Noah widened his eyes. “That's not possible. How could Brucy Kings, the famous and wealthy man know an orphan like me?”
“Stop it. What about the Supreme Villa?” “As I said before, it belongs to a distant family member, I live there so I could take care of the house in his absence. Everything including this car is not mine.” Noah explained. Rieka wasn't convinced. “But, you are an orphan?” “Yeah right!” “What about the money you used to bid for me?” Rieka needed to clear her doubts. “Oh, that. I received the money from a philanthropist who I once helped. At first, I rejected the money but he insisted. Are you suspecting me?” “Hell no!” Rieka spilled. “You've done a lot for me. Bidding for me with no evil intentions means a lot.” Noah smiled, pressing his hand against hers. “We are married. With the job I just got, we'll maintain a stable life and get our house too.” “I'm proud of you, my darling wife.” The next minute, they saw a man holding some files in his hand exiting the building with security guards behind him. He was a shadow of the person they saw earlier. He looked broken and weak. The man was Gerald Ford. Rieka looked at Noah. “What's going on? Did he really get fired?” Noah winked at her. “He'll get it sorted out, it's none of our business.” “It was Gerald's fault though. Since Rieka would be resuming work the next day, she had to get some of the stuff she left at her family's house. Now, Noah started the engine and they zoomed off. They headed to the Fullams. “It feels good to be home again. Although it can't be compared to the shelter you gave me.” Noah smiled. She knocked on the door gently. A young boy who was a teenager opened the door. Rieka did not know who the boy was. Or did he come into the Fullams family when she lost her memory? He asked, “Who are you?” “I'm Rieka Fullams, I need to get some of my stuff.” She replied. Hearing she beared Fullams, the young boy let them in. Her grandpa, Senior Fullams, was surprised to see her. He assumed she had committed another offense and had to return home. “Hello Grandpa, Mom, and everyone.” “Hi, everyone,” Noah added. Lois, Rieka's mom, was eager to hear why she visited. Holding Noah's hand, Rieka said. “This is Noah, the person with the highest bid when you offered me out. And now we are married.” “Really?” The Fullams chorused. “Well, I'm here because I got an appointment with Top Notch Group. I'll be needing some of the stuff I left behind. The Fullams stared at Rieka in disbelief wondering if her memory loss had gone worse or if she meant what she said. How could she get a job with Top Notch Group? How did she do it? Getting a job with that company requires a lot. “Do you mean what you just said?” However, Rieka had full knowledge of all she said and she had no memory loss. “Yes, here is my appointment letter and I'll be resuming tomorrow.”She raised the letter. Lois made her plans known. “If that be the case, we would refund this man here the money he used to bid for you. You could marry someone of your caliber and with that, we'll all grow in the business world.” Senior Fullams lit a cigarette, smoking, he stared at Rieka. He was struggling to decipher how she did it. “Impossible! You offered me out as a bondwoman without considering my emotions. You saw me as a disgrace to the family but now you suddenly love me and want the best for me?” “Oh please…” Lois snapped. “We did all that because we meant well for you. By the way, it's obvious this man borrowed the money he used to bid for you.” “Let me get to the main thing that brought me here.” Rieka headed to a room. “Let her be, with time she'll understand.” Senior Fullams roared. Noah said nothing. Just then, an unexpected visitor walked in. Liam Grichy stopped by to say hello to his friend Tom. Tom was Rieka's elder brother. Liam is a spoiled brat, all he does is spend recklessly and flirt with several kinds of women. The Grichy's were still mourning the painful death of Senior Grichy but Liam didn't see the need to mourn. Liam comforted himself with the fact that Senior Grichy was old anyway. Months ago, Liam was found guilty of driving and drinking. Senior Grichy had to freeze his account and make him collect money for his upkeep from the family account. Everyone in the Fullam's mansion accorded Liam much respect as though he was a deity except for Noah who saw him as nothing. “Grandpa, Liam came at the right time. He is the best spec for Rieka.” Tom said confidently. She has to leave that pauper she calls her husband.” In agreement, Senior Fullam smiled. “You are very correct, Liam Grichy is the perfect match for Rieka. Everyone in Linton City craved the opportunity to become part of the Grichy