ¡°Thank you, but what is this for?¡± I smiled brightly as he brought out the watch from the box.


    ¡°What hand do you want it on?¡± I replied with my left hand and just like the gentleman he was raised to be, he helped me put it on.


    ¡°I just want to get my little sister a gift, problem?¡± He bucked his head at me and Iughed pushing him away.


    ¡°So you loveeee me?¡± I sang about to pinch his cheeks with my manicured nails coated in sky blue. He looked at me from head to toe andughed deeply.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough now, you guys should head out before you runte.¡± My father literally shooed us out.


    I chuckled excited for the whole lot of surprise the night had to offer.


    *****


    We arrived at the events and I was baffled at the amount of paparazzi all lined up and taking a bunch of people and hollering trying to get the attention of all present there.


    I was reluctant to alight from the car, firstly I feared that I might run into one of the Kings again. Or Nathaniel himself not that I cared much but I wasn¡¯t still unprepared mentally. Also I wasn¡¯t used to crowds or attending these events, I grew up hidden and frankly I loved it that way. Attention killed me and you could say I heard social anxiety.


    ¡°Rx, I checked the guest list and none of Kings were found.¡± It was like he read my thoughts. I nodded collecting the Cartier dark shades from him in order to protect our eyes from the shing lights.

 Maybe I Am

    He got down from the car and opened my door for me. He stretched out his hand to help me out of the car and I dly took it. It wasn¡¯t exactly easy walking in these six inch ck strappy heels.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I stood on my feet and took his arms as we gracefully strolled into the event. People continued to take pictures without hollering due to the fact that Dad was still nning the formal transition of Andrew as the official CEO. So not a lot of people were aware.


    A ss of champagne was offered and Andrew and I took a ss. The hall was extremely beautiful and extravagant containing a bunch of new CEOs and figures in the Hospitality industry.


    ¡°Let me go say Hi to them. I will be right back..¡± Andrew spoke in a whisper and I nodded letting him go.


    Arge table was set up for the dinner and a variety of dishes were set up. Vegetables, Snacks, Wines, Delicacies of different sorts, and all.


    ¡°You must be?¡± A voice broke my attention from the dinner table. I turned around to meet a tall handsome man with tan skin and beautiful green eyes. He was dressed in a ck tuxedo which was tailored to his body but what threw me off was the diamond studs on his ears and he looked like he was in histe 30¡¯s or early 40¡¯s trying to look young.


    ¡°Lydia.¡± I replied simply.


    ¡°Lydia?¡± He pressed on and I almost rolled my eyes at the smirk on his face.


    ¡°Lydia.¡± I answered.


    ¡°Well Lydia Lydia, I¡¯m Jake Belligram, owner of the Lenox Mall.¡± He introduced stretching out his hand for a handshake.


    ¡°Nice to meet you..¡± He said again shaking my hand and I muttered the same , catching a ring on his finger.


    ¡°I just needed to tell you how beautiful you are and probably get your contact but on a business level. You don¡¯t know where we could possiblye in contact again.¡± I analyzed him and almost shook my head in disappointment.


    ¡°Your wife wouldn¡¯t want to hear this, would she? But I duly appreciate thepliment Mr Belligram.¡± I excused myself in search of Andrew. I could feel Jake Belligram burning holes through my back as I gracefully walked away.


    I went out the hall after checking around for Andrew and tried calling him but there was no response. I wore my Cartier shades walking outside and met him all alone in the dark vicinity. I made a stank face whiffing the thick smell of weed mixed with a familiar expensive cologne. I was taken back meeting Andrew stressed out smoking with his back turned away from me.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± He jumped startled at my voice and presence.


    ¡°Lydia, what are you doing here?¡± He asked putting off his blunt and I scoffed turning sideways.


    ¡°No, what were you doing? Smoking? At a business event? With thousands of people in the industry present? What is wrong with you?¡± I scoldeding closer to him.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°My fault¡­let¡¯s head back in or go home whichever.¡± He said nonchntly about to lead the way back in but I stopped him.


    ¡°Talk to me. Is work stressing you? Did anyone say something?¡± He scratched his eyebrow, a habit he did when he was aggravated.


    ¡°Nothing Lydia, let¡¯s go.¡± When I realized he wasn¡¯t budging in letting out, I decided to spark up a conversation that had been on my mind.


    ¡°You know I found out a prettyrge amount of money had been going to an ount every single month in thest three months. So do you have an idea what¡¯s going on? And don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re using it to pay your dealer every month.¡± He bursted into a fit ofughter,ughing like I said the funniest thing ever.


    ¡°Go ask your father Lydia¡­Or maybe inform him one of his employees steals money from him and has the audacity to still record it. Whichever, it¡¯s not my business. I¡¯m simply the new CEO and my sole obligation is to ensure you¡¯re alright and thepany grows under my watch. That¡¯s all.¡± He said thest part seriously. But something still didn¡¯t seem right.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± I stood still thinking for a while. After a moment, I let out a breath following behind him. I waspletely disappointed by his response, I didn¡¯t know what I was expecting but it was not that.


    We went back into the hall and had dinner with Andrew discussing with a few business associates. I had ensured he had washed his face and drank a whole bottle of water before we headed back in.


    After dinner, we walked out holding hands surprised that the paparazzi were still outside. They shot a clear picture of us.


    And I didn¡¯t think too hard about it till that exact photo was used in his article.


    ¡°Hello Lydia? Are you still there?¡± Lorena¡¯s voice brought me back to the present time.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, I¡¯m still here.¡± I responded, shaking my head.


    ¡°Okay, good. Well, how do you feel about the news? What are you going to do? The King Family will probablye at you for this because another article published stated that their stocks had dropped.¡± I shrugged with no care in the world.


    ¡°That¡¯s none of my business. As long as my family and business is not involved, that¡¯s all left to Nathaniel to handle.¡± I told her honestly and her line went quiet for a moment.


    I was honestly tired of stressing about that family. I had already suffered enough to continue and just maybe this was the little karma for all the harsh treatment I had gotten from them.


    How Nathan feels now? I did not care. He was a big boy, he would handle it without having me involved.


    ¡°I¡¯m so happy¡­you¡¯re no longer stressing about him nor his family. My love is finally finding her peace.¡± I smiled at her words.


    Maybe I am.

 Lydia鈥檚 Gifts

    NATHAN¡¯S POV.


    ¡°Mrs King, we doubt Nathaniel¡¯s position as the CEO.¡±


    ¡°Have you seen how much we have lost in the span of 24 hours?¡±


    ¡°How did the media find out about this?¡±


    ¡°Did you not know your personal affairs affect the stock prices?¡±


    The whole board room was filled with every shareholder¡¯s loud angry chattering and arguments. I sat at the center of the room, the CEO¡¯s position, listening to every single question and insult thrown my way. I picked my cup of ck coffee and took a sip as my head was banging due to the amount of alcohol I had consumed the previous night. Mr Gonre, one of the shareholders watched with an unpleasant look on his face. He was an old man with full white hair and beards, and always gave off the vibe of a man who was strict and abusive to his children to instill discipline.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°How do you n to make this right Nathaniel?¡± Mr Gonre questioned and the once loud became pin drop silent. Everyone turned their attention to me.


    ¡°Well¨C¡±


    ¡°We are going to set up a press conference and clear my son¡¯s image. We are going to prove to the whole world that it was simply my son¡¯s ex-wife lying against my son who treated her like a gem. We will prove she took my son¡¯s love for granted and now that they are separated, she¡¯s bitter after she wasn¡¯t able to gain alimony. After which, we will host a charity ball to raise money for homeless, abused women and children. I will also have his ex wife confess that she indeed lied and it was her quest to receive money for the money. With all that my son¡¯s image and thepany¡¯s reputation will be restored.¡± My mum cut me off and the shareholders remained silent digesting her words. I scrunched up my face not agreeing with some things she had stated but grateful nheless foring to my rescue.


    ¡°Alright Mrs King.¡± Mr Gonre said and my mum smiled.


    ¡°Is it just me or is Nathaniel King, our CEO, hungover?¡± Everyone turned their attention towards me, my mum¡¯s face fell and I sipped my coffee with an unbothered look.


    But his next words threw us all off,


    ¡°After we are done with all these, we shall sit and decide if Nathaniel King is fit to be the CEO of thispany or we have to appoint and vote for someone morepetent.¡±


    Everyone began to murmur and discuss among each other. My mum removed her sses and made eye contact with me. I was taken aback but I kept a straight face while sipping thest gulp of my coffee. I nced at Mr Gonre who leaned back in his seat and stared at me with a smirk.


    After a few more discussions, the meeting was adjourned. I walked out of the boardroom livid and my mum was furious and walked alongside with me. Our assistant followed behind us and as we walked forward, Mr Gonre was smiling and discussing with a few shareholders.


    ¡°The Kings, oh but where is thest one?¡± He asked, referring to Rachel. I took in his appearance, the two of us were in blue suits.


    His were not tailored to his body and it was simply loose like he had gotten it from his great grandfather. His full white hair was slicked backwards and his deep-brown eyes held deceit and scorn.


    ¡°Gonre.. what was the move you just pulled?¡± My mum asked stepping closer to him. I pursed my lips in order to refrain myself from saying a word.


    ¡°I promise Rhonda, it¡¯s nothing personal. Nathaniel is obviously going through a lot and you know what they say in every rumor there is a truth attached to it. So maybe he needs to take time for himself, go to therapy. Let a real man run thispany.¡± I chuckled darkly at his words, running my hands across my beards.


    ¡°Refer to me as Mrs King, Gonre. And mind the words thate out of your mouth when ites to my son and my family.¡± She snapped about to walk away. He nced at me still smirking, probably hoping to get some words from me. But I think everyone must have forgotten how reserved and calcted I am.


    ¡°Have a nice day buddy and get some hangover soup.¡± He patted my shoulder as I walked past and I resisted the urge to bend his hand behind his back.


    ¡°The audacity of that man.¡± My mum spat angrily, taking off her coat while speaking under her breath. Her assistant stood there uncertain of where she should go.


    ¡°Get out, are you slow?¡± My mum snapped, turning her attention to the poor girl. I unbuttoned my blue custom made suit and took a seat in myfy chair. Her assistant scurried out of the office almost stumbling.


    ¡°You, Nathaniel, drinking? Your father would be so disappointed in you right now. Just like I am. The first thing you do after seeing such news is drinking? Knowing damn well the shareholders don¡¯t y about their money. Now there¡¯s about to be a power overthrow, rendering us useless and ipetent.¡± She scolded, shaking her head in disappointment. I rubbed my temples tired as ever and the constant shouting was not helping.


    ¡°I will sought everything out.¡± I told her tiredly and she scoffed.


    ¡°Nope, I will. You obviously can¡¯t do anything right. All you need to do is get that Whore¡¯s contact and if you can¡¯t still do that let me know now.¡± She stated taking a seat across from me. I clenched my jaw and my whole face screamed annoyance.


    ¡°Mother, I am the CEO, this is my mess so I will take care of this. You know this shit has nothing to do with alimony or Lydia spreading such information. My team and I will fix this, I will clean up the reputation of thepany and the family.¡± I told her sternly and the office was silent as if she was digesting my words.


    ¡°Nope.. You have some weak soft for the gold digger whore that you can¡¯t see that she is the one who told the media such news. She used this marriage for her benefit as well but you want to be blind to that.¡± I shut my eyes closed, sighing deeply as she typed on her face inviting her assistant back in.


    ¡°What benefit? What!¡±


    ¡°Fame and money!¡± I shook my head realizing not a word I say will get through to her.


    ¡°Mother, if you don¡¯t allow me to take care of this alone then it shows how little you trust me, just like the shareholders there won¡¯t be a single difference..¡± Sheughed humorlessly at my words.


    ¡°Oh there is my son, the members are not open about theirck of trust for you at least Gonre is. Let¡¯s hope the others still trust you.¡± I scoffed, nodding my head slowly taking in her words.


    ¡°Alright then.¡± I stood up abruptly and she scrunched up watching as I fixed up my suit. Walking out of the office ignoring her calling my name.


    I walked into the elevator ted, I was the only one in it. I brought out my phone and dialed the number of the only person I knew could help me though it was the middle of the day.


    ¡°Nathan? What a surprise? How can I help you?¡± His voice boomed through my ears.


    ¡°Man, stop acting like some receptionist. Are you busy?¡± Heughed. I gathered his location and we exchanged goodbyes, the elevator dinged indicating the arrival at the ground floor.


    ¡°Good day Mr Nathaniel.¡± Three female workers chorused and I gave no response as I strolled towards the entrance.


    ¡°I knew he was simply a bastard but a fine one.¡± Clenching my jaw, I mentally took a picture of her face for future purposes. The valet handed me the keys to my ck Ferrari as I requested.


    I ignored the buzzing from my phone as I hopped into my car and zoomed off.


    **********


    LYDIA¡¯S POV.


    I tapped my fingers repeatedly on the wooden table waiting patiently for the arrival of my father and brother. The two assistants had sent me a message to expect their arrival and they needed to speak with me.


    I was seated at the dining table with my heart racing and my anxiety over the room. Last night when they got back, I had expected them to bring up the news but nothing of sort came up so I was calm.


    ¡°Rx Princess, I¡¯m sure it¡¯s nothing.¡± Miss tried to calm me down and I took a deep breath.


    While scrolling through my phone, I stumbled upon another article which depicted Nathaniel as nothing but a wealthy monster who could even kill a man. For a split second, I thought of going out to the press and going out to defend him but shbacks of the maltreatment and evil I had gotten from the King Family instantly washed it away. He could handle this without me and they will be okay.


    ¡°They are here!¡± Patricia announced delightfully and I nodded rising to my feet adjusting my blue sundress as the temperature in this beautiful mansion was warm and rxing.


    ¡°Good evening Dad.¡± I wrapped my arms around his neck and I was engulfed in a warm embrace. So did the hug from my brother too, taking in his strong smell of cologne.


    ¡°Are you okay Princess? We saw the news and couldn¡¯t help but feel hurt at the fact that you had seen it and dealt with it all alone.¡± We all walked into the dining area together and my dad sat in his usual position and I took a seat next to him.


    I almost chuckled at my dad¡¯s words.


    ¡°Daddy, I¡¯m okay, trust me. This is the King¡¯s problem, not ours. As long as all three of us and thepany are alright, there will be no problem.¡± My dad smiled in satisfaction.


    ¡°Good. Now, we have two surprises for you.¡± Andrew said, excitement radiating in his tone. I smiled small, waiting in anticipation for these surprises.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°The first one is¡­just read through this.¡± Andrew handed me a piece of document. I pursed my lips to contain my excitement as I slowly read the long document which all summed up to,


    Congrattions, you have been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer of the¡­¡­


    ¡°No way.¡± I covered my mouth and they nodded.


    ¡°You are, little girl. I¡¯m so proud of you.¡± I smiled and was pulled into a bear hug by Andrew.


    ¡°Thest surprise is outside.¡± My dad handed me a car key. I was astonished and I immediately ran outside and was hit by the cold air.


    I saw a Red Mercedes Benz Gle-ss Coupe with a ck ribbon on top. I grinned from ear to ear at the choice of car, color and even just the thought of how I would need one as I began my job as the CFO of thepany I had dreamt of working for all my life.


    ¡°Thank you so much daddy.¡± I attacked my father with kisses all over his face. Heughed saying,¡± You¡¯re wee Princess. Any single thing you want, you get at the snap of a finger.¡±


    Gratitude filled my heart and I got teary at the amount of love I kept getting these past few months of being back.


    I had no single regret of leaving that day.


    ¡°You like it? Lorena swore you would prefer this color.¡± Andrew stated walking towards the car.


    ¡°She was right. Thank you too, big bro.¡± He nodded and shooed me away.


    ¡°Go take in your new car smell.¡±


    I smiled and made a mental note to call Lorena and Share with her the good news.


    I know for sure she will ask to go to the mall. Which I won¡¯t mind.

 Rachel King Embarrassment

    LYDIA¡¯S POV.


    I strutted through the mall, wearing a pair of perfectly fitted jeans and a simple yet white sophisticated top. The ssic blue jeans hugged my curves in all the right ces, while the top gave me a ssic and polished look. As I browsed the stores in search of Lorena who had informed me of a bunch of surprises for me. But now I couldn¡¯t reach her since she was picking up my calls.


    I nced through a small fast food restaurant but she wasn¡¯t still present. Turning around trying to call her again, I was met with a familiar face, Georgia, much to my dismay. She was apanied by a girl who looked so much like her that it had to be her younger sister for sure. This city felt so small because everywhere I go, I seem to bump into someone I know.


    ¡°Lydia¡­OMG, are you okay?¡± Georgia inquired looking at me with worried eyes while holding my arms. Just maybe if I didn¡¯t know her better, I would have truly believed that she cared.


    ¡°Sis, she¡¯s the ex wife of Nathaniel King who got abused?¡± The girl besides her said


    I was right that she was her sister because aside from the simr physical traits such as blonde hair, light brown eyes with a hint of orange just like that of a fox, wless skin and model-like shape. The two were as faker than theye.


    ¡°Yes, B.¡± Georgia said to her sister then turned her attention back to me,¡± Are you good though? You don¡¯t even look like you¡¯ve been through all of that. Don¡¯t worry, if you need money for therapy, we will help you start a gofundme and with the sympathy of everyone who now detest the King Family, I¡¯m sure you will have more than enough.¡±


    Before I could utter a word, she spoke again, ¡°Or except one of your many ¡­ . umm.. wealthy acquaintances could help you.¡±


    I was baffled at the words that came out of my mouth. Was that how people really saw me? Not that I cared much but it just crossed my mind how people really saw me, first as the abused ex wife of Nathaniel King who is now going after wealthy men and now she¡¯s talking about a Go Fund Me pleading for money and using lies about Nathaniel¡­I was shocked¡­I literally had no words.


    My father wouldugh so hard if he heard this, which won¡¯t be too far off as people were talking. That¡¯s all the media talked about.


    ¡°You know, right now I¡¯m still processing everything you just said. So.. umm¡­just thank you and I will reach out to you when I gather my thoughts.¡± I stumbled upon my words, the two sisters nodded in understanding with an expression that held humor and worry, if that was even possible.


    ¡°Alright, you have my number right?¡± I didn¡¯t, but I nodded affirmatively.


    ¡°Good, take care. Have a nice shopping spree.¡± I gave a fake smile and bid her goodbye turning on my heels. I got a text message from Lorena informing me she was on the fourth floor at a store named, Chic Thread Boutique.


    That name sounded too familiar but I couldn¡¯t recall where I had heard it. I headed towards the elevator and luckily there was no one in it. I pressed the button and the door shut, taking me up. As soon as I got off the elevator, I took in my surroundings, fixing my new blue Prada bag I had received from my father for bing C. F. O, on my left hand.


    I finally arrived at the luxurious boutique and I was wowed. The lights are dimmed, and soft music is ying in the background. The disys are clean and well-organized, and I couldn¡¯t just wait to purchase an item. The air smells like fresh flowers, and there¡¯s a calm, serene atmosphere.


    ¡°Lydia!¡± Lorena squealed excitedly and I matched her energy stretching out my arms for an embrace.


    ¡°Wait, wait¡­Don¡¯t tell me..¡± I trailed off looking around and she grinned widely nodding frantically.


    ¡°O Lord, Lorena, I¡¯m so happy for you. This is all so beautiful. You finally did it.¡± She smiled and pulled me for a hug.


    She had always dreamt of having multiple chains of stores upying her own fashion line which were all her designs. This was her first store and I was simply proud of her.


    ¡°Thank L. Like you motivated me so much back then and I¡¯m d I was able to do it. My parents were over the moon excited when I informed them but luckily you¡¯re the first to be in here.¡± I smiled proudly at her.


    ¡°It¡¯s all you, My most determined bestie.¡± I gave her a side hug.


    ¡°But enough of all of that, first of all you¡¯re looking good.¡± Sheplimented me, giving me an overlook.


    ¡°You do too, boo.¡± From her curly hair to her outfit along with those lovely Jimmy Choo High Top boots, she was definitely looking like the fashionista which most definitely is.


    ¡°Thank you, love. Now let¡¯s get you in some corporate clothing. Show them how a sexy Chief Financial Officer looks like.¡± She purred and I giggled muttering, ¡°Period.¡±


    As we went through the store, she spoke passionately about each item in the store, sharing the details of its design and construction. I could see the love and care she put into each piece, and I couldn¡¯t help but smile as she gushed about her work. I could sense the stress and anxiety she had gone through in bringing her vision to life, but her passion for her craft shone through. It was clear that this store was more than just a ce to buy clothes; it was abor of love.


    ¡°Now I made these specially for you. So try them on.¡± She brought out about five gowns, three shirts and five pants. I looked at it with already tired eyes, and she ushered me into the changing room sitting down like a bossdy on a white soft couch at the back of the store with a bottle of champagne and my bag next to her seated on the table next to her.


    ¡°You¡¯re gonna love them, don¡¯t you trust me?¡± I exhaled knowing she was about to make me her model for the day.


    ¡°Yes, I trust you.¡± I grumbled and she smiled widely.


    ¡°Good now, let¡¯s begin. There are still so many to try on.¡± She pped and exited out of the beautiful changing room. The interior designer needs to be rewarded handsomely because the designer actually got every single detail Lorena had ever spoken about.


    I huffed shutting the curtains. The first item I put was of the corporate gowns she had designed. The gown was a work of art I must add with the finest ck fabric. It featured a plunging neckline, fitted waist, and flowing skirt that moved with every step. The sleeves were long and dramatic, adding a touch of mor to the overall look. Truly she had designed it for me because it was my taste.


    ¡°O. M. G, Girl, do a quick spin because this is just beautiful.¡± I smiled at how her face lit up as soon as she saw me.


    ¡°Do you like it?¡± She inquired, stepping closer to me with the intention of helping me pack my hair back into a ponytail.


    ¡°I love it. You know me too well.¡± She smiles admiring her design.


    ¡°I do, I do. Now, next!¡±


    **********


    AN HOUR LATER.


    ¡°Georgia has always been a busy body, in everyone¡¯s business. Can you believe she approached me at my engagement party insinuating that Darren could be cheating on me?¡± My eyes went wide in shock while Lorena nodded.


    ¡°I almost pped her dumbass. People always expect Darren to cheat me because you know how athletes get around.¡± I nodded in understanding.


    ¡°Darren is obsessed with you so that wouldn¡¯t even happen.¡± She simply smiled at my words staring straight ahead.


    ¡°He¡¯s different now though¡­I don¡¯t know how to exin it.¡± I was almost asking what was going on but voices were heard from the front of the store and an employee walked into where we were seated.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, two women just arrived¡­They asked to speak to you.¡± Lorena was just excited to receive customers so she rose to her feet.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, you have to record this. This is my first time actually conversing with a regr customer, so for memories.¡± I giggled at how serious she was, I opened my purse and brought my iPhone 13, following behind her.


    ¡°Good afternoon and wee.¡± Lorena smiled brightly and my cheerful mood fell when I saw who the twodies were.


    ¡°I am Rachel King and this is my best friend Jenny¨C¡±


    ¡°Lydia.¡± Jennifer cut off Rachel who scrunched up her face in confusion. Until her eyes met mine.


    ¡°No freaking way, Lydia! It¡¯s been like so long.¡± Jennifer spoke again looking at me from head to toe. I knew I looked different, my family and friends had truly been taking good care of me. I had grown weight in the right ces, my skin was wless, my hair had grown longer and my aura held pride and confidence.


    Rachel remained quiet, this had to be the most quiet I had ever seen on her. She just kept staring at me.


    ¡°You know what, we will just take a nce through the store and let you know whatever we want.¡± Rachel said to Lorena who was busy adding two and two.


    Lorena and I walked back to the back of the store until a particr set of gowns caught my attention.


    ¡°Lorena, these are so pretty. I have to get them.¡± Lorena chuckled about to speak but the presence of two fellows stopped her.


    ¡°We would like to get those.¡± Rachel pointed at the clothes I had just spoken about and the female employee who was following behind them said,


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, Miss Lydia just picked them now.¡± I instantly waved her off.


    ¡°Oh.. no, it¡¯s fine. They can have it.¡± I spoke and Lydia stared at me with raised eyebrows and I nodded.


    ¡°I mean it¡¯s not like she can afford it.¡± I heard Jenny whisper to Rachel and they giggled.


    ¡°I will be right back.¡± Lorena announced and I nodded scanning through the other section of the luxurious fits.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Can I get this?¡± I inquired from another employee and he nodded about to take it off the rack.


    ¡°I will also like to get that one as well.¡± Jenny spoke out and I almostughed, now fully understanding their tactics. I ordered the employee to hand it to them and he instantly did.


    I went around the store picking an outfit and every single thing I picked, they ordered for it as well. After about thirty minutester, Lorena now returned with her eyes on her phone obviously reading the text message I had sent to her. I had questioned her about which is the most expensive dress and told her my ns.


    ¡°Insufficient funds.¡± The cashier announced to Rachel and Jennifer who had obviously taken more than they could afford.


    ¡°Sorry? That¡¯s not possible, try again.¡± Jenny told the cashier with a huge attitude, Lorena and I stood behind with our faces holding humor.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, same thing. Insufficient funds.¡± The cashier repeated and I smirked, turning my attention back to the store.


    ¡°You¡¯re so childish, Lydia. You must have forgotten I am a King and with just one phone call, all these would be sought out.¡± Iughed boisterously and Lorena quickly muttered a sorry then turned on her heels in order to prevent herself fromughing in a customer¡¯s face. The various customers around watched noisily, some evenughed while pretending to pay attention to the clothes in front of them.


    Rachel tried to call someone but the call dropped.


    ¡°Alright, Miss King.¡± I wasn¡¯t about to argue with these two after all they were trying to y with me first.


    Rachel tried to call again and unbeknownst to me, the call went through and she called for help.

 Cunning Witch

    Nathan¡¯s POV:


    ¡°Your team will set up the press conference, but we need to move quickly,¡± He said, with a sense of urgency in his voice. I nodded my head, taking in the cool office we were seated in.


    ¡°Other than that, I agree with the n of holding a charity event but your mum is still bullying Lydia? If she indeed had something to do with this rumor, which I doubt. That will cause further harm to your image. So let¡¯s just deal with these two.¡± I took in his advice letting all sink in.


    ¡°I really appreciate you taking your time to even listen to me, man.¡± Jacob smiled and we shook hands.


    ¡°No problem bro but umm¡­. Do you think it¡¯s possible to reach Lydia?¡± Jacob asked, sitting back in his seat and I rxed on mine thinking back to thest time I was able to contact her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know man. I really put her through enough crap. I think it will be better to handle this myself.¡± He nodded and a knock came from the door, a secondter his secretary walked into the office with two sses of coffee.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± We appreciated her and she smiled politely about to exit the room but stopped.


    ¡°Sir, I would like to show you the reports for the event ofst week for the meeting at 2 or should Ie backter?¡± I gestured for Jacob to allow her to proceed and he did.


    Jacob was that one friend you talked to on any serious and important issue, we often joked on how he was an old man in a young person¡¯s body. It was a joke but it held truths, his words held wisdom and truths. So though he was only a year older than I was, I respected the kind of love he had for his wife which was the type every woman dreamt of. He treated her like a gem.


    When the rumors of him cheating came outst two years, he was quick to debunk such false usations and his wife defended him publicly. People knew not to try him with the powerful, outspoken woman behind him and I loved their rtionship.


    Just as I was lost in thought, the vibration of my phone in my breast pocket brought me back to the present moment. I pulled out my phone, half-expecting to see my mother¡¯s name on the screen. To my surprise, it was Jenny. My expression soured as I considered the prospect of speaking to her, knowing that our conversation would inevitably lead tost night¡¯s events. I weighed my options, trying to decide whether to answer the call or not.


    I awoke this morning with a throbbing headache, disoriented by the bright light shining through the uncovered windows. I turned to my right and nearly fell off the bed in shock when I saw a familiar face staring back at me ¨C it was Jenny, looking far too awake and chipper for my liking. My brain struggled to process this information, but the evidence was clear ¨C she was there, her messy hair and bare chest peeking out from under the white sheets. Before I could fully grasp the situation, she said something that left me frozen in terror.


    ¡°Good morning my love.¡± She said flirtatiously and without uttering a word, I got off the bed and headed straight to the bathroom in only my Calvin Kevin ck pair of boxers. Afterwards I dressed up for the day ignoring her questions and long speeches, in fact she was still speaking when I shut the door behind me.


    I was already furious and hungover, thest thing I needed was any confusion, nagging or unneeded affection.


    As soon as her call dropped for the fifth time in a row, a call from Rachel came through and I let out an inaudible groan.


    They must be together. I thought to myself while debating whether to answer or not.


    The call dropped and instantly she called again and I answered on the first ring,


    ¡°WHAT?¡± I asked as soon as I answered and I could hear a breath of relief.


    ¡°Nathan, we have been trying to get you for a minute now.¡± Rachel whined and I rolled my eyes. ¡°Anyways, we are at the mall and we just might have exceeded our spending and I need you toe bill us out. People keep staring at us in a disgusting manner and I don¡¯t like it at the slightest in fact you wouldn¡¯t even believe who we happened toe across righ¡ª¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care, just let me send you the money.¡± I cut her off harshly watching as Jacob and his secretary concluded on their discussion and she walked elegantly out of the office.


    ¡°NO! We do need a ride after and wouldn¡¯t you like to see your baby sister. Please Nat, pleaseee.¡± Jacob, who could hear the conversation, gave me a look and I knew he meant to go.


    I shut my eyes and sighed deeply, ¡°I will be there. Send the address.¡±


    ¡°Yayyy¡­Hurry up, okay?¡± I hung with responding and I could vividly imagine the look on her face.


    ¡°Alright man, go ahead and take care of your sister. Lest I forget, I still need the tea on what happenedst night.¡± I rose to my feet and did a double take at his choice of words.


    ¡°Bro, did you just say tea?¡± Heughed deeply and I chuckled as well.


    ¡°You know what I mean.¡± I simply hummed and dapped him up. I bid him goodbye and once again appreciated him for taking out of his time to actually listen and give advice.


    My phone dinged as I got to the parking lot indicating Rachel had sent her location, I reluctantly cruised to the mall.


    ********


    Arriving at the fourth floor of the mall, I caught myself walking into a luxurious boutique store, the interior design was majestical and the store was simply peaceful.


    I fixed up my suit and walked towards the check out point, my eyes darting around the store in search of either Jenny or Rachel.


    ¡°Good afternoon sir. Wee to Chic Thread Boutique, What can we help you with?¡± A young employee inquired politely and since I couldn¡¯t still locate the whereabouts of Jenny and my phone was almost dead, I ended up asking her if she had probably seen either one of them while giving a vague description.


    ¡°Oh sir, Rachel King?¡± I sighed in relief as she finally got her description after about three trails.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Just as she was about to take me to where they were seated, the two came running to me like kids whose father came to pick them up.


    ¡°Nathan, you¡¯re here,¡± she eximed, throwing her arms around me in a dramatic fashion. Jenny too greeted me warmly, but my mind was elsewhere.


    My eyes fell upon a woman I hadn¡¯t seen in a long time. She had always been beautiful, but now she was radiating an inner glow that took my breath away. I couldn¡¯t help but stare, entranced by her almond-shaped eyes that seemed to hold an indifferent expression, a stark contrast to the loving gaze I remembered from before. But there was something else about her that struck me ¨C a confidence and air of sess that she exuded. It was as if she had transformed into a different person entirely, one whomanded attention and respect.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t call you for no staringpetition with that woman who literally tricked us into buying all of these. I have no idea when she became this cunning and grew this amount of pride.¡± I was taken aback at the information of Lydia tricking them.


    I never knew her to be like that but the smirk on her face confirmed Rachel¡¯s words and I wasn¡¯t the slightest pleased.


    I offered my ck card to the cashier and turned my attention to Lydia who seemed to be waiting for someone. I was uncertain on how to greet her, what to call her and what to say.


    ¡°How have you been Lydia?¡± I could hear a scoffing from Jenny but I ignored it, keeping my eyes on the woman in front of me.


    ¡°Very well, thank you.¡± She responded dryly without giving me a second nce. I was about to speak again when a young woman ran from the back of the store and whispered into her ears.


    Lydia¡¯s face lit up at whatever thedy had said and in record time, a man who looked way too familiar came into the store stealing the attention of every single person in the store including employees, customers and most especially Lydia. He had two guards behind him who went straight ahead to gather Lydia¡¯s thousand shopping bags.


    I never even knew she cared about material things.


    ¡°Andrew.¡± She smiled widely running into his arms and he held her in an intimate embrace. As soon as they broke apart, I heard him ask her if she had purchased everything she needed and she responded affirmatively.


    ¡°Bye Lydia.¡± The young woman hugged her and after they broke apart, Lydia walked out of the store holding hand in hand with that man. She didn¡¯t even look back but he did and stared at me intently with a stank look just before he shut the door to the store.


    So it was true that Lydia was following a wealthy man after our divorce? She had probably even been behind tarnishing my image¡­What if my mother is right about Lydia?


    ¡°It¡¯s all done, Nathan. Now let¡¯s get some pizza, I¡¯m hungry, tired and thirsty.¡± Rachel announced handing me back my card all while interrupting my thought.


    I didn¡¯t utter a word as we all exited the store while Jenny and Rachel talked amongst each other. Just like Lydia¡¯s man, as soon as I got to the entrance of the store, I turned around and made eye contact with the woman who seems to be friends with Lydia. We made eye contact but I broke it following behind the two.


    ¡°Hold up you two, I will be right back.¡± I told them as soon as we arrived at the ground floor. I could hear Rachel whining andining but I strongly believed I had to do this.


    I arrived back at the Chic Thread Boutique and the employees all came towards me inquiring what the problem was.N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    ¡°I need to speak to thedy who was just here.¡± They furrowed their eyebrows in confusion.


    ¡°Sorry who?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright you all. It¡¯s me.¡± I remember her somewhat, Lorena the fashionista, Lydia¡¯s best friend.


    ¡°So how may I help you, Nathaniel King?¡± She inquired with an attitude but I needed to do what had to be done.

 Handle Your Own Shit

    NATHAN¡¯S POV.


    I stood in my office, staring at the document on my desk. It was a list of questions that the head of public rtions thought I might be asked in the uing press conference. I had spent hours preparing my answers, but there was still a nagging sense of uncertainty. Would I be able to handle the barrage of questions? Would I say the right thing? I checked my phone again, hoping for a message from her. But the screen remained nk, and the silence was deafening.


    ¡°Where is he?¡± I rolled my eyes at the sound of a familiar voice. Just a secondter, Lisa and my mum entered the office with her assistant not too far behind.


    Lisa excused herself after telling me she tried to announce their presence.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you in the suit I picked out? What¡¯s with the regr ck tie for goodness sake.¡± My mum spoke with frustrationced in her tone, was for sure tired of me and just maybe if I was happy I might have joked about tone and facial expression.


    I didn¡¯t pay her questions any mind, I knew how good I looked in my ck suit matched with a in ck tie. The outfit wasplimented with a silver Cartier wristwatch and my Gi ck men¡¯s corporate shoes.


    ¡°You know what? You look great, everything is going to go smoothly with or without the presence of that¡­. opportunist who wants to tarnish your image.¡± She stood before me helping me to fix my tie.


    ¡°Mum, can you stop with this continuous insult of Lydia. You know the media continuously spectes when they hear of a divorce.¡± I told her over a little above a whisper so as to prevent the other people present from listening.


    ¡°Son, quit with all that crap keeping at the back of your mind, if you don¡¯t handle this well, you will be removed as CEO and I will personally vote you out.¡± I scoffed at that and she gave a warm tight-lipped smile patting my shoulder.


    A knock interrupted the intimate moment of a mother encouraging her only son who she cares about dearly. The door opened revealing Kennedy, the head of public rtions dressed in a ck tight-fitted corporate gown, almost as if we had nned to match.


    ¡°Sir, it¡¯s time. They are waiting for you. Good morning Mrs King.¡± She turned her attention to my mum who simply darted her attention from Kennedy to me.


    ¡°Alright¡­I will be right there.¡± My mum gave me a look and then all three women exited out of the office giving me a chance to breathe.


    Days like this I wish I had Lydia¡¯s encouraging words even when I didn¡¯t ask for it but it wasn¡¯t possible. I would never hear them ever again. Just like that the screen of my phone lit up and I hurriedly picked it up.


    Lorena.


    I didn¡¯t tell her a word you said to me.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Handle your own shit and let my girl be.


    I locked my phone, tucked it in my breast pocket and made my way to thepany¡¯s conference room blocking out any thoughts and hurt. I needed to handle my shit and knew just what to do.


    AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE.


    ¡°Do you n to take any leave from thepany?


    ¡°How are you managing the stress of this situation?¡±


    ¡°What is your message to the public?¡±


    ¡°How do you n to move forward from this situation?¡±


    Reporters and Journalist bombarded me with questions. Various camera and lights kept shuttering in my face and I was feeling uneasy so I brought out my dark shades to protect my eyes and end the sweating.


    ¡°Please one question at a time please. Or Mr King will not be answering any.¡± Kennedy tried to maintain order and it worked because they all rxed. A man who looked between histe thirties andte forties dressed in simple blue jeans and a maroon and white checkered long sleeve shirt, raised up his hand and Kennedy asked him to proceed.


    ¡°What is your response to the allegations against you on how you not only cheated but abused your wife?¡± He questioned and I braced up.


    ¡°The allegations are false and simply spections by the media of what could have possibly gone wrong between myself and my ex-wife. There was no cheating between both parties nor any form of abuse.¡± I responded and a dozen hands were raised again including the man.


    ¡°What happened between the two of you then? If indeed you two ended the marriage amicably, why isn¡¯t she here?¡±


    I wasn¡¯t expecting this question and I had no idea how to respond to this. Though the people couldn¡¯t tell, my mum and Kennedy must have noticed and my mum was about to speak but I refuse to allow her to speak ill about Lydia to the masses. I nced through the room and made eye contact with a familiar face in this intense room, Jacob. He gave a smile and head nod.


    I took off my sses and cleared my throat,


    ¡°My ex-wife doesn¡¯t have to be here to prove anything. We separated for personal reasons, reasons any woman who isn¡¯t too happy with the patterns of her husband leaves. A reason in which a woman who feels empty and alone in a marriage could possibly understand. I take full ountability as my wife was perfect but I had issues to deal with.¡± The room fell quiet and the man sat back in his seat. They had all probably seemed to be digesting my words.


    A few secondster, questions poured in.


    ¡°What steps are you taking to address the concerns of your employees and shareholders?¡±


    ¡°Do you n to take any leave of absence from thepany?¡±


    I thought for a second before responding to the following questions considering the fact that the shareholders, employees and my mother were present.


    ¡°I n to¡­.¡±


    They all listened to my words and while some would agree, some wouldn¡¯t. But the feedback of all would be known in 24 hours including the shareholders especially Mr Gonre who kept staring at me with an unreadable expression.

 Telling Her Off

    ¡°That was good, bro.¡± Jacob shook hands with me and I smiled thanking him. We watched as the reporters took their leave thanking me and saying a few words to Kennedy and my mum.


    ¡°The reporters seemed quite pleased. Hopefully the news tomorrow will be pleasing to us.¡± Kennedy informed me and I nodded.


    ¡°Thank you, Kennedy. Good job.¡± I told her, she gave a polite smile before excusing herself.


    ¡°Mr Gonre.¡± I spoke as he approached where Jacob and I were, Jacob busy on his phone while I kept meditating.


    ¡°Nathaniel King. Let¡¯s wait for the reports tomorrow. Have a good night and please go out tonight. Have a st, do something wild if you please.¡± He patted my shoulder walking away. If I didn¡¯t know better, I would have taken his words seriously but he knew the media would still be watching my every move.


    ¡°Nat, I have to get going but see you tonight? Liam and Kelvin want to go to some¡­¡± He trailed off watching as I shook my head slowly in disagreement.


    ¡°I will be going home tonight. The media is watching and I need to just rx.¡± He nodded in understanding. We did a quick handshake in parting.


    ¡°Bye bro.¡± I watched him exit out of the conference room. The shareholders one after another shook hands with me saying different words of encouragement.


    Whatever tomorrow¡¯s report and meeting with the shareholders states, I am ready to face it head on.


    LATER THAT NIGHT.


    ¡°Man, when did you be such a buzzkill? We set this whole shit for you.¡± Liam said over a loud music ying in the background. I knew it was lit but I was sofortable with the idea of the night nned out.


    A night with a cold rxing shower, Chinese food I have picked up on my way here, drawing and probably reviewing the blueprint for the construction of the mall.


    ¡°The media is watching and I¨C¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­fuck the media. I miss you man.¡± I bursted outughing at that and he chuckled as well, I could hear the guys in the background faintly.


    ¡°Goodbye and quit being gay.¡± Heughed and I hung up.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    I opened the door to my penthouse while undoing my tie and pped my hands to put on the lights. I dropped the new containing my take out on the round ss table in my living room.


    ¡°Surprise.¡± I jumped at the sudden sound of a woman¡¯s voice. I frowned, turning around to meet Jenny with an excited expression. She waited for me to move or say something but I stood there heavily gazing at her.


    She was dressed in a short pink gown that stopped right before her butt. Her hair was packed in a neat ponytail, her face was covered in make-up. Looking like she was here on a mission.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I questioned with my irritation unheard and her countenance fell and she pouted.


    ¡°That¡¯s the first words that escape your mouth? I came to celebrate with you after today¡¯s hectic day. You know how I don¡¯t cook so I gave you food from Burger King and chocte cake.¡± She smiled, bringing it out from the nylon bag.


    ¡°I appreciate it though I detest Chocte cake. But I would like to be alone right now.¡± I said with finality. She smirked, strolling towards me with a seductive look I knew all too well.


    ¡°For real? I thought we would at least run a bath together. Eat and discuss in the hot tub, I will be down for anything you would like to doter.¡± She whispered in my ear, running her tongue in my ear which was supposed to turn me on but rather irritated me. So I stepped aside pushing her slightly away from me.


    ¡°Jenny, you know what, it¡¯s my fault. After what happened the other night, which I recall nothing of, I should have made things straight with you but failed to. I don¡¯t want to have any type of rtionship with you, including sexual. I recently got divorce, you¡¯re healing so quiting here. Drop the key on the counter, thanks for the food and shut the door on your way out.¡± She seemed taken aback by my words.


    ¡°Nathaniel, don¡¯t y like that. You know you want me, what happened the other night was amazing and I know you enjoyed it. Even if you don¡¯t want a serious rtionship, I¡¯m down for a sexual one. We both need each other and you know that¡­Please let¡¯s try this, I¡¯m down for anything.¡± She pleaded and I shook my head in disappointment.


    I couldn¡¯t believe we used to date.


    ¡°Have some self respect for yourself. I will get the driver to pick you up and go straight home. Lord knows what goes on in your head.¡± I nced at her picking up my phone and her face got red in embarrassment at my words.


    ¡°Here.. I¡¯m¡­¡± She dropped the key, stumbling on her words.


    ¡°Is this because of your ex wife because we were good before her arrival?¡± I ran a hand across my face gathering my words.


    ¡°Just take care of yourself. I can¡¯t deal with this right now.¡± She nodded with her face filled with sadness and hurt but I hated how she carried herself.


    Begging for a sexual rtionship? To be treated like a slut? I hope Rachel wasn¡¯t into this rubbish.


    I walked up stairs and without turning back I heard the front door close, then I let out a breath of relief.


    I stripped out of my clothes and got into the cold rxing shower. Rather than my initial ns, after this I nned to just go to bed as I had lost my appetite. Surprisingly, Lydia was heavy on my mind. She had be more beautiful since thest time I saw her, her curves and skin.. she was literally a goddess. Probably that man she left with was now treating her like a queen as she deserved to be.


    What if she was also like Jenny pleading for a sexual rtionship but instead in exchange of money?


    I shook off the thought knowing deep within my soul, My Lydia wasn¡¯t like that.


    Or was she?


    Stepping out of the shower after about fifteen minutes of rxing, I got a text from my mum and I was reluctant to even read it as my head was calm:


    ¡®I have already started working on the charity event.


    I will make sure Lydia is there whether she likes it or not.¡¯


    I rolled my eyes after reading the text and shut my phone.

 Tsk tsk Mrs King

    LYDIA¡¯S POV.


    THE SAME DAY AS NATHAN¡¯S INTERVIEW.


    ¡°Good morning daddy. ¡± I greeted my father whose eyes were focused on his iPad as I took a seat at the dining table. I was dressed in a pair of sleek ck pants, paired with a crisp white shirt and a ck zer. I paired the look with ssic ck heels and minimal jewelry, wanting to appear professional and polished.


    ¡°Good morning princess. You look beautiful. ¡± Heplimented me with a smile, bringing out his aged handsome features. I thanked him for letting out a breath. I picked up a fork dishing five pancakes on my te and I watched Patricia approach the table with a cup of coffee in her hands.


    ¡°Good morning Miss Lydia, I made it just how you like it. I hope you have a nice day at work today.¡± She smiled, setting the cup of coffee next to me.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I observed her and my father made eye contact, she simply gave a head nod and turned on her heels. I didn¡¯t want to give a thought adding to the stress of what was currently on my mind, so I simply drank out of my cup of coffee.


    ¡°How do you feel about today? There¡¯s going to be a board meeting today to introduce you to the board members after which some time next week, the official introduction to the shareholders.¡± He exined and I nodded slightly slowly chewing my food.


    ¡°But not as your daughter right? Because people are going to question who I am, they are going to want to know where I havee from. I don¡¯t want the media to assume I slept with¡ª¡±


    ¡°Nobody is going to know anything which is why I was thinking, if you want to, you can move into a luxurious penthouse in one of the hotels. The media is already on your neck because of your ex-husband and as soon as they find out you are the new Chief Executive Officer they might even follow you around. Also, I don¡¯t want to hear anything about what the media says about you, I just might sue them if they keep tarnishing your image.¡± He cut me off, I sighed deeply at his words.


    Though I understood his reason for keeping my identity was for my protection, now I couldn¡¯tprehend why he still did when with just a single press conference announcing me as his child and due respect will be orded to me. He failed to and deep down in my soul, I preferred it that way. People could say horrible things about me as the ex-wife of Nathaniel King but if they knew I was the only precious daughter of The Millers, I could be harmed or held hostage. So I just need to woman up and handle it.


    ¡°Do you understand Princess? You have all the qualifications to get into this position and don¡¯t ever doubt that.¡± I stared at my father with a pout and he pinched my cheeks bringing a smile to my face.


    ¡°Yes father.¡± I picked up a cup and drank it all savoring the sweet milky taste.


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s get going.¡± He rose to his feet and I grabbed my ck Hermes bag. We walked out the house, while he entered into the Bentley with the driver already starting up the car.


    ¡°I will see you there?¡± My father asked right before the door was shut by the driver.


    ¡°Yes daddy, I¡¯m not about to back down from something I have been hoping for all my life.¡± It was simply amusing that he assumed I might run back into the house after he left.


    ¡°Good, and I¡¯m a very proud father.¡± It warmed my heart hearing that, and just after we bid each other goodbye. The driver shut the door and gave me a thumbs up, hurriedly starting up the car and driving out of the mansion.


    I let out a nervous and slight excited breath hopping into my new car. I started the car and cruises out of the mansion taking in the beauty of nature sting a song that often times gets me energized for the day, All The Way Up.


    *******


    After packing my car in the parking lot, a space reserved just for me, I stared at the skyscraper of the offices in astonishment. I had only seen this in pictures and maybe twice while growing up but now seeing it up this close was simply amazing.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± The receptionist at the front desk greeted me as soon as I came in. My ID card, keys to my office and letter of appointment had been sent out to me so I knew where I was headed.


    ¡°Oh Wee Miss Lydia Taylor. ¡± She gave a warm smile calling me by my mother¡¯s name I had used as my surname all my life.


    I thanked her and got into the elevator, I pressed the 30th floor in which my office was. A bunch of staff rushed into the elevator talking amongst themselves, while I stayed behind adjusting my dark shades on my face listening to them.


    ¡°I heard there¡¯s a press conference going on at King¡¯s Industries.¡± That caught my attention but I already knew they were going to do just that as Mrs King did not y about their image nor their money.


    ¡°For real? I hope he slips up and we truly know if our handsome CEO is indeed a wife beater or not.¡± The other girl hummed in agreement.


    ¡°That¡¯s by the way. Who knows, his wife might just be working in thispany.¡± The other looked at each other with wide eyes and just like that the elevator dinged, indicating they had arrived at their floor. They instantly hopped out and continued gossiping amongst themselves.


    How the hell did people know that piece of information?


    Finally, I arrived at the floor and got off staring in awe at the interior designs and the luxurious surroundings. Everywhere was simply beautiful, as I continued staring about to end up in my office my phone dinged. I smiled reading the message from Lorena.


    Have a lovely first day.


    You got this??


    I shot her a short ¡®Thank you boo??¡¯ and locked my phone. The front desk where I assumed my secretary would be was rather empty much to my dismay. I knew my assistant¡¯s name was Roseline, she had emailed me the documents and the list of meetings I had to attend today.


    As I step into my office, I am struck by the air of calm and order that greets me. The space is light and bright, withrge windows that offer sweeping views of the city skyline. My desk is impably organized, with not a speck of dust in sight. The shelves are filled with books on finance and strategy, and a sleekptop rests on the desk. My eyes caught a pink white mug with a red ribbon on it, I smiled when I read from Andrew just telling me I shouldn¡¯t trip over anything at the board meeting.


    I took a seat on my Steelcase Leap Chain enjoying howfortable and soft the chair was. Turning around, I smiled taking in the beautiful scenery outside and a knock came through the door.


    ¡°Good morning Mrs Lydia, I¡¯m so sorry I¡¯mte. Here is your cup of coffee and the documents on thestption of the financial report. Also your meeting with the board is in the next five minutes.¡± My eyes bulged out of my socket hearing thest part. I nced at my cartier wristwatch realizing it was indeed five minutes to eight and I was so caught up with the new office, I had totally forgotten.


    ¡°Where is the board room?¡± I asked in urgence jerking up from my seat and she decided to just lead the way. As we headed towards the board room, I couldn¡¯t help but notice the stares and murmuring and I could have sworn I saw someone take a picture of me. But I didn¡¯t pay them any mind, nothing was going to bring me down.


    *


    ¡°You must be the new CFO, I¡¯m the vice Harry Fletcher.¡± We shook hands right before the entrance of the board room.


    ¡°Lydia Taylor.¡± I gave a polite smile, shaking his hand firmly. He looked like we were in the same age bracket, tall, cute man who seemed like he was in tech with his nerdy look.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. We were all awaiting your presence.¡± I took a deep breath and remained myposure as we walked into the board room where various directors discussed among each other. There were two seats left which were reserved for Harry and I.


    While strolling to my seat, I noticed all eyes were fixated on me. Andrew and I made eye contact and I made sure to not trip.


    A minuteter, the meeting began with my father as the active CEO speaking. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what Andrew¡¯s duty was when my father was letting up on his role as CEO. Even after promising Andrew some time ago.


    ¡°Let¡¯s Wee our new CFO, Miss Lydia Taylor.¡± They all rounded into apuse and members next to me shook hands with me, saying wee. Just like in every organization, there were some who weren¡¯t pleased and did not fail to hide it.


    But look at me, Lydia Miller Taylor, Chief Financial Officer of one of the biggest organizations though influenced by my father. But yayyy.


    **********


    I had just concluded a meeting with the marketing team to discuss budgets, when I arrived back in my office. Lunch was already seated on my table so I headed straight to the office of the person I know who would spoil me like this.


    ¡°You just love me uhn?¡± I barged into his office after making sure he was alone. He looked from the files in front of him and smiled. I let out a breath of relief meeting him like that, at least he was neither smoking nor with a woman.


    ¡°You¡¯re no longer my little girl at this point. You¡¯re all grown up and I just want to cry.¡± Andrew faked tears and I giggled while sitting on his couch while opening my food.


    ¡°Thank you for this.¡± He hummed just staring at me.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± I didn¡¯t say anything knowing he would spill it in 3, 2, 1.


    ¡°I was just watching your ex-husband¡¯s press conference before you got here. And wow, they were on his neck. Do you want to watch it?¡± I shook my hand, ¡®No¡¯ taking a full spoon out of the pasta in front of me.


    ¡°Okay.¡± He opened his device and continued watching it, increasing the volume.


    ¡°¡­.. We separated for personal reasons, reasons any woman who isn¡¯t too happy with the patterns of her husband leaves. A reason in which a woman who feels empty and alone in a marriage could possibly understand. I take full ountability as my wife was perfect but I had issues to deal with.¡±


    The wordsing out from Nathaniel and the way he sounded was almost like he regretted his actions. But I knew better, I knew he was just trying to get the pity of the media and masses. As long as they didn¡¯t make me the bad guy. I was totally fine.


    ¡°I¡¯m just imagining if he told the media it was just a contract. The whole nation would be on his tail.¡± Andrew joked and Iughed small.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    What if he indeed regretted how he treated me in our marriage?


    ******


    After a long day, I arrived back in my father¡¯s house reflecting on my day.


    Should I move into a penthouse? Did I do well today?


    A thought on how Nathaniel crossed my mind becauseter on, I joined Andrew to watch the entire thing. I don¡¯t care about him though because he and his entire household are liars.


    I sat at the edge of my bed and my phone¡¯s screen lit up. I scrunched up my face reading the content of the message.


    This is Mrs King¡¯s assistant.


    She would like to invite you to a charity ball thepany is having and she demands your presence there. No room for Yes or No.


    Have a nice night. Details of the event will be sent to you.


    Iughed humorlessly and shut my phone.


    Tsk, tsk, Mrs King.

 Handsome As Hell

    3rd POV.


    It was a weekter and thest event Lydia had attended, she was shocked at the amount of disrespect that had been thrown her way. Old, hideous men had approached her trying to make her their mistress after the news hade out.


    The Ex Wife of Nathaniel King is seen with different wealthy business men over thest few weeks. Are the rumors that she now sleeps with sessful men in order to sponsor her lifestyle true?


    Lydia¡¯s father was not pleased with the headline but Lydia assured him it meant nothing to her. She knew the paparazzi had taken pictures of her when she was meeting with investors so therefore she was being diligent, their words meant nothing to her.


    Well until, the disgusting words and stares that came from men. The worst was her encounter with a familiar man who was known publicly for his cheating ways.


    ¡°Lydia Lydia.¡± He stared at her with lust admiring her physical features, from her beautiful face to her amazing body. She turned around and kissed her teeth lowly.


    ¡°Mr Jake¡­¡± She trailed off as she had forgotten hisst name. He smiled trying to charm her but she stared at him, lost and just wanted the conversation to be done and over with.


    ¡°Belligram, owner of Lenox mall. How have you been? It¡¯s been ages since I hadst seen you and I must say you¡¯re indeed gorgeous more than ourst encounter. An epitome of beauty if I may add.¡± She ran her hands across the back of her neck then touched her diamond ne, getting ufortable with the stares from the grown man in front of her.


    There was a short moment of awkward silence between the two, at least awkward for her not for him. He took his time to eye fuck her probably picturing her naked.


    ¡°Is there something I can help you with Mr Belligram because your presence diforts me.¡± He chuckled deeply, summoning the waiter who was serving champagne. He grabbed two sses, and handed Lydia one.


    ¡°What would you say if I said we make a toast to you?¡± She smacked her lips beating herself up because she was prolonging this conversation.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Thought you¡¯d never ask. I will make this toast to you¡­to us. To the beginning of a new start between us, a give and take rtionship.¡± He smiled slowly, stepping closer to her until he was just an inch apart from her.


    ¡°A rtionship where I¡¯d adore you and spoil you and all you have to do in return is to let me have a taste of this sexy body of yours. I promise I am a pleaser and you would just be my little beautiful slut.¡± His hot breath fanned her ears and she chuckled humorlessly. Sheughed so hard her eyes watered, she turned around and ced the wine ss on the table.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    He smirked with the assumption that she was ready to leave with him in order to begin his little fantasy, but his thought was cut short by the intensity of the p thatnded on his face. It was so hard, he moved backwards and held his left cheek.


    ¡°You will respect me.¡± She spat angrily turning her heels, it was then she realized the attention of the people were now on her. But she didn¡¯t nce their way, she carried her ck clutch bag fixing on her dark shades storming out of hall which contained business men and women.


    The news traveled so fast, the disrespect from men reduced and some people even called her a bad bitch. But this news didn¡¯t do too well for the King Industries and Mrs King was aggravated.


    Tonight though was the Charity ball she had nned. It was going to be huge as people were traveling from far and near to attend. It was an all white party and the Kings had prepared their outfits. They were all ready.


    Mrs King had a silent wish and it was simply for Lydia to be there. She had a n to aplish what she had spoken to the shareholders.


    To have Lydia confess she lied to the media even though that news was old and forgotten by the masses and the media, even the shareholders. Mrs King just wanted to get back at Lydia for all the problems she had been causing and Nathaniel wasn¡¯t in agreement with his mother.


    But who could stop her?


    ******


    In the extravagant hall stood various industrious men and women who discussed amongst each other,ughing, drinking and making business deals all dressed in beautiful white outfits. The women dressed to kill and it was all strictly by invite.


    Everyone gushed at Rachel¡¯s outfit as soon as she stepped into the hall with her boyfriend, her husband to be, who was simply just a darling to her. Was he really? She held a smile greeting everyone politely with Jason possessively holding onto her letting every man know she was his.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to hold onto me so tight. They all know I am with you and your hands are going to leave bruises on my skin, you know it¡¯s delicate.¡± Sheined whispering in his ear as soon as they finally got away from the people.


    ¡°You look beautiful and everyone can see that. I¡¯m always going to leave a mark on you to remind you anytime you stare at the bruises who you belong to.¡± Rachel blinked repeatedly to prevent tears from rolling down her cheeks, so as to not ruin her makeup. He pecked her lips staring into eyes lovingly but sickly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go speak to the Dieze family.¡± He said to her and she rubbed her lips together following him as they walked hand in hand.


    About ten minutester, the two main characters of the party arrived walking together. Nathan held onto his mother¡¯s hand as she walked gracefully into the hall with people staring at her white flowy gown in awe. But they didn¡¯t dwell long on her as Nathan was a sight to behold.


    The white tuxedo sat regally on Nathan¡¯s broad shoulders, its crisp lines emphasizing his strong physique. The pristine white fabric glowed against his dark hair and striking blue eyes, creating a striking contrast. As he stood tall, the tuxedo clung to his form like a second skin, entuating his every move. Women shot him seductive looks until they finally arrived at their table.

 Mrs King Promise To Herself

    Expensive jewelry, artworks and sentimental objects were up for auction as well as a date with beautiful women specially handpicked by Mrs King. She had included Rachel much to her dismay, Jenny and even Lydia unbeknownst to her.


    As the events began to unfold such as the dance stored up, Mrs King searched around the room looking around for Lydia but she wasn¡¯t found. She watched Mr Gonre approach her table after Nathan had gone to get some small chops.


    ¡°Rhonda King.¡± She rolled her eyes in a full circle at the sound of his voice. He chuckled sitting at the empty seat next to her.


    ¡°Are youing by tonight?¡± He whispered and she scoffed, keeping her mouth shut.


    ¡°I will take that as a tomorrow night then. You look beautiful by the way, almost as if you never aged.¡± Heplimented and her heart smiled but her face remained nonchnt. He stood up about to turn on his heel when he came face to face with Nathaniel.


    ¡°What¡¯s up Kid? Having a good time?¡± Mr Gonre did not wait for his response as he took his right after. Nathaniel kissed his teeth then handed his mum her food.


    ¡°You can have it. Let me go mingle.¡± She rose to her feet leaving Nathaniel with a bunch of shareholders and their partners. He decided to just head back to his friends table where Liam, Jacob, Kelvin were all with their dates and he was only only familiar with one of their dates which is Melissa. Jenny was seated among them talking to a man she had met at the bar, she hoped to get Nathaniel even the slightest jealous but he was rather nice to him.


    As the live band performed, it seemed like the whole room became quiet at the entrance of a new guest. Her dress and aura turned heads as all stared in bewilderment. The fabric flowed like liquid silver, reflecting the light and shimmering with every movement. The hem of the dress drifted softly on the floor, trailing behind her like a whisper of silk. The neckline was adorned with delicatece, framing her face like a crown. The red lipstick on her lips was like a signature, an ent that drew attention to her radiant beauty.


    ¡°Hey boo. I thought you would have backed down but I didn¡¯t know you had a grand entrance all nned out.¡± Lorena immediately rushed to her friend.


    ¡°You look beautiful, I can¡¯t believe I made this dress. You look stunning boo, I¡¯m proud of you. My girl is all confident and sexy.¡± Lydia smiled at her words trying to gather herself as she could feel the looks burning daggers to her back.


    ¡°Come with me, I reserved a table for you. Don¡¯t get all quiet now, alright?¡±


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am, I¡¯m just getting used to all these looks and the attention, you get what I am saying.¡± Lorena hummed in understanding, the two took a step at a time walking like models. Infact a photographer rushed in front of them to capture the moment.


    ¡°Lydia!¡± The two turned around at the sudden sound of her name. Lydia just so happened to make eye contact with Nathaniel and the two gave each an overlook, as expected Lydia reverted her attention meeting thest woman she nned on seeing today, Mrs King.


    ¡°How have you been? It¡¯s nice to see you ept my invitation after all the trouble you have put my family through thesest few months.¡± Nathaniel watched the interaction from afar and couldn¡¯t help but wonder what his mother was saying.


    ¡°Bro, you¡¯re staring mad hard. I mean I understand thisdy is so fucking beautiful.¡± Liam spoke yfully without caring for his date. Nathaniel side eyed him rising to his feet to interrupt whatever discussion was going on between his mother and ex-wife.


    Jenny wasn¡¯t not pleased with the way Nathaniel stared and in fact she just knew that this entrance of Lydia attracted the attention of men including the man she had met a few minutes ago. It annoyed her from the heart.


    ¡°He¡¯s so in love with that girl.¡± Melissa whispered into her husband¡¯s ear who hummed swallowing his food, looking from the live band to Nathan.


    Lydia and Lorenaughed at the words that kepting out of Mrs King¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to put my name under the mud to uplift you and your family¡¯s name. I wasn¡¯t behind the spreading of the false rumors about your son being abusive and a cheat. So why would I tell the people that?¡± Lydia asked rhetorically.


    ¡°Because I demand you to apologize for telling lies, don¡¯t you understand? The media will be here in five minutes, so start prepping.¡± Lydia scoffedughing at her words which fueled Mrs King¡¯s anger.


    ¡°I¡¯m not doing anything. So sad you would think I will just do just as you say, I mean do I look like the gullible young woman who would do anything to please you and your family anymore. I¡¯m here to enjoy myself so if you please, stop this harassment.¡± Lorena and Lydia walked away after Lydia gave a tight-lipped smile after speaking.


    Nathan who had been listening was slightly shocked at the new Lydia while Mrs King was furious and couldn¡¯t believe Lydia was no longer being a puppet down for whatever role she wanted her to y.


    ¡°The audacity of that woman, who in the world does she think she is to talk to me like that?¡± Mrs King scoffed and Nathan calmed her down.


    ¡°We had handled that situation, you didn¡¯t have to bring it up mum. I¡¯m the CEO and they know I will give my undivided attention to thepany, anythinging out from Lydia would only cause confusion and bring us back to square one.¡± Nathan told his mother whose brain was working overtime plotting.


    ¡°Let me get you a ss of water.¡± He excused himself and Mrs King nced at Lydia and Lorena making a promise to herself.


    Lydia is going to suffer in my hands. I will make her life a living hell.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

 Lydia And Nathaniel King

    Lydia¡¯s POV:


    Lorena and I watched the events unfold while having a good time despite the looksing from all if not all in the room. The screen of my phone lit up on the table where Lorena and her plus one, her fianc¨¦ and a few others were seated.


    He had been in a bad mood all night and kept his eyes on his phone smiling whilepletely ignoring Lorena¡¯s presence even when she had asked if he was okay, he stared at her and snubbed her. Lorena just kept quiet as if she was used to his rude behavior. I mentally took note of that and prepared to question her about itter.


    They were now about to start the auction, disying beautiful artworks and jewelry which was appealing to the eyes. In fact a particr diamond ne caught the attention of every woman there.


    ¡°28CT Heart Cut Simted Diamond Ne 925 Silver Gold ted¡­¡± The emcee began having ady, who was working the party, unbox it. The light shone on it and I was wowed. Every woman gasped at its beautiful structure, diamonds and I knew I wanted it but I debated whether to bid for it or not, as women in the hall were already signaling their husbands to get prepared.


    ¡°We begin bidding at a hundred thousand dors.¡± All the men except a few instantly raised their hands up.


    ¡°Five hundred thousand dors.¡± Darren spoke loudly, calling the attention of everyone in the room.


    ¡°Six hundred thousand.¡± A well known politician spoke up and for some reason, I felt like auctions were always so interesting. It kept everyone on their toes wondering who would eventually purchase the work and everyone¡¯s head turning.


    ¡°Six hundred and fifty thousand dors.¡± Nathan¡¯s deep voice rang through the room. Lorena nudged my side, wiggling her eyebrow suggestively.


    ¡°Girl please. But your man is over there.¡± It was now my turn to wiggle my eyebrow and I was expecting her to blush but rather she scoffed, reverting her attention back to the auction.


    ¡°Are you guys okay?¡± I asked, whispering in her ears with concern.


    ¡°We are¡­Let¡¯s just talk about this some other time.¡± I nodded at her words, hoping they were good. I just want my best friend to be truly happy with kids and a loving husband as we had talked about all our lives.


    Suddenly, I felt the need to pee probably due to the amount of wine I had consumed tonight. I whined as I did not want to miss the auction but stood up nheless.


    ¡°I will be right back. I need to pee.¡± I whispered into Lorena¡¯s ears.


    ¡°Do you want me toe with you?¡± I shook my head, ¡®no¡¯ and hastily but elegantly left the hall. But right before I exited out of the extravagant hall, I heard Nathaniel dere two million for the new ne after Darren and a few others said a million. It was too small for a ne like that, I wondered why the bidding started so low.


    I entered the bathroom in a haste and let out a breath of relief as I let it all out. I heard the sound of someoneing in, and after I was done I came out of the stall.


    Much to my dismay, it was no one other than Jennifer standing beside the sink washing her hands repeatedly in anger. Rather than greeting her, I kept mute washing my hands next to her.


    ¡°Ohh, so just because you¡¯re now a slut for hideous wealthy men you think you can draw attention to yourself knowing damn well what everyone thinks about you. Oh, or you want to get Nathan¡¯s attention?¡± Sheughed humorlessly still washing her hands in annoyance, almost like she would wash her skin off in a jiffy. It was terrifying to watch, especially with the frustrated expression on her face.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    ¡°My Nathaniel doesn¡¯t care about you to be honest, he¡¯s with me where he belongs.¡± I truly felt so bad for her, she was literally the definition of pathetic.


    Do I look like I want her Nathaniel¡¯s attention?


    She¡¯s just so miserable and I don¡¯t me her as she literally wine and dines with the queen of misery herself.


    ¡°Good for you love but I really don¡¯t care. Be with your Nathaniel, I will stay with whoever I have. ¡± I dried off my hands and walked off not wanting to say too much. Girls who looked exactly like Jenny always seemed to behave in the sake retarded manner.


    As I walked out of the bathroom, my phone rang and I smiled seeing Andrew calling. I headed outside in order to be able to speak freely. He simply questioned if he still needed toe, as he was supposed to be my date for the night but was workingte. I assured him there was no need for him to pull up, so we exchanged goodbyes and ¡®I love you¡¯ then ended the call.


    I smiled, turning around while putting my phone back into my bag only to hit a hard ce. I looked up meeting the built chest of a familiar face, wait so he was standing there the whole time? I scoffed about to move to the left but he held my hand stopping me.


    ¡°You look beautiful, Lydia.¡± Those were the first words that escaped the mouth of my ex-husband, if it were before I would have been blushing and melting but now, nothing.


    I simply gave a tight-lipped smile about to leave again but he obstructed my way. I rolled my eyes looking at him impatiently as he just kept his hard gaze on me and I maintained eye contact. I couldn¡¯t even pretend he didn¡¯t look handsome as ever but that was Jenny¡¯s man and I wasn¡¯t about to go down that route ever again.


    ¡°I would like to apologize on behalf of my mother and myself even my entire household, we all didn¡¯t treat you right and¡ª¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s in the past. I have forgiven but never forgotten. I don¡¯t want to have anything to do with you and your family so please, if you will excuse me.¡± I tried to leave again but he didn¡¯t let me. He seemed puzzled at my behavior but what did he expect? For me to continue worshiping the ground he walks on.

 Self Centered

    Lydia¡¯s POV:


    ¡°That¡¯s totally understandable. But I would like to give you this.¡± The box revealed the diamond ne that was just up for bid. It was magnificent up close and I stared at it with amazement but quickly masked it seeing the look on his face.


