《THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE》 CHAPTER 1 Judith¡¯s POV ¡°Where¡¯s the groom?¡± ¡°It¡¯s runningte, we can¡¯t spend the whole day here without anything happening¡± The people in the crowd were murmuring andining. ¡°Will the wedding still hold or I have been dumped?¡± That was the only thought going through my head as I stood on the altar. Whispers were flying around adding to the difort I already felt. I knew what was going through the minds of the guests seated in the beautiful Holy trinity Anglican Church in Rome. The church is known for more than a hundred years of history. I guess it has been renovated several times for it to still maintain its great structure and beautiful interiors. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t be thinking about that now, my husband-to-be is not here¡± I muttered to myself. The head officiating minister walked towards me. ¡°We are running reallyte, Judith, I¡¯d have canceled this whole thing hours ago if you weren¡¯t a devoted member of this church¡± he sounded really angry and told me in a whisper before dashing out almost immediately. ¡°I¡¯m sure he is almost here¡±, I confidently said, but deep down, I, myself, didn¡¯t even know what was going on. Today has always been the day I have looked forward to all my life, me getting married to the man of my dreams but it seems like I¡¯ve lost it all and it¡¯s on the brink of ruin. I struggled in my huge wedding dress and looked over the huge church windows for the hundredth time. I ran my eyes across the fancy wall clock. It¡¯s almost noon and my groom isn¡¯t here yet. it¡¯s two hours past the scheduled time for our wedding ceremony. I kept reassuring everybody that he¡¯d be there soon, but, in reality I had no way to reach him. As I turned over to look back inside the church, I saw my best friend and chief bridesmaid, Vanessa, walk towards me. ¡°Hey, Judith¡±. The look she gave me depicted sadness and disappointment. ¡°I have tried calling Felix and some of his friends but their phone aren¡¯t connecting. I don¡¯t know, but I¡¯m certain they probably got stuck in traffic and should be here soon.¡± ¡°Soon, Vanessa?¡± I repeated. ¡°It¡¯s almost 12PM and look at the seats- they are almost empty; some of the guests have already left¡±. Anger was already brewing in me. She looked around and said ¡°I just hope they are fine¡± She moved closer and drew me into a warm hug. I remembered something and I knew it wasn¡¯t something terrible happening to them. I knew what was going on. I stayed calm, still in Vanessa¡¯s arms, and began holding onto a glimpse of hope and a miracle that I should be wrong. I saw Felix in the early hours of today and for some unknown reason, both his presence, and action made me feel somewhat uneasy, but I just waved it off, thinking it was the wedding stress that had put him in a bad shape. My phone beeped. I withdrew from the hug in Vanessa¡¯s arms. It was a message from Felix. ¡°I got a message, I got a message,¡± I excitedly tapped Vanessa and held my phone so she could see it too. ¡°This should be good news¡± Vanessa eximed.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. I opened the text and what it read shattered me into pieces. ¡°What?¡± I yelled. ¡°What did it say, Ju?¡± I couldn¡¯t say anything. I handed the phone over to Vanessa and she read it out loud, but only loud enough for me to hear. ¡°I won¡¯t being, don¡¯t wait for me. I can¡¯t just forget what happened a month ago and I¡¯m sorry for dumping you like this. This is a situation I have no control over. Be safe and I hope you find peace¡±. I didn¡¯t know when I started crying. I cried so hard my head started hurting and began feeling dizzy. Before I could help myself, I lost consciousness and I fainted. It¡¯s incredible how someone you love so much could easily break your heart. ********************** I was working at the city bank when I met Felix, he was a frequent customer who always preferred that I attended to him. To most customers I was one of the most beautiful, approachable and nicest bankers they¡¯ve seen. Felix and I got talking, and soon discovered that he was everything I had prayed and wished for, and more. We found sce andfort in each other¡¯spany. Felix was a perfect and handsome gentleman: tall, with deep blue eyes, well built, sulent lips, clean shaved beards, light skin and his dressing screamed luxury, he isn¡¯t overly wealthy but he isfortable and to me, that was perfect. Felix had an aura that made me obsessed with him. We started dating, and it led to many things. We grew close, even before we went on several dates, we had several disagreements but we were able toe through and stay together still. He proposed to me eight monthster. It was a beautiful and surprising proposal during a dinner date in a luxurious hotel in Rome. Felix was on one knee with the shiniest diamond ring I¡¯ve ever seen. ¡°Judith, will you do me the honors of making me the happiest man alive and marry me?¡± he asked. ¡°Yes, Felix, yes¡±. A tear dropped from my eye that night as people cheered for us both. Our families met and we began wedding preparations. It was tedious but enjoyable. At twenty two, I was not afraid of marriage because I was getting married to the man of my dreams. We got busy with work, wedding preparations and setting up our new home, causing us to see less of each other. ¡°Judith, I miss you so much, my love¡±, Felix told me over the phone one night. ¡°The wedding is close; we should be seeing less of each other-it¡¯s bad luck if we don¡¯t, you know¡±. ¡°I know, but I might die of missing you, and there won¡¯t be a wedding¡±. ¡°Is that a threat?¡± ¡°Judith, it¡¯s a plea that you shoulde see me before I leave this earth¡± ¡°Don¡¯t say that Felix, I¡¯lle see you this weekend, ok?¡± ¡°Yes!! I love you¡±, I heard him make some movements like he was jumping. Iughed within me. ¡°Love you too, Felix. Stay alive for me,¡± I jokingly said before ending the call. That weekend, a month before the wedding, I decided to spend it at Felix¡¯s home, when the gruesome and the unexpected happened. CHAPTER 2 ¡°I was raped¡± ******************* I was in the luxury and beautifully furnished living room with Felix, we were cuddling each other with one of his hands fondling my nipple and watching a movie, when we heard a knock on the door. ¡°Who is there?¡± Felix called out. It¡¯s me ¡°Davy¡± ¡°Any problem Davy?¡± ¡°No boss, ¡°There¡¯s something to show you¡± Davy is Felix¡¯s gateman, and they have a friendly rtionship. Felix stood up, gave me a kiss, and went to unlock the door, with the intention of attending to him by the door because I was just in a diaphanous lingerie. After opening the door, we found out he wasn¡¯t alone. The situation went sour, when five armed men, masked and reeked of alcohol and cigarettes stormed in. Davy was knocked unconscious. We quickly bent over, and began panicking, and pleading for our safety as fear gripped us, when one of them said out loudly, I guess it was the boss. ¡°Keep quiet and hand over your valuables before I blow off your heads¡± Felix stood up hastily and went in with two of the guys. One of them held a gun to his back and issued him a stern warning, ¡°You better be calm, if you try to y smart with me, I won¡¯t think twice of ending your damn life¡±. ¡°Okay sir, please don¡¯t harm us, I will give you everything I have¡±, Felix said. Another man then replied, ¡°I hope what you have will be enough¡± After they went in, I wished I could go in with them, I was left alone with those armed men, almost und. The boss told me to sit up and kept admiring me, ¡°sexy and pretty girl, the guy has a good taste in women.¡± The rest of the gangughed and one said ¡°Boss would you like to have a taste?¡± fear gripped me when I heard that. The boss replied e on, shut it, is that what we came here for?¡± I was somewhat relieved. They came out after sometime and one of the guy said ¡°He doesn¡¯t have much valuables, just this Rolex watch and a few thousand Euros The boss said to me, ¡°where are your gold and diamonds?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t stay here, I only came to visit my fiance¡±, I said. ¡°So you both aren¡¯t married and you are dressed like this¡±, he said with disgust in his eyes. One would think he was morally upright. ¡°What about your gadgets?¡± he said. We quickly handed him our phones including Felix¡¯sptop, then he started looking at me seductively. ¡°This operation is futile¡±, he said. Felix saw how he was looking at me and quickly spoke ¡°I don¡¯t keep cash at home, but you can give me my phone and your ount details, so I can make a transfer to you¡± in a bid to make him take his eyes off of me.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. The man started tough, ¡°And then you report us to the authorities after we leave to track down our asses? ¡°You really think we¡¯re stupid, right?¡± ¡°No,¡± we promise not to report you guys to the police or any authorities¡± Felix said. ¡°I don¡¯t want your money, let me have a taste of your girl. Since you both aren¡¯t even married yet¡±, he said, and his gangughed wickedly. ¡°Please sir, I beg you don¡¯t do this to me¡± I pleaded profusely. ¡°Please sir, we are getting married in a month¡¯s time, don¡¯t do this please¡± Felix pleaded. ¡°You better stand up and go to the room, before I blow off your fiance¡¯s head¡± he pointed a gun to Felix. One of them moved closer to me, drag me up and led me to the room where I was raped, I was expecting to be mercilessly and brutally raped like a dog but to my surprise he was gentle. When they left, I felt bad and used, I cried like a fool, I wished I hadn¡¯te around. In the morning we realized we were the only ones robbed, Felix suggested that we don¡¯t tell the authorities, so everyone doesn¡¯t get to know I was raped. He did a first aid treatment on Davy, paid him off, told him to keep quiet and told him his service is no longer needed as he will be selling off the house and relocating so I don¡¯t keep remembering the bad memories. ¡°We will be fine baby, we just need to stop thinking about it¡±, he said as he gave me a peck and then drew me into a reassuring embrace. The memories keep haunting me but Felix had been so supportive and caring, he kept reassuring him of his unwavering love and support. I even told him we should postpone the wedding but he rejected and said we should get married. We continued the wedding ns, without telling anyone about the gruesome experience. Until how he embarrassed me at the altar on our wedding day. ******************* I woke up in my room, mom back turned at me staring at an empty space. Weakly I called ¡°Mom¡± ¡°My baby¡±, she said as she walked towards me, sitting beside me, tears welled up in her eyes as she took my hands and kissed it. ¡°What happened?¡± I asked. ¡°You fainted when you received a break up message from Felix¡± she said. I remembered my ordeals and started crying, she pulled me in a tight hug and whispered ¡°stop crying baby, you will be fine¡±. ¡°What about the guests at the church?¡± ¡°They all left Judith, it was so bad. I¡¯m so sorry for everything¡± She didn¡¯t press for details, she just watched me cry and patted my back. Mom has been a friend and sister to me since my father died when I was still in high school. She saw me through school single handedly by working multiple jobs and never taking a break. When I told her I was getting married, she was so happy her baby girl is now a grown up woman and she looked forward to my wedding more than anyone else. I told her about my ordeal once I felt a little better. She pitied me and wished I had told her earlier, but she also stood by me, encouraging me to move on, as it isn¡¯t the end of the world. ¡°You are a strong and beautiful woman, Judith,. I know you will put this behind you, you didn¡¯t wish for it and I know God knows best¡± My mom who¡¯s a strong Christian and unwavering in her faith, always trust in God¡¯s n and purpose. I believed her and hoped for a better future, but my hope shattered when my worst nightmare unfolded before me. CHAPTER 3 Nathan¡¯s POV Three yearster I was sitting down on a sofa in my tastefully and beautifully furnished office reminiscing over how my life took a drastic turn in the past three years. I¡¯m still yet to understand how I, a thug, a one-time robber, and rapist became the managing director of one of the best hospitals in London. It all happened so fast. I was someone who once roamed the streets of Rome, vandalizing properties and doing socially ill things, I had no respect for anyone, yet here I am, sitting here and respected by almost everyone in London Amongst all things I did one stood out, not in a good way. The image of the poor girl that fell victim a month before her wedding, it never left my memory, she pleaded with me not to, but I didn¡¯t listen to her, I was carried away by what I saw, but damn, she was just so pretty and sexy in her diaphanous lingerie and I just couldn¡¯t resist her. ¡°Please don¡¯t do this to me, my wedding is in a month, I want to be clean for my husband ¡°Why should I not? You know you¡¯re really attractive and I don¡¯t want to leave here regretting why I didn¡¯t touch you¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t,¡± she pleaded with me that day. ¡°Ok, what do I get if I don¡¯t touch you, do you have a substitute?¡± ¡°No I don¡¯t, but¡­¡± I shushed her that day, ¡°you say nothing, let me have my way with you, ok?¡± ¡°No, no, no¡±, she screamed as I thrust my dick into her. ********* That voice keeps ringing in my brain She was just beautiful: light skin, tall, slim with broad hips, a tiny waist and perfect size breast. She has a baby face with an innocent look and soft pink lips. Who would want to resist that? But I¡¯m not justifying my actions though. I remembered every look and features of hers, assuming we met in a better circumstance, I would have loved her and do everything I can to get her love and make her my woman. I wished I hadn¡¯t gone into the house that day. ********* I was the head of a political thug, I and my boys worked for politicians. The politicians we worked for didn¡¯t win the election that year. He cast us aside and we went broke. We needed money for basic things like food, smokes and drinks when one of my boys suggested we robbed a house in a nearby street. I was skeptical about it at first, but after more deliberations, I concluded it will just be this one time and as the head of the gang I had to look out for my boys. I got in contact with Pa josh; the old man in the police force who lends us weapons for a fee anytime we needed it, he lends us and issued stern warning not to be caught. We choose the first duplex in the street for a quick robbery and it turns out to be the pretty girl and her fiance¡¯s duplex. The next day after the robbery, we were drinking and smoking as usual when a Lamborghini drove in and five men dressed expensively in ck suits and pants alighted and stood around the ce as if guarding a royal. One of the men opened the car boot and brought out a wheelchair and another man opened the car door and an old fragile looking man was carried and put in the wheel chair. ¡°Yo! Nathan,¡± one of my friends tapped me, ¡°seems like we have another client. ¡°This should be good, after years of not seeing a gig, I hope this onests¡± The other one said. We all thought it was another politician who needed a political thug, but when they got to where we were sitting, what he said left us in awe. ¡°My son¡±, was what he immediately said. My friends startedughing at what the man said, I didn¡¯t find it suitable tough, but it really was funny. I threw away my cigarettes and said, ¡°Your son? You must be kidding, aren¡¯t you here to get help for an election?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not a politician; I¡¯m an entrepreneur, a doctor¡± ¡°Nathan¡¯s dad is a doctor, fancy pants Nathan¡±, his friends mocked him. It didn¡¯t make any sense, I grew up as an orphan and that was all I knew myself as. A rtive took me in and kept on maltreating me which led to me, running away from home because of constant abuse, and started living in the streets of Rome before I became a thug. That was all I remember from my life. I never had a father figure, so what he was saying sounded like gibberish. ¡°Yes my son, I have looked everywhere for you¡± his reply made it sound like he knew what he was saying, why was he so sure? ¡°How is that possible?¡± I asked angrily. It was already getting irritating, ¡°I have a billionaire father and I have been suffering in this shithole for years? My mum died of cancer, where were you when we couldn¡¯t afford her chemotherapy treatment? And now youe here saying I¡¯m your son? Please get out of here,¡± I shouted angrily ¡°I¡¯m an orphan¡±N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material. The old man brought a picture of me when I was little, it was the same as the one my mum gave me before she died. It then dawned on me. ¡°My son,¡± I didn¡¯t know if he was getting emotional or I was seeing things ¡± I¡¯m so sorry, I¡¯m at fault, please forgive me,¡± ¡°Why did you abandon us? If you imed to be my father, where were you?¡± I didn¡¯t know what made me start believing I was his son. ¡°My mother never wanted me and your mom to be together because your mom was an orphan, uneducated and poor, she was seen as a gold-digger¡± he started talking, ¡°but since we loved each other so much, we got married anyways, she got pregnant and had you¡± he paused, removed his sses and cleaned it, then he continued. ¡°I went on a business trip and when I came back I was told by my family that she ran off with another man, it was ten years ago on my mom sick bed before she died that she confessed to me that your mom didn¡¯t run off but escaped the assassin sent to her to kill you, so she ran because of the fear that her baby will be killed by my mom¡± he said and wept. It was truly a lot to take in. I kept quiet for a very long while and started crying. My friends were speechless. They had never seen a tear drop from my eyes. ¡°Your mom was a brave woman, son. she left all behind and chose you¡± He continued talking. I was sad and all these made memories of my mom resurfaced-all her teachings and I knew if she was still alive, I would have turned out different and much better. I didn¡¯t like who I was here, but I had no option, it was my coping mechanism. He opened his arms, we hugged and wept in each other¡¯s arms, after we had cried our hearts out. ¡°We¡¯ll be flying out from here tonight¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that too soon, I haven¡¯t packed anything, I don¡¯t think I can¡± I countered his decision. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry, you can leave all these, they won¡¯t be of any use to you¡± ¡°What? Why?¡± ¡°You need to take over your ce and family business, Nathan¡±. ¡°My ce?¡± I asked obviously confused. ¡°I have two children from another woman I got married to, three years after your mom left, so you have a step sister and brother,¡± he said. ¡°Why can¡¯t they take this ce you¡¯re talking about?¡± ¡°Because Nathan, you¡¯re my son, and I couldn¡¯t give your ce to someone else, unless I was sure you were dead, but you aren¡¯t and that¡¯s good news son¡± he finished. As we were about leaving, he gave my guys a briefcase full of Euros and told them to share it amongst themselves and stop being thugs. They were happy and thanked him. ¡°Come visit us, Nath,¡± they shouted as I left with the men and the man that ims to be my father. I hugged my guys and went to the United Kingdom to take over my father¡¯s empire. I had to take up some courses and also learn how things work in the billionaire¡¯s empire. That was how a street thug became Nathan Everton, a billionaire and business mogul. ************** A knock came on the door of my office which drew me out of my thoughts. ¡°Who is it?¡± I paused for a moment because I wasn¡¯t expecting anybody and usually, my PA would call my line. ¡°John sir¡± ¡°Come in¡± I said while adjusting myself on the chair I sat in. ¡°What happened to the phone? Couldn¡¯t you have called?¡± I said, almost raising my voice at him. ¡°What I need to tell you is better in person sir,¡± John came into the office and his countenance was very unlike him. ¡°Is everything ok, John¡± I was concerned about John, he was my favorite employee. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say it¡¯spletely ok¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°My mum, is sick and is being hospitalized¡± ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, do you need financial help¡± ¡°No sir, I don¡¯t,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯m here to give you my letter of resignation¡±. ¡°Why? If you need help, I can help you with your mother¡±. ¡°I need help but she¡¯s not in the country, I need to go see her in my country, I have to withdraw, sir¡±. ¡°Take care of yourself, and your mother¡± I wrote a check and gave it to John. He took the check and left. John just quit his job, I can¡¯t keep up with all this work by myself. I need to get a new PA. That will be hard but I have no other choice. ¡°Madeline,¡± ¡°Yes, boss¡± ¡°Send a mail to the national news, tell them ourpany is hiring and we¡¯ll need workers. Give them the credentials and criteria we¡¯re looking for and give the date of the interview¡± ¡°Affirmative, do I do it now or wait till tomorrow?¡± ¡°Now Madeline, now¡± I said and hung up the call on her. ¡®Do I do it now?¡¯ I mimicked her. What I didn¡¯t know was this interview announcement was to bring to me, what I didn¡¯t expect. CHAPTER 4 Judith¡¯s POV ¡°Mommy!!!¡± The twins ran up to me in the parking lot of their school. ¡°How was school today?¡± I caught both of them in my arms and they held me tighter. ¡°Mommy, Oliver ate my pancakes¡± Olivia pouted and pointed at Oliver. ¡°That¡¯s only because you were going to give it to another person¡± Oliver clutched to my hands and defended himself. ¡°Whoa, why don¡¯t we talk about all of this when we get to home? We can¡¯t turn this ce to a therapy session, can we?¡± I smiled at both of them. ¡°Yes, mommy¡± They both replied simultaneously and hopped into the back seat of the car. After I fastened their seat belts, we were on our way home. Oliver and Olivia have been my true source of joy and happiness since the tragedy that befell me three years ago. After taking the decision my mother prompted me to take, I¡¯ve never been happier and more grateful to her. After their birth, my mother thought it would be a very good idea to change the environment and restart on a fresh and clean te. Rome was a very homely ce to remain, but the crumbs of the horrific past haunted me. I thought and agreed to it being a good idea. ************** ¡°Judith, don¡¯t you think you need a change of scenery? you¡¯re looking rather off these days, and it seems to affect your whole being¡± Maggie, my mom stared at with a serene yet troubled gaze. ¡°I¡¯m just so d I have my babies with me, even though they were unexpected, they are the best things that happens to me¡± ¡°Which is why you should not let them be subjected to shadows brewing from your past. I mean, letting them grow up here will not only destroy their chances of getting to know who their mother really is, it also might not let them grow at all. All because she can¡¯t focus on raising them right¡± I watched my mother¡¯s eyes light up. ¡°Mum, what are you saying?¡± I looked at her in confusion. ¡°I¡¯m saying,¡± Mom took my hands into hers ¡°You fly off to Paris or anywhere else, start a new life with your children, forget the past and let new thoughts flow through you. Fresh new thoughts. Thoughts only you have control over. Thoughts that will build a good bridge for you and your children. You¡¯ll be fine, Judith, you have my blessings¡±. ************** I snapped out of my thoughts when we arrived at the garage of the small house I managed to acquire after working my tirelessly as a cleaner in three differentpanies. I would say I was livingfortably but being a single mother of two is not exactly fun. I watched Olivia and Oliver excitedly run inside the house and all I could think of was to take care of them, even if it means I die in the process. I followed them in and headed to the kitchen to make dinner. It wasn¡¯t too much work because I left some macaroni and cheese, and I just had to microwave it for them to eat. It didn¡¯t take thirty minutes before they both ran to me at the dining table, waiting for dinner to be served. They looked really hungry, and a slight dy might make them go crazy. They ate till they were fully satisfied. Oliver helped clear the tes after eating, and assisted in loading them into the dishwasher. Olivia wasn¡¯t quite as enthusiastic about helping out. After making sure they¡¯ve finished doing homework, it was alreadyte and they had school the next day. ¡°Mom, can you read us a bedtime story?¡± Oliver called my attention as I was about to leave the room. ¡°Yes, sure I can¡±. They both crawled up to me as I read to them about the knight in shining armor and the damsel in distress. It ended with them living happily forever. ¡°Thank you mommy,¡± They said sleepily, looking peaceful. I sat on their bed for a while. To me, I didn¡¯t believe there could be happy endings, I watched one crash before my eyes and it would be a waste believing in it again. ¡®Once bitten, twice shy¡¯, I thought to myself. I ced a goodnight on their foreheads, turned off themp and left the room. I walked down the stairszily and was heading to the fridge for a cold drink when my phone started beeping. It was Vanessa. ¡°Hi girl!!¡± She screamed over the phone. It¡¯s been a long time since we saw each other, but we were also on video call all the time, not a moment was missed in my journey through motherhood. ¡°Hey Vanessa, long time, hasn¡¯t it been like ten years?¡± I said sarcastically. ¡°Hm, says the girl who face timed me, wasn¡¯t itst week¡± Vanessa retorted. ¡°Girl, or mother?¡± I snapped back at her. ¡°You¡¯re really enjoying motherhood, aren¡¯t you, Jud?¡± ¡°I mean, it has its ups and downs but I couldn¡¯t be happier to tend to my babies¡± I really enjoy being their mother. ¡°Are they asleep now?¡± ¡°Yes, they are, I just tucked them in some minutes ago¡± ¡°They couldn¡¯t wait to say hello to their aunty¡±. We chatted for a while, and then we discussed about getting jobs. ¡°How¡¯s work life there?¡± Vanessa asked me and I couldn¡¯t tell her exactly what I did. ¡°Well, I¡¯m making ends meet¡± ¡°Are you watching the news?¡± ¡°No, what¡¯s going on?¡± I asked with concern as I searched for the remote on the couch and table. I found it. ¡°Check channel 9¡±. ¡°Okay?¡± ¡°The new Everton Medicals are delighted to inform the public of its assignment of the new head of the hospital. Mr. Everton stated in thest interview that the Hospital needs new employees and one of which is crucial is the role of PA for the just appointed head of the Hospital. Entries have been¡­..¡± I switched off the TV. ¡°So, what do you say?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, Van¡±Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°You¡¯re smart, you can do it¡± Vanessa cheered. ¡°Yes, I will do it¡±. Vanessa will forever be my personal cheerleader. ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m talking about. Tell me how it goes tomorrow. Goodnight¡± ¡°Goodnight¡±. What I didn¡¯t know was that, the interview was going to bring me the unexpected that will change my life forever¡­.. CHAPTER 5 ¡°Good morning ma¡¯am¡±, I greeted the receptionist, trying to sound as polite as possible. ¡°I¡¯m here for the interview,¡± I told the receptionist at the front desk on the ground floor. ¡°We don¡¯t interview for cleaners here. Just go to the back of the building; you¡¯ll see the office of the chief cleaner¡± I was taken aback by what she said. Cleaner? Is that what she thinks I¡¯m here for? ¡°I think you¡¯re mistaken, I¡¯m not here for the cleaning job, I sent an email to the hospitalst night¡± I corrected her. ¡°Oh I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t check, what¡¯s the name?¡± she still seemed unconvinced. I noticed that she didn¡¯t really seem convinced. ¡°It¡¯s Judith, Judith Summers¡± ¡°I applied for¡­¡± She cut me off before I could even finish. ¡°PA?¡± she asked in disbelief. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, is there a problem?¡± I asked, feeling embarrassed. ¡°No ma¡¯am. Here¡¯s your tag, I think you¡¯re alreadyte¡± she added. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes. It¡¯s on the third floor,st room¡± she directed me while handing the tag. ¡°Thank you¡± I said, and ran hurriedly towards the elevator with the thought that I had already missed the interview, roaming in my head. I got to the third floor and was trying to find my way around when I bumped into someone. He was rude until our faces met. I stared at him for a long moment, while still dumbstruck. I didn¡¯t know if I would be exaggerating by calling him the most handsome man I¡¯ve ever set my eyes on. Something about his face seemed familiar, but I must be hallucinating, because how in my freaking life would I have known him. He seemed equally stunned, staring back at me. ¡°Ma¡¯am,¡± I was jerked back into reality as he gently tapped my shoulders. ¡°Are you ok?¡± Maybe I was still hallucinating, but he kept staring at me too. He had this look on his face, it was sober, filled with pity and he kept on staring. This time around, I broke him from this strange trance. ¡°Are YOU ok?¡± I tapped him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he stuttered, I watched how his rude countenance changed to a more appealing look. ¡°It¡¯s my fault, don¡¯t apologize¡± I insisted. ¡°I¡¯ll be more careful next time¡± He helped me pick up my files and papers and without saying a word and left immediately, increasing his pace as he retreated to the hall on the other side of the room. I managed to find my way to the interview room, where I met many other applicants, mostly young women and few men. ¡°Hi, can I see your tag?¡± A young man at the corner asked. ¡°Yeah, sure¡± I handed the tag to him. ¡°Judith Summers, applying for PA to the head¡± ¡°Yes, why does everyone feel like I shouldn¡¯t go for it?¡± ¡°Only the brave ones go down that path. I wish you luck, you¡¯re number thirty- seven on the line.¡± I collected my tag back and could only think of why people are that much for the interview if only the brave ones pursed the role. ¡°Maybe they¡¯re all so brave¡± I sat down and waited till it got to my turn. The interview was taking longer than usual and the people, aftering out of the door, never smiled or showed an atom of happiness and excitement on their faces as it was before they entered. Perhaps, that was why they said it was only the ¡°brave ones¡± It was my turn and I walked in, as confident as ever. Lo and behold, the person to interview me was the man I met at the hall earlier. ¡°Hi, Good morning¡± I wondered where all my confidence vanished, my voice became a bit shaky. ¡°You came for the interview?¡± He asked me with astonishment on his face. ¡°Yes, I heard this was the lion¡¯s den¡± Heughed out loud ¡°I too, wonder why they call it that¡± He was getting too friendly, familiar and totally informal with me. This wasn¡¯t the same person that was rude to me in the hallway earlier today. ¡°Tell me a little bit about yourself¡± He wasposed now. He pointed at the seat in front of him. I took the cue and sat down ¡°uhm, I¡¯m Judith, from Rome¡±. I watched as his eyes stared at me, I didn¡¯t know whether it was with shock or amusement. ¡°Rome,¡± he repeated, ¡°any reason why you left there for London?¡± ¡°More of it is a personal reason I wouldn¡¯t like to talk about in here, I mean I¡¯m here for the interview¡± I quipped. ¡°I¡¯m the one asking the questions, aren¡¯t I?¡± He stared directly in my eyes and I could feel the heat all over my body. ¡°A tragic incident befell me, and I had to change the environment to allow my peace to flourish¡± I told him. ¡°How long have you been in London?¡± he asked. ¡°Three years¡± I answered more timidly. ¡°That¡¯s it, we¡¯re done¡± he snapped. ¡°We¡¯re done?¡± ¡°Yes, we¡¯re done, you have the job,¡±This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°You don¡¯t have to give me the job out of pity.¡± I insisted. ¡°No, it¡¯s not out of pity. If I didn¡¯t see potential, I wouldn¡¯t consider giving it to you.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve barely asked me any questions rted to my working experience.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing to worry about,¡± he looked at my CV ¡°Judith, Summers, right?¡± ¡°Yes sir, Judith Summers.¡± I was really confused at that point. ¡°I know more than enough and I¡¯ve gone through your CV, that should be a pass on my side, so many qualifications here¡± he tapped the file that held my CV. ¡°But I¡¯ll still appreciate to at least be treated like the other people that entered this office.¡± ¡°You have the job, Judith Summers, you begin as my PA on the next working day.¡± he concluded and gave me the cue that he was done with me for that day. I stood up and walked out of the office, with thoughts in my head. His face still kept resurfacing and I couldn¡¯t figure out why. Well, we¡¯ll find out on the next working day, the door mmed shut. CHAPTER 6 Nathan¡¯s POV I sat on my bed for a few minutes after I woke up, I needed to recollect all the energy I lost the previous day and then lose it all today again. That¡¯s how my life has beentely, and today, being the day of the job interview, I already predicted what the future of stress has in store for me. I painted my room dark gray to ease tensions for mornings like this. When I wake up, I don¡¯t seem to remember who I am. They ease my tensions and remind me. ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be what¡¯s on my mind now¡± I muttered to myself. ¡°I have an interview to host¡±. I went into the bathroom, did all the necessary and got into my car and drove off. Stopping in front of my office has always given me stress and anxiety attacks. It was different today, the anxiety was fresh and more severe. I knew it was because I had to pace myself for the interview that I agreed to host. It was mypany and we needed workers, it should be my duty to host it, right? ¡°Good morning, Mr. Nathan¡± an employee briskly walked to me. I was offered a cup of coffee, ¡°What vor is this?¡± I asked her out of real curiosity, because I think some of the workers are out to poison me. Most of them think I¡¯m not good for the job. ¡°Cappino, sir¡±, was the answer she gave me without any hesitation. ¡°Cappino? I hate Cappino, how do you not know that?¡± I almost yelled at her. Moments like this gives me more than enough reasons why truly, I needed a PA. ¡°Man I miss John, already¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry sir,¡± her hands were stretched out to my cup to take it from me, ¡°do you need a new one?¡± ¡°What I need is a new assistant,¡± I told her and headed for my office. The n was to take the cappino that way. I continued the short journey to my office. I sat in my office and took a sip of the cappino, it gave me this choky feeling and I knew I could not drink it. ¡°I need to get a new one, a Latte this time. ¡± I muttered to myself and headed to the coffee maker. I stood up in anger and it was at that moment I needed my coffee the most. ¡°All applicants, wait in the conference room, Mr. Nathan will be open for the interview by ten o¡¯clock¡± I overhead the receptionist shout and watched the happiness of me getting the cup of coffee I wanted disappear, flew away, literally, followed by the realization that dawned on me, I had less than five minutes to go to the cafe and head back. I can swear I never mentioned interviewing them at ten o¡¯clock. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be told that the interview was by ten, this is yet another reason why I need an assistant¡±. I heard the elevator dink and I knew it was one of the applicants that I had to interview. I was on my way to get more coffee when I bumped into her. She stared at me and I didn¡¯t help the situation any better as it got weird and I held that gaze. I knew I¡¯d met her somewhere, but where? That was what I was trying to figure out before her voice brought me back to reality. ¡°Ma¡¯am¡± I said, noticing how familiar her face looked. ¡°I am sorry¡± I said not only from the bumping but for the memory I used in remembering her. ¡°Don¡¯t apologize, it is my fault¡± She said to me in a very gentle tone. I don¡¯t think she had any idea of who I was, but then, why did she stare at me that way? The pressure I was feeling at that moment was not something I could bury and forget. I helped her with her files and quickly continued on my way to get more coffee and avoid awkwardness. With the way my leg felt, I knew I left that part of the room at a more different pace than I used to bump into her. ¡°Ohhh,tte, where are you?¡± I said, scanning the area fortte. I think I know her but somehow she does not seem to reciprocate that thought. Maybe I¡¯m just overthinking it¡± I found thette and went back into my office and then the conference which was now used to interview strangers, who were mostly women. After taking a break from thest few interviews, to be very honest I was not impressed at all, they were all lovelydies, but none of them fit in for the role and that started bing very disturbing. ¡°Can today get any worse¡± I muttered to myself with my hands on my face. ¡°Good morning¡±, I said as I watched a youngdy walk into my office to be interviewed. She was the same person I bumped into at the hall. I had no idea she came for the interview. Now I recollected her facepletely, I just needed to confirm if she was really the one. Unlike the other applicants, I was oddly nice to her and got into a conversation that didn¡¯t correspond to what a boss and his assistant should talk about.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. Yes, after asking her a few questions for confirmation. I realized she was the one. I had raped her three years ago when I was still stupid and not wary of the consequences of what I did. She thought it was weird that she got the job, but I also had this feeling that she would do well by my side as my Personal Assistant. She didn¡¯t seem to recognize me and I was bent on making it up to her. This was my secret and it had to be protected if I wanted her close to me. CHAPTER 7 Judith¡¯s POV ¡°It was really awkward Vanessa,¡± I said on a call with Vanessa, exining how awkward and strange today was. I already bought the children back from school, and they were sound asleep. ¡°Scale of one to ten?