2025-02-12 22:36:18Lara screamed but the music playing at the party would not let the people hear her.
She took a quick glance at the ladies who were perplexed by her outburst. Running out on her colleagues, Lara rushed towards the place where every face was smiling except for hers. Some hours ago, she was over the moon but a phone call had just changed that mood.
Searching among the crowd of jubilating people, Lara could not find Kyle. She scanned through the whole place but there was no sign of him. Lara was confused. She had no idea what was happening.
Apart from Molly and Avery who saw her receive the distress call, no one else smelled any rat. Even the media didn't see any suspicious movement. They also had no idea when Kyle left the place.
As she was searching for her fiance, many of her colleagues met her and congratulated her. She only managed to fake a smile and nodded at them.
Kyle's parents didn't come to the engagement ceremony, they had other duties to attend to but promised to be there at the wedding. They were not aware that Kyle stole someone's wife. If they were, they would not have approved the union.
She was still scanning the place when she bumped into her mother. "Lara, where have you been? And where's Kyle, I don't see him around."
Lara was about to ask her mother if she had seen Kyle but she beat her to it. She only wondered if Kyle had also received a distress call that made him run off with letting her know.
Tilting her head, Lara said to her mother who was waiting for an answer to her question. "Mom, I just received a call and want to go and find out what is happening. I'm sure Kyle also received the same, that was the reason he isn't around."
Lovelyn was perplexed when she heard what Lara just said.
"Hold it right there. Is there something I should know? Did anything happen to his parents? If not, why would he leave his engagement party and run off. Wait, don't tell me he's trying to ditch you because of Prince. It's going to be a big scandal if this wedding isn't held."
Lovelyn was more concerned about the wedding. She was already enjoying the publicity and would want it to stay that way.
Bringing down her voice, Lara said to her mother. "Mom, find a way and dismiss these people. I gotta go find out what the problem is or my career is over."
With that, Lara left her mother in a more confused state and made her way to the exit door. However, she was approached again by the media.
"Miss Lara, why are you leaving the venue of your engagement party? The celebration is not over yet or is there something more important than your engagement party that you want to attend?" A lady asked her but she didn't reply to them. She just waved at them and disappeared into her car.
***
Prince was in his sitting room watching the engagement ceremony with his mouth curved into a sneer. George walked in and he directed him to sit close to him.
He sat down with his friend and was about to say something when his gaze fell on the television screen. His mouth fell apart in awe. George hadn't heard about the engagement party. He was too busy with work and running Prince's errands to notice.
The thought of what Prince said to him the previous day came running back to him. 'The peak of their celebration.' That's right. It was the engagement party Prince was talking about.
He just did as he was instructed without asking much questions. Moreover, Prince was not in a good mood the previous day. But looking at the man before him, his countenance was different from the previous day. He seemed elated as he watched the engagement party of his ex-wife.
"Boss, I've done as you asked me to do. As we're speaking, they've gotten the news you want them to and must be wondering what was happening." George reported to his friend who only laughed.
"Hmmm." He took the remote and turned off the television after heaving a sigh. Turning to George, he said with a large smile plastered on his face.
"You have done well George. Now, I can celebrate my birthday. Get a maid to bring a bottle of champagne, let's pop and celebrate friendship, my revenge and many more adventures to come."
George gave him a questioning look. He was looking at his friend like he was a stranger. Something had definitely changed about him. Since he came back the previous day, George could not find the lively and ever cheerful Prince he knew before and gossipped with.
George did not move an inch, he adjusted himself on his seat and said to Prince. "We've been friends for a long time, talk to me. What really happened? How did it get to this?"
Prince's face suddenly ruffled into a frown with the questions. He threw a glance at his friend and tilted his head. Stretching out his index finger, he started drawing invisible traces on the ground.
Letting out a deep sigh, he said. "I was betrayed. My wife was cheating on me while we were still married. She was sleeping with his colleague right under my nose. Now she's pregnant with his child." As Prince spoke, George could feel the pain in his voice. It was evident that the betrayal hurt him so much.
"Can you believe that she gave me a gift yesterday after they made a surprise for me. I knew it was too good to be true. I got into the house and my in-laws wished me a happy birthday. Lara went ahead and presented me with a pregnancy test result as a birthday gift. I was so elated but my happiness was cut short when she took the result from me and introduced Kyle as his fiance and the father of the child."
George was dumbfounded.
He didn't know the right words to use in replying to Prince.
Lifting his hands, he settled it on Prince's shoulder and patted it lightly. "I'm so sorry about everything you went through in the hands of that woman. However, I believe that you were quite fortunate to see her real character before it was too late."