    ¡°You have been good to me but I treated you like¡­.¡± He trailed off, I simply stared at him for a moment then diamond ne with then encrusted heart shape. I huffed and annoyed at myself for my next action.


    ¡°Thank you but no, thank you.¡± I closed the box and walked away.


    ¡°Oh, because of the new man you¡¯re seeing right?¡± He questioned and I turned around confused. He really did think I was a gold digger going after men for money? I scoffed but rather than responding, I turned on my heels.


    I could feel eyes on me as I walked back into the hall just ready to take my leave.


    ¡°A date with beautiful Jennifer, ssy, elegant, entertaining. Bidding from 20, 000 dors.¡± An old man raised up his hand but most people were no longer paying attention. It was just sad, her huge smile as if she was about to be crowned the most beautiful in the world was slowly falling. I refuse to stay and watch all that. I headed straight out after bidding Lorena and her fianc¨¦ goodbye.


    ¡°Call me when you make it home.¡± We hugged.


    ¡°I will.¡± I smiled, Mrs King and I made eye contact as I walked out. She was engaged in a conversation but stared at me.


    She was weird as hell.


    ***************


    NEXT DAY.


    AT WORK.


    I was trying to focus as an emergency board meeting was going on to discuss the breakaway of alliance with the constructionpany my father had worked with for more than twenty years. It was simply to decide the next alliance to be formed and with whichpany because the ns for the new hotel in Germany were on go and needed to start as soon as possible, so I zoned out.


    Last night, after arriving at home. I shot Lorena a text letting her know I made it home but as I strolled upstairs, I was still uncertain if I should move out or not but the voices, sounds, groans I heard fromst night though I secretly prayed it was neither my father nor brother who was making out with a maid who I wasn¡¯t sure of making such sexual noise, I knew it was inevitable.


    I nced at my agile, handsome father who was listening to the head of the business development team go off. I pray he didn¡¯t disrespect my mum like that even though it had been years since she passed, it still wouldn¡¯t be right. On the other side was Andrew who was ying with his pen, in his ck suit looking clean especially with his new trim. It just couldn¡¯t be him, but why did he sleep over at the mansionst night?


    I sighed deeply, shaking off those thoughts and decided to pay attention. Until images of Nathan crossed my mind, the look of admiration, hurt and desperation in his eyes in about two minutes of conversation.


    What was wrong with him and his need to speak to me?


    My phone dinged in my pocket and a new article with my name included with the Kings was headlined again.


    I kissed my teeth in irritation.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    MRS KING¡¯S POV:


    NATHANIEL KING SEEN GIVING HIS EX-WIFE A BOX OF DIAMOND NECKLACE, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    I clenched my jaw reading the headline on my phone, I set down the cup of tea I was drinking and sucked my teeth.


    Rachel walked into the dinning table in her pajamas looking sad as ever but I wasn¡¯t thinking about that now.


    ¡°Look at this.¡± I showed her and she reluctantly took the phone from me zooming into the picture of the two.


    ¡°Ohh, that¡¯s so bad. Everybody is going to talk about Nathaniel again.¡± She said in a mocking tone then sucked her teeth with annoyance written all over her face.


    ¡°What¡¯s with that stupid tone? What do you even know about running a business? And how can this affect ourpany?¡± She rolled her eyes looking at me like I was stupid.


    She chuckled humorlessly, ¡°I really do not me dad for dying on us because you¡¯re exhausting, annoying, insensitive and self centered. People are dying, going through pains all around you but you¡¯re just obsessed with Lydia and Nathan for some sick reason. Travel, search on tinder for a partner, just get a life and stop trying to rule ours.¡±


    She spat angrily and my facial expression seemed to annoy her even more as she cried going up to her room.


    I hissed just watching her go upstairs. She needs more backbone.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Jenny?¡± I inquired from the maid who was filling my cup with more tea.


    ¡°Her room was empty when I got there and her bed untouched. It seems she did not sleep herest night.¡± She informed me and I nodded.


    I just hope she slept at Nathan¡¯s penthouse.


    After a quiet breakfast, I slowly strode upstairs taking each step at a time with a mischievous thought lingering in my mind. I quietly opened Lydia¡¯s old room looking around it.


    ¡°Lomi! Lomi!¡± I called for the maid and I could hear the sound of her feet approaching.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡± She answered panting heavily due to her sprinting here.


    ¡°Clear the room and burn everything, you can keep a few belongings but burn it all. Even the sheets which sheid on, all burnt.¡± I spoke with finality.


    ¡°Are you su¡­ re ma¡¯am?¡± She stammered out and I shot a look that said, ¡®what do you think?¡¯


    Afterwards, I walked into my room and saw the jewelry I had which Lydia hadplimented the few times she saw me with it. I smirked and looked at it.


    The n was slowlying together.

 Mrs King Allegation

    3rd POV:


    SAME DAY:


    As Mrs King sat at the edge of her King sized bed, staring at her own ne. A memory crossed her mind and she got up heading straight to Lydia¡¯s old room in a haste.


    ¡°Good morning Mrs King.¡± She reverted her attention to the staircase where Jenny was slowly striding up the stairs, in a fresh pair of clothes. A deep blue jean along with a white t-shirt tucked in, topliment her look was gold essories and ck heels.


    ¡°Where have you been?¡± Mrs King questioned, strolling down the corridor headed to the room in her mind.


    ¡°I stayed back at the hotel. You seem to be on a mission, what¡¯s going on?¡± Mrs King smiled slyly but kept mute. Jenny followed her nheless, she was curious and wanted to help in any way.


    ¡°Hold on, Lomi.¡± Mrs King announced her presence and Lomi was reluctantly packing out Lydia¡¯s belongings halted in her action turning around.


    Mrs King took slow elegant steps and sat at Lydia¡¯s old vanity. Jenny nced at Lomi who kept her gaze on Mrs King watching her every move. Jenny looked at with irritation and ordered her to wait outside. Lomi bowed her head and muttered ¡®Excuse me¡¯ before taking her leave.


    Mrs. King¡¯s reaction was a mix of satisfaction and amusement. The shake of her head said, ¡°I knew it!¡± while the small smile showed a sense of satisfaction, as if to say, ¡°I was right all along!¡± There was also a hint of pity in her expression, as if to say, ¡°It¡¯s a shame she took it, but I knew it would happen which makes it all easier.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Jenny inquired, Mrs King turned around and smirked at. Rather than reply, she whipped out her phone and dialed a number, she brought the phone to her right ear while the suspense was killing Jenny.


    ¡°Good morning officer.¡± Mrs King greeted with a huge grin on her face.


    ¡°Yes, I need you to get a warrant. Someone has stolen an expensive diamond earring from my family home.¡± She took a pause to listen to the officer on the other line, Jenny was so puzzled, she sat on the bed listening to her and tried to hear what the officer had to say.


    ¡°Yes, Officer. My son¡¯s ex wife, Lydia¡­I think Taylor. I need you to get her in a public ce, in order to let the whole nation know she¡¯s nothing but a gold digging thief.¡± Jenny gasped and smiled, happy with the mischief.


    ¡°Thank you. You will be rewarded if this goes well.¡± They exchanged pleasantries. Afterwards Mrs King and Jenny smiled at each other.


    ¡°Ohhh, Mrs King, when did you even think about this?¡± Jenny questioned, chuckling.


    ¡°I remember Nathaniel had gone out and purchased a diamond earrings. They were beautiful and you know how my son never goes wrong with jewelry though this was quite different from his regr taste. After she left, she took it along with her and she had left everything else. Such a whore, it truly disys how ssless she is.¡±


    They both scoffed at that.


    ¡°I hope this all works out. The shareholders, the media and the masses will continue having full trust in Nathaniel when thises out. I should reach one of my friends who works in the media and tip her about this.¡± Jenny spoke and Mrs King was pleased at that.


    ¡°I did say I was going to destroy her.¡± Mrs King mumbled to herself with a grin stered on her face. Lomi, who was eavesdropping, held nothing but distaste listening to them.


    She remembered it was not Nathaniel who had purchased it because Lydia had a disappointed look when she found it wasn¡¯t from him. But rather, her father and brother. Lomi wanted to scream and let them know but fear held her back, she wondered if there was something else she could do to help.


    *********


    HOURS LATER.


    ¡°Thank you Roseline. You have been nothing but great help with helping me settle in. And guiding me so as not to make a fool of myself.¡± Lydia appreciated her assistant. The two sat back after an intense meeting with an investor who eventually agreed to the deal.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee Mrs Taylor, sorry Miss Taylor. I¡¯m just doing my job.¡± She answered politely, quickly correcting herself. She gazed as Lydia took a piece out of her slice cheesecake letting it melt in her mouth, Roseline¡¯s mouth watered just from the sight.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    ¡°Call me Lydia, at least when we are not at work. Do you want cheesecake because I see how you keep staring at mine?¡± Lydia teased and Roselineughed but a red tint formed on her cheeks, embarrassed that she had been caught.


    ¡°Oh, no ma¡¯am. I¡¯m on a diet so I can¡¯t even be having that.¡± Lydia chuckled, nodding in understanding. She didn¡¯t want to meddle though Roseline was not slim, she had the right amount of weight but she just might have wanted to lose a few pounds.


    ¡°Did you inform the hotel that I would be moving into the penthouse this weekend?¡± Lydia questioned and Roseline thought back to the list of things she had done today.


    ¡°Ohh, yes ma¡¯am. They said to tell you, you¡¯re wee anytime.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s head back to the office, no other meeting?¡± Lydia nced at her watch seeing it was now 5pm.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am. We are done for the day.¡± She nodded, after clearing the bill and leaving a tip. The two were now walking out of the restaurant slowly. They were puzzled seeing the amount of reporters in front of the restaurant all recording her and waiting for some type of action to unfold.


    Lydia simply brought out her dark shades and was about to head into her car when about three muscr police men approached her and her assistant. Roseline observed the reporters became at her alert as if they were waiting for this, which they were.


    ¡°Miss Lydia Taylor?¡± A policeman questioned, Lydia scrunched up her eyebrow.


    She looked around and said in a confused tone, ¡°Yes.¡±


    The policeman signaled the two other policemen to get behind her,


    ¡°Miss Taylor, you are under arrest for the alleged theft of a diamond jewelries¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Lydia and Roseline said in unison.

 Getting Arrested

    3rd POV:


    ¡°You have the right to remain silent, and any statement you make can and will be used against you in a court ofw. You have the right to an attorney, and if you cannot afford one, one will be provided for you.¡± The officers proceeded to handcuff her while the reporters and people around gasped in shock.


    ¡°I¡¯m right behind you, Miss Lydia. ¡± Roseline shouted as the police officers led her into the back seat of the white and blue police car.


    ¡°Lydia, did you indeedmit the theft?¡±


    ¡°Is it true you robbed the King¡¯s household aspensation for Nathaniel King¡¯s maltreatment?¡±


    Lydia heard the reporter¡¯s question but she didn¡¯t care for it. Her mind was racing and her emotions were all over the ce, she wanted to break down crying, scream in anger, shout at everyone and defend herself or simply murder someone.


    She knew it had to be no one other than the Kings who were responsible for this. They were the only ones who wereing after her.


    ¡°They won¡¯t just let be, would they?!¡± She screamed in her mind. She was so livid, she had no words to utter.


    She pursed her lips watching herself y with her fingers. She could imagine how livid her father and Andrew would be when they found out about this. But for now, she was so furious that if she spoke she would re out on everybody.


    *******


    Soon, they arrived at the police station and Lydia was led into the questioning room. She had been stripped off her belongings including her pearl earrings and neck piece. She sat down quietly in the questioning room, and had been seated there for close to two hours.


    She didn¡¯t stand up nor move an inch, she sat with her eyes closed. She seemed rather peaceful which she was. She knew she had people behind her, she had not stolen a single object from whoever , in fact she could buy a thousand diamonds for them and she would still be wealthy. So she remained rxed, the only thing that was eating her up was that it was all skillfully nned in order to tarnish her image.


    ¡°They wanted the whole world to truly see me as a poor woman who was after men for their money and was now a gold digging thief.¡± Sheughed humorlessly to herself.


    The door to the questioning room opened revealing a female investigator dressed in ck cargo pants with a ck cotton long-sleeve hand top to match. Her ck hair was packed up in a high ponytail, she simply adorned herself with a little pin gold earring. She was pretty and seemed in herte thirties, she strolled towards holding a cup of coffee in one hand and a bottle of water in the other.


    ¡°Good evening Lydia.¡± She greeted her with a soft tone. Lydia however didn¡¯t open her eyes nor speak.


    ¡°Would you like a bottle of water? It¡¯s been a few hours and you must be thirsty.¡± Lydia opened her eyes but did not say a word, she simply kept her gaze on the woman in front of her.


    ¡°I am Mrs Cooper, I would like to ask you a few questions regarding the usation again. In Fact, I¡¯m going to ask a single question.¡± The woman said taking a seat across from her, Lydia kept staring at her without breaking eye contact.


    ¡°Did you or did you not steal the diamond earrings which cost over a million from the King¡¯s Mansion?¡± Lydia remained silent and did not utter a word even after about two minutes had passed.


    ¡°I will not say anything else aside from this till the arrival of mywyer.¡± She finally spoke up and Mrs Cooper sighed. Knowing she couldn¡¯t proceed further, after time had passed Mrs Cooper exited out of the room.


    It waste so an attorney wasn¡¯t going to be allowed as those were the rules. Fifteen minutester, two officers entered the room and took long strides to where she was seated. She stood up and they guided her to the holding room, before they arrived in the room she debated whether to ask or not.


    ¡°I would like to make a phone call.¡± She realized she needed to be firm rather than easy.


    They whispered to each other while she stood there in exhaustion both physical and mental exhaustion waiting for their response.


    ANDREW¡¯S POV.


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡± The girl I have been messing around with questioned with sleep heavy in her tone as I got dressed.


    ¡°Yes, I am. I have been with you half of the day. Pass my phone.¡± She unplugged it, I had plugged it in as soon as I got here hours ago. The rtionship I had with her was not going to be allowed by anybody, especially her family, so we kept it a secret and had no titles on it. I had a big love for her though, I just wish I could at least tell Lydia about it.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Due to some many worries and secrets, there has been a strain in our rtionship and I didn¡¯t like that at all.


    I scrunch my eyebrow twitching on my phone, I had a thousand missed calls and text messages from my father, assistant, unknown numbers and even shareholders. A cousin sent me a link and questioned, ¡®isn¡¯t that Lydia?¡¯


    I opened the link and to my surprise it was a clip of Lydia getting arrested plus it was viral.


    ¡°Oh fuck.¡±


    ¡°What? What¡¯s going on?¡± She asked with worry in her tone. I continued watching it and felt her presence behind me.


    ¡°Oh no, no. What in the world is going on?¡± I asked, quickly calling up my father. While she helped me find my belongings in a room where our clothes were scattered around it.


    ¡°Andrew where have you been? Just get all your attorneys. Find out what exactly is going on and get my DAUGHTER OUT OF THERE! TONIGHT!¡± He hung up afterwards and I knew for certain he was furious.


    I nced at the time on my wrist seeing it was now 9pm. There is nothing anybody could do and my heart clenched knowing my little girl was going to have to sleep in jail.


    But the worst part was I had just signed an alliance with the King Construction Company with ourpany. And I¡¯m certain they had something to do with Lydia being in Jail.

 Deep Words

    NATHAN¡¯S POV.


    Izily dropped my bag on the couch, losing my tie and dropped the key to my apartment on the table. I yawned, opened the fridge and grabbed a chilled bottle of water.


    I was exhausted, all I wanted to do was to go to bed. It was currently 11pm and I had stayed in the office longer ncing through reports, I approved some ideas and threw out others. A youngdy whose job was simply to assist assistants, making coffee, and basically being an errand girl, had approached me a few days ago.


    She looked scared as she spoke to me, but after taking a few breaths and wasting my time, she told me with confidence that she was not just an errand girl, she was good with drawing blueprints. She wanted to go into details but I stopped her telling her to send her original designs to my office. When I saw it, I was astonished that I was nning a position for her.


    I switched on the Television while whipping up something little to eat as I hadn¡¯t had anything to eat all day. I settled for ramen, especially because it didn¡¯t take time to get done. I found thest one in the cupboard and ced it in the microwave, setting the timer for about ten minutes.


    I went upstairs and stripped out of my clothes, getting rxed in the cold shower thinking back to Lydia and her behaviorst night. She looked like she hated me and I was hurt by that, the guilt every time I looked into her was overwhelming and I did in fact think I deserved it. But on the bright side, the deal mypany had just signed allows for me to see her often and get on her good graces.


    After showering, I wore blue pajama trousers and a white shirt. I grabbed my food and took a seat in the living room watching the headlines of the news. My eyes almost bulge out of my socket when I saw a headline and the clip following,


    Ex-Wife of Nathaniel King arrested for alleged theft of diamonds.


    The clip that followed after was a clip of Lydia being led to the police vehicle. I sucked my teeth instantly, losing my appetite.


    What diamonds? Who would even¡­.


    I trailed off feeling like my mother could possibly be behind this especially after her encounter with Lydia the other night. I searched my phone in order to get thewyers ready to get Lydia out. The thought of her having to sleep the night at one of those cells when I knew for sure she was innocent, fueled my anger.


    As soon as I found my phone, I realized I had a ton of missed calls from my friends and business acquaintances. Now Jacob was calling again,


    ¡°Where have you been and where did you put your phone?¡± Jacob questioned as soon as I picked up.


    He didn¡¯t wait for a reply before he proceeded, ¡°Melissa has already gotten awyer for her, I have sent her contact to you, she¡¯s one of the best in the city. Just discuss with her and keep me informed.¡±


    Seeing him and Melissa always standing behind Lydia warmed my heart and it added to the list of things I was sorry for. They had seen her while I didn¡¯t.


    ¡°Thank you Jacob.¡± He hummed and hung up. Instantly, ignoring other messages and phone calls, I began the discussion with thewyer Melissa had found.


    ¡°If the police do not have sufficient evidence to hold a suspect in custody, they may be released the next day after their arrest. This is called ¡®release on own recognizance¡¯, and it means that the suspect is released without having to post bail. However, this does not mean that the case is closed or that the suspect is free from prosecution.¡± She exined and I nodded in understanding.


    If my assumptions were true, then even the case would be close.


    ********Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    6 A. M NEXT DAY.


    Unbeknownst to me, even before 6 a. m about three different prominentwyers were already beside Lydia. Prepping her and ensuring she was feeling okay. She hadn¡¯t even slept the whole night, her mind wasn¡¯t at rest. She kept beating herself up on everything that had ever happened to her.


    When I arrived there at 6 in the morning, in my ck suit and looking more than ready for the day, Lydia was already getting escorted out of the building speaking to thewyers next to her. I walked in a haste towards her, and her attention reverted towards me.


    ¡°Excuse me.¡±


    ¡°Thank you again sir.¡± She smiled warmly at thewyer.


    ¡°You¡¯re family Lydia. My daughter wouldn¡¯t allow me to sleep well if you stayed in this hell hole any longer.¡± They bothughed and he gave a fatherly hug. He nced at me before heading towards his car alongside another man.


    ¡°Good morning Lydia.¡± I greeted her trying to keep a confident demeanor but the look on her face had me as nervous as anything else. Her eyes held mixed emotions such as anger, sadness and hate.


    ¡°What are you doing here Nathaniel? You found out your mum and ex-girlfriend wanted to embarrass me and now you feel guilty right? Tarnishing my image over diamond earrings I could afford for every single one in your family?¡± She spat angrily, throwing her pearl earrings on the floor.


    ¡°I regret ever meeting you, falling in love with you and staying in a home where maltreatment and continuous disrespect was the order of the day. As if all the embarrassment I had received was not enough, you all decided to take it to the media, to the world¡­I wouldn¡¯t wish anything that happened to me in that mansion to even my greatest enemy, even to your mother who caused it all. But you know what y¡¯all are going to pay for everything, and I¡¯m not going to make a single move.¡±


    Her every word cut deep and deeper into my soul. I never realized the level of suffering she had experienced and it seems deeper than I imagined.

 Nathaniel鈥檚 Anger

    NATHAN¡¯S POV.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°Lydia, I apologize on behalf of¡­¡± She held her hand up stopping me. In a second, a ck G-Wagon Mercedes-Benz pulled up in the parking lot next to where we stood. The man who had picked her up at the mall arrived wearing a ck suit and dark shades and instantly got out of the car.     ¡°Listen to me, Lydia, I can help with everything else with thew and publicly proving your innocence.¡± She scoffed, staring at me with a look of annoyance.     ¡°Thank you Mr King but I¡¯m good.¡± She spoke then without uttering another word, she ran into the arms of the man who stood there staring at us. He pulled her into a warm embrace, kissing her forehead and whispering words into her ears, the interaction hurt me deeply.     He opened the passenger¡¯s seat for her and shut it after making sure she wasfortable. As he walked to the side of the car, his face was strikingly familiar but I didn¡¯t care about that. We stared at each other until he entered his side of the car and drove out of the parking lot.     I rubbed my temples bringing out my phone from my pocket. I called thewyer who was now about thirty minuteste, as we had agreed to meet here at 6 am.     ¡°You no longer have toe here. She¡¯s out.¡± I informed her and without waiting for her reply I hung up.     The anger fromst night to this moment filled my entire system, and I knew just the ce to explode it.     ***********     I was fuming as I sped down the road, heading towards my mother¡¯s house. I gripped the steering wheel so tightly that my knuckles turned white. I was focused on getting there as fast as possible, speeding past traffic lights and other cars. My anger was a burning, blinding rage that filled my mind and body. All I could think about was reaching my destination.     I finally arrived at my mother¡¯s house and packed right in front of the entrance.     ¡°Good morning Mr King.¡± The employees greeted me and I didn¡¯t spare them a nce as I bursted into the house.     ¡°Good morn¨C¡±     ¡°Where is my mum?¡± I questioned cutting off the maid who was smiling ear to ear in my presence.     ¡°Oh.. sir, she¡¯s having breakfast near the poolside with¡­¡± I walked to the back of the house where the pool we rarely used was. I got to the dinner table as soon as I saw my mum and Jenny, I didn¡¯t care for anyone else present.     ¡°Mum, what exactly is your problem?¡± Those were the first words that came out of my mouth as soon as I saw her seated there drinking her ss of juice with a pleasant smile on her face.     ¡°Nathaniel, what a pleasant surprise. Come son, have breakfast with us.¡± The vein on my head was about to pop just from seeing her happy, all smiles as if she wasn¡¯t about to send my Lydia to jail.     ¡°You know I¡¯m so sick and tired of you all plotting and keeping Lydia on your mind like you all don¡¯t have better things to do. And you Jenny.¡± I gazed at her with disappointment and she pursed her lips.     ¡°Why are you getting all mad over some gold digger who has the audacity to steal from you after divorcing you and leaving without caring for the health of Jenny.¡± I rubbed my temples at her continuous repetition.     ¡°That happened some time ago! Jenny is fine and I¡¯m great. She stole nothing from me and if she did that is my business, my business. It¡¯s not your ce to do anything. This was just purely for your entertainment, don¡¯t act like you were looking out for me.¡± My mum scoffed looking at me like I had said something stupid.     ¡°Nathan, that¡¯s enough. You don¡¯t have to speak to your mother like that when all she was doing was looking out for you. You¡¯re being disrespectful to your mother who birthed you over some woman who is probably sleeping with the officers in this moment to get herself out of there.¡± Jenny spoke softly and I stared at her for a secondughing humorlessly.     ¡°Just keep Lydia¡¯s name out of your mouth. Don¡¯t ever try the rubbish you guys did ever again and I mean it.¡± I spoke sternly and my mum rolled her eyes. I observed that Rachel was oddly quiet, she seemed to not have a part to y in this.     ¡°And mother, I will havewyers drop the charges and speak to the press saying it was all a misunderstanding.¡± My mum was about to protest but I turned my back around. I felt a bit better feeling I had helped Lydia in a way.     ¡°Wait, Nathaniel, let¡¯s talk for a moment.¡±     Small steps followed me as I walked away, I turned around seeing Jenny hurrying towards me.     ¡°What?¡± I questioned and Jenny let out a breath.     ¡°Look Nathaniel, just rx. I don¡¯t want this to ruin the progress we have made and have you got any idea towards getting back with Lydia or something. Let¡¯s just be on good terms okay?¡± Her words made no sense to me but her remorseful expression had me nodding.     ¡°Just don¡¯t let that ever happen again. Embarrassing her publicly and sending her to jail is way out of line.¡± I spoke and she nodded her head in understanding.     ¡°I will get going now.¡± I informed her and she smiled faintly waving.     ¡°Have a nice day.¡± I was d Jenny waspliant to my wishes, at least I didn¡¯t have to worry about another attack on Lydia.     Jealousy settled in Jenny¡¯s heart, she was angry looking at how much Nathaniel spoke with passion to protect Lydia, the anger in his tone and face. He seemed to be¡­in love with Lydia and that was far from eptable for Jenny. To her, Nathaniel and her were still going to get married whether he knew that now or not.

 Just A Friend

    LYDIA¡¯S POV.


    THAT NIGHT:


    I stared at myself in the mirror with mixed feelings, on one hand I couldn¡¯t help but admire how stunning I looked in my simple red spaghetti strap gown even after a long night without rest and in the disgusting space. On the other hand, I was furious and saddened just by the thoughts of the Kings from Nathaniel to his mother. For a moment, the memory of Nathaniel¡¯s hurt look crossed my mind, after I had spoken out of anger but I didn¡¯t feel bad, he needed to hear how I truly felt. I wish I never met them.


    Now they want to embarrass me over diamond earrings, which my father got for me on one of the most miserable birthdays I had in my entire life over thest three years. I scoffed, shaking my head in disbelief, Mrs King always had something up her sleeve.


    Before five thirty this morning, Lorena¡¯s father, who happens to be one of the biggestwyers in the country, owning an exquisite firm, was already at the station. They had no evidence, probably just the words of Mrs King and her money to push it through, which made it easy for Lorena¡¯s father to work out my release without spending a dime.


    My father instantly pulled me for a warm bear-hug, it was a bit funny seeing him already at the entrance of the house as soon as Andrew drove us right in front of the mansion. All day, I had been treated like an egg, food, more rxing cushion to ensure I rested well, and as many snacks as I requested.


    Tonight, Lorena¡¯s family had been invited to dinner with us, as a form of appreciation by my daddy who also imed they were his long time friends who hadn¡¯t caught up with in a while, so this could build back the rtionship on a personal level.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    A small knock brought me back to the bathroom where I was applying my nude Fenty gloss. I rubbed my lips together then exited out of the bathroom only to meet Lorena lyingfortably on my bed texting away on her phone with a pink phone case that had a picture of us pouting on it.


    ¡°Hey girly.¡± I broke her attention from her phone, her lips instantly curled into a smile and she hopped out of the bed in a haste pulling me for an embrace.


    ¡°Oh girl. I was so worried about you. I couldn¡¯t sleep the entire night. Every Time I tried to sleep, You dressed in an orange jumpsuit settled in my mind, with your hair rough and unwashed, and your eyes all puffed up from crying. I¡¯m so happy you¡¯re out and you¡¯re okay.¡± She said with a chest heaving repeatedly.


    ¡°A. You really do love me?¡± I smiled, mushing up her face, she instantly swatted my hands away yfully.


    ¡°I do love you. My parents are going to chew up the Kings or anyone whoes at you.¡± I really appreciated her, so I pulled her in for an embrace telling her ¡®Thank you.¡¯


    ¡°I love you too.¡± I pulled us apart and a knock came through the door interrupting what Lorena was about to say in reply. Without waiting for a response, the door bursted wide open revealing no one other than Andrew.


    ¡°Have you ever heard of privacy?¡± I raised my eyebrow in questioning and Lo did the same as well.


    He ignored us and said, ¡°First of all, shut up. Secondly, dinner is served so you guys are demanded to bring yourself downstairs. Andstly, Lorena, please tell me if I am wrong about who I just saw downstairs.¡±


    Lorena chuckled softly at Andrew¡¯s facial expression, it was as if he was literally pleading for his assumption to be wrong.


    ¡°What? Who did you see?¡±


    ¡°Your cousin, Macy.¡± Lorena instantly bursted out in fits ofughter while I looked at them with wide eyes.


    ¡°Crazy Macy?¡± I questioned and Andrew nodded.


    ¡°Yes, my cousin is back. And her only aim right now is definitely to get married.¡± Lorena answered.


    Andrew and I looked at each other with wide eyes then reverted our attention back to Lorena then said simultaneously, ¡°Oh, hell no.¡±


    Lorena chuckled while picking up her phone from my bed,¡± Oh, yes. Let¡¯s head down for dinner, shall we?¡±


    I chuckled while Andrew kissed his teeth looking like he was at the verge of throwing a fit.


    *********


    ¡°The food is delicious. Thank you for having us.¡± Lorena¡¯s mumplimented as we had all just begun eating. To both Lorena and I¡¯s surprise, Darren was also present but she didn¡¯t seem too pleased. I wondered why and almost felt myself about to be upset that she hadn¡¯t told me what was going on, but I quickly shook off the feeling and just tried to understand.


    I mean she didn¡¯t have to tell me everything especially when ites to her rtionship right?


    ¡°Thank you for also epting my invitation, also I would like to appreciate you and Lucas foring to my daughter¡¯s help as soon as you could.¡± My dad responded with a genuine smile on his face.


    ¡°You know Lydia is our second daughter. We are all literally family.¡± Lucas, Lorena¡¯s father, spoke and my father gave a satisfied look. I gave Lorena¡¯s parents an appreciative look, as her father¡¯s words warmed my heart.


    The way my father was smiling made me happy, I loved seeing him happy. Though with the missing funds inpany and the sex sounds I heard the other night still bothers me, I shoved it down, refusing to leave all that which might have nothing to do with my family,ing against how I look at him.


    ¡°Macy, it¡¯s been ages since Ist saw you look great. Doesn¡¯t she, Andrew?¡± My father¡¯s tone was suggestive, as if telling Andrew topliment. Lorena and I shared nces and stifled ourughter.


    ¡°She looks like regr crazy Macy to me. Except without the braces.¡± Andrew answered and my father shot him a look. Lorena and I chuckled softly at that, while Macy who was seated next to Andrew yfully threw her napkin at him mimicking his words.


    ¡°You¡¯re still too proud to tell me I look gorgeous. Anyways thank you Mr Miller, you look great as if you don¡¯t even age at all.¡± Macy¡¯s words earned an eye roll from Andrew.


    ¡°And Lydia, you look amazing. The wealth of your family is reflecting on you. Your skin is wless, you look like an actress to be honest.¡± To be honest, Macy has always never been a straightforward person, there was an underlining in every speech.


    ¡°Thank you, you look amazing as well.¡± I said softly while our parents were engaged in an entire different conversation on stock prices.


    She was indeed a pretty girl with her long blonde hair she had curled, her highlighted facial features, glowing skin and wonderful taste in clothes. She looked like the bad guy in Barbie stories except with blonde hair.


    ¡°Okay, so why has Darren been quiet all day? He looks like this is thest ce he wants to be.¡± Macy pointed out and Darren muttered something under his breath, Lorena must have heard it because her mouth formed a ¡®wow¡¯, her face matched her facial expression.


    ¡°I¡¯m good though, just thinking about the practice for tomorrow and I¡¯m already exhausted.¡± We chuckled weakly while Lorena sipped out of her drink.


    ¡°So Andrew are you seeing someone?¡± I smiled slyly at Lorena¡¯s mother¡¯s question, picking up my ss of wine waiting patiently for his response.


    ¡°Not really, no I¡¯m not ma¡¯am.¡± He answered politely, studying by look I knew there was someone but maybe it wasn¡¯t just serious.


    Lorena¡¯s mother, Darcy, pped her hands happily at his response. ¡°Macy is also single, I got you two tickets to a show on Wednesday, you can just go as friends.¡±


    Macy grinned from ear to ear and Andrew scratched the back of his neck looking like he had no choice.


    ¡°Of course Mrs Darcy.¡± All the parents on the table smiled at his response, they were for sure trying to get the boat to sail but it had already sunk before it even began. Rather, it would never even sail considering the funny history the two shared.


    The dinner went along with a lot of small talks and divided conversations. Macy kept her discussion on her experience that she had faced when being away from her family. Macy¡¯s mother, Mr Lucas¡¯ sister had passed away when Macy was five years old and Macy¡¯s father never even wanted her, so Mr Lucas took her in and raised like his.


    Macy, Lorena and I were even best friends at some point, the point where I got angry at the fact she never spoke to me except it was about my brother. This part led her to the reason why we and the whole school tagged her as ¡®Crazy Macy¡¯.


    ¡°Lydia, any ns of getting into the dating scene anytime soon?¡± She asked as the maids served dessert.


    ¡°No.¡± I instantly shook my head, ¡°Not at all.¡± Everyoneughed as I spoke with finality.


    ¡°Oh wait, another reason to celebrate. Lydia the charges pressed against you have been dropped, there¡¯s also going to be news published to clear your name.¡± Everyone got excited and I was simply content.


    They really didn¡¯t have anything against me. If I was truly who they thought I was, I would have sued them for defamation.


    Lorena and I nced at each other and knew we had to talk like now. Andrew was rather quiet, he was probably dreading Wednesday with Macy already.


    *******


    It was currently Midnight and Lorena and I were up in my room with snacks, ice-cream and movies seated on the floor catching up while the show yed in the background, neither of us paying attention to it.


    ¡°So he has just been acting strange?¡± I questioned and Lorena nodded.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t even do anything wrong, I scrolled through his phone and I didn¡¯t find him talking to anydies. It feels like this time he is just tired of me and wants me to call it off. You know that thing guys do when they start treating you like shit so you can break up with them. Yeah, I think that¡¯s what he¡¯s doing.¡± Lorena exined and I just couldn¡¯t believe it.


    ¡°No way, no way, I just can¡¯t believe it. He wouldn¡¯t go through all that publicity if he was going to destroy what you two have.¡± She opened her mouth about to reply but refrained herself. It was obviously deeper but if she wasn¡¯t ready to share what it was then thest thing I would ever do is pressure her.


    ¡°Anyways¡­¡± I dragged thinking on a topic but her facial expression changed from sad to excited.


    ¡°What were you saying about not being ready for dating?¡± She asked and I knitted my eyebrow together and shrugged.


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re still in love with Nathaniel King?¡± She inquired and I looked at her like she had two heads.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not. That¡¯s an old story. I just want to focus on me and do my best as that sexy CFO.¡± She made a period hand sign at my words and I smiled.


    ¡°But I think if Aaron ever returned, there might be sparks flying in the air.¡±


    The mention of his name made my heart hurt. He was one of those people I had deserted all in the name of getting married to Nathaniel. After Aaron also left the country, we lost contact and once in a while, I thought about him and wondered how he was doing.


    ¡°Aaron is always going to my best friend and that¡¯s all.¡± I told her seriously but she kept wiggling her eyebrow suggestively.


    ¡°You know I¡¯m speaking facts but I¡¯m going to wait for you to realize that even though you¡¯re divorced, you should still be open to as many sexy men in suits as possible.¡± Weughed at that, some men really did look extremely handsome in their suits.


    ¡°Also, I¡¯m your only best friend. Don¡¯t y like that, Aaron is just the side best friend.¡± I nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Good. Now, let¡¯s tease Andrew about my cousin.¡± She rose to her feet adjusting the night wear trousers on her waist.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I said as she helped me up. We walked out my room heading towards Andrew¡¯s room talking about if I would still move to a penthouse or not.


    As soon as we were barge into his room, the sound of ss shattering came from downstairs and a loud scream followed after, instantly causing Lorena and I to freeze in our tracks.

 Suspicious

    LYDIA¡¯S POV.


    MID-NIGHT.


    ¡°What the hell was that?¡± Lorena asked loudly, I quickly shushed in case someone had broken into the mansion which would be quite surprising as the security around the house was tight.


    ¡°Girl what?¡± She giggled as I gestured for her to follow behind me. But she took quite yet fast steps down the stairs, I shook my head at her quickly grabbing anything probably harmful near my reach. I spotted a flower vase and grabbed it though it was a bit heavy plus the bouquet of flowers in it obstructs my view.


    ¡°Now, what is going on here?!¡± Lorena yelled with amusement in her tone as soon as we barged into the kitchen. I was bewildered at her bravery. I moved the flower vase to my left side in order to see the scene in front of me clearly, I scrunched up my face dropping the vase to the floor.


    My father was in a ck robe looking at us in shock, as if we were thest people he would expect to see at this time of the night. Meanwhile, Patricia was in her pajamas and her outfit was rather revealing. The shirt was transparent, living a little to the imagination and the pants were booty shorts so you can just imagine that. She paused on packing the broken sses on the floor.


    ¡°Miss Lydia, Miss Lorena.¡± She acknowledged our presence with a nervous smile. I observed their bodynguage until I finally spotted the cut on my father¡¯s hand.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I rushed to my father and he took a step back.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine Princess. I simply came to get a cup of water and I slipped up when grabbing a ss. Patricia, here, came right after. While I was trying to clear the sses, I got cut.¡± He exined and Lorena and I shared nces.


    ¡°Ohh, okay daddy. Lorena please can you help me get the first aid kit in the top cab in my bathr¨C¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine honey, it¡¯s just a slight cut. Go to bed Princess, you have a long day tomorrow.¡± He cut me off. I knitted my eyebrow as tomorrow was even Saturday about to protest but Lorena beat me to it.


    ¡°Okay Mr Miller. Uhhh¡­ Patricia please get the first kit and assist him with it. Good night sir, we head up now.¡± She stumbled on her words practically dragging me out of the kitchen. I turned around making eye contact with my father, my heart clenched with my mind racing on the different scenarios that truly took ce knowing my father was lying through his teeth.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Lorena questioned as we walked up the stairs quietly. I didn¡¯t respond on the spot so as not to let my father hear us.


    We headed straight to my room with the both of us in our thoughts. The sex sounds, their gazes on each other¡­was it¡­? No, my father will never do that, especially in the house where my mother died and where I sleep.


    ¡°Lo.¡± I called out sitting at the edge of my bed, she hummed in response.


    ¡°You don¡¯t think they are¡­¡± I trailed off and she instantly frowned, shaking head frantically.


    ¡°No girl. I mean it is suspicious but you think your father will have sex with the help? I mean she is pretty and her physique is amazing. But actually think of doing that? Nah, I trust him too much.¡± The way she said it was like she was trying to convince herself as well. She grabbed a bag of chips sitting on the soft pink cushion.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Ugh¡­let¡¯s talk about something to distract my mind.¡± I said dipping my hands into her bag of chips, she swatted my hand away yfully.


    ¡°Okay¡­something else.¡± She thought for a moment holding the bag of chips on her other side so I won¡¯t take more.


    ¡°Stingy.¡± I mumbled and she chuckled. Something must have crossed her mind because she became serious.


    ¡°Lydia, I just remembered something and don¡¯t get mad at me okay? In fact I know you¡¯re not going to be mad because I feel like I did the right thing.¡± She rambled, chuckling to herself.


    ¡°What did you do?¡± I squinted my eyes at her and as soon as I observed her hands rxed on the chips, I hastily picked up the chips. She side eyed me but made no move to chase after me.


    ¡°So you remember the first time you saw Nathaniel at my store a few weeks ago.¡± She began and I hummed. I remember my heart beating fast, I don¡¯t know if it was out of fear or uncertainty but I knew it wasn¡¯t out of love. He did look slightly different, handsome but stressed and as always, he seemed sad.


    ¡°After you left, he approached me and he seemed to have remembered me being your best friend.¡± I was shocked at the piece of information so I gestured for her to proceed.


    FLASHBACK:


    ¡°So how may I help you, Nathaniel King?¡± Lorena inquired with an attitude but Nathan didn¡¯t mind.


    ¡°I know you know who I am. I know you¡¯re also Lydia¡¯s friend.¡± She looked at him with a bored expression, her look was basically telling him she was tired of the conversation even before it began.


    ¡°I need you to speak to Lydia on my behalf. I don¡¯t usually do this but with the whole mess going with meing off to the masses as an abusive and a horrible husband, just the presence of Lydia at my press conference will go a long way in helping my image.¡±


    ¡°I know I don¡¯t deserve to even have Lydia¡¯s nce and I deeply apologize for everything I have done to her but just this will help me. I NEED HER.¡± He said to Lorena with desperation in his tone.


    ¡°Oh so you need her now?¡± She scoffed. ¡°She was so right about you Kings.¡±


    Nathaniel pursed his lips feeling pathetic but though he never cared about what the media had to say about him, he realized this was way out of line and it not only affected him but his entire family.


    ¡°Can I at least get your number in case you change your mind? I promise I¡¯m going to make things right with Lydia whether she decides toe through or not.¡±

 His Secret Girlfriend

    Lydia¡¯s POV:


    Lorena could see the sincerity in his voice and in his eyes, but her heart was hardened by the experiences Lydia had shared with her on the maltreatments she had encountered in the mansion.


    ¡°Don¡¯t just expect anything from this, and I owe you nothing.¡± Lorena said after inputting her number into his cellphone. Nathaniel felt hopeful in that moment while Lorena simply nned to block his number afterwards.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He shed a charming smile and exited out of the store. Lorena watched him leave with humor written all over her face.


    ¡°Just so good at using people. Not my girl ever again.¡± She said to herself hissing and heading to the back of the store.


    End of the FLASHBACK:


    ¡°Wow.¡± I was quite shocked as she ran through the whole details of their encounter.


    ¡°Yeah, and an hour before his press conference I sent him a text message telling him to deal with his shit and let you be.¡± Shepleted, waiting for my response. I couldn¡¯t help butugh, finding it extremely funny and unbelievable.


    ¡°What¡¯s so hrious now?¡± She chuckled, keeping her gaze on me. She just knew I couldn¡¯t even be mad about that crap.


    ¡°It¡¯s just unbelievable. Nathaniel King pleading for my help? You were so right about everything you said, he only just ever wanted to use me. For my blood, for helping his image, he can never ever change.¡± I said with finality, chuckling with hidden pain.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy I finally got to tell you that. You know how much I hate keeping things from you.¡± She sighed in relief and I smiled at her. She was really the best best friend in the world.


    ¡°Thank you for always having my back and also thank you for not telling me. I love you.¡± We both chuckled softly.


    ¡°I love you more. I got you and don¡¯t let nothing bother your pretty mind, okay?¡± I nodded in response.


    ¡°You too, and I¡¯m always here whenever you need someone to talk to.¡± She hummed and we gave each other a side hug.


    Eventually, after more light conversations and a movieter. We fell asleep.


    ********


    THE NEXT MORNING.


    Lorena had woken up at the crack of dawn hastily packing her things, with the reason that she had work to do but before that she needed to exercise. I helped her pack up her things and escorted out of the house. When I got back into my room I had to force myself back to sleep. Now, at 9am on a Saturday, I was up and dressed in cream shorts and a green top.


    I arrived at the ground floor and headed straight to the dining table only to be met by Andrew who was in a good mood. Smiling at his phone and talking nicely with the staff. The maid greeted me as soon as I strolled into, I gave her a tight-lipped smile as I refused to utter any word just yet.


    ¡°Good morning sleepy head.¡± Andrew sang delighted to be awake so early on Saturday morning.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± I replied sleepily, taking a seat at my position on the table, pouring a full ss of orange juice into my cup. I downed it all at once. I smiled in satisfaction opening my eyes only to be met with Andrew¡¯s eyes boring into my soul.


    ¡°What?¡± I inquired and he just kept staring for a moment before looking away.


    ¡°Nothing, Where¡¯s Lorena?¡± He questioned cutting up his pancakes and eggs.


    ¡°She left earlier today.¡± I answered, taking four pieces of pancake and pouring syrup on it. Just the way I loved to eat it.


    ¡°You want to do something with me today? We rarely get to spend time together.¡± I smiled at that feeling horrible for having to refuse.


    ¡°I can¡¯t, I have decided to move into the penthouse at the hotel. But since we would be in the same hotel, we can see each other as often as possible.¡± He seemed to lighten up at that.


    ¡°Alright, I might just decide to assist you with packing but you have to first fill me in on what happenedst night and advise me on how to get out of this freaking date with crazy Macy.¡± I giggled at that, before stuffing my mouth with food.


    ¡°First of all, Where¡¯s dad?¡± I inquired and he shrugged.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen him this morning and he wasn¡¯t in his room. So I guess he went out.¡± I hummed suspiciously.


    ¡°That¡¯s by the way, anywaysst night¡­¡± I recounted the events ofst night leaving out the change of conversation Lorena had shared, whispering to him my thoughts, theories and assumptions. His mouth hung open after I was done.


    ¡°No way, Lorena is right, Dad would never.¡± I sighed in relief, I mean after all I missed out three years so I might be a little quick to assume.


    ¡°Alright, if you two say so, I would just die of thought. But¡­never mind¡­The only way you can get away from this date is if there¡¯s a work emergency or something. But if you¡¯re not truly dating someone, why are you trying to get out of dating? Like except Crazy Macy, what¡¯s hindering you from settling down with someone? I want nephews and nieces, but seriously tell me.¡± Heughed but I remained totally serious. I needed to know if he was hurt or had issues we could work on.


    ¡°I just might be.. seeing someone.¡± My eyes went wide and I looked up from my te meeting his eyes.


    ¡°What? Are you for real? Who is she? Why haven¡¯t you brought her around?¡± He told me to rx, chuckling weakly at my bunch of questions.


    ¡°All I can tell is that dad and her family won¡¯t agree. One of these days, I will tell you who she is though.¡± Before I could ask anything else, he rose to his feet.


    ¡°Infact, let me go spend the day with her. I will send movers to help you out.¡± I sucked my teeth, I couldn¡¯t believe I let him trick me.


    ¡°Sly.¡± He kissed my foreheadughing and quickly took his leave bidding me goodbye.


    I was truly happy for him, I just couldn¡¯t help but wonder who exactly it was. But with the amount of work I had to do today, I didn¡¯t dwell on that for long.


    It was moving time.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.

 Coming Late

    LYDIA¡¯S POV.


    MONDAY (TWO DAYS LATER)


    ¡°Beep! Beep!¡± The rm continued ringing and for what felt like the dozenth time just this morning, I switched it off. I cozed into my soft warm queen size bed in bliss, the sleep was good. I had no idea what today was nor did I care about any other thing.


    For what felt like another hour, I fell into a deep slumber and this time I was interrupted by the loud sound of my ringing tone. I groaned and without opening my eyes, I used my hands to search for the phone which I was certain was on the stand next to me.


    ¡°Hello?¡± The thick sound of sleep was in my voice.


    ¡°Good morning Miss Lydia, please don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re still in bed.¡± The voice of my assistant held an urgent need for me to not ascertain her assumption.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why are you calling me so early?¡± I croaked out and her next words had me falling off the bed.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, you do know it¡¯s Monday morning, and there¡¯s another emergency meeting with the board of directors. And the meeting starts in the next thirty minutes.¡±


    I removed my phone from my face ncing at the time seeing it was 7:28.


    ¡°Ohh¡­no, no. Thank you Rose, I will be there, I¡¯m on my way.¡± I quickly hung up, tossing my phone on the bed. I stripped out of my nightgown rushing into the bathroom, I stood in front of the mirror brushing my teeth.


    As soon as I was done, I jumped into the warm shower but I couldn¡¯t savor the feeling as I left the bathroom quickly. I had picked up a ck corporate shirt along with a ck skirt, throwing it on. I couldn¡¯t help but admire my figure in the mirror for a split second. The next minute, I was dashing out of my room carrying my ck Hermes bag which contained a few documents, a small makeup kit, my phone and tissues.


    I was too scared to check the time so after getting out of the elevator, I sprinted into the parking lot and headed straight into my car. The thought of murdering Andrew crossed my mind because why hadn¡¯t he just stopped by to disturb me thereby waking me up as well.


    Ugggggh, the time is 7:58, how in the world would I possibly arrive at the meeting in two minutes? Can¡¯t I fly or something? And I knew certainly there would be traffic.


    I me Andrew!


    **********


    I finally arrived at the parking lot of thepany at around 8:50 am, and Roseline had been updating me on the moves and the events taking ce was basically to officially wee thepany we were about to form an alliance with, and my presence was crucial but luckily my V. P was present and took the lead in weing him. Rose had informed me that my father, whom she doesn¡¯t know is truly my father, she basically referred to him as the major CEO didn¡¯t look quite pleased all throughout the meeting. She wasn¡¯t certain why but he didn¡¯t seem pleased with either Andrew or me the CFO or just the whole alliance.


    ¡°Good morning, Miss Taylor. Wee back.¡± The receptionist was rather happy to see me, I had forgotten this was the first time I was in thepany since after the arrest. I was still awaiting the press conference the Kings had said they would do in order to clear my mind.


    Maybe it will take ce today?


    I entered the elevator ignoring the looks and murmuringing from the staff in the elevator and even before I walked in. I rolled my eyes in a full circle, chanting to myself these words.


    ¡°You got this, whatever today brings you got it. You¡¯re strong, confident and enough.¡± I kept repeating to myself ignoring the whisperinging from the employees until the elevator dinged indicating I had arrived at the floor where the board room is located.


    I was uncertain if dashing into the boardroom would be better or just walking elegantly like the sexy CFO Lorena swears I am. While debating, I observed that the meeting hade to an end and men in suits piled out of the room talking amongst each other. I hurriedly turned around scurrying into my office.


    I took off my ck coat and hung it on the coat rack. I let out a breath bringing out my lipstick tucked into my bag, I had drawn my eyebrow andbed out my hair while in traffic, the only thing left was my pink lipstick. I quickly applied it, bringing out the documents needed for the review ofst month¡¯s report, one in which we will present in front of the CEO, my dad, and he will decide if it was necessary to throw a party in order to announce the alliance or just hold a press release.


    As I checked through the documents on my table, a knock came through the door and I tensed up until I saw Roseline grinning from ear to ear holding a cup of coffee in one hand and her other hand at her back.


    ¡°For you, Miss Lydia. Wee back, I got you a box of donuts.¡± She smiled, dropping the box on my table. I tucked out my lips happily at this gift.


    ¡°Thank you so much, Roseline.¡± I took a sip out of coffee and savored the sweet taste, it was then I realized how famished I was. Thank Goodness, I got the donuts.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee ma¡¯am.¡± She took a seat across from me and brought out her jotter which she often takes notes on.


    ¡°You just might get that raise.¡± We bothughed at myment after taking a bite out of a chocte zed donut.


    ¡°Okay, now fill me in on every single thing that was said at the meeting.¡±


    ¡°Alright ma¡¯am, so first of all everyone was quite understanding of your absence. In fact some members believed you were still in prison, I could have sworn someone said, ¡®Free Lydia!¡± We both chuckled at that, I mean it wasn¡¯t publicly released yet that I was released, so Ipletely understood.

 Tension

    She soon ran down everyment made by the members until she made a description of the entrance of the CEO of thepany we were making an alliance with. The description matched an unpleasant familiar person but I refused to believe my father or brother would allow such. Her description of my father¡¯s reaction to the new alliance which was unpleasant and the look of guilt that was written all over Andrew¡¯s face as soon as they made eye contact had my heart racing.


    ¡°Hold on, hold on. What is the name of thepany we merged with?¡± She opened her notepad then as if it all happened in slow motion, she looked up from her jotter then stared at me with an expression that said, ¡°Oh boy.¡±


    ¡°King Construction Industries. And the name of the CEO who was present at the meeting is¡­.¡±


    ¡°NATHANIEL KING.¡± We both said in unison. I winced while she made a yikes face.


    ¡°I need to find out what exactly happened and if there is a way to get out of this.¡± I rose up with the intention of heading straight towards either my father or Andrew¡¯s office with a bunch of questions listed out for them.


    ¡°Miss Lydia, permit me to utter a few words?¡± Rose stopped me and I looked back at her telling her to go on.


    ¡°I know Nathaniel King is your ex-husband and I¡¯m certain he is aware that you¡¯re the CFO of thispany which is probably why he stepped into the boardroom today looking probably better than a Greek god.¡± I waited patiently for her to get to the point.


    ¡°What I¡¯m trying to say is there are three reasons why fate or the gods of the sky are letting this happen and they include; one he wants to get you back.¡± I scoffed at that saying, ¡°yeah, right.¡±


    ¡°Two, he wants to get under your skin and just keep on tormenting you and having you all furious just like you¡¯re now. And thest reason is just because he really is focused on getting more contracts for the growth of hispany which I doubt is the reason and that¡¯s quite boring.¡± She proceeded and I cracked a faint smile.


    ¡°All I¡¯m trying to say is refuse the second reason and just act nonchnt. This alliance is amazing for thepany.¡± Her words held substance, I pursed my lips ncing at my diamond encrusted watch realizing the next meeting was starting in the next ten minutes.


    ¡°Grab my things, let¡¯s head out for the meeting.¡± She nodded smiling politely and the both of us exited out of the office quietly.


    She was right and I didn¡¯t even need to act nonchnt because I already was, my only aim is to ensure the delivish Kings do not sabotage ourpany.


    ********Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    After about two meetings, one with the investor and the other with the financial team, I found myself storming into Andrew¡¯s office. He was on a phone call but his facial expression showed that he knew exactly why I was here.


    ¡°My beautiful little girl, is it just me or you¡¯re glowing today.¡± He said as soon as the call ended.


    ¡°Are we really going to be working with the Kings? What if they sabotage us? Or harass me? Am I no longer important to you when you know it¡¯s going to be annoying having to see him around thepany and at events.¡± Andrew sighed, running his hands around his face.


    ¡°Look, Lydia-¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not delve down to the fact that you didn¡¯t care to bring me breakfast ore wake up today.¡± He bursted outughing after I had cut him off.


    ¡°I wokete as well. I assumed you would already be at the office, I had no idea you would still be sleeping in, when you know you could be fired any moment from now as an ex-convict.¡± He teased and I just stared at him with squinted eyes.


    There was nobody on this earth who could annoy me and taunt me about my predicaments as much as Andrew. He was that annoying brother.


    ¡°I hate you for real.¡± I turned on my heels to walk away but he stopped me speaking loud enough for me to hear.


    ¡°I just wanted to make a quick but smart move since dad needed the construction of the hotel to take ce as soon as possible. So I signed the deal with the Kings without considering you infact dad is pissed with me right now but all I wanted was you both to start trusting me yet I fucked up and was for sure going to get an earful.¡± He sighed deeply, obviously stressing out. I let out a breath feeling extremely selfish for just thinking about myself.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t exactly fuck up. I will assure dad that everything is all set and good. The Kings don¡¯t disappoint so we know the hotel wille out fine.¡± I spoke softly to him walking back and he nodded.


    ¡°Thank you, I¡¯m sorry again.¡± I rolled my eyes at him trying to be all sweet.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah. You¡¯re buying me lunch and dinner for the next two weeks, deal? It¡¯s even a deal without your agreement.¡± He stood upughing at my words, a knock rang through the door.


    Without questioning, Andrew said, ¡°Come in.¡±


    My mood fell as soon as the person walked in and it was no one other than Nathaniel King and his assistant along with a muscr body guard followed behind him. Our eyes met and I held eye contact, the room was as silent as a graveyard. After a minute longer, he broke the silence clearing his throat.


    ¡°How are you doing today, Lydia?¡± I was taken aback by those words that came out of his mouth. I was expecting a ¡®hello¡¯ or ¡®Good morning¡¯ but that with a look of care moved me by an inch.


    I didn¡¯t utter a word, I just stared at him, making the tension in the room thick.

 Heading Out

    LYDIA¡¯S POV.


    I sighed deeply ying back Roseline¡¯s words, I thoroughly needed to keep things professional just as my father and Andrew were keeping theirposure rather than going off on him.


    ¡°Wee, wee, wee! As the CFO, I would like to personally wee you on board. I¡¯m so happy, thrilled, and delighted to be working with you. We all are confident that this partnership will be sessful and beneficial for bothpanies without anyplications.¡± The fake enthusiasm could be heard in my tone and a stifledughter could be hearding from Andrew. I rolled my eyes at him not giving Nathaniel a second nce.


    ¡°We will see during Lunch?¡± I directed the question to Andrew who nodded affirmatively, I smiled finding my way out of the office. Nathaniel on the other hand, took a seat across Andrew keeping a straight face.


    ¡°It¡¯s so nice to see you again, Lisa.¡± I said before leaving the office. Through the corner of my eye, I saw her lips curl into a smile and she whispered, ¡°same here.¡±


    shback


    The sound ofpany line ringing brought Lisa out of the bunch of documents and meetings she was editing and scrolling through.


    I¡¯m so tired.


    She sighed going to pick up the phone, ¡°Good afternoon, Office Of The CEO, how may I help you?¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­hi. I have been trying to speak to my husband all day, is he in the office?¡± The small voice of Lydia boomed through the speakers.


    ¡°Ohhh¡­Good afternoon Mrs King. How are you doing today? Please hold while I go check.¡± Lisa responded politely.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Lisa headed straight to his office quite excited because she knew Nathaniel had a wife but she had never heard any statement whatsoever from her and from The Kings, it was all simple gossip or whatever the media could scope out.


    She wondered if she would finally see her boss smile for the first time since she began her job.


    ¡°Good afternoon Mr King.¡± She greeted, thereby announcing her presence. His eyes were focused on the blueprint in front of him, he didn¡¯t spare her a nce.


    ¡°Sir, your wife is on the other line. She was wondering if you were busy, so should I send in the call?¡± Lisa asked, he sighed deeply already feeling himself growing angry.


    ¡°I am busy. Inform her that if it¡¯s about the money, it will be sent soon.¡± He replied simply and Lisa muttered ¡®Excuse me.¡± before heading out of the office.


    She repeated Nathaniel¡¯s statement to her and she could hear the disappointment in Lydia¡¯s voice after.


    ¡°Well.. help me ensure he gets his lunch. Thank you.¡±


    ¡°I will ma¡¯am. I¡¯m going to make sure he calls you after, take good care of yourself ma.¡± Lisa said.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡±


    ¡°Lisa.¡±


    That was the beginning of an odd friendship.


    End of shback.


    ¡°So first things first¡­.¡± Andrew began while I left the office heading straight to my meeting with the regtors.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ********


    ¡°Come in.¡± I opened the door heading into my father¡¯s office. I was surprised to see Patricia seated on one of the two seats across from him.


    ¡°Good morning Miss Lydia.¡± She greeted me with a smile. I didn¡¯t respond, I kept an emotionless expression and took a seat.


    ¡°How are you, Princess?¡± My dad asked but I couldn¡¯t even look at him the same. I know Andrew and Lorena had debunked my thoughts about my dad and Patricia, a part of me was yelling to me how right I am.


    ¡°I have work toplete sir, please let¡¯s just get to the reason my presence was summoned.¡± I answered and he smacked his lips.


    ¡°Patricia here haspleted her cooking sses and I n on installing her as an assistant chef at the restaurant uptown.¡± He informed me and I was certain my facial expression screamed, ¡°How is this my business?¡±


    ¡°I need you to take her with you and show the new restaurant, I have informed Mr Willy everything.¡± He said, referring to the manager. I nodded and rose to my feet.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head out.¡± I spoke and Patricia hurriedly stood up carrying a Prada handbag. I was astonished and couldn¡¯t wait to tell Andrew this new information I was gathering. Even he knew that my father gives out Prada when he¡¯s proud of you after aplishing a goal.


    ¡°Nice purse.¡± Iplimented without looking her way.


    ¡°Lydia! Let me talk to you for a second.¡± My dad called my name and I walked back to where he was seated.


    ¡°How are you doing? Hope the penthouse is to your liking?¡± He inquired looking into my eyes as if he was trying to read me.


    ¡°Yes, it is.¡± I responded and he sighed deeply.


    ¡°Look, love, I understand what¡¯s going on.¡± He said with guilt written on his face.


    He understood why I was like this?


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware Andrew was signing the deal with the Kings and I¡¯m sure he didn¡¯t mean to do that to hurt you baby girl. Let¡¯s go out tonight, get dinner or you can go on a trip with Lorena, all fully paid for by me.¡± He kept his gaze hoping my face would soften.


    Of course, that.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, I don¡¯t want any of that, thank you. If you will excuse me.¡± I said without waiting for his response, I left hisrge luxurious office and headed straight to my office to gather my things.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, are you headed out?¡± Roseline asked, stepping in after me.


    ¡°Yeah, the major CEO has required me to show the newly hired Chef the restaurant uptown, I will back in a jiffy.¡± I informed her and she hummed in response.


    ¡°The Chief Marketing officer would like to meet with you pertaining to the alliance between the Kings Industries.¡± I rolled my eyes at both the mention of the CMO and the KINGS.


    The Chief Marketing Officer, Mrs Hill, always had a stank look on her face every time we spoke, ording to the gossip by the staff which Rose had shared with me, Mrs Hill believed she had to wait for ages to get her position, I simply without any experience, slided in and got mine. Plus she was way older than me so she really did dislike me and I really don¡¯t care.


    ¡°Alright. Maybe by around 2 pm then.¡± Roseline nodded then bid me goodbye as we both left out of my office.

 Lorena鈥檚 Trending News

    ¡°Is everything okay, Miss Lydia?¡± Patricia inquired for what felt like the thousandth time in this car trip.


    ¡°Yep.¡± I responded finally and she exhaled.


    ¡°I just wanted to ensure there was no bad blood between us because you¡¯re one of the biggest reasons why I was able to get this job. I really want to thank you for that from the bottom of my heart.¡± I looked at her through the corner of my eye, then reverted my attention back to the road.


    ¡°No problem, I¡¯m pretty sure you got it through your own whips.¡± I responded and she pursed her lips. The GPS announced we had finally arrived at the restaurant, we both stepped out of the car and I handed my key to the valet.


    It was currently noon and lunch break was starting in the next thirty minutes, so I knew I had to cancel lunch with Andrew though I had been the one pestering him for it. Lately, it felt like he had been wanting to spend time with me as much as he could, probably for all the lost times we had, and I felt the same urge. Like if I didn¡¯t know, it will never happen.


    ¡°Good afternoon Miss Taylor, Mr Miller himself had informed us of your arrival. Wee.¡± The manager shook hands with me, I took a second to look around the restaurant and it was extravagant. The aesthetics, the chandelier, the lightning, the scent, the interior designs were all top-notch. The smelling from the kitchen would have your mouth watering. This restaurant was perfect for special asions and gave you a reason to dress up fancy with your girls, I loved it.


    ¡°And you must be Patricia Salvannah, wee.¡± He shook her hands as well. He stood around 5¡¯6 and his full beards and facial features added to his cute look.


    ¡°While I show her around and get her acquainted with the staff, would you like something to eat ma¡¯am?¡± The manager inquired.


    ¡°A ss of strawberry smoothie will be just fine.¡± He nodded and asked Patricia to follow him.


    If he was going to show her around, why was I here?


    While I awaited my smoothie, I shot Andrew a text which read, ¡°Pizza tonight?¡± A replied a secondter, ¡°Just make sure you get what I like.¡±


    ¡°For you Miss.¡± A waiter who looked like a full ss of vani smoothie served mine with a cute little pink umbre next to it.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He shot me a charming smile leaving the table. He was indeed handsome and even looked back to check me out.


    ¡°Phew. Single Lorena would have asked him out on the spot.¡± I reminisce on good old days while drinking out my smoothie and scrolling through my phone.


    Popr Fashion Designer caught with Fashion Icon, Jeremy Kyle at theunch of the women line for S. A. R. E. D and they seemed close through the rest of the night.


    My eyes widened seeing a picture of Lorena and the icon which looked like they were about to share a kiss. I instantly forwarded it to Lorena asking what was going on.


    ************


    After a long day, I came back into my apartment, took a long soothing shower and yed soft music. I ordered the pizza and brought out a bottle of red wine. Andrew informed me he was going to be here by 8:30 so I put on a show while sipping out of my wine.


    As I meditated on my day so far, I was irritated with how every time Nathaniel seemed to be a part of it. They had released a statement stating how my arrest was just a big misunderstanding and they publicly apologized. I just didn¡¯t pay too much attention to it, I was focused on how annoying it will be to constantly see his face and have to work with him. But it was all to keep it professional.


    A knock came through my door and I furrowed my eyebrow as it was just 8pm, I walked towards the door in a haste, as the knock grew urgent.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Who is it? I¡¯ming.¡± I shouted and opened the door , it revealed Lorena who was in dark shades and a ck leather jacket covering her body entirely.


    ¡°Girl, are you okay?¡± I questioned and she shook her head, ¡°no¡± pouring herself a ss of wine.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? What happened?¡± Before she could reply, the doorbell rang again and I sucked my teeth excusing myself.


    This time it was the pizza delivery guy, I paid for it and he departed from me. I quickly set the boxes of Pizza on the counter and returned back to the sitting room.


    ¡°Ok now, tell me what¡¯s wrong.¡± I said to Lorena looking at her as she gazed straight ahead.


    ¡°Nothing happened between Jeremy and I, those pictures were just exaggerating everything, we didn¡¯t have a sexual conversation or even flirt, we just discussed Fashion, working together and all that. But Darren doesn¡¯t want to believe me, he said I have his teammates clowning him for being faithful to a woman who isn¡¯t even faithful to him. He was so furious, Lydia, extremely, I thought he would even do something to harm me especially with everything he has been going through.¡± I quickly pulled her for an embrace, she took off her sses crying. My heart broke for her.


    As I continued tofort and assure her, I was unaware that Andrew had entered my apartment with cans of alcohol.


    ¡°What¡¯s up my single little girl?¡± He yelled before stumbling into the sitting room meeting Lorena and I.


    ¡°Nah, lo lo, don¡¯t cry. Everything will be fine, I don¡¯t know why in the world you¡¯re crying but it will be fine.¡± Lorena chuckled weakly, raising her head from my chest.


    ¡°Now, tell me why you¡¯re crying, so we can stop the negativity and drink and eat Pizza.¡± Andrew said, taking a seat on my soft cushion.


    Lorena filled him in on everything and we ate Pizza but I passed on the alcohol enjoying my delicious red wine, we discussed and Andrew continued joking around. It was just one of those special nights.

 Jenny鈥檚 Game

    JENNY¡¯S POV.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± I chirped with a huge smile on my face as soon as I arrived at the dinning table where Rachel and Mrs King were seated talking in a hushed tone. As soon as I took a seat, I observed Rachel was whipping her tears and letting out a shaky breath.Text content ? N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I asked with concern and she simply blinked repeatedly without uttering a word.


    ¡°She¡¯s fine, don¡¯t worry about her. But you¡­you look great and prepared.¡± Mrs King said and I smiled gesturing to the maid who was pouring me a full cup of tea. It was enough.


    ¡°I am prepared.¡± I told her and she stared at me with a proud smile. I felt extremely confident in a short ck polkadot dress, it stopped a few inches before my knee and it was tightly fitted just how I liked it. It was long-sleeved, off shoulder showing the upper part of my shoulder and little cleavage, I was excited knowing for sure I was going to get the job through my looks, connection, body and history.


    ¡°Good. I¡¯m d you¡¯re doing this. I really need to know every single thing happening both in and outside that organization.¡± She said and I nodded in understanding.


    ¡°Rachel, go get dressed. Jason ising over in an hour.¡± Mrs King informed Rachel who instantly kissed her teeth, tossing her napkin on the table and storming out of the room mumbling inaudible angry words.


    I wondered what exactly was wrong but I didn¡¯t dwell on the thought as it was none of my business and I honestly did not give a fuck about what happens to Rachel, she was just a means to get closer to Nathaniel and that didn¡¯t obviously work out. So she was useless to me.


    ¡°The driver will take you to thepany.¡± Mrs King informed me as I took thest sip of my drink. I nodded licking my lips then bid her goodbye hastily walking out the door. The heel of my heels clicked on the tiled floor.


    As soon as I arrived outside, employees wereughing and talking amongst each other. The scene annoyed me because never have I ever seen them do this when other members of the King Family are about to go out.


    I snapped my fingers to call their attention but they neither nced my way or even acted like they heard. I cleared my throat loudly but still nothing.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you all have work this morning? You¡¯re here chatting and flirting right before 8 a. m, purposely ignoring my presence like I am one of you.¡± One of the maids present shook her head with her forehead disying stressed lines.


    ¡°No Miss Jenn-¡± I raised my hand to cut her off then reverted my attention to one of the drivers present.


    ¡°JJ or whatever your name is, Mrs King has ordered¡­¡± I shook my head to correct myself.


    ¡°My mistake, I order you to drive me for my interview and to see Nathaniel. NOW!¡± Iid emphasis on now and he stared at me as if about to protest but decided against it.


    I rolled my eyes entering into the backseat he had opened for me. He shut the door lightly then went ahead to say a few words to the staff he was discussing with before I made my presence known. Soon after he entered the car, and drove quietly.


    ¡°To The Kings Industries.¡± I announced and he simply continued driving with a nk expression written on his face.