¡± ¡°Vanessa, it breaks that scale! He was sweet and even had a conversation with me,¡± ¡°The same man that people were scared of?¡± ¡°The same man Vanessa, it was like a dream,¡± ¡°He was really handsome too, but the face seemed familiar, but then, who do I know in London? It¡¯s in a whole different continent. I couldn¡¯t possibly know him,¡± I was munching crackers ¡°You want some crackers, Vanessa?¡± ¡°Are you teasing me on purpose?¡± She asked me in an off tone, ¡°So about him, from what you have said so far, I think I grasped one or two things¡±. ¡°Oh tell me,¡± I said with glee. ¡°I think he likes you, Judith¡± Vanessa always had something to say. It was either about love or about hatred. One of those two things. And now she goes with the ¡®Love¡¯. ¡°Oh Vanessa, stop it,¡± I admit to blushing, but then how true could it be? It was very easy to not believe. ¡°Judith, can¡¯t you see? He was nice to you, even after the side talks you heard about him, he offered you the job, without a proper interview, what else could that mean?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, Vanessa¡± I said, setting the crackers aside. ¡°Look, Judith, what was your reason for leaving Rome?¡± She asked me, trying to sound reasonable. ¡°To start a new life?¡± I was confused by the question at first. ¡°Well, then see this as an opportunity for a new life. Do not reject the chemistry if you find any. You deserve to be happy, forget what happened three years ago and I also have this feeling that he will make you forget it. Don¡¯t waste this opportunity, who knows what awaits you ahead? Use it to your advantage, but do not abuse it¡± ¡°Wow, you sounded reasonable for a moment there¡±. I chuckled and took the crackers up again. ¡°Haha, very funny¡±. ¡°But I understand what you mean, and I¡¯ll try my best to ept and embrace the new life I¡¯ve chosen to live¡±. I assured Vanessa and I could feel her smile over the phone. ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s a big day for you. Don¡¯t screw it up,¡± Vanessa said enthusiastically. I smiled back at her ¡°I won¡¯t, Vanessa¡±. ¡°No, really, Judith, you ne¡­¡± ¡°Goodnight Vanessa,¡± I slowly talked and interrupted her sentence. Vanessa never believes in my will to take things by the horn, she believed that I needed to be talked to over and over again, but I know I need to level up too, and I was going to do just that. ¡°Goodnight, Judith¡± The line went dead and I smiled to myself. I drank some water and headed up to sleep. ************** ¡°Oliver, Olivia¡± I hurried down the staircase trying to put them in order before they headed to school. ¡°We¡¯re leaving in ten minutes, if you¡¯re not ready by then, I¡¯ll have to lock you guys in the house, understand me?¡± I threatened. Taking care of this children and doing my non-white-cor job was easier, because then I could go to work anytime and not be queried. Now I have a white-cor job, I need to learn to adjust into it. ¡°Mum, I can¡¯t find my shoe,¡± Olivia screamed from her room. ¡°It¡¯s under your bed Olivia¡± I was in the kitchen packing their lunch for them. ¡°Mum, my socks are missing!¡± Oliver yelled. ¡°They are in the drawers Oliver¡± ¡°I¡¯m counting to twenty and I¡¯ll be out in the car. if you don¡¯t meet me outside in twenty seconds, I¡¯ll drive off and you¡¯ll stay home alone¡± I was already running out of breathe and sweating a little bit as I walked out the door to the car and ced their lunch there. They were ready in ten minutes, and we were off to their school. ¡°Mum, why did we have to rush today? It was so pressurizing¡± Olivia whined at me from the back seat I tried to sign her from the front mirror, she was pouting and I had to pacify her. ¡°You see, Oli, mum has a new job, this one¡¯s different from the other ones¡±. ¡°How different, mum?¡± Oliver asked ¡°I don¡¯t like this new job of yours¡±. ¡°Wow, you haven¡¯t known what I do yet and you already hate my job?¡± ¡°We know it disrupts our peaceful sleep, and that¡¯s enough we need to know, right, Oliver?¡± Olivia turned to face Oliver. ¡°Yes, Olivia,¡± they both high-fived each other in a bid to make me jealous. I liked the fact that they were getting along recently. ¡°Well, this job is far better than the other ones I¡¯ve had, you should be grateful for this one, now you¡¯ll be the earliest kids in school¡± ¡°Nope, thank you,¡± Oliver and Olivia both said it simultaneously. ¡°Jinx, you owe me a coconut¡± They said it again, and burst intoughter. I smiled at the both of them. We got to their school and they hurried in before I drove off. They make me happy, and I promised myself to make them happy too.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. The reality of life set in after dropping them. I was starting work today, and I waste. My first day of work, and I¡¯m already making a bad impression. Then I remembered I was alsote for my interview that day. ¡°Maybe the universe is mad at me for some reasons¡±, I thought within myself as I parked my car in the parking lot, carried my bag hurriedly and headed straight to my desk. CHAPTER 8 Nathan¡¯s POV I could hear my rm ringing from the nightstand by my king size bed, I was still feeling sleepy because I slept sote yesterday night as I was working on the business proposal father wanted me toe up with. ¡°Oh God, its 7 am already¡±, I thought angrily. ¡°I can legit swear that I slept just few hours ago.¡± This billionaire lifestyle is so difficult, the saying, ¡°money isn¡¯t everything¡± is so fucking true, I can¡¯t even remember thest time I had real fun. When I was a dirty and broke street thug, I was happier than I am now. I didn¡¯t have to worry about so many people and things. I don¡¯t have to worry about business deals, proposals or any investments. I don¡¯t have to prove my capability to anyone. Despite everything I have done, a lot of people still sees me as being incapable, even my dad seems toin about me. It seems he forgot I just started working in the business empire. My step mom too doesn¡¯t fail in showing her displeasure and disappointment in me, and my step brother always made it known that I¡¯m just a nobody who stole his ce. Only my beautiful step sister is trying to help me get in the right path. I struggled to get out of the duvet and into the en-suite bathroom. After taking my shower, I walked into my closet to pick up my clothes and essories as I forbid any of housekeepers from walking into my personal space. I can¡¯t trust anyone easily. Who knows what John has up in his sleeve, I can be anything but I¡¯m definitely not stupid to trust strangers with myself. I picked up a brown suit with an off white shirt, a matching ck belt and an Italian leather shoe, I dressed up, sprayed a cologne and dashed out of the room, walking down the stairs. ¡°Good morning, master,¡± Isabe, the head chef, greeted me. I didn¡¯t reply her. Yes, I¡¯m an asshole, I hardly reply to the workers greetings. Everyone is a suspect to me. I¡¯m much safer in the slumps of Rome, than I am in this mansion, I can¡¯t pinpoint the cause of my fears though. She continued, ¡°Breakfast is ready, should I dish out your food?¡± ¡°Yes, I want a small portion and please be fast with it. I¡¯m runningte¡±, I said coldly as I pull out the chair at the rear end of the dining hall and sat down. Today is going to be a good one, at least I¡¯m going to see that woman Julia or Juliet. Oh please, don¡¯t tell me I forgot her name already. I¡¯m going to ask for her name today and never forget it. To know her is to love her. She exudes peace and so much beauty. I¡¯m sure she doesn¡¯t have as much enemies like I do, but how have I been living my life that I don¡¯t even feel safe despite all my money and bodyguards? I guess its karma doing its thing. People have always feel threatened by me. Now it¡¯s my turn to taste from my own medicine. My phone started beeping, which drew out of my thoughts, I looked at the caller id and it was Jessie; my step sister and the only supporter I know I have. I picked up the call. ¡°Hello sis¡±, I sounded happy. ¡°Good morning, Nathan¡±, she sounded not so happy ¡°Father is going to call you in a while. He said the proposal you wrote is bad, and I know him, He sounded really angry, and I know when he calls he going to say a lot of hurtful things to you. Please don¡¯t be angry. Just let him speak or you can avoid picking his call. I¡¯m going toeter by the office today, so we cane up with something better¡±. She hung up. ¡°And what the hell is this? I worked so hard on this proposal and then he tagged it nonsense¡± I shouted angrily. I could see the fear in the chef face as she served the food. ¡°I won¡¯t be eating anymore. I lost my appetite.¡± I dashed out angrily and got into my car as the driver sped off to the office. The driver was parking in the garage when I saw her, my new PAing out of a old car and running into the hospital hastily. I got out and went into the hospital, I met her already seated when I walked in ¡°Good morning sir,¡± she greeted respectfully. ¡°Get me my coffee,¡± I said coldly, ignoring her. ¡°Which type do you take, sir,¡± she asked. ¡°Are you just stupid or daft? Aren¡¯t you supposed to know my coffee preference by now? And you came to workte. Do you think we groom amateurs here? Aren¡¯t you suppose to resume work early? You must think you are something special for me to employ¡±, I swallowed hard, knowing she was special and unique. ¡°Now you want to start misbehaving. You better do your job well and be good at it, or I¡¯m going to fire you before you know it¡±, I shouted angrily at her, attracting other people¡¯s attention. I finished talking and I regretted my actions almost immediately. Nathan what have you done? You just keep hurting her over and over again, and you keep ruining your chances of her forgiving you. Asides herteness, she hadn¡¯t done anything wrong for me to be this angry on her. I was angry at father and I just passed my aggressions and frustrations on her because she is a weaker vessel. I was hoping today was going to be a good one but I spoiled it already. I thought angrily.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. She just stood there, saying nothing and I could hear her sob. I watched as her eyes which once radiated peace and happiness, now reflected pain and sadness. I went in and mmed the door shut. What a bad impression I have given her. I doubt we will ever be getting close¡­ CHAPTER 9 Judith¡¯s POV I stood there, startled, as I watched him shout on me as if I had wronged him in his previous life. Everything happened so fast that I was dumbfounded and embarrassed by the attention he had attracted. I sobbed as he went into his office. ¡°What an asshole¡±, I thought angrily. I could have sworn to everyone that they were wrong about him. Considering the way he interacted with me during the interview, but I guess he just pitied me; that¡¯s probably why I got the job so easily. I should have been here earlier. Then, none of this would have be happened because I would have checked for his preference. ¡°Oh my God, I¡¯m already getting into trouble on my first day¡±, I said as I smacked my head, wiped my tears, and sat down, looking dejected. ¡°Don¡¯t beat yourself too hard¡±, I heard someone whisper. I looked up and it was a nice looking guy in front of me, he was smiling and full of life unlike my boss. ¡°Oh sorry. I¡¯m James, his driver ¡°, he said as he stretching out his hand for an handshake. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m Judith, the new PA¡±, I taking his hand and giving him a fake smile ¡°He¡¯s a bully. He drains one physically, mentally and emotionally. But don¡¯t worry you will get used to it and feel better anytime you receive your fat paycheck¡±, heughed as I wondered what was funny. ¡°How long have you been working for him¡±, I feel like I¡¯m tired already, and I don¡¯t think I canst a week. ¡°I have been working here for 6 months. You will be fine as long as you obey his instructions, he is a perfectionist, although hecks perfection himself¡±. ¡± He preferstte coffee¡±- not too creamy, not too sugary, and not too hot, just somewhere in between¡± ¡°Okay, thanks so much, James¡± I said. ¡°Don¡¯t mention. I need to run along. Enjoy your day¡±. ¡°Okay, bye¡± I said as I watched him get into the elevator. I went to the coffee maker, emptied a sachet oftte in it with 2 cubes of sugar and minimal hot water, carefully following James instructions. In less than 3 minutes, I was done making the coffee. As I made my way to his office, my heart kept racing like a child who has offended her parents and will definitely get scolded by them. When I got to the door, I calmed myself down and knocked on the door. I was about knocking for a third time when I hear his cold and husky voice. ¡°Come in¡±. I made my way into his neat and well-furnished office, the office is almost as big as my sitting room and smelled so nice, as if the cleaners must have taken their time to clean the ce that made it so spotless to avoid his wrath. I would never understand rich people. What¡¯s the use of a big office when it is just for one person, the rich and their ways, though. I heard him speaking respectfully with someone over the phone with his back turned to me. The person must be in higher authority for him to be so calm, I guess an asshole like him has some respect. He looked so handsome in his brown suit. He dressed so simple, yet elegant. ¡°If only he is as nice as he looks, he would have been the most perfect man on earth¡±, I thought.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Judith, what are you thinking about? You are here to work and earn a living, and work you shall¡±, I drew myself away from further assessing him. ¡°He can¡¯t be with me even if he is perfect, I¡¯m a single mother of two, who has been broken and dejected, what would he do with me anyway?¡± I asked myself. ¡°Father, at least you should appreciate the effort I put in before throwing out the proposal like that, and I¡¯m definitely noting up with another one¡±, I heard him say before finally ending the call. ¡°Sir, your coffee is ready¡± ¡°And which type is it¡±. ¡°It¡¯stte sir¡±. ¡°Drop it, and please, next time use the phone, I don¡¯t appreciate strangers walking into my personal space ¡°, he said as he unbuttoned the first button on his shirt and sat down in the executive chair. I ran my eyes across him, I could see his neck and his upper abbs. ¡°oh damn, how can a man be this sexy?¡± I thought. ¡°Okay sir¡±, I said as I turned to leave. ¡°Let me know my schedule for today¡± ¡°Okay sir¡± I said and shut the door. I sat down in my well-furnished office. I had been doing a blue-cor job and never had a personal office, even when I worked at the bank, I was sharing the office with two others. I heard the phone ring e here¡±, he said angrily ¡°O- okay¡±, I was about to respond when he hung up He gives orders without even waiting for response, but he sounded really angry again. What have I done this time? My first day at work is really going bad, it¡¯s draining me already. I wish I could just leave, but I need the job to cater for myself and my babies. ¡°Well let¡¯s go find out¡± I stood up reluctantly¡­.. CHAPTER 10 Nathan¡¯s POV Oh fuck, there seems to be something wrong with me. I hope my aunt isn¡¯t right when she called me a bad luck and disaster years ago after my mom¡¯s death. Everything, even the universe, seems to be against me. I don¡¯t have peace within me; I always have this fear of the unknown. A wave of guilt weighed on me. It seems to me that I¡¯m the architect of my own misery. I should have lived differently and better. Oh damn, I miss mom. I find no love or warmth in London, everything just seem off, like I just popped up in the middle of nowhere. Even the only person I love and hoped for her forgiveness, I keep ruining my chances with my careless words and actions. ¡°Should I just go back to Rome?¡± ¡°If I go back, what would I do there?¡± No one would want to associate with me, as all dreaded and avoided me like a gue. ¡°Well let me just stay here. At least I¡¯m a billionaire and highly respected here¡± I said loudly, rounding off my thoughts. I took the cup of coffee ced on the table and took a sip, which I immediately spat out. The coffee was so bad that I started coughing vigorously. I took the phone and called her, telling her toe over sounding really pissed. I dropped the phone when I reminded myself that I shouldn¡¯t talk and treat her rudely. The pains I caused her years ago is already too much tost a lifetime, that I shouldn¡¯t add more to it. She deserves some happiness and peace. I heard a gentle knock on the door. ¡°Pleasee in¡±, I said respectfully. She came in, looking surprised and lost. I guess she was wondering if she heard me right. She must have known me as an asshole. ¡°You called for me sir?¡± ¡°Yes, I did¡± I don¡¯t like the coffee you made, it¡¯s not creamy, not sweet enough and it¡¯s cold. Please make another one for me and this time let it be better ¡°, I said with a weak smile¡±. ¡°Okay sir¡±, she said and smiled shyly. She walked out of the room, and I appreciated her sexy and well-endowed body, she is got some amazing features and I could feel my dick jerk. ¡°Oh damn! Even Catherine, my fuck mate, doesn¡¯t make me feel this way. Catherine is the girl I always fuck anytime I want to have sex. She is also pretty and sexy, and most importantly, she knows how to please me and satisfy my needs. We have been together for more than a year. We meet up at a hotel, have sex and I pay her handsomely well with no strings attached. Our rtionship was a blend of physical satisfaction and professional detachment, as we remained mutually beneficial to each other. She came back some minutester with the coffee and ced it on the table. ¡°I hope you like this sir¡± she said with a smile, looking brighter than earlier. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s check it out¡±, I said and sat up. I took the cup and sipped, it tasted nice and better than the former. I made an expressionless face, as if the coffee was bad.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. ¡°How is it sir¡±, she asked anxiously ¡°I love it ¡°, I said and smiled ¡°Thank goodness¡± she said, happily relieved. I looked at her, and she seemed somewhat relieved. She must have been worried and scared when I shouted on her earlier. ¡°Okay sir, let me get back to work¡±. ¡°What is your name again?¡± ¡°Judith, Judith summers¡±, she answered. ¡°I¡¯m sorry with the way I treated you earlier. I was just going through some phases. Though I shouldn¡¯t have passed my aggressions on you, I would like you to be here early and do your job well and then we wouldn¡¯t have a problem¡± I said without taking my eyes off her. She looked at me, shocked and seems to lose her voice for a moment¡­. CHAPTER 11 Judith¡¯s POV I was really dumbfounded when the mighty and sophisticated Nathan Everton apologized to me. He has always been known for his rude personality and nasty temper, everyone feared him, and his sudden apology made me left me speechless and stunned for a while. I guess he isn¡¯t that bad after all; he must have an iota of conscience and human feelings. ¡°it¡¯s okay sir. I¡¯m partly to be med too¡±, I managed to say. ¡°I will try to be professional, and I hope you can help me too. It¡¯s my first time working in an environment like this¡±, I added. ¡°Okay, you can get back to work then¡±, he said. I was about leaving when I said, ¡°I really appreciate your apology sir. It made feel better, thanks so much. He just nodded, and shed me a killer smile before I dashed out of the office. ¡°Oh goodness, the job can¡¯t be that bad,¡± I giggled as I stepped into my office. I logged in on theptop and emailed him his schedule for the day. As I reviewed the schedule, I saw he had several meetings and appointments for the day without a break. ¡°What a busy schedule¡±, where does he draw his strength from? Maybe that¡¯s the reason for all his grumpy actions? I suddenly felt pity for him. When he is angry, he looks like an asshole and a jerk. But when he¡¯s quiet, he looks like a lost puppy that wants to go home. The rest of the day went well but was so tiring as I keep apanying him from one meeting to another without a break or rest. In some meetings, he smiled and give des to the staff and board members, while in some, he shouted at them and criticize them. Every actions had a reaction, and I must say that he seemed highly professional and capable like he was born for the role. After the meetings, I was sitting trying to get some rest when a ssy and beautiful youngdy walked up to me. She exuded ss and royalty, and her cologne filled the whole building, smelling like petals. ¡°Good afternoon, ma¡¯am¡±, I greeted. ¡°Good afternoon. Is Nat in?¡± She asked casually ¡°Sorry who?¡± I asked ¡°Sorry, I mean, your boss¡±, she said and smiledProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. ¡°Yes he is around¡± ¡°Please tell him Jessie is here¡± I picked up the phone and informed him, I told him her name and he told me to send her in. ¡°He said you shoulde in¡± ¡°Okay, thank you¡±, she walked in majestically and I could hear the sound of her heels. She must be his girlfriend or better still his fiancee. They bothplement each other, but thedy seemed nice unlike Nathan, only God knows how she tolerates him. Nathan seems to like her so much because he spoke with so much enthusiasm, when I informed him of her arrival. I have never imagined he¡¯d be a lover boy or even someone who could hold a rtionship. They both came out and hourter whilst I was busy checking andpiling the schedule for tomorrow,¡± there¡¯s no end to this work, is there?¡± ¡°Jessie, thank you so much for helping with the proposal, father would have roasted me alive if not for you, I still got so much to learn from you sis¡± I heard him say. Oh, she is his sister, no wonder why she looked like a billionaire heiress. She isn¡¯t only beautiful; she must be very smart for Nathan to want to learn from her. ¡°Anytime brother, I got you for life¡± she hugged him. They moved closer to me, talking about other things and Nathan keepsining about his father pressuring nature. ¡°Your new PA?¡± she asked Nathan ¡°Yes, she is¡± ¡°Judith, this is my sister and Boss. She is only person allowed to visit me without booking an appointment¡± he said sarcastically and smiled. He looked so ravishing, who knows he could pull jokes too. ¡°Yes, sir¡±, I answered and smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t mind him, Jud¡±, she said casually like she had known me for a long time. Her calling by my abbreviation made me remember and miss Van. She is the only one who calls me that, she she¡¯d call me that every time, especially when there¡¯s gossip to share. ¡°I¡¯m his sister and nothing more¡±, she smiled. ¡°Okay, ma¡¯am,¡± I answered ¡°She is so pretty, and I know she¡¯d be good at her job¡±, she said and looked at Nathan. ¡°Yes she is¡±, he said and looked away, as if he was avoiding my eyes. ¡°I need to run along, Nat¡± she hugged him again and left He was about going back to his office when I said, ¡°sir, it¡¯s almost 4PM, I have to close now¡±. ¡°Why? I know the closing time is 4pm but I usually stay longer than that ¡± ¡°I need to pick my children from school ¡°I said ¡°You are married? This is actually why I don¡¯t like a female PA¡±. ¡°I¡¯m not married, but I have children¡±. ¡°What?¡± He asked, looking astonished or maybe confused, as if he has never heard of a woman who isn¡¯t married but have children¡­ CHAPTER 12 Nathan¡¯s POV ¡°What?¡± I shouted and became embarrassed afterwards. ¡°I don¡¯t know you have children¡±, I, said faking a smile. ¡°Yes I have a two- year- old twin¡± she replied confidently as she packed some things inside her bag. ¡°Okay, wow, you can close then¡± I said, as my brain trying to process what I heard. ¡°Okay, sir¡±, she took her bag and left. Immediately she left I started fidgeting, Howe she has children? I don¡¯t even know what to think, did she get pregnant for her fiancee and then not marry him? Maybe she got pregnant for him and then, they break up, or could they be my kids? I don¡¯t think so though. The sex I had with her was just a quick get- in and -out, it wouldn¡¯t have resulted into pregnancy. I have thousands of thoughts running through my damn head. At this point, I think I might go crazy, I can¡¯t think of anything anymore. Let me just get home and rx. I dialed my phone and called James ¡°Hey, get the car ready¡±.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material. I managed to enter the elevator and get to the car garage. I got into the car. ¡°Where is the destination sir¡±, he inquired. ¡°Home¡±. ¡°You are going home earlier than expected today, hope all is fine sir?¡± He asked with deep concern. ¡°Just drive, James and don¡¯t try to engage me in a conversation¡± I said harshly as I fastened the seat belt. ¡°Okay sir¡± he bowed down his head courteously and sped up. After I got home and had shower, I couldn¡¯t eat. Even though I hadn¡¯t eaten throughout the day, I just got into my bed reminiscing and feeling bothered about her and her kids. I should know the truth about the kids. I shouldn¡¯t be stupid to ignore the fact that the children might be a coincidence. This is too close for it to be a coincidence. Maybe a paternity test could prove it, but how do I even get a sample? I spent the rest of the evening thinking about the possibility of getting a sample when I slept off¡­ ************** I woke up earlier than expected the next day. I couldn¡¯t get a good sleep; I just kept rolling on my bed, unable to fall asleep. Every time I closed my eyes, my mind shed back to the kids, and I became restless. The hours ticked by slowly, and I just knew the rest I needed wouldn¡¯te no matter how hard I tried. I took my bath, got dressed into something simple, and smart, and left for the office without seeing any of the workers. I needed to see her and confirm it somehow before I drop dead. I should be able to bring up a conversation that will cause her to open up to me or better still lead me to something. I went into the hospital building without responding to greetings from the employees. I just wanted to see her, nobody else mattered. I got into the office and she wasn¡¯t around yet, I checked the Rolex watch on my wrist and the time reads 7:28 a. m. oh it¡¯s not even 8a. m. yet? I went into the office and sat down. I tried working, but I can¡¯t concentrate and I became frustrated, ¡°Nathan focus. Focus on the task at hand¡±, I shouted angrily, as though rebuking myself for getting distracted. After some minutes I heard a gentle knock on the door ¡°Come in¡±, it was Judith. A breath of relief and peace enveloped me, she came in looking beautiful and smart, wearing a silky blue gown that clung to her skin, unting her sexy features and a pair of ck medium heels. ¡°Good morning sir, I know you said I should always use the phone but I just came in when I heard the noise. I thought to check on you¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m fine. Just a little problem¡±, I said in a low voice ¡°I hope I¡¯m not crossing my boundaries, sir, but problems and hurdles are part of life. They help us grow, learn, unlearn and relearn. The world wouldn¡¯t be fun without them, and I hope you always have the strength to deal with your problems and find peace¡±. ¡°Thank you so much, Judith ¡°, she definitely knows how tofort one with her reassuring speech. Anytime, sir, so let me go make your coffee¡±, she said, sounding professional. I gave her a fake smile and she walked out with the sound of her heels echoing in the office. She came back some minutester with the coffee, and I just couldn¡¯t bring myself to ask her or get any clue from her. She looked peaceful and happy, like life had always been good to her, she seemed like one without any problems. We did the work for the day, and I must say she is adjusting well, and learning smart, she seems capable of much more if given the chance. The phone rang and she said ¡°I will be closing now, sir, its 4pm already. ¡°Okay, you need to pick up your kids from nursery school¡±. ¡°Yes sir¡±, she replied happily I noticed any topic about her kids seems to put her in another realm of happiness. She seemed super grateful and happy for the gift of them. I dropped the call when a thought crossed my mind. Why not secretly follow her and clear your thoughts and doubts? It might not be much of a help, but you get to see the kids, and maybe might find out something. I picked up my phone and call James. ¡°Come to the garage with the car now¡± I said authoritatively ¡°Yes, let¡¯s go see the damn kids¡±, I muttered as I mmed the door shut¡­. CHAPTER 13 Nathan¡¯s POV I got to the garage with the car already parked. I went to the driver seat and ordered James toe out as I would love to drive myself; because it¡¯s definitely going to look suspicious if I told him to tail my PA. What kind of boss would that make me? ¡°Boss, did I do anything wrong?¡± He sounded scared, as if he was about to cry. ¡°I¡¯m not firing you. I just needed to be somewhere alone¡±, I said as I took the car keys from him and sped off. I met her while she was still at the gate. Her car looks so old and not in a good condition, it looked as if it¡¯s struggling to move. The car stopped at the front of a school with the name Great minds college, the school is at the outskirts of town, big and clean one with several cars parked outside belonging to other parents who also came up to pick up their kids. I parked not too far away, knowing she wouldn¡¯t recognize my car, she alighted and went into the school, returning in less than 5 minutes with two beautiful kids carrying their backpacks and lunch packs. When I looked at the boy, he looked like a version of me in the childhood picture I have with me, and my heart started racing fast. So I have children whom I know nothing about, nothing is certain yet, he might just be my look alike. But this is too much coincidence and this can¡¯t be pushed aside, I need to run a paternity test ASAP. ¡°Mommy, we got a perfect score in my assessment today¡±, the girl said. ¡°A perfect score? I love you guys! Thanks for making mommy proud¡± she said, bending down to nt a kiss on their forehead. ¡°I¡¯m going to make you sandwich when we get home and I will take you to the amusement park this weekend¡± she said and helped them with their lunch pack and putting them in the car boot. ¡°Yes, we are eating sandwich¡±, they said, jumping with joy. ¡°But, mommy, I didn¡¯t believe we will be going to the amusement park. You are always too busy¡±, the girl said and pouted. ¡°Believe me this time, my babies. I will make time this weekend. Mommy have a new job now¡± she said, and smiled. ¡°Hey! They said, jumping again. She opened the car door and helped them before getting into the car herself. She tried igniting the car but it wasn¡¯t working. I knew something was wrong with the car while trailing her. She got down and I could see worry written all over, as she open the car bo. She seemed clueless about what went wrong with the car. ¡°Mommy, what is wrong with your car? ¡°The boy asked immediately he came down from the car¡± ¡°Just a little issue, baby. Mommy is going to fix it, so go back inside the car, so you won¡¯t get cold¡±. ¡°Okay, mommy¡± he said and entered the car. She ced her phone on her ears, she was probably calling her mechanic. The call seemed to be futile as she still seem worried. Seeing frustration written all over her face pierced my heart, so I decided to help her and the kids get home. I alighted from my car and walked towards her. ¡°Judith, what is wrong with your car? I asked ¡°Oh, Mr. Nathan, howe you are here? She asked with a faint smile. ¡°Yeah, I ca¨Cme to help pick my nephew but I think I¡¯mte, his mom called me that she already picked him up¡± I lied, while trying to maintain myposure. ¡°Okay, don¡¯t know you have a nephew¡±. ¡°Yes, I do have a nephew. I was about leaving when I sighted you¡±, I smiled. ¡°It seems your call broke down?¡± I asked, while cing my hands on the car. ¡°Yes and my mechanic isn¡¯t picking up¡±, she sounded so worried. ¡°Maybe I should drop your guys off at home¡± I suggested. ¡°No, Mr. Nathan, you don¡¯t have to bother. I will just call a taxi to get us home¡± ¡°You and the kids already have a long day and it¡¯s a cold evening. Let me just drop you off and I¡¯m doing this for the kids¡¯ sake¡±. ¡°Okay, sir. Thanks so much sir. We really do appreciate¡±, she smiled. ¡°I will call my mechanic to check the car¡±. ¡°Okay, sir, thanks so much¡±. She opened the car door and said¡±, Oliver, Olivia,e. Uncle is going to get us home¡±. The boy which I presumed to be Oliver alighted and said¡± Olivia wake up¡±. ¡°Is she sleeping already¡±, Judith asked. ¡°Yes mommy¡±, he said and pouted She was going to carry her when I said¡±, don¡¯t worry, I will help you with her. Just lock the car¡±, I said and moved to carry the girl who was already fast asleep. ¡°Thanks so much sir ¡°, she said as she took their packs and locked the car. We all got into my car, the twins sat in the back while Judith sat with me in the front. I ignited the car and got into the busy road of London. I tried to stay calm while driving so she doesn¡¯t notice my uneasiness. ¡°I love your car uncle, is this Lamborghini or Rolls-Royce¡±, Oliver asked excitedly. ¡°Thanks, this is Lamborghini ¡°I replied with a smile. ¡°Oliver, how do you know a Lamborghini?¡± Judith asked jokingly. ¡°My ssmate¡¯s daddy has a Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce, and he usually drop him off with it¡± he dered happily. ¡°I thought you said he is two years old¡±, I asked sarcastically. ¡°Yes, two years and two months old. Too smart for his age¡±. ¡°Mommy, I¡¯m hungry¡±, Olivia said. She looked back and said, ¡°oh baby you are awake? We will soon be home and I will make delicious sandwiches for you¡±. I considered offering to stop by a restaurant probably to get snacks but I thought that would be too forward. So I kept quiet and increased my pace while she directed me to her residence, continuously thanking me. I drove into a quiet street and parked in front of a modest apartment, the environment is serene and well kept, the ideal type for an average family. The heavens seems to be rooting for me, they probably felt my distress and frustration when she alighted with the kids and asked, ¡°Mr. Nathan, would you like toe in for a drink?¡±¡­..Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. CHAPTER 14 Judith POV ¡°Yes, I would love to have a drink¡±, he said affirmatively I was thinking he was going to reject my offer, he must have been really tired and thirsty, after a long day at the office, he still offered to help me. He seemed quite different from what people tagged him to be but could a hundred people be wrong? Or maybe he has multiple personality disorder. The door was unlocked and we made our way inside, the house is warm and cozy. ¡°So good to be home¡±, I thought. ¡°Wee to my home Mr. Nathan¡±. ¡°Wow, the ce is really nice¡± he said, looking, around with admiration. ¡°Please have a seat, and let me get the drink¡±, I said. ¡°Okay¡± he said as he sat down at the cushion nearest to him ¡°Oliver and Olivia, go inside your room while I microwave the snack ande bath you¡± ¡°Mommy, the sandwich¡±, Olivia said and pouted. She have the habit of always pouting wherever she¡¯s sad or disappointed. ¡°Olivia, mommy is tired. You know she¡¯s still going to help with the assignment. She can make sandwiches some other time¡±, Oliver said, sounding so considerate and matured. ¡°Mommy isn¡¯t tired, Oliver. I¡¯m going to make sandwiches for dinner¡±, I said with a faint or, probably a tired smile. Oliver has always been a sweet and considerate child. He tries to help with the chores sometimes even when I decline, and he hardly shows displeasure over something unlike Olivia. But what can I do? All children can¡¯t be the same. ¡°I can help you with your assignment guys¡±, he said. ¡°No, Mr. Nathan, you¡¯ve really done enough for us. Let me just get the drinks and then you can leave to rest for the day¡±. ¡°A few more minutes won¡¯t hurt. so I insist. Let me help¡±. I¡¯m notfortable with him helping, but I could really use a hand because I was really tired. But if there¡¯s anything I despise and avoid so much that will be my children noticing my tiredness. I always try to stay strong and fit for them, so they don¡¯t see themselves as a burden. ¡°Okay, then the assignment first before shower¡±, I said and headed to the kitchen. I opened the fridge and bought out 5 leftover sausages, putting them in the microwave. I could hear their voices from the kitchen as interacted with them while doing the assignment. He seemed really different, and I begin to wonder if what Vanessa said about him liking me was true. Never in my wildest imagination did I ever think that he would be willing to drive us home, be sitting in my humble home and also helping my kids with their assignments. The sausages were ready and I served a cold fruit juice in a ss cup. I put everything in a tray and walked to the living room. ¡°Mr. Nathan, please manage this. I don¡¯t have wine at home¡± I said as I handed him a te with 2 sausages and a ss of drink. ¡°It¡¯s fine, I love fruit juice more, thank you¡±. I also served myself and the twins, each with a sausage roll and a drink each. He took a bite and asked ¡°you made this?¡± ¡°Yes¡±. ¡°This is the first meal I¡¯m eating today, and I don¡¯t usually do snacks but I really love this. Thank you¡±. I nodded and smiled. First meal today? That is very bad. I hope he puts more attention to himself and his health. We finished eating while they continue with the assignment. I could hear the kidsugh as I did the dishes in the kitchen. How I wish the twins have a father figure in their lives; it would have made them really happy. This is not the kind of life I want for myself and the twins. Single parenting can be difficult and tiring. I might consider marriage in the future for the sake of my children, but where would I find a good man that will take care of my kids as his? Such men are rare but I really wish a miracle would happen, and my kids and I will find a man who will cherish and love us. I got over my thoughts as I finished up the dishes and went to the living room, they were already done with the assignment when he stood up to leave. ¡°I would like to take my leave now.