Prince suddenly jolted up from the chair. A wide smile plastered on his face. "You shouldn't feel sorry for me. It is them that needs to be pitied."
Turning to face George who also stood up, he said. "In the spirit of my birthday, I'd like to treat you to dinner. Now tell me, would you want your meal served hot or cold?"
George was trying to make meaning out of what Prince just said when someone approached from the door. Turning around, Prince hissed when he saw the person walking towards them.
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Austin had a mischievous grin on his face as he approached his brother and his friend. "Wow! Look who's back to his house. I thought you're never coming back to your house again. Do you know how many times I've come to check up on you? Even your number never goes through. Well, I know that you blocked my number so it's not strange."He strode towards where the men stood and settled on the couch."So tell me bro, where the heck have you been? To be honest, I was thinking of coming to take over your estate because I thought you're never coming back again." Tilting his head, he saw the look on Prince's face and started laughing. "Hahaha, Bro, you need to see the look on your face. You know that I'm just joking. You're my only family and I wouldn't want any harm to befall you."Prince angrily clenched his fists as he glared at his wayward brother. He knew that Austin didn't really care about him. He would hurriedly come and take over all his assets if anything were to happen to him."Au
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"What! Since when? I know that he's your brother but you need to involve the police if it's serious. Maybe they can teach him a little lesson and he'll turn away from his mischievous ways." George said in a little raised voice, he was still wondering how Prince and Austin became brothers. The guy was the opposite of Prince.If he hadn't stuck around Prince for sometime, he would not have believed that the young man was Prince's younger brother."I'm just going to give him what he wants so he doesn't expose my identity to the public. You know how much I enjoy my privacy and wouldn't want the world to know who I am. I'm not ready for that kind of life. Moreover, I don't want Lara and Kyle to know yet. I'm going to deal with them until they come crawling on their knees." Prince explained the situation and George quickly got the point."I think I understand you. However, you have to do something about your brother or he'd be your bane."***Kyle had slipped out of the engagement party wit
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"What's going on here?” Lara, who had just walked into the office asked as she gaped at the men.She had also received a call from her own manager. However, she decided to stop by Mr. Chamberlain's office to find out if Kyle was at the place. And just like she thought, Kyle was at the place and looked so pale like he had seen a ghost.The news of the termination of all collaboration with Royal productions was a nightmare to him.The current project he was to embark with them was a huge one and he couldn't afford to miss it and the benefits attached to it.Lara directed her gaze at the man who was yet to say a word.“Mr. Chamberlain. What's going on?" “And you, Kyle. Why did you have to leave our engagement party without informing me?” “Lara, my career is in trouble and an engagement party is the least of my problems.” Kyle replied rudely. His manner of approach got Lara angry. However, she chose to stay calm.Maybe he was under some kind of pressure and had to snap at her."I called
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“During your engagement celebration, it came with a lot of positive energy and people spoke highly about your relationship." “Your video went viral and there were a lot of positive comments about you so a particular firm reached out to me for a couples endorsement for you two. Unfortunately, they just called earlier and took it back without any tangible reason.”"I was happy and anticipating to break the good news to you guys. However, I'm breaking the bad news now because the good news has been taken away.”Mr. Chamberlain shook his head a few times as he kept his gaze on the couple. “And it was worth millions of dollars. I'm so sorry and I feel bad that I had to break the bad news to you instead of the good news." They were staring back at him but weren't actually looking at him.They were both lost in their thoughts.Indeed, they knew about couples endorsement deals that came after it and that was one of the reasons they made their engagement party big so that everyone will be ta
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“No one can end our career. And we have not offended anyone. This is just a temporary setback.” Kyle assured her, trying to make her feel better.He was also feeling bad and had thought the same thing as Lara.The person targeted them on the day of their engagement party. “Remember you're pregnant, Lara. You have to be careful so as not to lose our baby.” Kyle further tried to comfort him.He had to remind her of her pregnancy so that she would be very careful with her actions.Someone who was pregnant should not be drinking.“Ma'am, don't worry. I'm sure that there will be others willing to work with you. Royal productions is not the only one in New York. There are other productions in the city and beyond. I'm sure that they'd want your skill.” “They've all seen you on the screen and know what you're capable of." Tina also tried to make her feel better.They had no idea that Lara was not just crying about the cancelled deal and projects. She was scared that her career might truly b