    I didn¡¯t care about that either, then I tried to be in everyone¡¯s good graces but now only Mrs King and Nathaniel matter, maybe some of his friends too. As the thought of his friends crossed my mind, the event of what truly happened the night he got drunk reyed in my mind.


    ¡°Let me take care of you tonight.¡± I said seductively rubbing my hands on his chest. I pecked his cheek leaving a red lipstick stain on it and kissing him down to his neck. He seemed like he was about to protest but due to the amount of alcohol, I knew Nathaniel all too well, he was going to be so into his sleep one would assume he was dead.


    I straddled him unbuttoning his shirt in a haste and kissing from his neck down to his stomach. I missed him so much, I missed when we made love and when he was so into me. Now, it felt like I was raping him which I strongly believe, I am not.


    I unbuckled his belt and though it wasn¡¯t easy, I dragged down his pants leaving him in just his boxers, and trust me this was an amazing sight. I grabbed his hands which felt lifeless using hisrge palms to feel me. I had no idea what to do next, so I came off him and gotpletely naked.


    After which, Iidpletely naked on top of him, pleasing myself and sliding my hands into his boxers, giving him a handjob with the hope that the next day, he would believe we indeed had sex and he would want to get into a rtionship with me like old times.


    It didn¡¯t exactly happen like I nned but it was worth it because I was still going to get him back.


    ******


    The other day, Mrs King had convinced his assistant, Lisa, to take a leave or quit her job without giving her a specific reason. Out of fear of the power Mrs King held, Lisa obliged and informed Nathaniel she will be submitting a letter of resignation due to family reasons.


    The reason Mrs King convinced her was because she needed an inside in Nathaniel¡¯s affairs especially when dealing with the Miller¡¯s affairs and everything that had to do with Lydia. I hated that name so much, the detest for the person was greater. Everything from her looks to her character disgusted me, she thought she looked sexy with her curves and weight

 Jenny鈥檚 Game (2)

    Jenny¡¯s POV:


    But to me she looked nothing but fat and I couldn¡¯t wait to tell her.


    We soon arrived at the extravagant Kings Industries Skyscraper and I alighted out of the car. I strolled elegantly, holding my white bag in my left hands, into the building. As soon as I arrived, I was about to just head straight into the elevator as I knew where exactly I was headed to but the receptionist had to call my attention.


    ¡°Good morning Miss. How may I help you?¡± I rolled my eyes and gazed at her for a second. Simple, basic, hungry looking woman.


    ¡°It¡¯s Miss Jenny and I¡¯m here to see the CEO, Nathaniel King.¡± I responded with an attitude.


    ¡°Is he aware of your arriv¨C¡±


    ¡°His mother, Mrs King, sent me here. So I¡¯d advise and you let me up before I give her a call and you lose your job.¡± I didn¡¯t wait for her to respond before I flipped my hair and walked away.


    I entered the elevator, clicking on the top floor. There were only a few people in the elevator and everyone seemed to be so focused on the documents in front of them. After a long time, I arrived at the top floor, I let out a breath and adjusted my clothing, rubbing my lips together before hopping out of the elevator. Every single thing about this building screamed wealth and the thought of just marrying into such fortune motivated me to do whatever I can to make sure I get this job.


    ¡°Good morning, how may I help you?¡± I was so tired of people stopping me but this time I decided to be rather nice.


    ¡°I¡¯m here for the job of assistant of the CEO.¡± I responded nicely, she gave me an overlook and stretched out her hand.


    ¡°Your CV please.¡±


    I made a yikes face as I had totally forgotten about that. I guess I would not be following protocols then.


    ¡°Let me see Nathaniel. Mrs King sent me here so¡­¡± She kept her gaze on me which was infuriating me by the second.


    ¡°He¡¯s in a meeting.¡± She responded dryly and continued typing away.


    ¡°And besides, the interview for the new position hasn¡¯t begun yet and it is true the human resource team, so you cane back another day for this and with your CV this time.¡± I smiled slyly and flipped my hair about to give a remark when the doors to Nathaniel¡¯s office opened revealing two men dressed in a suiting out of his office.


    Without thinking, I just headed straight into his office ignoring the protesting from Lisa and I barged into Nathaniel¡¯s office. When I got in, he had a small smile on his face which I hadn¡¯t seen in ages, as he gazed at hisptop. As soon as his eyes met mine, his smile fell and returned to a frown. He rose up to his feet and I was just in a state of astonishment. Nathaniel was a beautiful man, everything about him was attractive, his scent, wealth, looks, figure, body, height, skin, everything and he was going to be mine.


    ¡°Sir, I tried to stop her but she just kept walking.¡± He dismissed Lisa and she stared at me for a split second before shutting the door.


    ¡°What are you doing here, Jennifer?¡± I hated when he said or anyone said my name like that. He took a seat looking at me.     I pursed my lips and said, ¡°Nathaniel, I need a job. I¡¯m healthy now, and I¡¯m tired of just staying at the mansion doing nothing.¡±


    He nodded ncing through files, ¡°There should be a job avable at marketing as the alliance with the newpany requires amittee of marketing. So I can get you something there.¡±


    I was about to refuse but as soon as I heard working with thepany for alliance, knowing it was thepany Lydia was working at, I got excited.


    ¡°So I will being with you sometimes to thepany?¡± He stared at me with a nk expression and I pursed my lips knowing he wasn¡¯t answering any other questions.


    ¡°Thank you Nathaniel.¡± Iid my hand on top of his using my thumb to caress him lovingly.


    ¡°You¡¯re always looking out for me and I just love you for the depth of my heart, when are you going to see I am the one made for you?¡± He clenched his jaw, removing his hands from mine.


    ¡°If this is what you¡¯re here for, let me know now! Before I get you just the job, because I have told you time and time again I¡¯m not interested in that.¡± His deep voice bounced through the corners of the room, it was stern and serious. Rather than start an argument, I remained silent and my facial expression was sad and remorseful masking up the anger.


    ¡°I apologize. I just tend to let my emotions fly when I¡¯m with you. I will be professional at work, I promise.¡± I said with my head down, so I couldn¡¯t see his facial expression but I knew he was staring at me.


    He made a few calls as I just sat there texting Mrs King thattest update. She approved of the job position and being who I am, I informed her Lisa was still in her position.


    ¡°You can begin work on Monday. They will send everything you need.¡± I smiled small nodding, I stood up hoping he would at least feel bad.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I said and he nodded. I was about to leave when he called my name, making me smirk.


    ¡°Jenny.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°Be punctual and just adhere to the rulesid down by the Chief Marketing Officer.¡± I nodded and exited out of his office pretty disappointed.


    I hoped for an apology or suggesting lunch or dinner but neither one. Nathaniel always liked ying hard to get but I like games and I loved winning.

 Truly Over

    LYDIA¡¯S POV.


    I was discussing with one of the representatives of the finance team, who was showing me the financial report from the hotel in the neighboring country. It was close to the end of the month, where I became extremely busy with reviewing the financial reports of the chains of hotels and restaurants theypany owned and I would have to present it to the board members.


    As he spoke to me where we were standing in front of the conference room, I sighted Andrew walking down the hall with his secretary behind him. He had an unpleasant look on his face and it was quite hrious due to the fact it was quite early in the morning to have such a stank look. I dismissed the representative and informed him, I would review the reports before darting towards Andrew.


    ¡°Good morning, Mr Grumpy. How was your date with Macy?¡± I stifle myughter walking fast to match his pace. He didn¡¯t respond but I still followed him into his office like a lost puppy because I truly needed to know every single detail that happenedst night.


    ¡°First of all, my ears hurt. No one told me, it was a fucking musical. Macy was screaming in my ears for goodness sake, I am never going out with her. I have been beaten twice now and my girl is pissed with me as well because she happened to have heard I was there from one of her noisy friends. But on another hand, I¡¯m also meant to be annoyed with her for even telling anyone about our rtionship in the first ce. You females drive me insane, for real.¡± He ranted, losing his tie. He nced at me waiting for some type of response so I gave him one when I bursted into a fits ofughter.


    ¡°Just get out.¡± His voice was both serious and yful at the same time.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s just¡­¡± I continuedughing holding my belly as it was starting to hurt.


    ¡°It¡¯s just Macy, Macy is crazy as always.¡±


    The origin of crazy Macy began when she openly dered her feelings for Andrew in the cafeteria back in high school. She wasn¡¯t always as pretty and model-like as she is now, then she had on braces with thergest sses covering her eyes. None of that made her humble, she treated people like shit and bullied her bullies which was quite odd for someone who looked like that back then. She tried everything in her power to get Andrew but it didn¡¯t work out.


    ¡°I¡¯m just going to be open and tell everyone I¡¯m in a rtionship. It might not be right now but it¡¯s time to stop ying games. I¡¯m getting too old to be sneaking around and driving miles to go see the girl I love, it makes no sense.¡± I nodded my head in agreement.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    I wanted to give advice and pester him to reveal who the secret love of his life is, but a knock followed by the entrance of his secretary interrupted me.


    ¡°Sir, it¡¯s time for the meeting.¡± She announced and with a sigh he nodded.


    ¡°We will talkter, Dia.¡± He kissed my forehead then left me in his office. Calling my name like that brought shbacks of Dia, a maid in the King¡¯s Mansion as well as Lomi who was nothing but good to me. I wondered if she was doing well, and if she still worked at the King¡¯s residence.


    I remained silent in my own thoughts heading straight to my office. Before entering into mine, I scrunched up my face yfully as I observed Roseline was simply grinning from ear to ear gazing on me with a suggestive look.


    ¡°What?¡± I questioned walking into my office.


    She shrugged following me, ¡°I knew someone as pretty as you are would definitely have a secret admirer.¡±


    ¡°What does that mean?¡± I turned around to ask, and she pointed at the bouquet of deep purple roses on the table.


    I knitted my eyebrow in confusion picking it up, there was no card in it much to my dismay because I greatly detest suspense. To the left side, was a box of choctes I loved dearly and I couldn¡¯t help but wonder who would possibly put this together.


    ¡°Any idea who it could be from ma¡¯am? I read deep purple roses mean romance, admiration and respect.¡± I brought out my phone, setting down the roses back to my table and took a quick picture of it.


    ¡°Get back to work, Roseline. You¡¯re so nosey for real.¡± She giggled, raising her hand in surrender and heading straight out teasing me.


    I sent the picture to Lorena because sadly I believed she could be the only one who would do this. She must have been busy with work because normally she would have been responding in a second. Besides, she was going through a lot, especially with Darren behaving strangely and refusing to listen to a single word she utters, I n to go see him after his game tonight hopefully speak some senses into him.


    ¡°Meeting with themunications team in twenty minutes.¡± She announced and I nodded already aware.


    ***********


    After my meeting, I pouted at the fact that Lorena had neither read nor replied to my message yet. Looking up from my phone, I saw Nathanieling out of my father¡¯s office and I rolled my eyes.


    I couldn¡¯t help but wonder how extremely engaging a story where every single ill-treatment I faced in the King¡¯s Mansion would be. Of course, what exactly happened won¡¯t be stated upfront but through metaphors and other figures of speech, readers will get the idea. Iughed at it and was beyond excited to share it with Lorena and see what she thinks.


    I need to get more friends or even a boyfriend, Lorena will soon get married and get tired of me soon. I thought to myself beforeing face to face with him.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± He greeted me with a sexy deep voice but it meant nothing to me.


    So I was truly over Nathaniel King? Wow¡­

 Jenny鈥檚 Pretend

    Lydia¡¯s POV:


    ¡°Good morning.¡± I responded with a tight-lipped smile then moved to the left in order to continue my journey to my office.


    ¡°I hope those choctes are still your favorite and you do love the flowers.¡± He questioned softly and I knitted my eyebrow in confusion before adding two and two.


    No way hard hearted Nathaniel King sent me roses and choctes, my favorites? This was totally new.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do all of that. It¡¯s not necessary.¡± I informed him sternly with my icy attitude.


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°Just let me be.¡± I cut him off and walked away without feeling any remorse.


    After work, rather than heading back into my penthouse, I headed to Lorena¡¯s House. She owned her own duplex and livedfortably which I truly admired. My bestie was always a boss bitch and fashionista, I loved seeing her winning and happy.


    I noticed a brown Bentley driving past me before I pulled my Mercedes Benz in front of her house, hopping out of my car with chocte, cookies and a gallon of ice-cream. I had begun to exercise again to keep me in shape with all the amount of junk I tend to consume.


    ¡°Ding Dong.¡± I pressed the button and after a long frustrating minute, she opened the door looking quite shocked to see me.


    ¡°Lydia, what are you doing here? Did you perhaps see who just left?¡± She questioned nervously and I did not respond. I just stormed into her apartment and looked around the surroundings.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    ¡°Now, tell me exactly what is going on?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? Nothing is going on.¡± She answered cooly and I squinted my eyes trying to detect any form of tears but nothing.


    ¡°Darren and I are good now, we talked. He felt like I didn¡¯t need him anymore which is why he was acting nonchnt and hurting my feelings. I scolded him already, telling him we shouldmunicate about if he ever felt some type of way about anything. I also shared with him how I have been feeling. He apologized deeply and we ended up making loveeee.¡± She sang looking extremely happy.


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear! Why didn¡¯t you respond to me the whole day then? I was worried about you, nning to head out to his game tonight and give him a piece of my mind.¡± I told her seriously walking into the spacious kitchen, it was all clean, organized and painted in white.


    ¡°My bad, I have been designing and there was an August visitor who came around and left a few minutes ago.¡± She exined watching as I ced the ice-cream in the freezer.


    ¡°Who was it?¡± I asked curiously and she shrugged using an invisible key to seal her lips and toss the key away.


    ¡°Tell me please. I know it¡¯s someone I know.¡± Whoever it was must have forgotten, Lorena cannot keep a secret from me for five seconds so she was going to spill in 5, 4, 3, 2¡­.


    ¡°It was Aaron.¡± My eyes went wide and she quickly covered my mouth.


    ¡°What?¡± I asked in case I had heard wrong.


    ¡°Yeah Lydia. He¡¯s back.¡± Her words were slowly registering in my head.


    ¡°When? How? Why? For what? Are you kidding?¡± I questioned and she chuckled softly as I was stumbling on my words.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious for real. Based on what I could gather, he¡¯s here for you.¡± I was puzzled.


    For me? No way, but maybe he missed me as much as I missed him. And thought of me as well, I was so truly happy to see him, I wonder how he was like now.


    ¡°So I just opened our chat thread¡­who is the sweetheart that you got these? Maybe Aaron?¡± She suggested and I scoffed, rolling my eyes.


    ¡°It was Nathaniel.¡± Her eyes went wide and shook her head in disbelief.


    ¡°No way¡­¡±


    ****


    JENNY¡¯S POV.


    After going shopping for the clothes I would be wearing to thepany since I had gotten the job, I sat back at the edge of my bed contemting.


    At the mall, I saw a girl and her boyfriend who were in a heated argument. Her boyfriend was about to walk away from her but as soon as she started to feel dizzy and eventually copsed. He ran towards her with the expressions of love, fear and worry. It reminded me of those times, Nathaniel would do anything to ensure I was healthy.


    I concluded in my mind that pretending I was sick again will be the best way to get Nathaniel¡¯s attention back. My doctor, who I had bribed while I was in hospital to coborate with me and ensure Lydia keeps donating her blood despite the fact that I didn¡¯t need it but loved seeing her foolishly do that, had informed me it would be possible for Nathaniel to believe me and I was definitely backed up by her.


    I needed to get into action and I had made a secret promise to myself since the day Nathaniel had yelled at both his mum and I for having sent his ex-wife to prison. I promised I would do whatever I could to destroy Lydia as she seemed important to Nathaniel.


    I cleared my throat after applying make up that had my face pale and my body looking weak. I nced at myself in the mirror and was amazed at my make-up skills.


    I should be a make-up artist. I smirked thinking to myself.


    I called up Nathaniel lying lifelessly on the bed, to my disappointment he didn¡¯t respond on the first call so I called again. Right before the call was about to drop, he answered.


    ¡°Jennifer, I¡¯m busy right now! What do you want?¡± He asked, obviously stressed by whatever was going on with him.


    ¡°Nathan¡­I don¡¯t feel too.. too good, I¡¯m.. ¡± I stopped talking and decided to just close my eyes, letting my phone crash on the floor. I smirked hearing him call my name repeatedly.


    ¡°n was already working.¡± I praise myself and let slumber take over as I awaited Nathaniel¡¯s arrival.

 Not Tears Of Joy (1)

    3rd POV.


    ¡°Take her to the hospital she often goes to ¡­ . I will join you there¡­.. Request for a new doctor as well..¡± Nathaniel spoke to the family driver before hanging up. A gut feeling told him it was nothing serious but he still felt the need to show up for her and ascertain that there was nothing.


    ¡°Sir, you are headed out?¡± Lisa inquired walking into the office with a cup of coffee. He hummed in response putting on his ck suit with a tired look on his face.


    ¡°Alright, sir. Hope everything is okay? You still have a dinner meeting with a few investors¡­¡± She trailed off reminding him and he sighed deeply, halting in his steps giving it a thought.


    ¡°Have the CFO head there before I arrive. Inform him how important these investors are.¡± He said and Lisa nodded, taking notes.


    Without uttering another word, he dashed out exiting out of the building atrge when he hopped out of the elevator arriving at the ground floor. His driver instantly roared up the vehicle as soon as he saw Nathaniel, while the security men opened the car door for him. His security team hopped into his ck jeep following closing him, as he realized how important his safety is especially with how his business continues to grow and the media continued to publicize his every move.


    He gave a head nod as a form of appreciation, ncing at the extravagant watch on his wrist, he kissed his teeth realizing it was already 6pm and the meeting at 8 with a few foreign investors was extremely important.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get this done in a heartbeat.¡± He said to himself.


    ******


    With little traffic, they finally arrived at the hospital in about thirty minutes which was too long in his opinion. He was already aware of the room and floor she was on, so he headed straight there. The staff and patients in the hallway stared at him as his aura and each step screamed the arrival of a powerful man especially with the tough looking guards following behind him.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    As soon as he arrived at her floor, he caught a glimpse of Rachel texting angrily on her phone while pacing back and forth in front of Jenny¡¯s room. When he arrived in front of her, he realized she was fighting back tears and instant worry consumed him.


    ¡°Hey, you good?¡± It was then Rachel realized he had arrived. She instantly wiped the single tear that had rolled down her cheek.


    ¡°Why do you care? Don¡¯t bother me and just focus on why you¡¯re here.¡± She said rudely, walking away. Nathaniel was thrown off by her tone, he was genuinely worried about her. And though they were not close because of his mother, he always made sure she was okay and satisfied.


    ¡°Nathaniel, son!¡± His mother called out his name excitedly standing up from the soft couch she was seated on in the VIP room of the hospital.


    ¡°Good evening.¡± He greeted her coldly and she simply embraced him. This was the first time they had seen each other since after Lydia¡¯s arrest.


    After a minute, Nathaniel had still failed to hug her back and she instantly stepped back. He strolled towards Jenny who hastily hid the magazine she was reading under her pillow and pretended to be asleep.


    ¡°Is she okay? What did Doctors say is wrong with her?¡± Nathaniel inquired his mother who stared at him then Jenny, before shrugging.


    ¡°I have also been waiting for the doctors to return with the test results.¡± His mum said and Nathaniel impatiently looked at his watch.


    As if nned, the doctor walked into the room with a nurse behind him. Nathaniel¡¯s face turned into a scowl when he saw it was the same doctor and regr nurse who had been treating her from the beginning.


    ¡°Good evening Mr King.¡± They both greeted in unison but Nathaniel ignored them, diverting his gaze to his mother who was just staring at Jenny with an unreadable expression.


    ¡°Had I not informed the driver and housekeeper to request for a new doctor?¡± Nathaniel asked with frustrationced in his tone.


    ¡°Jenny wanted her regr doctor ording to what I was informed. Why do you keep interrogating me by the way? Interrogate the people you had called on, like I wasn¡¯t also present in the house and had no idea what was going on.¡± Mrs King snapped and Nathaniel kissed his teeth sharply.


    ¡°You know what? I¡¯m goin-¡±


    ¡°Nathaniel.¡± Jenny¡¯s weak voice called his name and Nathaniel who was about to go off on everybody stopped and turned towards her.


    ¡°How are you feeling Jenny?¡± Mrs King and the doctor smiled slyly at each other and the doctor gave Mrs King a polite bow.


    She was about to speak but cleared her throat, so Nathaniel poured her a tall ss of water and handed it to her. She downed it until it was half of the cup before speaking.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared Nathaniel. I¡¯m scared my illness is back, I don¡¯t want to have to bother anyone for blood or attention. Nathaniel.¡± Jenny broke into tears and moved closer to Nathaniel resting on his chest. He exhaled, patting her back softly.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, stop crying.¡± He wasn¡¯t even in the mood to pet or assure anybody after his good mood had zeroed to nothing after his interaction with Lydia earlier.


    After patting her back for a few minutes, a thought crossed his mind and he truly believed it would be the best. Relieving him of stress, ensuring Jenny gets the best treatment and basically ensuring Jenny gets totally healed.


    ¡°Doc.¡± He called out and the doctor instantly took a step closer to him, everybody in the room fell silent waiting patiently for the next words that woulde out of his mouth.


    ¡°I need you to check for the best hospitals abroad that treat Jenny¡¯s illness. Send in the details to my email along with the best caretakers and apartments nearby.¡± Jenny¡¯s eyes went wide and everybody including Mrs King was stunned.


    ¡°Nathaniel, you¡¯re nning on shipping her off?¡± Mrs King folded her arms across her looking at him in disbelief.


    He arose from the edge of Jenny¡¯s bed ncing at his watch again, realizing it was a minute after 7. He buttoned his suit and looked from his mother to Jenny and to the staff.


    ¡°It¡¯s all to ensure Jenny never has to worry about her illness returning back. Let¡¯s just take it as getting a second opinion, and it¡¯s not shipping her off, mother. You can go with her.¡± He shrugged nonchntly and Jenny was so baffled, she couldn¡¯t speak.

 Not Tears Of Joy (2)

    3rd POV:


    ¡°I have a meeting at 8, I will be back some time tomorrow, okay? You will be alright Jenny.¡± Nathaniel said then shook hands with the doctor, before strolling out of the room. He met Rachel who looked at him with an amused expression, he bid her goodbye then shut the door behind him.


    The second he left, Rachel let out a boisterousugh calling the attention of everyone in the room to her. Jenny stared at her with a mean look, Mrs King looked at her with an irritated stare and the doctor try to keep his face straight and notugh.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Miss Jenny, I will assure Mr King that we are ranked the best in treating this illness, the staff and I are on it.¡± Jenny kicked her feet throwing a tantrum then covering the nket over her face. Mrs King rolled her eyes then appreciated the doctor before sending them out, she also shooed off Rachel who was still standing around giggling.


    After shutting the door, Mrs King let out a breath thinking about the events of tonight while gathering her words.


    ¡°Why wasn¡¯t I aware of your n tonight?¡± Mrs King asked and Jenny internally rolled her eyes at the question.


    ¡°I just thought of it ma¡¯am. I apologize. I strongly believe it will make Nathaniel and I closer just like old times but I was wrong. He doesn¡¯t care anymore.¡± Jenny said sadly and Mrs King shook her head at her.


    ¡°What did you expect, Jennifer? You have been sick for years, lied about it at some point, this same illness was the reason for his divorce, I assume, and even why he got married to that tramp in the first ce. So of course, his next resort is to ship you off and just send money for bills and maintenance to you as long as he¡¯s off the hook. Money means nothing to my son.¡± Jenny ran her hands through her hair listening intently to the words Mrs King uttered.


    After a minute of digesting her words, Jenny asked, ¡°So what do I do to win him over?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re already on the right side, Jenny. You two have dated in the past and you are responsible for saving his life, so of course you still have a special ce in his heart. Just give him space but cling onto him if you know what I mean. You begin work on Monday, the doctor will inform him it¡¯s simply a wrong diagnosis. I will handle whatever else, love.¡±


    It warmed Jenny¡¯s heart knowing Mrs King had her back but she couldn¡¯t afford to give Nathaniel space. She feared he might slip away from her, so though she nodded as if she was going to heed to Mrs King¡¯s word, she was going to sort out the part of the advice she was going to take from it.


    *********


    Rachel found herself back in the mansion with the stylist Jason had requested for. The stylist had picked out everything for her, all she had to do was to get into the vehicle that would be sent and arrive at whichever location.


    ¡°You look beautiful Miss Rachel, Mr Wilst would not be able to speak as soon as he sees you.¡± The makeup artistplimented staring at Rachel as she wore her long orange fishtail gown.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I wish he wouldn¡¯t even speak. Rachel said to herself.


    After picking up her bag and getting praise from her stylist, she found herself sitting in the passenger¡¯s seat of Jason¡¯s car. Contrary to the makeup artist¡¯s words, as soon as Rachel arrived at the ground floor, Jason had failed topliment her nor stare at her like the most beautiful woman in the world, rather he wasining on how much time she had wasted.


    She sat down quietly knowing if she dared utter a word, she would have to request for the makeup artist to cover off the bruises on her cheek. She sighed shakily, keeping her mouth shut.


    ¡°Are you prepared for tonight? I got the ring, you know we have to do this public engagement in front of the business partner and Rach don¡¯t go there and embarrass me because I swear, I will destroy your family and reveal all the secrets.¡± She scoffed internally looking at his side profile in disbelief.


    ¡°I never nned to embarrass you, so just please stop threatening me and my family.¡± He kept his eyes on the road without saying another word.


    The rest of the car ride was filled with silence until they finally arrived at the event, Jason became a gentleman. He opened the door for her and held her hands allowing her to take her time with the heels, the paparazzi present gushed taking dozens of pictures of them.


    ¡°Jason Wilst, let¡¯s get a picture of you and your girlfriend.¡± They called out and Jason grinned from ear to ear, gazing at Rachel through the corner of his ear like a parent warning the child.


    Rachel smiled widely, but anyone observant could see the pain in her eyes and she wondered how she got herself into this and most importantly, she feared that this was how life was going to be.


    They soon walked into the hall and were greeted by a bunch of business tycoons. Rachel¡¯s eyes were down because she feared if Jason caught her just ncing at a man, he would do something horrible to her.


    An hourter, it was time for Jason to give a speech on behalf of his family and he took it as an opportunity to publicly propose to Rachel.


    ¡°Rachel, you mean everything to me and your happiness is mine. I never want another day to pass by without being able to hold you and call you my wife, so Rachel King¡­¡± He got on a knee and opened the small box revealing a diamond ring with a huge rock on it, the people gasping inaudibly, goshing on how perfect Jason was.


    ¡°Will you marry me?¡± The question was met with utter silence, shes from photographers all over the hall were heard and a few others were recording the scene.


    This was how beautiful Rachel had pictured her proposal, in public eye and a heavy diamond ring. Her eyes watered with her heart heavy, she never pictured it to be forced.. and unhappy. But she had brought herself to this point by following her mother¡¯s wishes rather than considered her wants, so just like instructed, she had to say,


    ¡°Yes, I will marry you.¡± She sounded so happy as she pictured Jason as another person who did not exist. Everyone began to p and congratte the couple. Rachel cried but people only saw tears of joy.


    As if.

 Aaron

    LYDIA¡¯S POV.


    MONDAY.


    It was yet another regr day at work, who am I kidding? It was another busy day at work, Roseline had informed me of the bunch of work I had to do, and the CMO had requested my presence at the meeting with the marketing team of the two parties.


    I had just gone through the documents she had sent with the ns regarding the marketing initiative. My purpose was basically to inform them of the budget and the proposed ie of the ad campaign goes well.


    I downed the rest of the coffee before rising to my feet and heading straight to the conference room. My hair was packed up in a messy high ponytail and my face was in simple make up, my eyebrows were done and my lips were coated in red lip gloss Lorena had suggested would look perfect on me. She was honestly my stylist.


    ¡°You look prettily tired today Miss Lydia.¡± I scrunched up my face yfully at Roseline¡¯spliment as she walked behind me.


    ¡°Whatever that means.¡± We both chuckled before she helped me open the door to the conference room. I greeted the Chief Marketing Officer, Mrs Hill and the chief Marketing officer of the King Industries. After a brief introduction, I took in my surroundings feeling the eyes of employees on me but a specific stare was burning daggers on my side profile.


    Looking away from Mrs Hill who was presenting, I traced the feeling, and saw Jennifer looking at me with mixed emotions but for some reason she seemed extremely irritated. But as soon as our eyes locked, she gave a tight-lipped smile looking away from me.


    I rolled my eyes before ncing through the reports I had seen a dozen times. After a long hour, which included me sharing the profit margin and thepany¡¯s expectations from the campaign, the meeting came to an end.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, do you know thatdy? She kept staring at you all through.¡± I shrugged nonchntly at Roseline¡¯s question over a whisper. Everyone piled out of the room talking amongst each other, the marketing chief had appreciated me then walked hastily saying she had another meet to attend.


    As Roseline and I strolled to my office, I caught a glimpse of Nathaniel who was standing not so far ahead staring at the woman in front of him with stressed lines forming on his forehead. Walking closer towards them, though her back faced me I knew it was no one other than Jennifer.


    Of course, he had given her a position in thepany, the Kings had such a weird obsession with Jenny and I secretly hope she and Nathaniel get married and have kids that look just like Jenny, maybe twins.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go out tonight, my treat. I just want to thank my boss.¡± I heard Jennifer say seductively before walking past them. I could feel Nathaniel keeping a hard gaze on me.


    ¡°I¡¯m busy. I have ns tonight, let¡¯s talkter.¡± He wrapped it up quickly and I could hear his heavy footsteps following behind me. I rolled my eyes praying he wouldn¡¯t even try to speak to me.


    ¡°How are you doing Lydia?¡± To my dismay, he was walking next to me. His mood had changed drastically from stressed to surprisingly giddy. He even shed me the most charming smile I had ever seen, in fact the beautiful smile anyone had ever caught since he became who he is.


    With a nk facial expression, rather than speaking, I gave him a polite head nod then walked away. I hurried in my steps ssily, before letting out a breath when I arrived in my office.


    ******


    It was now 7pm and everyone was closing up for the day. Roseline had left about thirty minutes ago but I was just wrapping up for the day. Andrew and my father had gone out for an important dinner with a few shareholders and business partners, so I felt all the people I spoke with were gone and I had justpleted my work, so it was time to leave.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    I carried my handbag, happy at the fact that I would not be needing to pack work with me. I got in front of the elevator waiting for it to arrive at my floor, as I waited my eyes went wide when I happened to meet Nathaniel in just his white tee-shirt all rolled uping out of themon room with two cups of coffee with him and he seemed quite excited.


    Our eyes locked and his face fell in disappointment but was quickly masked up as he walked towards me.


    ¡°Good evening.¡± He greeted me and I gave a polite nod in response. I gave him a look that basically asked, ¡°What¡¯s with the coffee.¡±


    ¡°I assumed you will be workingte and got you coffee.¡± He said and I hummed thinking of my next words.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that, I¡¯m already on my way out.¡± I expressed clicking on the elevator button twice, wondering what was the hold up.


    He was about to speak when we both heard something drop down and I was certain everyone had already left, at majority of the people on this floor.


    When no one came out, I reverted my attention back to Nathaniel who was already staring at me with a look I couldn¡¯t read.


    ¡°How about we go out tonight? Have Dinner and just catch up.¡± Nathaniel suggested and I looked from his face to the two cups of coffee then back into his eyes which held hope.


    ¡°I have ns.¡± I said simply and the elevator doors opened. I let out a breath of relief stepping into the elevator silently praying he didn¡¯t hop in as well and luckily for me, he didn¡¯t. The doors shut with me just staring at him, his facial expression unreadable.


    I arrived at the ground floor in excitement and right before I got out, the security personnel right in front of the building stopped me.


    ¡°Good evening Miss Taylor.¡± He greeted me politely and I nodded.


    ¡°Good evening, how are you doing?¡± I responded with a small tired smile.


    ¡°Great ma¡¯am. There is someone here who has been waiting for you for hours now.¡± He informed me and I scrunched up my face in confusion.


    ¡°Who is it? Why couldn¡¯t the person just have called?¡± I asked, thinking out loud and he shrugged.


    The driver¡¯s door to the all-ck Lamborghini truck opened, and it felt like something out of a movie. My eyes went wide as Aaron emerged, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he shed me his signature smile.

 Andrew鈥檚 Lover

    Lydia¡¯s POV


    He walked towards me in slow motion, looking more handsome than ever. As he drew closer, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, he had changed so much.


    Aaron has always been good looking with his dark, wavy hair, piercing blue eyes, and strong jawline. He¡¯s tall and athletic, with broad shoulders and a toned physique. He carries himself with confidence, but he¡¯s not arrogant. His smile is warm and genuine, and his eyes crinkle at the corners when heughs. At one point, he was battling with low self-esteem when girls were always feening over him, but overall he looked like a model and the sweetest guy in the entire world.


    ¡°Lydia!¡± He called out looking at me with admiration, I grinned and instantly found myself hugging him tightly. He chuckled, embraced me and gave me a soft kiss on my cheek.


    ¡°Wow, you look¡­wow.¡± I blushed as his blue eyes shined through the night looking into my soul. It seemed like he was the only one there right now though there were passers-by moving left and right, it didn¡¯t matter at that moment until I realized that the media could find this out and I would be on the cover of the paper tomorrow.


    ¡°Umm¡­. let me drive you home tonight or did you drive here?¡± He asked and I nodded in response.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t even matter, I will have my driver drive it down there. Come on.¡± I smiled as he held my head escorting me into his car. I thanked him as he shut the door for me before heading to his side of the car.


    I gotfortable in the leather seats wearing my seat belt, I looked up and locked eyes with Nathaniel who was standing right in front of thepany just staring at me.


    ¡°Are you okay? I got you these.¡± Aaron said, before handing me a bouquet of pink roses. I pouted cutely thanking him, I set the roses on myp but when I looked up Nathaniel was no longer standing there. I let out a breath and reverted my attention back to Andrew who was now driving away.


    ¡°So where to?¡± He asked.


    He drove me back to my ce and the whole car ride was filled withughter and reminiscing on old times. I was so happy he was back and was a bit disappointed when we finally arrived at the hotel.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°So how about dinner tomorrow night? I will pick you up after work.¡± He suggested with one of his hands still on the steering wheel.


    ¡°Alright, I will love that.¡± I responded sweetly, we exchanged contacts as we both had changed our numbers in between the years. He opened the door for me helping me out then walked me right in front of the hotel like a gentleman before cing a soft kiss on my cheek.


    Just maybe I was a little sworn by how much of her gentleman he is, and I found myselfparing him with Nathaniel.


    As I walked back to my room, I nced at the time on my watch Andrew had gifted me, unsure whether Andrew would be in his room or not. While debating, I found myself heading straight to his room without giving it a second thought. I checked through my bag for his spare key and opened the door to his apartment.


    I nned to just chill in his house till he arrived. I opened the door seeing it was dimly lit, and soft music ying in the background.


    I can¡¯t believe he had forgotten to turn everything off or was he here? I thought to myself.


    I was about to drop my bag on the couch and head straight into the kitchen to head into his cab and gather as many snacks as I could. But when I got there, I met a woman lying on her side profile with her robe loose on her body.


    ¡°How was your day my love?¡± She asked seductively, due to how dim the lightning was, I could see her but maybe from the side she couldn¡¯t see me.


    ¡°You¡¯re unusually quiet, you need your sexy queen to have you shouting.¡±


    Now that was hrious, as she strolled towards me, I hurriedly walked back and turned the lights on. As soon as the lights were on and she could see me, she hurriedly covered her see-through robe.


    ¡°I know for sure, Andrew¡¯s stupid ass is not cheating on me again! Who in the world are you?¡± Her British ent was thick and she looked furious as hell.


    I pursed my lips wondering who exactly she was.


    ¡°No, who are you?¡± I asked, as I was simply trying to protect my brother. She could be one of his crazy exes or could she be the new secret girl he was hiding from us?


    ¡°Don¡¯t let me go crazy. You had better answer my question before I beat you out of my man¡¯s house.¡± I bursted outughing, heading straight into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water because her bodynguage and facial expression along with her ent was funny.


    She was walking towards me in anger and right before she could make a move at me, Andrew came into the apartment yelling, ¡°My queen! Are you here?¡±


    ¡°Arianna?¡± The sight must have been amusing as his eyes went wide seeing his half naked queen about to hit his sister.


    ¡°Andrew. You¡¯re cheating again and she¡¯s walking all around here like she owns the ce. I¡¯m so done with you this time after I beat up the two of you.¡± Andrew and I looked at each other beforeughing. I¡¯m d I wasn¡¯t the only one who thought she was amusing.


    ¡°Lydia, this is my queen and my girl I told you about, Arianna. Ari, this is your sister inw, my blood sister, Lydia.¡± Andrew introduced walking towards her softly. Arianna¡¯s face instantly turned a few shades of red in embarrassment and she rubbed her forehead.


    ¡°Oh my fucking lord¡­I am so sorry. This ispletely embarrassing.¡±


    I chuckled softly, ¡°It¡¯s okay¡­I know how Andrew can be. It¡¯s lovely to finally meet you.¡±


    I stretched out my hand for a hand shake but she shook her head repeatedly.


    ¡°Uhn, uhn, we haven¡¯t met yet. I¡¯m going upstairs to change and will be right back in a second.¡± She quickly ran up the stairs and Andrew and I chuckled.


    ¡°She seems crazy and lovely.¡± Imented and Andrewughed.


    ¡°That¡¯s my queen.¡± I watched as he stared at her back view with so much affection.


    My brother was in love.

 Dinner With Aaron And Confessions (1)

    LYDIA¡¯S POV.


    Dinner With Aaron And Confessions (1)


    SAME NIGHT.


    As we waited for her to return back from the room, Andrew and I made small talk though by the look on his face, he wanted me out of his house as soon as possible.


    ¡°I know you want me to leave already.¡± He chuckled at my observation, tossing his blue tie to the couch next to him.


    ¡°How was your day, Little girl? You onlye here when you either want to steal food or have something to share with me but I feel it¡¯s both.¡± He changed the subject, probably not wanting me to feel bad or like I was interrupting something. Because usually, he would tell me to my face to leave and he wants to have sex or something, he was just always straightforward in unserious situations.


    I chuckled softly, ¡°First off, Nathaniel asked me out to dinner and then assumed I was workingte, brought me coffee while I was on my way out¡­. I literally have no idea what he is nning but he shouldn¡¯t even think anything will ever happen between us.¡±


    Andrew did not say anything, he just stared into my eyes. I knew that look all too well, he was reading me and trying to get the depth of what exactly I was feeling.


    ¡°That¡¯s not even half of it. Guess who magically arrived at thepany tonight?¡± I cleared my throat before speaking, diverting his mind from Nathaniel and I.


    ¡°Who?¡± He asked curiously, sipping out of his drink.


    ¡°Aaron.¡± His eyes went wide before going confused.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°Aaron, that¡¯s your goofy best friend?¡± He asked and Iughed, nodded in response.


    ¡°Wo, your day has been eventful.¡± He chuckled and I rolled my eyes at him.


    ¡°Which is why I¡¯m going on a date with Aaron tomorrow.¡± I informed him and he looked at me knowingly. Before he could utter a single word, Arianna¡¯s footsteps came running down stairs.


    ¡°So where were we?¡± She returned back wearing a long gray shirt which certainly belongs to Andrew. She was genuinely a very pretty girl, with beautiful fair skin and the body any girl would dream to have. Andrew had bagged a very fiesty gem.


    ¡°I have to leave now but it¡¯s truly nice to meet you.¡± I said to her carrying my bag, exhausted from every single thing I did today as well as the conversations and people I hade in contact with. And I wouldn¡¯t like to further interrupt her time with Andrew.


    ¡°Aww, that¡¯s too bad. Can I get your number from Andrew? We can probably go out and spend time with each other¡­lowly though, like away from the media.¡± She suggested and I nodded affirmatively giving her a weing smile.


    I was so curious about whose daughter exactly she was and why this was forbidden. I mean she literally looks from a wealthy family and had the best quality education, rather than dwelling on thought, I shook it off and made a mental note to get all the information I needed from Andrew the next day.


    I gave her my number and Andrew a side hug before walking back to my room. Andrew gave me a look that stated the conversation wasn¡¯t over yet, I snatched the two bags of chips and bottle of red wine sprinting out and bidding Arianna goodbye onest time.


    *


    ¡°Siri, y me any rxing song.¡± I said right before hopping into the shower. It was quite rxing and I hummed softly to the song ying through my in-built speaker, pushing away all my thoughts to the back of mind.


    Aftering out of the bathroom about fifteen minutester, my Google assistant announced my phone was ringing. I picked it up with a smile realizing it was no one other than my best friend.


    ¡°Yes, Lorena?¡± I asked in a yful tone, cing my phone on speaker.


    ¡°Hey my love. How are you doing? I have some information for you.¡± She sounded so excited like she couldn¡¯t wait to spill this info.


    ¡°Spill it. I¡¯m great by the way, what about you?¡± I answered wearing my loose-fitted pink pajamas then wore my cute slippers waiting for her to respond.


    ¡°I¡¯m good too, boo. Anyways guess what happened during dinner tonight with my parents and cousin.¡± She began and I was already getting excited for it so I picked up my phone heading downstairs to grab my chips and getfortable for her to spill it.


    ¡°What?¡± I opened my bag of chips waiting for her to proceed as she was taking her sweet time probably because she was next to Darren or whoever was making herugh.


    ¡°Darren, stop..¡± She giggled and I rolled my eyes yfully at them.


    ¡°Darren, stop whatever it is you¡¯re doing and let my girl spill this tea.¡± I told him, sounding frustrated and they bursted outughing.


    With my lonely, single self¡­.. sigh.


    ¡°Anyways, so during dinner my mum made small conversation like she always does. Macy had informed us she got a big modeling gig and we all congratted her. She was smiling from ear to ear, and just like in a split second, her face fell and she began to y with her food. Being the most caring cousin I am, I ask, ¡®What¡¯s wrong?¡¯. She sobs and begins to break down how Andrew had failed to call her after the dinner, how she felt so unloved and she said in these exact same words and I quote, ¡®How does someone as beautiful, having this type of body and great mind as I do, has somehow failed to have a man or even a woman to love and be obsessed with me?¡±


    Lorena and Iughed out loud as she took a pause. Macy was the type of person you would just think about andugh at, not in a mocking way. She was hrious and I feel like she did something intentionally just to make youugh.


    ¡°Girl, I literally started choking, it was too funny, my parents were hollering. Macy, who was serious initially, joined in with us. I love my cousin for real.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s going to find someone who actually loves her, all she needs to do is abstain from revealing her true colors from the get go.¡± I said and Lorena chuckled.


    ¡°So has Aaron approached you yet?¡± I let out a breath before running down the events of today. She kept gasping throughout the whole story then afterwards she decided we would go shopping for a dress for my date tomorrow night.

 Dinner With Aaron And Confessions (2)

    Lydia¡¯s POV:


    Dinner With Aaron and Confessions (2)


    I agreed knowing she wouldn¡¯t even let me object, we exchanged goodbyes after arranging the time and ce for us to meet at noon.


    ¡°Love youuuu.¡± We said in unison then hung up the call. Afterwards, I cleaned up my trash, shut the door and gotfortable in my softrge bed.


    ***********


    NEXT NIGHT.


    It was now time for my date tonight, my hair was let down straightened to its long length and my make-up was simple yet beautiful. I knew certainly that we would be going to a ssy restaurant or just any random restaurant, it couldn¡¯t be more than that. I was simply excited that Aaron was back and I could spend time with him.


    I had informed him I will simply meet him at the restaurant rather than having him driving up here to pick me up. He protested but after a few minutes of persuasion he agreed to my wish. I arrived at the location he had sent, much to my assumption, it was indeed a ssy restaurant and not just any restaurant, but my family¡¯s.


    ¡°Wee Miss Taylor, we weren¡¯t aware of your arrival here tonight.¡± The manager spoke to me and this is exactly why I didn¡¯t want to have a date here.


    ¡°Thank you, ummm¡­I¡¯m simply meeting up with a friend. He has a reservation under the name, Aaron Manchester.¡± I said and he and the hostess went ahead to look through the list.


    ¡°Ohh, Wee. Mr Manchester requested that we inform you, he is running a little bitte but he will be here soon.¡± The hostess said and I nodded, thanking her as we finally arrived at the table which was near the window disying the lights andmotion of the busy city.


    A bottle of wine was poured into my wine ss, and it was simply fruity and delicious. I took a moment shutting my eyes, savoring its sweetness. As soon as I opened my eyes, I was met with Aaron looking amazing in his ck suit which brought out his muscles. Men in the suit were just so sexy.


    Nathaniel in suit or Aaron in suit? Who is more attractive?


    I scrunched up my face dispelling such thoughts. Where did that evene from? I stood up to hug Aaron and wee him here. He handed me yet another bouquet of pink roses matching my faint pink gown which stopped right before my ankles.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I smiled sweetly taking in the smell of both him and the roses.


    ¡°You look gorgeous, Lydia. So beautiful.¡± I blushed at his words, reverting my eyes to the menu.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look too bad yourself.¡± I retorted without sparing him a nce and he chuckled softly.


    ¡°Oh yeah? You¡¯re still so horrible at giving mepliments.¡± He pointed out and I looked at him with wide eyes.


    ¡°What? I always tell you, you look good.¡±


    ¡°Yeah right¡­when deep down within your heart. You want to scream at the top of your lungs that saying, ¡°Aaron Manchester is the most handsome man in the whole world with the body of a sexy Greek God.¡± I face-palmed myselfughing deeply and he joined in theughter.


    ¡°I see those foreign girls have hyped you up way too much, your head is in the clouds.¡± He rolled his eyes yfully at my words.


    ¡°Whatever. I haven¡¯t even been with any woman in a long time. I hope now that I have returned, I hope I find that girl to show all my love to and hopefully she isn¡¯t too far away.¡± His words were quite suggestive but I brushed it off. He always held this type of power with his words and eyes but it never really worked for me which is why I am a bestie.


    ¡°How long are you here for?¡± I asked, breaking the silence.


    ¡°A few months or a year¡­it¡¯s not certain yet.¡± I nodded in understanding.


    ¡°I¡¯m such a horrible best friend, you still own your techpany right? Are you thinking of expansion that¡¯s why you¡¯re here?¡±


    ¡°Yes and yes, that¡¯s exactly why I¡¯m here but I don¡¯t have to stay all throughout the expansion but I want to.¡± He stated and I nodded in understanding.


    ¡°Good evening. My name is Laura and I will be your waitress for tonight. What can I get you started with?¡±Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    That question began the real fun I had tonight. We ordered the most delicious meals and had each other taste the other¡¯s order. I like him a little too much so I ordered the same so I won¡¯t have to bother him though he literally wants me to. We discussed, ate and had a great time.


    ¡°Do you remember how you and Lorena had to shoo off every single girl that bothered me back then, including Mia.¡± I noddedughing back to fun high school days. Mia was such a pest, it¡¯s so nice that I hadn¡¯t seen in a while.


    ¡°Everyone thought we were secretly dating¡­while you were just basically tolerating me.¡± We bothughed as he led me out of the restaurant holding my box of dessert I had requested should be packed up.


    ¡°Fun lovely days.¡±


    I turned around when he had gone quiet and I could no longer feel his presence behind me. He was simply standing in the open just gazing at me.


    ¡°You¡¯re really beautiful, Lydia. The divorce must have been tough for you but look at you still standing and smiling despite everything. I¡¯m extremely proud of you and admire you so much, I feel like it has brought back so many hidden feelings I have always had for you.¡±


    I looked at him processing his words, I mean I guess he might like me but it sure doesn¡¯t seem like a regr crush.


    ¡°There¡¯s no time beating around the bush. I just want to let you know I like you and I¡¯m going to keep showing you that I¡¯m the perfect match for you.¡± He took a second to catch his breath as he spoke nervously,


    ¡°Will you allow me to work on our rtionship? At least show you how much I adore, admire and have feelings for you.¡±


    This was way too much, I was beginning to feel overwhelmed. Things had taken such a drastic turn and when he slowly walked towards me, I felt the urge to just tell him exactly how I felt.

 His Next Move

    3rd POV.


    That Night.


    Lydia arrived back in her room, reying the events that had just taken ce tonight cringing at her words and bodynguage. She groaned, tossing her heels to the side andying down at the edge of her bed.


    ¡°Will you allow me to work on our rtionship? At least let me show you how much I adore, admire and have feelings for you.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± Lydia took a step back, looking down.


    ¡°I can¡¯t.. I just¡­¡± She trailed off and Aaron rubbed his lips together beating himself for just pouring everything on her after a few hours of catching up.


    ¡°You know what? You don¡¯t have to answer my question right now. I¡¯m sorry foring on too strong, it¡¯s just¡­I have learnt over thest few years that nothing is promised. Can you imagine how I felt when I heard you were married to your ex-husband years ago? I was sad and I refuse to hold back my feelings and let you slip out of my life ever again.¡±


    His words held sincerity and Lydia¡¯s heart and mind was racing. She couldn¡¯t believe Aaron had such great feelings for her, it came off as a serious shocker for her.


    After a moment of silence, each processing their thoughts. The chilly night breeze blew making Lydia shiver, Aaron instantly took off his suit jacket and handed it to her.


    She had always loved to see his caring side, Aaron was always a huge sensitive teddy bear and both girls, Lydia and Lorena, loved that.


    ¡°Let me get you back home. We shouldn¡¯t be standing out here in the open, just staring at each other. People will think we are crazy or something.¡± He joked lightly, the tension between them. He smiled seeing her disy her cuteughter, he loved dearly.


    ¡°I drove here and I didn¡¯t have too much to drink so I feel like I got this.¡± He didn¡¯t press on after this, he requested for her car from the valet who immediately had it right in front of her.


    ¡°It has been a crazy night but I had a good time.¡± Lydia told him collecting the car to her key and the box of dessert she couldn¡¯t wait to devour.


    ¡°We can arrange something during the weekend, if that¡¯s okay with you.¡± He suggested obviously wanting to spend every single day with her, but he had alreadye off strong as it. Thest night he needed was Lydia thinking he was some type of obsessed crazy man.


    ¡°That would be nice.¡± She spoke softly and he nodded, opening the driver¡¯s door for her. He stretched out his hand for a hug and she embraced him taking in his cologne which she believed was quite simr to Nathaniel¡¯s old cologne he had been using the first year of their marriage.


    ¡°Good night Lydia, text me when you arrive back home safe.¡± He ced a warm kiss on her cheeks instantly, having her cheek turning tints of red.


    ¡°Good night, you should do the same.¡± He nodded, shing her a charming smile, he stood behind watching as she drove away.


    He brought out his phone calling the only person who could give him some type of assurance in the moment, Lorena. He didn¡¯t wait for her to evenpletely say, ¡°Hello.¡± Before he ran down the events of tonight with her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t stress about it. I will talk to her and let you know what¡¯s up. And please Aaron, I love you but don¡¯t be calling me at this ungodly hour except someone is dying. Do you want my fianc¨¦ thinking I¡¯m cheating or something.¡± She scolded Aaron who justughed muttering a quick apology.


    ¡°Yeah, Whatever. Good night lover boy.¡± She didn¡¯t wait for his response before cutting off the call. Aaron began to contemte on what he had to do next to please Lydia and show her how important she truly is to him.


    Lydia nced at the time on her phone and sent Aaron a text informing him that she had arrived back home safe and sound. He texted her back less than a secondter,


    I just got back too.


    Have a good night, beautiful.


    Sweet dreams.


    She smiled as she had even never truly received such text message or affection from the opposite gender except her rtives. This felt quite new and odd but exhrating. She got another message from a new number then saved it realizing it was Arianna. She stripped out of her cloth, then tossed around waiting for sleep to consume her after such a long day.


    NEXT MORNING.


    It was another day and Lydia had woken upte again for two reasons. The first reason was she couldn¡¯t fall asleep as Aaronid heavy on her mind and the other reason was since she couldn¡¯t sleep, she concluded that she might as well work on her book that had served as a form of therapy helping her healing journey from The Kings.


    She rushed into the elevator and scrunched up her face in confusion when she saw no one but Jenny there as well. Jenny had no reason to be at thepany today but as soon as the head of her department requested that one of the employees had to deliver an important document to the Millerpany, Jenny instantly volunteered. She had an important n she was working on and she concluded that she needed to be extra observant or the mission would fail.


    ¡°Good morning Lydia, you seem to be in a hurry.¡± Jenny pointed out as Lydia simply hummed in response putting on her lip stick.


    ¡°Well¡­You look cute though the shade of red seems a light bit too bright for your skin. Do you drive to work?¡± Jenny inquired and Lydia scrunched up her face in confusion at the change of subject and wondering why in the world Jenny even had the audacity to speak to her.


    ¡°If I may ask, how is that your business?¡± Lydia asked with an attitude, the elevator door dinged and they had arrived at Jenny¡¯s floor.


    Jenny gave a stank look, staring at her from head to toe hopping out of the elevator. Lydia rolled her eyes at her not in the mood in the slightest for her bullshit.


    Lydia adjusted her glowing white corporate gown which stopped around her knee. It was a straight fitted gown hugging her curves and physical features, she got greetings from employees as soon as she got to her floor.


    ¡°Good morning Miss Lydia. You look amazing as ever even though you¡¯re about six minuteste for your meeting with the CEOs and other chief officers.¡± Roseline informed her and her eyes went wide as she had totally forgotten.


    ¡°Shit.¡± She grabbed her documents on the table sprinting into the boardroom. Luckily for her, her dad wasn¡¯t present yet so it was simply small talk and sharing of little information.


    She took a seat next to Andrew who shook his head at her. ¡°You¡¯re alwayste, don¡¯t tell me it was because of your datest night.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t. I just overslept.¡± She informed him then muttered a ¡®Thank you¡¯ as he handed a cup of coffee.


    ¡°Mum¡¯s death anniversary is tomorrow.¡± Andrew informed her and she sighed deeply, wincing at the fact that she had totally forgotten.


    ¡°You forgot? Wow, that¡¯s so unlike you. Dad forgot as well.¡± He said and she raised my eyebrow asking, ¡°Seriously?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t judge him, he¡¯s old and you¡¯re not. Plus you just might have been right about him having something going on with one of the maids.¡± He whispered this part so low, she could barely hear what he had uttered.


    ¡°I knew it, I knew it. Believe me when I tell you any piece of information, I¡¯m literally always right.¡±


    ¡°Yeah sure and it¡¯s because you¡¯re too nosy and nasty.¡± The two chuckled at those words then theughter died down, each to their thought.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°We will discuss about how you feelter, alright?¡± She nodded at Andrew¡¯s reassurance and just then their father stepped into the room calling the attention of everyone. The meetingmenced after a short greeting by their father.


    On some days, Lydia still wondered what exactly happened with those missing funds she had asked Andrew about and she wondered if Andrew still felt the same way he confessed to her at the event. Did he still smoke as well?


    I should probably ask my dad about it. The month I began at thepany marked the end of missing funds but what about old times? She thought to herself.


    Her eyes drifted to the projector making her think back to Aaron as he was a tech guru. Known as a nerd back in their earlier days in high school.


    Should I start off a rtionship with him? Won¡¯t it affect our friendship if it doesn¡¯t eventually work out?


    She thought to herself then turned her attention back to the words her father was speaking.


    MEANWHILE¡­


    ¡°Hold up, hold up¡­You called us out here in the middle of the day because of that gold digger?¡± Kelvin questioned and Nathaniel rose to his feet but was pulled down by Liam who told him to rx.


    Nathaniel had invited them during Lunch to a restaurant and bar. The four men were now seated sipping alcohol and water and enjoying the chicken wings Liam had ordered for. Nathaniel ranted to them on how livid he was when he saw Lydia with Aaronst night.


    ¡°But Nathaniel, it seems to me that you truly have feelings for Lydia.¡± Jacob pointed out and Liammented, ¡°Duhh.¡±


    ¡°Feelings? You all truly believe its feeling I have for Lydia?¡± They hummed in response but Kelvin shook his head at Nathaniel looking at him in disappointment.


    ¡°You¡¯re embarrassing as hell. What else did you think it was?¡± Liam chuckled deeply at Kelvin¡¯s frustration.


    ¡°Let¡¯s ignore Kelvin, he¡¯s going through something at the moment so he¡¯s obviously passive aggressive.¡± Nathaniel and Kelvin locked eyes and Nathaniel let out a breath before giving Kelvin a soft pat on his shoulder.


    ¡°She¡¯s gonna be okay.¡± He assured him, Kelvin¡¯s aged grandmother was ill and though it was natural at her old age of about ny years old, Kelvin still wasn¡¯t ready to let her go.


    ¡°But back to Nate¡­. What are you going to do bro?¡± Kelvin asked, refusing to be the center of attention and pity.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to get her back no matter the hell she puts me through, I¡¯m going to go through everything for her ignoring whatever my mum has to say.¡± They nodded listening to him but as soon as Kelvin and Liam made eye contact they bursted outughing loudly.


    ¡°Man, thought this was some movie.¡± They allughed while Nathaniel was contemting his next move.

 The Devil In Her (1)

    JENNY¡¯S POV.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± The secretary at the front desk thanked me as I handed her the documents I had been sent to give her after waiting for about thirty minutes.


    I gave her a tight-lipped smile then rolled my eyes walking away. Walking back to the elevator, I watched the staff who were busy with their eyes glued to theirputer in front of them while some others were busy discussing amongst each other, even talking and ncing at me. I just hissed, reverting my attention back to my phone.


    I groaned in annoyance when the driver had informed me that he was stuck in traffic across town and Rachel had sent him on an errand. I knew for sure he was just making excuses because all of a sudden the employees at the mansion who adored me in the past scorned me. I sigh debating within myself if I should call Nathaniel or not.


    After the asion at the hospital where he literally suggested sending me off to another country, the doctor and I invited him over at the hospital two days after we had gotten our stories and information right.


    FLASHBACKS.


    ¡°Good morning Mr King.¡± The doctor greeted rising to his feet as Nathaniel entered into the office looking as handsome as ever in an all ck outfit, his suit ck and shirt ck as well with his hair slicked backwards.


    My man was literally a Greek god!


    I stood up slowly as well, drowsy from the medicine I had requested the doctor inject into me though he was quite hesitant due to the fact that nothing was wrong with me.


    ¡°Hey Nathaniel.¡± I spoke slowly and my movement was quite sluggish. After the nightmare I hadst night, where I had dreamt of Nathaniel and Lydia getting married, I had woken up and cried my eyes out so now my eyes and whole face was red with my eyes swollen.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± He asked caringly and I shrugged taking a seat while he sat on the chair next to me. This was myst shot in proving to him that I was indeed ill and needed his presence and needed to be in the country to attain good health.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on with the hospital abroad? You can tell she¡¯s not doing well and this hospital isn¡¯t doing anything to help her.¡±


    Nathaniel was now vexed and clearly irritated. That warmed my heart, it confirmed me thought that if indeed Lydia was out of the picture, he would be more attention to me and I would be the next Mrs King bearing all our beautiful babies maybe three triplets, 2 boys and a girl, the boys looking like their handsome daddy and a little girl as beautiful as I was with full long thick ck hair.


    ¡°I understand why you, sir, might feel that way but truly Miss Jennifer¡¯s condition is quite serious and our hospital is rated the best in treating this ailment. Additionally, with the presence of her family and friends we strongly believe she will be healedpletely.¡± The doctor spoke artictely which I was certain would change Nathaniel¡¯s mind. Furthermore, the doctor also handed to him a document which contained statistics of the people who have more cured and measures to be taken.


    Nathaniel scrolled through it after checking the time on his wrist for the second time in minutes. He seemed like he didn¡¯t want to be here but I believed he just had a meeting to be at.


    ¡°Thank you, Doctor. ¡± He rose to his feet, making the doctor and I look at him confused.


    ¡°My assistant will get back to you.¡± I blinked repeatedly fighting how weak I was feeling, I wanted to speak to Nathaniel as much as I wanted to just faint or cause a dramatic scene to scare him.


    The two shook hands and Nathaniel spared me no nce before bolting out of the office. I followed behind him trying to match his pace but he was walking in a haste and the guards behind him were about to block my way.


    ¡°Nathaniel!¡± I gathered the small energy left in mw to shout out his name. He and the guards behind him turned around, he sighed walking towards me.


    ¡°What again Jennifer?¡± He asked standing in front of me with a look that meant business.


    ¡°You¡­you didn¡¯t even look my way nor say a word to me. Did I.. did I do something wrong?¡± I stammered out, tears forming in my eyes and I could barely stand up straight.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°You make a decision Jenny. You¡¯re a grown woman, I shouldn¡¯t be making decisions for you but what I won¡¯t tolerate is being lied to by that doctor, those statistics are false and this hospital is no way the best in treating this ailment. I don¡¯t know if you have something to do with him lying or¨C¡±


    ¡°Of course not. I had no idea he was lying of something as serious as that as it pertains to my health.¡± I quickly cut him off and he nodded, obviously believing my words and seeing the fake sincerity on my face.


    ¡°Being abroad will just be the best. That doctor is quack and most definitely a fake and I will have him arrested.¡± He assured me and I was already beginning to fear for myself.


    What if they arrest the doctor and he confesses about my involvement in everything from day one?


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to do that. He treated me well the first time, maybe this second time around it is something different. I will request for a few more tests and let you know about it.¡± He stared at me intently with an unreadable expression on his face. A few secondster, he nodded slowly, ¡°Take care of yourself.¡±


    I hummed in response, watching vaguely as he left. The second he left the hallway all together, I passed out with a thought on my mind,


    Having my sickness back will not help matters at all, so I need to think of a different strategy in order to get Nathaniel attention.


    End of FLASHBACK.


    A day after I got discharged and returned back to the mansion, a new doctor had informed Nathaniel it was just due to stress and cold. I was feeling like that and with a full vitamins I would be alright. Dayster, I resumed back to work and thanked Nathaniel for looking out for me, he simply waved me off. Ignoring my seductive passes, I refused to let him be tired of me so I was no longer disturbing him and awaited his calling but nothing came through.


    As I arrived at the ground floor, Iughed deeply to myself like a viin in movies when they had finally arrived at a n. But I was for sure not a viin, I was just a girl who was in love and ready to do anything for my man.

 The Devil In Her (2)

    Jenny¡¯s POV


    Though I had said it a thousand times but after everything, especially how Nathaniel had turned me down to go after Lydia, I was ready to take action.


    I AM GOING TO KILL LYDIA, AND NO ONE CAN STOP ME!


    *********


    TWO WEEKS LATER.


    I packed ck overalls, ck boots and a face cap along with a nose mask in an ugly backpack I had found in the lost and found of the office at work. While wearing a yellow sundress looking pretty as hell in order to achieve everything nned for my day ahead. I nced at the time on my phone and realized it was now 7a. m on a Friday and I had called out from work telling them it was due to a personal issue.


    I took a step at a time to prevent Mrs King and anyone from seeing me. I smiled slyly when I was so close to the entrance, feeling optimistic for achieving one of my goals for the day.


    ¡°Where are you in a hurry to, with such shabby clothing and tacky bag?¡± My excitement instantly drained out of my system and I jumped startled by the voice of Mrs King who was sitting elegantly in the sitting room with her face turned away from me.


    I walked towards her, setting the ugly backpack on the floor.


    ¡°I have a few things to do today, do you mind if I take the minivan no one uses anymore?¡± Mrs King looked at me suspiciously but I was so awesome at masking up how I felt, what I was thinking, so I was just calm and gave a puppy dog eyes.


    ¡°Sure. You know you¡¯re going to have to tell me everything at some point when you¡¯re done so I can protect you.¡± She spoke knowingly but I had gotten strict instructions to not say a damn word to anybody.


    ¡°Of course ma¡¯am. But it¡¯s nothing serious I promise.¡± She nodded, waving me off. I smiled thanking her and heading straight to the garage ignoring the looks from the employees loitering around.


    Switching on the lights in the dark deserted garage, I grinned widely looking at the tons of beautiful cars that were simply abandoned due to it no longer being in season or just no one drives it anymore and that totally eptable. It was great for what I needed for my mission today. I had found this garage while strolling around the beautifulpound, nning and thinking for today. I ended up dusting off the car and just getting the exteriors ready.


    I hopped into the car and kicked up the engine and after a few minutes of trying to kick up the Chrysler blue minivan, I was driving out of the garage and whole mansion in haste.


    While growing up, I had grown in the luxurious parts of the country living next to the Kings but there was a huge difference between the Kings and mine, the energy and the way they were brought out. The King kids were brought up freely but I was brought up in constant reminder to keep quiet, to not tell anyone what I had seen in order to protect our family¡¯s image.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    My mother had always been told by my father that she was crazy but she constantly denied it. One day, she had woken up and just began to cry and scream writing in their bedroom¡¯s wallplete jargons. That was the day my father had concluded that she would be sent to a mental institution after weing a doctor to inject her so she could rx.


    My mum did not say a word as she was already weak. The following night, I woke up seeing my mother carrying a kit my father had always used in order to fix the basic things in the car. Her hair was all over the ce and she looked scary, almost like a witch in her ck flowing night dress. She wasn¡¯t aware that I was secretly following behind her until she arrived at the garage and entered into my father¡¯s favorite car.


    The minute she felt a presence and turned around shining the shlight to me, I screamed but she quickly bolted towards me covering my mouth. Scolding me to keep quiet, after ensuring that I wasn¡¯t going to scream, she let me go and I was still a little bit scared due to how she looked but I watched her hop into the car and open up the bo of the car.


    I had asked, ¡°Mum, what are you doing?¡± She smirked and gazed at me through the corner of her eye while bringing out a wire crimper from the tool box. She spoke slowly while focusing on what she was doing, ¡°When someonees in between your ns and goals, you need to give them a break.¡±


    She turned around and asked, ¡°Do you understand me?¡± I nodded though I didn¡¯t understand but I feared her wrath. The next morning, she woke up early and made delicious breakfast for the entire family. My father had left the house in a bliss, cing a kiss on my forehead and hers. She smirked bidding him goodbye as he entered into his favorite car, it wasn¡¯t untilter that day when it was reported that my father got into an ident, that I finally understood the pun intended by her words.


    Now that I was grown, though I resented her for having my father killed, I understood that you had to do what you got to do in order to put a stop to whoever was trying toe in between your goals. Just like Lydia wasing against my goals.


    ******


    After changing in the minivan a few distance away from the Millerpany, I was in the overalls mechanics wore and I had on a nose mask to protect my identity and a face cap with my hair packed it. I sat in a distance and smiled mischievously when I saw Lydia¡¯s beautiful Mercedes Benz pulling into thepany and was going to be packed in the parking lot. Too bad it will be a disaster soon.


    I waited about two hours, ensuring that everyone was now busy with work before heading into the parking lot and packing at a spot not too far from where Lydia¡¯s car was. I observed that the security camera wasn¡¯t in that direction and I was d, my heart was literally filled with joy.


    I got out of my car carrying my tool box and today I became my mother as I broke into Lydia¡¯s car, opened the bo to her car and grinned devilishly ¡°giving Lydia a brake.¡± All for the man I love more than anything, My NATHANIEL!


    But for some reason, I felt a presence but I couldn¡¯t see anybody.


    Was anybody present here?

 Patricia And Mr Miller

    3RD POV.


    Same Day.


    After cutting the brakes of Lydia¡¯s Mercedes-Benz, Jenny fled the scene especially after feeling someone burning a hole at the back. She didn¡¯t even bother confronting anyone or searching around, she simply entered into the minivan and zoomed out of the parking lot heading straight to a cafe where she could give as her alibi if questioned on where she had been.


    Now, six hours, it was way past lunchtime and Lydia was heading straight to her father¡¯s office. He requested her presence and she whined, dropping the documents she was reading through, heading straight there fixing up the ck belt of her purple jumpsuit she had on. She was looking pretty with her hair curled and her simple gloss coated on her lips alongside with the eyebrow done, she looked like a gorgeous model.     The truth behind her taking her time to look gorgeous because she had woken up after having a nightmare. In her dream, she had vaguely seen her father in a casket and everyone dressed in ckforting her. Even Mrs King was present looking at her with fake empathy and another woman whose face she couldn¡¯t see clearly, stared at her with a sinister smile on her face.


    Lydia jumped out of bed, panting with her chest heaving rise and falling and sweating on her forehead. She grabbed a bottle of water on her night stand and nced at the time on her phone and sucked her teeth in irritation when it was 4am which is three hours before she had to be awake and she knew certainly she couldn¡¯t sleep. So she decided to write her book which she had been secretly working on and after writing for about two hours, she began to prepare for work with anxietyying heavy on her.


    She listened to a positive song as she drove to work and promised to spend time with her father today. But like he could read her mind, he thought and strongly believed he needed to spend some time with his princess. He didn¡¯t want his rtionship with Patricia to evere between them, he even strongly if Lydia or Andrew demanded that he ended the rtionship with Patricia, he would in a heartbeat.