¡± ¡°You really relieved me today. Thanks so much Mr. Nathan. Oliver, Olivia, Mr. Nathan is leaving. Say thank you to him¡±. ¡°Thank you sir¡±, they chorused. ¡°Why is he leaving? I thought he is daddy¡±, Oliver said, with disappointed face Immediately she said that, my countenance changed. The kids have never asked me about their dad. I guess they must have figured out that they should have a dad since other kids at preschool have both parents. ¡°No he¡¯s not dad¡± I managed to say. I looked at him and he has this unexinable look on his face, like he was somewhat scared, sad or, maybe dumbfounded. ¡°I¡¯m your mum friend¡±, he bent over and said to them. ¡°Will youe visit us next time? Oliver asked. ¡°Yes I will¡±, he said and waved them goodbye. I saw him off to the garage. ¡°Mr. Nathan, you don¡¯t have to mind the kids and please help me get through to the mechanic. Good night sir¡±.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material. ¡°I will mind them. They seem so smart. They are good kids. You did a good job raising them¡± heplimented ¡°I know, right. They are all have got¡±, I said with a faint smile, I¡¯m sure he noticed my mood swing, since Oliver asked the question earlier. The question pierced my heart and made me feel sorry for my kids. He was about opening his car door, when he suddenly turned and walked back to me. He came back to where I was standing. I was hoping he forgot something when he dropped the bombshell and asked a heart piercing question. ¡°I hope this won¡¯t be me crossing boundaries and prying into your private life, but what about their father? Is hete or he is just being irresponsible? CHAPTER 15 Nathan¡¯s POV I knew I shouldn¡¯t ask, but I asked anyways. I needed to clear my head and get over these feelings. It was gradually draining and eating me up. I still wondered how I managed to stay sane. All the meetings and appointments I have attended to today were done them absentmindedly, and it was really affecting my performance. I needed to get to the truth and focus on other tasks at hand. ¡°If I get the truth, will it really put my life back on the track?¡± I thought. But at least it would clear my doubts. ¡°Mr. Nathan, please I don¡¯t really want to talk about it. It¡¯s a bad experience, an experience that almost shattered my life overnight but thank God for the twins. They gave my life meaning and purpose again and made me feel fulfilled¡±, she said as a tear escaped from her eye. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡±, was I could say. I didn¡¯t really know how to console someone as I have never done that before. ¡°Please, leave, Mr. Nathan. I need to get back inside. The kids are waiting. Good night and thanks for today¡±, she said and went in immediately, even before I could say anything further. What experience made her go cold immediately and even made her shed a tear? It must have been a really bad one that must have shattered her and caused her pain, I thought as I drive through the traffic. ¡°Watch where you are going, you asshole¡±, a taxi driver cursed. ¡°Shut up, you motherfucker¡± I fired back, even when I knew I was at fault as I almost hit his rear mirror. I drove into the mansion, parked the car and got into the private elevator that led to my room. I wouldn¡¯t like to see any of the chef or housekeepers. I picked up my phone and put a call across to Jessie¡± Hi Jessie, do you know any private detective ¡°Yes I do, I will send you the number of the one I trusted the most¡±. ¡°Okay, thanks ¡°, I said and hung up. I knew she must have sense the distress in my voice. She just choose to ignore. Jessie is the kind of person that don¡¯t pry into one¡¯s private life.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. In less than a minutes, I received a message with the private detective number, I called him immediately. ¡°Hello, Mr. Abel, I need you to help me run a background check on someone, and I also need a sample for a paternity test¡±, I said authoritatively, with a sense of urgency. ¡°Okay, send the person details¡±, he said excitedly, as though he has been waiting for my call. ¡°How much do you charge, and how long will it take?¡± The deal was finalized, and he said it was going to take a week, I told him I would pay double if he finished in three days. He agreed, and I made an upfront payment. ¡°A week, I won¡¯t be able to survive it. I can still try to stay sane for three days¡±, I thought. I took my shower, got into bed and fell asleep¡­ ************** THREE DAYS LATER ¡°Mr. Nathan, you have a parcel. Should I bring it now?¡± I heard Judith say over the phone. ¡°Please, do¡±, I replied. I must confess that in just a week she started working here, we¡¯ve gotten on pretty well. She is quite good at her job. She came in, and dropped the parcel. After she left, I unsealed it and it was what I was expecting: the findings of the private detective. The report stated that she was dumped on her wedding day, had twins ten monthster with an undisclosed man, and relocated. She currently in London. The parcel also contained some hair strands, presumably from the twins. ¡°How did this private detective get these? They must broke into her home without her noticing. That house isn¡¯t safe; it could have been other harmful people¡±, I thought. ¡°Meet me in my office now¡±, I called Dr. Fred, one of the best doctors in the hospital and also my friend. Although, I wouldn¡¯t exactly call him my friend since we rarely see or discuss anything asides hospital matters. Some minutester, he came in after Judith announced his arrival, smiling and full of life. ¡°How do people manage to smile every time? I can¡¯t really understand¡± I thought as he approached me. ¡°Hey man, I thought you forgot me¡±, he joked ¡°Why would I? I said shaking his hand. But truthfully, I had forgotten about him. I only remembered him now because I needed his help. He¡¯s the only doctor I can trust to run the paternity test. ¡°I need you to run a paternity test for me and please be very discreet about it¡±, I said and handed him the sample. ¡°You got a child somewhere? He teased. ¡°I will, don¡¯t worry¡±. ¡°How long will it take?¡± ¡°I will get to work now, you should have it tomorrow¡±. ¡°Okay, thanks, buddy¡±, I said, giving him a side hug. ¡°I will handle all processes myself¡±, he said and left. I called a popr carpany and ordered a car to be delivered tomorrow morning for Judith. I was told that her car¡¯s engine beyond repair. I hope she takes the car without suspecting anything. I will just tell her its part of the workers benefit, her car is the oldest in the hospital; even the cleaner uses a better car than hers. By tomorrow, all of my doubts will be cleared, and I will find a way forward. I have had a week of emotional torture, heartache and headaches. The rest of the evening went well as I waited impatiently, with time ticking slower, prolonging my fate¡­ CHAPTER 16 Judith¡¯s POVBelonging to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Are you Mrs. Summers¡±, a voice asked over the phone. ¡°Yes, I am¡±, I replied, still unaware of who was speaking. ¡°It¡¯s the receptionist on the first floor. A parcel is here for you from Rex Motors. Pleasee pick it up¡±, she said. ¡°Rex motors? Okay, I¡¯ming¡±, I said and hung up. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the popr carpany? Why would they have a parcel for me?¡± I muttered, and dialed the phone to inform my boss that I would be stepping out a bit. I took the elevator down to the first floor and retrieved the parcel. The parcel truly bore my name. Curiosity got the best of me as I unboxed the package and found a car key. I was dumbfounded, thinking about who could have bought me a car. When I checked the receipt, the buyer¡¯s name read Nathan Everton. I ran through the elevator and knocked on his office door. ¡°Come in¡±, he said while working on hisptop ¡°Sir, you bought me a car¡± I asked surprisingly ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. Thepany did¡±. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because you need it, and it¡¯s part of the workers benefit¡± ¡°A car as part of workers benefit? I asked in disbelief ¡°Yes, it is¡±, he said, looking up with an expressionless face ¡°Thanks so much, sir. I really appreciate¡±, I said excitedly as I took his hand in mine ¡°You wee¡± he said and withdrew his hand ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir. I just got carried away. I have been saving for a new but it¡¯s taking ages for the money to add up¡±. ¡°It¡¯s fine, Judith. I hope you loved the car. Maybe I should have gotten a Lamborghini instead¡± ¡°A Lamborghini, would be too much for me, I haven¡¯t even seen the car yet; I just came running here immediately I saw your name on the receipt¡±. ¡°Okay, go check it out¡±. ¡°Okay, thanks so much, sir¡±, I giggled and left. I had been hoping to get a car for a while, but my bills keeps piling up. I¡¯m so relieved and grateful right now. At least I won¡¯t have to worry anymore, and my savings can be put to other uses. The kids and Vanessa are going to be really happy. I can¡¯t wait to tell them about it. But my boss seems somewhat heavy hearted. He looked as though he was tired or maybe frustrated. I couldn¡¯t ce hands on the feeling, but it was definitely not a good one. ¡°I hope he¡¯s okay¡± I muttered as I went back downstairs to check the car. It was a Benz, though I don¡¯t know the model though. The news of me getting a car already spread like wildfire as everyone kept congratting until I closed for the day. ************** Nathan¡¯s POV The results of the paternity test came. It turned out to be just as I had imagined; a 99. 99999% match. I¡¯m their father. The rape birthed two beautiful children that I will never be able to act like a proper father to. I¡¯m sure telling anyone will end in total disaster, I might even end up in jail. With this way I¡¯m feeling, I hope I don¡¯t drop dead anytime soon. I buried my head on the table and cried. This is the first time I have really felt pained and cried since mother¡¯s death. I cried a mountain that day because I knew I was alone and stranded in this world. Mother had been my only supporter; we¡¯ve only got each other. Then she died. Then Judith came in and called me. I tried to wipe away my tears before looking up at her. ¡°I have been knocking, so I came in when I didn¡¯t get a reply, I would like to close now¡±, she said. ¡°You can close¡±, I said and looked at her. That¡¯s when she realized that I had been crying, and she moved closer to me ¡°Are you okay, sir?¡± she asked with deep concern ¡°I¡¯m, I¡¯m o-k-ay¡± I stammered as I began crying again. I¡¯m definitely not crying because of the paternity test. I¡¯m crying because of the reckless life I have lived, and the terrible things I have done, especially to her. She pulled me into a reassuring hug and patted my back. She didn¡¯t say anything or ask me anything; she just hugged me and kept muttering, ¡°it¡¯s okay, you are going to be fine¡±. We stayed in the position for a few minutes. Then I withdrew from the hug and nted a kiss on her lips. I thought she was going to refuse it, but she pulled me closer. I wrapped my right arm around her tiny waist, cupped her face with my left hand, and parted my lips inviting her to explore. She responded eagerly, with her hands buried in my hair and pulling me closer. The kiss became more intense. I nibbled gently on her lower lips, and a moan escaped from her, resonating in the quiet office. The moan seems to bring me back to my senses as I suddenly withdrew from the kiss, leaving an awkward feeling. ¡°I¡¯m, I¡¯m so-rry¡±, I stammered. ¡°It¡¯s okay¡± she said and left. We seem to have lost ourselves for a moment, but I wasn¡¯t supposed to withdraw suddenly as it¡¯s humiliating for her. I knew that the kiss was going to change everything, but how¡­. CHAPTER 17 Felix¡¯s POV ¡°Oh God, oh God¡±, Belinda moaned as she clung her hands to my back like her life depended on it. Those intense moans seemed to resonate in my head as I kept thrusting my dick into her, and fondling her breasts with one hand. Finally, I came and went into the en-suite bathroom to shower. ¡°Oh, I love the way you fuck me, Felix¡±, she said as shey naked on the bed. Belinda is my girlfriend. She is the fourth girl I¡¯m dating in the three years I have been in America. Something about these girls seemed off. None of them had the spark and peace Judith emitted. I broke up with them not because they weren¡¯t pretty, but because they just seem to annoy me. Other than sex, they had absolutely nothing to offer. ¡°Oh, I miss Judith, a woman of beauty with brains. I truly regret dumping her that day. I wish we had gotten married, and I wouldn¡¯t be here, stuck with these brainless women¡±, I thought as I got out of the shower. ¡°When are we seeing my love each other next, my love¡±, Belinda asked delightedly. She is a sex freak, always looking forward to our next adventure.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡±, I replied with a harsh and irritated tone that conveyed hatred and disgust. She looked at me speechless and was about going into the bathroom when I said ¡°Let¡¯s break up, Belinda¡± I spoke with no remorse. ¡°I don¡¯t want to have anything to do with you anymore¡±. She turned back and began weeping¡± what have I done, babe?¡± she took my hands in hers ¡± I love you so much, baby and I always will¡±, she said as she tried to hug me. I pushed her away forcefully like she was a gue and got dressed hurriedly as if I will died if I spent any extra seconds with her. She just sat on the bed and began weeping. This is what I¡¯m talking about. Why would a grown up woman cry, crying like I¡¯m the Messiah of her life? If she was the one I dumped on the altar, I¡¯m sure she is would havemitted suicide. I hate weak and timid women; I love them innocent and strong just like Judith. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you when I get back¡±, I thundered, as I stormed out of the room to the garage, where I got into the car and drove to a nearby cafe to clear my head. I got to the cafe, small but neat with few chairs and tables arranged orderly. I ordered for a fruit juice and remembered that Judith always preferred fruit juice to wine and alcohol. ¡°Damn, I miss her¡±, I thought while sipping the juice absentmindedly. ************** ¡°Oh, Felix, why aren¡¯t you dressed yet?¡± Caleb, my best man, asked as he walked in, all dressed, to meet me sitting on the sofa in the hotel room. ¡°I¡¯m not happy, Caleb, I feel like I might regret this wedding, if I go on with it¡± I said as I paced with restlessly. ¡°The marriage isn¡¯t going to work¡±. He looked at me dumbfounded. ¡°I thought you loved her? I thought you guys had something beautiful going on? So why the sudden change of mind? ¡± ¡°We did have something beautiful and special going on, but something ruined it, and I don¡¯t know what I feel for her anymore¡±, I said and sat down, still nervous. ¡°What?¡± He inquired, and I could see anger written all over him already. I knew he had always loved and wanted Judith too, but I had beaten him to it and asked her out first. Seeing that we were dating made him withdraw his advances towards her. I exined the robbery and rape experience to him and told him of how I couldn¡¯t get it out of my head since then, but I kept reassuring Judith of my unwavering love and support when I felt otherwise. ¡°You know this is going to break her right? And you know it¡¯s not really her fault too¡±, he said with a sympathetic nce,¡± you should have just called her and exin amicably before now, but it¡¯s your life and marriage. You have the decision to make¡±. The decision I arrived at was a bad one. I checked out of the hotel, changed my number and booked the next avable flight to America. I dumped and broke her with just a text- no calls or any exnation of whatsoever, I just left her to deal with the problems all alone. Maybe that¡¯s why I keep striving for happiness and I can¡¯t find it. I kept wanting peace but it wouldn¡¯te. End of shback ¡°Sir, your bill, you need to pay me now. My shift is over¡±, a prettydy said while handing me a piece of paper. ¡°Okay, POS please¡±, I said as I retrieved my debit card from my pocket and handed it to her ¡°Done¡±, she said and smiled as she handed back the card and walked back to the counter. ¡°Such a pretty and respectful girl; just like Judith¡±, I thought. ¡°Why does the thought of Judith fill my head? I find myself thinking about her more often these days. I hope she¡¯s fine though¡±, I thought as I kept struggling to get her out of my head. ¡°Maybe I should go back to Rome? Should I go back to set things right? She should be able to forgive me; after all, it wasn¡¯t entirely my fault. It was the circumstances that triggered my action. I¡¯m willing to move on now and get married¡±, I thought optimistically, with a beam of hope. After several thoughts, still sitting alone in the cafe like a homeless puppy, I finally arrived at a promising decision ¡°let me go back to Rome to go and im my girl¡±. CHAPTER 18 Judith¡¯s POV It¡¯s been a month of working with Nathan, and I must say confess that the work has been so exhausting. From fixing meetings, conferences, and appointments to responding to emails. I didn¡¯t think I could survive. But surprisingly, I have been learning through the ropes and getting better. After the kiss we had some weeks ago, I have been trying not to get entangled with him. I tried to keep it strictly professional. I don¡¯t have problem with the kiss itself; my issue is how he withdrew from me afterward, like I was a disease, leaving me in an awkward situation. Love shouldn¡¯t be my priority. I have children to cater for, they should have my love and attention but anytime I¡¯m around him, my heart seems to beat faster, just like when I was with Felix, and conveying some unknown feelings. Oh, Felix, I hope he¡¯s fine wherever he is¡±, I muttered as I arrange the scattered files on the table. ¡°Thank goodness, the wedding didn¡¯t hold. How would he have survived fathering a robber¡¯s child with his newly married wife?¡± I thought, shrugging. The saying ¡°some disappointments are a blessing in disguise¡±, is absolutely true; marrying Felix would have put me in a rather difficult and awkward situation. I was seated and scrolling through my phone when I heard a rude voice speak. I looked up, and it was a handsome young man, who bore a resemnce of Nathan. I learntter that he is John, Nathan¡¯s step brother. ¡°Is Nathan around¡±, he spoke rudely and urgently. ¡°Yes, he is¡±, I said trying to sound as calm as possible. ¡°What is your name? So I can check if you¡¯ve booked an appointment¡±. ¡°Why should I book an appointment to see that bastard?¡± he said as he made his way inside the office. ¡°Sir, you can¡¯t go in¡± I said, I walking behind him. He went in, and I followed him,¡± sir I told you, you can¡¯te in¡±. I was about facing my boss to apologize to him when I received a p on the face. He pped me, I was shocked and pained; it happened so fast that looked like a Deja vu. I was caressing my cheeks and trying to hold back my tears when Nathan moved closer to me and held me ¡°Are you okay?¡± he said as he touched my shoulders, sounding very angry, I could feel the fire in his eyes. ¡°Are you crazy¡± he thundered angrily while facing John. I had never seen Nathan so angry. He punched john on his face. He grabbed his shirt and threw him away. ¡°Every time youe here, you make trouble¡±, he said as he they kept punching each other while I was tried to stop the fight. After a while, I guess they got tired; they stopped fighting ¡°So you hit me because of this low life?¡± he said while pointing and shooting daggers at me. ¡°If you dare insult her again, I¡¯m going to kill you¡±, he said while trying to move closer to him of which I prevented. He stopped talking, as though he knew Nathan could kill him. ¡°I¡¯m going to tell father about this¡±, he said as he mmed the door shut. John left, not the same way he came, his handsome face was covered in bruises, and his shirt rumpled. Nathan too had bruises, but they were minimalpared to John¡¯s. ¡°You should have just let him be,¡± I said as I sympathetically cupped Nathan face with my hands, and scrutinizing his injuries¡±. Then he burst outughing. ¡°Why are youughing?¡± I asked, a little angry, and surprised. ¡°You just looked so funny right now; you looked like a mother rebuking her naughty kid¡±, he said as he keptughing. I have never seen himugh so hard before. ¡°I¡¯m being serious here¡±, I said as I gave shoot him an angry stare. ¡°Stopughing and let me treat your wound¡±. ¡°Okay I will¡±, he said, while trying to suppress hisughter, ¡°he looked so cute and innocent, though¡±. ¡°Why is he here?¡± I asked as I bent over to wipe the blood with a cotton wool, and then apply an ointment. ¡°He had a shady business deals that he wanted father to invest in. father investing millions in that business would end up in a loss. Thinking about all the possibilities, the investment wouldn¡¯t be a good one, so I advised father not to¡±, he said as he swallowed hard. ¡°I think that¡¯s the reason for his uproar¡±, he said and held my hand allowing me to sit beside him. ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked as he ced his hand on me cheek. I nodded and was trying to take off his hand.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for allowing you go through this. John has always been an asshole; he has respect for no one and does all kinds of shady things¡±, he said, forcefully keeping his hand on my cheek. ¡°I¡¯m okay, sir¡±, I said as I finally took off his hand, ¡°Let me get back to work¡±. I was about to stand up when he said¡±, I¡¯m sorry about the kiss, Judith. I know was supposed to talk about it since then, but I didn¡¯t want to put you in an awkward situation or take advantage of you¡±, he said while staring intensely at me. I could feel my body burning with desire. ¡°It¡¯s okay¡±, I said, avoiding his eyes as If I wanted hide my love and desire from him. ¡°I hope you will forgive me and we can just be cool again¡±, he said as he took my hand in his and kissed it. I was dumbfounded. I don¡¯t know if I was a dream, but it looked too real to be true. ¡°Why is he kissing my hand again? I thought he apologized for the kiss because we just got lost around each other? Is he trying to flirt with me? I was still lost in my thoughts, when I heard him say: ¡°I have thought about this. I care about you; I want to be around you. I just want the time to tick slower when at work and faster when I¡¯m home, just so I could see you longer. I think I¡¯m in love with you Judith¡±, he said, shooting affectionate stares at me¡­.. CHAPTER 19 Nathan¡¯s POV ¡°Did I just confess my love for her?¡± since the kiss, I find myself thinking about her and the kids more often. She seems to appear in my dreams at times andfort me anytime I have a bad day. I know dating her right now might not be the best for us, but I might get more miserable if I dy any further. And my kids-I want to be around them, and the only possible way is to date her. ¡°I love you, Judith¡±, I repeated, looking at her affectionately. She looked at me speechless, and I could see shock written all over her. ¡°Erm, erm, Mr. Nathan¡±, she stammered, then stopped talking as she calmed herself down. ¡°Mr. Nathan, I don¡¯t think so. Just because we kissed doesn¡¯t mean we are in love. We just lust after each other for a moment¡± ¡°Judith, this isn¡¯t lust. I know lust when I see it. Youfort me and care about me¡±, I said, caressing her hands while she just looked on. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can trust someone enough to want to be with the person and my kids too. They are priority and all I have now. I love being their mother. I don¡¯t think I can afford to get into a rtionship now¡±. ¡°Your kids-I love them too, and I will prove myself to be someone you can trust¡±, I said, nting a light kiss on her lips to prevent her further revolt. She responded to the kiss, and I knew she felt the same way about me. We continued kissing,pletely lost in the moment, when my phone started beeping. We both withdrew from the kiss as I took the phone to check the caller who had disrupted our nice time ¡°oh, damn, I¡¯m going to kill this person¡± I swore as I took the phone. It was my father. I knew why he was calling; John must have told him about our fight. ¡°Hello father¡±, I said while walking away from Judith. I don¡¯t want her to hear my father¡¯s yelling. I thought he was going to yell, but he was unexpectedly calm. ¡°Come to the house for dinner¡±, he said as he hung up the call. My father has always been a man of few words. He gives orders without expecting or respecting your opinion. ¡°Judith, I need to get to the house now. Reschedule every other appointment¡±, I said as I grabbed my suit while trying to straighten out my rumpled shirt,¡± I will call youter¡±,. ¡°Okay, sir¡±, she said and moved closer to me and pecked me. She then smiled shyly and left. I was surprised and excited at the gesture. It only means she loved me just as much as I love her and she is interested in me. Dating her might be the best, I will be getting closer to my kids. Peace and happiness are finallying my way after a long time. ************** ¡°How dare you beat up my son!¡± Stephanie, my step mom, roared immediately as I stepped into the mansion. The mansion is just a five minute drive from my own mansion; it¡¯s a bigger version of mine. The mansion stands out majestically in the estate, it is a blend of ssic and modern architectural styles, with two big living room with huge chandeliers and polished marble floor, six bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a big dining hall, swimming pool outside, a gym house, table tennis court and a garden, creating a serene and exquisite environment with high fences providing a sense of protection and security. I ignored her and walked to where my father was seated. ¡°Hello, father¡±, I said as I took the seat closest to him. ¡°Hi Nathan¡± he said in a cold voice depicting his displeasure with me. ¡°I see you both sustained injuries. This should be thest time you both will fight or even raise voices in my establishment. What did you think the employee¡¯s will think of you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, father. I didn¡¯t mean to¡±, I said apologetically ¡°Is that all you are going to say, Grey?¡± she said as she came closer shooting daggers at both of us. ¡°John can¡¯t leave his bed because of the bruises he sustained¡±, she said as she gave me a look filled with contempt. She looked like she could kill me if given the chance. ¡°You can see they both sustained injuries¡±, father said, unbothered by her outburst. ¡°Did John tell you what he did?¡± I asked calmly while trying hard to suppress my anger. ¡°Yes, because he pped your lowlife and rude PA. Is that why you injured my son, you bastard?¡± she said, sighing loudly. ¡°Don¡¯t you-I repeat, don¡¯t you ever call my son bastard¡±, my father roared angrily. That was the first time I have seen him so angry; even a failed business deal has never made him so angry. ¡°He is a legitimate and true son. I loved and married his mom¡±, he swallowed hard. ¡°If not for my mom dirty games, we would still be together and she will still be very much alive¡±. He removed and cleaned his sses, I could see a tear escape from his eyes. There was silence for a while. ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner¡± he added as he wheeled himself to the dining hall. Stephanie was shocked. She didn¡¯t say anything; she just stood there like she saw a ghost, perplexed and surprise. I¡¯m sure father have not spoken to her in such rash manner before. I noticed John by the stairs as I walked to the dining hall; father unbelievable outburst must have caught his attention. Silence envelope the dining hall, as we all ate with our heads buried in our food as if we were forced to. I stole a nce at father and he still had this sad and remorseful look. He must have really felt bad about my mom death and med himself for not protecting her enough.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. ¡°I won¡¯t tolerate Stephanie and her son anymore. The reason I was unbothered before was because I had nothing or no one to protect. The narrative is different now. I have a woman and two children whom I love dearly. I¡¯m not giving to give in to their shady and evil tactics anymore. I¡¯m not going to make the same mistake father made. I¡¯m going to protect them with everything I¡¯ve got¡±, I thought as I heaved¡­.. CHAPTER 20 Judith¡¯s POV The fact that I¡¯m head over heels for Nathan can¡¯t be disputed anymore. I truly love him, and since he confessed his feelings, I might as well give the rtionship a chance. He does seem to like the kids too as he kept showering them with gifts. That is the kind of man I want, a man who will love my kids just as much as he loves me. It has been three weeks of dating Nathan, dating him may not be easy, as the rumor about us already spread like wildfire throughout the hospital, making me be the center of gossip amongst the employees.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. Some approved the rtionship, saying I was lucky to be dating a perfect billionaire who is every woman¡¯s dream. While others tagged me a gold digger and a seductress, using me seducing and cornering him for myself. ¡°Their approval or rejection doesn¡¯t really mean anything to me, I¡¯m done trying to please the world. I¡¯m only going to care about myself now. I deserve some happiness too¡±, I thought as I drove through the traffic, heading to work after dropping the kids off at school. Being with Nathan makes me happy and fulfilled, I¡¯m going to be really shameless about dating my boss if it means me and my kids being happy. I parked at the garage and walked into the ground floor. Silence enveloped the area as I walked in. I felt ufortable, but I kept walking anyway. I could hears whispers, all I did was just to increase my pace. I was about walking into the elevator, when I heard twodies talking about me. ¡°Look at her, gold digger¡±, onedy snorted. ¡°She thinks she¡¯s something special, huh?¡± anotherdy said. I wanted to ignore them, just as I have been doing, but I have had enough, I¡¯m human too. I have feelings and emotions. ¡°yes, I¡¯m something special, and I¡¯m not a gold digger, I¡¯m a gold getter instead¡±, I turned back and then went into the elevator. I walked into my office and I saw a flower bouquet, a note and a parcel on the table. I knew it was from Nathan. I opened the letter and it read, ¡°Your love makes me whole again. Your love add values and meaning to my life. Thanks for loving me babe¡±. I blushed as I read the letter. ¡°He is so sweet¡±, I said as I smelled the flowers and unboxed the parcel. It was a beautiful long red silk gown, looking so expensive and ssy. It must have cost thousands of Euros. ¡°He has eyes for good things¡±, I muttered happily. I made his favorite -Latte coffee and headed into his office. ¡°Good morning sir¡±, I said, giving him my killer smile. ¡°Your coffee is here sir¡±, I ced the coffee on the table. ¡°I told you to stop being so formal with me, ¡°he said, and moving closer and grabbing me by the waist, cing a light kiss on my lips. ¡°You are still my boss, so I should give you maximum respect¡±, I dered. ¡°I told you to stop working. I can open a boutique or restaurant for you if you want¡±, he said still holding my waist. ¡°I don¡¯t want that. People are already calling me a gold digger, I just want a peaceful life for myself¡±, I said, I touching his curly hair. ¡°I told you to stop caring about what people say¡±, he said, releasing my waist and sitting down. ¡°Thank you for the gift and the note. That was so sweet of you¡±. ¡°You deserve much more, my love. I wish you¡¯d give me the chance to show you how much I love you¡±. ¡°I know you love me baby. There¡¯s nothing more to prove¡±, I said, taking his hands and kissing it. ¡°Tell the twins we are going to the amusement park this weekend¡±. ¡°Really¡± I shouted excitedly. ¡°They have always wanted to go there but I have been busy. Thanks so much, Nathan. I love you baby¡± I said, giving him a kiss. ¡°Please, send the pharmaceuticalpany proposal. Let me see if they¡¯ve got a good deal¡±, he, throwing affectionate looks at me ¡°Okay, sir¡± I said, switching to a formal tone of which he just shook his head and smiled at me, as I dashed out. Dating Nathan has been nothing short of happiness. He always goes all out for me and the kids. Since he came into our lives, he has been showering us with love, care, attention and gifts. He has even offered to pick up some bills, which I declined. I don¡¯t want to take advantage of him. The rtionship feels so surreal. The rest of the day went well, following the usual routine, constantly stealing and throwing affectionate nces at each other. ************** ¡°Oliver, get down from there! You are going to injure yourself¡±, I screamed while trying to caution him from leaping on the wall. ¡°I told you to stop ying roughly. I¡¯m going to stop you from watching cartoons¡±, I said angrily. ¡°Sorry mommy, I¡¯m going to stop ying rough¡±, he said as he got down and pouted. ¡°I miss Mr. Nathan¡±, Olivia said, sighing and making a sad face. ¡°When is heing to see us again?. ¡°I forgot to tell you guys¡±, I said, smiling¡± He is taking you two to the amusement park this weekend¡±, I dered happily. ¡°Yes!¡± they chorused while jumping happily on the sofa. The kids seems to be happier since Nathan came into our lives. He takes them to all the amazing and fun ces they had always wanted to go but I¡¯m either too preupied to or I don¡¯t have the money. We were having fun and talking about random things when I heard a beep on the door. ¡°Who could that be? Maybe its Nathan trying to give us a surprise visit¡±, I thought as I happily stood up to unlock the door. ¡°Mommy, I think Mr. Nathan is here¡±, Olivia giggled happily. I walked to the door and unlocked it, when I saw someone I would never have expected to see in a thousand years. He stood there smiling at me like he had just won a lottery. I was shocked and perplexed, unable to talk or move. ¡°Hi, Judith. Can Ie in?¡± CHAPTER 21 I stood still like I had seen a ghost. The man in front of me was no other person than Felix, the man I once loved and almost married, the same one who dumped me on the altar three years ago. He is back, standing and smiling broadly like nothing happened. ¡°Mommy, who is there?¡± Olivia said, running towards me. Still speechless, I held her in my hands as Oliver joined us. ¡°Mommy, who is this?¡± Oliver asked, looking up to me for a response. ¡°It¡¯s, it¡¯s a frie-nd of mine¡± I managed to say, stammering ¡°How are you kids?¡± he said, waving and smiling at them. ¡°Fine¡±, they chorused. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I managed to ask with a straight face ¡°Judith, can I at leaste in?¡± he said, still smiling, acting friendly. ¡°Come in¡± I moved aside as he entered. ¡°Go inside your room and y with the video game. Let me attend to my friend, and I wille read you a bedtime story¡±, I said as I watched them go into the room. ¡°Let me get you a drink, I said, heading to the fridge. I served him a ss of fruit juice. He took the drink, sipped a little from it, and then ced the ss on the table. ¡°I guess you still love fruit juice¡±. ¡°Why are you here?¡± I asked coldly, ignoring his remarks. ¡°I don¡¯t appreciate youing into my home unannounced¡±, I said in a low tone, while trying not to let the kids hear me. ¡°Are those children from the rape incident?¡± he said carelessly. ¡°Are you crazy?¡± I said. ¡°Don¡¯t you ever say that again,¡± I warned while scanning the room to ensure the kids weren¡¯t listening. ¡°Rx Judith. I don¡¯t mean to get you worked up. I¡¯m just here to apologize for what happened. I honestly don¡¯t know what came over me that day, that made me dump you¡± he said apologetically. ¡°It¡¯s fine, I guess we aren¡¯t just meant to be after all, I have moved on, so it¡¯s absolutely fine¡±, I said, giving him a reassuring smile. ¡°You have moved on? As for me, I have not moved on. I still love you and miss you, Judith, and I honestly hope we can continue from where we stopped¡±, he said, taking my hands, which I quickly withdrew. I looked at him for a while. ¡°is he kidding or just clueless¡±, he did seem serious and confident that I would jump at him and just pick up from where we left off¡±, I thought and I suddenly burst outughing. He became confused and gave me a questioning look ¡°why are youughing?¡± I ced my hands over my mouth, trying hard to suppress theugh ¡°I¡¯m sorry Felix but you are so funny¡±. ¡°How?¡± ¡°You seem to think the world revolves around you. You left for three good years without a call. All you left me with was a break up message and embarrassment. Now you want us to start from where we stopped? I didn¡¯t know you had always been this selfish?¡± I said ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to embarrass you, Judith¡±.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°You didn¡¯t mean to embarrass? Why didn¡¯t you call after a month? After a year? Now youe back to say bullshit¡±, I asked angrily ¡°I waited for your call every day, not because I wanted the wedding to happen, but because I thought I deserved an exnation even when I knew what went wrong. I thought our rtionship was worth more than just a break up text. I thought our love was something we could discuss and arrive at a sensible decision like adults¡±, I said, sobbing. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Judith¡±, he said, moving closer to me to console me. ¡°Trust me Judith, I didn¡¯t mean to make you cry¡±. I dried my face and moved away from him. ¡°You can see I have children now, and even if I didn¡¯t, there¡¯s no way we are getting back together again¡±. ¡°I don¡¯t mind you having children, I really don¡¯t¡±, he dered. ¡°You can¡¯t withstand me getting raped. You won¡¯t be able to withstand me having children too. I know you Felix. I knew we were going to keep having issues in our marriage but I went on with the wedding anyways because I didn¡¯t want to hurt you, not knowing you were going to hurt me without thinking twice about it¡±, I said. He just bowed down, all his confidence vanished. He must have been so confident and hopeful that I will get back with him. ¡°Please don¡¯te here again. I don¡¯t want to see you again, you are my past and you should remain there¡± I said sternly, gesturing for him to leave. Immediately he left I called Vanessa because she¡¯s the only person I can talk too. Mother have always been worried about me being in London all by myself, I don¡¯t want to bother her again. ¡°Hi van¡±, I said immediately she picked the call ¡°Hi Jud¡±, she giggled happily. ¡°Guess who was here?