family because of their wealth and influence. Just then, Rieka returned, holding a tote bag. “We need to leave now, I need to prepare for the first day at work at Top Notch Group.” Liam stood up and looking at Rieka started drooling. “Rieka, it's nice to see you again. It's been a while. ” He knew Rieka when she experienced memory loss. Now that she had regained her memory and gotten a job with a big company, he saw it as an opportunity to have her. “Y-yeah!” “How about we get married? Rieka stared at Liam. His words got her upset. “Who are you? What makes you feel you are worth to be married to me?” Tom interrupted. “He is part of the Grichys. The family who recently signed a contract with Top Notch Group.” “What was that about the first day at work with Top Notch Group? You seem to be tougher than I thought.” Liam said coldly. Lois explained quickly. “Rieka you must be mine. Marry me or I terminate your appointment with Top Notch Group even before you resume work.” Liam tightened his face. As you all know the Grichys own Kendicles which happens to be an important company to Top Notch Group.” Liam glanced at Noah. “And who are you?” “Rieka's husband!” Noah answered. “Oh shut up, he is just a pauper parading himself as Rieka's husband,” Lois yelled. Liam held Noah's neck, but Noah was indifferent. Then he ordered, “Don't ever address yourself as Rieka's husband. You don't belong to her class. You, useless and worthless man.” Noah couldn't keep his cool for long, he angrily pushed Liam away making him hit his head against the wall. Regaining balance on his feet, Liam said. “You must pay for what you just did.” Senior Fullam spoke authoritatively. “Enough!!! There's no need to fight. Liam, you are richer and more powerful than him. There are other ways you can handle this issue.” Rieka was scared, tears rolling down her cheeks Noah nodded, wondering if they knew who they were toiling with. To Noah, Liam was like an empty barrel making the loudest noise. “Wait! Everyone, you need to watch the news now! A lady rushed in.It was Kendra, Rieka's cousin. Immediately she rushed in, she switched the TV on. She couldn't help but glare at Rieka and Noah. She had her seat as everyone focused on what was displayed on the TV. Brucy was addressing the press and announcing Rieka as his newly appointed personal assistant. It was rare! Brucy Kings, the chairman of Top Notch Group addressing the press in person? Suddenly, Senior Fullams clapped. “This is a great achievement, dear Rieka. With this, the Fullams business will thrive again.” “Getting married to Liam Grichy will smoothen our relationship with Top Notch Group,” Lois said. She ignored Noah's presence. “What's all this about? I was given out as a bondwoman, but the man decided to get married to me and now you expect me to divorce him and get married to another man. Is this some kind of joke?” “So what? That's in the past and now you have to do as I say.” Liam spoke angrily. “Who do you think you are…” Rieka snapped at Liam and turned to Noah. “Le
Liam arrived home. “You fool! What have you done? You are such a miscreant. The deal with Top Notch Group has been canceled.” His father yelled. Liam was shocked. Top Notch Group canceled the deal with Kendicles. It can't be true. How did that happen? Was it the chairman of Top Notch Group that called Rieka? Locking his gaze with Fiona, he knew he had landed them in a deep mess. While Dave Grichy kept yelling at his son, he received a call. “Liam is the reason for all that's happening.” “Mister Dave, Top Notch Group said after all risk assessments were taken concerning the deal, we don't fit to be in partnership with them.” “Kendicles share price is drastically falling. Billions of dollars has been lost.” “The board of shareholders request an explanation from you before they sue us for incompetence and financial fraud.” “All our properties given to the bank as collateral have been seized until we pay off our loan.” “Sir, we are now at the peak of all this. Ke
"Hmmm, the statue, made of pure gold.” He whispered. That image was over five decades old. It was the oldest patrimony his family ever had. He recalled how his father and grandfather cherished it and kept it away from the reach of children. That statue is an inheritance that cannot be traded for any amount of money. “Another opportunity to take what belongs to us. Make all the preparations needed for tonight.” “Alright!” Andy nodded. “I have to go now. I don't want to keep my wife waiting.” “Andy giggled.” He was left in awe about how Noah genuinely cared for Rieka. “Bye!” Noah gave him a pat on his back. Noah rode his scooter and waited opposite the Top Notch Group company. He saw Rieka exchanging pleasantries with some of the company's shareholders as she exited the building. The next moment, a Mercedes Benz pulled over before Rieka. The car door opened and a man stepped out. He wore a blue button-down shirt, black pants, and black shoes. “Rieka!” The man