    His children were his world.


    FLASHBACK:


    Their mother¡¯s death anniversary.


    ¡°Why did you even have us drive here together?¡± Lydia asked Andrew who had just been annoying her the whole journey to their childhood home.


    ¡°Shut up and check the back seat for tissue paper.¡± Andrew said and Lydia rolled her turning around with her seat belt around her stretching to grab the box of tissue in the back seat.


    Andrew squinted his eyes and when it dawned on him who was standing in front of their father¡¯s mansion, his eyes went wide in shock.


    ¡°I have found it.¡± Lydia was about to turn around but he pushed her face back.


    ¡°What?? Andrew, you¡¯re gonna ruin my makeup.¡± She whined and Andrew kissed his teeth still mushing her head backwards while trying his best to use his other hand to horn as well as pack into the driveway so as to stop his father from literally dry humping Patricia in front of the house on their MOTHER¡¯S DEATH ANNIVERSARY.


    Lydia pushed him off and was hurt when she saw what Andrew was trying to protect her from seeing.


    ¡°In your defense you were right along.¡± Andrew pointed out and Lydia just shook her head in disappointment, opening the door to the car and mming it loudly, making her father and Patricia notice her presence.


    Patricia¡¯s face drained of its color, Mr Miller shut his eyes closed thinking of what to do in this moment. He knew certainly that his children would be so angry with him which is why he was trying to send Patricia away before their arrival. He just loved touching and keeping his hands on Patricia anytime she was around him.


    ¡°What did I just see? I mean I suspected that you two were together but I wanted you, dad to own it ande to us and let us know. But basically almost having sex in front of the house where mum died is too much!¡± Lydia spat angrily and Patricia shook standing behind Mr Miller. Andrew sighed deeply walking towards them, he was pretty disappointed as well.


    ¡°Lydia, I apologize. Andrew, you too, I am so sorry, I never meant for you to find out this way. I am sorry¡­. I love your mother and I will always love her, believe me when I say I used to feel so horrible to even look at another woman in any way but after a while, I met Patricia and she was my happy ce. She is my happy ce and I love her dearly and I¡¯m certain that after all these years your mother would want me to move on and be happy.¡± Mr Miller spoke and everyone remained silent digesting his words.


    ¡°Lydia, I really am sorry. Look at me Princess.¡± Lydia just looked down and Andrew held onto her shoulderfortingly.


    Everyone stood there waiting for Lydia to utter a word but she didn¡¯t. About two minutes passed and she wiped a single tear that dropped from her eye.


    ¡°You know what dad.¡± She looked up gazing into her father¡¯s eyes with teary eyes. ¡°You deserve to be happy, you do. If she makes you happy then fine. But don¡¯t ever disrespect my mother like that ever again.¡±


    She spoke seriously and Andrew backed her up. Her father wanted to hug her but she pulled Andrew and they entered the house as she was determined that nothing woulde between her celebrating her mother¡¯s anniversary. If not, the house disgusted her and she totally did not want to be here.


    Lydia knew eventually she would have to totally ept their rtionship but it needed time. So did Andrew.


    END OF FLASHBACK:


    ¡°Hey daddy, you called for me?¡± She said a little bit over her breath in order to prevent anyone from finding out her true identity. He hummed and she looked to her side, seeing Patricia seated on the couch with his eyes glued to aptop on herp, sitting with pride because at the end of the day it was her man¡¯s office.


    ¡°Princess!¡± He rose up from the seat excitedly strolling towards her and pulling her for a warm embrace.


    ¡°Are you okay? I feel like I haven¡¯t seen you in a while.¡± Mr Miller stared at her inspecting her from head to toe.


    ¡°I¡¯m alright dad. We¡¯ve just been busy, that¡¯s most likely why.¡± She replied sweetly, she knew she couldn¡¯t even be mad at him.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°Hey Miss Lydia, it¡¯s nice to see you.¡± Lydia fought the urge to make a stank look, and utter something smart in response to Patricia.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to call me ¡®Miss¡¯, who knows one of these days I might just be calling you step mum.¡± Patricia cackled feeling rather amused by that, that exact reaction from Patricia had Lydia¡¯s mind racing.


    So she never ns on marrying my father? She¡¯s just taking advantage of my lonely father?


    Before Lydia could utter a word, her father beat her to it, ¡°Let¡¯s go out to grab a bite. Lydia go ahead and grab your coat and let¡¯s head out, we will get your favorite meal.¡±


    Lydia nodded and obediently went into her office to grab her coat along with her bag and phone. As she was about to exit out of her office, Andrew bursted into her office.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on with you?¡± She questioned seeing the uneasy look on his face. He paced back and forth with stressed lines forming on his forehead making her look at him worried.


    ¡°I will exin what¡¯s going onter but right now I need to borrow your car.¡± He said and she knitted her eyebrows together.


    ¡°Why? At least let me know what¡¯s going on.¡± She rummaged through her bag looking for the keys to her coupe.


    ¡°Arianna said she needs me and it¡¯s urgent. She added nothing further and by her tone she seemed to have been crying. I¡¯m worried, okay? Possibilities of what could have possibly gone wrong with her keeps running through my mind and your car is the only car nearby that travels with speedpared to my Range Rover.¡± He rambled on and Lydia patted her shoulder handing him the keys to the car.

 Death

    3RD POV:


    ¡°I understand. Please just keep me updated and drive safely.¡± By the time she was done speaking, Andrew was most likely down the hallway rushing to the ground floor.


    I hope everything goes well with him and Ariana. Lydia muttered to herself.


    Andrew and Ariana had met up with herst week, she told them about her curiosity on why their rtionship had to be such a secret and Ariana informed Lydia it was due to the problems Ariana¡¯s family had caused. Her family, mostly her father, ran a drugpany and thepany had been known for creating a lot of fake drugs and being involved in the trafficking of drugs. Her father was arrested a lot of times publicly but when they couldn¡¯t find anything on him they released him. So which wealthy family would want to be associated with such a family? Especially after her mother had run away and abandoned after her birth to embrace the fast life.


    It was a lot but Lydia knew Ariana and Andrew loved each other dearly and she hoped one day they would be able to love each other publicly.


    She whined to herself realizing that without her car, she would have to ride with her father and Patricia.


    ******


    About fifteen minutes after they had arrived at the ssy restaurant, the staff were discussing amongst each other about Patricia and Lydia being as observant as ever, she could tell Patricia was rather hurt than diforted.


    The manager and the rest of the employees were trying to be on good behavior after noticing the presence of Mr Miller.


    ¡°Would that be all?¡± The waiter asked after they had ced an order.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± Lydia responded and the waiter told them that he would be right back.


    ¡°So aside from work, what¡¯s going on with your private life? A little birdie or rather of birdies informed me, Aaron was back in the country and you had a date with him few weeks ago.¡± Mr Miller began to stir up the conversation and Lydia looked from her phone which had her message thread from Lorena opened.


    At the mention of Aaron¡¯s name, Guilt filled Lydia¡¯s heart. On Saturdayst two weeks ago, Aaron had invited Lydia to be his plus one for a tech event and surprisingly Lydia had met Nathaniel at the event as well, as he was there to support one of his high school friends.


    Nathaniel¡¯s world seemed to havee to a stand still when he saw Lydia in an altar-neck royal blue gown with her hair packed up like a queen. She looked breathtaking and Nathaniel wished she was next to him rather than being next to Aaron. Aaron must have caught Nathaniel staring at Lydia, so he asked Lydia if she knew him and she informed him that was her ex-husband. Aaron became extremely touchy and affectionate after hearing who he was.


    But at the end of night, when they got outside and Aaron was this close to kissing her. Lydia turned her face sideways then took her step back.


    ¡°Look Aaron, you are as handsome as a Greek god and have all the qualities of the man of any woman¡¯s dream¡­¡±


    ¡°But..¡± His blue eyes pierced into her soul gazing at her intently.


    ¡°But ¡­ . I just got out of a stressful, heartbreaking marriage and though it¡¯s been a while I can assure anyone that I am almost healedpletely. I¡¯m still not ready for a rtionship and I have no idea when I would be. Right now, all I¡¯m focused on is being the best CFO in thepany and country atrge and being a good friend, daughter, boss and sister to the people around me.¡± Aaron nodded slowly, taking in her words.


    After a brief agonizing moment of silence for Lydia, Aaron licked his lips, ¡°I understand but I¡¯m never giving up on you, Lydia. Never ever.¡±


    ¡°Get home safely.¡± He ced a kiss on her cheek, opening the door to her car for her. She was baffled, taken aback, shocked.


    ¡°Yes dad, we did hang out but just as friends.¡± Her father hummed in response as if not believing, she chuckled and got excited as food was served. She was famished as she hadn¡¯t eaten since the cracks of dawn except having a bagel and coffee.


    The next few minutes, Lydia tried to give her father and Patricia her undivided attention but Lorena kept texting her on the list of things they had to do before Lorena¡¯s wedding a few months from now.


    ¡°Manners, Lydia! You¡¯re at the table.¡± Lydia instantly apologized, cing her phone face down and digging into her phone.


    ¡°So when did you two start messing around? You know dad, I was so angry that you did that in the same house mum used to stay but I let roll off my back. Now, you¡¯re about to lose your daughter, even Andrew, over some girl who could just be after your money and the opportunity to work at a popr restaurant.¡±


    Lydia did not even know where this wasing from, but it had been on her mind for a while and it felt so good to actually say it out loud.


    ¡°I have said for the dozenth time, I¡¯m not after his money. I¡¯m happy with the little coins I get rather than having to sleep around for money. I respect you so much Lydia so please ord me that same respect as well. Right before anything even happened before us, your¡­Mr Miller had offered me the position after tasting something I had made. So please, don¡¯t. I do apologize for things escting at your mother¡¯s house. I truly do apologize.¡±


    Lydia came to read the sincerity in her voice and face, she began to feel bad for feeling the way about her and even saying it to her face. Sighing deeply, Lydia rose to her feet cing her napkin on the table.


    ¡°Excuse me.¡± She excused herself storming out of the VIP room and calling Andrew¡¯s driver. After calling the driver and he assured her he was almost there, she got a call from an unknown number.


    ¡°Hello?¡± She answered, scrunching up her face.


    ¡°Is this Miss Lydia Taylor?¡±


    Lydia replied, ¡°Yes, this is she.¡± as Andrew¡¯s car pulled up in front of the restaurant where she was standing.


    ¡°We seemed to have found your name on Mr Andrew Miller¡¯s important call logs and Mr Andew has been rushed to the hospital after a tragic incident which happened at¡­¡­¡± Lydia¡¯s eyes were spinning, her mouth became dry, a single tear fell from her eye and her heart was beating so fast and loud. Fear overcame her and she began to breathe loudly as if about to have a panic attack but she took deep breaths as she couldn¡¯t afford that right now.


    ¡°Miss Taylor? Miss Taylor, are you still there?¡± The person¡¯s voice called out repeatedly.


    ¡°What hospital?¡±


    **********


    On her way to the hospital, she had told Roseline to clear off all her meetings and she had sent a message to Ariana, Lorena and her father informing them of the ident. Her fingers were trembling as she typed away but she filled her mind with positive thoughts.


    It¡¯s just a minor ident. Andrew is okay, your big brother is okay¡­it¡¯s nothing serious¡­


    She assured herself and the minute the car arrived at therge hospital, she sprinted into the building asking for Andrew¡¯s room as she waited for their response, she heard someone crying loudly in the hallway with nurses and doctors trying to hold the woman back.


    Looking into the hallway with a tear stained face, her eyes went wide seeing Ariana crying her eyes out, screaming and wailing on the hospital floor. She instantly ran towards her, trying not to think of the worst.


    ¡°Ari, Ari, what¡¯s going on? What¡¯s happening? What did they say?¡± Arianna continued crying, holding onto Lydia¡¯s arm tightly.


    ¡°Lydia¡­. Lydia, they said he¡¯s¡­.¡± She began to cry loudly and Lydia¡¯s anticipation was killing her.


    ¡°He¡¯s what?¡±


    ¡°Andrew is dead.¡± Arianna cried out and Lydia¡¯s head was spinning and she heard the loud scream of ¡°Nooo!!¡±ing down the hallway.


    But all her head kept processing is Andrew was dead.

 A Miracle

    LYDIA¡¯S POV.


    ¡°No¡­no¡­he can¡¯t be dead. Andrew can¡¯t be dead.¡± I shook my head repeatedly, rising to my feet , leaving Ari who was crying her eyes out. I headed straight into the ICU unit in search of Andrew¡¯s room.


    WHERE THE HELL IS THE DOCTOR!!?


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, you can¡¯t be here.¡± One of the nurses tried to obstruct my view as soon as I opened the curtains to the room where Andrew wasying down there lifeless. They were using the defibritor to try and bring him back but he wasn¡¯t responding.


    ¡°Please try one more time!¡± I yelled before sadly saying, ¡°Please.¡± I begged with tears falling down my eyes. The doctor nced at me with a look and I pleaded through my eyes.


    The doctor gave the nurse the go ahead and she reapplied the conductive gel on the defibritor. ¡°Charge to 300.¡±


    ¡°Clear.¡± They tried one more time and I let out a breath of relief when his heart picked up through the monitor.


    ¡°He¡¯s back.¡± They announced, I shut my eyes close allowing the final tears to drop.


    Thank Goodness.


    I was told to excuse them as they worked and checked his condition. I left with relief and gratefulness in my heart, I couldn¡¯t imagine losing my brother ever. Just the thought scared me, having to bury him and never be able to have a conversation with him nor disturb him or have someone who could read and understand me. Andrew was too important to just die.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? What happened? Is he truly dead?¡±


    Lorena, Ariana, Darren, Macy and Aaron rushed towards me bombarding me with questions. Ariana looked drained with her entire face red and her eyes swollen, Macy looked like she was about to burn the entire hospital down depending on my next words, Lorena¡¯s face was tear stained and the others just stared at me with anticipation, worry and concern.


    ¡°His heart rate picked up, we just need to wait for what the doctor has to say.¡± They all let out a breath of relief while Ariana just took a seat back and began to cry, saying cuss words under her breath.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong Ari? He will get better, I¡¯m certain. My brother is a warrior.¡± I pulled her towards me so she was resting on my shoulder sobbing.


    ¡°Umm¡­who is she?¡± Macy asked folding her arms on her chest looking at Ari with raised eyebrows.


    ¡°Girl, is that important right now? We don¡¯t know what¡¯s going with Andrew and you¡¯re bothered by someone you don¡¯t even know.¡± Lorena looked at Macy with an irritated expression and that¡¯s exactly what I wanted to know.


    ¡°What? I¡¯m simply curious, Andrew is out of danger so¡­. I just want to make sure no girl has been fucking my man.¡± Everybody sucked their teeth disappointed at her and I was surprised when Ariana, who I knew was feisty, didn¡¯t utter a word.


    ¡°Family of Andrew Miller?¡± The doctor spoke and we all stood up heading towards the doctor. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder why my father wasn¡¯t here, had I not sent him a message? Did he not receive it? Did he get into an ident on his way here? Was he too busy with Patricia?


    Possible reasons flooded through my mind but right now I was more concerned about Andrew.


    ¡°We are his family, Doctor. My brother is out of danger right?¡± I asked earnestly watching the nurse behind him hand him a tablet.


    For some dumb reason, I just expected that as soon as his heart rate picked up then he was healed and ready, but the look on the doctor¡¯s face as he scrolled through the tablet said something else.


    ¡°Due to the ident, he has traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI can ur when the brain is injured by a blow or jolt to the head, such as what might happen in a car ident. In severe cases, TBI can cause loss of consciousness, confusion, memory loss, ora which Mr Miller has fallen into. However, with proper treatment which the hospital has the enough facilities for, it is possible for him to eventually regain consciousness and make a full or partial recovery.¡±


    Ariana began to cry and I was stuck and my heart heavy. I felt Lorena¡¯s soft hands on my shoulderfortingly leading me to the seat but I was just processing it all.


    What does that mean? He might never remember me, us and our memories?


    The doctor was still speaking to Aaron when yet another overwhelming fact was about to be thrown my way at the arrival of two policemen.


    ¡°Good evening everyone. We are officers from the local police department. We understand this is a very difficult moment for the family right but we would like to ask a few questions in order to find ou¨C¡±


    ¡°Ask away. What have you discovered so far? Was it a hit and run? What happened?¡± I cut them off asking a bunch of questions and Lorena, who seemed to have been livid at this exact moment, said, ¡°LYDIA! Calm down and let them speak.¡±


    I let out a breath telling them to proceed.


    ¡°Thank you. We are still investigating but it seems someone might have cut the brakes of the car he was driving leading to the ident. Do you know if Mr Miller had any enemies or anyone you think would do this?¡± Ari ran a hand in her hair shaking her head and pacing back and forth.


    ¡°Cut the brakes to his car?¡± Macy asked in disbelief and they nodded.


    As I began to think, the memory of Andrew requesting for my car and hastily running out of my office yed through my mind.


    ¡°The car he was driving belongs to me and I know someone who must have been responsible for this.¡± I spoke, taking a seat as realization dawned on me and all my friends and two muscr policemen listened intently waiting for the name spill.


    ¡°What? Who would try to do this to you Lydia?¡± Lorena shouted with anger radiating off her body.


    ¡°Either Mrs King or Jennifer. But I am certain it had to be Jennifer. She had previously asked if I drove to work and¡­. she was just so strange that day.¡± Everybody sighed and ran hands across their faces while the policemen took notes. Macy looked at me with a judgemental look and my heart rate picked up.


    So I was the one who was meant to be in this condition. This is all my-


    ¡°This is not your fault. I know what you¡¯re thinking but it¡¯s not.¡± Aaron squatted in front of me and I just shook my head leaving the hallway. It was too much for me to process right now¡­. too much.


    But all I know is I won¡¯t rest till I get my hands on the one who is responsible for this. And whoever if I am right on who it is, the person shall not rest


    *********


    3RD POV.


    THE KING¡¯S MANSION:


    ¡°The food is so good.¡± Everyone stared at Jenny wondering why she was in such a delightful mood.


    ¡°You seem happy for someone who called in sick.¡± Nathaniel pointed out making Jenny look at him with wide eyes as if just realizing she was just realizing that she had to pretend but luckily for her she always had aeback for everything.


    ¡°I am happy. I went out and got something warm to eat and all of a sudden I feel alright.¡± Jenny said and Nathaniel simply hummed, eating his food slowly.


    ¡°Oh yeah? Where did you go?¡± Rachel asked and Jenny chuckled softly.


    ¡°Girl why are you always in my business? Nathaniel I swear to God, your sister is the loveliest person in the whole world who¡¯s always picking on me.¡± Jenny giggled trying to be cute making Rachel roll her eyes looking back at her food. He nced at Rachel who was just ying with her food and she had a big sky blue hoodie, using the hood of the hoodie to cover her head.


    ¡°Why do you have yourself covered up?¡± Nathaniel asked removing the hood of a hoodie and everyone screwed up their faces when they saw her hair.


    ¡°What happened to your hair? Why did you do it like that? Has Jason seen this? O My lord.¡± Mrs King stared at her with disappointment as she had cut her hair into a pixie cut. Rachel quickly covered it back as she had noticed Nathaniel was no longer looking at her hair but her neck. He wasn¡¯t uncertain if they were love marks or bruises and Rachel sighed shakily.


    As Jenny and Mrs King madements on Rachel¡¯s hair, she rose up to her feet and hit the table, making everyone including the maids standing nearby stop and look at with shocked eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m rebelling, that¡¯s why I cut my hair. I¡¯m so sick and tired of living this type of life.¡± She removed her hoodie and everyone gasped seeing the bruises on her hands and wrist, neck and stomach as she was wearing a sleeveless crop top underneath.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired of just being engaged to such an emotionally and physically abusive man who makes me feel so tiny rather than the strong woman I was before I met him. If he ever tried anything with me ever again, I¡¯m gonna sue him and tell the media everything. I kept doing right by him to please you mum and see that I can be as perfect as you want me to be but yet everything with you is Jenny. And I have to realize that you¡¯re not even perfect but you¡¯re extremely toxic and I am so happy for Nathaniel and Lydia for escaping you. And now, I am too.¡±


    Rachel cried as she ran up to her room, everyone was baffled. Nathaniel leaned back in his seat processing it all while Jenny smiled to herself continuing to dig into her dish.


    ¡°Is this the kind of person you have been pushing your daughter to marry, right? A part of me even feels you know and didn¡¯t say anything for profit right?¡± Nathaniel spoke to his mother and she remained silent looking straight ahead with a nk expression.


    ¡°Wow¡­mum. Just wow.¡± He threw his napkin on the table and shook his head in disappointment and utter disbelief at his mother, standing up and heading upstairs to check on his little sister.


    ¡°I just want to let you know you¡¯re not toxic, Mrs King. You have been like the best mother to me and I adore you.¡± Jenny said and Mrs King looked at her then sipped her wine, after setting it down she dug into her food and continued enjoying her meal which baffles the maids standing by.


    Mrs King and Jenny continued their meal and afterwards they sat in the living room, Jenny was waiting for the breaking news. The moment Nathaniel and Rachel walked downstairs carrying just a box of clothes and sanitary for Rachel, that was the exact moment the breaking news came in:


    Breaking News:


    Reporting from the scene of an ident which happened an hour ago, involving popr businessman Andrew Miller who seemed to have a rtionship with the ex-wife of Nathaniel King, where the Mercedes-Benz he was driving brakes couldn¡¯t function. ording to authorities, his brakes might just have been cut and he is currently in a critical condition at the hospital¡­


    Mrs King scurried up, her faces irritated at the fact that adding Lydia wasn¡¯t necessary at the moment. Jenny¡¯s smile had fallen making her angry, Mrs King nced at Jenny with suspicion and Nathaniel wondered how Lydia was doing right now debating whether to go see her or not.


    How did things go so wrong it was meant to be her?? Let me chill, I will just have to find a way to get rid of her some other way. Jenny thought to herself.


    Then nced at Nathaniel¡¯s back as he and Rachel were leaving out, you¡¯re mine and mine alone. She thought to herself and smiled.

 Announcing Her Real Identity

    LYDIA¡¯S POV.     FLASHBACK (FIRST YEAR MARRIED.):     ¡°What in heaven¡¯s name is going on?¡±     It was currently summer and I was cooped up in the mansion nning to spend as much time as I can with Nathaniel and be closer to his mum and sister. But Rachel had traveled to another country for the holidays and Nathaniel buried himself into his work and still failed to warm up to me.     It was now 15 minutes after 7 and I didn¡¯t have to up until 9 because I needed my beauty sleep and the appointment at the hospital to check on my health and donate more blood for Jennifer. But I jolted up from my sleeping feeling serious heat in fact sweat was dripping from my chest downwards like I was near burning furnace.     In annoyance I tossed the duvet to the side, and wore my cute pink furry slippers which matched with my pink pajamas. I sat at the edge of the bed picking up the phone for the house in order to call the maid who was the nicest to me, Lomi. After ringing it twice and no response, I huffed while walking out of my room.     ¡°Good morning ma.¡± I smiled brightly as I walked downstairs meeting Mrs King sitting down scrolling through the newspaper and sipping out of her tea. I was always baffled seeing her reading the newspaper like who does that anymore?     As usual, she gave me an overlook and returned back to her paper in front of her.     ¡°I hope you slept well, ma¡¯am. Ma¡¯am, as soon as I woke up this morning I realized my air conditioner was no longer functioning and I couldn¡¯t reach out to any of the maids. Should I call the electrician or¡­¡± I was quite nervous as I spoke to her because her looks were quite intimidating and she was quite the snub but I still tried on hoping she would truly ept me as Nathaniel¡¯s wife and we could have a mother daughter rtionship as I had never had one.     She chuckled deeply and I knitted my eyebrow in confusion wondering what was amusing but smiled awkwardly nheless.     ¡°I think you must have forgotten that this is my house. YOUR husband doesn¡¯t want to live with you which is why he dumped you here. So if I conclude that you don¡¯t deserve toy down and enjoy the cool air then that¡¯s how it¡¯s going to be. All you do isy down all day waiting for the maids to clean up after you but things are going to change from this day. No maid shall tend you as long as you dwell in my abode, don¡¯t worry I have informed them already. You clean your own bathroom, make your own dinner andy your bed and God forbid I step into your room and find it smelly.¡±     I was raised living like a princess and there were some many things I did not know how to do, the maids had always done it for us. Her words were shocking and took me by surprise.     ¡°Did I do something wrong Mrs King? I truly apologize if I did.¡± I began to run through my mind thinking of possible scenarios and the conversations we had had.     ¡°Oh no Sweetheart.¡± She cut her fork and knife, cutting up the sausage on her te.     ¡°You just have to clean your own things and just maybe if you help with the cleaning and cooking in the house I will connect your appliances in your room back to power.¡± I raised my eyebrow trying my best not to be sassy but it was bing too much.     So it wasn¡¯t just the air conditioner?     ¡°You heard me right. Now go on upstairs, you stink and you¡¯re clearly disturbing my breakfast time.¡± I felt so embarrassed at this moment and just like I had been doing, I will call Nathaniel and inform of all these. I hope he answers and if he doesn¡¯t I will send a voicemail and tell him to take me to his own ce.     As I journeyed out of the dining room, trying to think of something positive based on Mrs King¡¯s rules, I was stopped by her voice of yet another instruction.     ¡°Oh and when I get visitors you either serve them or just stay in your room. In fact I don¡¯t want to see you unless you¡¯re working.¡±     I sighed deeply, nodding my head. She doesn¡¯t just want me to be idle, she wants me to learn how to do things and be a great mother to her grandchildren.     I used those thoughts to convince myself heading to my stuffy room and going ahead to shower. After showering and getting dressed for the day, I was famished and to my surprise when I arrived downstairs there was no food for me.     ¡°She said you have to work for your meal. I¡¯m so sorry.¡± Lomi informed me and I gave a tight-lipped smile trying to keep my positivity.     ¡°No problem¡­thank you Lo.¡± Calling her Lo reminded me of my best friend and I sure did miss her. After Lomi left to go back to the kitchen, I watched about four maids wandering about, looking at me with scorn and gossiping.     There were so many staff here and food but I was not just to enjoy the resources but also get in Mrs King¡¯s good graces.     With no food in my system, I headed to the hospital to donate my blood. When I arrived back home the windows to my room were sealed shut.     So I couldn¡¯t even enjoy the nature of fresh air?     END OF FLASHBACK:N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    As the stylist my father had specially gotten for today¡¯s asion helped me into the beautiful, corporate fit Lorena had sent that was fit for this asion, my mind drifted back to that day in which my suffering had begun in the King¡¯s Mansion or would I say Mrs King¡¯s Mansion. It was no wonder I became slimmer than a stick, they had just been sucking me out and depriving me.     All for what? For a girl who had decided to mess with my brother and murder me after all the blood I had donated for her? Unbelievable!     Today was a huge day for my father, our entire friends and family and for me as well. I was sick and tired of people thinking they could mess with me.

 Announcing Her Real Identity (2)

    So my father and I hade to a conclusion that the only way to go about things was to announce that I am from one of the most powerful names in the state, county, world and earth atrge.


    I was a MILLER and the only daughter of a sessful Billionaire man. My father knew that the moment he announced it, it would bring respect and opposition against me but he was ready for whatever it is as long as his children were safe.


    Though Andrew was still battling for his life, I was certain and hopeful he was going to emerge as a champion as he knew we all needed him. Especially Ari and I, she hadn¡¯t left his side for a single moment and she wept every minute, I felt so horrible.


    All these increased my anger, the cops were still investigating but I already knew it was Jenny and Mrs King handwork and this was one of my moves in ensuring they get the message I am trying to send.


    ¡°Miss Lydia, the reporters are all ready and Mr Miller and a few others are all present. Everyone is just waiting for you.¡± Roseline announced standing by the door.


    ¡°Thank you, I will be there in a second.¡± I took a deep breath and nced at the mug on my table which Andrew had given to me.


    I¡¯m going to make sure whoever did this will not be at rest as you battle for your life¡­I promise.


    I blinked repeatedly battling the tears threatening to fall, heading out of my office hearing the clicking sound of my ck heels with each step I took. The stylist and I had picked out a well-tailored beige corporate suit and pants. I felt and looked amazing with my hair straightened perfectly, making me remember days when I couldn¡¯t even straighten mine because the electrical facilities in my room weren¡¯t functioning.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°You look amazing.¡± Lorenaplimented as soon as I got in front of the conference room.


    ¡°Thank you, you look good too.¡± I returned gazing at her from head to toe as she hade here to support wearing a navy blue short-sleeve corporate gown.


    ¡°You got this girl¡­. just don¡¯t be nervous. Andrew will be so proud of you, I already know.¡± She tried to find the right words and those were it.


    ¡°Now go ahead.¡± She shooed me off before I could utter another word. Rubbing my glossy lips together, I entered the conference room meeting reporters and everyone discussing amongst themselves. I saw some cameras already beginning to film, reminding me this was live. Fear and nervousness were conquered by the rage in my system every time I remembered Andrew¡¯s life and death situation and the thought that the criminals in their luxurious mansion were sipping wine andughing about this situation.


    My face turned into a frown, ¡°Good morning everyone.¡± My father gave my hand a squeeze reassuringly.


    ¡°I am poprly known as Lydia Taylor, the ex-wife of Nathaniel King in which there have been various conceptions and rumors about me. For everyone who used me of being a gold digger, opportunist, a poor girl hopping from one man to the next without knowing my history. Standing as the daughter of Jacob Miller, I reintroduce myself as his only daughter who has been hidden from the media and masses for years, Lydia Taylor Miller.¡±


    Everyone in the room gasped and began to sh pictures and talk amongst each other. The faces of disbelief and shock written on the staff and reporters who were all itching to ask questions.


    ¡°So Andrew Miller, who was rumored to be dating you, is in fact your brother?¡± A reporter asked, his loud voice booming through the room and I nodded.


    ¡°I want it to be known to whoever tried to cut the brakes to my car and is the reason my brother, Andrew Miller, is in critical condition. I swear to you on my life that my family and I will not rest until we ensure you¡¯re behind bars.¡± I spoke looking directly into the camera though they were a bunch of them recording.


    ¡°Mr Miller, is this the truth?¡±


    ¡°Did she get the job based on this?¡±


    ¡°Who would try to attack you, Miss Miller?¡±


    ¡°Any further information on Mr Andrew¡¯s health?¡±


    ¡°And before I forget, my book on all I had faced in the years of my marriage to Nathaniel King will being out this Friday, only avable in Miller restaurants andpanies.¡± I announced, ignoring their questions.


    ¡°Are you hinting the Kings have something to do with the ident?¡± A reporter asked as I was about to take my leave.


    ¡°I¡¯m hinting that I have gone through a lot of abuse from Mrs Rhonda King and the whole world will get to read it.¡± I blurted out making everyone begin to go crazy again.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Ignoring their roaring, I exited out of the room with my friends, assistant and father leaving as well.


    One step closer to bringing down the Kings involved because to me, Jenny was a King.


    *****


    MEANWHILE¡­. 3RD


    The whole world was in shock as every headline and every social media page showed Lydia. Men who insulted her in the past feared for themselves knowing the kind of power just the name Miller held. Her high-school mates, especially Mia, were shocked with their mouths hanging open. Nathaniel who was at the office leaned back in his seat re-watching the press conference admiring her but yet baffled.


    Meanwhile, Jenny was panicking, pacing back and forth in the living room where she and Mrs King had just been rxing sipping wine and eating snacks.


    ¡°Mrs King, are you okay?¡± Jenny inquired with worry. Mrs King has neither moved nor said a word in the past ten minutes after they had watched the press conference.


    ¡°Jenny, tell me you have nothing to do with her brother¡¯s ident. And did that little girl just say she¡¯s about to tarnish my image with a book? Oh for goodness sake.¡± Mrs King finally spoke, her emotions changing from pleading to annoyed to stressed out with each sentence.


    ¡°Mrs King I know they are a powerful family but you¡¯re acting like they are dangerous or something. Plus no one is going to read her book.¡± Jenny giggled nervously and Mrs King just gave her a nk stare that scared Jenny to the core.


    Oh shit¡­. Jenny winced and shut her eyes tightly.

 Ariana鈥檚 News

    LYDIA¡¯S POV:


    LATER THAT DAY:


    Finally, I arrived home with a bunch of security following behind me, ordered by my father. I was exhausted and all I wanted to do was to take a long rxing shower and head to bed but I couldn¡¯t. Infact I couldn¡¯t rest knowing Andrew was in the hospital, so after stripping out of clothes, I went for a quick shower and threw on a cream essential hoodie along with matching joggers. Heading downstairs with a small bag which contained my phone, tissue and wallet, I entered into the kitchen grabbing snacks and drinks. In the sitting roomid a bag for Andrew and Ariana in case she needed anything and in case Andrew wakes up and gets discharged.


    I was also going to stop by to grab a burger and a healthy meal for Ari and I, so I rushed out meeting two muscr guards standing there right in front of my apartment with a very serious expression.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I smiled as they collected my bags from me. My phone dinged indicating I had gotten a message when I double tapped on my screen, I scrunched up my face without reading the text that was from Nathaniel.


    Why and how do I even have his number?


    We were all set up in the car after I had ignored the looks from staff and guests in the hotel but they knew better not to say a word to me in my father¡¯s hotel. My phone dinged again but I didn¡¯t bother checking it. The whole week has been moving so fast that I had not gotten time to process everything, I was only able to let out a single drop of tears the day the doctor informed me of Andrew¡¯s condition. But after that, I had to be strong and my sorrow was covered up with raging anger.


    My book, which I had never even nned on publishing, was for getting through my healing in the mansion but now it will hopefully show people that Mrs King is not perfect at all and I would love to have seen her reaction to the news. Because I¡¯m certain it¡¯s amusing.


    It¡¯s already and the amount of copies for the book you quested for will be avable in all the Miller restaurants andpanies in the whole country but that will be on Friday just as nned.


    I smiled small reading the text message from my publisher.


    We finally arrived at the hospital and without carrying a single thing except my purse, we were heading to the luxurious room Andrew had been moved into for his recovery. People stared at me and the guards as we walked taking long steps, their looks made me feel like some celebrity. It truly felt strange as I had never received any form of attention for as long as I can remember. I had always been hidden even during my toxic marriage, did this attention feel good to me?


    ¡°Oh hey daddy.¡± I waved at my dad seeing himing out of Andrew¡¯s room cleaning a single tear and right behind him was Patricia who had dark shades and a ck nose mask on andfortingly patted my father¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°How are you, Princess? Were you able to get some rest?¡± He looked at me with concern studying my face.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡± I ignored his other question, smiling faintly.


    ¡°You look drained, Lydia. Why don¡¯t you juste with us? I can make you something delicious to eat.¡± Patricia suggested and I looked into her eyes for a moment but I didn¡¯t even want to read or not.


    I was too tired and I had a bunch of things to do such as reviewing the financial reports of three hotels, plus since the police weren¡¯t providing any information. I had concluded that I would request for an investigator and work with him.


    ¡°No, thanks.¡± I responded dryly then reverted my attention back to my father. ¡°Go home and get some rest dad, I will be okay and I will call if I need anything.¡±


    He sighed deeply and pulled me for an embrace. I knew he was scared and worried, but was trying to hide it.


    ¡°Call me when you get home.¡± I said to him and his lips curled into a smile.


    ¡°I will, Princess.¡± He kissed me on my forehead and though I felt some type of way as I watched him and Patricia holding hands as they walked away, all I was going crazy about was Andrew and the suspect.


    I slowly opened the door and met Arianaing out of the bathroom. She forced a smile waving at me without uttering a word. As I observed her, I saw the bags under her eyes and her slow movement as she journeyed back to the little stool next to Andrew¡¯s bed.


    ¡°You hid in the bathroom?¡± I questioned and she smiled small humming in response.


    ¡°I was kind of scared when thedy he was with wanted to use the bathroom but decided against it.¡± She spoke slowly and I chuckled but stared at her with worry.


    ¡°Ari, I love you and I¡¯m happy Andrew found someone who loves him as much as you do, staying beside him and talking, but I want you to also go home or you can stay at my penthouse and get some rest. I¡¯m certain your father is worried about you and surely he will soon turn the whole city upside down.¡± She sat on the stool looking from Andrew to me as I spoke and I sighed deeply thinking of my next words.


    ¡°I just feel so guilty, do you understand? Like if I hadn¡¯t called him that day in an urgent tone, he most likely wouldn¡¯t have hopped into your car. I¡¯m not saying it should have been you or something like that because I know if the tables were turned, Andrew would still wish he was in this state. I¡¯m¡­. I just feel so guilty and the thought of what if he dies?

 Nathaniel鈥檚 Visit

    What if I never get to share with him the amazing news I had discovered? I can¡¯t leave him for a second, I can¡¯t. I would just sleep on the couch if that makes it better.¡± She expressed looking at him while intertwining their fingers.


    ¡°Don¡¯t feel guilty, Andrew is going to be okay, alright? I just know he¡¯s going to be up from that bed before the end of this month and he will be here to listen to everything you have to tell him and also tease me about literally everything and I got a lot of jokes up my sleeves as well.¡± We chuckled softly at that and I took a seat on the cream cozy couch.


    ¡°But for now you can share it with me if you would like to. If it¡¯s a problem or something you¡¯re excited about. I¡¯m all ears and just maybe sleeping on the couch is preferable. ¡± She looked at me contemting ying with Andrew¡¯s fingers.


    ¡°Though I wanted my Andry to be the first to hear, what I actually called for that day was to share some good news ¡­ well I don¡¯t even know if it¡¯s good. I had been feeling sick, so I went to the doctors and got some bittersweet news.¡± She said smiling nervously and I watched silently waiting for her to share though I already had an idea on what the news was.


    ¡°I¡¯m pregnant.¡± As soon as she said that, my face turned into a huge grin, excitement running through my veins and we both saw Andrew¡¯s hand hold unto hers tightly.


    ¡°O my God, do you see that? So he really does hear me?¡± She got so excited turning her direction to Andrew, I got up from the couch and went ahead to hug her.


    ¡°I¡¯m so happy for you, now the both of you will stop being cowards and let your two families know.¡± She giggled nervously, running her hands through her hair.


    ¡°When a child is involved, no one can oppose alright? You two are going to be so happy, trust me.¡± I assured and she stood up fully pulling me for an embrace.


    ¡°Thank you Lydia. You¡¯re such a sweet soul, you¡¯re going to make a great aunt and a mum whenever you find that special someone.¡± I smiled appreciatively.


    We talked for a while, I shared with her the events of my day while we ate and she did the same. After about thirty minutes, I excused myself and left the room in search of the doctor to just get an update though Ariana had told me he didn¡¯t have much to say.


    But I was curious, there was no improvement?


    The minute I strolled down the hallway to my surprise, I saw Nathaniel holding a bouquet of flowers and another gift bag in his other hand. From afar he looked nervous looking at his phone and when he looked up and we made eye contact, I was about to be dazzled by his handsome features but the thought of him being the son of Mrs King and the ex-boyfriend and ¡®best friend¡¯ to Jenny threw me off.


    What if he knew about their n? What if he nned it with them? But would he really try to kill me?


    ¡°Hey. Ummm, I heard about what happened with your brother and saw the press conference as well. It¡¯s been so much, how are you? And how is Andrew doing?¡± Though he was nervous at first, hisposure instantly changed to cool and collected, radiating his confidence and standing a few inches apart from him, I could smell his woody cologne I had always been in love with.


    ¡°How do you think I¡¯m doing? Nathaniel, if I find out your mother or her little pawn had something to do with this, I promise I would make sure they rot behind bars or I just might kill whoever with my bare hands.¡± After I was done ranting, speaking furiously, he wrapped his arms around me, hugging me tightly, surprising me. I had no idea how much I needed a hug till now.


    ¡°No matter what, I will stand beside you and work with you to ensure whoever tried to kill you pays, my¡­.¡± He remained silent, probably thinking of who I am to him or the exact words to say, meanwhile his arms were still around me soothingly patting my back while I contemted whether to hug him back or not.


    ¡°I just want you to know I am here for you, at all times and don¡¯t ever think I had anything to do with this.¡±


    I had never seen this caring side of him and after he pulled us apart but his arms were still around me and we were only inches apart, he looked at me with a glint in his eyes that scared me for a second.


    ¡°No matter who it is, I will stand by you and ensure the person is behind bars. I promise.¡± He concluded with a stern voice and I gazed into his eyes trying to read them but Nathaniel had always been so transparent, I could truly see the sincerity in his eyes.


    I cleared my throat taking a step back and he let me go, ¡°umm¡­thank you Nathaniel.¡±


    ¡°I got flowers for you and him, also I was uncertain if you had gotten something to eat so I picked up something I know you love.¡± He handed me a bouquet of blue for Andrew and beautiful red roses for me. I did not want to smile too much but he brought my favorite food along with dessert and a strawberry milkshake. I was truly appreciative.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I smiled small and he nodded, keeping his gaze on me.


    ¡°If you need anything, like getting an investigator or food at midnight, whenever, just let me know.¡±


    I was intrigued by the investigator but I didn¡¯t want to ask him for anything. Additionally, from where I stood, I noticed Aaron was standing at the end of the hallway and looked at us with a hurt expression.


    Oh no.

 Private Number

    NATHANIEL¡¯S POV:     SAME NIGHT:     I turned around tracing Lydia¡¯s gaze after she had a look that screamed, ¡®yikes¡¯. I rolled my eyes meeting the eyes of the man who had picked her up from thepany that night and the man she also went to the tech event with.     Were they dating? I doubted they were together. However, what I still wasn¡¯t clear about was Lydia¡¯s feelings for me. Not that I believed she could ever have any feelings for me after all I had put her through. I just wanted to know if the fight I was willing to wage to make her fall for me would at least be worthwhile, if there was something worth pursuing.     I couldn¡¯t read her at all but it did make me happy seeing her smile after receiving my gifts for her. She was truly a gorgeous woman.     I hope she knew I was sincerely going to stand behind her as she works to discover the truth behind her attempted murder.     What if it is truly Jenny that¡¯s involved in this or your mother, will you really make sure they end up behind bars? After what Jenny had done for you when you were young? How about your own birth mother? You will truly throw them behind bars over a woman that hates you to the marrow?     A voice in my head questioned which made me think deeply thereby stressing me out.     ¡°Nathaniel¡­ummm, thank you for the gifts now. And Good day.¡± I wanted to chuckle at how she was literally trying to quick me out of the wide hallway but different thoughts overwhelmed my mind. So I kept a straight, emotionless face and ced my hands in my pockets.     ¡°You¡¯re wee again. Have a good day.¡± I said to her and she wasn¡¯t even paying attention to me anymore. I sighed walking away heading into the elevator, taking long steps.     I got into my new Ferrari I had just purchased about three weeks back, and zoomed off, trying to clear my thoughts. I couldn¡¯t though, I finally arrived at a red traffic light and brought out my phone inviting my friends over though I was uncertain if Melissa will let Jacob out of the house by this time of the night but I was willing to risk because at the end of the day, he¡¯s the one with the best advice.     My phone dinged indicating I had gotten a message from Rachel but the lights had turned from red to green, so I didn¡¯t have the time to check what she had to say. I knew she would like me to pick up food as she had been ordering me around after just a week of her staying with me. On another hand, I was grateful she moved in with me. We had been able to catch up and get along on a level we weren¡¯t able to do all our lives due to our mother.     About twenty minutester, due to the speed at which I moved. I finally arrived at my penthouse and used my key to get in, the atmosphere in the house was strange and an unfamiliar scent intoxicated the air. Walking further into the apartment, I saw Rachel walking towards me with an angry expression on her face and I knitted my eyebrow in confusion.     ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± I asked and she gave me a look.     ¡°What¡¯s going on?! You invited that peasant here and didn¡¯t think to inform me first.¡± I chuckled while walking to the kitchen to grab a bottle of water before going to greet my ¡°peasant¡± friend.     ¡°Which of my friends is a peasant to you?¡± I asked but stopped in my tracks seeing the back view of Jennifer as she was busy cooking up something.     ¡°Oh so Jenny is your friend now?¡± She whisper yelled in my ear and I mushed her head away.     ¡°I didn¡¯t know she wasing.¡± I whispered back to her and now Jenny must have sensed a presence as she turned around smiling brightly.     ¡°Hey Nate.¡± For as long as I have known Jenny I knew she only called me that when she was trying to get in my good graces.     There was one time when we dated back in high school, she had been so mean to one of those humble girls and I was against it and threatened to even break up with her, mostly because I wasn¡¯tpletely into her and we were basicallypelled by our parents to date. Eventually, she got into trouble after she hadn¡¯t listened to me so she begged for my forgiveness, calling me ¡®Nate.¡¯ Just like my father had always called me.     She embraced me and I asked, looking down at her with my hands by my side debating whether to hug her back or not, ¡°What¡¯s going on? What are you doing here?¡±     ¡°You¡¯re so mean. Can¡¯t I just pop up and make something nice for all three of us? Plus with Rachel¡¯s absence, everywhere back at home is boring and I miss us having fun.¡± She answered, stepping away from me and looking at both Rachel and I with sad eyes.     Rachel scoffed, shaking her head at her, ¡°Don¡¯t you like have a job? Because I¡¯m certain Nathaniel provided a job for you at the marketing team in thepany.¡±     I gulped out of my bottle of water and nced at Jenny who chuckled nervously. ¡°I¡¯m still on a short break, I will be back soon. How about you? I see your bruises are healing.¡±     I was working on getting my hands on Jason but he seemed to have disappeared from the face of earth. His parents were doing a good job at hiding him plus Rachel had signed a contract that states that whatever happens between Jason and her during their rtionship must not be disclosed to the media or she would serve years in prisonment. I wasn¡¯t sure how true that information was but I decided to leave it but feltpletely useless as I could neither get my hands on him nor could I ry the information of his abusive ways to the public.     They set up the dining room for dinner while I went upstairs to shower, then I brought out my phone realizing I had forgotten to send the message to my friends. I sucked my teeth then carried my phone downstairs texting and deleting the message I was thinking of sending to Lydia. I decided to not just send anything but that wouldn¡¯t work right?     The table was arranged with a bunch of mouth watering meals which was quite shocking as I knew certainly Jenny couldn¡¯t make a meal.     ¡°I know what you¡¯re thinking and no, she didn¡¯t make all these. She just requested the cooks to prepare something and all she did was warm it up.¡± Rachel whispered, wanting Jenny to hear loud and clear.     ¡°You¡¯re so annoying for real.¡± Rachelughed being petty. We all took a seat and Jenny helped me serve my te then handed it to me.     ¡°All this and you won¡¯t won¡¯t get a ring or even a title.¡± Rachel muttered after I collected my te and I shook my head in disapproval at her words.     ¡°Anyways¡­I saw the news.. so Lydia is really a Miller. I really feel horrible for treating her horribly those years and always using her of being a gold digger when she probably has more money in her bank ount than thepany has in their ount.¡± Rachel spoke then said thest part yfully.     ¡°Why is the Miller such a big name? Like I¡¯m tired of literally hearing her name and surname. Plus the dumb book she¡¯s publishing will most likely tarnish you all¡¯s image especially your mother¡¯s and you¡¯re saying you feel horrible. Be for real, Rach. That girl is exactly what we have thought about her all these years and there¡¯s no big deal about her.¡± I looked up from my phone and scrunched up my face looking at Jenny who was clearly irritated and frustrated uttering words that held bitterness and jealousy.     ¡°The Miller is a big name because they are extremely wealthy, have helped thousands of people around the country and are most likely the most powerful family before the Kings. And also Lydia can do whatever she likes so quit talking down on her alright?¡± I was trying to mask how annoyed I am about her words but it was difficult.     I needed to do everything in my power to protect Lydia because if I had done that the first time she would most likely still be my beautiful wife.     ¡°Good night. I¡¯m not even hungry anymore.¡± I rose up from my seat seeing the shocked look on Jenny¡¯s face and Rachel was rather amused.     Jenny might be jealous of Lydia but could it have reached the point of wanting to kill her? I thought to myself.     Meanwhile Jenny was both furious and somewhat scared.


    *****     LYDIA¡¯S POV.     I had informed Aaron to wait for me after Nathaniel had left and he agreed reluctantly. I went ahead to drop the gift Nathaniel had brought and met Ariana passed out on the couch. I dashed out of the room and stood next to Aaron who was staring straight ahead. I nced at his side profile looking at his handsome facial features and though he seemed mad, he still looked like a model.     Any woman would truly be lucky to have him.     ¡°What was he doing here?¡± Aaron asked after a moment of just gazing at the night light and beauty of the city.     I sighed deeply, ¡°He just came to check up on me and bring food he thought I might need¡­but why are you even questioning me?¡±     He scoffed, smiling humorlessly and turned his gaze unto me. ¡°Why am I questioning you? Lydia, I¡¯m in this city because of you. I¡¯m trying to move here all for you, all I¡¯m trying to do and thinking of right now works around YOU.¡±     ¡°And I don¡¯t want that for you! I don¡¯t want you to hate me after you realize there¡¯s nothing to fight for here. I don¡¯t want to be in a rtionship. All I need are simply friends who truly love and care about me as friends, nothing else. And a friend can only be that when they are already loved and truly happy. Don¡¯t sacrifice anything for me nor revolve your world around me because you will truly despise meter!¡± I matched his temper and he instantly rxed, his eyes darting from my left eye to my right eye trying to read what I wasn¡¯t sure about.     ¡°You really have no feelings for me? But you do for someone who did not treat you right when he had you?¡± My heart dropped at his words but I wasn¡¯t sure why because I truly had no feelings for Nathaniel.     ¡°I don¡¯t have feelings for him.¡± I spoke with my voice low.     ¡°Who are you trying to convince? Me or yourself?¡± He asked and without waiting for a response he walked away making me exhale deeply.     As I watched him leave, entering the elevator without turning back, I was just processing the events of tonight right before my phone dinged indicating I had gotten a message.     My eyebrows knitted together reading and re-reading the text message all over again from a private number,     I know who cut the brakes to your car.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.

 Lydia鈥檚 Book: A Clap Back

    3RD POV:


    It was Friday, the release of Lydia¡¯s book. The books were in all the stores, and there were a bunch of people waiting outside of the different branches in all the Miller restaurants in the cool breeze of the morning waiting patiently for the doors to be opened in order to purchase a copy or more. The media had just arrived at 7 a. m and were baffled by the amount of people present, they instantly began to record and interview a few bystanders.


    ¡°I am so excited to read the book! I want to know everything Lydia Miller has been through and everything Mrs King has done to her. That¡¯s why I am up early to purchase a copy.¡± A female who looked to be in herte teens and early twenties said to the reporter.


    ¡°I love Lydia Miller. She seems like she¡¯s been through a lot and I just admire her so much. In case you¡¯re seeing this Lydia Miller, I want you to know I love you and I hope you organize a meet and greet for us, your fans. Plus I hope your brothers get healed and I¡¯m sending a big ¡®fuvk you¡¯ to Mrs King and all the Kings atrge.¡± Another female who was in front of the restaurant spoke, ending thest part with rage.


    Lydia who was watching the events taking ce from her apartment smiled from ear to ear, with her eyes tearing up. Roseline had helped her create a professional ount on social media pages and instantly she had gotten over five hundred thousand followers before the dawn of a new day. Lydia and her friends were baffled, when the hate she had received had turned into love in just a span of time.


    Lydia concluded that she would organize a meet and greet or virtual eventter on but for now all she was concerned about was Andrew and finding out who did this. In addition to her worries, the board members without her father¡¯s authority had set up an emergency meeting to discuss Lydia and Andrew¡¯s position but mostly on Lydia.


    But out in front of the Miller¡¯s restaurant all over the country, as soon as it was 8 a. m, one of the employees opened the door inviting the people in, everyone instantly rushed in until they were cautioned to be organized. From that moment on, and throughout the rest of the day, what was trending was Lydia¡¯s book with a very appealing title written with white font on the ck front cover:


    The p Back.


    The first page wrote,


    I dedicate this book to all women out there who love their husbands with all their heart but it¡¯s one sided.


    To all women who love their husbands but their Mother-inw is the viin in their love story.


    To all strong, beautiful women who feel like they are not enough due to all the suffering and maltreatment. I promise you, you¡¯re enough and deserve the best thing in the world.


    Lastly, I dedicate this book to Nathaniel King for giving me the strength to leave for better. And how can we forget the one and only Mrs Rhonda King?


    This is a CLAP BACK for all the embarrassment and humiliation you have given to me, during and after my marriage.


    Enjoy.


    Just this dedication, had every reader eager to continue reading. By noon, the book was sold out in all restaurants and many were awaiting restock.


    Mrs King was in thepany of her three wealthy friends drinking tea and discussing in the living room.


    ¡°Rhonda, why is the television off? You don¡¯t want us to find out you¡¯re trending for abuse towards your former daughters-inw?¡± One of her blunt friends, Mrs Hamilton, questioned, bringing out of her bag Lydia¡¯s book, the p Back. And the two others brought out theirs as well.


    ¡°Why did you purchase that? That girl is a gold digging whore who is simply lying to draw attention to herself and trying to make the masses believe she¡¯s the victim.¡± Mrs King tried to convince them but they scoffed looking at in disbelief. It was then she knew they were not on her side, they believed every single word in that book.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°I am simply in the middle of the book and I have been shaking my head continuously. You had that girl working like a ve when you had a bunch of maids knowing she would do anything to gain your approval. And I really do not understand your obsession with Nathaniel¡¯s ex-girlfriend, are you gay and you¡¯re into her or something?¡± Mrs Jameson spoke, making all except Mrs King burst outughing. Lomi who had apanied Mrs King standing not too far behind stifled herughter trying her best tough boisterously.


    ¡°Like it¡¯s really crazy¡­I can¡¯t wait to finish the book, each page has you wanting to find out what demonic, horrific thing you, Rhonda, would do next. And I personally do not want to be caught by anybody, especially the media, to be associating with you, especially now in which we are seated in a public ce. So if you will excuse medies.¡± Mrs Kelly said, rising to her feet and looking at Mrs King King with disgust and disappointment.


    ¡°Before we, I mean I leave, can we just take a moment tomend how extremely maniptive and dangerous you are, like¡­¡± Mrs Kelly began to p and the two others chuckled following along with her rising to their feet.


    ¡°Well, it was good knowing you, goodbye.¡± Mrs Hamilton stared at her from head to toe then left.


    Mrs Jameson just stared at her andughed, dropping money on the table, ¡°With how your stocks are falling and looking towards your future, I strongly believe you would need this.¡±


    Mrs King sat at the table in disbelief, she couldn¡¯t believe that had just happened to her. She was embarrassed, hurt and in dismay, she looked up and met a man recording with his phone.

 Lydia鈥檚 Book: A Clap Back (2)

    3RD POV     When they made eye contact, the man began to exit the restaurant in a haste.     ¡°Lomi, get him!¡± Lomi raised her head up in surrender and stared at Mrs King like she was stupid.     ¡°You get him. Thank Goodness I have saved enough money, now I can quit this miserable job and tell you to your face how pathetic and small you are. You might have all the money in the world but look at yourself. All alone, and pathetic¡­it¡¯s embarrassing.¡± Lomi spat and Mrs King raised her hand up in an attempt to p Lomi but she held her hand stopping her.     ¡°Go on somewhere and stop humiliating yourself.¡± Lomi carried her book bag and brought out a copy of the p Back, unting it in Mrs King¡¯s face before leaving the restaurant.     Mrs King began to breathe heavily and tears were threatening to fall from her eyes. She nced at the television ying in the background and they were discussing Lydia¡¯s book, she grabbed her luxurious bag and tried to take deep breaths. She unlocked her phone and scrolled through the dialogue thinking of who to call at the moment. She concluded that she only had Jenny then dialed her number but she didn¡¯t pick up.     ¡°Mrs King, is it true you were abusive?¡±     ¡°Has Lydia pressed charges against you?¡±     ¡°Are the rumors true that you are being removed in your position as the CEO of the King Company in order to protect its image?¡±     The paparazzi crowded her, bombarding her with questions and she began to pant heavily and their voices became echoes and her eyes began to close shut and suddenly she passed out in the middle of the reporters and it was rather exciting as they had first hand information about her panic attack or heart attack.


    *********


    ¡°Mrs King! Mrs King!!¡± The doctor woke her up and her eyes were slowly opening. She slowly took to her surroundings and looked for anybody but no one was present.     ¡°What happened? Where are my children? Did you inform anyone I am here?¡± Mrs King questioned and the family doctor sighed deeply.     ¡°You had a panic attack but we were worried it was hypertension.¡± The doctor spoke to Mrs King and continued.     ¡°We weren¡¯t able to get through to your children but your driver brought you here and is outside whenever you¡¯re ready to leave.¡± The doctor spoke with no emotions and Mrs Kingid back on the bed just processing the events of today. A single tear dropped from her eye and hate continued to build in her heart for Lydia.     How could that little piece of dirt do this to me? Who in heaven¡¯s name forgot to tell me that she was a Miller? I would have treated her better, I would have been a better mother inw to her. Now, look at me.     ¡°Good day Mrs King.¡± Mrs King¡¯s assistant stepped in with an unpleasant look and held a brown envelope making Mrs King worried.     ¡°What¡¯s going on? She wants to sue me after ruining my life?¡± Mrs King questioned snatching the envelope from her assistant.     But contrary to her expectation, it was a letter from thepany informing her that she had been bought out of thepany and through unanimous vote, her ce in thepany has been removed.     ¡°What?! They couldn¡¯t have done this to me with Nathaniel present. His father and I made thatpany and they think they can just buy me out, pass my phone and let me speak to Nathaniel this instant.¡± Mrs King ordered angrily but her assistant exhaled shakily giving her a look of pity.     ¡°Mr Nathaniel was present and also voted you out.¡± She informed and Mrs King paused, gazing at her assistant with disbelief.     ¡°Quit Lying! That¡¯s not true, my son will never do that.¡± She shook her head left and right, not believing, she grabbed her phone on the night stand and tried to call Nathaniel but it went straight to voicemail, also Rachel¡¯s line.     Am I alone? Am I truly alone? That¡¯s not possible. Kids love their parents unconditionally right?


    *******     After getting discharged Mrs King arrived back to herrge cold mansion and at the center of the living room was a brown package for her. She took a seat slowly and opened the package, her nose red up seeing the familiar book that was ending her life, THE CLAPBACK.     She wanted to throw the book away but she checked the back cover seeing the book¡¯s about and details about Lydia the author. She opened a random page and her heart grew heavy reading it,     I had just gained ess back to electrical appliances and my heart was filled with joy when my mother-inw shed me a smile. She was a beautiful woman and I totally understand where her son gets his handsome features from.     I skipped into my room but my eyes knitted in confusion to see what I had arranged had turned upside down and my room was smelling horrible. I wanted to break down crying seeing all that had been written above the headboard of the bed.     (Just do what you have to do and leave my son who doesn¡¯t love you alone. You piece of shit.)     My heart was broken and I did not know what to do. This was just the beginning of our marriage, what could I do? My husband didn¡¯t even care to check up on me and Mrs King was being too much.     Why would she do this to me? I broke down crying bitterly.     Mrs King ran a hand across her short hair and shut the book closed. Was I truly dangerous and wicked? She thought right before she came across a card:     Karma is a bitch and I hope you nor your daughter never gets to experience half of the sufferings I encountered in your despicable mansion.     Enjoy my lovely book and I hope it is indeed a pback for everything you¡¯ve put me through.


    Love,     Lydia MILLER!N?velDrama.Org content rights.

 Mrs King Interview (1)

    LYDIA¡¯S POV.     2 WEEKS LATER.     ¡°But howe he or she never texted me back? Is the person trying to y with me?¡± I asked Lorena over the phone as I walked down the hospital hallway after a long day of work.     I feltpletely dejected and disappointed, everything wasn¡¯t going exactly how I pictured. It had been close to three weeks since Andrew¡¯s near death experience and Andrew had not still woken up froma. Neither have I been able to apprehend the murderer nor gather evidence against Jenny. I just wanted to break down crying.     Though my book was selling out all over the country and it was being pushed to neighboring countries, The p Back was definitely a sess and money was flowing into my ount but it didn¡¯t matter at the moment. Andrew wasn¡¯t here to gift or congratte me or to hype me up, my whole heart was heavy and all the tears I had been pushing in was threatening to fall.     ¡°You know what Lydia? How about you just go to the police station, let them track the number or work on it. I will ask Darren to apany you.¡± I sighed deeply at her suggestion, biting my tongue in order to keep myself from going off on her.     ¡°I can tell you¡¯re busy and you haven¡¯t been listening to a word I have been saying. Because if you have, you would realize I already went to the station and nothing productive came from there. Just bye.¡± I snapped hanging up the call before she could utter a word.     The whole investigation team was on the case, working tirelessly but it seems like whoever did it was extremely clean with the work. There was no footage found and when they interrogated Jenny she informed them that she was at the King¡¯s Mansion all day then went out around noon to Starbucks and her story matched the footage. She looked extremely calm and unbothered when interrogated, and I concluded it was due to two reasons which were either because she truly was innocent or she already nned her storyline.     ¡°Ugggggggh.¡± I groaned then exhaled right before opening the door to Andrew¡¯s room. The second I stepped in, Arianna came out of the bathroom in a leather jacket and leather pants, her hair was packed in a high ponytail and she had sessfully used her makeup to cover up the eye bags under her eyes.     ¡°Hey Lydia.¡± She smiled small and I returned the smile waving at her. I dropped my bag on the couch and with sadness written all over my face I nced at Andrew, slowing sitting on the couch.     ¡°Are you okay?¡± She asked softly and I nodded.     ¡°You don¡¯t look like you are.¡± She pointed out taking a seat next to me and I ran my fingers through my hair letting out a breath.     ¡°I am just stressed out because of everything going on. I¡¯m losing hope that Andrew might never wake up, and I can¡¯t even find who did this. Plus I feel like this is all my fault, I deserve to be on my deathbed not Andrew who has a woman who loves him with a whole health and a soon to be father. It¡¯s just not fair and all I do isy around doing nothing that could help.¡± I wiped my tears and Arianna instantly pulled me towards her crying as well.     ¡°Don¡¯t speak like that, Lydia. I have been drawing my hope from you. Look at me all dressed up in order to go meet my father and tell him everything and you speaking like this scares me.¡± I instantly felt horrible and wanted to apologize, wiping my tears but she shook her head repeatedly.     ¡°No, no, you deserve to break down when it¡¯s too much. I shouldn¡¯t be drawing my hope from you and leaning on you rather we should be doing the same to each other. What I want you to do now Lydia, is just take a deep breath and let it out.¡± I chuckled weakly and did as she was told.     ¡°Okay, now. Lay down, cing your head on myp.¡± She instructed and I obeyed waiting for the next instruction.     ¡°Shut your eyes and take a break. You have been running about, from work to your apartment to the hospital and I¡¯m certain you haven¡¯t even closed your eyes for three hours. Just rest your mind, none of this is your fault and I¡¯m certain Andrew would have popped your mouth if he heard you speak like this.¡± I chuckled and she soothingly rubbed my arm.     ¡°When you¡¯re up, just pray and focus on the things you can do, not on what you can¡¯t.¡± She spoke and I nodded, taking in her words.     ¡°When you fall asleep, I will go home and face my problem head on.¡± She informed me and I said, ¡°You got this.¡±     After a few minutes, I found myself drifting to sleep on thefortable couch and softp of Ariana which felt like afy pillow. Her words kept ying in my head and I found myself overthinking again,     So should I let the police do their work? Since I can¡¯t control that?


    I shouldn¡¯t be worried about Andrew waking up since I can¡¯t do anything about it?     Tears brimmed in my eye but I just shook off the thought and let the sleep ovee me.     ******     When I woke up, it was too dark outside. My head was on one of the pillows the hospital provided. I stretched ncing at the time on my phone, it was 1am and though I was still sleepy. I felt the urge to just speak to Andrew and let everything out.     I rose up from the couch stretching my legs and walked up to the seat near Andrew¡¯s bed.     ¡°Hey¡­I don¡¯t think I have spoken to you in weeks and I want you to know from the bottom of my heart that I truly apologize for everything. I¡¯m sorry, I wouldn¡¯t have lent you my car that day if I had known. Please wake up, please. Even if you wake up and don¡¯t remember us, it¡¯s way better than just sleeping here every single day. I don¡¯t know if you heard Arianna but you¡¯re going to be a dad.¡± I wiped away my tears with my other hand while wrapping his hands into mine. And just likest time, his hand vibrated at the sound of him being a dad.     ¡°I can¡¯t wait to have a little niece because I know it¡¯s going to be a little princess. And also for you to grant Ari that spectacr wedding she deserves. You have so many dreams and people around you who just need you. Please, please, wake up. I will do better I promise. I will be a good sister and I won¡¯t steal your food if you promise not to steal mine.¡± I chuckled dryly sniffling, Iid my head at the edge of the bed still holding onto his hand.     Hopefully by morning, he will be up. That¡¯s how it works right? I thought then continued to tell him about my week, my book and our father.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.

 His Penthouse

    JENNY¡¯S POV:


    Same day:


    ¡°What I would like to know first off, is who are those dumb fools who spoke to the media?¡± Mrs King spoke while drinking a bottle of water as we were seated at the back seat of the Rolls Royce and the driver in front was driving, taking small nces at us.


    ¡°I have no idea.. I really don¡¯t.¡± I answered dying with frustration. She had just been so annoying and extremely clingy since theunch of Lydia¡¯s book. To be honest, when I saw her this way I couldn¡¯t help but lose all the respect I had for her and she just seemed so pathetic to me. But I had concluded that I had to stand for as long as I can as I have a strong feeling that she just might be helpful in the future.


    ¡°And plus why hasn¡¯t any of my children said a word to me?¡± She stressed and I internally rolled my eyes at her zoning out as she continued her rants and bants.


    ¡°You know what¡­. you, drive us to the penthouse my son is staying in.¡± I instantly turned to look at her and the driver obeyed, taking a U-turn.


    ¡°What? I mentioned Nathaniel and now you listen to me?¡± She looked at me through the corner of her eyes and I gave her a fake smile.


    ¡°I was listening to you. I¡¯m simply excited and geeked out to see my future husband.¡± I was genuinely geeked out. Just the thought of Nathaniel excites me, his handsome features, built muscr sexy body and his smile though I barely get to see it.


    I had been so stressed out since the day the police arrived at the mansion and invited me for questioning at the station. Though I was uncertain of what they had on me, I decided to just remain calm and unfazed, and just follow them. During the interrogation, I realized it was inly out of suspicion they brought me in, and I so wanted tough at Lydia¡¯s facial expression as she looked like she was about to cry when I walked out of the room after they had checked aby matches. I don¡¯t know if the heavens were protecting me or the investigators were just slow but there were some parts in my alibi that were missing but they failed to point it out.


    I wonder why¡­but I was grateful nheless.


    Mrs King hummed in response to my words looking through her phone. Through the corner of my eye, I saw her looking at a family picture which her husband was present in and at that point I wanted to feel bad for her but she was just so¡­hypocritical. Because the next second, she was refreshing her phone most likely waiting for Lydia to react to her sad, embarrassing interview.


    ¡°Everything okay?¡± She nced my way and I smiled small nodding in affirmation.


    The real question is, is everything okay with you?N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    ********


    The elevator door opened with a soft ding, revealing the hallway of Nathaniel¡¯s floor. I was dressed to the nines in a fitted ck gown, my hair pulled back in a high ponytail, and a new handbag Mrs. King had kindly bought for me during our shopping trip. We walked down the hall, our heels clicking in unison, until we reached the door of his penthouse. I felt butterflies in my stomach as I waited for Mrs. King to knock, hoping Nathaniel would be the one to open the door.


    She finally knocked and secondster, a clearly irritated Rachel opened the door much to my dismay. She gave both her mother and I an overlook before speaking.


    ¡°How may I help you?¡± She folded her arms across her chest, fixing her gaze on her mother with an attitude. Mrs King, who was solemn at first, became annoyed.


    ¡°Who are you speaking to with that tone? And is that the manner in which you now speak to your mother, youngdy?¡± She walked past her storming into Nathaniel¡¯s penthouse and I followed behind her waving at Rachel who rolled her eyes in a full circle at both her mother and I, and though at first I didn¡¯t really care if she liked me or not but after my outburst during dinner where Nathaniel had snapped on me, it was clear that I still needed her to get close to her brother.


    I had made a promise to myself that after this investigation and Lydia¡¯s stupid brother¡¯s death or recovery, even before that just as long as things tone down, I will get a hitman who would just shoot at her. And it must be in the middle of her head because it will be hrious to see her brains blow up. Afterwards Nathaniel will need a shoulder to cry on and trust me that I will be there. And make sure I have sex with him and have his kids so he will marry me.


    I¡¯m such a perfect nner and I WILL MAKE SURE THEY ARE NOT JUST PLANS.