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As the couple left the office, they got downstairs and saw some media group waiting for them.Those were the people who followed Lara without her knowledge.When she hurried out of the engagement party, some press groups followed her and saw where she went.They waited at the place for her with the hope of getting some news about what was going on.Her driver, who had been inside the car all that time, could not come out. He was afraid that the press would circle him and bombard him with questions.When they saw the press waiting for them outside, Lara and Kyle drew backwards and hid somewhere.“I can't believe that they're waiting outside for us. How did they find out about our location?" Lara muttered the question to Kyle who spread his arms open.“I have no idea." He thought about the situation and added. “Are you sure that you were not followed?”Lara shook her head a few times and replied. “I think they followed me here. When I was hurrying out of the party after I received that
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George noticed Prince's countenance and dropped his drink on the table before inquiring.“What is the problem? I thought you came here to celebrate. Why do you look unhappy?" Prince stared back at his friend and was about to say something but George stopped him.“Wait, Is it because of your brother? Why don't you just arrest him and get them to teach him a lesson. I have a feeling that he will surely change by the time he comes out of jail.”"You can look for incriminating evidence against him. Something that will get him locked up for a few months." Prince took a sip of his drink and sighed deeply before shaking his head a few times. "He's still my brother and I can't get myself to arrest him.”"I'm not sure that's what my Dad would do in such a situation. I'll just give him time to change. However, if he persists, I'll have no choice but to arrest him as you suggested.”"But you also know that I have to keep my identity hidden. I still enjoy my privacy and confronting Austin would
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Prince sighed deeply and gradually turned around to see Austin grinning at him.“Austin, what do you want? Why don't you go back to your wayward group of friends and continue wasting my money. However, I assure you that a day of reckoning will come." “The day that you'd pay for all your stupidity." As Prince said those words, the annoying grin on his brother's face disappeared and was replaced with a smirk.“Really?" Austin still had that stupid smirk on his face as he spoke."Well, you should be grateful that I've not busted your ass yet. I'm still covering up for you because of the meager amount of money you pay me.”"I'm not a criminal that can be busted. The only crime I committed was to want my privacy which you're using to exploit me.” Prince replied to his brother. He was angry and really wanted to punch his brother's face but had to stop himself from doing so.It hurts so much that his own family had to be torn on his flesh.He had to deal with the betrayal of Lara and also
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The strange lady's voice was a little loud and Prince had to turn around to find out if people were looking at them.When he saw a few necks turn in their direction, he sighed deeply and lowered himself to whisper to the Lady.“I changed my mind, I think we should have this conversation in your car.”He was avoiding anything they'd make people give him a suspicious look.After that, he took his coffee and started towards the door.The strange lady who understood Prince's action smiled to herself and stood up as well, following Prince behind.They both got into her car and she went straight to the point.“Prince Young, my name is Alicia Clayton. I was your highschool crush so you have to remember who I am.”“High school crush." Prince muttered to himself while casting her a questioning glare.He scrutinized her one more time, trying to recall his times in high school. Unfortunately, he could not remember who the young lady was.Although the name rang a bell, he still could not place a
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Kyle and his father spoke for a few more minutes before he ended the call. He knew that his parents would not approve of his relationship with Lara if they heard what he did.He took another man's wife and got her pregnant. That was not an honorable thing to do.“We'll soon be back so you can tell us all that is happening over there." His father said to him before hanging up the call.A while later, Kyle got home and slept off immediately.It had been a long day for him and he was already exhausted, both physically and even mentally.All that was happening was draining him up.***The next morning Prince woke up to a message from a strange number. He took up the phone and read the message.“I know your real identity, Prince Young. If you don't come and meet me now, I'm going to reveal it to the world.”"I'll be waiting for you at a coffee shop in town so don't keep me for too long.”As Prince read the message, he smiled to himself and let out a dry chuckle.He knew that things would c
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Kyle sighed in frustration and quickly dipped his hands into his trousers pocket in search of his wallet. Unfortunately, it was not there.He searched fruitlessly for it but could not find the wallet.The waiter was about to involve security but Kyle stopped him.“Wait. I'll call my driver to get the money. I must have misplaced my wallet.” Kyle cursed that day and all the frustration it had brought to him and was still bringing.He could not recall how he misplaced his wallet and because of it, he was being humiliated by a mere waiter.On the other hand, the waiter glared at him and turned around. He walked up to the security and whispered something to him.“Don't let him leave this place. He's yet to pay for his drinks." The security guard nodded at the waiter.While the waiter went back into the bar, Kyle quickly put a call across to his driver.The man answered the call and earned himself a shout from Kyle. “Get your ass over here at the bar right now. Make sure to come with some