¡± ¡°Who?¡± She asked me in low tone ¡°Felix¡± I said. ¡°Felix¡± she shouted loudly. She must have been shocked; I was too. ¡°Why is he there?¡± ¡°I narrated everything to her without leaving out a single detail and, she listened keenly¡±. ¡°Just imagine, he must have thought you¡¯d be jumping all over him¡±, she said and sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t even know how he knows where I live. London is too big for him to just find me like that¡±. ¡°Don¡¯t mind him. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s not going toe back¡±, she reassured. I ended the call with Vanessa, still bothered about Felix. He seems to know so much about me. He knows and seems so sure about the twins. ¡°Felix being in London anding back to apologize is not exactly what I would call a good thing. He seems different from the Felix I knew; somewhat arrogant and annoying. I spent the rest of the night worrying about Felix return¡±. ¡°Not a good thing, not a good thing¡±, I muttered as I drifted off to sleep. CHAPTER 22 Nathan¡¯s POV ¡°How dare you try to jinx the business deal I¡¯m been chasing for months?¡± John shouted angrily at me as I got into the office ¡°John, I¡¯m not trying to jinx the deal. I¡¯m not just funding it¡±, I said while unbuttoning my suit¡±, if you have the money, you can do the business¡±. ¡°You seem to forget I¡¯m also an EVERTON, I shouldn¡¯t be begging for business funds like this¡±, he said as he hit the table. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare try to cause nuisance in my office. I¡¯m not going to tolerate you and your shady business deals anymore¡±, I said angrily. ¡°You are an EVERTON, and you should start behaving like one. All EVERTON¡¯S are smart. Bring a better business proposal, then I will support and give you all the funds you need¡±, I said as I sat down. ¡°You are going to pay for this, Nathan. I¡¯m going to pay you back in ten folds for all the pains and embarrassment, you¡¯ve caused me¡±, he threatened as he mmed the door shut. I watched him leave the office angrily. John has always been a spoilt brat courtesy of his mom. He does hard drugs, go clubbing every day, date different women and all kinds of vices: he goes as far as molesting girls. Father had always tried to groom him into a perfect sessor to the EVERTON n, but he turned a deaf ear. So when father found me, he just left him alone and that made himbel me as someone who stole his ce. **************** It been four blissful months of dating Judith, she is all I want and even more. I have been able to love and care, something I had thought I¡¯d never do. I have never loved any woman like I do love her. I¡¯m actually thinking of getting married to her; that way, I can be the legal father of the twins. ¡°Hello Judith,e in¡±, I said over the phone ¡°Hello, Mr. Nathan, you called for me ¡°, she said sarcastically as soon as she entered the office ¡°Yes, Miss Judith, I did call for you¡±, I said as I took her hands and made her sit on myps. ¡°I told you, not to do this at the office; anyone cane in¡±, she said while trying to resist my grip. ¡°Who darese inside my office without permission?¡± I asked arrogantly. ¡°Our family do have dinner together every Sunday. I want you toe over to meet them¡±.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. ¡°Why?¡± She asked ¡°I just want you to meet them. I know there¡¯s really no one to meet though. You¡¯ve met Jessie; my beautiful step sister and John; my rude and arrogant step brother but you¡¯ve not met the most important person, which is my father and then my step mom¡±. ¡°I don¡¯t think I need to meet them. It isn¡¯t like we¡¯re getting married or anything¡±, she said, still reluctant. ¡°But we are going to get married soon, so it¡¯s important you meet them¡±, I said, trying to convince her. ¡°Get married soon?¡± she asked with a surprised face. ¡°Yes, we should get married soon¡±, I answered with a smile. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you I want to get married to you Nathan¡±, she said. ¡°Oh, I thought every rtionship ends in marriage¡±, I said with a surprise look. ¡°Maybe, but, I¡¯m not ready for marriage now. I just want to enjoy this moment with you and take care of my kids¡±, she said. ¡°Enjoy the moment? What about our future together? You don¡¯t see me in your future?¡± I asked in a low and sad tone. She didn¡¯t say anything. She just kept quiet and stared into empty space, I watched her face changed and get covered with sadness. ¡°I don¡¯t believe in marriage anymore. I can¡¯t trust anyone with my heart. Yes I love you Nathan but marriage? I can¡¯t do it. I¡¯m deeply sorry if I led you on¡±, she said, and a tear escaped from her eye. ¡°When will you learn to love and trust mepletely? I think I have proven myself beyond reasonable doubts that I can be loved and trusted¡±, I said in a high tone. ¡°You¡¯ve once asked about the father of the twins. The truth is, I don¡¯t even know their father. I don¡¯t know what he looks like or what he does¡±, she said and began to cry. ¡°Immediately, my heart ached, and I felt like just telling her the truth, but I know it was going to break her further, and end everything we have. I might even go to jail. I¡¯m not strong enough to handle the pains and punishment thates with telling her the truth¡±, I thought as I watched her cry and consoled her. She wiped her tears and continued, ¡°All I remember, was how he disrupted my once perfect life and ruined my wedding¡±. ¡°I¡¯m grateful for your love, care, and most importantly, your patience. You have not tried to lure me to sex, but marriage? I don¡¯t want to do it anymore¡±. ¡°But, Judith, we had something beautiful going on. Just try to forget the past and focus on the present and future¡±, I said while trying to convince her. ¡°I promise to respect and protect you always¡±, I said as I held her hands. ¡°I don¡¯t want to stay apart from you and the kids anymore, with you, I found a home, peace, and happiness¡±, I said as I smiled at her. ¡°So please, meet my family, and let¡¯s get married¡± I said as I gave her reassuring hug¡­, CHAPTER 23 Judith¡¯s POV I¡¯m not convinced that agreeing to marry Nathan is the best thing to do. I¡¯m not sure of what I want, but I¡¯m definitely reluctant about getting married. Marriage is no child¡¯s y, and it takes a lot of hard work andmitment, which I¡¯m not sure I can put in. I shared the news with mother and Vanessa, and they were all delighted about it. ¡°I¡¯m so happy for you, Judith. I¡¯m d you are finally moving on¡±, mom said excitedly. ¡°You have my blessings, my baby,¡± she said before ending the call. ¡°Oh! My girl is about to be a wife¡±, Vanessa screamed. ¡°When is the wedding date?¡± She asked with a sense of urgency. ¡°Calm down, Van, he hasn¡¯t even proposed yet; he just wants to know my opinion about it¡±. ¡°And what is your opinion girl?¡± She asked calmly. ¡°I don¡¯t know, Van. I honestly don¡¯t know¡±, I said in a confused tone. ¡°I love him so much but marriage? I feel skeptical about it¡±. ¡°I know, girl, with all you¡¯ve been through¡±, she saidpassionately. ¡°But you know you deserve happiness, so do what makes you happy¡±, she concluded. We discussed other topics before finally ending the call and bidding each other goodbye. ************** The thought of meeting Nathan¡¯s family made me so anxious, I had heard of his father¡¯s strict personality and his step mom¡¯s cocky attitude. John hates me; anytime hees to the office, his attitude shows rage and disgust. He must have been so annoyed that he sustained bruises because of me. The only whom I had known and loved was Jessie. I got dressed in a blue cotton dress with a gold medium heels and a gold purse. I had a light make up on, made my hair in a ponytail and sprayed my cologne as I took a look at the mirror before dashing out of the house. ¡°Let¡¯s go see my future inws¡±, I thought as I kissed the kids goodbye before dropping them off at Granny Theresa home; an elderly neighbor whom the kids stay with anytime I¡¯m not around. ¡°I¡¯m almost at your house¡± I typed in a text and sent to Nathan while still driving. I got to the house; it was magnificent mansion, one that I hadn¡¯t not seen in a while. The environment exuded wealth and ss. I met him outside, smiling broadly, waiting for me with a flower bouquet. I alighted and walked towards him. ¡°Hi baby¡±, he said as he moved closer to me, giving me a peck and handling the bouquet to me. ¡°Thanks¡±, I said as I inhaled the flowers¡¯ fragrance. ¡°I¡¯m so anxious right now, I hope your family will approve of me. ¡°They definitely will. To see you is to love you¡±, he said as he held my hands and led the way in. I looked around the living room and it looked like paradise-well-furnished and clean.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Hello, sir¡±, I greeted courteously. ¡°Hello, youngdy¡±, Nathan¡¯s father answered. ¡°Take your seat ¡°, he said while pointing to a nearby cushion. ¡°Thanks so much, sir¡±, I said as I took the seat. ¡°Father, this is the woman I love and would like to marry¡± Nathan said. ¡°Love her? I don¡¯t know my son could be a lover boy¡±, he said as we all burst outughing. ¡°Hello Jud¡±, Jessie called immediately she came in and extended a hug. ¡°Hello Jessie¡± I said as I took the hug. ¡°It been a while, how have you been?¡±. ¡°Very well my dear. I had several business trips, but I¡¯m back for now¡±, she said excitedly. ¡°Hello father¡±, she said as she bent down to give him a peck. I could tell they had a good father- daughter rtionship. Something I never had, since my father died when I was younger. ¡°Dinner is ready¡±, a chef announced politely. We all moved to the dining hall, which was as beautiful as the living room . John and a very beautiful elderly woman- Nathan¡¯s -stepmom, joined us without even taking a look at me like I was invisible. ¡°Hello, ma¡¯am. Hello John¡±, I greeted. ¡°Hello¡±, she answered coldly, while John didn¡¯t say anything; he just sat down to eat. ¡°Ma¡¯am, this is the woman I love and want to get marry¡±, Nathan said. ¡°Oh, good for you¡±, she answered unconcerned. ¡°Mom¡± Jessie said giving a look that said, ¡°Why are you like this?¡± ¡°Well I don¡¯t like her and I won¡¯t pretend to¡±, she said, giving me a cold stare. ¡°Can we please eat in peace?¡± Nathan father said, which made everyone quiet. I was starting to feel embarrassed about the whole situation. I think Nathan could see through me when he shed me aforting smile. The food was nice but I wasn¡¯t enjoying it; I just wanted to leave the mansion. ¡°Where do you work?¡± Stephanie asked. ¡°I work as Nathan¡¯s PA¡±, I answered. ¡°Huh, you were working as an assistant for him, then you coerced him for yourself¡±, she said, making a disgusting look. ¡°Stephanie, I don¡¯t appreciate the way you talk to my guest¡±, he said with a frown. ¡°Oh so you call me by my name now instead of mother¡±, she said while dropping her spoon. ¡°Mother? Have you ever acted like a mother to me? I know my mom, and she is definitely not you¡±, he said rudely. ¡°Can you all stop this nonsense?¡± Grey roared. Everywhere became silent again. They all seem to be afraid of him. He only says few words but nobody dares to disobey him. We all ate silently unlike my house where our small dining table showcased love and togetherness as a family. After dinner, I offered to help clear and clean the table even when Jessie and Nathan disapproved. I was in the kitchen with the maids when Stephanie called me to the garden saying she had something to talk to me about. ¡°I know you were the reason why Nathan gave my son bruises some months back, you are not just a gold digger; you also cause troubles¡±, she sighed and scanned me. ¡°I don¡¯t why Nathan seems to be head over heels for you, but trust me, and run, dear. He is after your body, you whore. When he is done with you, he is going to push you aside, and pick up a more befitting girl¡±, she said while giving me a hateful look. I just stood there as she spoke ill and tormenting words to me, like she just hated my existence. A tear escaped from my eye, and I ran into the living room, I scanned the living room and couldn¡¯t find anyone. ¡°Okay, I have had enough. Let¡¯s get out of here. I can¡¯t continue to stay where I¡¯m hated and unwanted¡±¡­ CHAPTER 24 Nathan¡¯s POV ¡°Are you sure, you really love this woman?¡± Father said as we went to his study. ¡°Yes, father, I really do love her,¡± I answered affirmatively. ¡°I¡¯m not going to object to it. I understand that there¡¯s a huge difference in ss, but since you love her, I¡¯m going to support it,¡± he said. ¡°Thanks so much, father ¡°I thanked him. ¡°I hope you will be able to protect and love her better than I did to your mother,¡± he said with a sad look. ¡°Your mother went through a lot with my family. She was humiliated but she still stood by me. When I was told she eloped with another man, I should have tried to look for her and confirm the truth,¡± he said with regrets. ¡°I was a fool. I didn¡¯t trust my woman enough. I wish I can turn back the hands of time; I would have made a better choice. She wouldn¡¯t have died just like that,¡± he said and adjusted his sses.¡± I hope she forgives me,¡± He concluded. ¡°Father, you have to forgive yourself and move on too,¡± I said while moving closer to him. ¡°Mother never once condemned you. Anytime I asked about you when I was younger, she wouldn¡¯t say anything negative, she just told me that you are an amazing man,¡± I said, consoling him. ¡°So, father forgive yourself and move on. We all make mistakes and sometimes hurt the one we love,¡± I said. He looked at me and nodded with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m d you finally have someone you can share your pains and worries with. I have been strict with you because I wanted to groom you into a capable sessor. I don¡¯t want anyone to think you got here by chance. I see all you hard work and I¡¯m proud of you, son,¡± he said, with a satisfied look. ¡°Father, I have done something disastrous, and it involves Judith. It hasn¡¯t been disrupting my peace ¡°I said. I¡¯m not sure sharing it with father is the best thing, but I just needed someone to talk to and he is the only one I could trust. ¡°Okay, son, what is it about her?¡± he asked with keen interest. I hesitated for a while, before finally telling him. ¡°Father, I have done a very terrible thing to her, and I don¡¯t know how to appease her¡± I said in a sad tone as I began narrating the assault, the rape, the kids and the paternity test. ¡°Ha, what have you done, Nathan?¡± hemented. ¡°This is a grave sin,¡± he said, his voice filled with so much disappointment ¡°Father, I truly regret my actions,¡± I said. ¡°Then I was frustrated, stupid, and a different person. Now, I¡¯m a better man. I truly love her and want to make things right¡±. Just then we heard a sound like something dropped. ¡°I think I hear a sound, let me check¡±, I said as went to the passage to check but found nothing.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. ¡°Maybe I misheard ¡°, I said as I went back to the study. ¡°Nathan, you must act fast. Secrets will always reveal itself no matter how long, and its better she hears it from you. You have to tell her, if you truly love her.¡± ¡°Okay, Father. Let me check on Judith, we can continue our discussionter¡±, I said, as I existed the study and made my way to the living room. On my way to the living room, I couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling of dread and disappointment. Will she be able to forgive me, and love me still? Will she be able to forget the past, and marry me? ************ ¡°Where¡¯s Judith?¡± I asked Jessie. ¡°I thought you both were together, I haven¡¯t seen her since she went to the kitchen¡± she answered. ¡°Where could she be?¡± I asked, worried and somewhat uneasy. Maybe she went to the garden. She might be looking around the house¡±, she said as we both went to the garden to check her but she wasn¡¯t there and her car wasn¡¯t in the garage. ¡°She left¡±. Why would she leave without telling anyone¡±, I thought. Obviously very worried, I dialed her number. It kept ringing, but she wasn¡¯t picking.¡± What could be wrong¡±, I thought as I drove to her house. ¡°Why did you leave without telling me?¡± I asked immediately she opened the door. She didn¡¯t say anything, she just sat down and sniffed.¡± Have you been crying?¡± I asked as I touched her teary eyes. My suspicion were right Stephanie must have terrible things to her. She shoved the hand away and said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to marry you Nathan.¡± Immediately, my heart raced. Why does she keep changing her mind about the marriage ¡°Why? I thought we already talked about this? Did my step mom say something terrible to you? Ignoring the questions, ¡°we are too different in ss and everyone keepsbelling me a gold digger that seduced you, so please, let¡¯s end whatever it is that we have.¡± She paused and then continued, ¡°They don¡¯t even know I have children already. What if they start calling my kids, bastard? I can take all the insults and terrible things, but I will never allow my kids to be subjected to any ill treatment.¡± ¡°I already told father about the kids, and he can¡¯t wait to meet them. He is the most important person in my family. The rest of them can keep their opinions to themselves,¡± I said as I moved closer and then hugged her. ¡°I¡¯m going to love, respect, and protect you always baby¡± I reassured while still hugging her. We hugged for a while, not saying anything, just feeling each other¡¯s warmth and love. Her calmness, love and trust was all I felt as we cuddle each other. ¡°Where are the kids?¡± ¡°They are at Granny Theresa¡¯s, I dropped them there beforeing to your troublesome mansion,¡± she said yfully. ¡°Oh! So you think my exquisite and beautiful mansion is troublesome, huh?¡± I asked with humor. ¡°I don¡¯t understand how a house can be so big and yet so ustrophobic. I lived there for a week after arriving London, and that week was very tough as I could hardly breathe fresh air. I couldn¡¯t wait to leave after my mansion was cleaned and furnished¡±. ¡°Oh! You weren¡¯t staying in London before,¡± she asked with a surprise face. ¡°Yes, I only came to London four years back.¡± ¡°It¡¯s like I don¡¯t know anything about you, Nathan,¡± she said as she touched my hair. ¡°Every day, I get to discover something new about you, tell me about yourself.¡± I narrated everything about myself to her. I lied about the city I was in before; I told her I was Paris instead of Rome, so she wouldn¡¯t suspect anything. ¡°You have really been through a lot,¡± she said, giving a sympathetic nce. ¡°That was why we¡¯re formerly an asshole¡±, she said andughed. ¡°Who¡¯s an asshole?¡± I asked as I tickled her. ¡°Not you. I¡¯m sorry, sir,¡± she said as sheughed hard. I spent some hours with her before heading home. While with her, my heart raced several times and my body longed for her, but I was able to control myself. She already told me that she wouldn¡¯t want any sexual intimacy till after the wedding, and I understand her feelings. ¡°I¡¯m going to propose to her next week, I should contact an event nner to help me n a surprise proposal for her. I want the whole world to know I¡¯m in love and getting married to the most beautiful and amazing woman I have ever met,¡± my heart leaped for joy , as I thought of the great future ahead¡­. CHAPTER 25 Felix¡¯s POV ¡°The managing director of Everton medicals, Nathan Everton just proposed to his girlfriend with a diamond ring worth several thousand of Euros in a five star hotel. His girlfriend, Judith summers is a very beautiful woman, and she agreed to his proposal. We wish them a lifetime of happiness,¡± I heard the reporter say, from the television in the bar where I was seated, drunk and wasted. ¡°Hey, bring me more drinks¡± I shouted drunkenly. I wouldn¡¯t have thought that Judith won¡¯t even give me the chance to exin myself, let alone consider getting back with me. She seemed so different; she isn¡¯t naive anymore. She must have gotten stronger after her ordeal. After all, who would go through that and not be tougher? The fact that my feelings for her won¡¯t go away puts me in a devastating state. No matter how much I try I find myself thinking and worrying about her. It had even gotten so bad that I hired someone to stalk her for me. Now, she is getting married to the most eligible bachelor in London, Nathan Everton. Even with the fact that she had two kids from an unknown man, he has overlooked that. He even loves and cares for the kids like they were his; something I failed to do. I should probably go back to America, I have lost my girl for life, it¡¯s difficult to ept, but I should move on and hope to get someone just as beautiful and heartwarming as her. ¡°Hello, I¡¯d like to book a flight to America,¡± I said over the phone to an attendant at a travel agency. After booking the flight, I was still seated, wallowing in sadness, when a young guy walked up to me. He sat down across the table me. From his dressing and essories, I could tell he is an influential person. ¡°Hello mate,¡± he said as he extended a hand shake. ¡°Hi, who are you?¡± I asked as I took the hand. ¡°Chill, chill, man,¡± he said andughed. ¡°I¡¯m a friend. Trust me, you are going to be so grateful to me when I propose my deal¡±. ¡°What deal?¡± I asked impatient and confused, because I don¡¯t know him or remember having a deal with anyone. ¡°That¡¯s why I said you should chill, man,¡± he said as he raised his hand. ¡°Hey bar man,¡± he called. Ady came, and took his order. As she was leaving, he spanked her ass andughed. Thedy didn¡¯t say anything; she just turned back and gave him a cold stare. ¡°What an asshole,¡± I thought, annoyed. ¡°What? Why are you looking at me like that?¡± he said after her as she left. ¡°You should be d John Everton found you worthy of his touch.¡± ¡°Everton, the name sounds familiar,¡± I thought as I scanned my mind for where I had heard it before. ¡°Everton or not, you shouldn¡¯t treat a woman like that. It isn¡¯t right,¡± I advised. ¡°I¡¯d have thought she would p you.¡± ¡°Nah, she dare not. I¡¯m going to make sure her whole family regrets it,¡± he threatened. And you aren¡¯t in the right position to advise me on how to treat women,¡± he said in a condescending tone. I was extremely furious and ready to give him a punch, when he said ¡°you being weak is the reason why you can¡¯t get Judith back, and I¡¯m ready to help you do that, if you agree to the deal I¡¯m proposing¡±. ¡°Judith, how do you know about her?¡± I asked, confused. ¡°I¡¯m an Everton, Felix. I know everything I want to know,¡± he boasted. ¡°I know everything and everyone, and I can tell you for sure that with what I know, getting your girl back is a piece of cake¡± he said as he sipped his drink and puffed smoke. ¡°And what the hell do you know?¡± I asked eagerly. ¡°First, I¡¯m Nathan Everton¡¯s step brother; Judith fiance.¡± ¡°Now, I know where the namees from,¡± I thought as I watched him speak. ¡°So you can see, I know a lot. First, I have a business deal I want you to help me fund,¡± he said and brought out a file which handed to me. ¡°And why should I do that¡± I asked as I took the file and scanned it. ¡°You want to import a drug to Africa, how is that a problem, and why does it require so much funding.¡± ¡°The drug I want to import is called Thalidomide. It has been banned in Europe here but not in Africa, I have a pharmaceuticalpany that can help me to produce it illegally here in Europe, and I will then export it to Africa for sale¡±. ¡°You know this deal is a shady one right? What if the Africans know about it, and the deal goes south?¡± I asked. ¡°The Africans won¡¯t know about it. I have been doing this for a while. I will be really careful,¡± He said, reassuring me. ¡°So you want me to invest before you can tell me whatever it¡¯s you know?¡± ¡°Yes, Felix. I love that you are so smart ¡°he said andughed mockingly. ¡°You¡¯d better get outta here, I¡¯m not interested in the damn deal,¡± I shouted angrily. ¡°You don¡¯t want my deal? I¡¯m giving you the chance to be with the woman you¡¯ve always loved,¡± he said confidently. Immediately, I began wondering what he knows that made him confident. What he knows must be very significant for him to be assured that I would be willing to pay thousands of dors for. ¡°Judith means so much to me, I can always make more moneyter on, but finding a woman like Judith seems impossible,¡± I muttered ¡°Do the paperwork, and let¡¯s meet tomorrow,¡± I finally said after several thoughts.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°I have the paperwork with me already,¡± he said happily as he opened his brief case hurriedly. I was shocked when he brought out the paperwork bearing my correct name and his. ¡°He must have known me well,¡± I thought as I signed the contract. ¡°Now, start speaking. Let¡¯s see if what you know is worth the deal,¡± I dered. ¡°Nathan was speaking to fatherst week of which I was eavesdropping, do you know that Nathan was the one who assaulted Judith in Rome and disrupted your wedding? , he is also the father of the twins, and I have a paternity test to prove that ¡± he said in a low tone. I became dumbfounded for a while. Trying to make meaning of what I heard, then I smiled. The heavens must have been on my side; Judith and I must have been fated to be together. A rare opportunity to im back my woman. ¡°Tell me more about it,¡± I said hopefully¡­.. CHAPTER 26 John showed me the Paternity test and it was a match. It was shocking to think he was the one who had invaded our home and raped Judith. I couldn¡¯t have imagined this possibility in a thousand years. I found it difficult to believe, but the evidence was right in front of me. I felt a mix of extreme happiness and pity for Judith. Her wedding wasn¡¯t going to hold again. For the second time, SHE would be heartbroken, and I had mixed feelings about it. Nathan Everton disrupted our wedding, and now he wants to marry the same woman. No wonder why he loves and cares for the kids so much- they are his. Judith is unaware, and I¡¯m sure she sees him as a good man. ¡°How do you get the samples? I asked, curious. ¡°I¡¯m an Everton, I always get whatever I want,¡± he boasted. It seems being an Everton was his only achievement because it excite him so much that I couldn¡¯t count the number of times he has said it in the short period we met. ¡°But, isn¡¯t he your brother? Why are you bent on ruining him?¡± I asked. ¡°That bastard is my step-brother. ording to what my mom said, she has always loved dad since when they were younger, but dad seems to love his mom dearly. Mom only got to marry my dad after his mom went missing,¡± he said, with so much hatred. ¡°Then again, He stole my ce in father¡¯s heart and in the hospital. Since he came to London, he has been a pain in the ass. I can¡¯t even spend money like I use to, and he has even refused to fund all of my business deals. I told him I was going to get back at him but he thought I was just bluffing¡±. He said. ¡°I¡¯m going to destroy him, and make sure he regretsing back to London with father,¡± he added, with a determined look. ¡°Thank you so much for this. It was worth the deal,¡± I said as I extended my hand for a hand shake. ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me, buddy,¡± he said, taking the hand. ¡°I should be the one to thank you. I get to destroy him and also get money to fund my business deal,¡± he said joyfully. ¡°I was starting to get frustrated, but the universe decided to help me. I¡¯m the happiest man on earth today.¡± ¡°Cheers to more partnership, man,¡± I said as I raised my ss. ¡°Cheers,¡± he said, and we clinked sses. ¡°You know what to do with this information, and no one should know I was the one who told you,¡± he warned. ¡°My father might end up disowning me, if he ever finds out.¡± ¡°Okay, buddy, you can trust me,¡± I assured him. We talked about other things, and from the little time I spent with him, I realized he was a spoilt brat and an asshole. He had no respect for anyone, and he was quiet daft. No wonder Nathan was able to take his ce. If I was their father, I would have done the same. I knew the money I would be investing in the business was already wasted because the business is a shabby and illegal, one that could even get one jailed. But I can do anything to get back with Judith. It seems as if she¡¯s the key to my happiness and peace. After careful thought, I decided to tell Judith. It would be so bad of me to allow her to end up with the man she despised the most. If she finds out after they got married, she might feel worse. ************ The next day, I woke up with my mind made up and more determined than ever. All through the night, I was restless and kept imagining how she would feel and the pains she will have to pass through when she found out. How do I even get her to listen to me? She has issued a stern warning not toe close to her again. I just have to get her attention somehow and let her know the truth about the man she¡¯s getting married to. I got dressed, and drove to her house. I got there and found out that she¡¯s not staying there anymore. I kept ringing the bell until an elderly woman came around to tell me that she relocated and put the house up for sale.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material. I kept wondering where she had relocated to. ¡°Did she go back to Rome? Or did she get a new house?¡± Then I decided to call Vanessa. Vanessa was the one who told me about her relocation and her twins, when I went back to Rome to look for her. She had been the one telling about Judith, of which Judith was unaware. ¡°Hello Vanessa,¡± I said immediately she picked up the call. ¡°Hello Felix, what did you want? I literally told you not to call me again,¡± she said, with an angry tone. ¡°Chill, chill. I just wanted to ask you where Judith relocated too,¡± ¡°And why are you asking? So you can start chasing after her again,¡± ¡°No, I don¡¯t intend to. I really have something important to tell her, so I really need to see her¡±, I said desperately. ¡°So please Van, tell me where,¡± I pleaded. ¡°Well, she didn¡¯t tell me¡±. ¡°I know she did, you are her one and only friend, especially here in London where she knows no one. She must confided in you¡±. ¡°Okay, please don¡¯t tell her, I told you her whereabouts. She told me she will be staying at Nathan¡¯s ce since they will be getting married soon.¡± She concluded. ¡°Okay, thanks,¡± I ended the call. Then I called John to get Nathan¡¯s address. I drove there as fast as I could. I got there and it was a big and beautiful mansion in one of the most luxurious estates in London. I was attended to by the gateman who told me Nathan is at work while Judith was inside, and he helped me get her. ¡°What are you doing here Felix?¡± She asked with anger written all over her, immediately she saw me. ¡°Judith, I have something to talk to you about,¡± I answered. ¡°I¡¯m getting married soon, Felix. It¡¯s time for you to move on, we are done,¡± ¡°I know we are done, believe me, this isn¡¯t about me. It¡¯s about you,¡± I said desperately. ¡°If you don¡¯t listen to me now, you might regret itter.¡± She sensed my desperation, so she calmed down and listened to me. ¡°Okay, speak. I¡¯m listening.¡± I suggested we go the nearest cafe in the estate, so we could talk better, and she agreed. We drove to the nearest cafe. When we got there I ordered for her favorite, which is a fruit juice. I handed her the paternity test results. ¡°What is this,¡± she asked, unbothered, taking the results. ¡°Check it,¡± I said. She opened it, and I watched her unbothered look changed to a confused and annoyed one. ¡°Whose paternity result is this?¡± She asked, in a rash and urgent tone. For a moment, I lost my confidence. My heart was racing, my lips numb and I couldn¡¯t find my voice. ¡°It¡¯s Nathan and your twins¡¯ paternity test, and you can see they are a match,¡± I finally dropped the bombshell¡­. CHAPTER 27 Judith¡¯s POV Nathan proposed to me in a five star hotel in London. The media, event nner, music band and almost everyone were involved since I was getting married to the most eligible bachelor in London. ¡°Would you please marry me and make me aplete man?¡± he said as he got on one knee, holding the most expensive diamond ring ever. ording to the media, the ring couldfortably buy two Rolls-Royces. ¡°Yes, I will,¡± I answered as I took the ring, while a music band sang a song. It was a beautiful proposal party. I never knew Nathan could be so romantic. I¡¯m so grateful for the gift of him. Even the twins were so happy. They loved and relied on Nathan so much. They are d I¡¯m getting married and that they will be getting a father too. Everything is happening so fast, it hasn¡¯t even been up to six months since I met him, and I¡¯m d my life is finally taking a better course. It seems too good to be true. The heavens are definitely on my side; they heard my plea. I have always wanted a man who will love my kids as much as he loves me. Nathan suggested I stop going to work, as it wouldn¡¯t make sense for me to still be working as a PA for him, and I moved into his mansion since we are getting married soon. ¡°Babe, I think you should stoping to work. After the wedding, you can start any business of your choice, or whatever it is you¡¯ve always wanted to do.¡± ¡°Okay, I have been thinking about it too. I can¡¯t deal with taking care of the twins, nning the wedding, and alsoing to work,¡± I said, agreeing to this suggestion. ************** I was discussing with the event nner for the wedding on the phone, when the gateman walked in and informed me someone was looking for me. I ended the call to go check who it was. I saw Felix. ¡°How did he always know where to find me?¡± I thought as I approached him. I thought he was here to plead for us to get back together, but he has disturbed look on the face which told me that he was here for an entirely different issue. ¡°Please, Judith. Just give me a chance to exin myself,¡± he begged desperately like his life depended on it. ¡°Okay¡±, I finally agreed. Then we drove to a nearby cafe, where I went in disguise. Since the proposal, almost everyone in London recognizes me as the billionaire fiancee. So I hardly go out or go out in disguise to avoid unwanted attention. When we got there we ordered for a fruit juice, and then he handed me a paternity test result. After checking the result, I couldn¡¯t deduce what it meant. ¡°Whose paternity test is this? I asked, confused and somewhat angry. He kept quiet for a while, like he was torn between telling me or not. Then he finally spoke. ¡°it¡¯s the twins¡¯ and Nathan paternity test, and you can see it¡¯s a match. I didn¡¯t understand what I just heard. It seemed I heard wrong, and whatever, the man in front of me is saying didn¡¯t make any sense. I looked at him for a while scanning him to see if he¡¯s actually fine or maybe he has gone insane. I knew Felix to be better than this and didn¡¯t expect him to stoop so low. ¡°Are you okay, Felix? It seems your obsession has made you gone insane,¡± I told him as Iughed had even when it was nothing funny. ¡°Judith, I¡¯m very much okay, and this is the truth ¡°he said as he took the paternity test result from me and hit it on the table. ¡°The man you are about to get married to is a monster. He isn¡¯t who you think he is.¡± ¡°Felix, how can this paternity test be true?¡± This man has never even been to Rome before,¡± I shouted angrily, and I could see people staring at me. I bowed down slightly to apologize for disturbing them. ¡°Felix, I don¡¯t know you can be this dirty,¡± I said in a low tone. ¡°Judith, I know this is difficult to believe, but you seriously have to believe me,¡± he said with a serious face. ¡°Why do you think I have to believe you? You who left me all alone, devastated and broken. And now I have a man who is everything I have ever wanted, and you want me to believe this bullshit,¡± I said as I took the results and hit it on the table. ¡°He loved me so much and took care of my kids like his.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because he probably recognized you and felt pity for you, and the kids. That is because they are his¡± he retorted. ¡°I¡¯m getting married soon. I will be happy with my husband and my kids. So, Felix, go back to where you areing from. Is it Africa or America? Go back there and get yourself, a psychiatric doctor. You need to be ced under vigorous treatment¡± He seems to be so unbothered about the insults and he said again, ¡°why would I do something like this if it¡¯s untrue, I can¡¯t be this stupid.¡± ¡°How did I ever think of getting married to you? You weren¡¯t the man I loved in the past. The Felix I knew was a good man. It seems you¡¯ve be a shadow of yourself,¡± I said as I stormed out of the cafe.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Judith, Judith,¡± he called after me. I got outside and decided to walk home since the cafe is in the same estate. He came outside and ran after me. ¡°Felix, you are embarrassing me. Stop following me,¡± I warned. ¡°Judith, you need to believe me and call off the wedding before it¡¯s toote. I don¡¯t want you to regret it,¡± he said, and I looked back at him giving him a cold stare. ¡°Why do you care if I regret it or not? I asked, increasing my pace. ¡°I will leave now. you can run another paternity test secretly, if you don¡¯t believe me. Getting the samples won¡¯t be that hard since you leave together now. Bye for now, I will be back soon.¡± He said and walked back to the cafe to get his car and drove off. He seemed to be serious about it but I find it difficult to believe him for any reason. ¡°Oh goodness, can he be saying the truth?¡± I thought and I could feel my body fidgeting due to an unknown fear. ¡°Judith, calm down. Felix is just speaking gibberish,¡± Iforted myself. Something within me went back to the first time I saw Nathan at the interview. That time, I thought he looked too familiar, and that I got the job too easily too; the same role in which everyone knew I wasn¡¯t qualified for. I could still remember the shock the receptionist had that day when I told her the role I came for. ¡°Nothing is certain yet, don¡¯t worry about it too much. A paternity test will reveal everything.¡± I thought as I walked back home, trying to stay calm¡­. CHAPTER 28 How I got home still amazes me. I was fidgeting but tried to put myself together as I still refused to believe Felix. I felt like, he was just trying to keep us apart, but from his facial expression and confident tone, he seemed to be very sure. ¡°Hey babe, where have you been? Nathan asked me with a worried look. I was dumbfounded for a while as I kept scrutinizing him as if I can know the truth from his face. ¡°Judith?