    I grinned from ear to ear at my ns strolling up the stairs in search of Nathaniel ignoring Rachel and Mrs King¡¯s back and forth. I adjusted my gown and removed my hair packed so my hair could fall. I knocked on the door to Nathaniel¡¯s room and without waiting for a response, I entered it but I couldn¡¯t see any traces of him until I heard the sound of water from the shower.


    Moisture built in the middle of my legs as my thoughts ran wide at the thought of Nathaniel naked. I truly missed days which he held me in hands and had great times with me. In the blink of an eye, I had locked the door and stripped into my pink matching underwear. I was happy I wore this because I know how much he loves the color on my skin.


    Iid on the bed sexily as I heard the sound of the door opening. I instantly melted like butter under fire when Nathaniel came out of the bathroom with a towel loosely tied around his waist and his hair dropping with water. My mouth watered as the daylight reflected on the drip of water following down his muscr chest and abs. His eyes were fixated on his phone as he grabbed a small towel to dry his hair, he was so handsome.


    ¡°What in the world¡­what are you doing here?¡± He was startled at my presence and I blinked repeatedly bringing myself back to reality.

 Jenny鈥檚 Panic

    Jenny¡¯s POV:


    With a seductive smile, I rose up from the bed and walked towards him. He sighed deeply, shutting his eyes. When I got in front of him, I wrapped an arm around his neck and used the other hand to trace my fingers down his chest.


    ¡°You¡¯re so handsome, Nate.¡± I stared into his emotionless eyes and I was disappointed when he just gazed at me without using his hands to feel me and pull me closer to him. I stared at his pink lips that were so inviting and I slowly moved towards him standing on my tip toe so I would be in direct contact with his lips. I pressed my lips against the side of his lip and used my hand to keep going down his chest and to his stomach, until I finally arrived at my exact aim.


    The minute I tried to hold his penis, he pushed me so hard and I luckily fell on the bed. I smirked, opening my legs further, waiting patiently for him toe in between my legs and pleasure me. I grew excited, happy this was my moment to get pregnant.


    He strolled towards me maintaining eye contact and each slow step made my heart race in anticipation. He finally arrived in front of me and gestured for me to sit up. I did in a heartbeat and I did with my legs still open. I debated whether to take off my panties or not but I didn¡¯t want to seem too thirsty.


    He came in between my legs and his mouth was close to my ears but before he could utter a word, I beat him to it. ¡°You know you want this,e on Nate.¡± I whispered sexily caressing his body.


    ¡°I see you still have no form of self respect for yourself and it¡¯s getting extremely pathetic, Jenny. Extremely.¡± He whispered in my ear and for some odd reason, instead of his words to hurt me, I was excited and turned on.


    ¡°This is thest chance I¡¯m giving you to walk away from me without filing a restraining order just because of all you¡¯ve done for me in the past. But I promise you, Jenny, if youe to me sexually ever again.¡± He chuckled darkly, making me and my mouth grow dry seeing the look on his face.


    A knock came through the door and Rachel¡¯s voice followed after, ¡°Nathan, Mum and Jennifer are here.¡± She announced.


    ¡°I will be right there.¡± He shouted back, keeping his gaze on me.


    ¡°Now, leave Jenny and I will be transferring you to another branch in thepany, and there you will be treated like any random employee which if you miss even a single day, you will lose your job.¡± He spoke sternly and I wore back my outfit with my heart and mind racing.


    ¡°Nathaniel, I¡¯m sorry¡­I just¡­thought you would need¡­I¡¯m sorry don¡¯t be mad at me Nate, I sincerely apologize.¡± Thest thing I needed was for him to be mad at me, I should have just stuck to my n rather than jumping the important step.


    ¡°Just leave for real.¡± He snapped and I wore my clothes grabbing my bag and heels then exited out of his room.


    I have ruined everything.


    *********


    After about twenty minutes, we were all seated in the living room. Nathaniel¡¯s eyes were fixated on his phone and both Mrs King and I gazed at him. My mind raced thinking of what to do to apologize for my action but nothing came to mind except finishing Lydia off.


    ¡°You kids know I love you dearly and though I have made a lot of mistakes, I don¡¯t think there should be any reason you choose to abandon the woman who gave birth to you and nurtured you, during her trying times. I must say I¡¯m truly disappointed and hurt, no calls or text messages. Nathaniel you even voted me out of thepany, what did I ever do to deserve such treatment?¡± She let out a single tear and the room was filled with silence until Rachel let out a stifledughter.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, it¡¯s just¡­. you have to be speaking to Nathaniel not me. You watched mee home with bruises and you saw me, your daughter, suffering but for your own grain you turned a blind eye and you want me to check up on you when everyone knows even a single word in that book is true. You gotta be kidding me.¡± She chuckled with hurt mixed with amusement on her face.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Mrs King was silent and I had expected her to give Rachel an apology but she failed to. Almost like she really didn¡¯t care for Rachel in the slightest.


    ¡°Our stocks were falling and everything wasn¡¯t going well so as the CEO that was the best decision to make. And another hand, you abused my wife, the woman I love and you had a hand in the reason for our divorce, so what do you expect?¡± My heart fell at his words about Lydia and tears brimmed in my eye.


    ¡°The woman you love? Nathaniel you only married that woman for Jenny¡¯s sake. She was too much and like I said in that interview she exaggerated and most of the contents were not true!¡± Mrs King reasoned but Nathaniel scoffed.


    ¡°I really do not want to speak to you Mrs King. I will send anything you need because you¡¯re still my mother but aside from that I want nothing to do with you.¡± Nathaniel spoke with finality and Mrs King was taken aback. Rachel walked out heading upstairs and his words just kept ying in my head until I received a message.


    ¡°I have somewhere to be so¡­¡± He trailed off.


    I brought out my phone and my heart raced and my breathing picked up seeing a video of me cutting Lydia¡¯s brakes on that day.


    It was sent from a private number and I could neither reply nor call. Luckily another message came in but at this rate I was about to have a panic attack.


    It will be sent to the Millers and Nathaniel King in the next 72 hours unless you agree to meet up with me.


    I had to go and meet up with whoever this is. Nathaniel nor the Millers should never find this especially not the man I love because at the end of the day, this was all for him.

 The Perfect Bench

    LYDIA¡¯S POV:     THAT EVENING:     I alighted from one of the cars my father had given to me, though I had more than enough money to purchase any type of vehicle of my choice, I decided that I wouldn¡¯t until Andrew was awake. I ced my hands in the pocket of my jacket strolling towards our perfect bench in the entire park. I smiled small watching kids ying around bringing memories of Lorena, Aaron and I ying and I always had a vague memory of other kids but I couldn¡¯t clearly remember.     I nervously ran my hands across my leather pants when I saw Aaron sitting on the bench staring straight ahead with two cups in his hands. Taking a few more steps, I took a seat next to him on our ¡®perfect bench¡¯ and I stared anywhere but at him looking around the park without uttering a word. The memories yed in my head just like a movie when two characters are about to part ways but that wouldn¡¯t be our situation because the three of us had made a promise to be friends forever.     But does that promise remain when one catches feelings for the other but it¡¯s one sided?     ¡°Remember when your father had a bunch of nannies and guards following us here, about two years after your mum¡¯s passing?¡± He began and I chuckled lightly humming in response.     ¡°Yeah, it was honestly the worst.¡± He handed a cup containing warm chocte topped up with cream. We always had this since the store had opened back in high school, it was our go to.     ¡°It was but it was the most I had seen you during that time. And it wasn¡¯t until our time apart that year that I had realized how much you meant to me. I thought it was simply friendship but I realized it was more especially when you and Lorena talked about your crushes.¡± He spoke still looking forward while I kept my gaze on his side profile.     ¡°Everytime I wanted to open up to you on how I felt, I chickened out until the day I had finally concluded it was time to let you know many yearster, then I found out you were getting married. I was crushed and even after everything which I totally take ountability for because I was the coward, you still never even for once saw me as anything other than your friend. For some corny reason, I even picturered you and I watching our kids y around on our ¡°perfect¡± bench.¡± He chuckled humorlessly ncing at me with ssy eyes and I bit down my lip ying with my fingers.     His feelings were that serious? Howe I had never seen them?     ¡°No, you shouldn¡¯t feel bad. It¡¯s not my intention to make you feel bad at all, I just wanted to share it all with you in order to start afresh. Over the past weeks, I realized that it was time to move on and return back to my business and life back in the Neredia, it will be easier and better for me.¡±     I was probably part of the reasons he left the first time and now he was about to leave again and this time I was certain it was still my fault again. I wasn¡¯t sure if it was because it was close to my period or just how I genuinely felt in the moment but I found myself crying quietly, tears literally following down my eyes.     ¡°Why are you crying? Lydia.¡± He rose up and squatted in front of me using his thumb to clean my tears away.     ¡°I¡¯m just so sorry¡­I never, never¡­meant to hurt you. This is all my fault.¡± I cried using the back of my hand to clean my tears away and he sighed deeply gazing into my eyes.     ¡°I never meant to feel I med you for this, you have been the absolute best friend and first love I have ever had. I just need to take a step back and a moment to ept it all, I mean I literally pictured my return to Neredia with you in my arms as my wife. So it¡¯s a process, alright?¡± My heart hurt and I cried some more but he raised up in front of me chuckling.     ¡°I¡¯m going to have to snitch to Andrew telling him his little girl has been a cry baby.¡± I sniffled, cleaning my eyes and stood up in front of him, watching him blink away. His tears hurt me deeply. I wish I saw him as more than a friend, I wish I was ready to give love a chance in my life again but I couldn¡¯t. It was too hard, I had loved Nathaniel with all my heart and healing from those hurt feelings took a while and I wasn¡¯t ready to go back there. I just couldn¡¯t.     ¡°Shut up.¡± I yfully spoke and he smiled, staring at me in a certain way.     ¡°I hope everything works with you and Nathaniel because deep down you know you still love him and he loves you as well. Don¡¯t argue with me, I¡¯m observant.¡± He pointed out and I let out a breath refusing to object to his conclusion.     Did I have feelings for Nathaniel? Not at all.     He stretched out his hands for a hug and I instantly embraced him, he held onto me like this was thest time he would ever do it and it shattered my heart into a million pieces. Without saying a word, we both knew that this parting was more just for a while, it just might be forever.     Or was I exaggerating?     After he escorted me to my car, I looked back at our perfect bench, smiling sadly at the reason we had named it, ¡°The perfect bench¡± . It was simply because we could hide under it when we yed around. It was perfect for us.


    *********     AT THE HOSPITAL.     I had just arrived from a short meet up with my editor and pulled up in front of the hospital building. I was seated in my car just processing the events of today, I picked up my phone thinking as I looked at Nathaniel¡¯s message which I had ignored earlier.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.

 Andrew

    Lydia¡¯s POV:


    After debating, I concluded that I had to delete his number and block it as well.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    I couldn¡¯t be in love with him, I just couldn¡¯t.


    Are you sure you would like to block this contact?


    The message came to my screen and just before I clicked on ¡°yes¡± , a loud knock on my window startled me and when I rolled down the window, Lorena barged into the car taking a seat in the passenger¡¯s seat.


    ¡°I know I am literally thest person you want to see or speak to right now but I need you and you need me. So let¡¯s talk.¡± Lorena began staring at me and I just looked right back at her then tears brimmed in my eyes.


    ¡°Oh girl.¡± She instantly pulled me for a hug and I wrapped my arms around her sniffling.


    ¡°Aaron told me about everything and it¡¯s just for the best. He¡¯s gonna heal and move on and maybe in a few months or years he will be back with his new found love and kids.¡± I really just wanted everyone who I loved to be happy and content with their lives.


    ¡°Howe I never saw it? I just began to y back some of our past times together and I ignored some little things like how he would stare at me without uttering a word or run to my needs but I just thought that¡¯s just best friend stuff. Ugggghhhh, I just don¡¯t want him to hate me and besides I¡¯m not even ready to put my heart out there and get into a rtionship. Can you believe he even thinks I have feelings for Nathaniel? Nathaniel after everything, I just even started warming up to him and I was about to block his contact right now. Plus the crap his mother had to say at the show this morning¡­I just can¡¯t. I need a vacation after Andrew¡¯s recovery and when he finally decides to wake up cause I¡¯m tired.¡± I ranted and Lorena¡¯s facial expression kept changing after each digression especially when I spoke on Nathaniel, she seemed quite amused.


    ¡°Whew¡­It felt good to let that off my chest and I¡¯m tired of thinking and even discussing this. So rant to me tell me what¡¯s been going on with you.¡± I ushered her to speak after letting out a breath. My phone lit up while she was gathering her words, it was simply a message from Ariana asking me to get something from the ice-cream store not too far from here.


    ¡°It¡¯s just work and preparing a fashion line and Darren and I just got into an argument about having kids. He said we should start now and I¡¯m trying to argue saying let¡¯s get married first so boy, please put on that condom if you¡¯re going to touch me.¡± I chuckled listening to her words until my phone ringing loudly interrupted us.


    ¡°Excuse me.¡± I said to Lorena who gestured for me to go on.


    ¡°Ari, I¡¯m literally downstairs and I¡¯m about to get it.¡± I told her with a smile on my face looking at Lorena who was ying with a Van Cleef bracelet.


    ¡°Lydia, I don¡¯t know what just happened but his blood rate started going off and I was scared shouting for the doctor as his body kept convulsing, I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening¡­¡± Arianna¡¯s voice was shaky and terrified, making me scared as well and the grin on my face faltered.


    ¡°I will be right there. I¡¯ming up.¡± Lorena gazed at me worried as soon as I hung up.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? What¡¯s happening? What happened to Andrew?¡± She bombarded me with questions as we hopped out of the car and I speed walked into the hospital building.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know but she said there was a drop in his heart rate¡­she said nothing else.¡± My eyes watered and fear gripped onto me thinking of the worst.


    ¡°Calm down, Lydia. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s just an improvement or maybe he¡¯s waking up.¡± She tried to calm me down as we entered the elevator. I took deep breaths to rx myself and she patted my back soothingly.


    We finally arrived at his floor and from afar I saw Ariana pacing back and forth crying. Did they already tell her something? Is Andrew okay? I froze in my spot.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go Lydia.¡± Lorena pulled me and I tried my best to keep repeating positive words to myself. We walked and Ariana ran to hug me as soon as she saw me.


    ¡°They haven¡¯t said anything yet, but I just feel so hopeful. I was talking to him about my meeting with my father and our future ns before this happened. I just genuinely pray this is just his dramatic wake up or something.¡± She chuckled weakly wiping her eyes and I smiled small, matching her energy.


    After sighing deeply, a doctor with a nurse behind him came out of Andrew¡¯s room with an emotionless expression which made my heart race rapidly.


    ¡°Doctor, how is he? What just happened?¡± Ariana questioned rubbing her lips together with her ent thick as she spoke.


    ¡°There was a change in his vital signs and his heart race dropped and we almost lost him but we tried our best and now Mr Andrew Miller¡­.¡± The doctor trailed off as if trying to build up tension and I so wanted to snap at him but he dly decided to finish his speech and his next words had me about to break down crying.


    ¡°He is awake.¡± I wanted to cry tears of joy and Ariana let out a breath of relief and Lorena did the same.


    ¡°However, there is a slight problem¡­¡± The doctor spoke as we were rejoicing among each other and I was already bringing out my phone to call my father and inform him of the great news.


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem doctor?¡± Ariana looked at him with worry.


    ¡°Due to the impact of the ident, he wouldn¡¯t be able to move his legs for now and we still have a few tests to run¡­.¡± I zoned out sucking my teeth sharply.


    Of course there was another problem¡­there was no such thing as peace or a happy moment in my life¡­. WHY?

 The Evidence

    3RD POV:


    shback (The NIGHT BEFORE.)


    ¡°Hello?¡± Jenny shouted as she stepped into the dark room checking around as she had been requested toe here as she didn¡¯t want the footage of her cutting Lydia¡¯s car brakes to be released.


    She internally started calling unto her mother and dad¡¯s spirit to protect her because she was getting weighed down by fear. Her thoughts revolved around, What will the Millers do if they find out I was the one? I will lose Nathaniel forever if he discovers this right? Will I die or end up in jail? But if I do die Lydia or Nathaniel has toe with me, if I can¡¯t have Nathaniel, then she can¡¯t have him too. We will be a modern day Romeo and Juliet. She smirked devilishly at the thought.


    ¡°Anyone in here?¡± She questioned again then footsteps were heard and Jenny, due to uncertainty and fear, decided that she had to leave urgently. As she was about to turn on her heels, in the dark she hit arge, muscr figure and she tried to run back but the man in the dark dug his nails into my skin, holding onto her arm tightly.


    ¡°Who are you? Let me go!¡± She fought the person¡¯s hold and all of a sudden the lights in the room were turned on. She gasped and her eyes widening in shock as she saw the person¡¯s face and it was quite familiar, infact unexpected.


    ¡°Now you know who I am.¡± He roughly let her go making her wince and she knew certainly that her arm would have a bruise.


    ¡°What do you want? And why did you grip onto my arm that way? Like I never even knew you were that aggressive.¡± She rubbed her arm while watching his back view retreat into another room and she followed behind him observing her location. It was like a deserted warehouse with junks and dirt all around.


    She watched as he sat back in an office chair leaning and gazed on her. He turned hisputer around and she rewatched the video over and over again, one could easily tell it was her as the camera caught her face right before she wore her nose mask.


    ¡°Why are you doing this?!¡± She snapped, grabbing the sh drive and tossing it onto the ground and stomped on it repeatedly with rage and fear in her system.


    ¡°Jenny, Jenny, Jenny. I know you don¡¯t think that I¡¯m that stupid that I wouldn¡¯t have about a dozen other copies.¡± Jenny stared at him breathing heavily with anger written on her face thinking of her next move.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired of asking this. What in the world do you want from me?! Sex? Because I know you have more than enough money to request for a dor. So what? Just tell me and I will do it.¡± She knitted her eyebrows in confusion when heughed loudly at her words.


    ¡°You keep ying with my life and think this is hrious?¡± She snapped and hisughter instantly died down.


    ¡°Oh but you thought it was smart and hrious cutting Lydia¡¯s brakes right? Just to have the attention of Nathaniel who doesn¡¯t even see you as a friend or anything anymore. I was so shocked that day because I was seated in my car in the parking lot debating whether to go see the CEO which is Lydia¡¯s brother or not. I saw you from my car in that mini bus and I watched you intently and the minute I realized your n I began to record because I knew it woulde in handy.¡± He spoke and Jenny was tensed up listening word for word.


    ¡°You¡¯re crazy and sick in the head if you think I even want to see your dumb looking face or even have sex with you. And you are sure as hell right that I¡¯m so wealthy you couldn¡¯t even offer me a dime. All I wanted for you to get this through your thick skull, you are never going to be with Nathaniel, Lydia wanting him or not, you¡¯re hisst option and he¡¯d rather die alone than be with you. The other reason I asked you here was to let you know that rather than ying any further games with you and Lydia, I have sent a copy of the footage to Nathaniel, he will decide what to do with the footage but what I know for certain is you¡¯re going to regret ever thinking you could try a brother to me and the woman he loves.¡±


    At those words, Jenny with rage jumped on him with no n except to just murder or hurt him. He fell along with his chair backwards and she followed behind him on top of him scratching and trying to hurt him but he held onto her two hands andughed boisterously in her face. Two muscr guards entered into the office and grabbed her holding onto her as she kept fighting their hold.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    ¡°What do we do with her?¡± They questioned and he stood up from the ground dusting off the dust from his jeans and shirt. She stared at him with fear and tears in her eyes kicking her feet.


    ¡°You know what? Let her go, toss her on the street or anywhere, let her continue running and running from the police, Nathaniel, the Millers.¡± They nodded at his words and she began to beg him shouting and her voice echoed through the warehouse.


    They tossed her to the ground out the warehouse and spared her no nce as she whined. She began to cry and process everything and debate on her next move.


    What should I do? Who do I call? Where do I go? What will Nathaniel do with the footage?


    PRESENT TIME.


    It was now night after Andrew had woken up and it was all over the news. Everyone was filled with joy at the news, employees had sent gifts as well as partners and shareholders, even his old ssmates. His entire room was filled with gifts, in fact his father had to order his guards to take some to Andrew¡¯s apartment.

 The Evidence (2)

    3RD POV:


    Meanwhile, Andrew had just been smiling and said simple words such as ¡®Thank you¡¯, ¡®I¡¯m fine¡¯ and just short other responses in a low tone. Ariana had not left his side for a second, she had been holding his hand and kissing it and basically just loving on him. The doctors had instructed everyone to refrain from filling him in on what exactly happened to him and why he was here.


    As everyone kept greeting and leaving the room all morning, he was puzzled at the fact that he had not seen or spoken to Lydia.


    ¡°Where is Lydia? Is she okay? At least if you¡¯re not going to tell me what happened to me, at least I can know my little girl is healthy and alive.¡± Everyone in the room which consisted of Ariana, his father, a nurse who was checking his vital signs, Lorena and Darren were shocked as he finally uttered full sentences.


    Everyone just let out a breath with solemn looks on their faces making Andrew tense up. He looked at his father with pleading eyes.


    ¡°She¡¯s okay, she¡¯s back at the penthouse doing a few things but she will be here.¡± His father responded softly and Andrew exhaled in relief. The room was filled with an ufortable silence, no one knew where Lydia was but she had sent a text message to all, stating that she was fine but it didn¡¯t feel right toe face to face with Andrew after everything and especially as she hadn¡¯t apprehended the one who caused this.


    ¡°You want water?¡± Ari asked and he shook his head ¡®no¡¯ and at the perfect timing, the doctor stepped into his room.


    ¡°Good morning, Mr Andrew. How are you feeling today?¡± The doctor asked with a smile and Andrew simply shrugged.


    ¡°No one wants to tell me anything, I can¡¯t feel my legs which means I am basically paralyzed, so you can imagine how I feel.¡± He exined and Ariana sighed deeply understanding his frustration. Darren quietly stepped out as he needed to take a breath especially being next to Lorena at the moment after their unresolved argument. Lorena watched as he left and scoffed, debating whether to go after him or not.


    ¡°Mr Miller, you¡¯re not paralyzed. With physical therapy, you¡¯re going to be able to walk again I assure. I would also like to ask you a few questions.¡± The doctor had already prepared a series of questions formted by the psychologist. Everyone excused the doctor and Ariana reluctantly left Andrew¡¯s side, Lorena had sent the information of what the doctor had said to Lydia.


    Lydia who was on her way to grab a cup of coffee and conduct her investigation felt extremely horrible at the information. She had heard about how painful the physical therapy was but on the bright side, he would be able to walk again. She pulled up in front of a coffee store which also had a library in another section, this was where she nned to spend her day until she got some reasonable information.


    ¡°What would you like to get ma¡¯am?¡± The attendant questioned and Lydia ced her order.


    I¡¯m going to find out who did this today! She manifested with determination and ced her phone on Do not Disturb.


    *******


    Nathaniel was seated in his home office going through the designs for a new orphanage home contract they had gotten but his mind wasn¡¯t even on it. He kept ncing at his phone waiting for Lydia to reply. He sent her yet another message stating how happy he was that Andrew was finally awake but she had neither read it nor replied.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Rachel stuck her head leaning on the door frame before stepping in with a slice of red velvet cake.


    ¡°Working.¡± He replied looking at her with squinted eyes, making herugh. But he knew she wanted something and he was ready to listen.


    ¡°I just thought you would be hungry. And it should cause a huge celebration for the woman you love with all your heart so use this to celebrate. Whileitakeyourcarandgotooutonadate.¡± She said thest part all at once and though Nathaniel heard, he asked her to repeat using a fork to take a bite.


    ¡°Repeat yourself. On a date with who?¡± He questioned and she sighed deeply and he could tell she was nervous.


    ¡°I¡¯m meeting with Jason to set things straight and before you argue, I¡¯m going with your security and the person I¡¯m going on a date with is who will shock you because I am shocked as well.¡± Nathaniel stopped all he was doing and gestured for her to proceed giving her his full attention.


    ¡°It¡¯s with Kelvin.¡± She shut her eyes tight and grimaced waiting for his reaction.


    ¡°Kelvin? Which Kelvin because I am hundred percent sure it can¡¯t be the Kelvin I know. The one who doesn¡¯t respect women.¡± Nathaniel pointed out and she sighed deeply, rising to her feet.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that Nathan, we are just going out bowling then we will grab a bite, don¡¯t be like that. I already know what he¡¯s like and I won¡¯t risk getting hurt again. Plus you¡¯re not my dad so you can¡¯t be telling me what to do.¡± She rolled her eyes and with an attitude walked out of his office.


    Nathaniel sucked his teeth sharply and ran his hands through his curly hair. He was about to go after her and exin when his phone lit up. He instantly checked and knitted his eyebrow in confusion seeing it was a message from a private number.


    ¡°What in the world¡­¡± He trailed off watching the video intently of Jennymitting a crime.


    ¡°Jenny was the one who was behind this?¡± He asked himself in disbelief, rewatching the video again, running his hand across his face.


    After confirming that it was truly Jenny, his thoughts were,


    Why did she do this? And would he truly turn Jenny in or protect her? But what about Lydia?


    ¡°Crap.¡± He groaned, rising up and leaving his office.

 The Truth Is Out

    NATHANIEL¡¯S POV:Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    THE SAME DAY:


    ¡°What¡¯s up? Where are you going in such a haste?¡± Rachel asked with concern as I hurried towards the door with no n of where I was headed and no coat or even the keys to my car.


    ¡°Nathaniel, what¡¯s wrong? If it¡¯s because of Kelvin or Jason, I won¡¯t go.¡± I exhaled deeply at her words and I was really trying to catch my breath.


    ¡°Sit down. O My, are you about to have a panic attack?¡± She ushered me to sit down on the couch and I was trying to breath carefully but the thought of Lydia and Jenny weighed me down.


    I was disturbed at the fact that what if everything Lydia said about Jenny was right all along? She was right about my mother¡¯s abuses, so Jenny as well? And I had nothing to save or show her that I cared but rather simply saw her as a blood tank. No wonder she hated me so much, I would despise me too if I were in her position.


    ¡°Breathe slowly¡­ alright? Inhale.¡± Rachel held onto my shoulder instructing me carefully and I did just that.


    ¡°Exhale.¡± I exhaled and we continued that for a while until I was finally feeling okay. This was literally the first time in a while that I had a panic attack and first in front of someone. Thest time I had it was years ago when there was so much pressure on me from work and my mum to make a risky decision that could either lead to huge development in thepany or have us bankrupt. But luckily, as seen, I made the right decision after thinking thoroughly.


    In this situation, every normal person wouldn¡¯t think there is such a hard decision to make here, but Jenny is a childhood friend who had saved my life in the past. I was in disbelief and felt this was my fault, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to forgive myself if Andrew or Lydia had passed away.


    But a question that weighed my mind was WHY DID JENNY DO THIS?


    ¡°Now tell me what¡¯s wrong, what just happened? I know it couldn¡¯t be because of me.¡± She spoke softly and after a moment of thinking, I handed her my phone showing her the video. She stared at me confused before watching it, the person seemed to have also gotten a CCTV angle which was so crazy because the investigators, Lydia and I had checked but we hadn¡¯t found any footage.


    ¡°O My God¡­.¡± She covered her mouth with shock then reverted her attention back to me.


    ¡°Jenny is so crazy. I mean I knew she was so in love with you but also attempting to kill Lydia just to have you, is sick.¡± Rachel spoke distortedly and I sighed deeply, shaking my head.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t do it because of me¡­she didn¡¯t.¡± I tried to convince myself but the look on Rachel¡¯s face said it all.


    ¡°Now, I don¡¯t understand why you were about to have a panic attack when you ought to have been heading to the police station or calling Lydia to give her this piece of information.¡± She pointed out and I ced my elbow on my thigh, cing my hand on my forehead in distress.


    ¡°Or don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re about to put that crazy girl over Lydia? AGAIN¡­.¡± She stood in front of me raising her eyebrow and crossing her hand on her chest.


    ¡°Nathaniel, I understand Jenny has yed an important role in your life, saving your life when we were young, being a good friend and girlfriend at some point but you sitting down here stressed out when you can easily go to the station, free Lydia of this burden weighing on her and have her trust. It¡¯s despicable that you are still debating when it¡¯s really clear.¡± She taunted me and I groaned deeply.


    ¡°Enough Rachel ¡­ . You don¡¯t get it.¡± I rose up from the couch, grabbed my coat and keys ignoring her words and footsteps closely behind me.


    ¡°Do the right thing because it¡¯s the right thing to do, whether or not it benefits you or Lydia. You wouldn¡¯t want to live with the guilt of being an aplice to this.¡± She said right before I shut the door.


    What should I do? Protect Jenny or Do the right thing by telling Lydia?


    ********


    2 HOURS LATER.


    I was seated alone for about an hour and thirty minutes just thinking and reying the video. I could imagine the smirk on her face as she cut the brakes and how did she even know how to do that? Rachel¡¯s words kept ying in my head and Lydia¡¯s face reyed in my head how disappointed she was when she couldn¡¯t capture who did this.


    Who even sent this to me? And why?


    Afterwards I was now headed to a coffee store at North Side which was about thirty minutes away from my mother¡¯s mansion and passing through a different route, it wasn¡¯t too far from the police station as well. I stepped into the coffee store after a short traffic, I had on my nose cover and a ck hoodie going simple.


    ¡°What would you like to get?¡± The barista questioned and I just decided to go for an Americano.


    While waiting for my order, I looked around the store and my eyesnded on a familiar face. She was seated near the window and her eyes were glued to theptop in front of her though she was speaking to someone on the window. The evening sun brought out her wless skin and she was glowing, she was a very beautiful woman no denial and the thought of her being with another man had my chest tightening. The more I stared at her, the more I realized how stupid I was being for even having double thoughts about this whole situation. Jenny was guilty and she tried to MURDED the one I love so she had to dance to the tune of the song she had made. Rachel was right, what if Lydia had died or been the one in the ident? I would have even murdered Jenny with my own hands discarding any memory we had shared for attacking Lydia.


    She had even done this because she was trying to gain my attention? That¡¯s sick and disgusting just like how she had been throwing herself at me.

 Running Away

    Nathaniel¡¯s POV:


    I realized as I stared at Lydia that she was at the brink of crying as soon as she hung up the call and my heart clenched. I knew it had to be because she hadn¡¯t apprehended the murderer. In a second, we made eye contact and my heart rate picked up for some odd reason.


    ¡°Sir, your order is up.¡± The barista announced and I smiled small collecting my cup of coffee. I paid and headed straight to Lydia¡¯s table and she watched me intently all while like she knew something I didn¡¯t.


    Did she know I had the video? Did she think it was nned?


    ¡°May I join you?¡± I questioned pulling down my nose mask and she gestured for me to take a seat.


    ¡°Is there something I can help you with Nathaniel?¡± She asked with an attitude and rather than being intimidated or behaving she would hit me, I took a sip of my coffee and gathered my words.


    ¡°Come with me to the station.¡±


    I spoke sternly, putting on an emotional face when all I wanted to do was to ask how she is and yfully question her why she hadn¡¯t replied to my text message.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± She jerked her head forward, staring at me with disbelief. I wasn¡¯t certain if I wanted to just show her the video then and there or just wait till we get to the station.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the station, there has been a new development which I¡¯m certain will please you. So let¡¯s go.¡± I rose up bringing out my phone and sending the evidence to the investigator and forwarding the video to my assistant telling her to keep it, so that as soon as we get the go ahead from the investigators and police officers we will send it to the media.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what has gotten into you but don¡¯t y with me like that. I just spoke to the investigators about an hour ago and there¡¯s nothing. So scurry out of here before I cause a scene.¡± She spoke with annoyance and I rolled my eyes at her.


    ¡°So you think I will y over such a delicate matter? That¡¯s how much you don¡¯t trust me?¡± I questioned softly and she looked at me with a duhhh expression.


    ¡°Wow, I guess I have to carry you out of here to show you that you don¡¯t need to stress anymore. The person who did this has been found.¡± Her face softened and she looked up from her phone searching my eyes for sincerity.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, I will send my driver to pick up your car or you can follow behind me.¡±N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Seeing the mixed emotions on her face, the one that held hope, excitement, relief and most importantly fear. And it was then I knew for certain I had made the right decision.


    Jenny will be apprehended and Lydia and I can start our lives healing from this drama. Just that thought excited me and my phone buzzed in my hands and I scrunched up my face seeing who the person was. Jenny.


    Nathaniel, I know you have seen the video but please don¡¯t report me. I only did everything for you, for our love. Please, don¡¯t do anything that could jeopardize my future or our future together. If I find out you indeed have reported me, I¡¯m gonna make your life and Lydia¡¯s a living hell and ensure that you two never have a happy ending.


    So make a decision and in the next few hours, we will tell but just make the right decision.


    I love you always, in good or bad, betrayal or loyalty, healthy or toxic, but do the right thing.


    I read it all in disbelief but I wasn¡¯t moved, she was powerless and the police will get her before the end of the day. So I just read it and exit our message thread leading a stubborn Lydia out as she fussed on me touching her back and walking behind her. My cute wife.


    Yes, I was going to make her my wife again and this time do right by her.


    *************


    JENNY¡¯S POV.


    I was seated on the edge of my queen sized bed staring at the message I had just sent Nathaniel, I saw he had read it but didn¡¯t reply which made my heart race. If he had indeed snitched then I had to pack my things and run away. I had already stolen a few essories from Mrs King and my things were lying around but I needed a confirmation that Nathaniel had truly reported me or not.


    I dialed the number of one of the investigators who was working on the case, Goodwick. I had offered him some money and promised good sex if he provided me with adequate information. I knew I wouldn¡¯t be giving him sex but that made him excited.


    ¡°Hello? Why are you calling me? I thought I told you to wait for me to call.¡± He whispered and I sighed, rolling my eyes in a full circle.


    ¡°Well, you didn¡¯t call, so what¡¯s thetest improvement?¡± I spoke with an attitude and he remained silent for a minute.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have good news.¡± My heart dropped at the sound of that.


    ¡°The video of you cutting the brakes has been sent, the Millers have been invited toe see the evidence at hand and as I speak the warrant for your arrest is being drawn¡­¡± He kept speaking but my mind was working overtime taking off my escape route.


    ¡°I advise you to give it up and refrain from running because the whole force is working on this and you would be found.¡± I instantly hung up and broke my phone to avoid being tracked.


    Nathaniel had really reported me after everything? He and Lydia are going to pay.


    But what if he has another n to rescue me from this? Nathaniel loves me and I know he has something up his sleeves to protect me.


    I need to run first then contact himter as he would do anything for me¡­yes¡­that¡¯s what I would do.


    I smiled brightly and packed my things thinking of where I would hide for a while.

 I Swear Lydia, Let Me Love You Again

    LYDIA¡¯S POV:


    AT THE STATION:


    The chief detective led us into his office and I took a seat while Nathaniel stood behind me. For some reason, he wouldn¡¯t tell me anything so I was tense and wondered who it could be. How was the person found? How will I react? Those questions were on my mind.


    ¡°Here you go, Miss Miller. Just press y.¡± The detective spoke, cing hisptop in front of me and I nodded. I sighed deeply and I felt Nathaniel lovingly using his thumb caress my shoulder in order to calm me down.


    I didn¡¯t even know how to feel about that. So I just quickly pressed y and watched the video intently.


    ¡°This whore.¡± I clenched my jaw as I shook my head with anger radiating off my body.


    ¡°I knew it, I knew it. And she still tried to act maniptive and make me doubt my thoughts. She¡¯s crazy as hell.¡± I was livid but a part of me was relieved but definitely not calm. I felt like murdering with my own hands for doing this. Now Andrew has to go through severe pain because she wanted to y around with me. Because of Nathaniel?N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    I scoffed then reverted my attention to the detective who was staring at me.


    ¡°So what are you doing about this? What¡¯s the n? In fact, I believe the police should already be out heading to arrest her.¡± I spoke, whipping out my phone from my purse to call my dad because I needed all his contacts so all the forces in the country would be on Jenny¡¯s tail. She couldn¡¯t go scot free, I wouldn¡¯t allow it never ever.


    ¡°We just received the warrant, my team and I are already set to arrest her. It¡¯s all set and good, Miss Miller. There¡¯s nothing to be worried about anymore, it¡¯s over.¡± His words suddenly made me feel relieved it didn¡¯t feel over yet. Maybe because I hadn¡¯t seen her with my own eyes yet because as soon as I saw Jenny, she would receive something from me best believe.


    He shook Nathaniel then left us in his office. I gazed at Nathaniel wondering how he felt about this, would he defend Jenny again? Is he giving her a heads up so she can escape? Would he change his behavior towards me again?


    Another question that was on my head was, Is Mrs King involved in this? Did she and Jenny n this?


    ¡°What¡¯s on your mind? You seem stressed out.¡± He questioned softly and I exhaled deeply.


    ¡°How did you know the video was sent? Aren¡¯t you worried about your dear Jenny? Uhn?¡± I questioned seriously but he chuckled just staring at me with a look in his eyes. Without uttering a word, he brought out his phone, unlocked it and handed it to me.


    ¡°A private number sent me the video a few hours today and I can¡¯t lie, I debated whether I was going to fulfill my words and stand by you no matter what or turn my back on you and protect Jenny. But I have watched you struggle and get hurt repeatedly to just hide such a piece of important evidence that could end all your worries. Can I say I truly love you if I protect a crazy childhood friend?¡±


    My heart beat skipped at hisst sentence and I felt goosebumps as he spoke, he looked into my eyes and I could read the sincerity in his eyes. I instantly shook my head and read Jenny¡¯s text message to him and I was in disbelief, it was clear as day that this girl was sick in the head and needed medical attention.


    ¡°She¡¯s crazy and I think it¡¯s her love for you that¡¯s driving her insane. I can¡¯t believe my family and I still have to go through so much pain because I entered into your family. I¡¯m going to be honest with you Nathaniel, I regret the day I entered into your life and married you, I don¡¯t even have a single good memory with you and now you are saying you love me? After all the negligence, after I had tried to tell you and show you how much I was suffering, how I needed some type of affection and care from you. Your entire household treated me like a maid and I was merely a blood tank to you, I¡¯m even so tired of saying the same thing over and over again.¡±


    I sniffled cleaning under my eyes as a single tear threatened to fall and rose to my feet.


    ¡°I appreciate you picking me for the first time and from the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you for helping with getting excellent investigators but this is where it ends. I don¡¯t want to see you nor speak to you ever again.¡±


    I know I said I had healed and truly I did, but I was still hurt by so many of Nathaniel¡¯s actions in the past and I knew he was trying to make it up to me but I was scared that if I truly forgive him then I would most likely fall in love with him again.


    I turned my back seeing the hurt in his eyes and his eyes watered. I was about to open the door when I felt strong arms wrapped around my waist and Nathaniel¡¯s head was on my waist.


    ¡°Lydia, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry I should have treated you better, I should have cared more about you, I should have listened to you. I have no reason for how I treated you in the past when all you did was care about me and love me. I¡¯m the reason you¡¯re going through so much pain right now and I should just let you go but I can¡¯t. I¡­love you and I¡¯m going to do all that I can to show you how much I love you and how truly apologetic I am but please¡­.. let me in and let me truly make it up to you please. I won¡¯t make you regret, I swear Lydia, let me love you again.¡±


    My single tear dropped from my eyes, and seeing Nathaniel on his knees begging me made my heart race. He was being so vulnerable rather than his usual emotionless, strong exterior and I was totally in love with this side. What if he changes? What if this is a scheme?


    I ignored all the negative thoughts and looked into Nathaniel¡¯s eyes which were regretful and hopeful, then I made a decision then cleaned my eyes.


    ¡°Just let me go Nathaniel¡­. at least for now. I no longer hate you so¡­¡± I spoke shakily and removed his arms from my waist.

 Rachel King Pain

    Lydia¡¯s POV:


    ¡°Thank you¡­.. thank you Lydia.¡± He let out a breath rising to his feet and I was quite shocked that he wasn¡¯t hurt by words but rather hopeful.


    ¡°Can I hug you?¡± He asked and I just looked at him, trying to catch my breath and read how my words had given so much hope. On the other hand, I truly meant my words. I didn¡¯t want to harbor hate towards him, whether it meant I was letting him or not. I needed to express myself and this served as a form of closure.


    He embraced me in a warm hug and we were like that for about a minute before he slowly pulled us apart and I felt his beard near my neck making me shiver a little.


    ¡°Thank you again and Bye.¡± I thanked him for standing behind me this time. And he nodded, staring at me before I exited the office.


    Who would have thought I would have gotten closure in a detective¡¯s office?


    Nheless, a burden was lifted off me and I felt light and happy. Now, all I wanted to do was hug and talk to my brother.


    But a call from my father came through saying he had forwarded all I needed to my assistant.


    I was going to make sure I would be back so I could see Jenny¡¯s face after her arrest.


    MEANWHILE¡­.


    RACHEL¡¯S POV:


    My hands were sweaty as I approached the restaurant where Jason was seated waiting for me. He was in the VIP section of the restaurant at a popr restaurant owned by the Millers. I was dressed in a simple sleeveless blue flowy gown which stood right before my knee, he never liked me wearing clothes which showed my body at all, so now that I was finally away from him, I decided to do as I please. My hair was still short and I felt like I looked pretty, I wasn¡¯t going to let anyone tell me otherwise.


    ¡°Good evening and wee.¡± The hostess greeted me with a smile and I returned her smile clutching onto my cute blue purse.


    ¡°Good evening, I¡¯m here to meet with Jason Wilst at the VIP section.¡± I informed her and she gave me an overlook.


    ¡°Wee, Mr Jason has been waiting for you. Come with me please.¡± She stated and I obliged, following closely behind her ignoring how she had stared at me from head to toe with an unreadable expression.


    Not like I cared about what someone like her thought of me, a KING.


    Walking through the extravagant restaurant, I was bewildered at its fanciness, and not too far behind was a shelf containing Lydia¡¯s book titled the pback. I made a mental note to purchase it on my way out. Though I had seen excerpts and summaries online, I wanted to read the entire book. I know I had also yed a role in making her life a living hell so I needed to make time to go to her with a gift and apologize.


    My mind drifted to my interaction with Nathaniel earlier, the horror watching Jenny who was like my best friend at some point was insane. With my mind consumed in thoughts, I had failed to realize that we had finally arrived at the VIP section and I frowned deeply when I realized it was quite secluded.


    ¡°Wee in, My queen. This is my future wife, did you know Grace?¡± He seemed tipsy as he introduced me to the hostess who stared at him with a ¡°How is that my business¡± look.


    He strolled towards me grabbing into my hand and giving it a kiss, as our eyes locked, I instantly felt fear and weakness I always felt when he was around me. And I didn¡¯t like it one bit, at that moment I just wanted to cover myself or run out.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    ¡°Alright sir, I will send in the waiter as soon as you¡¯re ready to order. If you will excuse me.¡± She walked out leaving me and him in there and he kept his gaze on me like a lion staring at its prey. He opened my seat for me and I tried to bring back the confidence I previously had.


    Maybe I should have listened to Nathaniel and gone for therapy because what type of feeling is this?


    ¡°How have you been? You look extremely different but in a sexy way.¡± He stated into my eyes lovingly but I knew better.


    Or did I?


    ¡°I missed you, you know? Did you miss me?¡± He questioned reaching onto my hand from across the table. In order to mask my fear, I seized my hand and cleared my throat.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t miss you at all, I¡¯m certain you wouldn¡¯t miss someone who ps and beats you too, will you? So now cut to the chase, I have things to do.¡± I gave myself a mental pat on the back tomend myself for not trembling as I spoke.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, it was a stupid question but you know the only reason I even ced my hands on you was to show you much you mean to me and discipline you that it was necessary. Have you ever done something good and I hurt you? I only caressed your face. That¡¯s how it is. Just like how I¡¯m pretty disappointed at the fact that you were out there telling everyone that happens with us and even putting my image on the line. Is that how love works? Our love works?¡± He stated calmly digging into the food that was served. It was quite sick that he had reced p with caress.


    My heart raced and I could sense his wrathing, my breathing picked up and I rose to my feet but his next words stopped me.


    ¡°You do know, I know exactly where your big brother is and with just a single call from him. I will order his head gets blown up.¡± His calm voice scared me but I knew he meant his every word.


    Tears brimmed in my eyes and I felt unable to move, so I turned around and gazed at him. He smiled like an insane person and rested his head on his hand looking at me.


    ¡°You¡¯re so cute.¡±


    ¡°What do you want from me?¡± I cried out and he grinned from ear to ear.


    ¡°You¡¯re all I ever want, my queen. Now sit and dine with me.¡± His voice turned hard and stern that scared me and I let out a single tear going back to my seat.


    All I wanted was closure but it just might be the beginning of the end.

 Liam

    NATHANIEL¡¯S POV.


    I stood on my balcony sipping wine trying to hide my anxiety and anticipation to get that one call informing me of Jenny¡¯s arrest. She had contributed in making Lydia¡¯s life hell and the text message she had sent was enough confirmation for me to see her true colors. However, I was baffled and I kept recounting the events of today, they were quite life changing. But I was quite excited that Lydia had forgiven me, I already began to make ns on everything I would do to make her see that I was different now and willing to do anything in my power to make sure I have her.


    But a question thaty on my mind was, who sent that video and why was it sent to me alone?


    It was now 7pm, about an hour after Lydia and I had left the station. After gazing at the sun set, I went back in search of what I could do to distract myself and what better thing to do than work. I picked up the blueprint I had been inspecting earlier but soon, the doorbell rang. I made a promise to myself that I wouldn¡¯t design and have my mansion built until I was about to get married. My first marriage to Lydia wasn¡¯t real buttely I found myself picturing our mansion, kids and life together.


    But I needed to calm down or my dream won¡¯t juste to light, right?


    I strolled towards the door in my simple attire and opened the doors revealing Liam and Jacob. Jacob was grinning holding up a pack of beer and Liam looked lost.


    ¡°What¡¯s up guys?¡± We shook hands and I led them in, staring at Liam with curiosity. So Kelvin was truly on a date with my little sister¡­ I have truly been hit with unbelievable facts today.


    ¡°You look great. You¡¯re back with Lydia? You got the love of your life back?¡± Jacob teased and I stared at him amused but with side eyes. Did he and Liam exchange personalities?


    ¡°What¡¯s going with you, Jacob? And Why is Liam like this?¡± They took a seat in the living room while I ced the drinks in the refrigerator.


    ¡°I have been waiting to spill it to you all day because I¡¯m geeked.¡± Jacob spoke with excitement, being giddy. With amusement, I took a nce at Liam who was staring straight ahead with a solemn look that I had never seen in all the years we had been friends.


    But I could utter a word, Jacob spilled what seemed to have been bothering Liam, ¡°His parents have finalized it, he will be getting married next month.¡±


    My eyes went wide as I handed them cold drinks I had in my refrigerator, Liam hastily collected his, opened it and took a gulp in less than thirty seconds.


    ¡°That¡¯s crazy, who is it and what exactly happened?¡± I questioned and Liam turned towards me after rolling his eyes.


    ¡°You would have known what happened if you weren¡¯t following Lydia everywhere like a lost puppy.¡± He spoke harshly and I knitted my eyebrow in confusion.


    The living room was silent for a moment and I was about to speak before Liam beat me to it.


    ¡°My bad, I¡¯m just stressed out. I do not want to have anything to do with marriage. I like my life and I¡¯m happy like this.¡± He downed his drink in frustration.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it Riley or¡­.¡± I asked because I knew how much his family loved her and it would be crazy if they picked out someone they knew for him after his years of back and forth with Riley.


    ¡°It is Riley but things have been off between ustely.¡± Jacob and I scoffed and rolled our eyes at that, making Liam chuckle weakly.


    ¡°You guys are literally made for each other, there¡¯s nothing to worry about. And I¡¯m pretty sure Riley will let you be as free as a bird plus she does make you happy right.¡± I tried to reason and like a big child that he was, he folded his arms across his chest and pouted.


    ¡°I guess¡­¡± He trailed off and by the look on Jacob¡¯s face, I was certain he was tired of Liam.


    ¡°Then be with her, treat her right and make her happy. Because you¡¯re going to regret itter, especially if she decides to leave.¡± I advised in reference to my own situation with Lydia.


    They stared at me with a serious expression and Jacob gave me a shoulder pat tofort me.


    ¡°What¡¯s going with her though? I heard her brother¡¯s up now, how is uncovering who cut the brakes going?¡± Jacob asked seriously and Liam nodded in agreement but turned his attention to the television in front of us grabbing the remote control.


    ¡°The craziest thing happened today¡­.¡± I ran down the events of today and at the mention of Jenny being the one who did it, while Liam looked somewhat baffled, Jacob scoffed saying, ¡°I knew it.¡±


    ¡°Melissa and I had always suspected that she was crazy because of how she had been behaving towards you but this confirms it.¡± Jacob spoke, his facial expression turning serious and he brought out his phone.


    ¡°I never even suspected anything, Kelvin and I were so certain y¡¯all were meant to be. I need to offer Lydia an apology for all the bullshit I have said about her. She¡¯s literally a Miller and I called her a gold digger.¡± He chuckled, shaking his head at himself.


    ¡°But do you have an idea of who could have sent the video?¡± Jacob questioned and I shook my head left and right.


    ¡°It¡¯s most likely the person was testing to see if you would stand by Jenny or reveal the truth. Whoever it is, is crazy and smart. I wonder what he or she would have done if you didn¡¯t report it to Police.¡± Liam said and Jacob and I thought for a while listening to his words.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    ¡°Where the hell is Kelvin? I thought he said he was bringing in the pizza.¡± Liam asked more to himself typing on his phone.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t he on a date?¡± I knitted my eyebrow in confusion.


    ¡°Date? Of course not, we literally spoke about fifteen minutes ago and he said he was on his way over here.¡± Liam looked at me puzzled as he spoke and I scratched my eyebrow deep in thought.

 BREAKING NEWS

    Nathaniel POV:


    Is Rachel still with Jason then? I thought to myself texting her.


    Our attention was turned away from our devices at the opening of the door. I stared at the hallway hoping to see Racheling in because I was getting worried and even her driver wasn¡¯t picking up.


    ***********


    LYDIA¡¯S POV:


    With happiness and excitement, I came out of the elevator arriving at Andrew¡¯s hospital floor. I almost skipped joyfully as I walked, we had uncovered who cut the brakes to my car leading to Andrew¡¯s ident and the damage of my baby, my first car, and finally expressing myself to Nathaniel seemed to make my heart light. I would be over the moon excited when I get the update that Jenny had been brought in the station.


    I had already nned what I would do as soon as I saw her, and I would be the oneughing.


    My eyebrows knitted in confusion as I heard an argumenting from the front of Andrew¡¯s room. Walking further, I was bewildered seeing Lorena and Darren in a heated argument and the way Darren was hot and red, I feared he might hurt by throwing a punch or giving her a p because she kept shouting in his face. He was quite muscr as he was an athlete so I hurried towards them.


    ¡°Lorena! That¡¯s enough, we are in a hospital. What¡¯s the problem?¡± I pulled her by the arm moving her closer to me.


    ¡°I¡¯m just so tired of him, Lydia. I¡¯m always just trying to please him, yet he doesn¡¯t care for me. I¡¯m so sick and tired of you, Darren.¡± She spat angrily and he just kept staring intently at her.


    ¡°Oh yeah? That¡¯s how you feel? Lydia after everything do you think I don¡¯t care about her?¡± He questioned me and I mentally begged for him to not put me in between though I had literally brought myself in between.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s how I feel and I¡¯m done. I¡¯m done with you, I don¡¯t even want to get married anymore.¡± Darren¡¯s face instantly fell as Lorena took off her ring and threw it on his chest, freeing her hand from my grip and walking off.


    ¡°Lorena¡­¡± I called out following behind her but she kept walking.


    ¡°Leave me alone, Lydia. I want to be alone.¡± I instantly stopped in my tracks and let her be. Being her friend for years, I understood her if she wanted to be alone, then you just got to leave her alone.


    Especially at this point, I was certain she was just too angry and was making a drastic decision.


    I walked back and met Darren just standing in the same position holding Lorena¡¯s luxurious ring. He looked confused, probably how it had reached that point over the argument.


    ¡°Look, Darren, I know my friend, she¡¯s just confused about everything. I promise she will be back in your arms by tonight.¡± I smiled small trying to assure him but he just shook his head.


    ¡°No, I think she¡¯s really done with me this time.¡± He concluded looking down until he finally looked into my eyes and his eyes were red at the brink of tears.


    ¡°Darren don¡¯t be sad¡­I will speak to her. You two have been together for years, nothing is going to end that.¡± He smiled weakly at me muttering thank you before strolling away.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± He spoke then strolled away but I grew scared for them. What if this was really the end for them?


    My mood deted but I was still excited to see Andrew nheless.


    I took a deep breath before opening the door to his room. I entered and Ariana smiled at me but quietly pointed towards Andrew showing me he was asleep. I pouted and thought about waking up as I was sick and tired of seeing him asleep all the time. I ced the gift bag on the table in the room and Ariana walked towards me.


    ¡°Can we talk outside?¡± She questioned softly and I observed her because all I wanted was to sit next to Andrew till he woke up.


    ¡°Sure.¡± I muttered and we walked out of his room, and she looked quite nervous.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just happy, we, I mean you finally uncovered who was behind the cutting of your car brakes, and very soon they will receive your family¡¯s wrath. I¡¯m so proud of you.¡± She hugged me and I smiled warmly embracing her back.


    ¡°Plus I have another great news.¡± She spoke excitedly and I giggled just in love with her ent.


    ¡°What is it?¡± I asked, holding onto her hands.


    ¡°My parents agreed to meet Andrew as soon as he¡¯s out of the hospital. It¡¯s only left for your father and my family to meet, Andrew was happy when he heard this. So I was thinking we can set it up after or during his physical therapy because I¡¯m certain my baby¡¯s daddy will be able to walk in a jiffy.¡±


    I loved how excited and happy she was and how much she adored Andrew. She was about to give me my little niece or nephew and I was so ready to spoil her.


    I hugged her and we bothughed embracing each other. I felt like the worst was over and only good things, new rtionships, growth and joy wereing.


    As we waited for Andrew to wake up, we sat at the cafeteria drinking a milkshake and I shared with her the events of today. She smiled while listening but as soon as I thought about Lorena and Darren my heart felt heavy. So I made a mental note to go see herter tonight even if it was by midnight.


    I just prayed she was joking.


    ¡°O My God, see the news.¡± I reverted my attention to the television screen seeing the newscaster reading out the headlines.


    ¡°A video of Jennifer Bilisy, Ex-girlfriend and childhood friend of Nathaniel King, has surfaced online as the person behind the attempted murder of Andrew Miller. The police forces, FBI and investigators have reportedly gotten a warrant for her arrest as soon as she¡¯s apprehended, it will be reported. The video of Miss Bilisy cutting the brakes will y after this news, viewer¡¯s discretion is advised.¡±N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    The reporter spoke and I really did not want it to be online or on media ces until she was arrested so she wouldn¡¯t be tipped off and escape but with the forcesing after her, I¡¯m sure she wouldn¡¯t escape.


    I was certain.

 Escaping (1)

    JENNY¡¯S POV:


    Lydia must be crazy if she thinks I would let the police bring me to that hell hole. I would rather die than go to prison and getughed at by her and the entire country. I couldn¡¯t believe Nathaniel actually told on me, after everything we have been through. He will pay some other way but as soon as I get settled in wherever I decide to run to, then I will call him and I¡¯m certain he wille to my aid for anything I might need.


    Or maybe I should just let him be for a while? So he can realize what he has done. I will just think about thatter.


    I carried a small bag and put it in the minivan in the garage, hoping to leave the mansion without any staff¡¯s notice. I had sneaked out leaving a small note for Mrs King, she was resting in her room and I knew she was either truly taking a nap or thinking about her major life changes.Text ? by N0ve/lDrama.Org.


    I started up the minivan realizing that there wasn¡¯t gas anymore, so I debated for about a minute if I could take one of Nathaniel¡¯s old sports cars. But from afar I could hear car sirens, I instantly packed my bag and picked the key which was on the garage¡¯s walls and entered into the blue Ferrari. I hadn¡¯t even checked the engines nor gas but I was ready to move and I needed to move now before the police arrived.


    I started up the car and instantly drove out the garage in speed, the gates were automated so I could easily leave without anyone around. I zoomed off and I could just feel the police were on their way but luckily for me, the man in the force whom I had bribed had helped me to slow down their pace by providing wrong information and I was pleased. I mean after this, I wouldn¡¯t be contacting him. In fact, I had to smash my phone as soon as I reached an area far away from here.


    Or not, I tossed my phone out of the car and sped down the free ways headed to a ce where my mum used to bring me after my father¡¯s death. I was so happy I was able to escape right before the police arrived. I continued speeding down ignoring the traffic lights and driving above the speed limit hoping the police on watch wouldn¡¯t stop me.


    Luck seemed to be on my side as even after driving for about 30 minutes, miles away from where my journey had begun, everything was running smoothly until the fuel gauge indicated that the tank was almost empty. I groaned trying to recall if there were any gas stations nearby.


    shback.


    ¡°Mummy, I¡¯m hungry and I need to pee. Can you please stop?¡± I whined genuinely in need to pee. My mum who was surprisingly driving for the first time in years nced at me through the rearview mirror with her regr nk expression she had these past few months after my dad¡¯s passing.


    I had been so confused as I had assumed she had something to do with his ident but her solemnity and tears convinced me otherwise.


    ¡°I really need to pee, Mom.¡± I pleaded and she groaned deeply, rolling her eyes in a full circle. But she obliged to my pleading as in the next few minutes, she pulled up in front of the new gas station a few minutes away.


    I finally arrived in front of the station and was busy filling my tank looking around my surroundings in suspicion. I was in a haste because I felt so uneasy because I had a feeling the police were approaching. After filling up my tank, I looked at the store in the gas station where I had entered to pee years back and noticed two women, one looked young in her teens and the other was older, an older version of the teen mostly like her sister, staring at me suspiciously and one brought out her phone.


    I hastily entered the car and drove off ignoring how one of them followed after my car talking on the call.


    I needed to be more careful.


    *******


    Two hourster, it was now 9:30 pm when I arrived at the house we had in a remote area. The key to the house was under the mat as the mat had the zip.


    ¡°Mum, where are we?¡± I asked in confusion and she left the headlights on and hopped out of the car.


    She bent down to remove the key and in fear and uncertainty I looked around the bushy surroundings and debated whether to go meet with her or not. I went in fear that a monster or wolf woulde out of the bush and rushed to where she bent in search of the key.


    She did not utter a word as she saw me but simply rose to her feet and brought out the key muttering, ¡®thank goodness¡¯. She opened the door and shed her phone¡¯s light as the entire house was pitch ck, the only light was from my mum¡¯s phone and the headlight outside. I held onto her hand following behind her until she arrived at what looked like the kitchen and bent down again letting my hand go.


    ¡°Hold the phone.¡± She instructed, and I held it, letting the phone¡¯s light shine on the bunch of wires and cables. She fixed two wires and performed what looked like a magic trick and just like a magician, lights filled the house and I smiled at the beautiful house.


    ¡°It¡¯s so beautiful, mummy. Are we going to leave here?¡± I asked happily, staring around and she shot me a look and said, ¡°No.¡±


    Afterwards, she went out to pack our things and I followed closely behind her.


    I had finally arranged myself in about an hourter, the house was filled with light and I had changed out of clothes. I was now seated at the office table in a somewhat office room. I sat in and looked out the window without uttering a word.


    But tonight, I sat on the chair looking at my passport and my now booked E-Ticket for my flight to a neighboring country. I had a lot of money in my ount, some I had stolen from Mrs King and I still had enough jewelry from her as well. I mean I didn¡¯t technically steal, I¡¯m certain she will be in support of me.


    I was set and ready to go, a guy had also helped me change my name on my passport after I had transferred arge amount of money.


    I just needed to be gone for a while and when everyone was at peace, I would strike.


    Iughed hysterically, leaning back in my seat and twirling around the chair.


    Lydia was so foolish to assume I would go down like that¡­Too bad, so sad.


    Myughter continued until it died down and a sinister smirk appeared on my face.

 Escaping (2)

    JENNY¡¯S POV:     3 HOURS BEFORE:     3RD POV:


    Mrs King woke up from her nap hearing an impatient knocking from her door. She rose up from her bed in annoyance and walked to the door but before opening the door, she saw a white note on the floor.     In confusion, she picked it up and read it in astonishment:     Dear Mrs King,     I want to let you know you were right, I was responsible for Lydia¡¯s brother¡¯s ident. I was so angry that I had cut the brakes to Lydia¡¯s car with the intention to have her killed. I was just trying to protect you by keeping this information from you, I hope you understand.     The police and the media have found out, as KELVIN had caught me and recorded it all. He sent it to Nathaniel and your son reported it probably because of his obsession over Lydia.     I have escaped and taken a sum of your money but you will make it back¡­smiley face. Oh and I took some jewelry. So that¡¯s not stealing right?     I need you to please fight for me and help me keep Nathaniel and Lydia apart, before I return. I will do everything in my power to ensure Lydia is murdered so you can have your kids and life back.     Thank you.     Love, your soon to be daughter-inw.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Jenny.     Mrs King was in disbelief but the knock on the door grew impatient. So she opened the door and saw her maid, Dia, who was in distress.     ¡°What¡¯s the problem? What has given you the audacity to knock on my door like you own the ce?¡± She questioned harshly and Dia, who was trembling.     ¡°Ma, I just saw Miss Jennifer on the news. And it seems like the police are approaching as I just heard the police sirens and she¡¯s no longer in her room.¡± Dia spoke shakily and Mrs King shut her eyes taking a deep breath.     ¡°I will be down.¡± Mrs King spoke then closed the door in Dia¡¯s face. Dia instantly ran down stairs and went to spread the news to fellow maids as there were just three left after everyone had left the mansion after the release of Lydia¡¯s book, so they all looked at Dia in disbelief.     ¡°So what do we do? We can¡¯t stay, I mean I can¡¯t, I will be damned if I get dragged in between this mess.¡± One of the maids spoke and the two others sighed deeply.     ¡°We won¡¯t be added into this shenanigans, I can¡¯t quit. I have kids to take care of. Plus Miss Jenny must have some good stuff I can take before I leave but one thing I know for certain is I won¡¯t go empty handed.¡± They all hummed in agreement.     ¡°I never thought she would do such a thing. She must have really been in love with Mr Nathaniel or is it an obsession like those crazy women in movies?¡± They cackled but the loud banging on the door and the sound of police arriving into the serenity of the house was heard.     They debated who shoulde open it, meanwhile the police surrounded the wholerge mansion to prevent Jenny who had just left from escaping.     Dia was on her way to open the door, when she saw Mrs King in an elegant long ck gown essorizing with beautiful gold earrings and ne strolling down stairs. Her short hair was straightened and the maids were puzzled at why she had decided toe from her room looking elegant.     What was she nning? They thought, looking amongst themselves.     She confidently opened the door and the police filled the ce like ants, she knitted her eyebrows together feigning confusion but the chief detective.     ¡°Good evening Mrs King. We have a warrant to arrest Jenny Bilisy for an attempted murder of Andrew Miller¡­¡± He spoke and Mrs King looked genuinely baffled like this was the first time she was hearing this.     ¡°That¡¯s shocking. O My God, it¡¯s no wonder she had left earlier today in such a rush and she had been acting quite suspicious. I¡¯m¡­I¡¯m shocked, detective. I can¡¯t believe this.¡± The detective looked at her with a nk expression trying to read her facial expression. He came to the conclusion that she was pretending but he didn¡¯t utter a word as he waited for his men to look around and apprehend the suspect.     ¡°We didn¡¯t find her anywhere and it seems like she had escaped.¡± His men announced and the Chief detective reverted his attention to Mrs King who was previously smiling but instantly looked lost as the detective turned to her.     ¡°Let¡¯s search around the area, and get the boys to search all the CCTV cameras, we can¡¯t let her get away.¡± He ordered sternly and they nodded fleeting out of the mansion.     ¡°If you know anything about the suspect¡¯s whereabouts or any information that could help the investigation, please call this number.¡± He handed her a card and stared at her with suspicion before heading out.     Mrs King let out a breath she hadn¡¯t realized she was holding as soon as she shut the door.     The ¡®rat¡¯ among the police force just smirked, proud of himself for ensuring that Jenny wasn¡¯t caught and he imagined his hefty reward. The police cars went different ways and the chief detective was annoyed at himself and his force for not arriving in time, he turned and nced at the ¡®rat¡¯ who was smiling to himself. The chief detective just made a mental note to interrogate himter but now, they needed to find Jenny.


    *****     45 MINUTES LATER:     ¡°Hello?¡± The police who were driving the car which the detective was in received a call.     ¡°I would like to report a criminal whom I just saw on the news. I saw her filling a blue Ferrari sports car. I think she was just in the news for cutting the brakes to my favorite author¡¯s car.¡± The detective who was listening became alert.     ¡°At where?¡± The receiver described the location and they took notes while the ¡®rat¡¯ feared but couldn¡¯t utter a word.     ¡°She noticed I am staring at her, she¡¯s driving off.¡±     ¡°Get the te number.¡± The caller tried but only got a few numbers and was disappointed with herself.     ¡°I¡¯m sorry that¡¯s all I could get.¡± She apologized.     ¡°It¡¯s okay. Thank you very much.¡± They hung up and he looked at the Chief Detective.     ¡°Let¡¯s head there.¡± He instructed and he nodded speeding there thereby also informing the other police cars.     At the end of the day, they couldn¡¯t apprehend Jenny but they drove around in search of her and stayed in areas nearby. They called the nearby police to be aware of Jenny, sending pictures and the description of her car. They were also checking the gas station camera to get the te number.     The Chief Detective didn¡¯t know how to break it to the Millers, Nathaniel and the media that Jenny had escaped.

 Kelvin

    NATHANIEL¡¯S POV:


    I watched as Kelvin walked in with a smile on his face holding two boxes of pizza. My heart fell and rather than heading over to greet him or wee him, I just went into my home office and began to call Jenny repeatedly. I called her for thest time and it rang continuously rather than going straight to voicemail.


    ¡°Come on, pick up.¡± I paced back and forth waiting patiently and through the corner of my eye I saw Kelvin entering therge office which was also a study, containing my old books, college textbooks and educational books on running apany and being the best at my field.


    ¡°Hello Nathaniel, what¡¯s up? Is everything alright?¡± She asked cooly, yet her tone sounded worried once she picked up the goddamn call.


    ¡°I¡¯m meant to be asking you that. Are you okay? Where are you? Who are you with?¡± I bombarded her with questions out of worry but realized it might make her feel some type of way that I was being top protective.


    ¡°Nathaniel, I¡¯m a big girl and I know what I¡¯m doing. I¡¯m just going to spend the night at¡­umm¡­a hotel. I will be back by tomorrow and tell you about it.¡± She spoke shakily and I was about to question her further but she spoke again.


    ¡°Please.. don¡¯t ask me any other thing. I will be back and I will tell you all about it. I just want to be by myself right now.¡± I sighed, reverting my attention back to Kelvin who stood by the door listening and staring at me with curiosity.


    ¡°Alright¡­just call me if you need anything. And text me what hotel you¡¯re staying at. I just want you to be safe.¡± My voice was soft, she simply hummed and in a low breath told me goodnight.


    She hung up afterwards and I kept staring at Kelvin intently. He stared right back at me looking puzzled.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on with Rachel? And why are you staring at me that way?¡± He stood straight while towards me and I pursed my lips tucking my phone into my pocket.


    ¡°Did you cancel on her?¡± I questioned with an emotionless expression.


    ¡°Cancel what? We were just meant to go see a movie she said she hadn¡¯t seen, it wasn¡¯t too serious. And she was the one who canceled on me.¡± He shrugged exining himself while staring right back at me intently.T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Well, I bet she thought it was something serious as she had already told me and asked for MY blessing. Something you couldn¡¯t even do, I mean if it were serious, you could have just told me as we are what you guys would say ¡®brothers¡¯.¡± I spoke and he scoffed, snatching his neck.


    ¡°What are you saying dude? We are brothers and Rachel is simply like a sister to me. If she thought it was something different, I will speak to her and rify it. You need to rx, everything is calm and great. Alright?¡± He held onto my shoulder giving it a pat but something he was saying just didn¡¯t feel right and his whole demeanor. Maybe it was just the whole entire situation with Jenny, Lydia and Rachel but I was just annoyed.


    Without speaking, I just headed back to the living room and took a seat. Kelvin wasn¡¯t too far behind, Jacob and Liam stared at us with curious eyes.


    ¡°Bro, if there¡¯s something else you can just say it. Because you¡¯re looking bothered and Liam is it just me or he looks red?¡± Kelvin spoke yfully, grabbing a slice of pizza.