“Let's have dinner,” Rieka said, walking out of the room. “I am so hungry.”Noah stood and walked behind her. “Alright!”When they were halfway done with their meal, Senior Fullams spoke.“There will be an event happening at the Grichy's house tonight. Rieka, I think you should attend. It will also increase your fame and connection with the rich folks.”“That's true, I almost forgot about the event.”Quickly, Rieka held Noah's hand and they went back to their room.“Can you help me choose what to wear?” Rieka said, staring at her wardrobe. “I don't seem to see the best for this event.”Noah walked towards her. “Let me see, let me see,” he said, his eyes scanning through the clothes in the wardrobe.“This one looks good and it suits the event.” Noah pointed at a white, high-neck dress with no sleeves. “By the way, what's the event about?”“The Grichy's organized an auction event. It will be happening tonight. As Grandpa said, it's an opportunity for me to get more fame and increase my
At the Fullams mansion. Rieka’s scream alerted the Fullams, Senior Grichy who was studying, got up and went to the sitting room. “Rieka! What happened? You are supposed to be at the event?” He asked, with a cold tone. “Search every room. Bring everyone here.” Silas ordered, the soldiers searched each room and brought them forward forcefully. The scream got intense as Lois and Tom questioned why they were captured and dragged with no explanation given. Now, Senior Fullams, her grandfather; her mother, Lois; Tom, and Rieka sat in the middle of the foyer. They were the only ones who were at home at that moment. They were all tied up. They were confused, and couldn't explain what made Silas Grichy visit their house with his escorts at that time of the day. Although they came in with Rieka. Silas stood before them, his hands pocketed. “I am here because Rieka has a debt to pay and you all have to help her out.” He said, his tone etched with command as the soldiers star
Rieka's heart was in a shattered state. One action she took five years ago ruined her emotional balance for years and is now ruining her life.Regret filled her heart.She helped the person escape because she felt guilty but the aftermath of the pain she passed through was in multiple folds.Her family, including her mother, saw her as a curse in the family.At the point where she's attaining financial balance and genuine happiness, her past sent her life into shambles.“I promise, I had nothing to do with all this. Please show me Mercy.”“Mercy? The next time you mention that word, I'll torture you till you draw your last breath.”Silas untied Rieka and dragged her out to the entrance of the hall where the auction took place.“You'll be a lesson to others and the next in line will be Brucy Kings.”He wasn't moved by her sobs, screams, and weakness. The blood from the cuts on Rieka's body left stains on the ground with each step she took.Back to the garden where the auction was takin
“Don't lay your filthy hands on her again.”“I am the survivor of the Kendrick family!”The crowd was confused, wondering about the audacity he had to speak in such a manner before Silas Grichy. Silas was amazed at Noah's courage. He paused for a while, thinking of the best way to deal with him.Taking a few steps away from Rieka, he saw a man walking towards him. The man wore a face cap and a black eye patch. Then he widened his eyes, increasing his anger.“You killed Senior Grichy!”“This is the culprit.”The guests couldn't believe their ears. Their faces grew cold and fear of the unknown gripped them. They remembered vividly the day Senior Grichy was murdered.“Who are you?"Silas recalled the video he watched about the killing of his father. “Yeah! The face cap and the eye patch!” He muttered. “The survivor of the Kendrick?”Silas stood still, while Noah was still coming closer to him. The courage and power this man showed was something he couldn't wrap his head around.Andy als