¡± ¡°Judith?¡± ¡°Judith,¡± he shook my hands. ¡°Yes,¡± I answered as I became conscious of myself. ¡°Are you okay baby? You look so tired,¡± he asked with deep concern. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m fine, baby. Just a little rest should do¡± I said, giving him a fake smile. ¡°The housekeeper told me you went out, where have you been?¡± he asked again. ¡°Yes, I went out for a walk. I was bored indoors,¡± I said. ¡°Okay, what about the event nner for the wedding? Did you book an appointment with her already?¡± He asked as he took me to a seat and removed the face cap I had on. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. I will talk to her tomorrow,¡± I said while taking off the hoodie I was wearing. ¡°Okay, but you look sick. it seems you¡¯re already stressing yourself. I told you to let me handle it,¡± he said as he touched my forehead. ¡°I will tell the event nner toe to the house instead, you need maximum rest,¡± he said as he took me upstairs to my room. I and Nathan don¡¯t share the same room. Since we started dating, I already told him I don¡¯t want to be involved in any sexual rtionship, and he agreed with me. I refuse to believe this sweet and caring man was the one Felix used of being a rapist. ¡°Babe, have you ever been to Rome before?¡± I asked him as he was about to leave the room. ¡°No, I have never been to Rome. Although I¡¯m nning on going there to see your mom but since she¡¯sing to London soon, it¡¯s of no use.¡± I looked at his face. His face was clear like he was saying the truth. I just nodded. ¡°Why are you asking?¡± He asked as he walked back to meet me on the sofa. ¡°Nothing, I¡¯m just wondering if you¡¯ve even visited Rome before, it¡¯s a good ce to be¡±, I said as I smiled weakly. ¡°Okay, I looked forward to going there. Maybe we can do our honeymoon there, although I don¡¯t know how long the honeymoon will be,¡± he suggested. ¡°It¡¯s fine baby. American is nice too¡±. The wedding or anything marriage-rted had already left my mind. I just wanted to get a sample and do a paternity test and get it done with, so I could focus on other things.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content. ¡°The twins?¡± I asked. ¡°They already asked of you, they should be in their ts maybe doing assignments. Don¡¯t worry the nanny will take care of them. I hired the best in the country,¡± he said. ¡°Okay, I will go see themter.¡± ¡°Just get some rest,¡± he said as he gave me a peck and left the room. ¡°Felix is just saying gibberish. How can this even happen? Nathan can be anything but not definitely a rapist or a robber. I will just run a paternity test so I can shove it to his face and tell him to get lost,¡± I muttered as I got into the bathroom for a shower. ************** All through the night, I couldn¡¯t sleep. I was tossing from one side of the bed to the other. My mind keeps going back to Felix ims if they could be true or not. Even the time seems to be punishing me as it kept ticking slower. I was only able to get some sleep in the early hours of the day. I got up and took my bath. I dressed up in a simple floral gown, a slippers and made my way downstairs. I wore something simple so Nathan doesn¡¯t suspect a thing. After he leaves for work and the kids for school, I will get their samples then head to the hospital to run the test. ¡°Good morning, madam,¡± the head chef greeted. ¡°Good morning,¡± I answered. ¡°I have always told you not to be so formal with me. You are old enough to be my mother,¡± I said to the head chef. I¡¯m quite ufortable with the way she address me as madam, I have told her to call me by my name but, she didn¡¯t listen. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wake me? I always love to join in the food preparation,¡± I asked with disappointment. ¡°The master said you weren¡¯t feeling too well, so he asked us not to disturb,¡± she said as she arranged the food on the dinning. ¡°Nathan can be so dramatic. I was just a little tired,¡± I said. ¡°He must really love and care for you a lot. In my three years of working for him, he always had this grumpy and sad behavior. But since he met you, he has changed and be a better man,¡± she said and smiled. ¡°I was surprised when he suddenly started replying to our greetings and eating more. Then when I heard he proposed to you, I knew you were the reason for the change and I already loved you even before you moved in. who knew love can change a man so much,¡± she said and took my hands. ¡°So that is why I would always respect you. Thank you so much for creating a better working environment for us,¡± she said and pulled me into a heartwarming hug. I was dumbfounded at the elderly woman¡¯s gestures. It was trulyforting as if she knew I needed the hug. Nathan and the twins came to the dining hall for breakfast. ¡°Good morning mom,¡± the twins ran towards me and gave me a hug. ¡°Good morning my babies,¡± I said as I caught them in my arms. ¡°Mr. Nathan said you aren¡¯t feeling fine yesterday. How are you now? Oliver asked with a worried look. If there was someone I was sure loved me the most, it will be Oliver. This small boy loves and cares about me so much. ¡°Yes, my love. Mommy is fine now,¡± I said as I patted his head. ¡°Mom, we miss you. The house is too big that it takes too long to see you. I miss our old house,¡± Olivia said and pouted. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, babies. I will read you a bedtime story and also spend the night in your t today.¡± ¡°Okay, mommy,¡± they chorused happily. Nathan just stood at a corner looking ravishing as always, watching and smiling at our conversation. ¡°Good morning babe,¡± he said and walked closer to give me a peck. ¡°Good morning,¡± I replied with a smile. ¡°I can see you are better now?¡± he said as he sat down to eat. ¡°Yes, I am,¡± I said. I served the food. It was Bread rolls, scrambled eggs and hot chocte. I couldn¡¯t eat much as I lost my appetite. All that was on my mind was running a paternity test; nothing else mattered. Nathan noticed that I didn¡¯t eat much and he insisted I follow him to the hospital to get treatment, but I was able to convince him that I was fine and just needed to rest. After breakfast, Nathan and the kids left the house, while I went into their rooms to get the samples. I changed into a disguise outfit; jean trousers, a hoodie, a face cap and a nose mask. I took a taxi to a renowned but small hospital far away from the estate. I had goggled and booked an appointment with them the previous day. The journey took one hour and thirty minutes. While in the taxi I kept saying a silent prayer and hoping that Felix will be wrong. I have been through a lot, and now I just want to be happy living my life, loving Nathan and the kids. When the taxi dropped me in front of the hospital, I was skeptical about going inside. My heart kept racing and my head spinning. ¡°I don¡¯t believe Felix, I¡¯m just doing this to clear my mind so I can be at peace. I should get to the truth,¡± I thought as I went into the hospital¡­.. CHAPTER 29 Nathan¡¯s POV Life has never been so good for me. I have never been as happy as I am now. Getting engaged to Judith has made me a happy and fulfilled man. I was scared while proposing to her, thinking she would reject my proposal since she seemed so skeptical about marriage, but she epted it. Now we are about to get married. The marriage preparations have already started, and in less than a month, we will be finally and legally married. It seems too good to be true. I will finally be with the woman I have always loved and wanted. I¡¯m happy, but I¡¯m not at peace. The assault case keeps drifting into my mind, changing my mood. As my father says, ¡°Secrets always have a way ofing out in the end.¡± I need to act fast and tell her the truth, but how? I can¡¯t imagine her reaction when she finds out. I know I should tell her, but I keep getting a bad feeling about it. Knowing how emotional she can be, telling her will definitely crumble her. When she asked if I had been to Rome before, my heart started racing. I was so scared, but I denied it vehemently without losing myposure or leaving any atom of doubt. ¡°I will tell her and ask for her forgiveness after the wedding,¡± I muttered as I was drawn out of my thoughts when James announced our arrival at the hospital. I walked into the ground floor and answered several greetings from the employees. Funny how I just started responding to their greetings and even enjoyed it; before, it was burdensome. I walked into the elevator, and it was about to close when John walked in. I kept quiet and pretended I saw no one. I didn¡¯t have the energy to get into an argument with him; every time we see each other, it¡¯s always trouble. ¡°Hello, brother,¡± he said happily, as if he had won the lottery. I was astonished by his greeting. I can¡¯t even remember thest time John greeted me with such a happy mood. He has always been grumpy and rude around me. ¡°Hello, John,¡± I answered. ¡°Congrattions on your engagement,¡± he said, stretching out his hand. ¡°I¡¯m so happy for you both. I¡¯ll be expecting an invitation to the wedding.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± I said as I took his hand. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll send an invitation when it¡¯s ready,¡± I added, still shocked. ¡°Okay,¡± he said, smiled, and got out of the elevator. John being so courteous and happy around me is definitely fishy. He even congratted me. This is someone who has always hated Judith even more than he hates me. I can¡¯t remember funding his business deals or doing anything that would have made him so happy. I feel so ufortable with John¡¯s gesture. Who knows what he has up his sleeve? I would have felt better if he had argued with me like he used to. ¡°What could be the reason for his sudden change?¡± I thought as I went into my office to begin the day¡¯s tasks, starting with an interview for a new PA. Judith¡¯s POV I walked into the hospital reception. It was small but neat, with a few chairs arranged in an orderly fashion. Patients were seated in the reception area while nurses and doctors moved around, attending to them. ¡°Good morning, I would like to run a paternity test. I booked an appointment yesterday,¡± I said to the young and beautiful receptionist. ¡°Okay, ma¡¯am,¡± she said, looking up at me and assessing my outfit with a critical stare. She must have been surprised to see me dressed this way, but I didn¡¯t care. Hiding my identity was the only way to get the truth without attracting attention. People would find it very fishy that I left my fiance¡¯s renowned hospital in London for a small one on the outskirts of town for a test. ¡°What is your name, ma¡¯am, so I can check the department you booked for?¡± she finally said after getting over the shock. ¡°Judith Summers, and I¡¯m going to theb,¡± I said, shifting my nose mask a bit to converse with her properly. She logged into the system, got busy for a while, then confirmed my appointment and directed me to theb. At theb, a technician gave me a form to fill out and directed me to make a payment at the revenue office not far from theb. The whole process was tiring, with many people in the queue. After thirty minutes, I made the payment and headed back to theb. ¡°I have made the payment, and here¡¯s the receipt,¡± I said and handed the receipt to theb technician I met earlier. ¡°Okay,¡± he said, taking the duplicate of the receipt from me. He then directed me to a room where the samples were taken and recorded. I was told toe back for the results in three days. ¡°Three days?¡± I shouted in disbelief. ¡°I thought I could get the results tomorrow?¡± I asked, disappointed. ¡°No, ma¡¯am, you can¡¯t get it tomorrow. We have a lot of patients to attend to,¡± he said and walked away to attend to another patient. Surviving the next three days would be tasking. I hoped I could tame my curiosity and focus on other things. I boarded a taxi back home and promised myself that I would try to forget about the paternity test and focus on the wedding nning for now.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°I can¡¯t put my life and wedding on hold for a paternity test that I know isn¡¯t true,¡± I thought while admiring the nice view from the taxi window¡­. CHAPTER 30 Judith¡¯s POV I survived the next three days pretty well. I was amazed by how much my mind drifted away from the paternity results and focused on wedding nning. I met with the event nningpany, the wedding fashion designer, and picked out a custom-made, hand-beaded wedding dress. I wanted something unique and beautiful, so I opted to create my own design. Everything went smoothly, and I enjoyed every bit of it. I went to my room to take a shower after preparing dinner with the chefs when I received an email notification from the hospital. I wasn¡¯t anxious about opening the message, so I took my shower and put on a simple dress. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s check the paternity results,¡± I muttered to myself as I logged into my email on theptop. I saw the message and clicked on it. I scanned through it, and my eyesnded on the results. The results left me shocked and perplexed. It was a 99. 999999% match-something I¡¯d never expected in a million years. I sat there, dumbfounded. I wanted to shout, but it seemed I had lost my voice. I wanted to cry, but the tears wouldn¡¯te. I couldn¡¯t believe the results. They were right there before me, but I refused to believe them. To me, the results were incorrect. ¡°No, this can¡¯t be true,¡± I said while pacing, ready to call the hospital to confirm the results. ¡°Hello,¡± I said in a shaky voice. ¡°I ran a paternity test at your hospital, and the results seem false. Can you confirm if they sent me the right results or if they carried out the test properly?¡± ¡°Okay, ma¡¯am, I can assure you that the result is a hundred percent correct. Our facilities and technicians are up-to-date, so there can¡¯t be any mistakes. We are very careful in running our tests or offering treatment, as we know the penalty for medical negligence,¡± she said. ¡°Okay, thanks,¡± I ended the call and sat on the floor. Felix was right all along. So the man I love and was about to marry was the one who assaulted me and caused me unforgettable pain. Hot tears started dripping down my cheeks, and Felix¡¯s words started reying in my head: ¡°He probably recognized you and felt pity for you.¡± So he doesn¡¯t even love me. He felt pity for me and my kids. He assaulted me and then tried to trick me into marrying him. I had been so happy, thinking I had found a man who loves me and the kids, not knowing it was just pity and guilt he felt towards us.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content. ¡°Why am I so unlucky with love and marriage? For the second time, I¡¯m broken and betrayed. My wedding isn¡¯t going to happen. I came to London to give life another chance, to forget the past and move on, but I got the shock of my life. I cried until I lost all my strength. I just slept on the bed wanting to die. Iy there, waiting for death toe, but it wouldn¡¯t. Nathan¡¯s POV I just got back from work, and all I wanted was to see the woman I love. In her presence, I always have this fullness of joy that I can¡¯t evenprehend myself. I checked everywhere for her, but I couldn¡¯t find her. So I made my way to the dining hall to ask the head chef, as she¡¯s quite close with her. ¡°Hello, Isabe,¡± I said to the head chef, who was setting the table as I stepped into the dining hall. ¡°Wee back, master,¡± she said courteously, turning to look at me. ¡°Where¡¯s my wife? I don¡¯t see her around.¡± ¡°Oh. We finished preparing dinner together some hours ago, so she told me she wanted to have a bath, and I haven¡¯t seen her since then. She should be in her room,¡± she said with a smile. ¡°I checked her room, and it¡¯s locked. I don¡¯t think she¡¯s there. Let me try calling her.¡± ¡°Okay, master,¡± she said and went into the kitchen to continue setting the table. I called several times, but she wasn¡¯t picking up. I waited for another thirty minutes, and she still wasn¡¯t around. I became worried and scared. ¡°I hope she¡¯s fine,¡± I thought as I paced about in the living room with several thoughts running through my head. Judith isn¡¯t the type to leave the house without telling anyone. In fact, I haven¡¯t seen her go out except on rare asions, which I¡¯m always aware of. ¡°Where¡¯s my wife?¡± I thundered angrily at the security guards, attracting the attention of the chefs and housekeepers. They stormed into the living room, all wearing worried expressions. ¡°Master, she never left the house. We haven¡¯t even seen her today,¡± one of them said in a shaky voice, which the second guard nodded in agreement. Frustrated and annoyed, I was about to call the police when I decided to check the CCTV camera, hoping to get a clue of what happened to her. I ran into the control room, followed closely by the security guards. I operated theputer and checked the footage, but I never saw her leave the house. I rxed a bit, knowing she was still inside. We went back to her room to check again. The security guards, chefs, and housekeepers discovered that the door was locked from the inside. We knocked, but there was no response. Everyone had worried faces, and the atmosphere was in turmoil. The madam of the house was inside a locked room, and everyone knew it wasn¡¯t a good sign. ¡°I don¡¯t think she¡¯s fine because if she were, she would have opened the door,¡± I thought. ¡°I would never be able to survive if something happened to my woman. Oh God, please keep her safe,¡± I prayed desperately and silently. ¡°Bring the door down,¡± I ordered the security guards. ¡°Okay, sir,¡± they both chorused, and one of them ran downstairs to get some tools. The guards were about to begin breaking down the door when we saw it open. I rushed in as others stayed outside and heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°Babe, are you okay?¡± I asked while holding and scanning her face and body critically. She didn¡¯t reply. I noticed her face was swollen, like someone who had been crying for hours. ¡°Babe, are you okay? You look like someone who has been crying. What¡¯s wrong?¡± I asked again, hoping for a response, but she just stared at me with disgust. ¡°Close the door,¡± she said as she freed herself from my grip. I had never seen her so angry and disgusted by my presence. She looked like she could kill me if she got the chance. At that moment, I knew something was wrong. My mind went to my greatest fear and secret. I staggered with fear and managed to close the door. I didn¡¯t need a soothsayer to tell me that my worst nightmare hade true. CHAPTER 31 Nathan¡¯s POV ¡°Check the mail on theptop,¡± she said, handing me theptop. It was just as I had spected. I opened it to find the paternity results from the hospital. At this point, I knew that nemesis had caught up with me. There was no hiding ce or any exnation I could give that would make sense. ¡°Judith, I¡¯m sorry. I can exin,¡± I said, trying to move closer to her. ¡°If you try toe close to me, I¡¯m going to kill you,¡± she threatened. ¡°Is this true or not?¡± she asked furiously, wiping her tears. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, please just let me exin,¡± I pleaded. ¡°It was all in the past. I was stupid and ruthless then,¡± I said, already crying. ¡°I¡¯m a changed man now.¡± She continued crying, sat on the floor, buried her face in herp, and held her head with her hands. All I could do was keep saying, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± That was all that came to mind. ¡°So the reason why you loved me and the kids and wanted to marry me was because you pitied me after you ruined my life?¡± she asked amidst her tears. ¡°No, babe, I truly love you. I never pitied you. Yes, I felt bad about what happened, but I was hoping to tell you and ask for your forgiveness. I was scared it would break us,¡± I exined.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me, and you still tried to trick me into getting married to you. You must take me for a fool, someone you can use and dump anytime, right?¡± she thundered. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Judith. Please forgive me. I have never taken you for a fool. I truly love and value you, even then and now. I regretted it every single day and wished I hadn¡¯t done it.¡± We stopped talking for a while; only her sobbing resonated in the room. I kept staring at her, and my heart broke. I wished I hadn¡¯t done it or, better yet, had told her. Finding out on her own must have been so shocking and unbelievable. Suddenly, she stood up, went to her box, opened it, and started throwing her clothes from the wardrobe into the box. ¡°Judith, I can withstand any punishment. You can call the police on me, but please don¡¯t try to leave me. Please, Judith. I can¡¯t survive without you and the kids,¡± I pleaded desperately. ¡°You must be crazy to think I will report you to the police. I don¡¯t want to expose the kids to such a traumatic experience. All of London would now know that my lovely kids were conceived as a result of assault,¡± she said with a disgusted face. ¡°No, I won¡¯t do that. We are done, Nathan. Whatever it was that we shared, whether true or false, we are done. The wedding won¡¯t be holding,¡± she said, removing the ring from her finger and throwing it at me. She finished packing and went into the bathroom to wash her already red face. I just sat there, confused about what to do next. ¡°I don¡¯t want to ever see you. Stay away from me and my kids,¡± she said, struggling to close the box. ¡°It¡¯s almost 9 pm,¡± I said as I looked at the wall clock. ¡°It¡¯s not safe for you and the kids to drive thiste or in this devastating state. Please wait until tomorrow before you leave,¡± I pleaded with deep concern. ¡°I might die if I spend any more seconds with you,¡± she said as she pushed the box out of the room. If anyone had told me that the happiness I felt two hours ago would vanish into thin air, I would have argued with them. ¡°Why do I make everyone I love miserable? Am I such a misfortune? I¡¯m left all alone again, and this time I might not find someone to love and to love me,¡± I thought as I wallowed in self-pity, regret, and remorse. ¡°I wish I hadn¡¯t gone to that house.¡± Judith¡¯s POV It was trulyte, like he said, but I had to leave the house. I couldn¡¯t spend any more seconds with him, or I might end up doing something worse. I went to the kids¡¯ t and woke them up, not minding the fact that they were fast asleep. ¡°Where are we going, Mommy?¡± Oliver asked as he rubbed his eyes with the back of his palm. ¡°We need to go back to the old house,¡± I answered with a faint smile. ¡°Why are we leaving?¡± he asked again. ¡°I thought you said you liked the old house better,¡± I answered while packing their clothes into their boxes. ¡°Yes, but Mr. Nathan is here. Is heing with us too?¡± he asked. I paused for a while, speechless. I hadn¡¯t thought about what to tell the kids when they asked about him. ¡°I should make up something to tell them,¡± I thought as I scanned my brain for the most believable lie. ¡°No, he¡¯s traveling soon,¡± I answered, smiling broadly at him, trying hard to stop another fresh set of tears forming in my eyes. ¡°Mommy, Mr. Nathan is traveling?¡± Olivia asked weakly, and I could see the disappointment on their faces. I ignored their looks and continued packing the bags. I didn¡¯t have the zeal tofort or pamper anyone. I just watched them stare on with grumpy faces. ¡°Yes, baby,¡± I carried her and got them dressed in sweatshirts to prevent them from catching cold. The workers were so shocked, and that was understandable. They had seen me today full of life; we even prepared dinner together some hours ago. Now, I was a shadow of myself, struggling to fight back my tears and maintain my sanity. I was set to leave. I looked around the house for thest time, knowing I was going to miss the house and the amazing people there. I was starting to getfortable in the house and even be closer to the people. Nathan wasn¡¯t in sight, and that was understandable; he never really loved me anyway. ¡°I hope you both will be able to solve your problems ande back home soon,¡± Isabe said as she took my hands in hers. ¡°I have to leave. I just need to get out of here,¡± I said, and a tear escaped from my eye. She drew me into a hug and patted my back, ¡°You will be fine.¡± I drove out of the house into the empty street. The only people in sight were the estate security guards at the gate, whom I greeted, and then drove into the bustling streets of London. I knew my life was going to get worse and tougher than it had ever been. I knew I was in for another set of years filled with pain and sorrow. I just felt like driving over a cliff and ending my life, but I wasn¡¯t going to do that for the sake of my kids. ¡°When life gets tough, I should be tougher too. But how am I going to do that? I¡¯m on the verge of losing my sanity already,¡± I thought as I drove back to the old house I had put on sale before. CHAPTER 32 Nathan¡¯s POV Life has been so unfair to me. In the past month since we broke up, moving on has been more difficult than I thought it would be. I don¡¯t have the zeal to live or do anything. I cry myself to sleep every night, and in the morning, I have to pretend to be strong for the sake of my kids. I became a shadow of myself, but I tried to stay sane for my kids. Nathan keeps calling, but I don¡¯t answer. He never fails to send an apology message every day, but I don¡¯t think I can ever forgive him. Even if I eventually forgive him, can I ever forget? Every memory from the past haunts me as if it happened yesterday. I can¡¯t handle being with a man who assaults someone, keeps secrets, and tells lies. Too many red gs in one person. Even the media has been making it difficult. The breakup keeps making the news headlines, leaving everyone curious. They keep organizing interview sessions, which I decline, trying not to exhibit any negative actions as they keep tailing me for some time. The media getting wind of it would mean all of London knowing. I¡¯m not ready to draw such pitiful attention to myself and the kids. The kids keep asking about Nathan, but I told them he traveled and would be back soon. They keep saying they miss him and are anticipating his return. Felix has been a good confidante, often around to console me and help me move on. It can¡¯t be that easy to move on because I¡¯m human too. He offered to help me pursue justice, but I politely declined. ¡°I don¡¯t think I should do that. My kids and I can¡¯t go through such harsh court trauma. He is still the father of my kids after all,¡± I said to him during one of his visits. ¡°Okay, Judith. I understand,¡± he said before finally taking his leave. Felix has also bonded with the kids, and they do enjoy hispany, but not as much as Nathan¡¯s. Nathan was the best to them. ¡°Hello, baby. How are you and the kids doing?¡± my mom asked during one of her calls. Since I told her about it, she has been calling every day to check up on us and give words of encouragement. ¡°Hello, Mom. We are doing well,¡± I replied in a low and sad tone. ¡°Judith, are you crying again?¡± she asked in a sad tone. ¡°You are breaking my heart, Judith,¡± she said, almost crying. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m not crying,¡± I said in a clearer tone, trying to hide my sadness, which I knew she already sensed. ¡°Will youe back to Rome? Here you will be able to move on, and I can help look after the kids so you can focus on yourself,¡± she suggested. ¡°Rome?¡± I asked inquisitively. ¡°Yes, baby.¡± I paused for a while, trying to weigh the options and look at the bright side of moving back to Rome. Rome is not a bad ce to be, and I could really feel better back home, but then I concluded it wasn¡¯t a good idea. I should stay and face my fears. ¡°Mom, for how long will I keep running away from my problems? When will I get the courage to stay and face my problems? Running away doesn¡¯t solve problems; it only keeps them away for a while,¡± I said while tearing up. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, baby,¡± she said with a sympathetic tone. ¡°You know what? Maybe I¡¯lle around then since I was nning toe for the wedding anyway.¡± ¡°No, Mom. You don¡¯t have toe. I¡¯m going to get through this and be stronger than ever. I can do it. I have done it before; I¡¯m going to do it again,¡± I said affirmatively. ¡°Okay, baby. I trust you, and I will be praying for you,¡± she said before ending the call. The n to stay in London is solely for me to get stronger. I can¡¯t keep avoiding this and thinking only about my well-being. The kids would need to change schools and environments too, which may likely affect them. Vanessa also felt bad about the whole situation. She has always been there for me to give me hope and envision a brighter future. ¡°I know it hurts, Judith, I know. But this isn¡¯t your fault. It¡¯s okay to fall down, but staying down isn¡¯t permitted. Cry or wail if you have to, but don¡¯t do it for too long. We need you to be emotionally strong, especially for your kids,¡± she had advised during a call when Iined that my heart hurt and I didn¡¯t know if I would ever get over it. Like she suggested, I¡¯m not going to stay down for too long. My kids need a mentally and emotionally fit mother, so I decided to see a therapist. I booked an appointment with a private therapist. After three sessions of counseling, I concluded she hadn¡¯t been much of a help. I guess I was too damaged beyond repair. I was hurt beyond remedy, but one thing kept me going and made me feel better-the desire to be a good mother and raise kids with good moral conduct. ¡°My kids must turn out better. I¡¯m going to protect them from this mentally and physically ill society,¡± I said as I drove into the parking lot of a private bank. I had seen their job advert for an audit officer the previous day. ¡°I hope I get the job. I need to earn a living. My little savings have almost been exhausted on our basic needs,¡± I thought as I checked my ount bnce, which would barely be enough tost a month. ¡°Oh Lord, please help me,¡± I muttered silently as I opened the door to make my way into the bank. Nathan¡¯s POV A month without Judith and the kids has been the most miserable period of my life. Even when my mother died, I never experienced this kind of misery. Since she left, I couldn¡¯t do anything. I could barely eat or work. I mostly stayed inside my room for days without going out or seeing anyone, reminiscing over how I should have lived differently and better. I kept suspecting John. I feel like he has a hand in it. Thest time I saw him, he looked so happy, like he was celebrating the misery that was about to befall me. ¡°Hey Nathan, I was told you weren¡¯t at work for three days now,¡± my father roared angrily. ¡°Father, she found out. Judith found out about the assault,¡± I said in a tone that conveyed regret and sadness. ¡°How?¡± he asked, shocked. ¡°Did she find out herself, or did you tell her?¡± ¡°She found out herself, father,¡± I swallowed hard. ¡°And now, she has already called off the engagement and left the mansion with the kids.¡± ¡°So what will happen now?¡± he asked calmly. ¡°I don¡¯t know, father, I don¡¯t know. I have been indoors since then. I don¡¯t even have the courage to go see her.¡±N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material. ¡°You should let her be for now. Seeing her will damage her further and might even ruin your chances with her,¡± he advised before finally ending the call after promising to check on me. Father gave me some time off to heal and took over the administration himself. Healing was difficult. The pain kept getting deeper, and living became tougher. Getting off work might not be the best decision, but it has definitely helped me to collect myself. I couldn¡¯t bear it anymore when I decided to go to her house to plead for her forgiveness. ¡°I can kneel, wail, or do anything just to get her forgiveness,¡± I muttered as I dressed up. CHAPTER 33 I felt a surge of relief when I finally secured the bank job I had applied for. The path to getting this position was not smooth, but my previous relevant work experience made me the top candidate. After days of waiting, I finally received the email from the HR manager. ¡°Congrattions, Ms. Summers, you got the job. We are d to have you on our team. You are to resume work on Monday,¡± the HR manager¡¯s email read. ¡°Thank goodness!¡± I screamed, jumping with joy. The bills were piling up, and my savings were nearly exhausted. Securing a job was essential, as I didn¡¯t want my kids tock any basic needs. The first day at work went well, despite the gossip and whispers from some colleagues who recognized me as Nathan Everton¡¯s ex-fiancee. But I didn¡¯t care. I stood tall and did my job well. Providing for my kids was my primary focus, even if it meant enduring some gossip. After work, I picked up my kids from school. I had made it clear to the school management that I was the only one allowed to pick them up, given that the nanny from Nathan¡¯s mansion used to do it before our breakup. I needed to protect my kids from Nathan. He didn¡¯t deserve to be their father. His influence could corrupt their upbringing and morals. As we got out of the car, I saw a familiar figure waiting by the door. It was Nathan. Anger surged through me, but I had to hide my emotions for the kids¡¯ sake. His presence alone brought back hurtful memories. I thought I was moving on, but seeing him made me realize I still loved and missed him. ¡°Judith, why is your heart still racing towards him? You still love him despite all the pain he caused you? You must be stupid to still love him,¡± I rebuked myself as I helped the kids out of the car. ¡°Hey, Mr. Nathan,¡± the kids ran towards him happily. He caught them in his arms and kissed their foreheads. ¡°How are you doing, guys?¡± ¡°We are fine, but we missed you so much,¡± Olivia said, pouting. ¡°Thank God you¡¯re finally here.¡± ¡°Yes, I traveled, but I¡¯m back now,¡± he said, carrying them in his arms. As I approached him, my heart raced and hurt simultaneously. He looked different-slimmer, with unkempt hair and beard. He had a sad, unexinable look. I felt a pang of pity for him, even though I knew I shouldn¡¯t. He seemed depressed. ¡°Hi, Judith,¡± he said with a sad face. ¡°Hi, Nathan,¡± I replied, walking past him to unlock the door, avoiding his piercing gaze. Staring at him too long might make me want to hug and kiss him. Inside, the kids were all over him. He handed them the gifts he bought and helped them with their assignments while I microwaved some leftover pizza for dinner. During dinner, I stole nces at him, noticing he looked better. Afterward, I sent the kids to their room.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Oliver, Olivia, go to your room. I need to talk to Mr. Nathan,¡± I said. ¡°But Mommy, we¡¯re still ying with him,¡± Oliver protested. ¡°Go to your rooms now,¡± I screamed angrily. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Oli,¡± Olivia said, and they hurried to their room, likely shocked and scared. I rarely shouted at them. ¡°Why are you here?¡± I asked Nathan once the kids were gone. ¡°You seem to forget that we are done.¡± ¡°Judith, please forgive me,¡± he said, kneeling. I was taken aback. I never expected him to kneel. ¡°Please forgive me. I don¡¯t care about any punishment, but please don¡¯t push me away from the kids,¡± he pleaded, holding my legs. ¡°I¡¯ve been miserable this past month. I should have apologized sooner but wanted to give you space. Please let me help raise them. I promise to do my best.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want you near them. I want you far away so you don¡¯t corrupt them with your behavior,¡± I said, pulling away from him. ¡°I know I¡¯ve behaved poorly, but I¡¯m a changed man. You and the kids gave my life purpose,¡± he said, tearing up. ¡°Aside from my mom, no one has ever cared for me like you do. Please forgive me.¡± His words made me tear up. My heart wanted to forgive him, but my brain reminded me of all the pain he caused. ¡°Can I ever forgive him? Can I forget the past and be with him again? My kids need a father, but can I let him be that? How can love be so painful?¡± These questions raced through my mind as we both wept silently in the living room, wanting to love and hold each other but unable to. CHAPTER 34 Felix POV I have been visiting Judith every other day, trying to console her and rekindle our love, but all my efforts proved futile. It was as if she didn¡¯t want to give me a second chance at all. I understood she was still grieving, so I decided to give her some time to get better before asking her out again. ¡°I¡¯m not giving up because I¡¯m sure we are fated to be. It¡¯s only a matter of time before she realizes I¡¯m the only man for her,¡± I muttered happily as I drove through the traffic. As soon as I parked in front of Judith¡¯s garage, I saw Nathaning out of her house, and I became furious. He was tall and handsome, but he looked like a shadow of himself-haggard and unkempt. ¡°Why would she still allow him into her home after everything he has done to her?¡± I thought as I got out of the car and walked toward him. He nced at me and kept walking, not recognizing me. I was about to walk past him when I said, ¡°You thief and rapist.¡± He turned back, looking shocked and angry. ¡°Sorry, were you by any chance referring to me?¡± he asked. ¡°Yes, I am, you bastard,¡± I cursed furiously. ¡°And who the hell are you, asshole?¡± he cursed back. ¡°Felix, Judith¡¯s ex-fiance. You disrupted our wedding,¡± I pped back. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry,¡± he said with a calm look. I punched him before he could finish talking. I had been wanting to pay him back for what he did but never got the chance. He looked at me and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with his fingertip. ¡°You are free to hit me until you feel better. I deserve every punch,¡± he said, moving closer without trying to defend himself. I became even more furious. ¡°Who does he think he is? Does he think a punch can cover up for the pain we went through?¡± I thought as I threw another punch. ¡°You don¡¯t even deserve my punch,¡± I said, grabbing his shirt cor. ¡°What are you doing, Felix?¡± I heard Judith¡¯s voice from behind. She was holding a waste bin, which she threw aside before running towards us. ¡°Judith,¡± I called out. ¡°Please, Felix, leave him alone. Do you want to injure him?