    ¡°Just stay away from my sister. She has already been through a lot, and when the thought of things going furtheres to mind, remember we are brothers and it¡¯s right to have respect for one another and the ones we love.¡± I said and his facial expression became serious.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even get what¡¯s going on so I¡¯m not going to say anything.¡± Liam said, turning his attention back to the television and Jacob did the same. The baseball game had just begun so Jacob and the three of us watched,menting, drinking and eating.


    I had genuinely missed just hanging out with the guys and having fun. Things were just getting better, I nced at my phone and wondered why I hadn¡¯t gotten any information from the media or the police force.


    What if Jenny had escaped? I didn¡¯t want to think about that and the mess that would bring. I had thoughts to call my mum and ask her what¡¯s going on and I feared that her love or would I say her obsession for Jenny would have done something crazy and yed aplice.


    I prayed not as no matter how much I hated my mum¡¯s actions, I wouldn¡¯t want her going to jail for anything.


    ¡°Nice.¡± Jacobmented as one of the yers hit the ball. Kelvin had been oddly quiet, Liam was now texting on his phone.


    I decided to text the chief detective to ask what was going on but the message didn¡¯t even deliver.


    ¡°Oh wow ¡­ . Yo, Jacob switched the channel to the news. It seems like Jenny got a tip and has escaped.¡± Liam spoke up and my eyes instantly turned wide.


    ¡°WHAT?¡± Kelvin and I eximed in unison and Jacob hastily switched it to the news.


    The newsdy who was reading from a notepad in the studio with a blue background while seated spoke, ¡°It seems like the suspect, Jennifer Bilsity has escaped as the police force has failed to give any information. From our sources, it was found that it was simply the police force who went for the suspect¡¯s arrest and they seem to have been running in circles giving the suspect enough time to escape.¡±


    ¡°We will provide more information as soon as we get more. I remain Karen Filleigh, DCC news.¡±


    I sucked my teeth sharply, holding the bridge of my nose in irritation. Kelvin looked extremely livid and I was as well.


    ¡°What the hell did they mean by running circles? Do they think this is a joke? Did they not get their facts right?¡± Jacob asked pacing back and forth, most likely calling his wife. At that moment, I was getting more worried than angry.


    Who knows where Jenny could be and what she could be possibly nning? And I wondered if Lydia was safe?


    As soon as I thought about her safety, I called my security team, sending people to protect her. I couldn¡¯t risk anything happening to her, I wouldn¡¯t be able to forgive myself.

 Bad Feelings

    LYDIA¡¯S POV:


    2 A. M:


    I passed out hours ago probably due tock of sleep these past few days. I wasying on the couch in Andrew¡¯s room and my phone was underneath the little pillow I ced my head on, and the continuous vibration from the phone jerked me awake. I searched around the room for Ariana then I remembered I had sent her home to get adequate rest in afortable bed.


    Izily sat straight on the couch and took my phone. I blinked repeatedly adjusting the lighting of the screen and scratched my eyes.


    My heart raced seeing the multiple messages from friends and family asking if I was okay after hearing the news. I was curious about what news, the sleep instantly disappeared as I went online in search of the news.


    My noses red and my brows knitted together as I was now angry as I listened to DCC news. Did the police take my family and I as a joke?


    I opened my father and I chat thread and he had already sent a message saying he was working on it. The chief detective hadn¡¯t even said a word, I was so angry I wanted to cry.


    I thought it was over, I thought I could leave my life without any enemies but my imagination ran wide thinking about Jennying back and attacking each and everyone I loved dearly. But I was ready for her and I was going to do what I possibly can to prevent all that from happening.


    She would regreting against me and my family.


    I sent an old friend a message and since it waste I figured he wouldn¡¯t answer but a minuteter he did.


    What do you need Lydia? Just tell me and you know I will do it at the snap of a finger.


    I bit my lips and my fingers yed on the keyboard as I debated on what I should send back and if I should send what I had in mind.


    Help me handle her, I don¡¯t want her leaving the country and the police are being useless.


    I sent back and he sent me a thumbs up right back. He was a dangerous man who had connections with assassins and dangerous men who murdered people for a living. We didn¡¯t even speak anymore as I had met him back in college, he wanted to date me but I had friendzoned him.


    ¡°Lydia is that you?¡± I heard Andrew¡¯s voice and my heart skipped a beat and rears brimmed in my eyes. I felt happy, sad and scared at the same time.


    I nervously stood up and strolled to his bed side. He sat up switching on the light on his stand making the room dimly lit. I was genuinely happy to see him awake so I just hugged him crying.


    He embraced me chuckling weakly, I held onto him sniffling and we were like that for minutes. Both of us were just happy to see the other.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¡­Andrew. I should have never given you my car that day. I wouldn¡¯t even have if I knew the brakes were cut, I¡¯m so sorry.¡± I spoke shakily, trembling and he patted my back softly before pulling us apart.


    ¡°I knew you would have been feeling this way but it¡¯s not your fault, alright? You could have never known. Don¡¯t think about all that, I¡¯m awake and I¡¯m ready to begin this physical therapy so I would be able to walk again and make my girl happy. Oh¡­and buy you another car because Ari told me you haven¡¯t gotten one. Everything is good, alright?¡± He spoke sternly and I smiled small nodding my head in response.


    I felt relief for a second after hearing that but thoughts of Jenny and what I had just done dragging a killer into this mess, scared me. I just wanted everything to be okay and I did not know who to talk to about this. Andrew has enough worries as he had just woken up, Ariana as well, Lorena was also dealing with a lot. My mind was about to explode and I was tense.


    Andrew and I spoke for a while, I filled him in on essential parts as I had been told the doctors were slowly filling him in so it won¡¯t affect his progress.


    ¡°I¡¯m just so happy you¡¯re here. I woke up and feared something might have gone wrong with my little girl.¡± I smiled hearing those words and I wondered if Ariana had told him she was pregnant or not but I didn¡¯t say anything about it.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy you¡¯re up and you¡¯re not going to be bedridden.¡± I said holding onto his hands and he chuckled weakly.


    Due to his medication, he fell asleep about thirty minutes after and I went out to catch my breath.


    MEANWHILE¡­


    Jenny couldn¡¯t sleep, she had a bad feeling and her flight was in about three hours as she wanted an early morning flight. She brought out an old phone from under her mother¡¯s desk and dialed the only person she could think of at the moment, MRS KING.


    Mrs King as well couldn¡¯t sleep so the minute a strange number called, she answered instantly.


    ¡°Hello, who is this? Jenny?¡± Mrs King questioned and Jenny smiled in satisfaction.


    ¡°I take that you¡¯re no longer mad at me.¡± Jenny spoke and Mrs King scoffed, rolling her eyes in full circle.


    ¡°Oh I am and you¡¯re going to pay me back some other way. So what do you want that makes you risk calling me at this time of the night?¡±


    Unbeknownst to the two, the police had illegally tapped Mrs King¡¯s line and were listening intently to their conversation.


    ¡°I just want to let you know¡­.¡± Jenny trailed off debating whether she should tell Mrs King her ns or not.


    ¡°You wanted to let me know what?¡± Mrs King questioned cing her wine on the table next to her.


    ¡°I will be traveling soon and I just wanted to remind you that it¡¯s essential that you fulfill what I pleaded for you to do so I can make back my entranceter on. That¡¯s all I can say for now, I¡¯m hanging up now. Thank you Mrs King.¡± Jenny hung up without letting Mrs King respond. The police sucked their teeth as they weren¡¯t able to trace Jenny¡¯s call but they informed the chief detective of their conversation and he listened and generated a n.


    Lydia¡¯s friend was also preparing as well.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.

 You Can鈥檛 Catch Me

    3RD POV:


    EARLY MORNING:


    Jennifer had packed her things and loaded it up into the car but she thought for a moment if it was smart to take the car or not.


    ¡°I¡¯m definitely not going to walk all that way.¡± She spoke to herself hopping into the car and starting it up. She had locked the house and packed anything that mighte in handy such as a small pistol, Glock 26, and a small phone and one other device she thought mighte handy.


    She zoomed out driving in the bush and as the day was still dark since it was 5am, she found herself shivering as the morning cold breeze blew. Driving further, she was quite restless, everything kept bothering her such as the zip at the sleeve of her leather jacket, the birds flying and chirping, and the bushy areas.


    ¡°Ugggggggh, what in the world is happening?¡± She groaned asking herself and after thirty minutes of driving, she finally arrived at the tiled roads.


    The police who had been searching around the area all night were around the area. Two policemen were seated in the car, the one driving had fallen into a deep sleep and the other was dozing. Jenny¡¯s eyes went wide seeing the police car and she wasn¡¯t too far behind the car when she noticed it.


    ¡°Fuck it. It will be a fun ride.¡± She smiled and drove right past the police car at the speed of 100 miles per hour. The breeze that blew as soon as her car passed had the other police man who was dozing at alert.


    He blinked repeatedly and just vaguely seeing the blue Ferrari, he hit his colleagues making him jump out of sleep.


    ¡°Wake up. I think the suspect is on the run.¡± The policeman who was sleeping cleaned off the drool and blinked repeatedly meanwhile the other called for backup.


    ¡°The suspect seems to be on the run as a blue Ferrari was spotted at North driving at full speed.¡± He informed and his partner blinked repeatedly and started up the car.


    ¡°Come on,e on. We can¡¯t lose her or we lose our jobs.¡± He urged, making his partner to speed up the car though it couldn¡¯t reach the speed at which Jenny was driving. A police car couldn¡¯tpare to a ferrari in speed.


    The mayor of the city had informed the force that if they weren¡¯t able to capture a simple crazy girl then it showed they were ipetent. As he was close friends with Mr Miller and Mr Miller had contributed generously to the city every year. So they had to arrest her or submit their badges. The chief detective was tense but remained calm as he had requested about thirty police officers to secure the airport as soon as he listened to the conversation between Mrs King and Jenny.


    ¡°They are so stupid.¡± Jennymented, grinning to herself and continued driving recklessly. Until she heard the police sirensing from behind, she frowned and sucked her teeth sharply looking at them through her rearview mirror.


    ¡°What do I do? What should I do?¡± She got scared asking herself but her only conclusion was to move in speed until she finally lost them. Rather than going through the tiled roads, she switched on her headlights and followed through the bushes instead.


    ¡°Hurry up ¡­ . The suspect is passing through the woods, where is back the up?¡± The policeman spoke into the radio.


    About five minutester, the sound of a helicopter and two police cars approached the woods Jenny was struggling to drive through. Jenny was panicking and felt herself about to go crazy.


    ¡°I¡¯m about a few minutes from the airport and I¡¯m certain the sea is just about a five minute run from here. I need to hop out and hide¡­I just can¡¯t.¡± She said to herself and brought out her gun from her bag, her phone and her atm card as well an expensive jewelry and her essential gift from her body. She tucked it in many pockets as she was wearing cargo leather pants along with a leather jacket underneath was a gray camisole.


    She arrived deep within the woods and stopped right behind arge. She could see the sea from afar and she felt some relief as she could easily jump into the sea. Her mother had made sure she had the best swimming skills and she almost became an athlete.


    The second she hopped out of the Ferrari, abandoning her luggage containing clothes and ne ticket as she had realized she couldn¡¯t head into the airport anymore.


    The dense woods stretched out like a dark, tangledbyrinth, with towering trees casting eerie shadows that danced in the flickering light filtering through the thick canopy above. The forest floor was carpeted with a nket of fallen leaves, their crisp crunch echoing with each hurried step. Twisted roots snaked across the ground like gnarled fingers, posing treacherous obstacles for anyone attempting to navigate through the tangled undergrowth.


    She instantly started racing without turning back and thinking twice. Two police cars following behind her stopped and the others kept chasing her by car.


    ¡°Jennifer Bilsity, this is the police. You are surrounded. Please put your hands up and surrender peacefully.¡± A police officer spoke into the mega phone but Jenny continued running and she had already concluded that she wouldn¡¯t stop until she arrived at the shore of the sea.


    As Jennifer raced deeper into the heart of the woods, the dense foliage closed in around her, muffling the sounds of her frantic footsteps. Shafts of pale moonlight pierced through the canopy, illuminating patches of the forest floor in a ghostly glow. The air was thick with the earthy scent of damp moss and decaying leaves, while the distant hoot of an owl added to the eerie ambiance.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Despite the natural beauty of the woods, there was an unmistakable sense of foreboding that hung heavy in the air.


    She saw a policeman in front and out of nervousness and determination to prevent anything from allowing her to achieve her goal, she grabbed her gun.

 Jenny鈥檚 Death

    3RD POV:


    She grabbed her gun from her back and pointed in the direction of the policeman and shot at his leg.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°Calling for backup and an ambnce. It seems the suspect is heading to the sea as well.¡± One police officer spoke into the radio and the chief detective sucked his teeth sharply.


    Jenny felt like she was in cloud 9 until the police released tear gas making her eyes hurt and burn but she had soon arrived at the shore of the sea and still shot about three times though she couldn¡¯t see clearly.


    ¡°I can barely see, uggghhhh.¡± She cried as her eyes were burning and she coughed. The police officer who was near to her felt aplished as they would finally apprehend her.


    ¡°It¡¯s over, raise your hands up and drop your weapon.¡± The officermanded and there was still some distance between them.


    Jenny raised her hands up showing off her gun and muttered, ¡°Over my dead body.¡±


    The second she said that, the echoing sound of the gun in the woods was heard. The police officer looked back and turned right back to Jenny only for him to realize the bullet had hit her at her chest area and Jenny¡¯s eyes went wide. Another bullet hit her arm and she instantly fell into therge sea.


    ¡°The suspect has been shot. Who did this?¡± The officer informed the force over the radio and everyone ran to the shore. The officer was baffled and he looked down at where Jenny had fallen only for him to see the blue clean water mixed with blood.


    ¡°She¡¯s dead. She must have been dead.¡± He concluded and the police all around came closer and began to ask him questions, calling fellow officers, the marine unit and some others.


    The assassin who was around the bush wearing a ck mask and a police uniform carrying a ck suit case, smirked and walked away into the dark of the bush before the sunset rose.


    ¡°Mission aplished boss. I killed her¡­. shooting her twice.¡± He informed Lydia¡¯s friend who smiled in content then hung up the phone.


    Jenny was dead.


    ********


    5 HOURS LATER.


    ¡°Wee to the breakfast news at 10, Breaking news, earlier this morning. The police had chased down the suspect, Jennifer Bilsity and it turns out she had shot about two policemen and based on the reports from the policemen and detectives, it turns out Miss Jennifer Bilsity who was used of attempted murder was shot twice and it¡¯s unclear where the gunshot came from and who shot her.¡±


    Everybody was in disbelief as they heard the news, Mrs King who was at breakfast enjoying her meal and drinking her tea instantly dropped it down.


    ¡°What?!¡± She eximed and her hands trembled with tears brimming in her eyes. She searched for her phone in an attempt to call Jenny but the call dropped.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be¡­. it can¡¯t be.¡± She cried covering her mouth and watched clips shown from the scene of the shot out. Her heart broke into two as she had seen Jenny as a daughter to her, she loved her more than her own daughter, Rachel. She just sat down on the couch and broke down crying.


    Nathaniel was in shock as he watched the news on his iPad at work, so was Rachel. Nathaniel leaned back in his seat uncertain if this is what he wanted, Jenny couldn¡¯t just die like that. He wanted her to at least learn from her mistakes and do better not to die like amon criminal. He was hurt and disappointed with Jenny and the police. He felt the police were ipetent despite their hard work throughout the night.


    Kelvin, who had provided the evidence showing Jenny who was guilty, leaned back in his seat andughed hysterically. He was baffled but for some reason, it was quite amusing. He spoke to Liam on the phone about the situation and he drew a conclusion.


    High school and college friends of Jenny and Nathaniel were in utter shock at the news. It was insane.


    So Jennifer had just passed away like a criminal?


    But the Millers, Lydia and her father, did not want to believe Jenny was dead until they had seen her body with their eyes.


    ¡°Look, Mr Miller and Lydia Miller, we are working on it. The marine unit is searching tirelessly for her body and it is said that the sharks might have eaten her body as there are many around the sea.¡± The assistant to the Chief Detective addressed the Millers and Lydia scoffed.


    Her phone began to buzz in her pocket in her shoulder bag and she excused herself to answer it seeing that Ariana, Lorena and even Aaron had texted her just checking up on her. Lydia felt horrible that she still hadn¡¯t talked to Lorena yet about her situation with Darren.


    ¡°Hello?¡± She answered, unsure of who it was as it was a private number.


    ¡°Are we good now?¡± The voice of her friend rang through her ear and she smiled.


    ¡°You did that?¡± She questioned and he shrugged like he could see her.


    ¡°Just take care of yourself and call if you need anything. Though you have broken my cousin¡¯s heart and mine in the past, we still will always be there for you.¡± He spoke, referring to Aaron.


    ¡°Thank you Jeremiah.¡± Lydia replied softly and he hung up afterwards. She didn¡¯t know how to feel at the moment, but what had she expected when she told a murderer who had a crush on her in the past to take care of someone who almost killed her?


    The police had believed they had been the ones who shot at her because about three officers had shot at once in an attempt to stop Jenny, so they had gotten their stories right for the pressm


    Mrs King, who was in ck car, saw Lydia smiling from her tinted window and stared at her with hatred in her heart.


    She will pay. Mrs King spoke to herself.

 Flowers

    LYDIA¡¯S POV:


    A MONTH LATER:


    It had been a month since the news of Jennifer¡¯s death and the police had discovered a dead body which had been eaten by sharks. The forensic pathologist had been working on discovering if the body belonged to Jenny truly or if it was another body. I had been told and I also researched and discovered that it takes weeks or even months before they can actually tell if the body belongs to Jennifer or not as there¡¯s a lot to do since the body was unrecognizable.


    The Kings hade to terms with her death but Mrs King refused the empty casket ceremony a few weeks ago after much preparation for it. Anytime I felt guilty about Jenny, seeing Andrew struggle with his physical therapy I¡¯d just feel like justice was served because I just might have been dead because of her.


    Andrew had been struggling with the exercise and Ariana and I have been his backbone, especially Ariana. She was a true gem because sometimes it was so hard for me to see Andrew at the brink of tears but pushing nheless. It seems like Ariana had finally told him that she was pregnant because I was certain that was the only thing that could make him persevere that way. And I was proud of him, he evenforted me when he saw me crying.


    My brother was the best in the whole world and I adored him.     It was now Thursday and I was in a corporate ck gown and my hair, which was done beautifully well, I had requested big wavy curls and my hair was dyed deep ck brown. I was absolutely in love with my new style, I felt like a model. My.


    ¡°Good morning Miss Lydia.¡± The staff chorused as soon as I got to the floor, I waved with a smile and returned the greeting.


    I was in a wonderful mood today probably because I have been listening to a lot of positive podcasts and on my drive to work, I had gotten coffee and jelly donuts. It was so amazing plus I sted the speakers of the car listening to ¡°I feel good.. pa.. so good¡­so nice.¡±


    ¡°This is for you.¡± I had gotten my assistant a box of donuts as well. She was a slender woman so I doubt eating donuts woulde between her beautiful shape though I knew a lot of people had a big problem with food that contains fat as everyone was always dieting especially Lorena.


    ¡°Thank you ma. You look so gorgeous¡­ Wow.¡± She stared at me from head to toe in pure administration.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I smiled and walked into my office. I was astonished to see a bouquet of flowers on my desk. With a grin on my face,


    I walked to the table and inhaled the beautiful flowers. It smelt so sweet I closed my eyes.


    I observed that there was a card in it and I knitted my eyebrow slowly opening the car. My smile grew wider reading it,


    Just something I thought couldpare to your beauty. I hope you love it and have a beautiful day.


    Dinner tonight by 7?N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    I already knew who it was from and I battled with myself for smiling so much but I couldn¡¯t help it. Nathaniel had been the sweetest these past few weeks and it was simply amazing, I adored this new side of him. After a week of mourning Jenny, he was up and pestered me for a date. Due to my busy schedule, we had only gone to the movies once and he had rented the whole cinema out, there was a variety of things to choose from as well, Popcorn, Hot dog, Smoothie or Soda. He also wouldn¡¯t let me focus on the movie, as he tried to keep making conversation.


    ¡°Shhh¡­¡± I silenced him with my finger to his lips and just the feel from my hand and I could tell his lips were soft. I instantly seized my hand and turned my attention back to the movie, through the corner of my eye I saw he was smiling.


    ¡°Creep.¡± Imented and he chuckled, keeping his eyes on me. At first I was shy but the movie was so intense I had forgotten about his intense gaze and he seems to have also reverted his attention back to the movie.


    About forty minutester, I found myself sniffling and I cleaned tears threatening to fall.


    ¡°Why are you crying?¡± He chuckled as the movie had finallye to an end and the lights in the movie room came on.


    ¡°Why did the major lead have to die, he loved her so much? Why did you request such a sad movie? You have such horrible taste in movies.¡± I pointed out sniffling, heughed bringing out a handkerchief and softly cleaning away my tears.


    ¡°I read it had intense romance, that¡¯s all. My bad¡­God, I hate seeing you cry.¡± He looked like he was truly hurt by that and I sighed, rising to my feet snatching the handkerchief from him.


    ¡°Read everything about the movies next time and check spoilers.¡± I spoke sternly and a grin formed on his face, I almost melted at how mersmizing he looked.


    ¡°There will be a next time?¡± He smirked and I rolled my eyes walking off. His deep chuckle wasn¡¯t far from behind.


    I truly had fun that day, we had also engaged in an argument stating the major lead should never die or it will hurt the readers while he argued that it was just life.


    The minute I dropped the card back on the table, my phone dinged in my pocket. I brought it out and realized it was no one other than Nathaniel.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I answered walking to my seat.


    ¡°Good morning. You got my flowers?¡± His husky morning voice brought me shivers and I could have sworn I felt goosebumps on my arm.


    ¡°Yes, I did. They are lovely, thank you.¡± I responded, leaning back on my seat.


    ¡°Umm ¡­ . There¡¯s a slight change of ns, there¡¯s a dinner going on to celebrate Liam¡¯s engagement.


    I would like it if you wille with me, it¡¯s just my friends. I promise no drama.¡± He spoke and I debated.

 Jake Belligram

    LYDIA¡¯S POV:


    ¡°I will think about it and let you know.¡± I responded and I heard him exhale deeply.


    ¡°Alright, beautiful. Have a lovely day.¡± I blushed, nodding my hair like he could see me.


    ¡°You too.¡± I said then hung up the call afterwards. I loved this weird feeling so much, it was so amazing.


    A knock interrupted my lovey dovey moment, and I rose up from my seat seeing the Chief Operating Officer entering into my office. The COO was a quiet man with the most adorable daughter as he had brought her over one time, no one knew anything about him as he remained mysterious. But he was a good looking man with ck full hair but he was a tall and chubby man.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± I greeted them as he walked towards me with a file.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± He greeted me and I gestured for him to take a seat and he nodded.


    ¡°So let¡¯s get right into it. The owner of Lenox mall has stated that his mall has gone bankrupt and he wants to sell it to us. The meeting with him is at noon, and it¡¯s important for you to be there. You can do your research on it, I have done mine. All you need to do ise up with a good price before the meeting.¡± He informed me then handed the file to me while I nodded my head in understanding.


    ¡°Alright, thank you Mr John.¡± I thanked and he rose up from his seat. We shook hands and he departed.


    It was indeed true that Lenox mall had fallen off, no one went there anymore, no one talked about it. But I felt like I had met the owner but I just couldn¡¯t recall who he was nor could I recall what our interaction was about. Nheless, I needed to get to work before the meeting as there were a lot of facts to find out before arriving at a good price that would favor both of us.


    *******


    NOON:


    AT THE BOARDROOM:N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    The COO, the CEO, my father and I were seated in the boardroom discussing the price and the n for the mall. It was about five minutes after twelve and we still awaited the owner of the mall¡¯s arrival.


    ¡°Who is the owner again?¡± I had skipped reading who he was and how he was like, as it was crucial when making negotiations to know who you are negotiating with.


    ¡°Jake Belligram.¡± Mr John responded and the name sounded so familiar. I instantly knew who it was as soon as Mr John said his name, he walked in with a beautiful woman who looked to be in her thirties with long red hair. I scoffed in amusement when I realized it was the man who wanted to make me his mistress and bragging about his bankrupt mall.


    ¡°Good afternoon, apologies for the wait. This is my wife, Emma Belligram.¡± He introduced and my father shook hands with the two of them, so did the COO. His face fell as our eyes locked, I smiled and stretched out my hands keeping it professional. He shook my hands too fast then proceeded to take a seat across from me.


    ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m a fan of yours, I love your book by the way.¡± His wife smiled brightly, shaking my hands and I nodded showing my appreciation.


    ¡°Thank you so much. Let¡¯s get started.¡± I went straight into it, fixing my gold bracelets.


    ¡°I would like to know how much you propose.¡± I started looking at Mr Belligram who gazed directly at me.


    ¡°200 million.¡± He answered and the COO who usually had an emotionless face let out a stifledughter.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s just based on the location of the mall, the ie generated from the tenants, I doubt you have ever made 200 million in a year from that mall. Plus the size isn¡¯trge at all.¡± Mr John spoke, pointing out important facts which I totally agree with, while my father just leaned back on his seat and watched the interaction take ce. He had always taught us that while negotiating, it is nice for at least one person to observe and just by observation of their facial expression, their first words, one could tell a lot.


    ¡°Let¡¯s keep things respectful. I have received a lot of money from that mall.¡± He grew defensive and I sighed.


    ¡°What does yourpany propose then?¡± Mr Belligram redirected to me and I nced at my father.


    ¡°20 million dors.¡± My father spoke and I nodded in agreement. We couldn¡¯t spend more than that, as the project for that wasn¡¯t even finalized yet. Mr Belligram looked at his wife who rubbed her temples probably thinking about the debts they were owing and so much more. I researched that they had borrowed money to keep their business afloat.


    Theymunicated until Mrs Emma spoke in a shaky voice, ¡°We will take it.¡±


    We smiled in contentment, we knew they were desperate but in all honesty this is all that could be offered.


    It seems like everyone who had treated me badly was getting their karma one after another. As we shook hands in departure, I recalled the smug look on his face the day we had met. He was such a disgusting man and even with the beautiful woman in his arms, he still acted a fool. I pray I don¡¯t evere across any smelly men ever again.


    *******


    6:30 PM:


    LATER THAT DAY:


    I yawned and stretched, I was tired and famished. I had been working all day. I had forgotten to grab a bite except for my intake of coffee. I had finally finished the calction and I opened my chat thread with Nathaniel as I had gotten a message.


    I¡¯m downstairs already.


    I smiled and packed my things in a haste. I shut down myptop and carried my pink Prada purse and strolled downstairs.


    I just hope the night ends and starts in bliss.

 You Look Beautiful

    LYDIA¡¯S POV:     SAME NIGHT:


    I walked out of the building and instantly ced my hands in my coat pocket. It was quite chilly as the atmosphere had been quite coldtely. I stared straight ahead and I was shocked to see Nathaniel leaning on his ck Lamborghini truck with his eyes glued to his phone looking amazing in his blue suit. He had changed from wearing his usual ck suit and this color went well with skin tone. The suit highlighted his biceps and broad shoulders.     ¡°O My God, is that Nathaniel King?¡± Two employees argued and one shed a camera at him. I rolled my eyes in a full circle about to just head to my car as nned.     ¡°Good evening.¡± They chorused in a flirty tone walking off, Nathaniel looked up meeting my eyes and shed me a charming smile. I forced a smile and walked towards him. I was uncertain if we should even be interacting in public as there were eyes everywhere from the media. And thest thing I needed right now was to have my face on the news right before my meet and greet next week.     ¡°Hi, you look beautiful.¡± Heplimented softly and since I had promised myself I won¡¯t let my facial expression give off how his words and actions made me feel, so I kept a nk expression.     ¡°Thank you.. I drove to work today, so just send me the location and I will meet you there.¡± His face turned into a frown as he wasn¡¯t pleased at my words.     ¡°Noo¡­you¡¯ve had a long day, hand the keys to Thomas. He will drive your car back to your building, or we can pick it up afterwards. Whichever.¡± He looked at me, not giving room for me to object. Thomas happened to be one of the security/ body guards he had sent to me, though my father had provided enough. Most times, I just ditched them because it was suffocating.     Additionally, with Jenny¡¯s passing, I had no more enemies who would attack me so I was calm even though we had not confirmed if it was indeed her.     ¡°Fine.¡± I handed him my key and he grinned showing his white pearly teeth, summoning Thomas who I had failed to notice.     He spoke to Thomas then opened the doors to his car for me while holding onto my hand like a gentleman. I muttered a thank you and he shut the door after giving me a smile. It was honestly so strange to see him smiling,ughing and just being so sweet to him. If I think I loved his old, cold side then past me would have worshiped this caring, attentive, sweet side.     ¡°How was your day? Your hair looks different, but in a good way.¡± He asked as he drove off and I exhaled debating whether to give him a full rundown of my day or just vague descriptions. I smiled as I noticed my hair¡¯s difference.     ¡°It was okay. I had a lot of work to do. Yeah, I decided to try something new.¡± I winced at my response. Like what exactly is my problem? I suddenly remembered when I would send a voice message to describe my whole day, everyday. It was so cringe now that I think about it.     ¡°You can tell me all about it and you look amazing with the color and style, but before that¡­¡± He stopped before a red light then turned around bringing out a box of snacks from Burger King.     ¡°Don¡¯t worry I had gotten the veggie burger, I don¡¯t know why you¡¯re trying that though.¡± I smiled and stared at his profile before opening it.     He must have overheard when I was telling Ariana about my choice to try being a vegetarian for a month and to be honest, I did that because I was gaining weight but I missed chicken. I¡¯m d this is myst day plus with exercise, I have gotten my beautiful shape back.     ¡°Thank you¡­. I really hadn¡¯t eaten all day.¡± I spoke lowly.     ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± He drove in silence before I decided to tell him a few parts of my day. We also spoke about work and the ongoing partnership with thepany. He seemed pleased that I had shared it with him.     ¡°How is Rachel by the way?¡± I asked as he had been worried about hertely. It turns out she had moved back with his mother and she might be getting married but that¡¯s all the information I got.     ¡°She¡¯s thest person I want to talk about. Like I¡¯m just so disappointed and I don¡¯t even know what to do about it.¡± He expressed and I swallowed my food while drinking water.     ¡°Just talk to her and keep her far from him. Maybe she¡¯s internally pleading for your help but remaining non-chnt on the outside.¡± I exined and he thought about it. He eventually changed the subject, telling me about his day at work, his interview with Jogoe, one of the biggest magazinepanies in the country, who had rated him among the top three sessful men in the country below thirty five. I believed he deserved it as he was good at his job and no doubt he was dedicated.     I loved it as he had shared the events of his day with me as well.T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ***********     30 Minutester:     We had arrived at the dinner events and Nathaniel had held my hands leading me. I made a mental note to inform him that the media was working tirelessly so we both needed to be on the low to prevent us from being the front cover of the papers and news.     ¡°It¡¯s going to go well. I will be by your side.¡± Nathaniel assured me after I had exhaled. I just nodded and smiled a bit.     We stepped into the hall and it was a sight to behold, with a majestic high ceiling adorned with a sparkling chandelier. The long dining table was covered in a crisp white tablecloth, with gleaming silverware and sparkling wine sses ced at each setting. The walls were adorned with paintings in gilded frames, and the air was filled with the scent of freshly cut flowers. The space was bathed in a warm, inviting glow from the candles that flickered in the corners. It was truly amazing and everyone dressed beautifullyughing and discussing amongst themselves.     ¡°Oh, if it isn¡¯t the very one, Nathaniel King with his beautifuldy.¡± One of Nathaniel¡¯s friends who I had seen like twice when Nathaniel and I were married, announced with excitement. I couldn¡¯t remember exactly what his name was.     ¡°Hi guys, this is Lydia. You all already know her. Lydia, you remember Melissa, Jacob, Kelvin and Liam.¡± Nathaniel spoke and I nced at him through the corner of my eye trying to remember which I did.

 I鈥檓 So Sorry

    Lydia¡¯s POV:


    ¡°You¡¯re so gorgeous. Since Nathaniel won¡¯t introduce me, my name is Riley and I¡¯m the bride to be. It¡¯s so lovely to meet you, I have heard so much about you.¡± She rambled grinning from ear to ear and I smiled. She was petite with the most bright blue eyes I had ever seen and shoulder length blonde hair. She was very beautiful and her white gown which stopped around her knee was amazing. It must have been custom made because it fit her perfectly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Nathanielughed and Riley just rolled her eyes in full circle at him.


    ¡°Thank you, you¡¯re so gorgeous as well. Your gown is to die for.¡± I responded and she smiled shyly which made meugh.


    ¡°It¡¯s so nice to see you again.¡± Melissa, whom I remembered clearly, embraced me and I hugged her back, giving Jacob a polite smile and a side hug. The two were so amazing and kind, they were indeed made for each other.


    Riley led me to sit next to her which was directly opposite of Nathaniel as the men were opposite the women. I simply gave a head nod to anyone staring at me whom I had totally forgotten about. Well except Liam and Kelvin, I knew they never liked and they spoke a lot of crap about me in the past and made a mockery of my love for Nathaniel when they thought I wasn¡¯t there.


    It was all good now if they didn¡¯t want to cause trouble, as I have forgiven and healed, but if they spoke otherwise, I was nning to keep it ssy or match their energy.


    After Nathaniel and I got settled in, the conversation and wine flowed, I remained silent just sipping my drink slowly and admiring my ring. My phone vibrated from my phone, so I ced my drink on the table and everyone erupted inughter at something Riley had said. She was an entertainer and Liam just kept his gaze on her, staring at her with admiration.


    I read the message from Ari who was just checking up on me. We had gotten so close over the month Lorena was jealous. Her stomach wasn¡¯t showing yet and she didn¡¯t have any symptoms too except getting emotional, so she was up and about.


    I¡¯m okay, I went for a dinner party with Nathaniel. I will most likelye by tomorrow, how is Andrew??


    I replied then locked my phone and when I looked up Nathaniel was staring at me. I mouthed, ¡°What?¡± He chuckled, shaking his head and said, ¡°Nothing.¡±


    I still stared at him with suspicion but I reverted my attention when I heard my name.


    ¡°So Lydia, how have you been? It¡¯s been ages since I saw you except your monthly popping in the news.¡± Kelvin spoke, sipping out of his wine, he seemed tipsy.


    ¡°Good.¡± I replied simply and the food was finally served.


    ¡°Well you look good and everyone at this table well excluding Jacob and Melissa who have loved and believed you from day one, we would just like to offer an apology to you for being so judgemental like snobbish rich people and just being bad people. I hope your rtionship with our brother here blossoms and we be friends.¡± Kelvin spoke and I was taken aback, everyone including some of Nathaniel¡¯s old friends nodding agreeing with his words.


    ¡°Umm¡­thank you for that, I really appreciate it. But this is Liam and Riley¡¯s night, so let¡¯s just make a toast to them.¡± Everyone chuckled and I raised my ss.


    ¡°To the beautiful couple and here¡¯s to a beautiful life full of happiness and love!¡± We all raised our sses and cheered.


    The night was going so well, I had a great time and the food was great.


    ¡°You¡¯re eating Chicken?¡± Nathaniel asked and I looked the other way to prevent myself from making eye contact with him. And he chuckled deeply, shaking his head at me.


    The chicken looked amazing plus this was myst day being a vegetarian so I could just pass out on good phone.


    At the end of the night, I ended up sharing my number with Riley and Melissa. Everything was so strange to me, their kindness and how weing they were but I needed to evolve in the change and be happy and grateful.


    *********


    MEANWHILE¡­


    3RD POV:


    ¡°Go away¡­I don¡¯t want to speak to you nor listen to you. Just get out.¡± Lorena yelled at Darren who came into her office while she was working on designs.


    Their parents have been busy preparing for their wedding while Darren and Lorena have barely spoken in the past few weeks. But Darren missed her dearly, the media had been specting that they parted ways as Lorena had stopped going for his game and she usually did every single time wearing his Jersey while shouting and cheering him on.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to speak to me but why do you keep allowing our parents to n a wedding you don¡¯t want anymore? Why did you call me the other night saying you missed me? Don¡¯t y with me Lorena. Just tell me what you want, and you know I will do it. If you want to fall back, I will. If you want me to fight for us, I will do that. Just say anything.¡±


    Lorena¡¯s eyes watered and she shook her head in disappointment.


    He doesn¡¯t even listen¡­she thought.


    ¡°I poured my heart to you at the hospital, I told you I wanted to be heard by you. I wanted you to listen to my wishes and I wanted you to see I¡¯m trying to please you but at the end of the day nothing went through your head. I wanted to scare you so you can act right but no changes. Nothing and I¡¯m sick of that. Or why else did you think I allowed our parents to continue nning the wedding? I had hope for us but not anymore. Don¡¯t fight for us, just leave. I¡¯m going to exin to my parents and yours that I don¡¯t want this anymore. I will personally refund them. I think I have answered your question, so leave.¡±N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    Lorena¡¯s voice was calm and you could tell she was hurt. She turned around and headed back to her seat but before she sat, Darren hugged her from behind wrapping his strong arms around her waist.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¡­. I¡¯m.. just¡­sorry.¡± He spoke in her wars living goosebumps on her arms.


    All he could think about was his next move because it will either save their rtionship or put an end to it.

 Family Dinner

    NATHANIEL¡¯S POV:


    TWO DAYS LATER:


    It was now the weekend and I had been in my home office checking my blueprints all morning exercising and drinking a smoothie. Everything had been going so well after chaos with Jenny, God rest her soul. I was still in disbelief that she was dead, so her life just ended like that. But that was what she wanted for my Lydia. On some days, I would just open one of our old albums and check old pictures of us. I realized we had indeed grown up together and shared our lives together. Why wasn¡¯t she okay with us being just friends? Was Lydia right that Jenny¡¯s love for me had her doing crazy things? Was it something with me?


    I kept thinking about how almost everything was my fault especially after a long day after work. But on another hand, I was trying to do everything I can as death cane at any time. I want to do right by Lydia and make her love me as much as I love her, make her happy as much as just her facial expressions made me happy. I want to share my life with her and I want her to not be hesitant to do anything with me. I just wanted her but it was slowly turning to a need.


    I couldn¡¯t focus at work sometimes as I wondered what she could be doing, had she eaten, and hoped work wasn¡¯t too much on her. I missed her when she wasn¡¯t around me and when she was, I just wanted to touch her even if it¡¯s just holding hands. I couldn¡¯t wait for things to be perfect between us and she bes my girlfriend.


    The thought had me excited that I had found myself about to call her.


    I picked up my phone but my smile fell as soon as I got a call from my mother. With a sigh, I answered as I knew she was suffering so much with the death of Jenny.


    ¡°Hello? Nathaniel, thank goodness you picked up. Umm, can youe over to the house for dinner? I would like to introduce you to someone I think will be the right person for you.¡± She said and I sucked my teeth sharply.


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested.¡± I spoke inly about hanging up but her next words made me halt.


    ¡°Rachel is meeting with Jason¡¯s family, her inws, in two weeks. Wouldn¡¯t you like to be here to support her? And I know she won¡¯t say anything but I know she misses you and needs you. Soe for her.¡± I just hung up as her tactics weren¡¯t right at all.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    She did not care for Rachel in the slightest and it hurt me to see my younger sister in so much pain and I felt genuinely helpless.


    shback to a month ago.


    Before the news of Jenny¡¯s death.


    The sound of the bell to my door kept ringing urgently as if the person pressing the button needed to be in this instant. Izily rose up from my bed groaning and nced at the time on my stand seeing it was 4am, about an hour before my rising time.


    I cleaned my eyes when the person stopped clicking the bell but began to knock on the door like someone was chasing him or her.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± I checked through my camera and saw it was Rachel in a ck trousers and a ck long sleeve shirt covered up with a ck furry coat. She also had on sses, which had me questioning things.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± I asked immediately I opened the door but she paid me no mind, heading straight into her room.


    ¡°Rachel, what¡¯s going on? What are you doing?¡± She began to pack her clothes in her box and I wondered why she was still wearing her dark shades. So I grabbed her by her wrist making her stop, wincing like she was in pain.


    I frowned, dragging up the sleeves of her shirt and saw bruises on her wrist.


    ¡°What happened? Jason did that to you? Answer me!¡± I yelled, making her jump then snatch her arms from me.


    ¡°I¡¯m into BDSM, that¡¯s why. So we often tie each other up and do stuff, you want me to go into details?¡± She tried to be funny but I¡¯m certain she didn¡¯t even find it funny as she didn¡¯t crack a smile. Rather she sounded sarcastic.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± I snapped and she sighed.


    ¡°I¡¯m going back to mum¡¯s house. I¡¯m sick of your controlling ways, I just want to be able to¡­.¡± She exhaled shakily then said, ¡°I just want to be able to free and love Jason as much as I want to. Maybe even get married to him.¡±


    My heart dropped and my countenance fell. I feared removing her sses because of the thought of horrific things he might have done to her.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to kill that man.¡± I spoke with rage heading straight to my room but she held onto my hand.


    ¡°Nathaniel please I¡¯m begging you, don¡¯t talk to him or meet him. Just leave us alone! We are okay, he exined why he hurt me in the past, we are working on it. Just please¡­. I¡¯m begging you, please mind your business.¡± Her voice was stern yet I could hear the fear in her voice.


    I was at cross roads, I did not know what to do. Can a man who abuses a woman have a reasonable reason why? Can he ever change? Was it BDSM they were truly into or it¡¯s just a cover up? Do I mind my business¡­nah I can¡¯t. I would have to die before I see my younger sister marry that psycho.


    I would never leave her alone, security and I will be next to her.


    End of shback.


    I had to go and I would do all I can to make sure they don¡¯t get married. The reports from the security was she had been cooped in the house, and only been out twice. With work, Jenny¡¯s passing and Lydia, I hadn¡¯t gone to the house to check up on her and she ignored my calls.


    My goal for tonight was to bring her here and have a heart to heart conversation with her again.


    *********


    EVENING AT 7.


    I arrived at 7pm sharp as I didn¡¯t want to be earlier orte. I was dressed in a simple white shirt leaving two buttons open and I matched it with a ck trousers essorizing with a diamond encrusted watch. My hair wasbed out rather than being slicked down. I alighted out of my car grabbing my phone and a bouquet of flowers. I overheard her gushing over lily flowers one time so I stopped and got her yellow lily, the arrangement was so beautiful as they were in circr shape.


    I noticed the fleets of cars and security around the mansion making me scoff. The Wilist family was¡­intense and no matter the amount of opportunities working or coborating with them will bring, I believed we were better off.

 Family Dinner (2)

    Nathaniel¡¯s POV:


    ¡°Wee, Mr Nathaniel. The family is waiting for you.¡± I nodded muttering ¡®thank you¡¯, heading straight to the dining area.


    ¡°Ohhhh, he is finally here. We have been waiting for you.¡± My mom announced in excitement standing up from her seat at the head of the table.


    Everyone stared at me with a smile, the people at the table consisted of Jason¡¯s two parents, a man who looked like an older version of Jason who had a mug stered on his face, and a youngdy who kept her gaze on me staring at me with seductive eyes from head to toe. Then Jason who had a sly smile staring at Rachel who looked rather ufortable but tried to keep a smile on her face. We made eye contact and she instantly looked away.


    ¡°I would like to introduce you to the Wilist family. I think you all have met before, though it wasn¡¯t the best encounter. These are Jason¡¯s parents, and that¡¯s Jason¡¯s younger cousin, Frank and his other cousin who is SINGLE and SUCCESSFUL, Emily.¡± She introduced me,ying emphasis on Emily¡¯s ¡®qualities¡¯ and I simply gave a nod to everyone.


    ¡°My son is such a gentleman. He bought me flowers.¡± My mum attempted to take it but I moved it away. I was honestly not trying to be rude or petty, but it just wasn¡¯t hers.


    ¡°I got them for Rachel as I doubt her boyfriend buys any for her.¡± I spoke taking a seat next to Rachel handing her the bouquet of flowers. Jason scoffed and looked at me amused, then stretched out his arm to hold Rachel who was sitting in between the both of us.


    ¡°Correction, she¡¯s my fianc¨¦e. You need to get with the program , dear brother inw.¡± He smirked, speaking arrogantly.


    ¡°Plus, I have a lifetime to buy her as many flowers as I can and treat her however I like.¡± He chuckled darkly until his mother cautioned him.


    I turned my attention to my mother who was eating and smiling with no care in the world then reverted my attention to Rachel who was battling with tears. His parents were discussing andughing with my mother, and his cousin, Emily or whatever her name is, was batting hershes at me.


    I clenched and unclenched my jaw, nodding slowly and fixed a napkin on myp. I was livid at his words held double meaning and just one more strike from him and I¡¯m shutting this whole clown show down.


    ¡°So Nathaniel, how did you feel about your ex-wife¡¯s book, The p Back which basically dragged your mother? I heard she was going on tour next week.¡± Mrs Wilist always tried to engage me in a conversation that was so pointless. My mom scoffed and baffled at the piece of information.


    It felt like deja vu of the first meeting with the Wilist family except things were way different, I doubted their rtionship from the first day and turns out I was right. And Mrs Wilist¡¯s questioning.


    ¡°She¡¯s literally thriving from dissing your mother. That¡¯s hrious, don¡¯t you think so hon?¡± Jason spoke to Rachel who was just ying with her food.


    ¡°I¡¯m actually proud of her. Her book has been selling out all over the country and it¡¯s not exactly easy to write all about your pains and even publish it. So yeah..¡± My mom had turned red and she shook her head in utter disappointment at me. But I was way more disappointed with her.


    ¡°What a son.¡± Jasonmented and his cousin, Frank, sighed, dropping his silverware on the te making a sound.


    ¡°What a man.¡± I responded and a stifledughter was heard from Frank.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    ¡°I have one question for you, Nathaniel, are you in favor of this marriage?¡± Mr Wilst asked and Iughed humorlessly then stopped after a second reverting my attention to Rachel.


    ¡°Next question since I¡¯m in some type of interview. Any questions, mother? Mrs Wilst?¡± They just kept discussing amongst each other and so did everyone on the table.


    ¡°You¡¯re still into your ex aren¡¯t you?¡± Emily whispered and I nced at her through the corner of my eye.


    ¡°Yes, I am in love with her.¡± I responded and she sighed in defeat.


    ¡°Well¡­she¡¯s lucky to have such a handsome, wealthy, educated man like you. I hope things work out for you two and ¡­.¡± She spoke closer into my ear. ¡°I hope your sister doesn¡¯t get married to my cousin at least until he goes to Rehab or something.¡±


    She smiled and l chuckled dryly, she was a pretty woman and transparent. It was rare to see these days, I wished Jenny could have just been supportive like this rather than going crazy and meeting her demise.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I told her and she nodded, and elegantly continued to eat while watching the events unfold.


    ¡°Smile.¡± Jason whispered in Rachel¡¯s ear and held her arm when he assumed no one was looking. Or did he just want me to see and get angry? Well, it worked because I abruptly rose up from my chair and dragged Rachel to the side making everyone look at me with shock.


    In a swift motion as everything had happened in less than a second, I threw a punch right in Jason¡¯s baffled face.


    ¡°You must be crazy if you think you can keep messing with my sister.¡± I was about to throw another punch on his face as he was now grinning but everyone except his cousins who were enjoying the scene stopped me.


    ¡°Nathaniel! Stop, I¡¯m fine ¡­.¡± Rachel spoke shakily and I shook my head. Jason began tough standing up.


    ¡°Is he threatening you? What¡¯s going on?¡± I questioned Rachel but she just shook her head saying nothing.


    ¡°Nathaniel, what has gotten into you? If I knew you were going to ruin this, I wouldn¡¯t have invited you. Oh my, can¡¯t you see everyone is happy but you keep trying to start something.¡± I looked at my mum crazy, this was one of the few things I had acted wild and abruptly.


    I nodded slowly gazing at everyone before holding Rachel¡¯s hands and surprisingly she didn¡¯t fight as I dragged her out.


    ¡°I¡¯d rather die than to see my younger sister getting abused and unhappy.¡± I said then led Rachel who was sobbing out of the house. I was furious but d she was no longer in this ce.


    ¡°Wait, I need to grab some things.¡± She spoke in urgency.


    ¡°No need to get your things. We need to talk and get you out of here.¡± I spoke sternly but she looked at me with pleading eyes.


    ¡°Please I just need to get one thing.¡± I sighed looking at her. I let her go back and she rushed only to return back with the bouquet of lilies I had gotten her along with her phone.

 Powerless

    RACHEL¡¯S POV:     THAT NIGHT:     The car ride was quiet, well, except for my sniffling and sobbing. I was disappointed in myself and I hade to the realization thating with Nathaniel was the worst decision I could have made. Jason had promised to change, he said he would do better and see a specialist to deal with his aggressive ways. I had big hopes and for about two days, he was the Jason I fell in love with at first. One who was caring, attentive and loving but it didn¡¯tst long. If I didn¡¯t speak when he talked to me then ording to him, I will be ¡®disciplined¡¯.     He had made several threats to harm my mother, friends and Nathaniel especially if I left him. And he wasn¡¯t one to threaten without action. My phone which was on myp along with the flowers Nathaniel had given to me, the flowers meant so much to me, Nathaniel didn¡¯t even know. His actions tonight might have worsened my situation but I adored him for standing up for me. It dinged and instantly fear washed all over my body as I read the text message,     Bring yourself to my ce before 24 hours and I¡¯m not ying around.


    I will personally kill your brother if you two do anything spontaneous. Trust me.     ¡°Nathaniel¡­. I love you with all my heart but I can¡¯t leave like this. I appreciate that you¡¯re standing up for me but Jason¡­..¡± I trailed off looking at his side profile. He was livid and it seems like each word I uttered annoyed him further but I just couldn¡¯t.     This wasn¡¯t the end. I feel like I would have to kill Jason with my own hands before I had peace.     I had never thought of killing him until he had made love to me, it was so good I was crying with pleasure. Then the next thing I knew he was being aggressive and even hurt my cervix, so I had to go see a doctor after he literally shooed me away.     He had done so much but what I won¡¯t stand for is threatening my brother and I know he would actually do it because he is crazy, I strongly believe he has medical condition because of how his mother tries to caution him and just majorly how his family is with him, almost like they fear him except his cousins.     ¡°I need to deal with Jason or he will never let me be¡­I need to talk to him and be upfront with him¡­¡± He was about to speak but I stopped him.     ¡°I know you want me to be well. But please respect my decision.¡± I pleaded and the car came to a stop at a traffic light.     ¡°What do you mean, respect your decision? Do you know how powerless I feel seeing you this way and our mother supports this? This¡­¡± He trailed off staring at me with anger and frustration. A single tear dropped from my eyes, I understood him¡­I really did.     ¡°I feel powerless as well. Everything is hard for me but running away won¡¯t do anything but bring more pain. So just drive me back to mum¡¯s ce and what will truly make me happy is if you check up on me regrly and maybe send flowers.¡± I spoke trembling and he sighed, running his hand across his face.     ¡°Please.¡± I pleaded and the red light turned green and he just continued driving. The car was filled with utter silence and the silence was deafening. I just stared out the window looking at the cars driving by, the beautiful lights in the city and the bustle and hustle of the streets.     We arrived at a restaurant that was owned by the Millers, the one I had gone to see Jason and I regret till this day. I had even failed to purchase the book I wanted.     ¡°Let¡¯s go¡­and talk.¡± He exhaled stopping the car and I nodded. He hopped out of the car then tossed the key to the valet, I did the same holding onto my flowers and phone, I didn¡¯t couldn¡¯t leave alone. The atmosphere was quite chilly but I loved it.     I was dressed in a blue long sleeve gown which was also long stopping around my ankles. I had only gotten a sew in as I waited for my hair to grow back, as this was all Jason¡¯s request.     Nathaniel spoke with the hostess in front and she wasn¡¯t the one I had met the other day. I nced at the shelf and luckily there were two copies left.     ¡°Excuse me? Ummm¡­can I get a copy of the CLAPBACK?¡± I asked, interrupting her conversation with Nathaniel.     ¡°Alright ma¡¯am. Let me direct you to your table.¡± I smiled weakly inhaling the sweet smell of delicious food and the soft jazz music ying in the background was rxing. I loved this restaurant aside from its horrible memories.     I hoped that maybe I will gain strength from Lydia after reading the book. As the hostess directed us to the table, I was surprised to see Lydia looking elegant and gorgeous,ughing and discussing with someone. As we drew closer to the table, I nced at Nathaniel seeing he had a frown on his face. I couldn¡¯t tell if it was because of Jason¡¯s situation and seeing Lydia on what looked like a date with a man who I couldn¡¯t see his face. I just stared at Lydia with pure admiration, her sparkly gold essories, herposure, her new color of hair and its curls, her little makeup and the beautiful silk gown.     She had been through so much, I loved seeing her happy. Maybe I would be just as happy¡­or dead¡­who knows?     She and Nathaniel made eye contact and her face dropped for a second probably waiting for him to approach her but he walked right past her.     ¡°Thank you.¡± I appreciated it as he helped me with the car door side before heading towards his.T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.

 Jeremiah

    Rachel POV:


    I really wanted to tease him about the Lydia situation but I was mentally drained. But I would like to hear everything about their progress nheless.


    ¡°So you and Lydia, how has that been going?¡± I asked, looking at the menu.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing as you have seen..¡± He waved it off looking at me intently.


    ¡°But really we need to talk. Why are you doing this? Is he threatening you? Tell me so I can help you in whatever way.¡± He spoke pleadingly and I sighed deeply.


    Do I tell him Jason was threatening him? I just couldn¡¯t afford to tell him everything and see him do something crazy that could jeopardize his life and name over something I can take care of.


    ¡°I love Jason and he¡¯s going to change.¡± I tried to convince him and myself. Nathaniel ran his hands through his hair in frustration.


    ¡°He¡¯s not threatening me or anything. Just like I said earlier, just check up on me and send me lots of gifts. No matter how our mother is, she won¡¯t let me get seriously injured or killed. I will be fine, I am fine. I promise.¡± I forced a smile and called for the waitress.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t say anything else. Just tell me about you and Lydia before I leave.¡± He obviously had a lot to say about my decision but he bit his tongue.


    Everything will be fine¡­. right?


    ****************


    LYDIA¡¯S POV.


    ¡°Everything alright?¡± Jeremiah, Aaron¡¯s cousin and one who helped me with Jenny, asked, seeing my mood had dropped somewhat after seeing Nathaniel and Rachel walk pass by. Rachel looked extremely sad and I couldn¡¯t possibly imagine what she had been going through, I mean I had been through a lot of mess but it¡¯s way differenting from a man who treated you like a queen at first.


    Nathaniel was inly not caring and never affectionate from the head start, he never gave me hope. I was just so determined to see his loving side. As we made eye contact, his eyes held the same emptiness he had every time he looked at me in the past. I felt goosebumps at the sight.


    ¡°Yeah¡­yeah..¡± I cleared my throat then took a sip out of my wine. ¡°What were we talking about?¡± I asked, clearing my throat and discreetly turning around in search of the King¡¯s table.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even remember. You just got pale, did something happen? Someone¡¯s threatening you? Did you see someone you know?¡± He held onto my hand and I smiled small at his caringness.


    ¡°My ex husband just passed so I was shocked.¡± I told him and he looked around the restaurant with curiosity.


    ¡°Ooh that man? I¡¯m irritated at the fact that I know him so well and he doesn¡¯t even know me. I seem like a fan.¡± He spoke yfully and Iughed.T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    He must have known about Nathaniel through the news and probably when researching all he needed to know about Jenny. The thought of Jenny made me remember I had to call the forensic team to find out about the body found.


    Anyways I had actually gone out tonight on a date with myself. I went to an art gallery after spending the whole morning and afternoon at the hospital. I dressed up beautifully in a nude silk gown I had just purchased and afterwards I came to the restaurant to grab dinner and I was astonished to meet Jeremiah here. He stated that he had just met with a few people here. No one knew him or what he did so I had no problem talking and spending my alone time with him, plus he was hrious and he made mefortable around him. So why not?


    A part of me felt guilty for even spending time with another man except my family and Nathaniel but I convinced myself it didn¡¯t matter.


    Jeremiah¡¯s phone began to ring and he picked it up, his facial expression turned serious. ¡°Excuse me.¡± He said to me then started talking.


    ¡°What?¡­.. I¡¯m on my way¡­¡± He hung up and his face meant business.


    ¡°Lydia¡­¡± He began with a disappointed expression written on his face.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to exin to me. Go and do what you have to do.¡± I literally shooed him and he smiled rising to his feet.


    ¡°Thank you. I had a great time with you, I would like to spend more time with you but our lifestyles sh. And you know what I¡¯m talking about, so I will just see you when I see you.¡± He spoke and I exhaled, nodding my head in understanding, he pulled me for an embrace.


    ¡°Good night.¡± We parted ways and I watched his back view recede admiring howposed he looked in his ck jeans and shirt. Though he had tattoos on his arm, they weren¡¯t exactly visible. He was just as handsome as Aaron plus his cologne smells masculine and it was one that had everyone turning heads.


    I cleared up my dish and asked for a box of dessert to go. I was just trying to prioritize self care.


    After getting my dessert to go, I noticed Rachel and Nathaniel were discussing and eating, the sight was wholesome. I just walked elegantly and got informed Jeremiah had paid for both our meals. It was then I realized that if he had been here before why did he eat again? Was he stalking me or did he just feel like eating again?


    I appreciated it nheless, as soon as I got into my car ignoring the looks andments from people, my phone pinged in my pocket.


    My father and a few others had sent me a link to a news report from the paparazzi.


    Lorena, Fashion queen and Darren Owen spotted in front of a courthouse.


    Is it safe to say the two might have gotten married and are back together?


    My mouth hung open and I zoomed into the picture in disbelief. They were even back together?

 Friends Fight

    LYDIA¡¯S POV:


    NEXT DAY:


    It was just 8 a. m on a Sunday when I had hopped into my car and headed straight to Lorena¡¯s house. She had not been picking my calls nor replying to my text messages, not only was I curious if the rumors about her tying the knot with Darren secretly but I was also enraged because I knew it seemed like something she would do.


    She looked extremely radiant in the new pictures that had been posted up on blogs, which made me extremely suspicious. I was worried about her, she would be receiving so much insult from her family.


    I was about a few minutes there when I stopped by at Caf¨¦. I woke too early after a roller coaster of eventsst night from a beautiful solo date to meeting Jeremiah there, to seeing Nathaniel and Rachel and ending with Lorena¡¯s news. I mean I slept well but I need more sleep, plus I have work to do and events to prepare for me.


    A part of me is so excited for the book signinging up and I¡¯m also extremely proud of myself at the amount of books sold out and how much I have grown mentally. I loved it and I loved myself so much.


    ¡°Wee to Giddy¡¯s Cafe, what can I help you with?¡± The attendant smiled from ear to ear asking and I was thrown off her chippy attitude.


    ¡°Can I get atte with vani syrup please? Oh and a cappino.¡± I requested remembering I should likely get Lorena something as well.


    ¡°Coming right up.¡± As she prepared the order, I looked around the Cafe and there were just about three people in the store, drinking coffee and their eyes were glued to their screen.


    I couldn¡¯t even be shocked by the number because it was Sunday, people were in their house sleeping or something.


    The doorbell indicated someone had walked in and to my surprise it was no one other than Mia. She looked a mess, her hair looked like a bird¡¯s nest, her face was bare, most likely the first time I had seen it that way and she looked like she was just waking up. She was wearing a big long shirt andrge pants, she walked in looking like she was sleeping walking.


    ¡°Here you go Miss Miller.¡± I reverted my attention back to the attendant and handed her my card for payment.


    ¡°You must be wondering how I know your name but I am a big fan of yours. Your life is like a movie and on some days I wonder what it¡¯s like to be you¡­you¡¯re almost cindere. Like¡­I¡¯m just a big fan and I love you so so much.¡± She rambled, speaking earnestly and I looked at eyes slightly open wide.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­I might have done too much, I think I did, do you think I did? I¡¯m so sorry.¡± I let out a breath, chuckling softly and she stopped talking.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s so lovely to meet you¡­. Lucy.¡± I stared at her name tag and she grinned from ear to ear.


    ¡°It¡¯s lovely to meet you too in person.¡± She answered and we were interrupted by someone clearing their throat.


    ¡°Can some work be done here? Ughh.¡± I turned around to meet Mia who groaned still looking homeless.


    ¡°What in the world are you doing here?¡± She tried to fix her hair and I just rolled my eyes amused.


    ¡°You look so cute!¡± I tried mimicking her high pitched voice and she looked at me with scorn.


    ¡°I would love to stay and chat but I wouldn¡¯t try. So have a lovely day.¡± I walked away and she kissed her teeth watching me walk away.


    ¡°I heard you and Nathaniel King have been seeing each other.¡± She called out and I stopped in my tracks without looking back.


    ¡°Going back to an ex who never loved you is lovely. It shows how high your self esteem is, don¡¯t you think?¡± She spoke cheerfully. I scoffed walking away, she had no idea of anything and her words meant nothing to me.


    I wasn¡¯t going back to Nathaniel, he was the one after me. I was about to think about herst sentence but I shook my head throwing it off.


    Who is she to talk to me about self esteem?


    *********


    I shot Ariana a text just checking up on her and Andrew. I was going to see themter this evening or early tomorrow morning. I didn¡¯t want to be there often as Andrew didn¡¯t like it one a bit,


    ¡°It is already enough that I am semi paralyzed. I don¡¯t need anyone surrounding me like I¡¯m sick or dead.¡±


    He said exactly with thepany of everyone there that day. He was so angry that day, he sent crazy Macy out harshly but it was hrious.


    I parked in front of Lorena¡¯s house and tried calling but I knew she was around seeing her car and other luxurious cars parked around.


    Could it be her rtives and Darren¡¯s as well?


    I would hate to be stuck awkwardly in the midst.


    I alighted out of my car and strolled to the entrance fixing up my purple joggers which made my crop top hoodie as well. I had on new airforce ones which were so cute.


    ¡°DING DONG.¡± I clicked on the bell and a secondter, Lorena opened the door with a deep frown on her face but it turned into a smile seeing me.


    ¡°O My¡­. I¡¯m so happy to see. Like I have never been this happy to see you.¡± She pulled me for an embrace, making meugh.T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± I questioned pulling us apart and she looked at me with guilt.


    ¡°The rumors are true. Darren and I tied the knot and our families are furious. I know you¡¯re too but¡­.¡± She was interrupted by the angry voicesing from inside.


    ¡°Come on in please.¡± She pleaded and I sighed deeply, stepping into the house and taking off my shoes.


    She truly got married to Darren secretly? Without telling me?


    As we walked further in, the smell of expensive cologne mixed with vani scents filled the air, the tension was thick as the two families, Lorena¡¯s parents, Macy and Darren¡¯s parents along with who I assumed were his uncle and aunt were present. Assistants and publicists weren¡¯t too far from there and I regretted my decision toe here.

 Friends Fight (2)

    LYDIA¡¯S POV.     If Lorena had picked up her phone, I would have known to avoiding here.


    ¡°For me?¡± She questioned staring at the two cups of coffee I had totally forgotten about. I nodded, handing her cup and she smiled with satisfaction.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She seemed so unbothered and stressed out at the same time, I had never seen such mixed emotions.


    We walked in making everyone turn their attention towards us, I waved awkwardly greeting them all in a low tone.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    ¡°Lydia, did you know about this? And failed to fill us in?¡± Her father¡¯s deep voice questioned and before I could utter a word, his wife beat me to it.


    ¡°Of course she did. Or am I wrong?¡± I knew how much this hurt her, Lorena was literally their only child. They had so much wealth, they would have prepared the wedding of the century.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know.. I¡¯m just as shocked as you are.¡± I spoke slowly and she sighed deeply.


    ¡°Who is this? You look oddly familiar.¡± A woman asked and Lorena¡¯s mum answered.


    ¡°Lydia, Lorena¡¯s best friend who¡¯s like our other daughter.¡± I smiled small at her response then took a seat.


    The two families continued to argue and discuss among each other, showing their disappointment to the couple who looked calm, like they already predicted this and got prepared for the drama. Macy just kept staring at me for some odd reason and I looked around her with confusion.


    ¡°What?¡± I whispered and she just kept staring, which irritated me. I brought my phone out of pocket and realized I hadn¡¯t gotten my usual morning message from Nathaniel. I just rolled my eyes in a full circle, Mia¡¯s words ying in my head.


    ¡°You know what, rather than arguing. Let¡¯s do this instead.¡± Lorena¡¯s father¡¯s voice made the room pin drop silent.


    ¡°Let¡¯s organize a beautiful wedding nheless. They had a court wedding, that just means they are legally married but a beautiful church ceremony then a reception afterwards will be great. Don¡¯t you think so?¡± He suggested and the other family was in agreement but Lorena and Darren shook their heads in disapproval.


    ¡°We are happy with this. I don¡¯t want to dress or go through any of that.¡± Lorena spoke but they ignored.


    ¡°You will thank uster. Go design your wedding gown and send it out. The wedding of the CENTURY ising up!¡± Her mom spoke with excitement and gave her husband a side hug.


    I couldn¡¯t help but wonder why they were so against the wedding. I mean I would love a wedding ceremony where my friends and family would be present and the thought of being dressed as a princess made me excited. If I was going to marry again, I wanted something that wouldst forever and the love we have for each other is reciprocal. Just the love that happens in movies because no matter how people say they are not real, there are real life people who actually have that and grow old together loving each till theirst breath.


    I wanted that but when or how that will happen? I had no idea but I was just excited for it before I even get it.


    ********


    A Few Hours Later.


    ¡°Now that we are alone, can you tell me what¡¯s wrong? You have always wanted a huge wedding and you¡¯ve been nning your wedding gown since we were five, so where is thising from?¡± I asked Lorena as we were now seated in her living room after everyone had left.


    ¡°Nothing. Darren and I had reconciled, he was doing what pleased me and that night we were both tispy so we decided to head into the courthouse and get married and we tied the knot. I can only imagine how exhausted I will be if we go through a ceremony and I don¡¯t need that. I have a lot of things I¡¯m working on at the moment and a ceremony isn¡¯t included.¡± She exined and I nodded in understanding.


    ¡°That¡¯s why you have your mum and I to help. You won¡¯t need to¡­¡± I began but she raised her hand to cut me off.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want a church ceremony and arge wedding. We are fine and happy, you all need to understand damn.¡± She said and I was thrown off by her tone.


    ¡°Chill out. I was trying to pick your brain and find out what¡¯s going on, that¡¯s all.¡± I raised my hand in surrender.


    ¡°Well¡­Lydia, you have heard my husband and I are okay and we are happy. Not wearing a white gown and inviting the whole country doesn¡¯t mean we aren¡¯t.¡± She stated and I nodded in understanding.


    ¡°Okay.¡± I responded. Did I cross a line? Shouldn¡¯t I make sure my best friend is truly okay and satisfied with her decision?


    ¡°I mean it¡¯s simr to you and Nathaniel¡¯s marriage except we love each other.¡± She rose up from the couch and I jerked my head forwards looking at her with disbelief.


    I jerked my head forwards looking at her with disbelief.


    Now, she had crossed a line and that part wasn¡¯t even necessary in the slightest. Why did everyone keep mentioning Nathaniel today? And suddenly their words were triggering.


    ¡°Now, that wasn¡¯t unnecessary. I was simply making sure you were okay and happy? And you had to bring up something personal? Like it doesn¡¯t make sense, you need to check yourself.¡± I packed my things and I observed that she looked remorseful at first but instantly masked it up. Footsteps approached and I turned my attention to see Macying down the stairs.


    ¡°Lydia, you¡¯re leaving?¡± Macy asked and I gave a look that said, ¡®Obviously.¡¯


    ¡°Well send my love to Andrew and ask him please what he thought of my gift.¡± I scrunched up my face staring at her. Even after Andrew had sent her off, she was still sending gifts and wishing him well.


    I just hoped it wasn¡¯t an obsession, an unhealthy obsession.


    I nced at Lorena who had her back turned to me and I scoffed loudly before walking out.


    I should have stayed at home and minded my business.

 Board Meeting

    LYDIA¡¯S POV:


    AT NIGHT:


    After leaving Lorena¡¯s ce, I made breakfast but it was more of lunch afterwards Ipleted the work I had left, then took a needed nap. I just arrived at the hospital, I was strolling down the hallway to Andrew¡¯s room holding my bag and another bag containing food. I saw Arianna standing in front pacing back and forth while discussing with someone on the phone call. She looked drained, her energetic and lively ways oftentimes made me forget she was still pregnant.


    As I drew near, we made eye contact and she smiled weakly bidding the person on the other line goodbye.


    ¡°Hey girl.¡± I spoke while stretching out my hand for an embrace and she hugged me warmly.