At the supreme villa.Since Noah was a doctor, one of the rooms in the villa was furnished and equipped with every item like a hospital ward.Noah gazed at Rieka, who was on the bed. Her chest was bleeding, and her face was swollen. She was feeble as a result of the blood she had lost. She became unconscious.Sadness was evident on Noah's face, with his eyes red.Racing his hand around her neck, he sighed, portraying disappointment. He felt like venting his pain by screaming but he wouldn't because he didn't want to scare Rieka further.His stomach bolted in anger and his feeling of disappointment doubled. Rieka was one of the reasons he returned to Linton City, what would he become if he had not intervened the time he did? He did not protect her when she needed him. Noah doesn't mind laying his life down for her to show how grateful he is.He grabbed his medical kit and gradually cleaned the cuts on Rieka's chest. At that moment, all he wanted was to take revenge on the Grichys. Afte
Minutes passed by and the groom was nowhere to be found.Lois covered her face in shame and cursed inwardly.‘Rieka isn’t a lucky child. Just imagine the dignitaries present at this wedding and yet the groom is not present.’‘Could it be someone is trying to humiliate my daughter?”The guests were tired and a voice rang out coldly.“Is this a scene in a movie?”Soon whispers filled the air.“We’ve been waiting for long, let’s just leave.”“The groom must have eloped.”Only the soldiers present in the hall remained calm.Just ten, they heard a blaring siren approaching.Soon, silence filled the air again.Tears were already welling in Rieka’s eyes. She bowed her head slightly in shame.A man cladded in his soldier uniform with many stars on it approached the podium and whispered to the clergyman.The man was the Grand Commander.At this point, the Grand Commander held the microphone, and happily, he said.“Today, we have two celebrations. Permit me to welcome the new Chief of Army Staf
Noah smiled, “Sincerely, she owns a dear place in my heart.” With a serious expression, Noah asked. “Do you think getting hitched with her again is a good idea?”Andy nodded. “Of course, she’s the only woman you’ve ever loved.”“Okay! Let’s have a quiet walk then.”Meanwhile, at the Fullams’ residence.“Can’t you talk sense to your daughter? Is this how she wants to end her life?”Lois uttered coldly as she looked at Jack.Jack tilted his head.“It is her life; her choice and I cannot influence her decision because you want me to.”Lois widened her lips and asked. “Are you serious?”Coldly, Rieka said. “Mom, I have a lot to deal with. What is all this about?”“If you wait from now till infinity, Noah will not welcome you into his life. Beauty fades, you have to give another man a chance. I’ve spoken to some rich folks and they all agreed to get married to you not minding that you are a divorcee.”After saying that, Lois angrily left.Rieka stared at the space. Thoughts of Noah grippe
“What?”Santos expressed and gave a mocking laugh. “Who do you think you are?”Just then, he pulled out a gun and pointed it at Noah.Andy and Giddy also pulled out their guns and pointed at Santos.“I have nothing against you. I can see your greed and selfish interest is what is making you want the position of the Chief of Army staff at all cost.”Slowly, Noah approached Santos.“One more step and I’ll pull the trigger.” Santos roared.Noah sighed and he took another step. Bang!Santos pulled the trigger.Swiftly, Noah dodged it.Thank goodness no one was standing behind him.“All that happened here has been recorded. It would be used against you. You are not even worthy to be called a soldier.”Noah uttered with a frown.“Against me? We’ll see about that.”Santos said confidently.“No matter what, being soldiers, we are one,” Noah said as his eyes scanned through everyone present. For no just cause, Santos Junek wants to get rid of me. From his action, you all can see that he is n
At that moment, Santos picked up his phone and placed a call.“Hi Santos, is anything the matter? You hardly call me.”“Jacob, I can see you know me well. We need to meet tonight, it's urgent.”Jacob was a high-ranked soldier and he was a member of the military council.All along, Jacob has been the one giving information to Santos about all that was happening because Santos handsomely rewarded him. Jacob was also a close friend of the former Chief of Army Staff.Now, he felt something was happening and he couldn’t figure it out. He had to hear from Jacob.Nevertheless, Jacob had assured him that he would become the next Chief of Army staff.Meanwhile, at the Supreme Ruler’s residence in the military base.Noah, Andy, and Giddy were standing.Noah rubbed his forehead and said, “This is more complicated than I had imagined. I don’t want to get rid of anyone but I can’t help but defend myself.”“I have a suggestion.” Giddy paused. Then he continued, “Let us visit Santos. Not to harm him