¡± she asked. ¡°He ruined our lives, Judith. Even if he doesn¡¯t deserve my punch, he deserves to rot in prison for the rest of his damn life,¡± I shouted, still holding his shirt while he looked at me sadly, without trying to free himself. ¡°We already talked about this, Felix. Just leave him alone,¡± she said, struggling to free him from my grip. I eventually let him go. She looked at his wound like she was about to cry, and I realized she still loved him. Despite everything, she still loved and defended him. ¡°You can go, and please don¡¯te back here,¡± she said, looking away. He walked slowly towards his car, looking defeated, and left. ¡°Why are you still defending him despite everything?¡± I asked as soon as we got inside. ¡°Felix, I¡¯m not defending him. I¡¯m just trying to prevent you from getting into trouble. You see how he looks. What if you kept punching him and he copsed?¡± she said. ¡°And why is he here? I didn¡¯t think you would allow him into your home after everything,¡± I said angrily. ¡°It¡¯s my home, Felix. I can allow anyone I deem fit.¡± ¡°Are you serious? This man assaulted you and broke our wedding, but you don¡¯t see anything wrong with it,¡± I shouted. ¡°Felix, lower your voice. The kids are around,¡± she whispered. ¡°Who cares if the kids hear? They should know the kind of person their father is,¡± I shouted again. ¡°Felix, please get out of my home. I want you to go and nevere back,¡± she said, pointing toward the door. ¡°Oh, wow. After everything I have done for you, you owe me your life. If not for me, you would be married to that bastard now.¡± ¡°Oh, you think that? I don¡¯t owe you anything. The reason you told me was for your selfish interests. You thought I would break up with him and get back with you. It wasn¡¯t even a week after we broke up, and you were already making advances toward me.¡± ¡°That was because I love you, Judith,¡± I said calmly, moving closer and taking her hand in mine. ¡°I don¡¯t love you, Felix. I¡¯m grateful for all your help, and that is it. We can¡¯t be together again. The earlier you realize this, the better for both of us,¡± she said, pulling her hand away. ¡°Why? Do you still love him despite everything and how badly he hurt you?¡± I asked. ¡°Yes¡­ no,¡± she stammered. ¡°I¡¯m not a fool who will love him despite that,¡± she defended. ¡°You love him, Judith. I know it when you love someone,¡± I said, getting pissed off. It was really annoying to see that she still loved and cared about him more than she ever loved me. I left America toe back for her, but she¡¯s clinging to the man who assaulted her. ¡°Judith, why are you frustrating me? I have done everything to prove my love for you. I came all the way from America, left all my business, just for you, and you are clinging to that bastard,¡± I said, obviously angry. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare talk to me like that. I never asked you toe from America,¡± she snapped back angrily.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content. ¡°It seems you enjoyed the way he fucked you then, huh? You purposely got pregnant for him because you¡¯ve always loved him from the beginning,¡± I asked furiously. She pped me hard across the face. ¡°Felix, get out. Go and nevere back,¡± she shouted, crying. I stood there, shocked by the p, when the kids ran into the living room. ¡°Mommy, why are you crying?¡± Oliver asked, trying to wipe her face with his small palm. ¡°I thought you guys were already sleeping,¡± she said, drawing them closer. ¡°Yes, but your voice woke us up,¡± Oliver said, looking at me angrily. ¡°What did you do to our mommy?¡± he asked authoritatively, pushing my legs. ¡°Go away, I hate Mr. Felix. He makes mommy cry,¡± Olivia said, starting to cry too. ¡°It¡¯s okay, babies. He isn¡¯t making me cry,¡± she said, hugging them. ¡°We aren¡¯t done yet. Let me leave for now. I¡¯m going to be back,¡± I said, mming the door shut. Still angry, I got into the car and sped off. ¡°I¡¯m not going to lose you again to that bastard who made me lose you once. I will make sure you love me again and get back with me. I¡¯m ready to go any mile for that,¡± I said, more determined than ever. ¡°I havee too far and invested too much to give up now. You are mine, Judith, and mine alone,¡± I muttered as I pulled up in front of a clubhouse. CHAPTER 35 I¡¯m still yet to understand how Judith can still be so naive and foolish. I was expecting her to order his arrest and let him rot in prison but instead she¡¯s still very much in love with him. I can¡¯t seem to understand why she can¡¯t let him go. I need to act fast and use this situation to my advantage if not all my efforts would be futile. I¡¯m so pissed right now. I feel like a loser who can¡¯t seem to get anything right. I don¡¯t regret talking to her in such rash manner. She should feel the same pains I¡¯m going through. ¡°Hi, can we meet at the Essence pce club house?¡± I said over the phone to John while parked at the clubhouse. ¡°Okay, will meet you there in a while,¡± he replied and hung up. I headed inside the clubhouse. The inside of the club house is furnished with neon lights casting vibrant colours to the room. The air is filled with a mixture of perfumes, colognes and a thick hint of smoke. In a corner, a DJ is seen mixing tracks with people packed on the dancefloor swaying and jumping to the energetic tempo and heavy bass, rocking their bodies against eachother. I moved passed the energetic crowd, and found my way to the VIP lounge, where it¡¯s less noisy and crowded. I got a seat and ordered for an alcoholic drink. ¡°I need to drink, and forget this ill feeling,¡± I thought as the waiter served the drink in a ss cup. I¡¯m certain John will make fun of me for not being able to get Judith back despite all the information I have but I don¡¯t care. I will be shameless to ask for his help and know the way forward. Some minutester John came in with a girl dressed in a provocative dress that revealed her boobs almost to the nipple¡¯s and heavy makeup. She looked like a prostitute. They both reeked of alcohol and also had cigarettes in their hands. ¡°Hey, man,¡± John greeted and extended a handshake. ¡°Hey, how are you doing?¡± I greeted and took the hand. ¡°Hello,¡± thedy said with a seductive look and tone, adjusting her dress so it could reveal more of her cleavage. ¡°Hello,¡± I answered and immediately took my eyes off her. I could see her flinch and get disappointed at my gesture. ¡°John, what drink do you care for?¡± I asked as I tried to call the bar attendant. ¡°I don¡¯t want any drink. I was drinking in a nearby bar with mydy when you called. You sound disturbed that was why I came,¡± he said and puffed a smoke, then kissed thedy. She epted the kiss and caressed him from his chest down to his dick of which he moaned to. The sight was so disgusting.¡±why can¡¯t they wait and get a room afterwards?¡± I thought and looked away from the not so pleasing sight. They withdrew from the kiss and I could see him sexually aroused. He felt like stripping her off immediately and having sex with her. I felt like throwing thedy out of my sight. I have a problem to deal with but she keeps stealing his attention. ¡°John, there¡¯s a problem,¡± I said quickly, trying to allow him focus and hear me out, because thedy seemed like she was sent to annoy me further. ¡°Argh, Felix, I¡¯m so hard right now. The n was to club till midnight, then have some fun. You¡¯ve e ruined my ns,¡± hemented bitterly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for ruining your ns but I have an issue bothering me. Let¡¯s talk about that. It won¡¯t take too long then you can go have your fun,¡± I reassured. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m all ears,¡± he said and took his hands off thedy¡¯sp, and focused on me.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content. ¡°Can she excuse us,¡± I said in a low tone. ¡°Okay,¡± he said, moving closer to thedy. They spoke for a while, and then she gave me an angry nce and stood up to leave after John spanked her on the ass. After she left, I began narrating everything to him without leaving out any part. He listened keenly, and I could see from his facial reactions that he was not pleased with me. He became even more furious than I was, expressing his disappointment in me and ming me for not telling him about the whole situation earlier. I became annoyed with myself too. A man like me should not allow ady to treat him this way. I seem to have forgotten that I¡¯m Felix Wells. I¡¯m smarter than this. I can¡¯t understand how I have be so stupid just because of love. And it¡¯s not even true love-it¡¯s one-sided. You should have told me earlier,¡± he said with disappointment, puffing on a cigarette. ¡°I was so excited when Father announced that his engagement had been called off without specifying the reason, even when my mom and sister kept asking. My mom thought it was because Nathan probably found out that Judith was a gold digger, but I kept quiet still.¡± ¡°I was giving her time to heal and then move on. I don¡¯t know she was never going to move on from that bastard,¡± I cursed angrily. ¡°Nathan is smart. He knows how to manipte one , he knows how to turn people to his side. That was probably the same way he manipted my father and sister,¡± he said. ¡°Are you serious?¡± So it¡¯s might not be Judith fault. He must have manipted her and looked pitiful to her. But I¡¯m not going to give up on her, I will make sure to save her from his shackles. She deserves better,¡± I bragged There was total silence for a while like he was thinking about the next line of action to take. I must say that he seemed so determined of bringing Nathan down. He must have had so much hatred for him. ¡°Okay, you know what?¡± He said and smiled, like he found a promising solution to the problem. ¡°What?¡± I asked optimistically. He gave me a gesture with his hands to move closer to him, of which I did and he said ¡°Do you by any chance have evidence of the robbery and assault? ¡°No I don¡¯t, we were trying to conceal everything. So there is no evidence,¡± I answered. ¡°Okay then. We are also going to be maniptive. The kids are the best evidence to use.¡± ¡°How?¡± I asked with a confused look. I don¡¯t understand what he meant by the kids being the best evidence. I¡¯m fighting against Nathan not the innocent kids and I can¡¯t reduce myself to the point of using the kids as negotiation. They are kids- innocent and unaware of whatever is happening. ¡°Since you don¡¯t have any concrete evidence. You will negotiate with Judith to marry you or else we are going to instigate the police to arrest him and the media to reveal the kids to the public. I might dislike Judith but I know for a fact that she¡¯s a good mother and won¡¯t want her kids in such spotlight,¡± he said, grinning from ears to ears, like he had just won a lottery. ¡°No, I can¡¯t do that John,¡± I nodded in disagreement. ¡°That would be too low of me and involving the innocent kids might even make her hate me further,¡± I said and sighed . Her kids are everything to her, to tamper with them is to see her wrath. I can¡¯t do that John, that¡¯s too cruel,¡± I concluded. ¡°This is the reason why that woman doesn¡¯t take you serious. You are too weak,¡± he said as he pointed a finger at my chest. ¡°There wouldn¡¯t even be any need to reveal the kids because she would agree to marry you for the sake of her dear kids. ¡°Even though, that¡¯s too low,¡± I said angrily. ¡°You have to go low or sometimes behave like an asshole to get what you want at times. Nathan went low by assaulting your woman, and now to im her back you have to go lower,¡± he fired back at me not minding the people around. I was speechless and perplexed. I haven¡¯t seen someone this cruel and selfish in my entire life. Someone who can do anything or hurt anyone to get whatever he wanted. ¡°I can¡¯t do this, I can¡¯t do this,¡± I muttered silently. Although it seemed like the best solution to my problem but it¡¯s also seemed like the easiest way for Judith to hate mepletely. ¡°But she doesn¡¯t care about my feelings so why should I care about hers? She chose Nathan ¨C that bastard over me , and made me feel like trash. Maybe I¡¯m truly weak like John had said. Maybe he was right after all. A weak man can never be loved or taken serious,¡± I thought , as I sat weakly on the couch. ¡± Let me know when you change your mind, man. I can help you. I have a policeman I can arrange if you need one,¡± he said and patted me on my shoulder. I was still seating down, speechless when he looked at his wrist watch and said ¡°The time is tickling fast, and I¡¯m still hard as fuck. Let me go have fun with mydy,¡±. He concluded and made his way out of the clubhouse leaving me to decide my fate¡­ CHAPTER 36 I don¡¯t seem to understand Felix anymore. He looks totally different from what I had presumed him to be. The man whom I loved in the past was a better man who had good morals and behaviour. It amazes me to the point that I felt like his soul was switched and he now has the soul of a devil. I¡¯m shocked on how I never sense any of his ill behaviour in the past. Maybe he was pretending then and now is his true self, because he kept saying and doing hurtful things without feeling any form of remorse. ¡°Thank goodness, we didn¡¯t get married. I would have been married to the devil unaware,¡± I said as I tucked the kids to sleep. I looked at the kids and really felt pity for them. They had a puffy face from all the crying in the evening. The kids are getting more matured everyday and now they are even being protective of me. I won¡¯t fail to always be grateful for the gift of them. I¡¯m really lucky to have them. It seems the heavens knows all about the future challenges and pains I would face, and decided to gift them to me so that I would be able to ovee and stand tall even at the brim of death. I think they are so unlucky to have me as their mother. These sweet and innocent kids deserved better. They grew up without a father¡¯s love and care. The only man whom they had loved so much and looked forward to having as a father and who was actually their father but surrounded under the worst and unimaginable circumstances ever. It¡¯s already unfair that I¡¯m their mother but Nathan being their father, that¡¯s too cruel. That¡¯s the more reason why I have to fight whatever feeling I have for him; maybe its love or pity, stop him froming close to the kids and have the kids forget about himpletely. I¡¯m trying to stay strong but my emotions keeps getting the best of me. I have made my pillow a crying buddy because I¡¯m always unable to sleep till after midnight and I wake up at the early hours of the day, probably only getting four hours of sleep. I have also seeked the help of a therapist but it¡¯s not helping. ¡°Maybe I need to go see her again before I develop severe depression.¡± I thought as I walked out of the kids¡¯ room and shut the door quietly to prevent them from waking up because they needed all the sleep they could get. They really had a tough day. ¡°Should I go back to Rome like mother had suggested?¡± I muttered while crying silently as I headed to my room. That might really help. It might help me and the kids forget about Nathan and prevent me from seeing Felix. I¡¯m grateful for all his help; he has always been there for me and the kids, trying to cheer us up and make us feel better but that¡¯s all, trying to initiate any kind of rtionship isn¡¯t going to work. Seeing Felix these days gets me annoyed, he is so obsessed with me. I¡¯m not reallyfortable with having him around because he can¡¯t seem tomunicate with me without trying to touch and create some kind of sexual intimacy between us, of which I have always avoided. He must have been really hopeful that I was going to get back with him after breaking up with Nathan. ¡°Felix.¡± ¡°Felix.¡± ¡°Felix, I have a lot on my te already. Why are you adding to it? Why can¡¯t just get lost already and let me be¡±, I screamed out loud. Speaking of Felix, I wonder how he always finds out about where I am, he seems to be keeping a tab on me. He¡¯d always show up in front of me no matter where I am.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. I still wonder how he figured out I would be in London in all of the cities in Europe. Mother and Vanessa are the only two who knows about my stay in London and I trust they¡¯d never tell him about it, given the circumstances of our separation. I picked up my phone to put a call across to mom and Vanessa. I just have to ask tho if they had told Felix about my whereabouts. I could swear he had a snitch on me that keeps telling him about me, because he does seem like he knows everything about me. ¡°Hey, mom,¡± I said over the phone trying to sound my best, so you could be rest assured I¡¯m fine even when I¡¯m not. ¡°Hello, Judith. How are you and the kids doing?¡± She asked and we exchanged pleasantries. ¡°Mom, I have something to ask you about. Have you ever told Felix about my stay in London?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯d never do that. He will never have the gut the show up in front of me,¡± she spat angrily, it seems just the mention of his name pisses her off already. ¡°Okay, mom,¡± we discussed about other things and she gave me some words of encouragement before finally ending the call. ¡°Noooo, I never even saw or spoke with him since your wedding crashed. Have you forgotten you¡¯ve always been the one telling me about him,¡± Van also said over the phone. The response I got from both Vanessa and mom, gave me the assurance that he must have been stalking me. I became afraid within myself. ¡°How can he be so obsessed with me,¡± I whispered in cold shivers, imagining the worse case scenario that could result from his obsession obviously sure it can never be something good. I really need to get him far away from the kids and I before he bes more desperate and takes a drastic step. The way he was shouting and shooting daggers at me earlier today tells me that he can do anything to make me get back with him. ¡°I would have gone to the police to report him but I don¡¯t even have any concrete evidence to prove it.¡± Imented bitterly as I kept thinking of the best way to deal with it as fast as possible. ¡°My kids should never be caught up in this messy situation. I should protect them no matter what.¡± I reassured, as Iid on the bed before finally drifting off to get some sleep. CHAPTER 37 Felix¡¯s POV John¡¯s n seems not to be the best thing to do. I would have opted for a better and safer option on how to make her dance to my tune but deep down inside me I knew it was the only card I had to y to win her back. The desperation I¡¯m feeling isn¡¯t something to be proud of. I know I have be too desperate or probably obsessed with her but I don¡¯t mind. Wepliment each other perfectly but I don¡¯t know why she is too blind to see that. Perhaps, I just have to agree to John¡¯s suggestion. Since the woman I¡¯m trying to be considerate of, isn¡¯t reciprocating the same feeling to me. She isn¡¯t interested in me even when she recently found out I wasn¡¯t to be med for the wedding that crashed. I still didn¡¯t piqued her interest and that saddened me a lot. Still devastated, I recollected all the affectionate words and stares she gave Nathan the other day; they hurt and cut me deep. I couldn¡¯t ignore it or get the scene out of my head. It kept reying and coupled with the emotions I already have, it has just made me lose all sense of reasoning or empathy. Lost in thousands of thoughts on my mind, I decided to do like John had suggested. He might be an asshole but he is also the only help I could use, especially here in London, where I know just a few people. Immediately, I picked up my phone and put a call across to him. He picked after the second beep and we had a lengthy conversation, exining everything to me again and trying to justify his advice and making it sound like a good one even when I knew it wasn¡¯t. As he spoke and boasted of his powerful demeanor, One question constantly came to mind and that¡¯s, ¡°what if the n failed? If it does fail, I know my chances are all ruined and Judith is going to batter me with more hatred. But it better to try than just to fold hands and do nothing while I watch the man I hated the most snatch away the woman I loved the most. The call ended with him telling me to be a resilient warrior and fight back all the anguish and injustice Nathan has caused me. After he spoke, this time I became more determined to fight back even it means using my entire life and fortune. I would make sure to bring Nathan down. Today, I break every promise and assurance I had given Judith. I had promised her I wasn¡¯t going to pursue justice because she gave the reason that she didn¡¯t want to kids to be exposed to such trauma and I agreed not knowing she was fighting to protect her love. ¡°From today on, I will make him drink his tears and crawl at my feet for forgiveness. I will give him double of all the pains and anguish I felt. When I¡¯m done with him, he is going to be an embarrassment to his family and will eventually be disowned by his father¡± I thought and let out a wicked and satisfied grin. I tucked myself into bedfortably, covering myself with a duvet and slept off with the hope of starting my new adventure the next day. ********** The next morning was fresh as the scents of blooming flowers in the garden filled the air. I strolled into the garden with a cup of coffee and humming to a popr song from my zing speaker. Oddly enough, I was in a positive state of mind than I was yesterday. It was like I lost all of the memories of rejection I had the previous day. I became more enthusiastic and had a different perspective. Suddenly, a hint of loneliness shed in my head. I wouldn¡¯t even deny the fact that I missed America: my businesses, friends and life are abandoned there. I struggled so much to fit in there, as the ce was only known to house powerful and sophisticated people. I worked so hard for my business to be able to thrive. I worked tirelessly, day and night to get to the level I was. Since I came to London, I haven¡¯t even had real fun, or made genuine friends or connections. I wouldn¡¯t exactly call John my friend; our rtionship is a mutual one and we just shared amon goal; that is to bring Nathan down. My head have only been enveloped with the determination of iming Judith back. Nothing else mattered.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material. My businesses have been having some setbacks of which my assistant haveined bitterly. I had told him to take care of it but he told me some required my presence before they could be resolved. Despite his persuasion about the numerous loss the business has encountered, I have refused to go back. Even when my life is almost ruined, I¡¯m still clinging to her-judith. Now, after several thoughts, realization had dawned that I have scarfice far too much for her. I had even scarfice my dignity and self worth for love. Turning back at this juncture wouldn¡¯t be easy. Rounding off my thoughts, I imagined what it will be like to go to America with Judith and start a new life altogether. I¡¯d be the happiest man in the universe. She is worth all the scarfices and losses. Going back to America with a woman like Judith by my side is a big flex. I¡¯m confident that together we are going to build an empire and I will recover all my losses in no time. Overwhelmed by happiness and a beam of hope, I finally strolled out of the garden back into my room. I needed to get dressed, visit Judith, and kick- start my ns for the day. Seeing Judith will be difficult. The cold stares she sent me the previous day means that she wouldn¡¯t want to see me anymore. But I¡¯m determined to see her at all costs even if it means sleeping outside her home. Dashing out of the house, I jumped into the car and sped away from the quiet neighborhood, leaving a trail of dust behind. CHAPTER 38 Judith¡¯s POV Constantly, feeling scared for some unknown reasons, I became more sensitive than ever. For no tangible reason, I kept feeling insecure and sometimes trembling like a leaf. I grew suspicious of everything, and everyone especially strangers. At this point, I pray I don¡¯t develop a heart attack because the rate at which my heart raced was rming. An unknown feelings within me that Felix hasn¡¯t given up yet. He is so much blinded by rage that he won¡¯t stop until he got what he wanted. Despite the hurtful things Nathan has done, I never cease to love him. The feeling has extended so much that I missed him badly and also dreamt about him asionally. The thoughts of him lingered in my head day or night. Downcast and unsure of what to do to make the thoughts go away, I vowed never to get back with him no matter how much or how long the feeling lingered on. I ran my hands through my hair and walked outside to the balcony to enjoy the sun that shone brightly. My mind awhirl with thoughts of my rtionship and wedding.¡±Maybe I¡¯m not meant to marriage after all. It has failed twice, and two times is enough for me to know I¡¯m not cut out for it,¡± I said as I took a deep breath and gazing up to the sky. It was weekend. The n was for me to take a rest since I have been so worn out during the week. Tending to my kids and job was no easy task especially now that I am not all myself. I ventured into the kids room, woke them up, bathed them and get them dressed before retreating to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. ****Three hourster**** After breakfast, I headed to my room and managed to doze off for two hours. The ringing of the door bell shook me out of my sleep. I hesitated for a moment pondering who it could be. Sighing, I reluctantly stood up to go get the door. ¡°It had better be someone important who had disrupted me from my peaceful sleep. I hope it¡¯s not Nathan or Felix. I don¡¯t have the energy to deal with those two and I don¡¯t want to lose the peace I managed to acquire today,¡± I said, walking towards the door, constantly rubbing my eyes, trying to keep myself awake. I unlocked the door and it was Felix ¡°Holy shit,¡± I cursed immediately I sighted him. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I yelled and regretted it almost immediately. The kids were around and I don¡¯t want them to hear my angry shouts. ¡°Hi Judith,¡± he said and smiled awkwardly. I keep quiet and just nodded. I managed to calm myself as I don¡¯t want to get too worked up and say hurtful things to him. ¡°Thank goodness, he is here. Today I¡¯m determined to a lengthy discussion with him and make him see reasons why he needs to get over his obsession with me,¡± I thought as I moved away from the entrance and gestured for him toe in. He nced at mepletely taken back by my action. He was surprised I would let him in easily despite the hurtful words he had spewed. ¡°He knew I wouldn¡¯t let him in but he still came anyways. He doesn¡¯t have any sense of shame, does he?¡± I thought as he came in, and I shut the door behind him. I dashed to the kitchen and served him a cold drink not without sending the kids off to their room and warning them not toe out. As soon as he came in, Oliver and Olivia both ran up to me, and tightening their grip on my hand, hoping they were protecting me from him. He greeted them and gave them a smile but my kids frowned at him still, with the determination to fight him if he tries anything. ¡°Those little cuties. I¡¯m sure they already tagged him as a bad person that makes mommy cry,¡± I thought, smiling at the dramatic kids before me. He took the drink and thanked me before sipping a little. The room became silent as we both stared downward, avoiding each other¡¯s nce. I looked at him, perceiving he had something to say but he doesn¡¯t know how to go about it or was contemting whether saying it or not. With his undecided action, I raised my head and decided to speak first.¡± Felix, I know we¡¯vee a long way together, and I want you to know that I wasn¡¯t happy that we didn¡¯t end up together. I had a hard time during that period, and I won¡¯t be here if not for my mom and Vanessa,¡± I said, fixing my gaze on him and ensuring he was listening to me.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. With his concentration on me, I continued ¡°The oue of our rtionship pierced my heart, but what can I do? It wasn¡¯t our fault. We were surrounded with circumstances we had no control over. I really want us both to move on and leave the past behind us. I¡¯m not fine Felix but I¡¯m trying to. I need space to gain my rity of mind,¡± I sobbed, tears forming in my eyes but I¡¯m determined not to let them drop. ¡°But I love you so much Judith. You know it was Nathan we broke us. Let¡¯s forget the past and move on like you say,¡± he spoke in a soothing and gentle tone, moving closer and taking my hands. I didn¡¯t take off the hand, hoping it would help hime to terms with me. ¡°I want to move on with you by my side,¡± I¡¯m going to love, respect and protect you always. We can jet off to America and start anew there,¡± he said and I realized there was no end to this. ¡°Felix,¡± I said, I drawing back from him and taking off his hands. ¡°You don¡¯t get me. I don¡¯t want to be in any rtionship again, be it dating or marriage. I just want to be alone, taking care of my kids, and living life to the fullest,¡± ¡°But if was Nathan, you would have fallen into his arms, huh?¡± He spoke in a harsh and deep. I looked at him, and he was emotionless. Shocked about his promation, I was Speechless, unsure of what he wanted to hear. With the realisation that all I told him has fallen on deaf ears. I decided to confront him about the spy on him. ¡°And is that why you¡¯ve been spying on me,¡± I asked, angrily, theplete opposite of how I had spoken to him earlier. ¡°A spy? Why would I do that? He fired back immediately. ¡°Then, howe you know too much about me?¡± ¡°Why do you think I know so much about you? I know nothing, dear Judith,¡± he said with an evil smirk, extending his hands to push my hairs away from my face. I shove away the hands and sighed- I didn¡¯t want him to touch me at all. Just his presence sent disgust and cold shivers through my body. ¡°Dear, Judith, You just have to marry me and there¡¯s no two ways about it, unless the world will know the truth about the biological father of your little cuties,¡± he threatened. CHAPTER 39 Felix¡¯s POV The bombshell I dropped cast an eerie pall over the environment. She stared at me with a mixture of confusion and hatred. However, my mind was resolute, and I felt no remorse for my actions. Her behavior had driven me to the point where I forgot everything we had shared in the past. Despite my efforts to be considerate and avoid making things difficult for her, she seemed determined to shut me out of her lifepletely. ¡°What did you mean, Felix?¡± she asked, her voice barely masking the pain. ¡°You have to marry me, or the world will know how your kids came into existence. They will know they are a product of assault,¡± I dered harshly. She was speechless for a while, taking a deep breath to calm herself. Overwhelmed and anxious, she stood up from the couch, paced around the living room, then sat down again. I could feel her uneasiness as she asked, ¡°And how do you intend to do that? Felix, you¡¯re making my blood boil. I just want you out of my sight.¡± ¡°You must think I¡¯m bluffing as usual, right? I¡¯ll make the police arrest Nathan, and knowing you won¡¯t testify against him, I¡¯ll tell them the kids are the concrete evidence proving the assault. And vo, your kids be celebrities overnight and Nathan ends up in jail,¡± I said with a wicked grin, settling backfortably on the couch. As I spoke, I saw panic and anxiety all over her face and a cold gaze fixed on me. ¡°Felix, I thought we had talked about this, and you even promised to do my bidding. So why the sudden change of mind?¡± she inquired, her voice trembling with intense emotion. My heart raced and my palms grew sweaty as she asked, but I managed topose myself and maintain an icy expression while internally panicking. ¡°Come on, Judith. I¡¯m well aware of the love and protection you intend to give your kids, so I trust you to do the right thing,¡± I retorted. ¡°Felix, please, please don¡¯t do this,¡± she pleaded, tears welling up in her eyes. Hearing her plead was soothing. I had been the one pleading, and now the tables had turned. ¡°Just do what I say. That is the only solution,¡± I said with a smirk. ¡°But I don¡¯t love you anymore, Felix. I don¡¯t feel anything towards you,¡± she dered, a tear escaping from her eye. Angry, I furrowed my eyebrows and asked, ¡°You don¡¯t love me?¡± ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t,¡± she replied, tearing out a tissue to wipe her tears. Fury surged within me as I stood up, confronting her with resolute determination. ¡°If you don¡¯t make up your mind within a week, I will carry out what I said earlier.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t do it, Felix. No matter what, I won¡¯t be caught dead with a heartless animal like you,¡± she yelled, standing up to unleash her anger. I couldn¡¯t control myself and rushed towards her with my fist clenched. ¡°How dare you call me an animal?¡± I yelled, ready to hit her. However, I reconsidered and just held her wrist tightly. ¡°It hurts. Let me go, you bastard,¡± she protested, hitting me hard on the arm. I pushed her away, and she fell back onto the couch. I stared at her for a moment, unable to ept that I had be such a petty loser and perhaps an animal, as she projected. ¡°It¡¯s because of Nathan, right?¡± I asked, my voice quivering with emotion. ¡°It¡¯s not because of him. Besides, I just want to be alone with my kids,¡± she fired back. ¡°I give you a week to make your decision, or you will regret it,¡± I threatened. Fueled by anger, pain, and resentment, I dashed out of the living room, jumped into my car, and sped off. Judith¡¯s POVThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org. I was clearly taken aback by Felix¡¯s actions today. It was difficult toprehend how he had be so unreasonable and consumed by rage. I disagreed with his threats, but internally I was deeply consumed by fear and anguish. It was difficult toprehend how swiftly my life had turned upside down. Just a few hours prior, I had felt better and grateful for it. Now, I had lost all the peace I had managed to acquire, and I faced an even greater trouble. ¡°When will my life ever be peaceful?¡± I muttered, cleaning the tears rolling down my cheeks. I had always envisioned a fairy-tale life, but it seemed to be a luxury I would never afford. Now, even my innocent kids would be caught up in a mess they knew nothing about, and the whole world would know of their existence. My heart felt pierced, and it seemed my whole world was crumbling again. My mind was awhirl with emotions, and I couldn¡¯t help but reflect on the pain I had gone through in the past few months. I stumbled into my room and sank onto the bed, utterly exhausted both physically and emotionally. I had been so overwhelmed by emotions that I hadn¡¯t even considered my next line of action. ¡°I need to do something really fast, but what?¡± I realized I could never marry Felix. With all the characteristics he disyed, I didn¡¯t need a soothsayer to tell me that marrying him meant heading for my own destruction, if not execution. And my kids, I wouldn¡¯t watch the world know about them and break them even before they be adults. A wave of sadness washed over me, but I knew I needed to ovee these challenges no matter what. I needed to think of a safe and reliable countermeasure. I needed someone to talk to and lean on. But who? I didn¡¯t want to disturb my mother or Vanessa; I had always been a constant worry. The only option I had was Nathan. ¡°Should I call him or not?¡± I kept contemting in a confused state, before being eventually interrupted by the kids. CHAPTER 40 Nathan¡¯s POV Despite all the humiliation I had felt from the broken engagement, I was able to swallow it all and only the thoughts of Judith¡¯s forgiveness filled my mind. I stopped calling or visiting her not because I had moved on but because I wanted her to heal. Constantly seeing me might hurt her further. Thest thing I had ever expected from her was for her to get back with me. Everything I had done to her was enough to make her miserable for a lifetime. I just wanted her forgiveness, and that¡¯s all. Lately, my life has been a rollercoaster of bad news. Judith casting me aside has affected my whole being. I couldn¡¯t function and focus properly on work. It had gotten so bad that I even lost a business deal because I kept discussing absentmindedly while the meeting was ongoing. The investor got angry and canceled the whole project. Father had gotten so angry at me over the phone when he heard that I had lost a project worth millions of euros. He yelled, telling me to move on and focus on my job or better still, take a break or delegate my duties to capable hands. Taking a break isn¡¯t the best option. The break I earlier took was enough, I couldn¡¯t do anything, all I did was sit around the house and wallow in regret. Taking more might make me do something drastic as I¡¯m emotionally, physically and mentally drained. Even though working hasn¡¯t really helped much, it has at least helped me whine away time and be able to take my mind off my troubles for a while. I walked into the office, took my suit from the couch, and wore it. Just as I meant to retrieve myptop and close work for the day, I heard my phone beeping. I checked the caller ID and it was Judith. Immediately my heart skipped a beat. I couldn¡¯t believe luck had finally shone on me. I was unaware of why she was calling but I held onto the glimpse of hope. Mustering up courage, I picked the call and heard a sad and perplexed tone at the other end. ¡°Hello, Nathan¡± ¡°Hello, Judith,¡± I said immediately. ¡°There¡¯s trouble. I need your help,¡± she added. I could perceive the pain in her voice and it got me so worried. ¡°My help? Are you home now? I will be there in fifteen minutes,¡± I asked with concern as my heart broke at the tone of her voice. ¡°Yes,¡± she replied. I hung up immediately and tossed the phone away. From her tone, I deduced she was very troubled. As far as I was concerned, I couldn¡¯t imagine any trouble that would make her sound so sad and also ask for my help. From what I know, I would be thest person she¡¯d ask for help from. Hurriedly, I jumped into the car and instructed the driver to drive fast to her home. We pulled into the garage and I walked towards the house. I rang the doorbell and she came to unlock the door immediately. I knew she had been waiting impatiently for me. I ventured inside. I looked at her and for some reason, I felt like the problem was a big one because she looked worse than thest time I saw her. I could see frustration written all over her and she looked worn out. I sat on the couch and she headed to the kitchen to serve me a ss of drink. It was amazing how she still tried to entertain me despite everything. I had pictured a series of scenarios with the woman in front of me; all I had wanted was to love, care, and protect her for the rest of our lives. To make her happy and treat her like the queen she has always been but it¡¯s quite unfortunate that everything won¡¯te to y. It will forever be stuck in my head. She opened her mouth to talk but I was unable to. She said something inaudibly and then she paused for a while as tears welled up in her eyes.