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“Do you think there's someone out there who's after you? And what does the person want from you?”“I have no idea." While they drove home, Prince continued to think about the earlier incident.The man must have been ordered by someone to follow him around. But what was their motive?He was keeping his identity a secret. However, it looked like it was not a secret to some people aside from the ones who knew him already.Some people could be plotting against him.“Well, we're going to find out who's coming after me. I'm not a show off so how was this person able to find me out?" Prince muttered, his gaze fixed on the road before them.Turning to George in a serious face, he said to him. “We have to find out who's after me before they have the chance to do something bad against me. Or any of us." “Of course." George nodded a few times and continued. “Zane is capable of getting any information about them. We just need a little time for him to do his job." Although he was worried, Princ
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“What nonsense." She muttered while breathing heavily. She was so mad at Avery and everything.She was mad at Prince for going ahead to spread such news because he was fortunate enough to get a job at the place.Lara had already concluded that it was no other person but Prince who must have spread the news.After a moment of silence, she let out a long sigh and fell on her bed. She was exhausted and just needed to sleep. Perhaps, she'd feel better by morning and find ways to tackle the problems in her life.Lara had managed to close her eyes when her phone began to ring again. This time, it was Kyle and he had received a call as well.Gradually, she reached for the phone and answered the call.“Hey babe. What's up with you? Why are you not sleeping yet? I was trying to catch some for myself when your call came in." Lara muttered sleepily.“Have you heard what's going on?" Kyle asked her and the tone of his voice forced her to stay awake.“What is going on, Kyle?” Lara quickly sat up,
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The place went completely silent for a while.After some time, Lovelyn turned to her younger daughter and they exchanged glances.They still could not comprehend what Lara was trying to say to them.“I don't quite understand what you're saying. Please explain better." Lovelyn said to Lara, her eyes fixed on Lara in a serious gaze.“Mom, if we don't do anything about the situation, we might find our career dead soon and everyone will forget us." “That's what it means." Lovelyn’s mouth opened and she lifted her hands, putting them on her head. She knew exactly what that meant. It means that the money would stop coming.If Lara no longer gets movie roles, she'd be completely irrelevant. There would be no more and wealth in flow.She won't be able to afford the luxurious lifestyle that she was already used to.Lovelyn only owns a boutique and the boutique won't be able to fund her lifestyle. Especially if Lara no longer gives her money to add to the business.If they have to depend com
Chapter 31
Lara got down from the car and Kyle pulled her into his arms in a tight hug.“I'm sorry honey.” He apologized as he reached for her forehead and planted a kiss on it."I didn't mean to hurt you with my words. I just overreacted and I promise it won't happen again.”"Are you sure?” Lara stared into his eyes, waiting for a response.“I'm sure." Kyle nodded his head and forced out a smile. “We'll go through this together and see the end of it." “I believe that if we work together, we'll be able to sort things out. And in the end, things will go back to the way they were." “Ok, we'll work together and deal with the issue." Lara was anxious and so was Kyle. They didn't know who their enemy was so it was going to be difficult to tackle the situation.The have to know the source of their problems before they can deal with it. But for now, they have no idea who was pulling them down.“And about our wedding. I totally understand that we should tackle the matter at hand before planning our w
Chapter 30
By the time Lara and Kyle came out of his Manager's office, they were completely exhausted and it was almost dusk. All the bad news they'd received that day was already weighing them down.Just like the previous day, it had been bad news and more bad news.Many other producers were no longer willing to work with them. Just like Royal productions, they would no longer be working with them.Everything was happening so fast and they could not comprehend it.If someone was after their careers, then that person must be very powerful.As they got into Kyle's car, they both sat in it totally lost in their thoughts.After a moment of silence, Kyle started the car and began to drive to Midday avenue, Lara's home.“What are we going to do about the situation?" Lara interrupted his train of thoughts. Kyle let out a deep sigh and quickly glanced at her with a long face. “I don't know. We just have to keep trying or we'll soon be forgotten celebrities and our careers, dead." Kyle's voice was co
Chapter 29
“And you should know something. If you continue like this, you'll find yourself without a job one day. And you might not be able to get another anywhere else.”"Just be careful how you treat people, especially those who have done nothing wrong to you.” Prince concluded. He glared at Steve for a while before walking away.While Prince made his way to the diner hall, Steve remained motionless at a spot.He could not move an inch and kept pondering on Prince's words.He even had to ask himself why he hated Prince. At the end, he got the answer to his own question.There was no reason for the hatred towards him . It's just that Prince was liked by people. Unfortunately, no one notices him at all.After a long pause, Steve rolled his eyes and muttered to himself. “Whatever. You're in no position to render me jobless.”With that thought in mind, he walked away from the lobby and went back to work.Prince got to the dining hall and his eyes caught the strange man stealing glances at him in a