Noah glanced at the Grand Commander. The news about who will become the next Chief of Army was yet to be announced publicly.“I have an urgent assignment to do here and it has to be kept a secret. Apart from all of us here, who witnessed my arrival, no one must know that I have returned.”Noah was led to a large room. It was the Supreme Ruler’s room in Fristico.Ever since Noah left, no one had dwelled in the room. However, the maids always kept it tidied daily.Noah freshened up and sat on the couch as he stared at the space.Knock, Knock, Knock.Some knocked on the door.Noah had already made it clear that he wanted to be left alone till he said otherwise.Who then was knocking on the door?With a frown, Noah went to open the door.Noah welcomed a man and a woman in.“You, so you had plans of coming too. Why didn’t you just say it? Did you have to make it a surprise?”Noah said with a smile beaming on his face.“I had to come along with her. We can’t just leave you. You need us mor
“Santos Junek?” Lois replied with a smile.“I have never heard of that name before. Why will he take interest in me without approaching me for once?” Rieka said with an arched brow.Lois sighed, “It’s possible you’ve not been paying attention to other men because of Noah. He gave me his card so anytime you are ready to see him, it is just a call away. I also heard he is a military man. From the convoy I saw accompanying him, I can confidently say he is far richer than Noah. Getting hitched with him will make Noah regret ever treating you in this manner.”“Hmm!” Rieka reasoned with what Lois said. A thought of revenge crept into her heart.Why was Rieka having such thoughts? Having a relationship with someone wasn’t by force.“Give me his card, I’ll call him. I want to get some information from him.”Rieka asked politely.Lois picked a card that was on the table and handed it to Rieka.So fast, Rieka picked up her phone and called the number which was on the card.“Hi, It’s Rieka. My
Noah felt getting hitched with Rieka would complicate things further especially for her.Noah looked at Rieka and said, “I have to leave now.”With a smile filled with pretense, Rieka nodded.Noah and Andy left.At the Supreme Villa.Noah was resting when the doorbell rang.Andy answered the door.“Welcome! To what do we owe this visit.”Andy said to a man who was fully clad in a military uniform.The man walked with Andy following behind him.“Have a seat,” Noah said.The grand commander took his seat and stared at Noah.Due to his influence, the grand commander was aware of what transpired over the night.“Noah, you went on that mission without seeking my assistance.”The grand commander said with an arched brow.Noah smiled. “I did not want to disturb you, you were busy. You gave me the information I needed and that’s enough.”“That’s not the main reason why I’m here.” The grand commander cleared his throat.“Hmm, why are you here then?” Noah asked curiously.The grand commander e
Coldly, Dex replied. “I am Dex Grichy. You murdered my father and my aunt. Do you think you will be able to escape death now? I wanted it to be so peaceful but you complicated everything by killing our men.” “A member of the Grichys family?”Noah shook his head. With an indifferent tone, Noah said, “They all deserved to die. They paid for their actions. Why didn’t you come for me directly? Why did you have to involve Rieka in all this?”Mockingly, Dex said.“Noah, you are not remorseful. Well, I’d like to see what you can do when your legs are no longer active.”Dex pulled a dagger out and raised the gun he was holding. Then he said,“Choose your death.”Noah kept quiet.“Can’t you talk? Should I decide for you?”Inwardly, Noah was devising how he was going to get rid of Dex without Rieka getting hurt.Finally, Noah spoke.“I don’t want to know why you are doing all this. However, I promise that I’ll obey you as long you don’t kill her.”Dex nodded, “I won’t hurt her. By the way, she
After some minutes of discussion, they made their way to the entrance of the warehouse. They ensured their boots didn’t make any noise that would draw attention to them.Jenny said with a low voice. “This is the only gate that leads us in. However, there might be other access points known by the people who work here.”Clack! Clack!Soon, they heard the sounds of boots walking about. They were from the men who were watching over the warehouse.With the help of Andy, they swiftly passed through the gates without making a sound.With a low tone, Noah said. “Let’s split into two. Some will follow me to the left while others will follow Andy and Jenny to the right.”So, fast they did that.“Ahh,” one of Jenny’s squad members yelled. She had hit her leg against a stone which made her fall. She was with Noah alongside six others.“Who is that?”A voice rang out as they heard footsteps approaching in their direction.Noah quickly lifted her.Shuu!Noah gestured as he placed his hands on his