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Hey, Judith. Take a chill pill,¡± I said passionately as I drew closer to her. She cried on my shoulder for a while, at this point I didn¡¯t know what to say or do. I couldn¡¯t summon the courage to console her. I just patted her back gently. After a while when she had cried to her heart¡¯s content, she narrated everything about her ex-fiance¡¯s scheme and I went speechless. A surge of sadness and anger washed down on me but what could I have done. I caused her misfortune, so it attracted more misfortune to her. I couldn¡¯t help but sympathize with her. This woman has been through so much since she met me and I wished I could make all her pains vanish. Somehow, I knew I should protect her and the kids but how? Confessing to the crime will make my family andpany go bankrupt. I will probably spend a couple of years in jail and that will be the end of me. But on the other hand, it¡¯s only fair that I get punished for the grave sin Imitted. Just because it¡¯s in the past doesn¡¯t mean it should go unpunished. ¡°You should never get married to that kind of man, never,¡± I refuted as I knew getting married to him would make her life more difficult. Her eyes lingered on me for a moment, probably expecting the solution I woulde up with. ¡°Let him inform the police like he said. You don¡¯t have to testify against me or reveal the kids¡¯ identity. I will plead guilty. That way he won¡¯t have anything to use against you,¡± I concluded. CHAPTER 41 Judith¡¯s POV Immediately, I called Nathan, and he came running over and arrived even before I knew it. It was soforting to have him around. I could feel the sympathy and regret in his voice and eyes as he asionally shot res at me. Throughout his stay, my heart kept racing. I could feel his heart beat too, especially when I cried on his shoulders. I kept wondering why the universe is so unfair to us. We both loved each other, but we can¡¯t be together. The solution Nathan hade up with wasn¡¯t exactly a good one, and I couldn¡¯t help but imagine the worst-case scenario that would emerge from this whole situation. This could end him and everything he had worked hard for. The choice he made was a hard one, but he did it anyway. He did it to protect us and take responsibility for his past actions. I felt pity for him and wished there was another way out of this problem. Convincing him to look for a better solution seemed futile as he became resolute, exining that he didn¡¯t want Felix to keep tossing us around and using the situation to get whatever he wanted. He went further by saying that once he gets what he wants, he will never stop, and he will keep making more unreasonable and outrageous demands. And I knew he was saying the truth. Just by looking at Felix and his nonchnt attitude, I knew he wouldn¡¯t stop, even if I eventually married him. Despite him brushing off my suggestion, I still hoped that there would be another way out of this predicament. But how? Protecting the kids is important too, and that¡¯s something I¡¯d do even if it meant getting killed. After contemting for a while, I decided to take a break and watch how things would unfold within the week-long deadline that Felix had given. Surviving the next week will surely be difficult. I knew I was going to agonise constantly, but waiting was all I could do. A weekter I was still at work when the insistent ringing of my phone kept distracting me from focussing on my task. I checked the caller ID, and it was Felix. The immediate realisation dawned on me that it had already been a week. I didn¡¯t dare forget, but I was clinging to a beam of hope that Felix would change his mind. Immediately I saw the call, fear engulfed me, and I started trembling. Given that there¡¯s no way I could ever evade the Felix scheme, With a face exhibiting fear, I stood up and ran into the bathroom to calm myself. I needed to stay collected, no matter what. My colleagues shouldn¡¯t see me in such a worried state. Upon getting to the bathroom, I shut the door behind me and picked up his call almost immediately. On the other end, I heard himin about avoiding his calls and threatened to go inform the police if I ever dared avoid his call again. Sighing deeply and rolling my eyes, I didn¡¯t have the energy to argue with him over the phone. ¡°I¡¯m at work now. I will call you when I get home so we can talk better.¡± ¡°I suggest you give me a call quick before I do something you might regret,¡± he said coldly before ending the call abruptly. Felix had been unpleasantly arrogant and rudetely, and I often wonder what would have be of me if I had married him. An hourter, I left work and picked the kids up from school before heading home. Once we got home, I quickly prepared dinner before calling Felix back, and we agreed to meet at a nearby park. I wouldn¡¯t want him in my home again. Having him in my home triggers a kind of emotional stress and anxiety, not only for me but also for the kids. I¡¯ve noticed they don¡¯t like him or want him around. Thoughts of my next line of action filled my mind. I hadn¡¯t been able to make up my mind on what to do, but I knew that revealing my kids identities was never an option. Walking into the park, I saw him seated on a wooden bench, and I took a deep breath before walking towards him. He looked up at me and smiled awkwardly before patting the bench, gesturing for me to take a seat. I let out an exasperated sigh and sat on the wooden bench. He sat up and crossed his legs. ¡°How are you, my love? He asked, feigning concern. Ignoring him, I shot him a fiery look. If only looks could kill, I¡¯m sure he¡¯d be dead by now. ¡°Oh, rx, Judith. When did you be like this? I just cared about your welfare,¡± he said with an annoying grin. ¡°I only came here to let you know I won¡¯t be doing any of your bidding, so you can go to hell and do whatever you want,¡± I snapped. Not giving him a chance to reply or threaten me, I walked out of the park. ¡°Judith!!! Judith summers. He called after me angrily. How could you reject me?¡± He demanded angrily, now walking behind me. Turning back to look at him, the disbelief and shock written all over his face were so satisfying. His eyes burned like a raging volcano, and I knew that if we weren¡¯t outside, he would have tried to hit me. ¡°Get a life, Felix,¡± I said, shaking my head and ncing at him onest time before walking out of the park at a faster pace as the other people at the park started to notice us and whisper. The courage I used in turning him down was something to be studied, as I didn¡¯t know where it came from. Internally, I was scared and kept wondering about the repercussions, but I struggled to maintain myposure and went home. ¡°I knew it was going to get tougher from here, but I¡¯m determined to stay strong,¡± I muttered while putting the kids to sleep.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content. CHAPTER 42 Nathan¡¯s POV The week had been draining mentally and physically. Fuelled by a hint of hope that Judith was finally reaching out to me, I hurried over there just to encounter the most shocking revtion ever: Felix intended to drag me to court unless Judith marries him. At first, it was difficult to wrap my head around the whole scenario, but I was able to formte a decision-not exactly a good one, though. Well aware that I shouldn¡¯tin, considering the fact that I put her in such predicaments, I braced myself up for the consequences. I had forewarned my father about the unfolding drama, but he remained steadfast in his resolve, vowing that he would not stand idly by while his beloved son faced ruin. He swore to take any measures necessary to keep me out of harm¡¯s way. Despite my protestations that I ought to atone for my sins, he remained resolute. I suggested exining the situation to the authorities myself, but he vehemently opposed the idea, threatening to disown me if I dared to proceed. As I pondered my father¡¯s potential method of saving me, I began wondering if I actually needed saving. I have lived a reckless and sinful life, so it¡¯s only just that I get a taste of my own medicine. The slow passage of time only increased my being nervous, scared, and more miserable than ever. Constantly, my heart pondered incessantly, but I struggled to maintain myposure. Judith and I constantly talked over the phone, and I think it was this gesture that kept me sane; maybe without it, I might have sumbed to the pressure andmitted suicide. At least she was reaching out to me now, and for that, I¡¯m immensely grateful. As for John, he seems to have this wide grin on his face anytime we cross paths at work. The smile seems to convey that he knew about my troubles, or perhaps he was even the orchestrator. Icked the courage to confront him, so I continuously walked past him without acknowledging his attempts at friendliness. One evening, I was exhausted and frustrated. I sank onto my bed, hoping to take my mind off my troubles for a while by watching television. After flipping through several channels without finding anything interesting, I gave up and decided to take a nap. My phone began to ring, disying an unfamiliar number. Picking up the call, I heard an unfamiliar voice over the phone. ¡°Is this Nathan Everton?¡± the voice demanded in a soft tone. ¡°Yes, it is,¡± I replied, and I felt a sting of fear. It seems what I dreaded the most was already here. It was already a week before the before the deadline that Felix gave, and despite my preparedness, it was still difficult to ept. ¡°This is the police. We would like you toe in for a brief question. As Mr. Felix made some allegations against you, Parting my mouth to give an answer but nothing came out. ¡°Are you there?¡± The voice prompted calmness. ¡°Oh I will. I definitely will,¡± I replied, stammering, and he eventually ended the call. I immediately called my father and informed him of the situation. He advised me not to panic and to remain calm, as he had everything under absolute control. Unaware of his countermeasures, I hurriedly took a shower, dressed up, and drove to the police station. Upon arrival, I was greeted by threewyers my father had already designated. We exchanged pleasantries and introduced ourselves. These were the bestwyers in the country, and I marvelled at the lengths my father would go to protect a wayward son like me. We all walked into the precinct, and I saw Felix, who weed me with a fake smile. For some reason, I could read mockery and satisfaction on his face. Ignoring him, I walked over to a detective, who informed me that I had been summoned over for some questioning. Acknowledging my presence, he stood up and gave me a handshake. He offered me a seat directly opposite him, apologised for any inconvenience, and also exined how they must perform their duties and confirm allegations regardless of whether they were true or not. He spoke to someone on the phone for a while; I guessed it was his superior, given his deferential and respectful tone. He hung up and said, ¡°The chief said I should escort you to his office. Shall we? He asked respectfully. Who wouldn¡¯t respect the name Everton? If not for the fact that it would look suspicious, my father was capable of dealing with the situation without me having toe over to the precinct. We all proceeded to the chief office alongside Felix and his young, timidwyer. The presence of his superior in the field must have killed his confidence. Inside the office, we exchanged greetings with the chief and took our seats. ¡°It¡¯s good that you are here, Mr. Nathan. We tried reaching you at your office today but were unable to get through. I understand, given your busy schedule,¡± he said with a chuckle and a smile. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, so we¡¯ll be brief with the questioning.¡± I nodded affirmatively. ¡°Mr. Nathan, this young man, Mr. Felix, made some allegations against you,¡± he said as he gestured towards Felix. He then began narrating the allegations with a tone that suggested scepticism and asked for my own exnation. At that moment, I was lost for words. I don¡¯t know if I should go with my ns of pleading guilty or my father¡¯s suggestion to deny it vehemently. Once I denied it, Felix¡¯s n was to use the kids as evidence. I wouldn¡¯t let that happen. Fortunately, one of thewyers gave me a timely cue to remain silent. He turned to Felix and queried, ¡°Mr. Felix. Do you have any concrete evidence to prove your ims?¡± ¡°Prove my ims,¡± he repeated. ¡°Yes, I do have evidence,¡± he added boastfully. Hiswyer remained silent, like he were an inconsequential presence. At this juncture, I was already getting scared because I knew he¡¯d mention the kids. I began trembling internally. ¡°Where is the evidence?¡± anotherwyer demanded, seemingly impatient. I already expected my father to exin the situation to thewyers. ¡°So are they being dumb or what? I cursed internally. ¡°They shouldn¡¯t have asked for evidence. I thought. ¡°As this could potentially precipitate a cmity,¡± As I felt my hands grow increasingly sweaty, I knew I had to intervene. I was aware that Judith would never forgive me if the children¡¯s identities were exposed. Just as he was about to say something, we heard a sudden knock on the door that broke the silence. The chief notified the visitor to enter, and the door swung open, revealing someone I would have never expected to see. My gaze fell on a very familiar face that strolled confidently in towards us. Her heels echoed, and her cologne filled the silent office.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Hello, darling,¡± she said, halting in front of me. Her soothing voice brought me back from my trance-like state. She bent down and gave me a kiss, leaving me utterly astonished. CHAPTER 43 Judith¡¯s POV The astonishment on his face as I kissed him was unparalled. He, along with everyone else in the office, were left speechless. As my eyes drifted to where Felix was seated, I could see anger deposited on his face. ¡°Who are you?¡± The chief asked, his toneced with curiosity. ¡°Oh, apologies, sir. I¡¯m Judith Summers, Nathan¡¯s fiance, and the supposed victim of the alleged assault. ¡°Oh, Mrs. Summers. I was under the impression, ording to Mr. Felix¡¯s statements, that you were out of town, hence the reason we did not summon you for questioning,¡± he said, directing a scrutinising re at Felix. By this time, Felix¡¯s expression exhibited utter disappointment. ¡°Oh, I found it peculiar that I wasn¡¯t called in. The fact that he told you I was out of town should tell you that he¡¯s a despicable liar,¡± I spat, wondering how I managed to keep my act together. ¡°I wanted to wait for your return, but these were serious allegations that necessitated urgent attention. That was why I called Mr. Nathan first,¡± he exined. I took the seat beside Nathan, previously upied by one of thewyers, who vacated it for me. I sat with my legs crossed, ready to confront the situation. The chief requested that I speak first, as I was an important witness and the alleged victim. I fabricated a story, iming that I had been unfaithful to Felix with Nathan and that whatever had transpired between Nathan and me was consensual, resulting in our beautiful and intelligent twins. Felix had discovered my infidelity, and that was why he abandoned me on the altar. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Felix, for breaking your trust,¡± I said, and I faced him while feigning to be sobbing as I used a handkerchief to dab my face. ¡°But you don¡¯t have to stoop so low by saying he raped me when he never did. You even called him a thief-was that because you thought he stole me away from you?¡± I asked with a straight face. The office was silent as everyone concentrated on the drama unfolding before their eyes. I could see the chief throwing an annoying nce at Felix. I was seemingly confused that Felix was the liar that I had painted him to be. ¡°It¡¯s all a lie, sir,¡± he said, standing up angrily. There was a robbery and an assault,¡± he added. You discovered that he was the assant, and that was why you broke your engagement,¡± he said shockingly, bewildered by the unexpected turn of events. ¡°Who told you that we broke off our engagement? We had a little couple¡¯s fight and just decided to give each other space to clear off our minds,¡± I said, holding Nathan¡¯s hands dotingly. Unfazed by his outburst, the chief sat calmly and stared on. ¡°Say something, you quack,¡± he demanded from the timidwyer seated beside him, yanking him by the cor. However, thewyer just nced at him weakly. The otherwyers gripped him to prevent him from further attacking thewyer. He struggled to let himself go, but he was overpowered. ¡°Will you stop this nonsense?¡± The chief roared, mming the table. Everything became calm again. I stole a nce at Nathan, who remained stunned. At that moment, I felt pity for him, but I needed to protect my kids and their father, or perhaps the man I love. It seemed absurd to think of defending the very person responsible for my misfortune. But love often emerges in the most unexpected ces and with the most unexpected people. ¡°I always knew the allegations could never be true. A man of such calibre can¡¯t do such despicable things, but we needed to confirm before rumours of police negligence start spreading over the media,¡± the chief exined, facing Nathan. ¡°He is a maniptive bastard, and he is manipting you too, chief. Why can¡¯t you just believe me?¡± Felixmented in annoyance.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material. ¡°Silence. The alleged victim has already denied all charges. So why should I believe you?¡± The chief snapped back. ¡°Judith, Judith,¡± he called and approached me. ¡°Why are you still defending him, Judit? Tell them the truth, please,¡± he pleaded, shaking my hands desperately. At that moment, I became really emotional, and I couldn¡¯t help but feel sympathetic towards him again. ¡°Anyone outside?¡± The chief enquired, and immediately two police officers, who were already stationed by the door, came in and saluted him. ¡°Escort this man out,¡± hemanded, and instantly Felix was led out of the room. Once he left, the chief spoke to Nathan. I thanked him for his cooperation and also apologised for any inconvenience or misunderstanding caused. They shook hands, and we all left the office together. Outside, Nathan spoke with thewyers while I waited for him in the car. After a while, he came running towards my car and gestured for me to get out. I alighted and leaned against the car. He looked at me pitifully and gratefully. He moved closer to me and pulled me into a warm embrace. I was shocked by his actions, but I didn¡¯t resist him. ¡°I don¡¯t know what I have done to deserve you. Even when I had hurt you so much, you defended me in there like your life depended on it. Thank you. Thank you so much, Judith,¡± he kept muttering as he sobbed, gently burying his face in my hair. After staying in the position for a while, I realised how much I missed and yearned for him. CHAPTER 44 Nathan¡¯s POV There we stood, enveloped in each other¡¯s embrace. I hadn¡¯t realised it when I pulled her into an embrace. I knew I shouldn¡¯t do that, but I did it anyway. I was astonished when she didn¡¯t make any attempt to restrain me or even push me away. That should be an indication that she had helped me willingly, out of pure good will. The tears I shed were long overdue. The woman before me was exceptional. Whether knowingly or unknowingly, she had proven to be heaven-sent. As we remained entwined, I caught sight of Felix and his timidwyer, who had his face fixed to the ground as Felix roared angrily at him. His face was stone-cold, and he red at me murderously before entering his car. Something within me told me that he hasn¡¯t given up yet, especially with everything that transpired today. Regaining myself, I pulled away from the embrace awkwardly. I suggested we go to a nearby cafe to talk, to which she obliged. I led her to the car and drove off. Once there, we took our seats and ordered drinks. Both devoid of what to say, we kept sipping the drink and constantly avoiding each other¡¯s nces. After a while, I mustered up courage and broke the silence. ¡°Why did you help me? Why can¡¯t you just leave me and let me rot in jail? I havemitted a grave sin towards you, and I totally understand if you choose to seek justice,¡± I demanded softly, trying hard to stop my voice from being shaky. She remained silent for a while, her gaze fixed on me, before finally speaking. ¡°You¡¯vemitted a grave sin towards me, like you say, but I can¡¯t just let you rot in prison. I knew it was your past. Believe it or not, we all have haunting pasts. I know you regret it deeply,¡± she said warmly. Her words made me emotional. I truly regret my past, and I seriously wish I hadn¡¯t gone down the path. It has haunted me so much that I wish I could break from its grip. ¡°I don¡¯t know what I have done to deserve your kindness. Thank you so much, but please don¡¯t go out of your way for me next time.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t go out of my way. I helped you willingly. I have been oblivious about how I can help you, but your father called and came up with the perfect n.¡± ¡°My father?¡± I asked surprisingly.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content. ¡°Yes,¡± she nodded and continued sipping her drink. ¡°I have never thought my father would reach out to you,¡± I said, and I began wondering why I¡¯m surrounded by people who are willing to go to any length for me. ¡°You know, you should forgive yourself too, Nathan. You are so mad at yourself, and that¡¯s why you think you deserve to rot in jail. You think you deserve every bad thing that happens to you, and you don¡¯t even try to avoid them.¡± She said this, fixing a sad gaze on me. She was right. I have been so mad at myself that I have be determined not to fight any misfortune that might befall me. ¡°I just want your forgiveness, and that¡¯s all that matters,¡± I said, breaking the gaze. ¡°I have forgiven you, Nathan. I really have.¡± She said that, and I nced at her, amused. If I hadn¡¯t, we wouldn¡¯t be sitting here at this moment. So it¡¯s time you forgive yourself and start working on being a better man,¡± she said. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I was determined not to let them drop. Speechless and unsure of what to do, I just watched her talk, each word piercing through me. ¡°I know the feeling all too well-the crushing weight of defeat and the nagging voice that whispers, ¡®You¡¯re just not good enough. But let me tell you a secret: this is not the end of the world. In fact, it¡¯s often just the beginning.¡± She said, reassuring me and taking my hands that were resting on the table. ¡°Thank you, Judith. Thank you so much. I will try to work on myself,¡± I said, forcing a smile. She also smiled, and silence crept in again. I knew it would be shameless of me to ask her about our rtionship. What would happen because of our rtionship? Has it be non-existent? And even if I ask, am I truly ready for her outright rejection? Curiosity got the best of me, and I finally asked, my voice shaking, ¡°What about us, Judith? Don¡¯t get me wrong; I¡¯m not taking your kindness for granted or mistaking it for any affection, but I just wanted to know about us,¡± I quickly added. ¡°I will be very truthful with you. We can¡¯t be together, Nathan. No matter how much I think about it, I can¡¯t seem to forget the pains I went through. I forgive you, but I can¡¯t be with me,¡± she said, and I could feel my heart shredded into pieces. ¡°And I think it is only right that we stay apart as we keep reminding each other of our hurtful past. We should heal up and then have a fresh start,¡± she added. I stared at her, unsure of the look on my face, but hers was filled with empathy. I nodded in agreement and avoided her eyes. She didn¡¯t seem to understand that I could only heal with her by my side. I watched her from the corner of my eye, seeing her struggle to hold back tears. Not wanting her to cry, especially in public, I quickly changed the topic. ¡°How are the kids?¡± I asked, distracting her gaze that was fixed on the ground. ¡°They are fine. They miss you a lot. You cane check up on them once in a while,¡± she said, looking up at me. ¡°Really?¡± I asked, barely containing my excitement. ¡°I have missed the kids terribly. Allowing me to visit them will make me extremely happy.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± she replied, looking delighted. ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, taking her hand in mine before quickly withdrawing it. We discussed other topics, and I warned her to be extremely careful of Felix, scared that he might do something worse. She agreed to be more vignt. A little whileter, she bid me goodbye and exited the cafe. As she walked out, I considered running after her and holding on to her, but I couldn¡¯t. The woman I loved walked away, and my heart sank. CHAPTER 45 Felix¡¯s POV Before storming out of the precinct in a fit of rage, I caught sight of Judith and Nathan entwined in a passionate embrace. The unexpected reunion between them left me bbergasted, rendering me crippled and unable to defend myself. Thewyer I had hired proved to be utterly useless. He was just seated there silently, paralysed with fear. My carefully crafted counterarguments vanished from my mind, leaving me clueless as to what to say. Upon arriving home, I unleashed my fury by smashing the television on the floor, where it shattered. The fiery rage within me surged uncontrobly. My hands trembled as I clenched them into fists, pounding them against the wall. My heart thudded violently in my chest, each beat echoing like a war drum in my ears. Beads of sweat trickled down my temple, yet I felt no heat, only a burning fire of rage searing through my veins.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°How could they? How could they?¡± I hissed, my voice loud and dangerous, fullyced with venom. I paced the living room, constantly running my fingers through my hair. My hair, which was normally neatly styled, was now aplete mess. ¡°How could Judith be so stupid?¡± I roared angrily. She had defended him, even going as far as fabricating a lie. Desperate to vent my pent-up emotions, I roared again, almost on the brink of tears. A fresh set of feelings of anguish and frustration crept in. Any affection or semnce of love I once felt for Judith had vanished, reced by an all-consuming desire for revenge. I vowed to ensure they suffered far more than I had. I took a deep breath, trying topose myself to find the calm centre buried beneath the storm. But the anguish, the righteous fury, and the frustration still lingered just below the surface, a constant reminder of the injustice I could never forget. Finally, I copsed on the bare floor, isted in my mind. A beep on my phone snapped me back to reality, and I checked the caller ID; it was John. ¡°Oh John. He must have heard of the embarrassing defeat I encountered at the precinct today.¡± I growled, distorted by the depth of my anger. I stood up, my chest heaving, the echoes of my anger still vibrating in the room. I couldn¡¯t get the courage to pick. I know John, and I could envision the disappointment and anger he would unleash on me. The ns we had devised were perfect, and anyone will be shocked that they fell through so disastrously. I finally answered on the second ring. Barely had the phone touched my ear when John thundered, ¡°How could you fail? Meet me at Le Chat Noir.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know the ce,¡± I retorted angrily, although my rage was directed at myself. I was furious at my failure and the ensuing humiliation. ¡°It¡¯s behind the state stadium. Be there in ten minutes,¡± hemanded, hanging up abruptly. Now aware of my surroundings, I noticed shattered furniture and broken sses littered everywhere. I carefully walked past the mess and ventured into the bathroom to hurriedly take a shower, dressed up, and dashed out to my car. He ignored my gesture; his re was murderous. ¡°Are you okay, Felix? How could you fail with everything I set up for you?¡± He shouted, mming his fist on the table. Once there, I called John, who directed me inside. As I approached him, I could see his gaze locked onto mine with a ferocity that made my blood run cold. His usually cheerful blue eyes were now dark and hard, burning with an intensity that spoke volumes. His stare was unblinking, as if he were drilling holes into my very soul, searching for the right spot to unleash his wrath. I could feel the heat of his anger emanating from him in waves, almost tangible in the tense air between us. Drawing closer, I observed the absence of drinks or smoke on his table, which was very unusual. ¡°Hey, man. How are you doing?¡± I greeted him, extending my hand for a handshake. He ignored my gesture and gave me a murderous re. ¡°Are you okay, Felix? Howe you still fail despite everything I have set up for you?¡± he shouted, mming his fist on the table, his eyes zing with fury. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, John. He was aided by your father and Judith. He hadpetentwyers, and even the police, including the chief, orded him so much respect. You didn¡¯t tell me your father had so much influence and affluence. I was surprised by how everything turned drastically,¡± I exined, my tone contrite. Unconvinced by my exnation, he sneered at me in irritation, ¡°Didn¡¯t I warn you to be very careful and smart? After all, you¡¯ve always been a weak man.¡± I feel heat and anger rush to my body. His demeaning words were too humiliating to bear. I furiously stood up and grabbed him by the cor. ¡°How dare you call me weak?¡± I demanded, seething with fury. I was tempted to hit him but hesitated, as I wasn¡¯t ready to let go of our partnership. He¡¯s the only ally I¡¯ve got in London. Speechless and overpowered, I eventually released him and sat down. He remained unbothered by my outburst. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about the whole issue, John. I underestimated him, and that was why I failed. I will be more prepared in the future,¡± I apologised again. ¡°Let¡¯s meet some other time. You are so pathetic and damn annoying that I can¡¯t even talk to you calmly now.¡± With those spat-out words, he walked out of the bar, leaving me in a more devastating state. ¡°The two brothers have finally made me feel like aplete loser,¡± I muttered as I ordered some drinks, ready to drench my sorrows away. CHAPTER 46 Judith¡¯s POV It was a bleak, cold evening. There were dark clouds in the atmosphere, foreshadowing the uing heavy downpour. I was seated in the corridor and sipping from a ss of juice with the kids ying nearby, theirughter filling the air. My mind wandered around the events that had urred in the past ten days. A surge of relief washed over at the realisation that Felix hadn¡¯t shown up since the incident at the precinct. I had contemted reaching out to him to exin the situation to him and plead for his understanding, but I couldn¡¯t bring myself to make the call. A persistent guilt tormented me, a sense of wrongdoing to him, but I was also sure that any endeavour of reconciliation would be pointless. Felix would also believe that my actions were because of the love I had for Nathan and not because of the need to protect the kids. So I decided to let him be; perhaps that would allow me to recover and return to the man I once knew. Moreover, I don¡¯t want to gamble on the peace I have acquired. I was determined not to let anyone disrupt it. Nathan, on the other hand, had been visiting the kids more often, bringing gifts for them. They were extremely happy to see each other after a long time apart. It seemed he had taken my advice to heart, forgiving himself and allowing his peace to flourish. I couldn¡¯t help but notice how much more handsome he looked with his muscr build, leaving me drooling on him during hisst visit. I haven¡¯t forgotten the memory of the assault, but I have been able to move past the phase. It doesn¡¯t haunt as much as before.This is property ? N?velDrama.Org. However, that doesn¡¯t imply any intention of rekindling a rtionship with Nathan. Despite the undeniable affection I still have for him, I choose to disregard the feeling. Feeling the need to reconnect, I picked up my phone and dialled Vanessa. It¡¯s been a long since west spoke, and I couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling that she seemed distant recently. Perhaps she has been preupied with the demands of work and life. She picked up the second ring, her voice filled with excitement. ¡°Hey girl!¡± she screamed, evidently excited. ¡°How are you doing, van?¡± I asked, a smile stered on my face. ¡°I¡¯m fine, and you? She responded warmly. We exchanged pleasantries and had a lengthy discussion, catching up on other topics. I enquired about the reason she had been distant, and she exined to me that her work has been denying her hardly any time to check up on people. I understood and trusted her to always check up on me if she had the chance to. The conversation got to Felix, and I told her he hasn¡¯t beening around; probably he got tired or has already travelled back to the States. As we were wrapping up our discussion, the kids ran over, eager to say hello to Vanessa. I called out to her, but realised she had already dropped the call. Just as I was about to hang up, I heard a familiar voice over the phone. ¡°Is that Judith?¡± the voice asked, and she chuckled mockingly. I listened closely, trying to identify the speaker, and my heart ached as I realised it was Felix. ¡°Oh, maybe it¡¯s just awork glitch,¡± I murmured to myself, looking at the caller ID again, which still disyed Vanessa¡¯s name. ¡°Yes, she is,¡± I heard Vanessa reply. ¡°She¡¯s so clueless and stupid. I thought she was smarter than this, but it turns out she¡¯s even more naive. How could she choose to protect the same man who assaulted her over the one trying to get justice for her?¡± ¡°I know, right? But thank goodness she¡¯s clueless. Her stupidity brought us together, and now we even share the same bed,¡± Vanessa said,ughing. ¡°Yes, my love, and you¡¯re even better than she is. But I¡¯m not done with her yet. I¡¯m going to make sure they both suffer more than I ever did,¡± Felix threatened darkly. ¡°I came all the way to London to betray my best friend and share a bed with her ex. It¡¯s a grievous sin, and yet you keep talking about her, still holding onto her,¡± Vanessa retorted angrily. I¡¯m sorry, Vanessa. I¡¯ll stop talking about her,¡± he pleaded. There was a moment of silence before I heard their intense moans filling the airwaves. The sound was unbearable, and I couldn¡¯t listen any longer. I ended the call, tears welling up in my eyes, almost on the verge of weeping. With the children nearby, Iposed myself and calmly instructed them to continue ying, reassuring them that Vanessa was busy and that I would call her backter. Once they were out of sight, a wave of sadness enveloped me, and I found it difficult toprehend Vanessa¡¯s betrayal. The fact that she was in London and hadn¡¯t even mentioned it hurt deeply. Vanessa, with her kind heart and stunning beauty, could have had any man she desired-why Felix, of all people? Vanessa was more than just a friend; she was like a sister to me. She had stood by my side through the hardest times. She could have resisted the temptation to betray me; she could have freed herself from Felix¡¯s grasp. The realisation that she had been betraying me for some time was heartbreaking, and if not for today¡¯s call, I would never have suspected a thing. But I kind of suspected it; I had always pondered who had been feeding Felix information about me. Now, it all makes sense. As the rain began to pour heavily, we retreated indoors. Once inside, I broke down, crying uncontrobly. I felt the urge to call Vanessa back and confront her, but I ultimately kicked against it. I wiped away my tears, convincing myself that it wasn¡¯t worth the pain. However, I have witnessed yet another betrayal from someone I trusted and loved dearly. It¡¯s actually funny how the people I love seem to take turns betraying me. Perhaps I¡¯m truly destined to be alone, just with my kids by my side. CHAPTER 47 Life continued as usual. Despite the deep pain of betrayal inflicted by Vanessa, I was able to move past the painful phase,ing to terms with the harsh reality that at some point in life, those people you love and trust dearly may betray you. But I realised I don¡¯t have to dwell on it, as it would serve no purpose because the weight of the sin will rest on them, not me. For several days, I struggled with the decision of whether to confront or not. Each time I gathered the courage to ce the call, it seemed to vanish at thest moment, but I eventually did. She was visibly stunned when I revealed that I knew everything about her involvement with Felix. She pleaded for my forgiveness, iming that it was Felix¡¯s maniption that got to her. Although I told her I forgave her, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to trust her again, so I cut off the friendship. I harboured no ill feelings towards her, but I saw no reason why we should continue being friends when trust had already been shattered. I haven¡¯t seen Felix in months, and it was as though he disappearedpletely without leaving any traces behind. Every lingering thought of reaching out to him before had vanished. The fact that he dragged Vanessa into his dirty ns made me extremely furious. I couldn¡¯t overlook the betrayal. From what I overheard him say to Vanessa over the phone, it was clear he hadn¡¯t given up. But I had be resolute, ready to face him head-on and ovee any plots. I was done with feeling sorry for him and also being weak in his presence. From what he said to Vanessa over the phone, I knew he hadn¡¯t given up yet, but I became more resolute to face him head-on and ovee any of his tantrums. I¡¯m done being sorry and weak towards him. Lost in a thousand thoughts, I was rmed by the ringing of the doorbell. I went to answer it, only to find someone entirely unexpected: a man expensively dressed, sitting in a wheelchair at my door, with two unfamiliar men in dark sses whom I assumed were his bodyguards. They held several bags of gifts in their hands. It was Grey Everton, Nathan¡¯s father. He bore a striking resemnce to Nathan, and somehow, to my surprise, I noticed a slight resemnce to Oliver as well. I was shocked by the sudden visit, and I¡¯m sure he could see the shock that was clearly deposited on my face. There was a moment of silence before Iposed myself, realising that it was disrespectful to keep an elder waiting. ¡°Hello, sir,¡± I greeted him courteously. ¡°Oh, how are you doing? He responded, his tone soothing. ¡°I¡¯m fine, sir. Please,e in,¡± I said, holding the door as he wheeled himself in. His bodyguards dropped the gift bags inside and went back outside to retrieve more. I dashed into the kitchen and served him a drink, which he politely declined because of his health status and requested water instead. I bought him a bottle of water, and he gulped down a little. He enquired about the kids, and I told him they were in their rooms. He apologised for showing up unannounced, citing that he had something important to discuss. I assured him the apology wasn¡¯t necessary; there was nothing to be sorry about. I called the kids over to meet him, and I could see the delight on his face when they finally met him. It felt like a little family reunion. He presented the gift, and the kids instantly warmed up to him. After ying with the kids for a while, they retreated back into their room. Grey began by appreciating the assistance I had rendered at the precinct. He then apologised for the incident and med himself, stating that it was his fault for not raising his son properly. I was a bit taken back when he became slightly emotional. I have never imagined a man with open emotions. I epted his apology and assured him I had already moved past the incident and held no grudges against Nathan. Then he continued talking, stating that he would like the kids to be part of the Everton family and that I should acknowledge Nathan as their father.