    ¡°What¡¯s up? Did you get some rest?¡± I questioned and she just shook her head smiling.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t get some rest?¡± I observed her and she looked like she had something she wanted to say.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    ¡°I have some exciting news to share.¡± She began and I grinned giving her my full attention.


    ¡°Alright¡­spill it.¡± I urged her and she took a deep breath and tucked her phone in the back pocket of her jeans.


    ¡°Okay so Andrew is getting discharged. I know he is not fully done with his physical therapy but you know it¡¯s draining mentally to be in the hospital. He wants to go home and the doctors are getting ready.¡± She spoke with a smile and I nodded in understanding.


    I was extremely happy but a little worried.


    ¡°That¡¯s great for real.¡± I responded smiling small and she held onto my hand dragging me into the room.


    When we stepped in, Andrew was seated on the couch talking to someone on his new cell phone and a frown was on my face seeing documents in ourpany¡¯s folder on the table. We made eye contact and I gave him a look of disapproval while he stared at me like a young child who had just been caught by his mother when he had poured a bag of flour.


    That was a little too specific, it was probably because I just watched a video of such hours ago.


    Anyways¡­back to Andrew.


    ¡°I know how this looks but I was just checking on things. Plus I realized there¡¯s a lot you have been keeping from me business wise. I can just imagine what you have been hiding in your personal life as well.¡± His voice turned serious from being yfully in a second.


    My face fell in guilt, there were things I was hiding from him no doubt. Especially a recent tense important meeting we had recently and also the fact that I had been going on dates and asions with Nathaniel and he didn¡¯t know. How would he react to both? Do I tell him now?


    His face was emotionless and I almost whined knowing that I had to spill every little thing that happened at that meeting.


    ¡°So what happened was¡­..¡±


    FLASHBACK:


    I heard a knock on my door as I scrolled through the documents of the financial report of the hotels. I was busy ensuring all the numbers added up,


    ¡°Come in.¡± I spoke absent minded and the door opened after.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry to bother you, Miss Lydia but the board of directors along with a few shareholders have called an important meeting. It seems serious. They are already in the boardroom waiting for you and some others.¡± I snapped my head so fast and furrowed my eyebrows. They hadn¡¯t shared anything with me and given me a heads up.


    What could this be about?


    ¡°Thank you Roseline¡­ummm, did you hear something?¡± I questioned and she seemed so eager to share the information she had gotten. She knew all the rumors going about in thepany about every single person and their lives.


    ¡°Not really ma¡¯am.¡± I was disappointed at her response and simply nodded. Until she walked closer to my table and whispered, ¡°But I did hear it¡¯s about a new appointment of a CEO.¡±


    I was extremely confused at that, Andrew was going to be the new Chief Executive Officer. Was this some type of surprise appointment I had been informed about.


    I appreciated Roseline and rose up from my seat, shutting myptop and heading straight to the board room. It was a private meeting so assistants weren¡¯t allowed in, my phone pinged in my head and I sucked my teeth realizing it was just spam.


    I was expecting some information.


    As soon as I stepped into the office, everyone who was just murmuring and talking amongst each other lowered their tone. I began having thoughts that it was a hostile takeover or something, could that even happen?


    ¡°Do you know what¡¯s going on?¡± I questioned the Chief Operative Officer who simply shook his head no. I looked around giving the board members and shareholders a nod as a form of greeting and they nodded as well, one even smiled.


    My father strolled in and his whole aura screamed authority, the atmosphere changed and I caught a whiff of his cologne as he walked past me.


    ¡°Good morning, you all called for an impromptu meeting while the COO and I were on our way to check on the construction of the hotel. You at least give a heads up, that¡¯s how it¡¯s done. But we began the meeting nheless.¡± His words were direct and held authority, he meant business and he wasn¡¯t pleased in the slightest of how they had done things which was totally understandable.


    ¡°Apologies. But we had summoned this meeting as we would like to share our concerns on the emergence of the new CEO, your son Andrew Miller who seems to be in the hospital for months now and rumors have it that he can¡¯t even walk. We are extremely concerned, we haven¡¯t even heard you Mr Miller speak on handing over yet. We are concerned and we need to hear something before we pass our vote of no confidence.¡± The shareholder, Mr Houston, spoke and everyone murmured amongst themselves while I scoffed and shook my head in disbelief.

 I Am Not Cinderella

    Lydia¡¯s POV:


    I so wanted to speak but my father gave me a look that he had it under control.


    ¡°My son was in an ident and he¡¯s up and starting with physical therapy.¡± My father began talking slowly, clenching and unclenching his jaw.


    ¡°I appreciate the concern but you all know thepany is doing well. Our restaurants all over the country are doing and with the release of Lydia¡¯s book only avable in our restaurants, that alone served as publicity. The construction of the new hotel is going smoothly so far and our partnership with the Kings is profitable. I don¡¯t believe I am inpetent and unsuitable to still run thispany but if I am we can vote on it now and I would step down and appoint someone as the interim CEO until Andrew Miller is fit and ready because everyone present here knows he is more thanpetent for the role.¡±


    The tension in the room was thick, I could tear it up with a knife. Everyone was silenced and looked at my father who leaned back in his seat staring at Mr Houston whose facial expression was nk.


    I stared at my father with pure admiration, he spoke like a true leader and if Andrew had heard this, he wouldn¡¯t be stressed out in the slightest about feeling ipetent and trying to appease my father knowing he had full trust in him.


    ¡°So do we cast our votes?¡± I said and the whole room was pin drop silent. Suddenly a p from behind was heard and another person on the board pped then Chief Marketing Officer until the room was filled with apuse. I joined in as well, smiling brightly and the shareholders pped as well.


    ¡°I just want it to be known that I just got tipped off that things weren¡¯t going well in thepany. I apologize for showing distrust, I hope Andrew gets well soon..¡± Mr Houston spoke after the apuse had died down.


    ¡°Thank you and I totally understand where this ising from. Now, if you will excuse me, we have to be at the construction site.¡± He shook hands with Mr Houston and others before leaving with the COO.


    My father was still taking on so many responsibilities even in his early sixties and he carried it so well. Sometimes I was grateful he had Patricia with him though I still had worries. I just pray he doesn¡¯t get sick, everything continues to go well and Andrew can get back on his feet soon.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    End Of shback:


    ¡°That¡¯s it.¡± Andrew¡¯s face softened and he let out a breath.


    ¡°Don¡¯t stress out, Dad and I are working on everything you might need, just focus on getting well. You have apany to run and a family to take care of plus a sister to spoil. Just focus on your therapy please, home or here.¡± I encouraged taking a seat next to him and Ari sighed.


    ¡°Let me excuse you two.¡± She stated and left without waiting for a response.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that easy, okay? It¡¯s not. I love you all so much for taking care of me and Ari, protecting my name and just being so supportive but I don¡¯t know how long I can continue feeling this way.¡± He spoke looking straight ahead and I held his hand.


    ¡°What?¡± I questioned and he shrugged tapping his feet repeatedly.


    ¡°Feeling so dependent. I keep falling during therapy and it hurts me seeing Arianna watching me be so weak, I have to use anger as some type of shield. I hate it, I just want to be fully able to walk, take care of you all and be y¡¯all¡¯s support system, not the other way around.¡± I stared at him with hurt then grabbed his hand.


    ¡°Just lean on us, we are always our support system. Let us take care of you while you still need us because I know the minute everything is fine with you, you¡¯re going to desert us. Or don¡¯t you think Ariana is happy to see you being vulnerable with her. I¡¯m certain before the end of this month, you will be able to walk on your own again. Just keep being motivated and keep pushing please. We are all rooting for you.¡± I pleaded and he nodded, squeezing my hand while I used my thumb to rub his hand softly.


    ¡°Now enough of this mushy mushy crap. What¡¯s going with you? I read your book, you know. I got a lot of free time being here so I read it thoroughly.¡± He began and I chuckled.


    ¡°It¡¯s one of the reasons I feel like this. You have been through so much, my sister, my own little princess was once Cindere, like it makes no sense.¡± He spoke yfully and I rolled my eyes in a full circle amusement written on my face.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t cindere as I didn¡¯t find any Prince charming nor did I talk to birds so yeah¡­but you were my Prince charming, rescuing me from that ce and bringing me to my castle.¡± We bothughed at thest part.


    ¡°Write a book about me next time. I think I deserve one.¡± He suggested and the thought lingered in my mind.


    I don¡¯t think I could ever write anything that could top the CLAPBACK. It captured a lot of hurt moments, moments I wanted to forget and the pain of each experience. I poured out my heart into it, the next book I will write should be a beautiful experience. That¡¯s if I still had another book in me.


    ¡°About you? Yeah¡­no. I think this is the only book I will ever write.¡± I said and he shook his head in disapproval.


    ¡°Nope! You¡¯re way too talented for that, just enjoy this book and travel around. Maybe you can find some inspiration and luckily it will be about me.¡±


    Then we went back and forth arguing on whether he deserved a book or not.


    Of course he did, I loved my brother for real.

 Accusation

    LYDIA¡¯S POV:


    MONDAY:


    I was meeting with Nathaniel and the COO, Mr John, at the Lenox mall ourpany had just bought. We were to meet around 1 and it was currently twelve noon when my assistant had informed me that I had a meeting with Emma Belligram. Shock was an understatement and the meeting was at a restaurant up town, about twenty minutes drive to the location for my next meeting. I was famished so I was d we were meeting at a restaurant but thoughts on what we could possibly be meeting linged on my mind. She has just told Lydia it was about Lenox mall.


    But it didn¡¯t add up. They were pleased to get the money and Jake Belligram hadn¡¯t said anything, so it was strange.


    ¡°We are here ma¡¯am.¡± The driver announced and I looked up from myptop and nodded. He parked the car while I grabbed my bag.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± I appreciated it as he opened the door from me. I put on my Gi sses and strolled into the ssy Italian restaurant.


    I entered and was truly amazed by the interior designs and how cozy the atmosphere seemed. Lorena and I needed toe here as she enjoyed Italian food so much. I really did miss her and probably because we were both very busy people, none of us had reached out. I personally felt she needed to apologize first as her words weren¡¯t needed at all, she knew all I ever wanted was for her to be happy. So throwing such a sad, embarrassing thing like that was out of line and an apology deemed fit.


    Looking around the restaurant, I saw Mrs Belligram who had seen me already and waved her hands slightly to signify herself. I smiled walking towards her, with the sound of my heels clicking on the ground.


    ¡°Good afternoon Lydia, thanks for meeting with me. You look amazing.¡± She spoke softly, it made me smile. I knew I looked amazing in my high waist corporate blue pants and I put on a white inner then topped it all with a blue zer to match. My hair was curled and middle parted, I was still so in love with its color and thepliments made my heart smile.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    ¡°Thank you, you look great as well.¡± I took a seat cing my white purse on the table. She was seated staring at me as I got adjusted. We were seated in the private section of the restaurant. The lighting was beautiful and the aesthetics was to write about, I was totally in love and the smell of the restaurant had my mouth watering.


    ¡°You must be wondering why I called for a meeting, aren¡¯t you?¡± She asked and I nodded in affirmation cing my hands on her table. The more I kept my gaze, the more I realized that she was indeed a gorgeous woman but her eyes held pain for some reason. I¡¯m just certain it has to do with her husband. Anytime he crossed my mind, my face turned to a scowl and I would just roll my eyes.


    ¡°I have some things I would like to share with you. I went ahead and ced an order for you before your arrival, I hope that¡¯s okay with you?¡±


    Now why would she do that? I had already pictured my whole meal and even how it¡¯s going to taste.


    ¡°What would you like to discuss?¡± I went straight into it as the food was served. I smiled in satisfaction as asagna was served in front of me and my stomach rumbled in hunger and excitement.


    ¡°I can just imagine how hard you work. You eat Italian right? I didn¡¯t even ask your assistant all these details. Apologize.¡± She spoke and I simply nodded.


    The fact that she wasn¡¯t going straight to business was annoying and I hated it so much like why are you beating around the bush?


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± I assured her, taking a bite out of my food and delicious was merely an understatement describing how good the food was.


    ¡°Alright. So let me cut the bull shit and go straight into it.¡± Her tone changed and her facial expression turned serious.


    ¡°I admire you as a writer and a person. I mentioned to you that I am a fan of yours on the day of our meeting but don¡¯t think I¡¯m stupid as I saw the way you and my husband looked at each other.¡± I was taken aback and my brows knitted together. I hope she wasn¡¯t thinking¡­.


    ¡°ARE YOU HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH MY HUSBAND?¡± As those words escaped her mouth, I coughed choking but I was amused.


    She has got to be kidding me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry.¡± I grabbed a ss of water and drank it all, fighting the amusement I was feeling. Me and Jake Belligram? This seemed like a scene from a movie.


    ¡°You think this is funny?¡± She questioned knitting her eyebrows together and I gulped the rest of the water, waving my hand as an apology.


    I straightened myposure and cleaned the side of my mouth with my napkin before speaking.


    ¡°Listen Mrs Belligram, I can assure you that nothing has ever happened between me and your husband. You can ask around, do your research, ask YOUR husband, there has never been any sought of rtionship neither will there ever be.¡± I said carefully so she understood every single word I uttered.


    After speaking, she just stared intently at me with squinted eyes as if trying to analyze me. While she did that, I returned to my delicious meal. I never had a sexual rtionship or even thought of her husband so there was nothing to be nervous about, but if she didn¡¯t believe me and wanted to say or do more then we would have a problem.


    ¡°You know what? I¡¯m just going to leave but I am warning you, stay away from my husband or we will have a problem.¡± She rose up from her seat after a moment of silence.


    ¡°I advise you to also get your information right beforeing to me. Or we will have a problem and I know you wouldn¡¯t like to have a problem with me¡­Emma.¡± I looked at her through the corner of my eye and she scoffed in disbelief before storming off.

 You鈥檙e Mine

    LYDIA¡¯S POV:     I sucked my teeth sharply trying to keep myself calm from feeling anger at this moment.     ¡°Anything you need ma¡¯am?¡± The waiter questioned as I continued eating while checking my time to ensure I don¡¯t gette for my next meeting.     ¡°I would like a Bellini.¡± I had tried the drink and it was lovely.     Unbeknownst to Lydia, as Mrs Belligram stormed out of the restaurant feeling humiliated and embarrassed at her question, she debated whether to call her husband to pick her up or just call an UBER as they just had one car right before they got back on their feet. Mrs King was seated in the back seat of her fully tinted car staring at Mrs Belligram, she was just inside a few minutes ago and overheard the conversation between Lydia and Emma.     She concluded that Mrs Belligram will be helpful in ensuring Lydia¡¯s name is tarnished, and Lydia¡¯s rtionship with Nathaniel never progresses.


    ***********     At LENOX MALL:     Mr John, myself and Nathaniel strolled around the mall, ideas flowing in my head and I kept writing it down on my tablet. There were so many ways we could make this mall the most attractive and lively ce in the whole city. We could incorporate an amusement park, add anotheryer and create a rooftop restaurant in the same mall, and the budget for all this was reasonable. At least based on just an estimation.     ¡°Your ideas are the same as mine. We will have a meeting with your father and decide. But what do you think, Mr King?¡± Mr John asked and I reverted my attention to Nathaniel who had been rather quiet but he looked handsome as he hadn¡¯t slicked back his hair today, just the sides and his ck curly hair wasbed to the right side. He looked handsome but he kept his face emotionless and I hated that. It brought back painful memories so I kept as much distance as I could and failed to speak to him.     ¡°We can definitely work with them. Plus the location and size of the mall are all taken into consideration. So I will send an email to you to show a sketch.¡± He spoke to Mr John and he nodded.     ¡°Great! I have another meeting in about ten minutes. So I will get going.¡± Mr John announced already packing his things.     ¡°Alright, I will get going as well.¡± I spoke up and he simply bid us goodbye, shaking hands with Nathaniel and I before exiting out of one of the old stores we were in.     ¡°I will be leaving as well.¡± I announced packing my bag and Nathaniel just kept his gaze on me, his eyes piercing into my soul. I turned around to leave nheless as I was getting ufortable seeing the both of us were alone here.     ¡°Who were you with the other night?¡± His voice suddenly boomed, making me stop in my tracks.     ¡°Excuse me?¡± I turned around furrowing my eyebrow incase I hadn¡¯t heard correct.     ¡°I said, who were you with?¡± He asked, cing his hands in his pocket and taking each step at a time walking towards me.     ¡°None of your business, Mr King.¡± I spoke professionally while taking steps backwards as well.     ¡°Hmmm¡­Mr King.. I like the way it rolled off your tongue. ¡± He smiled slyly and I rolled my eyes unintentionally, still taking steps backwards.     His eyes were unreadable but his words along with his deep masculine voice and cool aura, made me shiver thereby giving me goosebumps. I was feeling so nervous under his gaze, all I wanted to do was run but I couldn¡¯t. So I masked up my nervous expression with nonchnt and dug a deep grave in the back of my mind for overthinking.     I winced as my back hit the wall, and he arrived right in front of me then ced his hand on the wall right above my head. I kept my gaze on him and knitted my eyebrow in distrust, difort, excitement and confusion as he slowly leaned towards me.     Was Nathaniel King about to kiss me? I internally panicked.     We can¡¯t allow this.. Remember Mia and Lorena¡¯s words¡­Do you want to be a joke when you forgive him and he hurts you again? A voice in my head stated.     However, Nathaniel leaned close to my ear and whispered, ¡°Though it seems far-fetched right now, I¡¯m going to make you mine again. For real this time, you will be my wife and I will do anything for you. I will love and protect you, so please don¡¯t be going around and meeting with other men.¡±     ¡°You¡¯re mine and no one else¡¯s.¡± He held my hand and leaned away from me. I had no idea how I would react in this situation but his words gave me goosebumps again.     I cleared my throat and snatched my hand back from him, most likely confusing him by that but his facial expression was nk.     ¡°I am not yours, I don¡¯t belong to anybody and I can be with whoever I like. Nothing but friendship or business partnership is ever going to happen. So let¡¯s keep at that, alright?¡± I spoke sternly after battling with submitting to his desires.     ¡°I¡¯m serious Lydia. I don¡¯t want to see you with any man.¡± He looked so serious as he cupped my face using his thumb to caress my face and his possessiveness was driving me insane.     Am I dreaming because today has been a circus.. I thought to myself.     My heart was beating so loud and fast, so I just walked away keeping it ssy. But he was right behind me, ¡°You look gorgeous as always.¡±     Heplimented and I¡¯m certain my cheeks were red from blushing, I just picked up my face making him chuckle softly.     He was ying too many games and he thinks this is funny, right?     ¡°I¡¯m not ying games, Lydia.¡± He said all of her sudden walking too close to me.     Can he read my mind or I said that out loud?     ¡°Have a good afternoon, Mr King.¡± I said turning around and he grinned from ear to ear.     ¡°You too, beautiful.¡± He responded and I instantly headed straight to my car and let out a breath.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.

 The Spa

    3RD POV:


    THE NEXT DAY:N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    It was an early Tuesday morning, the birds were chirping, the sun had just risen and the atmosphere was amazing, it was so rxing one would just love to back to bed just like Lydia was on her bed, snoozing her rm for the fourth time in twenty minutes as it was five minutes snooze.


    Mrs King, on another hand, was up and inside her home office sipping her cup of tea while looking out the window. She had gotten up before the crack of dawn, taken a shower and summoned her assistant to be here before 6:45. She had a list of things nned out for today and they had to be done before midnight.


    Her thoughts were interrupted by the knocking sounding from the door and she turned around and took her seat before speaking.


    ¡°Come in.¡± She announced and her assistant stepped into the office rushing in while still fixing her clothes and hair, carrying her two bags, one for her personal belongings and the other was herptop bag.


    ¡°Good morning ma¡¯am.¡± She greeted and Mrs King dropped her ss of tea on her small te for the cup then stared at her assistant with irritation.


    ¡°You¡¯re two minuteste and you look like a pure mess, did you even take a shower?¡± Mrs King scrunched up her nose making her assistant feel horrible and annoyed.


    Who in heaven¡¯s name does she think she is to speak and look down on me? Her assistant thought with hurt written on her face.


    ¡°Anyways¡­. I need you to find out everything you can about her, I think she¡¯s the wife of Jake Belligram. Get me every little thing, details of their marriage, things I can taunt her with and all.¡± Her assistant smirked arrogantly as she was a great investigator, she could find out the most little detail about anyone and she was proud of herself for that. She had a dream of working with the police force and she still had hope.


    ¡°Alright ma¡¯am¡­if you will excuse me.¡± Her assistant spoke before excusing her and walking out of the office. Mrs King leaned back on her seat twirling around it while thinking deeply. Tomorrow, she was returning back to thepany even though she was no longer a member of the board, she still owned shares.


    Her goal right now was to keep Lydia from Nathaniel even if it means destroying Lydia¡¯s life, and she wanted to be so close to Nathaniel though it seemed far-fetched.


    ¡°What do I need to do to be closer to my son?¡± She twirled around her chair then stopped all of a sudden facing aptop and concluding she could just question goggle.


    What do I do to be close to my billionaire son?


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t even sound right?¡± She asked herself to delete the text.


    How do I be close to my son in order to get on good graces after lying to him?


    She assumed the question was okay and began to scroll through the site reading but the suggestions weren¡¯t helpful until she saw one that suggestedmunication without giving excuses. She was taking notes when Rachel barged into her office, ready to leave the mansion. She had on blue jeans and a in simple white crop top underneath, then dark blue jean jacket. On her feet were High Stiletto heels, which were about seven inches high. Her wig was rather blonde todaypared to her regr brown one and as soon as Mrs King saw her daughter with a wig, she concluded she was off to see Jason.


    But was she?


    ¡°Off to see your fianc¨¦ this early?¡± Mrs King questioned watching as Rachel took slow steps towards her with an emotionless expression.


    ¡°What are you doing? And who are you plotting against this time? Because you have ruined me, Nathaniel, Lydia¡­oh let¡¯s not forget how you ruined the girl you said you love so much, Jennifer.¡± Rachel spoke out and Mrs King scrunched up her face and she instantly began to feel anger.


    ¡°You watch your mouth! I didn¡¯t ruin anybody, so don¡¯te around here talking crap or I will have your handsome, wealthy, sessful fianc¨¦ deal with you.¡± Mrs King snapped and Rachel shook her head scoffing at her mother¡¯s words.


    ¡°A part of me wanted to believe you had no idea of what I was going through but it¡¯s good to see that you know and have the audacity to throw it in my face as well. Because I swear on my father¡¯s grave that you¡¯re going to receive your share of all the evil you have caused to every single person around you and I won¡¯t have to move a finger to ensure it happens.¡± Rachel retorted and Mrs King leaned back in her seat chuckling humorlessly, staring at Rachel like she was stupid.


    ¡°Go about your day, little girl and don¡¯t go about causing havoc or you will understand the true meaning of evil.¡± Mrs King uttered and Rachel stared at her mother with pure disappointment.


    This was really the person who gave birth to me and whom I wanted to be like l??? Wow¡­ Rachel thought to herself.


    ¡°Talking to me about evil and swearing on my husband¡¯s grave. Like do you know how I am, Rhonda King, do your research and you will find out, I¡¯m untouchable.¡±King scoffed, talking to herself before directing it to Rachel as she walked out of the office after getting all the information she needed before carrying out her n.


    ¡°Dumb girl, that¡¯s why Jenny was my favorite.¡± Mrs King often got emotional at the mention of Jenny as she had missed her dearly, she was awaiting the results for the forensic pathologist hoping it woulde back as negative. She just didn¡¯t want to ept Jennifer had passed on just like that.


    But she just would have to, wouldn¡¯t she?


    ¡°But Jenny is no longer alive and I doubt you were even anyone¡¯s favorite either.¡± Rachel retorted before mming the door and Mrs King threw her pen towards the door in anger.


    ¡°I¡¯m getting sick and tired of that girl. I just need a sign from above to show me if my Jenny is actually dead or alive.¡± She sighed deeply and a knock came from the door making her quickly clean her eyes as tears were threatening to fall.


    ¡°Come in.¡± Her assistant walked in hastily and she looked more organized this time.


    ¡°Ma, I have found everything you requested.¡± She ced the file on the table and Mrs sniffled before beginning to read through.


    ¡°Her husband has cheated on her multiple times and I just might have seen a picture where he was discussing with Miss Lydia but there was nothing intimate about it.¡± Mrs King was delighted at the information staring at the picture with a grin.


    ¡°Additionally, they have debts and you would believe it but the Belligrams just sold their mall to the Millers.¡± Mrs King was astonished as she just kept scrolling through the information in delight.


    ¡°Set up a meeting with her today. Just inform her that Mrs King wants to meet with her and you will be present as well.¡± Mrs King spoke and her assistant nodded.


    Mrs King ran down her n with the assistant who was simply bewildered but it wasn¡¯t any of her business nheless, her only goal was to do her job and get paid.


    **********


    AT A SPA:


    Mrs King was seated with a robe while getting a pedicure and a manicure, her assistant was seated next to her baffled as Mrs King was also letting her get it done as well. They awaited the arrival of Emma Belligram.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, she¡¯s here.¡± The manager of the spa announced and Mrs Belligram stepped in looking shocked. She had already changed into a white robe and her hair was wrapped with a gleaning white towel.


    ¡°Wee, please take a seat. You must have heard of me, I am Mrs King, mother of billionaire Nathaniel King.¡±

 The Spa (2)

    3RD POV:     Oh, Emmaknew who you were especially because she loved the book pback so much. In fact she disliked Mrs King so much because Emma could rte to being mistreated by her inws. But after her meeting with Lydia yesterday, she felt different emotions throughout the rest of her day and she hade to the decision that she was wrong. She wanted to apologize to her favorite author, Lydia, as she never nned to disrespect or even act a viin. She was a peaceful woman who was hopelessly in love with her cheating husband.     ¡°Good afternoon.¡± She looked uncertain as she took a seat on Mrs King¡¯s left hand side.     ¡°You must be wondering why you¡¯re here. And I am the type to get straight into it. We both have amon enemy which is Lydia Miller. I n to publish that she¡¯s cheating with your husband.¡± Mrs Belligram scrunched up her face and jerked her head forward.     ¡°Excuse me?¡± She assumed she hadn¡¯t heard clearly. Why would she think I would agree with this? What is she even thinking?     ¡°Enjoy yourself as I have requested a full body massage for you. Plus I will help with all your debts when you agree to this. I know it¡¯s not an easy decision. But this will finally free you from your cheating husband and destroy his mistress.¡± Mrs Belligramughed hysterically, making Mrs King frown her face.     ¡°You have gotten it wrong, Mrs King. Publishing this will be so scandalous, The Millers will sue you and I won¡¯t be involved. Plus my husband and I will sue you as well because where would you get this from? Where¡¯s your proof? Who¡¯s your witness? I am a big fan of Lydia Miller as I am familiar with the case of an inw¡­what¡¯s the word¡­terrorizing their daughter-inw. If you want to bribe us thinking we don¡¯t have money, you must not know who I am, if you think I don¡¯t have my own separate money. My husband and I are fine and I think it¡¯s pretty humiliating that you would think of this to Lydia. Like don¡¯t you have a life?¡±     Mrs Belligram scoffed looking at Mrs King, who was taken aback by Emma¡¯s reaction, with disgust. She rose up from the seat and hissed and before she shut the door, she muttered, ¡°Bitter hag.¡±     Mrs King, thedy painting her toes, her assistant, the manager of the hostel were in utter shock at Mrs Belligram¡¯s words. Mrs King went from shock to embarrassment.     ¡°Leave¡­Leave!¡± She snapped at everyone in the room who instantly stood up and hurried out of the room.     Mrs King fumed, carrying her assistant¡¯sptop and re-reading the information they were about to send to the media House. She yed with the pearls on her neck thinking of a way to get back at Mrs Belligram for talking to her in that manner.     ¡°Though I had not thought of the repercussions¡­. who gave her the audacity to talk to me in that manner?¡± Mrs King spoke to herself then dialed Nathaniel¡¯s number.     She was surprised when he answered, ¡°Hello? Son?¡±     ¡°I already found out your ns and for thest time ¡­ . I¡¯M WARNING YOU, if you still consider me your son and want us to have any form of rtionship, LEAVE LYDIA ALONE.¡± He spoke sternly and did not wait for her to speak in response before hanging up on her.     The level of embarrassment, humiliation and hurt Mrs King felt in the moment made her close her eyes and battle with the tears threatening to fall. All she wanted to do now was to go home and mourn Jenny and her self respect.     But that did not mean she wouldn¡¯t get back at Mrs Belligram.


    **********     MEANWHILE¡­.     Rachel was at Jason¡¯s penthouse sitting on the couch waiting patiently for Jason who was upstairs chasing out the woman he had brought from the clubst night. Unbeknownst to Jason, the woman was sent by Kelvin who was helping Rachel get out of this toxic rtionship.     The woman had simply seduced Jason who was very much weing and he took her home with him meanwhile Kelvin had taken a dozen of pictures of the two for ckmail then forwarded to both Rachel and Jason. Jason had just seen it as soon as he woke up so he was upstairs literally dragging the woman out.     ¡°I¡¯ming¡­rx.¡± She whineding out of the room in a short revealing fis gown. As she strolled down the stairs, she winked at Rachel who smiledmending her on her work.     ¡°My fianc¨¦e will be here in a minute so hurry.¡± He was dragging up his jeans and heading down the stairs when he made eye contact with Rachel and his face fell, he was thinking of his next words in order to manipte her.     ¡°Well¡­bye. Your man is great in bed but we both know that already.¡± The woman spoke before shutting the door.     ¡°Why are you here so early?¡± Rachel scoffed at his question rising to her feet and he walked closer to her with his chest bare.     ¡°No reason, I just came to talk to you so please keep a distance.¡± She spoke calmly and he knitted his eyebrow while walking towards her. Fear held her but she still remained in the same position.     ¡°Please Jason just stand there and listen.¡± He stopped and looked at her with confusion.     ¡°Okay, I¡¯m listening.¡± He ushered her to speak though his mind was racing. He hated howposure she was, she looked so pretty to him that he wanted to hug her. But he knew she wouldn¡¯t let him, especially after seeing the other woman.     ¡°Jason, let me go. Let me be free whether you kill me or just end this rtionship, but please free me. I¡¯m so sick and tired of living this way, I¡¯m not happy, I¡¯m tired of your abuses and I hate feeling this way. This emptiness and sadness. I hate it¡­if you have any sort of affection you swear you do towards me then let me be free.¡± She pleaded with tears dripping from her eye and Jason¡¯s face was nk and her demeanor fell.     He just kept his gaze on her, staring at her from head to toe. His mind was nk but he knew he didn¡¯t want to see any man.     ¡°You have someone who you¡¯re seeing?¡± Jason questioned walking towards her with a hurt expression and Rachel was scared, walked backwards and fell on the long white couch in the sitting room.     ¡°There¡¯s no one. I just don¡¯t want this maltreatment from anyone. For goodness sake, can¡¯t you see how scared I am.¡± She pointed out and he kept quiet standing right in between her legs, cing his hands on her thigh and looked her in the eyes.     ¡°I¡¯m never letting you go.¡± His eyes looked crazy and Rachel who was trembling brought out a gun and her phone from her purse making him step back.     ¡°It¡¯s either you die or I die today. Because I¡¯m so done with you. If I die, the whole world will find out about everything, your abusive ways, sleeping with a stripper and all your shenanigans but if you die, I will be free. So it¡¯s a win-win situation for me, so pick your side.¡± She spoke slowly and Jason clenched and unclenched his jaw before bursting outughing boisterously.     ¡°You¡¯re crazy but smart¡­I have always liked you.. I mean loved you. So you know what? I¡¯m going to let you go but I know you will be back when you realize no one will ever love like I do. I mean no one will ever even love you after I reveal every single thing about you. So rest from my love for today and I can ce a bet on 1 million you will be back before the week runs out.¡± He dragged her closer to him, kissed her nastily and pulled away.     Rachel was so disgusted, she cringed and used the back of her hand to clean her lips and watched him walk back upstairs.     Was it truly over? What was he going to reveal? She couldn¡¯t help but wonder.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.

 Book Signing Event

    LYDIA¡¯S POV:     2 WEEKS LATER:     Today was finally the day and I was in the dressing room getting ready. I took a deep breath looking at myself in the mirror with admiration. I chose to wear a navy blue, knee-length dress for the book signing event. The fabric was a soft cotton blend that draped elegantly over my figure. The neckline was simple and clean, with no adornments or frills. It felt ssic and professional, but also approachable and friendly. I paired the dress with a pair offortable ck ts and my favorite gold earrings and bracelet, and I felt so confident and I couldn¡¯t wait to see what the day held for me.     A knock came through the door and I responded, ¡°Come in.¡±     I turned around and saw the marketing representative sent by the publisher, Miss Vivian,ing in along with the third florist of the day.     ¡°Yes, you have yet another flower but I think you would like to read the card.¡± I had already received about two bouquets of flowers from my dad and Nathaniel just wishing me good luck, so I wondered who this was from.     ¡°Okay, thank you.¡± I appreciated the florist as he dropped the vase of flowers in front of me and by the arrangement and mixture of colors, I knew they were from Andrew. I grabbed the card and it read,     I don¡¯t feel too confident to make an appearance today at your event and I apologize deeply.


    I have something nned out for you though.


    So have a sessful event and smile brightly.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    I am so proud of you, little girl.     Love, your next major character.     I chuckled, smiling at thest sentence. He had been doing his physical therapy this past few weeks. The nurses stated that he had been pushing himself hard and enduring all the pain. She admired it. He had only been seeing his girlfriend and nurses, no other person including me. I was hurt at first but I was learning to understand him and his reasons.     Ari had informed me they would be looking at houses now and he was talking about marriage. She was pretty happy about that and quite excited for their future. A small bump formed on her stomach and best believe she had sent me a dozen pictures of her in front of the mirror. My eyes watered in excitement and happiness for her. I couldn¡¯t believe I would have my only little niece, I can¡¯t even lie. I also imagined my little daughter running around with Andrew and Arianna¡¯s daughter.     Ouuu¡­I¡¯m getting excited right now. Which is quite ironic as I had no partner.     All of a sudden, myst encounter with Nathaniel shed through my mind and I grimaced, it was so embarrassing yet kind of cute. I had been avoiding him these past few weeks and giving him short, dry replies when we cross parts probably because I didn¡¯t want him thinking he could control me.     ¡°Any problem ma¡¯am?¡± Vivian asked and I shook my head cing the card in between the flowers. I had already eaten a light breakfast, and the event was beginning by noon, and it was about twenty minutes to the beginning of the event.     ¡°No, just a little bit nervous.¡± I confessed and she smiled smallly. She was a young woman who seemed about a few years older than me but seemed very lovely.     ¡°It¡¯s going to go amazingly well. You¡¯re Lydia Taylor Miller, your writing skills are top notch and your ability to write out everything you have been through is amazing and inspiring. Women all over the country admire you and young girls aspire to be like you. You carry yourself with so much confidence, it¡¯s infectious, so today just like any day you¡¯re going to go out there with positivity and confidence, and I assure you the minute you go out, you will realize this is one of the sweetest events a writer gets to be in. Trust me, I have seen authors shed a tear or two over how this event goes.¡±     She didn¡¯t seem like she was just talking to make me feel better but rather, she seemed like she meant every word.     ¡°Thank you. I needed that.¡± I thanked and she bowed her head slightly with a satisfied smile.     ¡°So are you ready?¡±     Of course I was. Plus extremely excited but the jitters lingered around.


    ***********     AT THE BOOK SIGNING EVENT.     ¡°I was baffled by the looks on the faces of both my mother and sister-inw. Tonight was meant to be my wedding night, it was meant to be as amazing as they talked about in books and movies but here I stood in the living room of this new extravagant mansion, in my simple white gown and my newlywed husband had literally dumped me here. From the look of things, the scornful look from the staff who weren¡¯t even pretending to smile, I was uncertain of how this marriage will be. But I was hopeful nheless.¡±     Ipleted the reading while sitting at the podium on a veryfy chair. Everyone, including me, let out a sigh after reading. I ced the microphone and my book on the table waiting for Vivian to speak.     Fans included about hundreds of people and since this was my first event, I requested a limit of not too many people. People began to raise their hands for questions and the people from the media were taking a bunch of pictures. I could barely see anyone¡¯s face from where I was, so I just pointed at a girl who kept waving her hand.     ¡°OMG, Good morning, Miss, I¡¯m such a big fan of yours. Umm¡­I just wanted to know how you felt writing this book? Like what was the writing process like? Because I can imagine how hurtful it was as this is based on your personal experience.¡± She spoke and the lights were fixed on her, so I was able to clearly see her properly.     ¡°It was more of a journal at first. It helped with my healing process in order not to harbor any hate or that towards my ex and his family. The hard part was deciding if I would publish this or not, how would people react to this. Yeah but overall the writing process was just smooth, tears were shed at some point but I enjoyed writing it.¡± I exined and she nodded her head in understanding and took her seat.

 Book Signing Event (2)

    I let out a breath and pointed at another person. I rubbed my lips together and used one hand to hold the microphone while using my handkerchief to clean my palm which was sweaty all of a sudden. It only happens when I¡¯m nervous.     ¡°Rumors have it that you have been hanging out with Nathaniel King despite everything, are you two working on being a couple again?¡± People began to talk amongst each other and it was quite amusing seeing how everyday early turned towards me for a response.     ¡°We have hung out a few times, we are working on being friends that¡¯s all.¡± I responded leaving no room for arguments.     ¡°So you don¡¯t hate him nor anyone in his family?¡± Another question was thrown.     ¡°I do not. Not even Mrs King. It¡¯s unhealthy and tiring to harbor hate.¡± I responded.     ¡°Why is the book then titled the pback?¡± The same person questioned and I chuckled weakly.     ¡°Because I was tired of still getting attacked and abused by Mrs King even after getting divorced. A lot of horrible stuff was stoll stated about me, I had gone to jail for a night and was publicly used of stealing jewelry from her, my¡­.¡± I was about to speak about Andrew but I quickly bite my tongue.     ¡°My life wasn¡¯t still peaceful and the book was titled the pback because I pped back at Mrs King and ushered her to keep quiet and leave me alone.¡± Everyone chuckled as I feigned frustration.     ¡°What was the hardest part you wrote?¡± I sighed thinking of a part and exhaled shakily.     ¡°Umm ¡­ . like I said it was all like journaling but the hardest was writing all about the one-sided affection I gave for the family but I received nothing in return.¡± I responded and it felt like everyone in the room understood my pain.     More heart to heart questions flowed and questions that made everyone burst outughing were asked as well. It was so wholesome just like Vivian had said it would be. Thest question of the day was asked and I thought for a minute before responding.     ¡°Would you be writing another book?¡±     ¡°Maybe.¡± And though it wasn¡¯t exactly a satisfying answer, it gave hope to everyone and to me.     Afterwards, everyone came through for the signing of their book. I received gifts and some many words of encouragement, one even hugged me. I was literally getting emotional by the affection. Thedy I had met at the cafe was also present but someone who I didn¡¯t expect showed up.     ¡°The event was amazing, Lydia. Can we talk for a second? Please.¡± Mrs Belligram spoke after I signed her book. I stared at her debating as I didn¡¯t want anything spoiling my mood.     ¡°It will be brief, trust me.¡± She said and I sighed.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    ******     ¡°I just wanted to offer my apology for how I spoke to you the other day. I was so insecure and that didn¡¯t speak well about me at all, so I¡¯m truly sorry.¡± Mrs Belligram spoke and I sighed deeply.     ¡°It¡¯s alright. I understand.¡± I just epted her apology as I could tell she was sincerely sorry.     ¡°Thank you, the event was wonderful. Thank you for setting it up.¡± She said and it seemed like she was hesitant to say something else.     ¡°Is there something else you want to tell me, Mrs Belligram?¡± I questioned as she seemed fidgety.     ¡°Mrs King had called for me yesterday and she wanted for both of us, me and her, to bring it up by telling the press you had an affair with my husband. I just stared at her crazy and dismissed her n, threatening that we would both sue her for defamation. That¡¯s all I wanted to tell you. It seems like even after everything, your ex-mother- inw is still plotting.¡± She informed me and I wasn¡¯t even shocked.     Mrs King never wanted to leave me alone, it was like she had some type of weird obsession to destroy me. I had no idea of what else to do.     ¡°Thank you for telling me that and for standing by me.¡± I appreciated it and she gave me a head nod then bid me goodbye.     I exhaled deeply and returned back to the book signing. I masked my true emotion with a bright smile and continued signing books and seeing the happy faces of people after, bringing a smile to my face.     Eventually the line wasing to an end and my hands hurt from all of that. There were only about three people left, so I took a gulp out of my bottle of water and cracked my knuckles.     ¡°Can I also get my book signed as well in dedication to my best friend telling her I was being a big fool and I am genuinely sorry.¡± A familiar voice questioned and I looked up meeting eyes with my best friend, Lorena.     ¡°I am so sorry Lydia.¡± I instantly stood up and walked in front of her then embraced her. Heaven knows I have missed her dearly and this was the longest we had not talked.     ¡°I¡¯m sorry too. I missed you so much.¡± I started and she embraced me tightly.     We were interrupted by someone clearing his throat and the feeling of other people close by.


    ¡°Ummm¡­some of us are always trying to get our book signed.¡±     I smiled seeing Nathaniel and his friends, including Liam¡¯s fianc¨¦ and Jacob¡¯s wife, Melissa. Ari, my dad, Patricia, Darren and Macy were also present including Lorena¡¯s parents.     ¡°Congrattions Lydia. It was a lovely event.¡± Everyone was speaking with each other, handing me gifts and just being so sweet. Nathaniel standing in a casual fit and his hands tucked in his pocket just kept his gaze on me as I hugged everyone and appreciated their gifts.     I wondered what was going through his mind.     ¡°Now let¡¯s go and party.¡± Macy spoke and made noise with a foghorn making everyone cover their ears and make a stank face.     I was so appreciative and happy for how today had turned out and I couldn¡¯t wait to see how the night would unfold.

 Their August Visitor

    3RD POV:


    THAT NIGHT:Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Everyone was seated at the rooftop of Miller¡¯s restaurant, eating, drinking and having a good time. Nathaniel just smiled and kept stealing nces at Lydia, he barely said three words all night, those three words were ¡®Congrattions¡¯ and ¡®I¡¯m okay.¡¯


    Kelvin, Liam and Liam¡¯s fianc¨¦e had opted out of the dinner Ariana had invited them to as they had ns of their own but Jacob and Melissa hade with Nathaniel and Rachel. Rachel was looking for a means to talk to Lydia all night but couldn¡¯t seem to find a chance.


    The minute they arrived Lydia grinned from ear to ear seeing Andrew was already seated waiting for them and talking with the waiters making sure everything was in order for the beautiful dinner he had curated.


    Lorena¡¯s mum and father, Patricia who felt uninvited because Andrew had literally forgotten about her, Mr Miller, Lorena and Darren, Rachel and Nathaniel, Macy who had been staring at the expecting couple with scorn the entire night and Lydia were the people present at the table, celebrating until Lorena¡¯s mum utter her observation.


    ¡°So Lydia, you¡¯ve been going out with your ex-husband despite everything he has put you through? Like who even invited them here?¡± Lorena¡¯s mum questioned with a frown on her face, making everyone on the table halt in their discussion and the joyful atmosphere at the table dropped.


    ¡°Mum.¡± Lorena cautioned but she felt in the ce to care for Lydia, everyone was super attentive towards her after reading the pback.


    ¡°What? Lydia and everyone here knows I will always look out for her and Andrew. As I love them as if they were my own.¡± She responded back to her daughter who sighed deeply turning her head to stare at her father who was conversing with Mr Miller in hush yet amused tones.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine, Lorena. I love you as if you were a mother to me as well. Nathaniel and I are just friends. If it goes further then it will be my business and I will handle it.¡± Lydia responded calmly then regretted it after as she didn¡¯t want to give Nathaniel the idea that she hoped for them to ever get back together. Members present just kept staring at Nathaniel watching to see his facial expression and reaction to this but he remained calm and collected, his facial expression was unreadable and nk masking his true feelings.


    Nathaniel was just as curious as Lorena¡¯s mum, he didn¡¯t even know if he deserved Lydia¡¯s affection after everything he and his family put her through. He spent the whole night reading the pback and Rachel literally dragged him to the event. He thought he had stopped feeling this guilt, but it still lingered in times when he thought about how nonchnt and wrong he was.


    He knew he wanted to be with Lydia and no one else, so if she didn¡¯t want to be with him then he would rather be alone or just might continue the fight.


    ¡°Focusing on why we are here tonight.¡± Andrew began, speaking sternly, reverting his attention to Lorena¡¯s mum who raised her hand up in surrender. He slowly stood up from the chair and Ari, who was sitting on his left hand side, with a smile handed him a walking stick and everyone on the table was filled with happiness and excitement seeing his progress.


    ¡°O My God.¡± Lydia gasped and Andrew instantly waved her off.


    ¡°You all this is not about me yet, please let¡¯s not focus on that, yet. I want to use this to make a toast to the most hardworking, dedicated, beautiful, annoying, lovely, caring, attentive woman I know. You¡¯re so strong and we have all seen you rise despite everything you have been through¡­.¡± It was too much, Nathaniel excused himself and Rachel wasn¡¯t too far behind. Lydia looked at them leave through the corner of her eye while Andrew continued.


    ¡°We are all so proud of you for selling almost a million copies all over the country. So now, let¡¯s make a toast to Lydia. Our super writer.¡± They raised their sses, congratting Lydia.


    ¡°To our super Writer.¡± They chorused and Lydia debated whether to go after Nathaniel or not but thought against it. It was her night and she was happy for herself. She would deal with any other thing the next day.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She smiled as they all apuded and celebrated her.


    ¡°Ohh and Princess, your new car is at the mansion with a few goodies. I had to beat Andrew to it.¡± Their father spoke and Andrew rolled his eyes yfully at his father. They all chuckled meanwhile Lydia¡¯s excitement turned up from an 80 to 110. She was genuinely happy.


    ¡°Thank you, thank you.¡± She stood up from her seat and kissed her father¡¯s cheek repeatedly, it was a wholesome moment and the photographer Andrew had employed caught it all. After Andrew¡¯s near death experience, he concluded that every moment was precious. Which is why he decided to take pictures of every important moment.


    ¡°Oh¡­wow.¡± Andrew scoffed and Lydia and her father rolled their eyes at him.


    Few minutester, Jacob and Melissa had to go as they needed to go back to their child plus it was beginning to feel like a family moment. They hugged Lydia goodbye and bid the rest of the family bye before exiting there.


    ¡°They seem lovely. She¡¯s awyer right?¡± Lorena¡¯s fathermented and Lydia nodded as she swallowed her drink.


    As the dinner began to die down and they were slowly preparing to go after dessert, there came in an August guest.


    ¡°Howe we were not invited?¡± A man who was tall and muscr, he seemed like he was in early fifties. He was bald but he had full beards and his skin was just like Arianna¡¯s skin tone plus he had the same ent as she did. He had a tattoo on his arm that looked like a ck band. He was an overall handsome man for his age.


    ¡°Dad, what are you doing here?¡± Ari stood up and her father along with his bodyguards of about three hefty men followed behind him.


    ¡°What do you mean what am I doing here? I¡¯m here to meet the family and see the man you got pregnant for. You know I don¡¯t y about my daughter.¡± He said thest part sternly, giving Lydia and Lorena chills. He smiled after and reverted his attention to the gathering.


    ¡°Good evening family. I am Arianna¡¯s father, Mr Philips. But you can call me Don Philips.¡± He smiled mischievously and Ariana face-palmed herself and exhaled.


    Everyone at the table just stared at the two with mixed emotions. Patricia simply downed her wine and the tension on the rooftop was thick.


    The dinner was just beginning.


    ****


    Few Minutester:


    The tension was thick, the dessert was served and everyone including Lorena¡¯s family had been trying to convince Mr Philips that he was wrong about so many things he was uttering but he didn¡¯t care for them at all.

 A Crazy Night

    ¡°So your fianc¨¦, oh I am sorry, your boyfriend who impregnated you without giving you a ring first is crippled and useless? Or what did you all say?¡± He kept taunting with amusement written on his face. Andrew shut his eyes and clenched and unclenched his jaw.


    ¡°Okay Mr Philips¡­¡± Lydia began and Mr Philips raised his hand to correct her.


    ¡°First of all, tone. And it¡¯s Don Philips.¡± He smiled watching her while savoring the vor of his cheesecake.


    ¡°Dad, that¡¯s enough. Andrew is not crippled and in no way useless, okay?¡± Ari defended but her father looked up from his cheesecake andughed deeply.


    ¡°Why do you say that? He¡¯s still having sex with you even though he can¡¯t walk right?¡± Her father questioned and everyone sucked their teeth in irritation.


    ¡°Yes, and I¡¯m extremely satisfied.¡± Arianna replied and immediately regretted it seeing her father¡¯s eyes change.


    ¡°Wonderful! I¡¯m giving you two, just a month to get married and the wedding has to be the most luxurious wedding in the whole town. I promise you if you don¡¯t. This whole family will be wiped out, trust me.¡± He spoke sternly and Ariana scoffed.


    ¡°Who do you think you are toe here and threaten my family? Do you know which family you are speaking with?¡± Mr Miller spoke and Don Philips chuckled darkly then stared at his bodyguards whoughed deeply as well.


    ¡°Ask your daughter-inw who I am as well, Jacob Miller. I do not y about two things, my money and my daughter. So when you¡¯re done ying games, send me the invite.¡± He spoke slowly and clearly, using his fingers and hands as he spoke.


    Everyone who was being reasonable and ignoring his threat, understood how this might make him feel. He had raised his daughter and spoiled her with all good things, then all of a sudden she became pregnant for a rich man who had neither met him nor uttered to him any intention of getting married to his daughter. So Don Phillips was over the roof furious and decided to pay them a visit.


    ¡°Have a lovely night. Congrattions to you on your book, your gift will be delivered to you. Arianna, let¡¯s go and I advise you to walk in front of me before I cause a scene.¡± Arianna was furious as well and couldn¡¯t understand her father, so she offered the family an apology and hurriedly stepped in front of her father.


    ¡°What are you apologizing for? This family is humiliating you and you¡¯re apologizing.¡± Mr Philips spoke and Andrew rose up slowly from his seat and gently walked towards Mr Philips and Lydia stood next to him trying to help.


    ¡°Mr Philips, I know how this seems but my family and I are in no way trying to humiliate your daughter. I got into an ident and I have been going to physical therapy which is why I have not been able toe see you¡­¡± Andrew tried to exin understanding what her father had been trying to say.


    ¡°Young man, step back before you get shed. ¡± Everyone at the table frowned and Lydia scratched her forehead and sighed deeply.


    ¡°Plus apart from this I have also heard that you¡¯re cheating on my daughter with that slut over there. So if I confirm this is true, you will be truly crippled.¡± Everyone¡¯s eyes went wide and Ari looked from Andrew to Macy whom her father had pointed at.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Mr Philips snapped at Arianna who was stressed and on the brim of tears. She hurried after him and walked beside him, the elevator door closed and Andrew¡¯s eyes watered and his heart grew heavy. Different thoughts ran through his mind,


    What if I never see her again? What if she bes too stressed and loses the baby? What if she believes I am truly cheating? What if her father forces her to abort or travel somewhere?


    ¡°Andrew, calm down. Breathe in, breathe out.¡± Andrew was livid but did as Lydia had said. Lorena¡¯s family began to scold Macy who was just smirking.


    ¡°Did you tell him that? Did you?!¡± Andrew snapped, making Lydia jump startled at his voice.


    ¡°Maybe I did, maybe I didn¡¯t.¡± Lorena and Darren ran their hands across their faces stressed out by the events of tonight.T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You think this is funny?¡± Andrew questioned and she shrugged yfully as if it was truly amusing.


    ¡°Andrew, juste be with me. My family won¡¯t stress you, just send her money for an abortion and we will get married. Easy.¡± Lorena¡¯s mother was so annoyed and disappointed with Macy she found herself throwing a ss at Macy but luckily Macy ducked but she was in shock.


    ¡°Aunty!¡± She cried out and Lorena shook her head at her.


    ¡°Andrew, I¡¯m calling the wedding nner now, she will get the luxurious wedding. And we will all handle this.¡± Lorena assured him.


    ¡°Yes, Andy, rx.¡± Lydia stated meanwhile Mr Miller was drawing up his own thoughts on this with Lorena¡¯s father.


    ¡°I love you, Andrew and I love Arianna as well but I don¡¯t think this is a type of family I would want you to marry into.¡± Mr Miller spoke and every woman at the table apart from Macy looked at him crazy.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Lydia asked and Andrew simply hissed and walked carefully away. But stopped turning back abruptly.


    ¡°Like I give a crap what you say. After you have continuously disrespected my mother¡¯s house. Spending so much money on your women and sleeping with them all over the house and you want to drop a thought. Be for real, dad. Be real.¡± Andrew spoke carefully and Lydia looked at the two with wide eyes..


    So thatrge amount of money was spent on a woman? Lydia suddenly remembered the money she had questioned Andrew about and he then directed her to their father.


    ¡°As a father I thought you would even slightly understand him though he was being irrational at some point. But I believed you would, but how would you? When you could not even protect your own daughter.¡± Andrew added and Lydia frowned at that.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Andrew.¡± Patricia began to speak but everyone looked at her crazy.


    ¡°Sit in a whore¡¯s position and don¡¯t speak to me or mention my name.¡± Andrew slowly stridded out and exited without anyone¡¯s help. It was hard but he was tired and just wanted to be alone.


    Lydia felt Andrew was just angry and her dad shouldn¡¯t have just spoken seeing how brutal Andrew could be with his words when he was livid. They all were at fault.


    It was crazy how this entire night had gone from excitement to tension to words that shouldn¡¯t have been said.


    What a celebration.

 Don Philip

    3RD POV:


    A WEEK LATER:Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    It had been exactly a week since Andrew had spoken to Ari and even seen her. He was going crazy but one thing he continued was his physical therapy. He concluded that instead of continuing to stress out, he would find a way to get Ariana back.


    It was a Sunday afternoon, a day after the dramatic dinner. Lydia and Lorena had just arrived at Andrew¡¯s penthouse and Andrew let them in, walking slowly and refusing Lydia¡¯s help. She went into the kitchen to grab each of them a bottle of water and cook up something delicious, and Lorena and Andrew conversed until Andrew stated what he had been thinking about all night.


    ¡°What do you mean I shouldn¡¯t call her and set up the meeting?¡± Lorena questioned with a loud voice staring Andrew with disbelief.


    She feared for his life and their entire family, she strongly believed the wrath of Don Philip will be severe. So hearing this threw her off.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Lydia came into the sitting room in a haste and inquired with her eyebrows knitted together with worry.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Andrew responded and Lorena jerked her head forward giving Andrew a look.


    ¡°Nothing? He just said I shouldn¡¯t call the wedding nner anymore and cancel the meeting.¡± Lorena informed and Lydia gave him the exact look Lorena did.


    ¡°I appreciate you twoing here and trying to help but I will handle this. You all will be protected, I will take care of everything and take care of myself as we so kindly leave and let me handle this.¡± Lorena and Lydia looked at each other then right back at Andrew with disbelief.


    He rose up from the couch and with his walking stick and exited out of the room leaving the two baffled.


    After sessfully pushing everyone away including his father who had been trying to make a means for his words, Andrew pulled up in Brabus wearing a ck suit and his extravagant wristwatch. He had slicked back his hair and taken a lot of time to actually look good. He had also purchased gifts for Ari and her family, nervous was an understatement of how he felt but he was radiating confidence.


    He had been calling Ariana and her dad every single day untilst night her father finally picked and summoned him to their mansion. Andrew instantly began to prepare and Don Philips also informed Andrew that Ariana¡¯s mother was around as well. He had never met and he couldn¡¯t help but wonder how she would be like.


    He hopped out of the car carefully and though he was no longer in need of his walking stick, his therapist had informed him to take it easy and he couldn¡¯t wait to see the reaction on Ari¡¯s face. He just silently hoped the evening goes as nned.


    He was amazed at the location of Don Phillip¡¯s mansion, he remembered vividly thest time he was trying toe over here he got into a near-death ident. Thepound was beautifully filled with roses and flowers all around, security men surrounding each location and the only person who could sneak in would most likely be an expert because the security was just too tight.


    ¡°Wee, Don Philip is waiting for you.¡± A guard opened the door and Andrew nodded but before he went by, he was searched.


    It was amusing yet scary as he moved carefully following behind the guard. He just stared around the luxurious mansion with amazement, hemended the architects and the interior designers as it was so beautiful here. But it wasn¡¯t different from what he had seen all his life, he just imagined a young version of Ari running around the house.


    ¡°If it¡¯s not my son-inw.¡± Don Philip announced grinning and gestured towards the maid to collect the basket of gifts from Andrew but stood nearby probably in case he rejected a very desperate Andrew.


    ¡°Good evening sir.¡± He bowed respectfully and Don Philip shut his iPad and gazed at Andrew.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have time today so make whatever you have to say fast.¡± Don Philip¡¯s facial expression turned serious and tone stern.


    Andrew took a deep breath and licked his lips trying to gather his words.


    ¡°I want to offer an apology to you Mr Philip. You have raised a queen and she deserves every single thing. She¡¯s outspoken, well-educated, so beautiful and confident and I am so lucky to have and I want tomend you for raising her. This wasn¡¯t the way Ari and I should have done about it and I totally apologize and take full ountability for my actions. I want you to know that even before I knew she was pregnant, I had already purchased this¡­¡± He brought out of his pocket a diamond ring in a cute velvet box.


    ¡°I brought the receipt as well so you can see how serious I am.¡± Don Phillipughed deeply at that.


    ¡°I love Ari and I never nned or n on humiliating her. I should have met you and been a true man without fearing your reaction to our rtionship from the start. I apologize sir to you and your wife from the depth of my heart.¡± Andrew concluded and Don Philip was about to speak when Andrew remembered something he wanted to add.


    ¡°Oh and I didn¡¯t cheat on Ari with Macy, I was crippled and even without being crippled, Ari knows I wouldn¡¯t do that.¡± He added and Don Philip remained silent staring at him intently.


    ¡°You two cane out of there now.¡± Don Philip, who had seen his wife and Ari sneaking down and hiding behind the wall, called them out. Ari and her mum, who looked so much like her, their genes were so strong. They had the same eyes and lips but different body structures. It was amazing.


    ¡°Great and Darling, we are not together anymore which is why he forgot to include me in things he doesn¡¯t y about. And does what I carefully instructed him not to.¡± She spoke and took a seat.


    ¡°I apologized already. Women I tell you.¡± Don Philip spoke and shook his head at his wife, making her chuckle. Andrew smiled seeing Arianae out in a green short ball gown which was sleeveless.


    ¡°I carefully told him you love my daughter but he wouldn¡¯t listen. It was lovely to hear that though, right honey?¡± Her mum questioned and everyone turned their attention to Ariana who was just staring at Andrew.


    ¡°Yeah, it was. Can I see the ring?¡± She all of a sudden got excited and Andrew rolled his eyes, displeased that she had heard that part.


    ¡°NO.¡± The three of them chorused and Ari frowned and ran towards Andrew giving him a warm embrace.

 Mr Miller

    3RD POV:


    ¡°I missed you so much.¡± She spoke muffled into his chest and he kissed her forehead.


    ¡°I missed you too, my love.¡± He responded by wrapping his arms around her and she smiled.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough¡­Let¡¯s eat dinner now.¡± Don Philip spoke up and they broke apart hastily making himugh and his wife hit him yfully.


    Andrew was shocked at how much power his sincere apology held but he understood as a man respect was essential. He just imagined if he was in Don Philips¡¯ situation. How he would have reacted as well. Andrew found himself imagining having his own little princess running about. He got excited at the thought. Andrew discovered Ari¡¯s mother was out of statest week and her name was Aurora.


    Don Philip was calm and happy and conversed with him throughout the evening. The tension that had filled the atmosphere had switched to happiness and Ari was d.


    She didn¡¯t want anything stressing her out during her pregnancy and she was happy to know Andrew wasn¡¯t cheating anymore and was serious about her.T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ***********


    2 DAYS BEFORE¡­.


    Lydia was seated in her apartment eating and drinking while watching a movie. She had so much on her mind that she decided to just watch a movie. She increased the intensity of the air conditioner and shut all the lights and watched the ro movie, Upgraded, on therge screen.


    She loved love and couldn¡¯t wait to be in love, she strongly believed she wasn¡¯t in love at the moment which is why she didn¡¯t let it bother her on what could be the possible reason for Nathaniel¡¯s abrupt exit and his sour mood.


    I don¡¯t care. She told herself.


    But was it Lorena¡¯s mum¡¯sment? She also thought then let out a breath of frustration.


    ¡°So it¡¯s like love at first meet or what are they trying to tell us?¡± She decided to turn her aggression towards the movie and suddenly the doorbell rang and she frowned, pping her hands to switch on the lights.


    ¡°Maybe Andrew finally needs me.¡± She ran to the door in excitement after putting on her furry slippers and ran to the door in just her pink matching set pajamas.


    Her face scrunched up in confusion when she opened the door and rather than Andrew, she was met with a smiling delivery man who was staring around the corridor and hotel with amazement.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± She called his attention and he instantly turned towards her and his smiling face dropped.


    ¡°Apologies, it must be lovely living here isn¡¯t it?¡± He inquired and she awkwardly stared at him scratching the back of her neck and putting her weight on her left foot.


    ¡°But is there something I can help you with?¡± She inquired impatiently and the delivery man seemed to remember why he was here.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I have a package for Miss Miller, that¡¯s you right?¡± He informed and Lydia nodded though she was confused. He delivered arge box to her and she signed that she had received it then shut the door.


    She wanted to question who had sent it but the delivery man seemed like he didn¡¯t know what he was doing. She carried her package in and in excitement dropped it on the table and quickly removed everything.


    ¡°O My God, this is so beautiful.¡± She gushed at the sight of the pretty sky blue dress. She slowly brought it out and was purely every curve and detail, also the silk material.


    She saw a card and grew excited,


    Lydia, I apologize for everything,


    I got you this dress as a form of apology, and I am certain you will look amazing in this dress for Liam¡¯s wedding tomorrow and a short night out as well.


    Can¡¯t wait to see you.


    Love, Nathaniel.


    ¡°Aw¡­this is so cute.¡± Lydiamented and dropped the card. She debated whether to shoot him a text or call or not just say a word.


    ¡°That would be weird. Let me just text him.¡± She brought out her phone and sent,


    Thank you, it¡¯s beautiful.


    That seemed to have made her day but yet another doorbell did not please her in the slightest. In annoyance, she packed the clothes back in the box and rushed to the door as it seemed urgent.


    ¡°Dad, what are you doing here?¡± She questioned seeing her dad standing in front of the door with his guards beside him.


    ¡°Can¡¯t Ie see my child?¡± Lydia had no idea how she would react to her father, he had disappointed her so much that she abandoned the car he had purchased for her in his mansion.


    ¡°You can. Come in.¡± He walked in gazing all around and the security remained outside guarding.


    ¡°Do you want a drink or something?¡± He shook his head and patted the seat next to him. She grabbed the box of cloth and ced it in the kitchen.


    Sighing deeply, Lydia took a seat next to her father. She was in disbelief at Andrew¡¯s revtion of so many things such as missing money or sleeping around the house.


    ¡°I know you must be so disappointed with me right now but I want you to know I am sorry. If I could go back in time, there are so many things I would have done better. Your brother had endured so much while I fooled around years after your mother¡¯s passing. I want to apologize to you especially as you had no idea and should have never known. Forgive me.¡± He spoke with sincerity and Lydia was just over everything and everybody. She felt like she needed a break, a vacation with her girls with rest, therapy and good food away from drama.


    ¡°I appreciate the apology dad but I am still processing it all. You¡¯re right I should have never known as I assumed that you were the closest thing to perfect but I was wrong. I¡¯m just adjusting to everything but I don¡¯t hate you. I love you even, it¡¯s all so shocking. Speak to Andrew because it seems like you two have more to talk and have so much to apologize for.¡± Lydia poured out and he nodded in understanding. He already nned to do that when Andrew finally lets anyone in.


    He realized there are some things he shouldn¡¯t have said or done. So like the matured man he was, he was going to take ountability.


    But He felt he had lost the unmatched love of his princess.

 Liam鈥檚 Wedding

    3RD POV:     AT THE LABORATORY:


    The forensic pathologist who was the head of Jenny¡¯s case, was at theboratory gazing intently at the dental records and DNA analysis of the body found and next to him was Jenny¡¯s records.     ¡°What¡¯s up boss man?¡± His pal entered theboratory and patted his back right before wearing his gloves. He stopped in his tracks as he noticed the head of Jenny¡¯s case failed to reply.     ¡°What¡¯s going on? Are you good?¡± He inquired and in reply he handed the reports to his friend and whipped out his phone from the pocket of his scrubs.     ¡°This is insane. So your assumption was right all along.¡± He spoke in realization then ced the reports on the table.     ¡°What are you going to do now?¡± His friend inquired seeing as he held his phone debating. He was certain he was right, every fact proved it but he didn¡¯t want to seem like ¡®a know it all¡¯ so he took the analysis seriously.     ¡°I¡¯m going to report to the investigator.¡± He informed his friend who nodded his head in agreement but another thought crossed his mind.     ¡°Or what if you call the Millers. I read that they are the most powerful family in the country. Inform them and maybe ask for a reward or something.¡± He suggested with a mischievous smile but his friend turned to look at him.     ¡°You think when I inform them this, they would give me a dime. Don¡¯t annoy me, the state is rewarding us handsomely already.¡± His friend raised his hand up in surrender and backed away.     ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t know that.¡± He responded and his response earned an eye roll.     ¡°Of course you didn¡¯t.¡± The head forensic pathologist walked out of theboratory and washed his hands tossing his gloves in the dump.     He began to dial the investigators line as he had been getting tons of calls from them regrly and he kept reminding them that it took a while.     ¡°Hello?¡± He began as soon as the investigator answered.     ¡°Any report?¡± The investigator instantly spoke and he exhaled.     ¡°Matching the DNA analysis along with the dental record plus¡­¡±     ¡°Just tell me what I need to know.¡± The investigator cut him off, making him roll his eyes.     He was filled with relief as he had finally gotten to the bottom of the investigation after long days and nights all months, but he had an attitude due to how tired he was. Everything annoyed him, every single thing.     ¡°It seems YOUR SUSPECT IS ALIVE as the DNA doesn¡¯t match hers but another woman.¡± The Chief investigator sighed deeply and shut his eyes at the information.     So that woman is roaming about alive¡­He thought and instantly gathered his men for a meeting.     JENNY WAS ALIVE AND IN HIDING SO WE NEEDED TO ACT FAST¡­He concluded.Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    LYDIA¡¯S POV:     AT THE RECEPTION:     Today had been so awesome! From wearing this pretty gown Nathaniel had sent me to watching Liam get married at the beach side and his wife looked so perfect in her bridal gown and right now she was in her second gown and they were all so stunning. Her friends, the decorations, the setting, the clothes, the people and the positive energy radiating was amazing. I had been smiling the whole evening.     Now, we were all seated at the table, Nathaniel, Kelvin, Rachel, Jacob, Melissa and her beautiful daughter. Nathaniel so happened to be Liam¡¯s best man so he had been ensuring Liam had everything he needed. I couldn¡¯t just get over how great he looked in a suit and when heplimented how gorgeous I looked, I fought the urge to return thepliment as well because he deserved it.     He was a sore sight for sore eyes. I had seen girls approaching him, even wealthy, sessful women asking if he was interested in one of their daughters.     I just remained calm and collected as there was no reason to get mad. I knew my worth and getting all jealous did not look cute and was so unnecessary.     ¡°Girl, I know you¡¯re not looking at wedding gowns.¡± Melissa pointed out as she was sitting next to me by my right while Nathaniel who was conversing with Kelvin was at my left.     ¡°Oh hush. I¡¯m just picturing myself in a white gown and a lovely wedding.¡± I responded and locked my phone, cing it on the table. From the corner of my eye, I saw the members of the table looking at me.     ¡°You all should just continue what you were conversing about and mind your business.¡± Kelvin bursted outughing and I rolled my eyes yfully at him turning my attention to the sweet little angel who was snuggling into Melissa¡¯s chest sleepingfortably with no worries.     ¡°Your daughter is so precious. What¡¯s her name again?¡± I questioned and Jacob turned to look at us as he was previously engaged in the conversation with Nathaniel and Kelvin as they were arguing on the dumbest thing. Nathaniel seemed so happy, I had never seen him like this. He was actually talking rather than being cold and dismissive.     ¡°Treasure.¡± Jacob responded deeply and looking from his eyes, he was in love. I couldn¡¯t wait for Ari¡¯s child to be born, I continued hoping for a girl because I knew she was just something Andrew needed. Another person to collect all his money.     The music was ying loudly and it turned from a loud beat to a soft, romantic beat and Liam and Riley were at the center of attraction as everyone stared at them with admiration as they looked into each other¡¯s eyes dancing.     A few minutester, couples joined as well, having danced and I just smiled brightly at the scene of various couples smiling and dancing even though Jacob and Melissa had gone to the dance floor handing over Treasure to Rachel who had been rather quiet the whole evening.     ¡°May I have this dance, Mydy?¡± Nathaniel asked, faking an ent and I chuckled softly.     ¡°No you may not. I cannot dance and might end up stepping on your toes.¡± Nathanielughed at my response but remained in his position, standing in front of me with his hand out for me to take.     ¡°We will just move left and right. I got you.¡± He assured me and I sighed deeply before reluctantly taking his hands. His face beamed with excitement and it was charming. God really took his time in creating him.     ¡°Okay.¡± I observed as everyone seemed to be staring at us, it was probably my dress and how stunning I looked. My dress hugged my curves perfectly, my essories were all a new set of gold jewelry set I was yet to wear yet, my hair was curled inyers by my stylist and a little makeup was done.