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. It was a bit difficult to take in. The thought of acknowledging Nathan as their father never crossed my mind. How will the kids react to it? Though they really adored Nathan, how would I exin to them that he was their father? I never anticipated this day would evere; I would have prepared for it. Grey Everton wasn¡¯t really insisting on it, but the suddenness of the whole scenario dawned on me, sending cold shivers down my spine. He noticed my reaction and said, ¡°I just need you to prepare yourself. An Everton must always be identified as such. The kids are Everton, so they need to be introduced to the family.¡± ¡°Sir, I can¡¯t believe you are saying this. They are my kids, and just because I¡¯ve decided to forgive Nathan doesn¡¯t mean he automatically qualifies to be their father,¡± I retorted. ¡°You seem to be mistaken. They are as much your kids as they are Nathan¡¯s. And those kids shouldn¡¯t suffer because of their father¡¯s sins. They deserve a better standard of living,¡± he replied. ¡°A better standard of living? What¡¯s wrong with their standard of living? There¡¯s nothing wrong with our standard of living. We are doing very much okay, sir,¡± I said, my anger brewing gradually. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Judith. I¡¯m just looking out for my grandchildren, he said. ¡°Your grandchildren? I believe only I have the right to decide that.¡± I fired back, hating the way he talked about my kids and trying to enforce his decision and opinions on me. ¡°Did Nathan send you here?¡± I demanded. He was about to speak again when one of the bodyguards walked in and whispered something in his ear. ¡°What?¡± he screamed, his voice rising in shock. I was surprised by his outburst, wondering what had happened. ¡°Turn on the television,¡± he ordered me, and I involuntarily reached for the remote and switched it. The news shed across the screen: ¡°The managing director of Everton Medicals, Nathan Everton, was arrested a few hours ago for allegedly assaulting a woman, whose name was undisclosed. Concrete evidence has been gathered implying that he drugged her before assaulting her. He has been taken to the precinct, where the police will examine the evidence and determine his guilt or innocence.¡± It was difficult to believe what I had just heard or seen. I wouldn¡¯t have believed it if I hadn¡¯t seen his picture in the corner of the television screen. ¡°Oh goodness, what did I just hear? Assault? How? When? Why?¡± Those questions ran through my mind as I watched Grey Everton hurriedly dash out of the apartment. CHAPTER 48 Nathan¡¯s POV While still at the office, diligently aiming to finish up the task for the day before visiting the kids and then heading home to retire, the sudden invasion of some policemen into the office caught me off guard. I was furious and perplexed by this unruly behaviour. ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this?¡± I asked while the boss approached me and confiscated myptop that was on the desk. ¡°You are under arrest for the assault of Catherine Jones. You are advised to contact your attorneys,¡± the detective said, and he showed me his identity card before pocketing it back. ¡°Catherine Jones. And who the hell is that?¡± I fired back. Without any response, the detective handcuffed me and guided me out of the room. Catherine-the name sounds familiar, but Jones-I have never heard of it. Catherine was a casual sex partner, and we were still togetherst week. I hadpletely forgotten all about her until she called mest week and I met up with her at the hotel. Somehow, unable to quench my sexual desires, I ended up having sex with her. I regretted the encounter deeplyter on, and I wished I had refrained myself. The sex we have is always a consexual one; it seemed impossible to be the Catherine I know. Perhaps the identity was just coincidental. As I was led into the hallway, my personal assistant ran towards me and told me he had notified my father, who in turn would be contacting mywyers. We retreated into the ground floor, and I saw cameras with vibrant lights shing at me-it was the press; their presence had already caused an uproar. ¡°Hello, Mr. Nathan.¡± The first journalist addressed. ¡°What do you have to say about the allegations made against you? She asked and extended a microphone towards my face, only for one of the detectives to shove it away. ¡°Are these allegations true?¡± the second journalist interjected. ¡°As a billionaire son, you must have thought you could get away with any crime. Do you think you can evade justice?¡± The third journalist challenged in a disdainful tone. Oblivious to my surroundings, my eyes travelled to the rear end of the hall, and I saw John with an evil, mocking, and satisfied smirk stered on his face. Our eyes met, and he maintained the gaze between us before eventually bursting into augh. Theughter confirmed all the assumptions I had. John was the architect of all these, and I was caught in his evil scheme. Right there, a wave of fear washed over me,bined with a deep fury directed at myself. I¡¯m fully aware of how dangerous John could be, and yet I have fallen into his trap. I haven¡¯t been careful to avoid his evil tactics. He stoppedughing and shot me a condescending re, as if to mean ¡°I warned you,¡± spreading his arms in a gesture of mockery, and then walked out of the hall. Shortly after, I was led into a ck van, and we drove to the precinct.N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive ? material. Throughout the drive to the precinct, my thoughts raced uncontrobly, putting together fragments of recent events, and it all made sense. The events with Felix and Judith were orchestrated by John. I had always wondered how Felix happened to know so much, and all the ns he devised were too perfect not to require the assistance of a close ally. I have been suspecting John for some time, not knowing I was actually right. But how did John ever find out? Then my mind drifted back to when I was discussing with my father in his study the day Judith came visiting. I heard a faint sound that day and disregarded it as nothing. So he had eavesdropped that day. John could be very dumb when ites to business matters and other things, but he is a pro at devising evil schemes and getting back at his enemies, and he also enjoys leveraging the media to his advantage. With the media involved, getting myself out of this will require significant effort. I could imagine the sensational headlines that would eventually pique public interest in the case. I had always known John to be treacherous, but I have decided to be lenient with him. I have always known him to be dirty, but I chose to be clean with him because I wanted to reform myself to be a better person. Now my leniency has been mistaken for stupidity. The good reputation I have managed to earn is on the verge of beingpletely ruined. And soon enough, I might find myself serving jail time for a crime of which I¡¯m entirely innocent. With thosest thoughts, I eximed, ¡°Nathan, you fool.¡± I then buried my handcuffed hands in my hair. Everyone in the van stared at me, visibly startled by my sudden outburst. We arrived at the precinct, and I was led inside hurriedly as there were journalists waiting outside already. As I entered, I met my personal assistant and Jessie, who was already there. Jessie¡¯s once vibrant and pretty face was now overshadowed with sadness and deep concern. She moved towards me and patted me on the shoulder. ¡°You will be fine. Father and thewyers are on their way,¡± she said reassuredly. Speechless, I merely nodded before she walked back to take a seat, and I was led to the interrogation room apanied by some detectives. The chief detective yelled angrily the moment we stepped in. ¡°And who the hell leaked this case to the press?¡± ¡°We don¡¯t know, sir,¡± the three other detectives chorused, their voices a blend of fear and uncertainty. ¡°You know how exhausting dealing with the press can be?¡± He said that and groaned. ¡°They are constantly waiting for us to make some kind of mistake.¡± No one talks to the press about this case. No interviews should be granted. Am I clear? He demanded authoritatively as he pointed towards them while pacing in front of them. ¡°Yes, sir,¡± they chorused again. ¡°Now, let¡¯s get back to work,¡± he ordered, seating himself across from where I was positioned. ¡°So, Mr. Nathan,¡± he began, his tone direct and formal. ¡°You have been used of being in possession of hard drugs and assault. What do you have to say about this? Are you pleading guilty or innocent? I was speechless for a moment before I finally found my voice and said, ¡°I¡¯m innocent.¡± ¡°Very well,¡± he replied, though his tone showed he wasn¡¯t convinced. ¡°Since you plead innocent, we will proceed with getting a warrant for a drug test and also a search warrant for your residence and office,¡± he said, closing the file on the table and preparing to leave. ¡°Wait,¡± I interjected, my voice filled with desperation. ¡°Can you at least tell me about this Catherine Jones? He hesitated and then sat back. He slid a file that wasbelled ¡°VICTIM¡± across the table. Opening it, I saw the picture of the woman I had known-the same one I had shared a bed with for three years-the one I had paid handsomely well because of her sexual satisfaction with me. The very same Catherine I have known all too well, her personal information and statement clearly and boldly written, presenting a clear, indisputable truth before me¡­ CHAPTER 49 The worry and confusion engraved on my face became more intense as I stared at the file in front of me. I was still in a state of shock, trying to process the implications, when the detective snatched the file from me and stormed out of the room. Left alone in the room, I began wondering what went wrong and why Catherine would falsely use me of assault, knowing fully well that I was innocent. ¡°Oh, God. Please help me out of this predicament I got into,¡± I prayed silently, rubbing my trembling and sweaty palm together in a futile attempt to calm my nerves. After what felt like an eternity, Father and my team ofwyers came in. Father¡¯s angry shouts as he walked in drew me out of my troubled thoughts. He had a frown on his face, which signified that he wasn¡¯t pleased with the actions of the police. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure those detectives face the consequences of their actions. How dare they arrest my son like a criminal and have the effrontery to inform the press? What insolent?¡± Father roared as he took the seat across from me. Thewyers stood behind him, bowing politely to acknowledge me. I couldn¡¯t bear to stare at them, as I was ashamed at the thoughts of the numerous times they had toe to my defense. I believed they too, must have doubted my innocence since I have been arrested for the second time on the ount of the same crime. ¡°How did this happen?¡± my father inquired, his voice authoritative,pelling me to be truthful. ¡°I don¡¯t know, father. I was just in the office when the detectives barged and arrested me on charges of assault.¡± I replied in a sad and frustrated voice. Actually, frustration was already brewing inside me. I hadn¡¯t expected that in a thousand years I woulde back to the precinct for a crime I didn¡¯tmit. ¡°I believe you, son, but you need to bepletely honest with us so that we can know how to help you effectively. Did you do it?¡± Father asked in a low tone barely above a whisper as he leaned closer to me, his concern evident. ¡°No, father. I swear, I know nothing about this,¡± I replied in a loud and resolute tone, although the look on thewyers face indicates that they were unfazed by my ims. ¡°I contacted the chief of police immediately I heard about it, and he told me that he won¡¯t be able to help you. He ims that they have strong evidence against you to prove the allegations unlike the previous time,¡± Father said, his voice calm, as though reassured by my resolute denial of the charges. ¡°I think someone is setting me up,¡± I said and began narrating everything about my entanglement with Catherine to my father, exining that we were just sexually acquainted and how I hadpletely forgotten about her since Judith came into my life. I didn¡¯t mention John¡¯s involvement, as I have no evidence to prove it, and I trust John to meticulously cover his tracks. **shback** Last week, while still working, my phone started beeping, and it was Catherine. I answered, and I heard her voice thick with tears; she was sobbing uncontrobly, and when I inquired what happened, she kept on weeping and was unable to say anything amid her tears. Sensing her turmoil, I opted to meet her at the hotel where we frequently meet, so I could know the cause of her anguish and possibly console her, since she was someone I cared about in the past despite that our rtionship was strictly professional. When I got there, I found her utterly devastated, mourning the loss of her beloved mother, and wasmenting on how unlucky she was and how everyone chose to abandon her, including me. Her words triggered me, and I became emotional towards her as I realized that I haven¡¯t really been nice towards her. I have been so self centered that I never gave any exnation why I severed our rtionship, I just stopped calling her and totally forgot about her. I consoled her and apologized for my neglect. Then she insisted that the only way she would forgive me and find any semnce of happiness was if I shared a drink with her, as she needed a drinkingpanion and I was the only person who came to mind. I was skeptical about it at first, but seeing how heavyhearted she was, I obliged, and she served the drinks. After some time with her, I suddenly became sexually aroused, unable to control myself, and eventually had sex with her. When I woke upter inside the room, I found out that she had already left, and all attempts to reach her afterwards proved abortive as she never responded to my calls or the apology message I sent. Then today, the policemen suddenly barged in and imed that I assaulted her. **End of shback** ¡°Father, please, you must believe me. I didn¡¯t do it,¡± I pleaded desperately as I took his hands and held them tightly. The thought that I had always been a constant worry to my father since I arrived in London and he isn¡¯t always tired of helping me filled me with immense sorrow. The man in front of me has proven his unwavering love and care for me beyond any reasonable doubts.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°I will, son. No Everton will ever be imprisoned,¡± he said, his voiceced with pride, and he gently patted my slumped back as my head rested on the hands. ¡°Mr. Nathan, is there anyone you suspected to have set you up?¡± One of thewyers asked in a sharp tone. ¡°No. I don¡¯t suspect anyone,¡± I replied, lifting my gaze at him. ¡°Anyone at your ce of work or residence? Anyone at all? No matter how insignificant.¡± He pressed again in a firm tone. ¡°No one,¡± I replied. I couldn¡¯t tell him. I suspected John because I knew it wouldn¡¯t make any difference and would sound unbelievable to many, and it will equally make Father sad for the seed of discord among his children. He was about to ask another question when Father interjected authoritatively, ¡°Can you secure his bail?¡± ¡°Not certain, sir,¡± thewyer replied, and I could see my father frown. ¡°But I will speak to the detective in charge and see what could be done,¡± he added quickly before my father unleashes his fury on him. ¡°The bail shouldn¡¯t be a hassle, since the results for the drug test wille out negative,¡± anotherwyer said. ¡°You are clean of drugs, right?¡± He asked. ¡°Yes, I am,¡± I replied confidently, and he merely nodded in acknowledgement. Thewyers, along with my father, left the room with the hope of getting my bail. I became optimistic that I wouldn¡¯t spend the night in this dreadful ce. I waited for hours, and darkness enveloped the room, indicating that it waste. I became worried and started praying silently when the detectives barged in. ¡°You can¡¯t be granted bail because you are tested positive for drugs, and moreover, we found some grams of narcotics in your residence,¡± he said, showing the results to my face, and also emptied a small bag filled with drugs on the table. ¡°You are hereby officially detained for being in possession of illegal drugs and assault.¡± CHAPTER 50 ¡°Test positive for drugs,¡± I thundered furiously. ¡± How?¡± I demanded furiously, but the detectives turned deaf ears, and I was handcuffed before leading me out of the room to a cell where I would be spending the night. ¡°Mr. Nathan, you will be staying here for the night here. That¡¯s the bathroom,¡± the detective said and pointed towards a door. ¡°Dinner will be served soon, and feel free to ask for anything else you might need,¡± he added before walking out of the room and locking the door from outside. Once inside, I scrutinised my surroundings and noticed that the ce wasn¡¯t that bad after all. The cell was a modest room, clean and sparsely furnished with a small bed at a corner. It also has a dim light and a small window for venttion. Knowing fully well that I was supposed to be sharing a dirty and overcrowded room with dozens of others, if not for the special privileges I was granted due to my father¡¯s affluence and influence. I sank on the bare floor with my hand buried in my head, reminiscing over how my life has been disrupted in the past few hours. My mind drifted off to Judith and the kids; I could remember the joy I felt when I thought of seeing them a few hours ago. She must have learnt of my predicament by now since the media involvement. It is certain all of London already knows. I couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of disappointment she must have felt. I was just starting to get closer with the kids, and then this happened again, stripping off the moment of peace and joy I had wanted. The sudden unlocking of the door drew me out of my thoughts as the detective returned with a well-packed dinner and other necessities. I opened the food, and it was a well-prepared meal from a popr restaurant, but I didn¡¯t have the appetite to eat. Still seated with my mind a whirlwind of emotions, I eventually fell into a fitful sleep. I woke up a few hourster, and sleep eluded me. It was the toughest and longest night of my life, as I was restless and overwhelmed with worry and sadness. Sometimes I paced around the small room, and sometimes I closed my eyes in futile attempts to rest, only to wake up suddenly some minutester. Finally, it was morning, and a detective came around to escort me back to the interrogation room. I was asked some questions, which I answered confidently and exined everything that transpired from the phone call to the hotel room. Despite my exnations, the detective expressions showed that they weren¡¯t convinced. I was then shown a file where she imed that I assaulted her brutally, apanied by a medical report that showed that she needed up to four weeks to heal from the vaginal bruises inflicted on her. I was dumbfounded by this concrete evidence put in front of me, even when I had no idea of her ims. I thought that was all, not knowing it just started when footage was yed. The footage revealed me engaging in a brutal assault, ripping off her underwear and pinning her to the bed, ignoring her refusal and screams for help. I eventually overpowered her andmitted the grievous act. If not for the image of my face that was clearly shown in the video, I would have denied that I was the one. The figure in the video looked like that of a beast devouring its prey. ¡°With a few thousand euros, I could have any woman I desire in London, so why would I choose to assault one?¡± I asked the detective, and he ignored me. It was a bit upsetting that he kept disregarding my questions, but that was the least of my worries, and at this moment I needed more allies, not foes. I was asked about the drugs, and I denied it vehemently, even when the results and search say otherwise. I requested to see Catherine if she could repeat all the allegations to my face, but I was denied that, citing that she was still in the hospital recuperating. ¡°Mr Nathan. I advised you to get in contact with your legal team, as you will be charged to court. The public is highly sentimental about this case as the media already give them the leverage of knowing, and their attention has been piqued,¡± he advised and walked out of the room. Mywyers arrived soon after and asked me the same questions, of which I answered absentmindedly. They watched the footage repeatedly while I was still thinking of the possible ways I could save myself. ¡°Maybe he was drugged,¡± the youngest of thewyers interjected. At that moment I looked up at him, my interest piqued. ¡°Drugged? Why did you think that?¡± The seniorwyer inquired, his curiosity evident. ¡°I could recall a simr case fromw school,¡± the youngwyer exined in a calm and resolute tone. ¡°It was a case where drugs are used to trigger one¡¯s sexual desires and the person would be sexually aroused without awareness. In the absence of a willing sex partner, he might resort to assaulting someone, entirely unaware of their actions.¡± He added, brilliantly. At that moment, it all made sense, and a flicker of hope was revived within me. Thest thing I remembered was drinking a ss of wine, and shortly after I was sexually aroused, then I woke up some minutester, but in my case I knew we had sex, but I was unable to control my desire at that moment. I just wanted to have sex with her; nothing else mattered. ¡°Oh, Evan. I¡¯m so proud of you,¡± the seniorwyermended him, his voice filled with admiration. ¡°I knew you were a good investment when I hired you immediately afterw school. You¡¯ve never disappointed me,¡± he added again, smiling and evidently relieved as he patted the youngd on the back.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Mr. Nathan, I believe you have been drugged. The challenge now is how to prove it and get the exact time you were drugged so that we can prove it¡¯s not just coincidental,¡± the seniorwyer said. ¡°And sir,¡± the youngestwyer interjected, raising a finger to speak. ¡°Where is the rest of the footage?¡± They can¡¯t just bring in an iplete video and expect us to acknowledge it as evidence. Thedy in question should be interrogated again. They were lovers at some point; then why would he choose to assault her when they have been previously entangled?¡± He inquired and the otherwyers nodded in agreement. ¡°Clearly there are several loopholes in this case that the police must uncover, and one may just discover that Mr. Nathan is a victim,¡± the secondwyer added. ¡°Yes, Evan. Exactly,¡± the seniorwyer eximed and let out a smallugh. I looked at their faces and saw a surge of relief on it as they all smiled that they were making progress, finally being able to avoid my father¡¯s wrath. ¡°First, let¡¯s go back to the hotel where it all began,¡± the seniorwyer instructed, and they all closed their briefcases. ¡°Mr Nathan. We will return tomorrow or next, before court proceedings. We hope to gather concrete evidence to prove your innocence,¡± he added, as they walked out of the room as confidently as ever. As they departed, I felt a revived hope within me as the smile that I had lost for several days shed on my face, rekindling the strength that I had once lost. CHAPTER 51 John¡¯s POV Nathan may be family, but I would never consider him as such. To me, he is nothing but a bastard who stole my rightful ce and inheritance. He had denied my request for funds for my business or any financial support whatsoever. The situation had gotten so bad that I couldn¡¯t even indulge in the luxuries befitting of an Everton; even my friends have been so disappointed in me that I couldn¡¯t even afford our basic needs like cigarettes and drinks anymore. I wanted Nathan gone. With him out of the picture, my father wille to realise that he made a mistake, making him the director of the hospital and the sole signatory to the business ount, Only then will I reim my ce as the rightful heir. Everyone has been entangled by his maniptive nature, including my father and sister, even Judith, the woman he assaulted. Judith has been so entangled in his web that she even forgave him easily, cared about him, and is still helplessly in love with him. When I heard of how she defended in the precinct, I was extremely upset. Despite all the ns I had put in ce, I was extremely disappointed when I learnt of Felix¡¯s failure, so I decided to step in, take action into my hands, and make sure he gets the punishment he deserves. My ns were so perfect that he can¡¯t easily get out of it like thest time, and I¡¯m certain he¡¯s still going to have a hard time getting out of these predicaments even with my father¡¯s affluence and influence. With the help of Felix, I hired a private detective to tail him and get some vital information for me. While tailing him, the private detective discovered that he had an intimate call girl whom he pays handsomely well for satisfying his sexual desires. I approached her and struck a deal with her. The n was for her to lure Nathan to have sex with her, which she would then frame as assault, and she seeded. An assault can be ignored once, but not twice. I also pulled a string with a detective friend to arrest him and also instigate the press against him, turning the public attention and sentiments towards the case. Now he is in a case of dilemma, and I¡¯m certain he regrets treating me the way he does. I made sure to reveal myself to him as the mastermind behind his misfortune, but I¡¯m so smart to clean my tracks and never leave any traces behind. Should my father or sister know about my involvement, I¡¯m certain I would be disowned and forgotten. ¡°It¡¯s only a matter of weeks before my broke days will be over and I will start livingrge like an Everton. I will reim my title in the social world as John Everton, the cheerful spender and generous giver.¡± I mused inwardly, seated in a bar, drinking to my newly acquired victory. Catherine¡¯s POV I was seated in my room reflecting on how my life has taken a drastic turn in the past months; my financial situation had gotten so bad that I couldn¡¯t keep up with my basic expenses anymore. The insessant ringing of my phone drew me out of my thoughts. The call was from an unknown person summoning me to a bar that there was a deal for me. I got dressed hurriedly and went to the bar ted with the thought that it was the client who needed my service after months of not hearing from Nathan. Nathan was my biggest and favourite client. He pays me well, made love with me passionately and not roughly like some other men, treated me with a kindness rare in my line of work, and most clients treated me with little or no respect. With all these qualities in him, I fell in love with him. However, I kept my feelings hidden as I feared that he might stop patronising me altogether if he ever discovered. I was disheartened when He stopped calling for my service, so I just thought that he probably got tired of me and perhaps found someone new, but then I learnt of his engagement. I was a bit sad and surprised because I have never seen him as the romantic type. To my surprise, when I got there, I got to know that the call wasn¡¯t about a client but for a totally different situation. The person who had called me was Nathan¡¯s stepbrother, John. A man who was theplete opposite of Nathan. He was arrogant, rude, and disrespectful. John presented a deal before me, which was to set Nathan up and falsely use him of assault and offer me ten million euros. I inquired about the reason why he wanted to ruin his own brother, but he dismissed my question, stating that it was none of my concern. Initially, I was skeptical about it, and it does look like a shabby n. ¡°What if it fails?¡± I thought and voiced my fears, but John was able to convince me, stating that he has a perfect n that won¡¯t fail, and moreover, I need the money to sort out my expenses, especially as I¡¯m on the verge of being thrown out of my apartment. I epted the deal with an upfront payment of five million euros and swung into n, which was to lure Nathan to the hotel under the pretence of needingfort. I never thought he would show up, and deep down inside me I wished he never came, but he came anyways and consoled me. Before he arrived, I already set up a hidden camera and served him a drugged drink. The drink was to arouse him sexually and make him have sex with me without being able to control himself. Which he eventually did, and John reported him to the authorities. A medical report that stated that I needed four weeks to heal, which I truly needed since he brutally assaulted me because of the drug effect. Now that he has been arrested, I am consumed by regrets and wish I hadn¡¯t done it, but it is toote and there¡¯s nothing to do anymore. My life is at stake. I might be imprisoned for false allegations, or John might end up killing me if he ever senses any hint of betrayal.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org. I¡¯m just a girl with no one to run to for help. No one to help me escape from this nightmare. ¡°How did I be like this, trading myself and risking my life for a price?¡± I berated myself as a tear escaped my eyes and slid down my cheeks as I gazed at the garden of the hospital, heavy-hearted with remorse. CHAPTER 52 Judith POV When I heard of the assault case, a wave of fear and confusion washed up on me. Then I wondered why Nathan would be involved in such a crime once more. Is it like he derived some pleasures from the act? Or was it something deeper at y, an urge he couldn¡¯t resist? He imed that whatever happened between us was because he was broken beyond repair. Then what about this time? Was he still the same broken man? Those questions run through my mind, leaving me without any answers.C0pyright ? 2024 N?v)(elDrama.Org. The whole of London was in uproar, and the news keeps making sensational headlines, which left me stunned at how quickly public opinion could change overnight. The same man in which all of London adores was now the target of their hatred, but I made sure to switch the channel anytime the kids are present, I don¡¯t want them to learn about it, as I¡¯m well aware of the negative impact it will have on them. All efforts to focus on my work proved abortive as the thoughts of his wellbeing and disturbing situations preupied my mind. Even at work, my coworkers made it a topic of discussion during leisure periods, and some even spected that perhaps it was because of these acts that I called off the engagement. I pretended like I didn¡¯t hear them, forcing myself to concentrate on my tasks even when it was difficult. As the day came to a close, I left work and went to pick up the kids at school. I was parking in the garage when I caught sight of a familiar figure from behind, and it was Felix. ¡°Felix. What are you doing here?¡± I demanded as I got out of the car and approached. ¡°Oh Judith. You look absolutely stunning,¡± he replied with a smirk on his lips and a lustful stare that made my skin crawl. He tried touching my hair, but I pped his hand away. ¡°Oh, shut up. Why did you drag Vanessa down with you? I snapped, determined to confront him about Vanessa, whose betrayal still hurts. ¡°Vanessa? Very sweet girl.¡± He sneered and licked his lips. ¡°I fucked her well, and she fell for me. Common on we are both adults, Judith. Why do you even care? His word left me speechless. He was right; they were both consenting adults. But the bitterness and hurt still loom within me. ¡°And then, why are you here? I asked again. ¡°The love of your life is in prison. The man you love is going to rot behind bars. And it is so good to know,¡± he tainted,ughing out loud. ¡°And why should that concern you?¡± I fired back immediately, growing impatient. I wanted him to just leave; I had a long day at work. I needed to rest, and I still have kids waiting for me in the car. ¡°You should try saving him this time again. If he doesn¡¯t get punishment for what he is guilty of, then he will get punishment for what he is innocent of,¡± he said arrogantly, his toneced with malice. ¡°What!¡± I eximed, unsure I had heard him correctly. ¡°What do you mean,¡± I asked, confusion etched on my face. ¡°You heard me right. You should figure it out, but I¡¯m certain he can¡¯t be saved this time,¡± he added with a sinisterugh before walking out of the garage. I stood there stunned and perplexed, with chaotic thoughts running through my mind, and Felix¡¯s words kept reying in my mind, trying to make sense of what he had implied. I was jolted out of my thoughts by Felix¡¯s voice. ¡°Goodbye, Judith,¡± he said, waving mockingly and driving out into the street. Finally, Iposed myself and returned to the car and led the kids inside the house. Even while doing my evening tasks, my mind constantly reminded me of Felix¡¯s words, unable to forget his expression; it was a satisfied and mocking one. Unable to take it off my mind, I decided to call the number Nathan¡¯s father had used in reaching me before, but the call didn¡¯t go through. Still overwhelmed by worry, I decided to head to his mansion with the hope of speaking with his father. I knew it was going to be difficult to get through to his father, considering the fact that it was already toote and the heavy traffic I would likely encounter on the road would dy me further, but I was willing to try. Any dy might make the situation get worse. I dropped the kids off at Granny Theresa¡¯s home and drove off to Nathan¡¯s father¡¯s mansion. Fortunately, the traffic wasn¡¯t as heavy, and I arrived within 30 minutes. The mansion was an exquisite structure I¡¯d never fail to admire, no matter how many times I visited. Getting through to Grey went smoothly because the gateman recognised me right away as Nathan¡¯s fiancee, since I had visited the house in the past. The house was oddly silent as I went in, with only Grey, Nathan¡¯s father, in the living room. ¡°Good evening, sir,¡± I greeted respectfully. ¡°Hi, Judith,¡± he responded, less cheerful than his usual self. I expected it to be that way; his beloved son is in prison, and the weight of such reality was evident in his expression. ¡°How is Nathan, sir?¡± I inquired. ¡°Holding up pretty well, just as expected,¡± he replied, his tension was evident. ¡°I know this may be a bit out of ce, but could you please tell me more about the case? Perhaps I might be able to help,¡± I said with a sympathetic face. He looked at me and smiled faintly. ¡°I know you care about my son, and you are just trying to help, but this is totally different from thest time. This is more serious, and even my team ofwyers has been unable to make any headway,¡± he said dismissively, clearly unconvinced that I could render any assistance. ¡°I understand, sir, but please, let me try,¡± I pressed again. I didn¡¯t want to tell him about Felix, as I was still unsure of his involvement. After a moment of hesitation, he agreed reluctantly and began narrating the allegations against Nathan, emphasising how Nathan vehemently denied the charges, stating that he was innocent and framed. He also mentioned video, which was the key evidence. I knew it had to be Felix doing the moment he made mention of the video. ¡°How can I get in contact with the victim?¡± I asked. ¡°That bitch,¡± he cursed angrily. ¡°I don¡¯t know, and frankly, I don¡¯t care about her,¡± he responded, fuming with fury. I pleaded with him to help me retrieve any information about thedy, especially the hospital where she was reportedly recuperating. He finally agreed after much persuasion and promised to get back to me the next day. I left the mansion, a bit relieved. At least I¡¯m certain that Nathan was innocent and hopeful to proceed with my ns the next day, even though I was still confused on how to help. I was determined to make sure he doesn¡¯t rot in prison for what he knew nothing about. ¡°I will figure something out and help him no matter what,¡± I muttered to myself as I drove through the now congested traffic back home. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!