 She Is Still Alive!

    LYDIA¡¯S POV:


    The song from the high school musical yed in my head as I took Nathaniel¡¯s hands as we reached the dance floor and I remembered each instruction given, so I was able to ce my hand in the right ces. The only problem was the song was slow and romantic, so Nathaniel just kept staring in my eyes intently, at first I stared right back but it was too intense.


    ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful, Lydia. I can¡¯t believe I almost lost you.¡± His voice was deep and serious. I wanted to argue with him, saying, ¡°Who said you haven¡¯t?¡± But I kept my mouth shut seeing he had more to say.


    ¡°The other day, I felt extremely guilty after reading your book and hearingments from your family. It was too much for me listening to all that but it was all so true. You have gone through so much because of me, can you ever be able to forgive me?¡±


    I was genuinely tired of this topic especiallying from him but I could understand how he felt in some weird way.


    ¡°Nathaniel, I already stated that I forgive you.¡± We moved left and right staring at each other though I kept breaking it.


    ¡°Do you have feelings for me right now?¡± He questioned and my heart raced at the question. He looked at me with hope.


    ¡°I¡­¡± I was saved by the apuse and end of music. I removed my hand from his broad chest and stepped back making his warmrge palms unloose from my lower back and I instantly missed his touch and wanted to be near him.


    Did I truly have feelings for him? I needed to speak with Lorena and Ari this instant.


    Nathaniel and I looked at each other and I hurriedly went back to my seat.T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I saw the way you two looked at each other. And I stand for it but I¡¯m going to have a long talk with Nathaniel before that happens.¡± Melissamented and Jacob hummed in agreement and that made me chuckle.


    ¡°Anyways¡­can I hold her?¡± I turned to Rachel who seemed taken aback by my question or maybe speaking to her. I doubt we had spoken of recently, or at all since the incident at the mall with Jenny months ago.


    ¡°Of course.¡± She handed me Treasure and I carefully held her in my arms. She was such a deep sleeper. Nathaniel returned back to the table and it was almost time for his best man speech.


    ¡°She¡¯s going to make a great mum, don¡¯t you think Nathaniel?¡± Melissa asked, smirking at me and I shook my head at her question looking at Treasure.


    ¡°Yeah, she will.¡± We looked at each other and I pursed my lips rubbing my glossy lips together.


    This has just been interesting.


    ********


    Hours Later, the wedding reception hade to an end and Liam seemed to have picked the best man for him for real as Nathaniel only shared about two embarrassing moments of their experience at college, an intense argument the newly weds had in their toxic rtionship and overall he stated that they were the most breakable couple he had ever met and overall praised their rtionship before raising a toast.


    ¡°We are taking the limousine to the after party.¡± Melissa got excited after handing her child to her mother for the night.


    Turns out the crazy couple had set up yet another after party tonight. They were party peeps so of course they would do that before traveling for their honeymoon.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Kelvin yelled in excitement and I smiled watching them before feeling a suit on my shoulder and Nathaniel¡¯s intoxicating smell enveloped me.


    ¡°So you don¡¯t get a cold.¡± He said and I smiled appreciating him.


    ¡°Lydia, can I speak to you for a second?¡± Rachel tapped my shoulder as we were still seated in the hall waiting for the arrival of the limousine.


    ¡°Of course.¡± I responded before pulling the jacket towards me and smiling small at the scent.


    We walked a few distance from the people, which not only included us but Liam¡¯s friends from work, college, high-school and Riley¡¯s friends from everywhere as well. I was beginning to feel like heading to my penthouse as well and checking up on Andrew too.


    ¡°I would like to apologize to you from the bottom of my heart. You, neither does anyone in the entire universe deserve such treatment. I am so sorry, I was a very snotty girl who was just following after her mother without having a mind of my own. I hope you forgive me for everything and if you don¡¯t, I would totally understand.¡± She spoke and I exhaled smiling.


    ¡°I forgive you, Rachel. I understand, it¡¯s all in the past. It¡¯s better to move on, you and I both deserve that.¡± She seemed to have understood what I meant by thest part and instantly embraced me and I chuckled hugging her back.


    Life was great not holding grudges or thinking about people who have wronged you in the past. I was in a very happy phase in my life, Rachel and I had been through so much, we deserved that.


    The sound of my phone ringing made us break apart and I scrunched up my face seeing it was a call for the chief investigator.


    ¡°Excuse me, I need to take this.¡± I told Rachel who ushered me to go ahead. She walked a distance giving me space to talk.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I spoke as soon as I answered, my heart raced in anticipation for his answer.


    ¡°Good evening Miss Miller, how are you doing?¡± I rolled my eyes seeing as he was about to beat around the bush.


    ¡°What¡¯s the reason for this call around this time of the night, detective?¡± I went straight ahead to question and I heard him sigh deeply making my mind already generate an answer I hoped not to hear.


    ¡°The DNA and dental record of the body found did not match the suspect¡¯s, we believe she¡¯s alive and breathing or her body has not just been found yet. The whole force is working on it right now.¡± He spoke and I just felt myself get angry.


    JENNIFER WAS STILL ALIVE?? I thought it was over.


    I just hung up and Rachel walked back to me with concern.


    ¡°Everything okay?¡± She asked and I scoffed, shaking my head ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°It seems like is alive.¡± My heart grew heavy uttering those words and Rachel looked at me baffled.


    I should have known better than thinking she was.

 Vacation And Girls Time

    LYDIA¡¯S POV:N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    It was about three dayster and the media had found out so the news was everywhere. Everyone was sending messages and checking up on me, meanwhile at the crack of dawn, I had taken a trip to an Ind nearby and booked a small house with three bedrooms for the next three days. I had already hired securities to be by me throughout and my securities from home had alsoe along with me. It was spontaneous but I just needed a break as I felt extreme anxiety and disappointment.     I felt a storming.     I had only informed Arianna and Lorena about this and the two were baffled but decided toe along as well. I was surprised Ariana made such a decision but she stated that she literally ran away plus she was still staying in her family house so Andrew wasn¡¯t breathing over her neck.     I just alighted out of the car and appreciated the driver/security who opened the door for me. The cool, unpolluted air blew, giving me such a rxing feeling. I took off my dark shades and walked into the resort I had booked. As I stepped into the luxurious resort on the ind, I was immediately captivated by the tropical paradise that surrounds me. The interior is a perfect blend of ind charm and modern luxury. The walls are adorned with vibrant, hand-painted murals depicting the beauty of the ind¡¯s flora and fauna. The furniture is made of rich, natural materials like bamboo and rattan, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.     I was amazed by every single thing.     I stepped into the bedrooms that are like peaceful havens, each with its own unique theme inspired by the ind¡¯s natural wonders. One room features a canopy bed draped in sheer white curtains, evoking a sense of romance and tranquility. Another room showcases vibrant tropical prints and a hammock, perfect for an afternoon siesta. And the third room boasts a nautical theme, with crisp blue and white ents reminiscent of the nearby ocean. I just know we are all going to have a st in here!     ¡°Where do I drop your bags, Ma¡¯am?¡± The guard asked and I debated on which of the rooms I wanted, then picked the second one with the King sized bed.     ¡°Alright ma¡¯am.¡± I appreciated it as he dropped my bags and exited out of the room. I shut the door after and I was just happy. I had totally forgotten how happy traveling around and changing environments made me.     I stripped out of my clothes and tied a white towelplimentary of the resort and tied it around my chest.     The bathrooms were luxurious retreats in their own right. The walls are adorned with mosaic tiles, and the sinks are carved from smooth, natural stone.     The shower was so rxing and I found myselfying on my bed about to sleep right after. The flight was short, just about fifty minutes but I still needed more rest before my girls arrived and we caught up.     The sound of my phone ringing on the stand interrupted me trying to sleep so I groaned in frustration.     I checked the caller ID and winced realizing it was Nathaniel calling. He had been extra protective and caring since the news of Jenny was broadcasted. That night at Liam¡¯s wedding, instead of ruining the night by providing such thetest update, I just told Rachel not to say a word about what I had told her and I lied to Melissa and Nathaniel that I just feel so tired which I was but it was lie because that wasn¡¯t about to stop me initially plus it was a lie by omit.     I just let the phone ring before shooting him a text texting ¡®I can¡¯t talk right now.¡¯ Then I ced my phone back on the stand. And fell asleep.


    ***********     HOURS LATER (NIGHT TIME):     The girls had arrived and we were now seated at the restaurant near the beach, eating some delicious seafood and talking amongst each other. I just admired how the two were glowing talking about their partners, I wondered when I would ever have that.     Lorena just kept speaking on how different, in a good way, Darren had been since they tied the knot. She also stated that her parents had stopped disturbing her for the wedding at least for now, and she didn¡¯t know if she should be scared or happy.     ¡°Andrew spoke so responsibly and you know he showed my father the ring he had purchased weeks before the ident. My heart was heavy because I didn¡¯t think he took me really seriously. Like I knew he loved him but I didn¡¯t think he loved me that much.¡± Ari spoke and I smiled.     ¡°Aww, did you see the ring?¡± Lorena asked and she shook her head.     ¡°Have you seen it, Lydia?¡± I shook my head as I truly hadn¡¯t seen it nor did he tell me anything.     ¡°You know if Andrew isn¡¯t telling Lydia about something then he¡¯s either nervous or feel shy about it.¡± Lorena pointed out and we chuckled. It was true.     ¡°Lydia, how are you and Nathaniel?¡± Ari wiggled her eyes suggestively and I swallowed my drink looking between her and Lorena as they both smirked waiting for me to speak.     ¡°Nothing is going on between us, alright? We are just friends.¡± They rolled their eyes and Lorena sucked her teeth staring at me with disappointment.     ¡°Okay, okay¡­at his friend¡¯s wedding, the one for three days back. He was just the sweetest and most yful I had ever seen him plus he looked extremely handsome.¡± I ignored the looks from them and just continued speaking.     ¡°But he asked me a question as we danced that had me thinking and I just wanted to talk to you two and arrive at a decision.¡± I informed them and they gestured for me to continue.     ¡°He asked, ¡®Do you have feelings for me right now?¡¯ And I wasn¡¯t sure on how I should feel and luckily I was saved by the end of the music. I really don¡¯t know if I have feelings for him.¡± I told them and Ari exhaled, touching my shoulder.     ¡°Lorena, is it just me or was she glowing as she talked about him at least before her face contorted in confusion?¡± Ari began her analysis and I sat back looking between the two of them.     ¡°Yes I saw it. I feel like you do have feelings for me or the feelings have just never died but you¡¯re just scared to admit that.¡± Lorena pointed out and I gave them a look that said, ¡°Really?¡±

 Too Bad

    Lydia¡¯s POV:     ¡°For real. Like don¡¯t you get giddy when you see him?¡± Lorena asked and I pursed my lips.     ¡°Or don¡¯t you just stare at him with admiration when he smiles, don¡¯t you just want to melt?¡± Ari spoke, zoning out and leaning on her left hand. We just chuckled as she stared into space, probably thinking about Andrew.     ¡°I believe you just need to share with him your fears of even admitting you like him. You don¡¯t want any sort of rejection nor abuse ever again, so just even admitting it and saying it outloud scares you.¡± Lorena pointed out and she knew me so well.     Maybe I was scared, maybe I did truly have feelings for Nathaniel King¡­. As I said it in my head, realization dawned on me.     Our phones began to ding and go off simultaneously, and we looked at each bringing out our phones.     ¡°Ouuuu¡­you two are in trouble. I¡¯m not because my man knows my whereabouts.¡± Lorena spoke and Ari and I looked at each other. Andrew, Nathaniel, my father, Roseline were blowing up my phone seeing me bunch of messages and dozens of calls.     The signal was horrible which is why we are just seeing everything. Lorena was right, we were in trouble¡­


    **************N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    JENNY¡¯S POV:     I sat at the back seat of a Jeep I had stolen from the man who took care of me these past few months. I really appreciated him but I had to do what I had to do.     I wanted to make a huge entrance but turns out they already discovered I was still alive. So my appearance had to be more crazy.     Wondering how I survived the incident with the police? Let me fill you in.     shback to a month ago:     I was badly injured and my side had been grazed by a bullet. I had torn my shirt and tied it around the wound while I sat at the shore.     My whole body was wet and I was cold, I was certain they had been searching the whole day for me. I couldn¡¯t even believe I swarmed and survived this. I felt huge fatigue and slumbering over me, weak was an understatement on how I felt and blood gushed out by side.     After everything I am just going to die like this? Like amon criminal? My mother wouldn¡¯t be pleased in the slightest. I mean she wouldn¡¯t even be pleased hearing that I put our family name on the line. Everyone would be so disappointed in me and I truly didn¡¯t care.     I was on the verge of dying and tears brimmed in my eye. So I would never get my revenge on Lydia? I would never get married to Nathaniel? Why..     As I cried, feeling pain all over my body, especially my wound, the only light I saw was the light from the moon. Everywhere was pitch ck and the only sounding from the crickets and the bark of a dog.     Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching and some light. I couldn¡¯t tell if it was light that I could see because death was approaching or from someone in the bush.     I couldn¡¯t care less whether I was still on earth or the afterlife, the pain was so unbearable. I began to shout,     ¡°Help! Someone please help!¡± I cried out in a loud voice, using myst energy to scream, I could feel blood and excruciating pain as I screamed.     ¡°Someone help.¡± I said in a faint tone and that I shut my eyes and my mouth. I vaguely heard a dog and footsteps approaching.     ¡°O My God.¡± Whoever it was said, and that¡¯s all I could remember before passing out.     ******     ¡°Thank you doctor¡­¡± I heard as my eyes slowly fluttered open. The first thing I saw was a wooden roof and bright light from the sun.     ¡°Oh¡­would you look at that, she¡¯s waking up.¡± My eyes reverted to them and I couldn¡¯t fully open it, I saw two men standing there. One was dressed in a brown police uniform and he had on a cap as well while the other man was just in a simple corporate outfit, he seemed like the doctor.     I tried to move but I winced in pain, and held my side. It was then I realized it was wrapped in a band aid.     ¡°Careful.¡± The policeman spoke with worry trying to help me up and the doctor helped me as well.     ¡°Who are you? What am I doing here?¡± I became alert, my memory was fuzzy and I didn¡¯t know if I was in the afterlife though I expected it to be beautiful, or if the police had already arrested me. Best believe I was ready to run even with how weak and sore my whole body was.     ¡°I am Officer Ken, I saw you hurt and sore at the shore around the woods and brought you here. This is Doctor Ed, who helped in taking care of you.¡± He introduced me and my heart was filled with happiness that I was alive.     ¡°Yes, you were on the verge of death but with the little resources I have and were able to get from the hospital, we were able to revive you. How do you feel? Do you remember what happened to you?¡± Doctor Ed questioned and the two looked at me in anticipation and concern.     They didn¡¯t know who I was and rescued me? Wow , they are so jobless.. I just hope they weren¡¯t expecting sex or a dime from me.     But on another hand, rather than revealing my identity, I could do something even better and pave a way for myself.     ¡°I don¡¯t remember anything.¡± I pretended, holding my head and my arms were just so sore, especially my shoulders. Was it due to the escape?     They looked at each then back at me, ¡°Do you at least remember your name or how you could probably have gotten here? A rtive maybe?¡± The policeman asked.     I thought deeply and though I remember it all, I shook my head ¡°no¡± and I was at the brim of tears.     ¡°I don¡¯t remember anything.¡± I answered and they sighed deeply.     That was how the two men took care of me and catered for my every need. They would have even assumed we were friends especially after they gave me a name, Miriam.     Too bad¡­. I waspletely healed and I had goals to achieve. So long losers!     Now, it was time to get my Nathaniel back and handle Lydia and probably take on the whole police force.     Haha¡­

 The Phone Call

    NATHANIEL¡¯S POV:


    6:30 PM:


    I was seated in my home office throwing my entire mind into the work I had to do. The pleasing news of an open contract from the Millers offered to apany with a pretty nice amount made me happy business wise along with yet, about three other deals. But I was feeling uneasy, so I took a long, soothing shower after checking up on Rachel and shooting Lydia yet another text. The pictures of her and friends trending had me zooming into the picture so I could see only her clearly.


    She was literally the most beautiful woman and I missed her. Her dry, short replies didn¡¯t please me one bit.


    I drank out my cup of coffee and leaned back in my seat when my phone started ringing loudly. I frowned and reverted my attention to it, a giddy feeling overcame me as I checked the caller ID.


    ¡°Hello? Good evening Nathaniel.¡± Her soft voice boomed through my ears. I cleared my throat and remained calm as I prepared to speak.


    ¡°How are you doing Lydia?¡± I asked and I could hear the sound of cars and horns in the background.


    She must be back¡­I thought to myself.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing great! I just arrived back in the city and wanted to know if you were free for dinner tonight.¡± I was taken aback by her question, I didn¡¯t even have ns for dinner and getting the chance to see her¡­. tonight¡­excited me.


    ¡°Of course. Just text me the details.¡± I responded with a smile leaning back in my seat.


    ¡°I will. See you in a while.¡± She said and we exchanged goodbyes before hanging up. I was so excited, I instantly hopped out of my seat and headed upstairs.


    I was standing in my walking closet debating on what to wear. Anticipation grew in my heart as I kept picking an outfit but felt it didn¡¯t seem right for the asion, because something told me tonight was going to be great.


    Lydia asking me to dinner meant an improvement right? What did she want to talk about?


    I decided to video call Rachel so she could help with making an outfit choice.


    ¡°Hello Nathaniel for the 15th time. Why are you calling me now?¡± Rachel groaned in frustration as soon as she picked the call.


    She looked like she had just woken up and I felt somewhat apologetic but she had disturbed me countless times, so this was just a payback for a good cause.


    ¡°Help me pick an outfit for a date tonight.¡± Her eyes went wide and she sat all the way up, her face turned into a grin and she switched on the lights in her room.


    ¡°You? Lydia? Tonight? OMG¡­¡± She squealed in excitement and I rolled my eyes at her excitement.


    ¡°Yes, so which of these two?¡± I showed her my two suggestions and ced my phone on the center table there. She smiled, analyzing each outfit intently.


    Seeing Rachel happy and rxed these past few days made me so happy as well, I was d. She had simply given me a brief summary of her encounter with Jason but from what I had heard, I felt things weren¡¯t exactly over but I hoped it was. Everyone was happy and living their lives, even Lydia who I expected to be worried. I felt at peace seeing everyone smiling and happy, but on another hand, I couldn¡¯t believe how much I had mentally checked out from the rtionship between my mother and I. It was appalling, but I had gained so much peace from that, as well as everyone around me, especially Rachel.


    ¡°Go with this.¡± I analyzed the outfit and it was the option I was leaning towards.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I would wear. Turns out I didn¡¯t need you.¡± I spoke yfully and she rolled her eyes in a full circle.


    ¡°Sureee.. Just let me know how the dinner goes. You¡¯re a manageably good looking man so she¡¯s going to fall in love the minute she sees you.¡± I simply hummed nonchntly at her words because she just kept ying.


    Lydia will fall in love with me? I felt I needed to try harder to make her fall in love with me.


    ¡°Whatever, Goodbye.¡± I spoke dismissively about hanging up.


    ¡°Byee¡­I love you. Don¡¯t be nervous.¡± My heart smiled at those three words. From siblings who barely spoke and argued all the time to this bond we were slowly forming. I was happy.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ¡°I love you too.¡± I hung up immediately and went ahead to get dressed. I had picked out gray cks and a button down shirt matching with a nice pair of shoes. I essories with a diamond watch, which I barely wore.


    I hummed to a tune as I sprayed a new cologne, it had a woody and appealing scent. As I arranged to take my leave, staring at the location Lydia had sent, I realized I was about forty-five minutes prepared. It was better to be too early either way.


    My phone began to ring as I exited out of the room. My face turned to a frown as I looked at the Caller ID, it was simply a private number. I simply ignored it as I assumed it was simply a spam call but it rang again a second after.


    I turned off the lights and grabbed my keys, coat and wallet about to leave and when it rang the third time, I reluctantly answered.


    ¡°Hello? Who is this?¡± I questioned and all I could hear was someone breathing on the other line.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I sucked my teeth sharply about to hang up but was stopped by the next words.


    ¡°Nathaniel¡­. how have you been?¡± The sound of a familiar voice inquired and I stopped in my tracks.


    ¡°Jennifer, is that you?¡± I asked and she giggled. My heart sank when I realized it was her.


    ¡°O My¡­You know my voice¡­I have missed you so much, Nate.¡± She said softly and I let out a breath debating what to say or do.


    They were right, the police, Jenny was alive and what¡¯s worse is¡­. she seems to be back.


    ¡°I¡¯m back in town, let¡¯s meet up tonight like right now. Or do you have other ns with Lydia or someone?¡± I clenched my jaw and the fact that her question was so right was suspicious.


    ¡°Jennifer¡­¡±

 Lydia鈥檚 Anger

    Nathaniel¡¯s POV:


    ¡°Uhn, uhn, It¡¯s Jenny. And you bettere down from your apartment building without calling the police or doing anything stupid, or best believe I will send my people to shoot Lydia who is in her penthouse dressed in a white robe getting her hair done to meet with you tonight. Oh and our beloved sister, Rachel, who is watching a movie in her apartment a few miles from here wearing a white and ck pj¡¯s.¡± Her description of their exact actions was worrisome. Jenny wouldn¡¯t do that, right?


    ¡°If you think I wouldn¡¯t ask for their brains to be blown off then you must underestimate how much I love you. So you better make the right decision ande to the parking lot in a ck fully tinted minivan. Now!¡± She snapped and I clenched and unclenched my jaw.


    Before I could respond, a knock came through the door and when I looked at the camera to see who it was, a man dressed in a ck and ck outfit stood there showing me surveince and Lydia and Rachel doing exactly what she had said.


    ¡°So make a decision and don¡¯t you dare text or call anyone because I would shoot them and I would know as well because you do know I have tapped your devices. Make a decision Nathaniel.¡± Jenny spoke and I was furious and annoyed at how helpless I was at the moment.


    What do I do now?


    Protect the women I love the most.


    LYDIA¡¯S POV:


    AN HOUR LATER:


    I was seated in the restaurant sippingplimentary wine and I was both nervous and excited at the same time.


    During the vacation with Ari and Lorena, I hade to a decision that I would talk to Nathaniel as soon as I got back about my feelings and my fear just as Lorena had suggested. Which is why, I set up this dinner which could either take things to another level for us or lead to us just being friends or business acquaintances.


    I had arrived about five minutes ago and I was surprised Nathaniel wasn¡¯t here yet neither had he called or sent a message as I had discovered he loved being early for every event he was made to attend. I sent him a text letting him know I had arrived but it didn¡¯t even deliver.


    To keep myself busy and upied, I scanned through the menu. The smell of the food was mouth watering as usual. I had requested a private dinner tonight in one of the coziest ces in the family restaurant.


    ¡°Are you ready to order, Miss Miller?¡± The waiter asked with a polite smile and I returned the smile shaking my head.


    ¡°I¡¯m waiting for someone.¡± I responded and he nodded in understanding walking off. After he left, my phone began to ring in my purse and I instantly brought it out anticipating a call from Nathaniel but on the contrary, it was surprisingly Aaron calling.


    My eyes went wide and I picked it up immediately.


    ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Lydia, how are you doing? Are you doing well? I heard about that criminal still being alive, I just wanted to make sure you¡¯re doing okay.¡± He spoke in a rush making a soft smile graze my face.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay, thank you for checking up on me. Lorena, Ari and I just returned for a much needed trip, so I¡¯m a bitid back and I feel extremely protected. I doubt she would even step back in the city knowing the whole police office wasing for her.¡± I responded calmly, leaning back in my seat.


    I was trulyid back and just happy. Though I had been feeling uneasy the entire night, I just concluded it was due to my confession tonight, so I didn¡¯t think too much about it. Jenny couldn¡¯t do anything to me nor the people I loved. We were all surrounded with security and she must have had an army if she thinks she can break it.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy to hear that. Jeremiah is so disappointed that he let you down, he begged for me to call you. Not that, he had to¡­I just you know¡­. worry about you and love you from a distance.¡± My heart skipped a beat at that.


    Why couldn¡¯t I just love him? Why did I have to have feelings for someone who had brought me so much pain?


    Love is weird.


    ¡°Thank you, Aaron. I am so happy to hear from you after all these months.¡± We talked for a while and he informed me he had been busy with work and I filled him in on my book but turns out he really had been loving and supporting me from a distance, as he knew everything and watched me from a distance.


    Aaron was a great man to be really honest.


    ¡°I have to go now but it was great to hear from you. Take good care of yourself and call me for anything.¡± He said and I nodded with a smile.


    ¡°Same here. Bye Aaron, I¡­.¡± I was about to say I love you but held myself back.


    ¡°I love you too, Lydia.¡± He chuckled and I smiled before hanging up.


    Maybe someday we would look back at this andugh, probably telling our children or spouses about this. I truly appreciated him.


    After hanging up, I realized we had been talking for about thirty minutes and yet Nathaniel hadn¡¯t shown up nor had he called or texted. I took a deep breath and adjusted my hair, staring at myself in my phone¡¯s camera with admiration.T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    I had taken the time to look beautiful, and even curled my hair about a dozen times to make it perfect.


    ¡°Let me be patient.¡± I told myself, drinking out of my wine and I waited.


    Thirty minutes turned to an hour and by an hour thirty minutes, I ordered something to eat as I was famished and I tried calling him as I got worried but his phone didn¡¯t even ring. After two hours of waiting, I cleared my te and requested dessert to go, then with anger and disappointment, I left the restaurant.


    How dare he stand me up?

 Mrs King Call

    RACHEL¡¯S POV:


    THE NEXT DAY:


    It was 5am when I woke up and realized I had fallen asleep watching a series on Netflix. I cleaned my eyes and ced the empty bowl of popcorn on the floor. I rearranged my bed andid down then unplugged my phone from beside me. I checked if I had missed a call from Nathaniel who I hoped would have sent a message or called to fill me in on the date ofst night but didn¡¯t.


    Such a big head.


    Two hourster, I was up and had gotten ready for the day I nned out. I headed to the mall to buy a few clothes and necessities for my trip. I wasn¡¯t sure where I was headed to yet but I needed to leave the country. I wanted to think about my new decision, ns for my life, and also go for therapy and heal so I can grow and be the best version of myself.


    Which is why, with the money I get paid for being a King at thepany, I used it and got a penthouse. This was my first time living alone and getting some freedom. Nathaniel was reluctant to leave me alone here in worry of Jason but he nned it out for perfection nheless.


    I was grateful for him.


    I was at so much peace after apologizing to Lydia and getting her forgiveness. My prayer right now was that she would be my sister-inw, they would make beautiful babies. Anything I needed to gain peace, I did just that.


    Which is why I agreed to meeting with Jason today. I was uncertain on why he wanted me to see him after letting me go. Or did he assume I would run back into his arms after a week? He was totally pathetic and I continued realizing it every single time I thought about him.


    As I wore my sneakers, I tried calling Nathaniel but it didn¡¯t even ring.


    He is probably busy, I will bother him at workter.¡­. I concluded as I tied my shoce.


    Then I headed out, grabbing my keys and coat. I was in a green matching set of high trousers and a sleeve crop top. I kept debating whether sneakers would go with it but it did as I gazed at myself in the mirror.


    ¡°Good morning.¡± I greeted my two security guards appointed by Nathaniel and they responded giving my nod as a form of respect.


    ¡°I¡¯m headed to the mall.¡± I informed them and they started up the Bentley and I leaned back in the back seat of the car looking at the morning news. The car reached a speed bump and as I jumped, I suddenly started to feel scared and worried.


    Probably because I was seeing Jason?


    My phone began to ring in my hand and my face formed into a frown seeing my mother calling me for God knows what. With irritation and annoyance, I picked it up knowing she would interrupt my peace.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I answered and she was simply breathing heavily on the other line.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do anything stupid, Rachel.¡± Those were the first words she uttered and I frowned, feeling myself about to get angry.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°You heard me, don¡¯t do anything stupid. Get ready for your trip and just leave! Okay?¡± She instructed and with anger, I sucked my teeth sharply and hung up.


    What was going on? What did she mean?


    So after everything she had done, she still talks to me that way when she ought to be apologetic. My heart was heavy as I nodded slowly.


    It was totally fine, I might not have friends anymore or have her evil guidance, so long as I had a very supportive and loving brother then nothing else matters.


    ******


    After shopping for about an hour, I had gotten a call from Jason who told me he was down in the parking lot in a ck mini van and he needed me to talk to me in there as I no longer deserve anything ssy.


    I chuckled humorlessly at his pettiness and went in there along with my muscr body guards who were not in the slightest way amused.


    I opened the door to the van wide and one of my bodyguards stood by the door preventing it from getting closed while the other was in the car getting ready to chase the minivan incase Jason wanted to act crazy.


    ¡°What do you want Jason?¡± I took a seat next to him and he had a smug look on his face as he stared at me intently in hispletely ck attire, ck suit, ck shirt, ck pants and a ck glove as well.


    ¡°Oh¡­I just wanted to see your beautiful face. It has been a while.¡± Heplimented and I knitted my eyebrow in irritation.


    ¡°You should just stop all these. Your maniption no longer works on me.¡± He chuckled at that and I looked around the van and for some reason I smelt a woody cologne. Jason never wear something that ssic, only Nathaniel.


    ¡°This smells good right?¡± I had just dragged Nathaniel toe shopping with me and since he was at the mall, he decided to buy a few things he needed.


    He sprayed on my wrist and I inhaled the scent and it was almost like all his regr colognes, just this seemed more APPEALING.


    ¡°Yeah, it smells great.¡± Imented.


    My heart raced as that memory crossed my mind. There is no reason why Nathaniel would have been here, maybe I just miss him.


    ¡°Oh, it doesn¡¯t? But I was never maniptive.¡± He spoke and I sucked my teeth looking at him crazy. I instantly stood up from the chair.


    ¡°Since you think everything is a joke. I don¡¯t have time for this.¡± I was about to leave, shutting the door and his chuckling caught my attention.


    ¡°You smelt that annoying cologne right? Smells like your brother right?¡± Heughed and I looked between his eyes and my heart raced.

 Taken

    Rachel POV:


    ¡°Send my regards to him, well that¡¯s if you ever get to see him again.¡± My heart sank and I looked at my security then back at Jason.


    ¡°What in the world are you saying, fool?¡± I snapped and he shrugged with a bright smile.


    ¡°Nothing, I¡¯m just an investor, I don¡¯t put my hands in this stuff. But I make sure I receive the worth of my investment. Goodbye now.¡± He pressed the button and the doors slowly closed making me fist my hand while he waved at him happily.


    Why was he speaking in parables? What exactly was going on?


    ¡°I¡¯m already calling my mates at his penthouse.¡± My security said and I took in deep breaths pacing back and forth. I tried calling Nathaniel again and yet the same results.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± I eximed and felt myself about to cry just thinking about the worst scenarios.


    I called Kelvin, who had been the best person I had ever known in the midst of the crap I was going through.


    ¡°Hello, what¡¯s up Rachel?¡± He asked and I sniffled breathing heavily. I was I¡¯m distress as I thought the worst as we headed to Nathaniel¡¯s penthouse which was about an hour drive from the hotel building I was staying at, it was a subsidiary of the Miller¡¯s Hotel.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Are you okay?¡± He questioned worriedly and I just shook my hand like he could see me.


    ¡°I think something horrible has happened to Nathaniel.¡± I said and he became quiet.


    **************


    4 HOURS LATER:


    It was the middle of the day when all Nathaniel¡¯s friends, his assistant and two investigators along with the men who were meant to be securing his ce.


    ¡°Though it hasn¡¯t been up to 24 hours, we are working on this because there¡¯s a possibility Miss Jennifer is back in the city. So I will request if we can ess the security footage ofst night.¡± The investigator said and I nodded.


    Nathaniel¡¯s assistant, Lisa, hade here because Nathaniel was meant to have an important meeting today and when he didn¡¯te around nor answer his calls, which was so unlike him, she decided toe by and check up on him. Jacob and Liam had gotten a call from Kelvin informing them of what I had just told him, so they quit their work and practically ran down here.


    ¡°We had been sent home for the night as soon as Mr Nathaniel arrived in his apartment after work. He seemed tired and stressed out, so we left and decided toe early this morning. He didn¡¯t answer the doorbell so we forced ourselves in, thinking the worst but everywhere was clean. Nothing seemed suspicious, so we concluded he had spent the night out.¡± One of his security informed us and we all sighed. I noticed Kelvin was no longer in the living room where we were all at.


    The next thing we heard was a doorbell and I rushed to go answer it hoping it was Nathaniel. But it wasn¡¯t, it was Lydia standing in there with worry written all over her face.


    ¡°Hi,e in.¡± I weed and she stared at me, analyzing me from head to toe.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Jacob had called me toe over here and it seemed hasty.¡± She told me and I nodded as I had informed everyone that thest time I talked to Nathaniel was when he was picking an oue for his date.


    I was about to fill her in when one of the investigators interrupted.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Miss Miller. We are currently looking for Mr King who we haven¡¯t been able to contact nor see in thest few hours. And we gathered that you were thest person he was talking to and went out withst night.¡± The investigator said and Lydia knitted her eyebrow.


    ¡°Nathaniel didn¡¯t meet with mest night. Our date was meant to be by 8 and he stood me up. I tried calling but it didn¡¯t ring.¡± We all sighed and I ran my hand in between my hair.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    She was literally myst hope.


    ¡°To think I was so mad at him, I blocked his number.¡± She muttered, feeling guilty holding her forehead.


    ¡°So what¡¯s next? Have you checked the security footage ofst night?¡± She questioned and the investigators responded stating they were working on getting ess.


    ¡°I think there¡¯s a reason why we haven¡¯t been able to reach his line.¡± Lisa held the shattered phone in her hand and my heart sank further.


    ¡°ce it on the floor.¡± The authorities instructed and Lisa instantly did. They brought out their gloves and packed the phone in a transparent evidence bag.


    ¡°What in the world is going on?¡± Liam asked and Kelvin came from behind looking stressed out.


    ¡°Do you think Jenny is back?¡± Jacob asked to contact someone and we were all thinking the same thing.


    When Jason said he invested, did he mean he provided funds to Jenny or to someone who could help kidnap Nathaniel and bring me misery?


    I walked to the table where Nathaniel keeps the keys to his car, andline telephone, a notepad, a pen and other stuff. I just stood in front, tapping my fingers on the table repeatedly. Until I saw something was written on the notepad, words written ntly.


    Lydia began to discuss with the authorities who stared at us getting stressed while the security just went outside feeling extremely restless. I was trying to read the words written.


    J¡­E¡­. N¡­N¡­Y.


    ¡°Jenny is involved in this.¡± I muttered to myself and Lydia and the force were already headed out.


    I knew it, especially my mum¡¯s weird call this morning. She was aware of this, and she supported the kidnapping of her son. What kind of weird obsession does she have for Jennifer?


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± We all inquired looking at the two with hope.


    ¡°They had found something on the CCTV.¡± Lydia spoke and we all followed along with her and investigators.


    I grabbed the notepad and grabbed my phone.

 Her Obsession

    3RD POV:


    THE NEXT DAY:


    It had been more than 24 hours since Nathaniel had gone missing. The crew hade across footage of Nathaniel entering a ck minivan but from the look of things, it didn¡¯t seem forced.


    And why? Because he willingly entered to ensure his girls were protected. The police couldn¡¯t even see the te number because the van didn¡¯t have one. Everyone was in Nathaniel¡¯s apartment waiting for an update from the police and also conducting their own research.


    Lydia had just made coffee for everyone and handed a cup to Rachel who had just been leaning on her. Jacob and Melissa had left because it was simply frustrating justying around and waiting for an update or waiting on Kelvin to discover something. But Liam¡¯s wife, Riley hade aroundter that night along with Lorena and Darren who came to providefort for Lydia.


    ¡°I think Jason is involved and I also think my mother knows something about it.¡± Rachel spoke out loud all of a sudden and everyone turned towards her.


    It kept bothering her keeping it as it could havee as useful information. The only thing she had shown them was the writing scribbled on the notepad and they had already established that it had to do with Jenny.


    ¡°What? Jason? Your mum, Mrs King?¡± Kelvin asked in confirmation and Rachel nodded her head.


    She ran down her conversation with Jason and her mother yesterday and they all scoffed in disbelief.


    ¡°I suggest we inform the police ASAP. Maybe they call track Jason or your mum, whom I¡¯m still baffled about.¡± Riley spoke and they all agreed.


    ¡°I will call them right now.¡± Liam said and whipped out his phone dialing the chief investigator on both Jenny and now this case.


    ¡°Hello¡­. Detective¡­. we have new information that we think can help.¡± Liam spoke and Lydia walked to the kitchen to answer Andrew¡¯s call. He was worried about her and Nathaniel¡¯s current situation, so he was trying to be supportive.


    Just like always, the media had found out about Nathaniel going missing and it was everywhere. Mrs King had seen it and smiled, she said to herself,


    My son is finally where he is meant to be and the woman he was born to be with. I¡¯m proud. She was extremely pleased and she drank out of her tea.


    The maids present with her just stared at her like she was crazy and went ahead to gossip on why a mother will smile at the news of her missing son.


    Everything was extremely crazy.T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Lorena questioned Lydia stepping into the kitchen and seeing Lydia leaning on the kitchen counter holding onto Nathaniel¡¯s apron. It smelt just like him.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared. What if¡­. What if something horrible happens to him?¡± She cried and Lorena¡¯s face turned to pure sadness seeing tears dropping down her best friend¡¯s cheeks.


    ¡°O MY¡­. Lydia, stop crying.¡± She pulled her for a hug and embraced her, patting her back softly.


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be okay. That crazy Jenny or whatever her stupid name is, loves him so she¡¯s not going to hurt him.¡± Lorena spoke trying to convince Lydia who pulled herself from the embrace and shook her head.


    ¡°She¡¯s crazy and obsessed with Nathaniel, I feel she¡¯s going to hurt him. I feel it. I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m going to do if something happens to him.¡± She continued crying and Lorenaforted her, Rachel who was at the door began crying as well.


    Let my brother return safely¡­please. She begged the heavens internally with hope and faith.


    ****************


    AT A WAREHOUSE:


    HOURS LATER:


    Nathaniel was seated on a plush couch for the past 24 hours. His arms were tied to the arm rest but the room was extremely dark. His feet were together as well, and he basically had no idea when this was done to him. As soon as he entered into the minivan and the doors were shut, Jenny, the woman who imed to love him more than anything in the world, injected him in order to have him sleep for hours.


    He had woken up in distress, after a bad dream, a few hours ago. In his dream, he had seen Lydia and surprisingly Lorena crying over someone. And when he nced at the person who they were crying over, it turned out to be not only one person, but also two people who were Kelvin and Andrew. And no one even regarded him in the dream.


    ¡°Jennifer.¡± He called out with his voice hoarse and he still felt extremely dizzy. Even after hours of waking up.


    ¡°Jenny!¡± He called out louder and coughed loudly after. The door to the room opened and lights finally shined into the dark cold room and someone who he could barely see entered into the room. His vision was blurry and whoever entered the room switched on the dim light bulb.


    He vaguely saw Jenny who took a seat in a single chair right in front of him. He blinked repeatedly and Jenny smiled from ear to ear looking at him. She had taken a shower and hadbed out her fringe which was so close to her eyes, and her hair¡¯s color seemed brighter. She was dressed in a ck hoodie which said, I love my man and matching ck pants to match. The entire room smells like dust.


    ¡°Jenny¡­. What are you doing? And what did you give me?¡± He asked slurring his words and she cupped his face in her hands and pecked his lips repeatedly. He tried to move his face away but she held onto it tightly and looked into his eyes before kissing his lips sloppily.


    She didn¡¯t even care that he didn¡¯t kiss her back, she was filled with dness and joy tasting his lips after many months, years even.


    ¡°Nathaniel, I love you so much.¡± She spoke after breaking up the kiss only to see the look of disgust on his face.


    ¡°What? You didn¡¯t like it? You wish it was Lydia you were kissing right?¡± She stood up feeling herself getting angry at the thought of Lydia and him sharing a kiss.


    ¡°I came with YOU, Jenny. What did you inject me with? Why did you fucking tie me up? And what in heaven¡¯s name do you want from me.¡­¡± He spoke slowly but he was fuming. He couldn¡¯t even use his hands to clean his lips as he felt disgusted.


    ¡°I guess they were right when they stated the injection was strong.¡± She spoke as if just remembering. They had stated that just a dose was required but Jenny had given him two extra.


    ¡°Anyways, I tied you up because we are finally together and nothing is going to take you away from me. What other question? Oh and Nathaniel, baby, you know you¡¯re all I ever want. You just make things extremely difficult. Why can¡¯t just love me freely like you did before? Why do you keep making so much trouble for me?¡± She asked, sitting right back and bringing out her gun, setting it on herp.


    Nathaniel exhaled shakily, feeling weak and his eyes were droopy. He couldn¡¯t describe how unwell he felt and listening to the rubbishing out of Jenny¡¯s mouth was increasing his headache.


    ¡°Because I don¡¯t love you! I don¡¯t want you, I want Lydia, don¡¯t you get that?¡± Jenny¡¯s eyes changed and her blood fumed as she heard that. She stood up from the chair and held her gun in her hand.


    ¡°Lydia this, Lydia that. Lydia, Lydia, Lydia, Lydia, every fucking time. I¡¯m so sick of her, I should have had her killedst night.¡± she clenched her jaw and Nathaniel blinked repeatedly so he could engage in this conversation just well.


    ¡°She saved your life, donated blood for you for years and returned every dime I gave her aspensation even though I didn¡¯t treat her right and yet you harbor so much hate for her because of what? Me? I don¡¯t even see you as a friend anymore but amon criminal after everything you¡¯ve done.¡± She scoffed at his words, everything he kept saying was simply adding fire to her anger.

 Life, I Beg Of You

    3RD POV:


    ¡°Nathaniel, do you know how many years I pretend to truly need her dirty blood that I no longer did?¡± She scoffed and Nathaniel stared at her intently though it wasn¡¯t exactly easy due to the intoxication.


    ¡°I made a deal with the doctor, we continued lying, we needed her blood and in exchange he lied for me to you. And you would take so much care of me, I miss that version of Nathaniel. Who disregarded his wife for me and now guess who is going to be your wife?¡± She smiled and Nathaniel was angry and disappointed with himself. He was extremely regretful and cursed the day he met her.


    ¡°I would rather die than marry you. All I did for you was just a form of appreciation for saving my life when we were kids.¡± He responded and she bursted outughing.


    Sheughed boisterously thinking back to that day, they imed she saved his life. Nathaniel was trying to figure out a way to untie the ropes and an escape route but his head was banging and his heart was racing unnecessarily.


    Were they the side effects of the injection?


    ¡°What if I told you, I wasn¡¯t the one who saved you that day but your stupid Lydia which is one of the reasons I hate her even more?¡± Jenny confessed and Nathaniel shook his head in disbelief and confusion.


    FLASHBACK TO WHEN THEY WERE KIDS:


    Rachel, Nathaniel, Jennifer were all ying at the park having fun. Meanwhile Lorena, Aaron and Lydia so happened to be at their favorite bench taking a break after ying all round the park. Lorena¡¯s nanny had bought ice cream for the three and was watching them.


    ¡°Let¡¯s y tag again!¡± Young Lorena suggested and with the energy from the intake of sugar, they nodded and began to y all around.


    Rachel walked towards Aaron and asked, ¡°Can we y with you? You seem so fun.¡± Nathaniel wasn¡¯t too far behind her and Jenny, who wasn¡¯t a fan of having new friends, was reluctant toe with him.


    ¡°You¡¯re It.¡± Lydia tapped on Nathaniel¡¯s shoulder and they all ran away from Nathaniel and he began to chase all five of them. He was only able to chase Jenny who was still working on her speed, in fear of being caught, she kept looking backwards and Nathaniel wasn¡¯t paying attention to where he was going as he was calcting tagging Lydia who was ying around since she had tagged him.


    Jenny ran down the park and crossed the road giggling and Nathaniel tried to catch up with her as well without paying attention and his nanny was discussing with Aaron¡¯s nanny, so their eyes weren¡¯t focused on the kids.


    Unbeknownst to Nathaniel, a truck wasing and when he heard a horn of the truck approaching, he froze rather than hurriedly running away. Lydia looked with eyes and remembered all her mother had taught about cars and crossing the road.


    That day, Lydia risked her life by going out of her way to drag Nathaniel who was struck by the expectancy of the truck hitting him.


    Afterwards the truck passed and the parents in the park along with the two¡¯s nanny hurriedly ran and checked up on the kids.


    END OF FLASHBACK:


    ¡°Rachel or you could eveb remember who exactly saved you. Additionally, the nanny wasn¡¯t paying attention, so I owned up to that win.¡± She gave a smug smile and Nathaniel was simply disgusted by her.


    ¡°You¡¯re sick¡­I just can¡¯t believe you.¡± From young she was like this, she was capable of so much. I think I have underestimated her. Nathaniel thought.


    ¡°All because I love you.¡± She went closer to him and smiled. He tried to fight the ropes on him. But sheughed knowing how well she had tied him.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere, Nathaniel. We belong together forever and ever.¡± Nathaniel was just so uneasy and a second after the door bursted wide open.


    ¡°We have been found, boss. The police have surrounded the building, Mr Wilist requested you deliver his message or I will.¡± Jenny¡¯s amused facial expression turned into fear.


    Jason or Mr Wilist like he wants to be called, had contacted her and invested into her n by providing the warehouse and weapons, in exchange, she had to either make Nathaniel go through excruciating pain or kill him. Okay, that was wrong, he requested Nathaniel go through pain then after he would be shot. It was revenge foring between his practically nonexistent rtionship with Rachel. He wanted both Nathaniel and Rachel to pay. Rachel¡¯s pay was losing her brother. Jenny wasn¡¯t in support but agreed, nning to elope with Nathaniel afterwards.


    ¡°It¡¯s the police. Drop your weapons, we areing in!¡± She heard from outside and Nathaniel smiled small, feeling some type of hope.


    ¡°Now, I would be away from you and I can now start a family with the woman I love.¡± He spoke drowsy and that triggered Jenny because the next second, she had pulled the trigger on Nathaniel and shot him 3 times without thinking.


    Seeing the blood gushing from him, and his eyes closing finally, she instantly regretted her decision.


    ¡°No¡­. no¡­. no¡­. What have I done? Nathaniel¡­!!!¡± She screamed in horror, breathing heavily and crying as she stared at him and she went closer to him, meanwhile the police bursted into the warehouse and began the arrest.


    ¡°Nathaniel, I¡¯m sorry¡­. I¡¯m so sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to.. ¡± She was a total mess as she began to untie the rope from his hands and legs.


    Her heart shattered as she felt his cold lifeless body.


    Did I just kill him?N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    **************


    Nathaniel was rushed to the hospital and everyone who loved him, his friends, family, Lydia and her friends were all at the waiting room. When Nathaniel was rushed in, they had informed them that his breathing was weak and he was in between life and death. Lydia and Rachel were crying profusely and everyone kept confirming them and trying to keep calm as well.


    They saw two nurses running around and Lydia quickly held one and asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Please tell us something.¡±


    ¡°We are still working ma¡¯am but his heart has stopped.¡± The nurse spoke sadly then broke free from Lydia¡¯s loose hold and everyone¡¯s eyes went wide in disbelief and shock.


    ¡°That¡¯s a lie, that¡¯s not true¡­. that¡¯s not true.¡± Rachel kept chanting to herself and Lydia just slided down the wall and cried.


    Nathaniel is dead.


    The memory of the day they had gone to the movie crossed her mind like a clip of a movie.


    ¡°Why are you crying?¡± He chuckled as the movie had finallye to an end and the lights in the movie room came on.


    ¡°Why did the major lead have to die, he loved her so much? Why did you request such a sad movie? You have such horrible taste in movies.¡± I pointed out sniffling, heughed bringing out a handkerchief and softly cleaning away my tears.


    ¡°I read it had intense romance, that¡¯s all. My bad¡­God, I hate seeing you cry.¡± He looked like he was truly hurt by that and I sighed, rising to my feet snatching the handkerchief from him.


    ¡­. I truly had fun that day, we had also engaged in an argument stating the major lead should never die or it will hurt the viewers while he argued that it was just life.


    Nathaniel couldn¡¯t be dead¡­please.


    She begged and prayed to the universe that it shouldn¡¯t be true.


    That can¡¯t be, life, I beg of you.

 Judgment For All

    3RD POV:


    It was judgment day for all as the police officers were moving from mansion to mansion, at least two mansions. The police had arrested Jenny and her men, meanwhile Jenny¡¯s brain kept reying her killing Nathaniel all over again. She couldn¡¯t believe she did that, she kept staring at the police officer¡¯s gun on his waist and debated if she should take it and kill herself or not.


    ¡°I need to kill myself, so I can hurriedly join Nathaniel and apologize.¡± She said to herself but luckily or unluckily, the policeman who was standing right in front of her cell, got a call and left.


    Jenny sucked her teeth sharply at that and rocked herself back and forth as she was inplete disarray.


    The thing with obsession is you never know when it turns from love to such a monastery feeling. Where you are capable of doing anything without thinking, even if it¡¯s crazy and impulsive and violent. Jenny was in dismay and she just kept reflecting on all her actions, from lying about needing blood just for attention, cutting Lydia¡¯s brakes, fleeing the city, doing her helper badly and stealing his jeep, money and valuables, kidnapping and even shooting at the man she swore she loved.


    I just wanted to make sure I get married to him just like my mum and Mrs King wanted. She said to herself.


    ¡°Mum, what do I do?¡± She cried calling for her mother who had passed away years ago in a mental institution using a ss to slit her wrist.


    Her mother kept hearing voices in her head and she felt it was due to killing her husband and grooming her daughter for evil so she ended it all.


    ¡°Do I end it like you did too?¡± Jenny questioned with her eyes looking crazy. The other woman who was in the cell with Jenny stared at her crazy and looked away mentally praying Jenny doesn¡¯t do anything that would scar her memory. It was already enough that they were in prison, watching someone kill themselves was too much.


    The police were aware of their involvement and the exact location of the warehouse through both their investigations as well as an anonymous person, who sent recordings of calls and clear pictures of Jenny in front of the warehouse. And the anonymous person happened to be Aaron and Jeremiah.


    Aaron loved Lydia so much that he wanted her to be happy even if it wasn¡¯t with him.


    Meanwhile, the police had just arrived at the Wilist mansion and with a warrant. They had been able to trace everything such as calls, vans, phone call discussions with Jenny, and transfer of money from Jason.


    The maid opened the door and frowned seeing the police. She allowed the police in with the assumption that they were just ensuring the protection of the rich but it was quite the contrary.


    ¡°Good evening, detective.¡± The family was having dinner along with his cousins and they were all in an argument as usual. They all frowned when they saw a bunch of police mening.


    ¡°We have a warrant for the arrest of Jason Wilist for being an essory to the kidnapping and attempted murder of Nathaniel King as well as the abuse of his ex-girlfriend, Rachel King.¡± The police went ahead to grab Jason who leaned back in seat staring at them with disbelief and anger.


    ¡°What?¡± Their father snatched the warrant from the police and clenched and unclenched his jaw. Disappointed with Jason and angry with the Kings.


    Rachel had just abruptly decided to press charges against Jason, so he can serve longer years for also abusing her.N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    ¡°Now, who is nobody?¡± His cousins taunted simultaneously as Jason had just called them nobodies a few minutes before.


    ¡°Son, we will get you out of there, I promise.¡± Mrs Wilist yelled after her son as he was led to the police car. Jason just kept smirking arrogantly ignoring the happy smiles from his two cousins.


    On another hand, Mrs King¡¯s arrest was going on as well as she has packed her belongings fearing for herself and Nathaniel. She had just gotten information that Nathaniel was shot and she became worried. She was uncertain of how to go about things and what to do but she remained calm. All she wanted to do now was to establish her son was still alive and hopefully she will get a chance to apologize to him.


    The doorbell rang repeatedly as she watched the news waiting for an update while tying a scarf around her neck and preparing to head to the hospital. The house was empty and cold, she felt extremely alone in there. After the maids had seen her smiling, they left and decided toe the next day as they needed the money.


    She hurried, walked towards the door and opened it, she frowned seeing the police standing right there.


    ¡°Good evening officer. How is my son?¡± She questioned and nced at the chief¡¯s hand as he held a white envelope in wonder.


    Were they delivering reports of my son¡¯s improvement through an envelope?


    ¡°Good evening Mrs King, Nathaniel King is in the hospital fighting for his life at the moment. But tonight we have a warrant for you for being an essory to the kidnapping and attempted murder of Nathaniel King.¡± They walked towards her but she moved backwards.


    ¡°Excuse me? Attempted murder of MY OWN SON?¡± She knitted her eyebrow and resisted the cuffing of her hand.


    ¡°Anything you say will and can be used against you in the court ofw¡­ ¡± The Chief officer kept speaking as he was irritated by her. About two paparazzi were standing by the gate and another left stood around the fence taking pictures.


    ¡°Do you know who I am? I am the most respected woman in the country, everyoneposes themselves at the sound of my name. I am Mrs King!¡± They simply ignored her and cuffed her hand, one of the policemen stifled augh at her speech.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do this to me, you can¡¯t.¡± She cried out fighting while the paparazzi kept taking pictures.


    The next morning, Mrs King¡¯s face was seen with her mouth wide open as she protested from the arrest and peopleughed and made memes and mocked her.


    So much for being the most respected woman.


    ¡°That¡¯s just so crazy. ying an aplice to the kidnapping of your son. How is Lydia doing?¡± Patricia asked, serving Mr Miller breakfast as they watched the breakfast news.


    ¡°From what I have heard, not so well. But I¡¯m headed to see her right now. Are Youing?¡± He inquired holding onto her waist affectionately.


    She thought for a moment before saying,¡±Yes, let me go get dressed and pack something for her.¡±

 A Second Chance

    3RD POV:


    Meanwhile during the arrest. .


    ¡°Go back and do better ¡­ . love and take care of your sister¡­.. listen to Lydia, protect and cherish her, she has been there for you since day one, so love her with all your heart¡­.. Prioritize everyone you see in your room as soon as you wake up. Forgive everyone like your mother who put you in this condition but keep at a distance and never forget. This is a second chance for you to live better and go about having a happy life. It¡¯s not your time to go, so RETURN BACK!¡±


    The next thing the doctors saw was Nathaniel¡¯s heart rate had picked up.


    ¡°He¡¯s back!¡± They eximed with relief and happiness. The medical team conducted some observations and went ahead to take notes.


    The doctor and nurse washed up from the surgery room taking off their clothes and disposed of their gloves and nose mask, they rinsed off and went outside. This was about an hour after the young intern had given the entire crew the horrible news. Everyone was in dismay but held onto a string of hope.Content is ? by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Good evening, this is the family of Nathaniel King?¡± They stood up and rushed towards the older doctor.


    ¡°Yes.¡± He was amazed by the number of worried faces but proceeded to fill them in nheless.


    ¡°Mr Nathaniel was shot around his abdomen and he was intoxicated by a very harmful medicine. So it was a lot of trying to remove the bullets which was at the sensitive part and also drain out the blood ¡­.¡±  The doctor kept talking but at the end of the day, it was only one thing that mattered to Lydia and everyone present.


    ¡°Doctor, is he alive? Is he okay?¡± She asked pleasingly.


    ¡°His rate stopped for a while but he is back and he is on the right path to getting healed.¡± The doctor smiled and everyone left out a breath.


    ¡°Yes! That¡¯s my boy!¡± Liam eximed in happiness and Lydia cried tears of joy.


    Meanwhile, Mrs King was crying profusely in her cell hearing that her son had passed on. Regret and guilt filled her heart and she couldn¡¯t possibly imagine what the future held in store for her.


    ********


    A WEEK LATER:


    Lydia was sitting next to Nathaniel¡¯s bed andying her head on the space near him. She held onto his hand and she fell asleep using his arm as a pillow. Nathaniel had woken up and the words he had heard after he almost died yed in his head repeatedly.


    He looked around the wide luxurious room seeing his friends, his assistant Lisa who came back after work, Rachel, Lydia¡¯s friends and even Andrew and Ari sitting and all just sleeping around the room. They had fallen asleep after eating Pizza Andrew had brought and wine Kelvin had smuggled in.


    His heart grew with appreciation seeing all of them. He slowly sat up as the pain in his stomach was still hurtful. His movement seemed to have woken Lydia up and her eyes went wide seeing him awake. She blinked repeatedly and cleaned her eyes.


    ¡°Nathaniel, you¡¯re awake. OMG! YOU¡¯RE AWAKE!!¡± She spoke with excitement, her lips curling into a smile.


    ¡°Yes, and my hand feels numb.¡± He stated and she quickly apologized, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± He waved it off as he was just ying around.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy and I¡¯m so sorry, Nathaniel. I¡¯m sorry.¡± She wasn¡¯t exactly sure what she was apologizing about but she felt extremely apologetic nheless. Her eyes watered as she stared at him.


    Maybe she was crying because she knew things could have gone the other way. She could have been seeing him in a casket rather than his eyes open on a hospital bed.


    ¡°No, I should be the one who is apologizing. I¡¯m sorry for every single thing, for ignoring you in the past, for disregarding your feelings, for treating you horribly and letting everyone else do as well. I¡¯m sorry for also not letting you know that I love you so much. I love you and I need a second chance where I will spend the rest of my life loving you and cherishing you.¡± He spoke from the heart and Lydia let out a single tear.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s just I thought I would never get to talk to you ever again. And I love you as well, Nathaniel.¡± Nathaniel¡¯s heart skipped a beat at the confession and he looked at her in disbelief.


    ¡°My feelings for you never went though they were buried deep down¡­but I do love you and I¡¯m sorry. I should have told you sooner but I was scared.¡± He instantly shook his head and cupped her face lovingly.


    ¡°You have nothing to be sorry for. I understand everything and I promise I will protect you and treat you like a queen that you are. I promise.¡± He stared deep into her eyes and she saw the sincerity in them and nodded.


    He leaned in and Lydia¡¯s heart raced when she realized they were about to share their first kiss. The minute their lips touched, the two felt a spark and the kiss was slow and they savored every moment of it.


    Andrew woke up and saw them, he was disgusted at first as a brother but he knew right from time that his sister still had feelings for Nathaniel.


    Love doesn¡¯t just disappear, if it¡¯s real.


    This was a second chance and one filled with love and respect.


    ¡°O My Goodness, that wasn¡¯t the first thing I wanted to wake up to. And all of you don¡¯t need to pretend like y¡¯all are sleeping when these two are practically about to start humping.¡± Liam spoke standing up and Lydia¡¯s face turned red in embarrassment and she ced her head on Nathaniel¡¯s chest making himugh.


    Everyone was awake and they all sucked their teeth yfully and chuckled at Liam¡¯sment.


    ¡°No, because I thought I was watching a scene out of a movie and the kiss had me in tears. You two are literally the cutest.¡± Arimented and cleaned her tears, so did Riley and Lorena as well.


    ¡°You all should go back to bed.¡± Nathaniel spoke and they all stood up to greet and hug him. Rachel bursted into tears seeing him and embracing him, Lydia excused herself but Nathaniel held onto her hands. He didn¡¯t want her out of her sight for a second.


    The entire morning was wholesome and seeing Andrew and Nathaniel shake hands firmly and a side hug afterwards, seemed like a form of eptance of Nathaniel into the family but he had to be at his best.

 Lydia鈥檚 Birthday

    LYDIA¡¯S POV:


    5 YEARS LATER:


    ¡°Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you¡­¡± Everyone sang as I celebrated yet another year. Lorena recorded me as I stood there with my cake pouting.


    I had woken up feeling old, it was probably due to the fact that it was almost my special month again. Everyone including my husband has been trying to cheer me up. Afterying on bed for a minute just thinking about my age for no specific reason, my husband walked in with breakfast and holding my greatest gifts followed behind him.


    ¡°Happy birthday mummy!¡± My three year old daughter and son spoke in unison.


    Three years ago, I had given birth to my beautiful twins, Madison and Mason KING. Nathaniel often said that day was the scariest day of his entire life. I almost died after giving birth to my children. But when I held the two of them in my hands, I cried tears of joy. I totally understood why Jacob and Melissa named their child, Treasure.


    ¡°Happy birthday my queen.¡± Nathaniel kissed my forehead, cing the mouth watering breakfast on myp. I smiled, staring at him and back at my kids who were sitting at my feet talking amongst each other. Nathaniel was also a blessing, he was the BEST.


    He had promised to take care of me, protect, respect, adore and so on our wedding day four years ago, he promised me to make sure I could always rely on him. And he had been fulfilling each and everyone of his promise. We had been through so much that everyday had been filled with a new thing to be happy about and he had be my best friend. So much so that Lorena was jealous.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get ready for your party. Lorena said she is on her way.¡± I pouted and he pinched my cheeks.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to have a st. When was thest time you saw so many people?¡± He asked and I shrugged putting food in my mouth.


    I had been going from work to taking care of my kids and family. I barely went to events except when my father demanded my presence or I had to remind people that I was still very much Nathaniel¡¯s wife. Additionally, I had been working on yet another book. No one knew what it was about, not even Nathaniel, I had forwarded it to my editor who was pretty excited about it.


    ¡°It¡¯s going to be alright. Plus look at the bright sides, it¡¯s like a reunion and you will be getting many gifts.¡± He said and I exhaled looking at Mason who was crawling closer to me.


    ¡°Such a mama¡¯s boy.¡± Lorenamented as Mason asked to be picked up running away from his uncle Kelvin who was just a big child.


    ¡°Right¡­.¡± Kelvin agreed and Mason snuggled into my chest.


    ¡°Go on somewhere, I heard your wife needs you in the kitchen.¡± Lorena shooed him off and he rolled his eyes at her.


    Kelvin and Rachel had gotten married just six months ago, the two did have an amazing wedding during the winter. They lived in a neighboring country, about a five hour flight from here. Rachel stated that this country had too many bitter memories, but that didn¡¯t stop her from being a great aunt to her nephew and niece. It was probably one of the reasons Nathaniel had said this was like a reunion.


    He bucked at Lorena who just stared at her phone waiting for Darren¡¯s reply as he wasn¡¯t here yet.


    ¡°Happy birthday Lydia. Massieeeee!¡± Ari dragged, calling Mason¡¯s name. He grinned brightly, removing his head from my chest and just waved at her.


    Mason was just like Nathaniel, he didn¡¯t speak too much but looked as handsome as his father. He had ck soft curly hair and a pointy nose like my dad. People oftenmented that the twins looked just like Nathaniel with some of my facial features. I sometimes saw what they said but failed to acknowledge it. They looked just like me, especially my pretty daughter, Madison. Her middle name was Crown given by her uncle, Andrew. My daughter¡¯s hair was ck and soft as well, curly and long. She was more of a daddy¡¯s girl but she was still my twin, we yed and hung out alone from the boys.


    ¡°How are you sweetie?¡± Ari asked in a mum voice and Mason let her carry him.


    ¡°Ohh, so you let her?¡± Lorena asked and Mason stuck out his tongue. Lorena did the same before walking off. They yed too much.


    ¡°Where is Ariel?¡±


    I was right when I said Ari and Andrew would birth a daughter because seven months after Nathaniel¡¯s kidnapping, Ari pushed out my beautiful niece. She was literally the sweetest kid I had ever met and so well mannered. Ari and Andrew had gotten married as well. These past few years had been filled with marriages back to back and joys.


    ¡°She¡¯s with my parents who convinced her an outing with them would be funner thaning for her aunt¡¯s birthday party. She sent a gift for you though.¡± Ari responded and I chuckled offering an appreciation.


    We walked out of the mansion, Nathaniel had designed himself and I have given ideas as well. The mansion had about seven bedrooms, two living rooms, a balcony in our bedroom where we fulfilled one of our greatest nastiest fantasies, a swimming pool, arge yard, parking lot, and a beautiful garden where I had groomed myself along with the gardener. Our mansion was beautiful and I was d my kids were getting to enjoy all the luxuries of the world, great education, two parents household and no form of toxicity.


    The dinner party was just beginning and I saw Andrew who was no longer at thepany but a new brand in another city a few miles away, Rachel and Kelvin, Melissa and Jacob, Liam and Riley who were enjoying themselves without having kids as well as Lorena and Darren. They imed they were still too busy for a child. I kept praying Darren would forget to pull out and impregnate Lorena finally and sheughed, calling me crazy for that. My father and Patricia, Lorena¡¯s father and mum who was currently healing from a disease. Lastly, Aaron and his nurse wife, November.


    I loved seeing him happy and she brought him so much happiness, he was the best uncle to my kids after we had finally gotten close just a year ago at the kids birthday.T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    As I walked to my seat at the head of the table, I was filled with joy. Jenny had been convicted to life imprisonment with no parole in jail for two attempted murder and kidnapping and probably stressing out the police. I just hoped she would suffer for everything she had done.


    I stared at Rachel who was smiling ying with Madison, she had gone through therapy and was now happy. Jason had been sentenced to 20 years for being an aplice and domestic abuse. He had goodwyers and we were a little bit disappointed but hoped he would nevere for Rachel ever again.


    I gazed at my husband, My very own Nathaniel King, I just loved him so much. Even after everything his mother had done, he still provided awyer for her and ensured she still got money every month but she was never allowed around us which I appreciated. She had served 3 years and after her release, ording to Nathaniel, she had traveled out of the country. Prison had humbled her, ording to Nathaniel.


    My father and Andrew epted Nathaniel and my dad had been an amazing grandfather and even yed a fatherly role in Nathaniel¡¯s life. He imed Nathaniel was his golf club buddy, they met every thursday afternoon. Patricia was like an older sister to me, at some point I had to ept her seeing she truly had love for my father.


    One thing life has taught me over the years was it was just like a book with a lot of plot twists. You never truly know anything for sure, we were just like characters in the hands of our author.


    Who would have expected I would get married to the same man I have gotten divorced to? And have the most adorable children? Who would have expected Mrs King to have been humble?


    ¡°Now, why did we sing for her earlier? Are we singing again?¡± Liam questioned and we sucked our teeth sharply. Meanwhile, Nathaniel was caressing my thigh from under the table. I just smiled slyly looking at him and he smirked before reverting his attention to Rachel. But Madison was no longer with her and neither was Mason with Ari anymore.


    ¡°You all¡­bad news.¡± Lorena and her mum rushed in looking at us with worry and my heart raced thinking the worst as I couldn¡¯t see my twins anywhere in sight.


    ¡°What? What¡¯s wrong?¡± Nathaniel stood up from his seat and the next thing we saw was our kids being held in my father¡¯s arms. They had chocte all over their mouths and they looked extremely guilty. Everyone let out a breath andughed.


    ¡°We met the two stuffing their little mouths with the second cake.¡± Lorena announced then smiled as Darren entered with a gift bag.


    ¡°Your kids are so bad.¡± Imented heading towards my father holding a napkin in my hands to clean their faces.


    ¡°Oh now they are my kids?¡± Nathaniel responded following behind me while just touching my waist.


    ¡°Sorry mummy.¡± Maddy said cutely and I smiled and chuckled.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay¡­Don¡¯t just do that again.¡± Maddy nodded and the rest of the people present just discussed,ughing and some others like Rachel, Ari and Lorena recorded.


    ¡°I knew you two would make the most adorable babies.¡± Rachel said to me and I looked back at Nathaniel who was fixing up his son.


    Yeah we did.


    The night flowed beautifully and I regretted saying I didn¡¯t want a party because this was wholesome, I opened all the gifts and got yet another Mercedes-Benz from my husband. Plus an all paid family trip and new bags. He just loved spoiling me.


    I smiled brightly, my cheeks hurt. Life was filled with many unexpected twists but at the end of the day, I was getting my happy ending.


    Life, I don¡¯t know what to say to you but THANK YOU be good to everyone who read my story.


    The End


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