"Do you Kayla Johns, take Reynold Sheens as your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."
Kayla looked into Reynold's eyes, a cold expression on her face before she replied."I do."Reynold found that to be very bothering. Just now, she showed a side of her that he never thought of. Or maybe he was just overthinking it, this was a contract marriage after all. What did he expect, still it bothered him.The priest's voice continued. “Do you Reynold Sheens take Kayla Johns as your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."Rey replied with a smile. “I do""From this moment, I pronounce you two. Husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.""Thanks, Priest but that part will be unnecessary." Lei, standing on the side said and stepped forward with a few papers in her hands, she then handed them to Reynold.Kayla spoke. “This is the contract and it will go on for five years. In there are the dos and don'ts. As promised, there is a mansion in Alimsar that you'll be staying at, I will be there at times too. And you are not allowed to cheat on me. Even if you do, don't get caught because it will tarnish my reputation and my plans."Rey nodded, with a little disappointment. He had no right to be disappointed, he accepted the money and his life was going to change from this point onwards. He owed her everything."I won't tarnish your reputation in any way.""I'll trust your words then," Kayla stated with a smile.But after seeing the coldness on her face, the smile didn't come to as genuine as it used to be. He nodded and the two of them left the court where they had married.Their marriage was now formally documented, although Kayla made some changes to make it look like they have been married for months and she has been hiding it.They left for the estate in separate cars, Reynold was driven by one of the guards with the white Rolls-Royce, while Kayla left in a black Rolls-Royce.—Late into the night, a ride finally entered the mansion–parked in a far distance and carefully watching was another red sports car."You really should not be doing this?"A gentle voice that perfectly matched the gentle face said to the man sitting beside with a binocular."Shut up Jay. What do you know, my sister got into a secret marriage shouldn't I be interested in knowing who it is? I want to see what their relationship is like.""You could just walk up to him.""You think that woman would have it with me, knowing her temper?" He paused and looked at him.Jay looked down, realizing that the man beside him - Lloyd Johns was right."I particularly fear Lei. She is a monster and was the best during training camp.""You can't call her the best you know. Since Sparks got out because he beat the crap out of everyone in camp and had to be trained in a military setting.""Sparks was a different generation from us. The first master's assistant and friend. We all know stories about him, was he that good?”"Good is an understatement. That guy was a monster. A monster that can only be controlled by our first brother." He put his eyes into the binoculars as he ended."He's coming out, he's coming out!"Jay quickly took his pair of binoculars and looked into it.“Oh oh, he is quite the fine man." Jay complimented.Lloyd grinned."Of course, my sister has a very high taste when it comes to men. Although he looks thinner than I expected." He said as he put down the binoculars."What do you want to do now?" Jay asked, putting down his binoculars too."Let's go. I'm a bit disappointed that they didn't enter together. I would have loved to see the look on her face. Maybe she is at least happy with her husband. Tsk. Let's go."The engine of the car revved as Jay reversed and drove away.A few minutes later, Kayla's car was parked in the mansion.She opened her phone and typed before coming down -Me: I am currently at home with my husband and we are going to have a blast.First Brother: Enjoy yourself little one.Father's Bastard: Yea yea, whatever.Big Nose Bro: I said dinner but do what suits you.The devil himself: Ah! Get out.Mean B!t$h: I'm so happy for you my girl.She dropped the phone and went inside. She met Reynold sitting at the parlor. He sprang to his feet as she entered.With a timid and sheepish composure, he spoke. “I didn't think you'd be back soon."Kayla's face was cold, it made him hesitant as he talked, almost as if he made a little mistake in his words, it could ruin everything."You don't have to wait for me," Kayla said."Ah, I see..."Silence ensued after Reynold spoke. Then a few minutes later Kayla broke the silence."I'll show you to your room.”“Oh, okay," Reynold replied sheepishly and followed her.The grand foyer welcomed them with marble floors gleaming under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. A rich Persian rug lay beneath their feet, leading them deeper into the mansion.The mansion's interior was adorned with exquisite furniture and accessories. Ornate wooden tables with intricate carvings held decorative vases filled with fresh flowers, their fragrance permeating the air. Gilded mirrors adorned the walls, reflecting the beauty of the lavish decor.As Reynold walked through another living room, he noticed plush velvet sofas and armchairs arranged around a grand fireplace.A Steinway grand piano occupied one corner, its glossy black finish catching the light. Soft, ambient music played from hidden speakers, adding to the luxurious atmosphere.The dining room was a masterpiece of fine dining, with a long mahogany table set with crystal glassware and fine china. A dazzling chandelier hung above, casting a warm and inviting glow over the setting.They finally reached the room where Reynold was supposed to stay and it was no less extravagant. The bedroom was spacious, featuring a king-sized canopy bed draped with flowing, silk curtains.The walls were adorned with tasteful artwork and a plush, deep-pile carpet covered the floor. His room had a private balcony that overlooked a beautifully landscaped garden. A walk-in closet contained a wardrobe of tailored suits and designer clothing. A vanity table was adorned with antique silver accessories and an array of grooming products.Reynold wanted to grasp for breath. He would be living in such a place full of luxury?!He looked at Kayla, who still had her cold expression–it made his joyful heart sink. Not that he was expecting otherwise though. Besides this was a marriage of convenience, and nothing else. He was a means to an end, and vice versa."Then, I will be leaving. My room is far away on the other side. Do try your best to stay away from my room and my study." She said and walked away leaving Reynold to continue admiring his abode.Reynold fell to the bed. All these were nice but it felt empty when she had a face like that and he can't do anything about it.He stared at the beautiful ceiling for a while as he delved deeper into his thoughts. After a couple of minutes, he decided to take a look around the mansion.However, just as he stepped out of his room. He heard a scream. Without a second thought, Reynold ran to the source of the screeching sound. Kayla’s room.Reynold sped across the distance as quickly as he could as he occupied himself with thoughts of whether he should go or not. However, his legs did not stop.He jammed into her room and tried to barge into the toilet too but the door was tougher than he expected. He shook the door knob hurriedly trying to force it open but nothing happened."K.J! K.J!!"He wasn't thinking right now–all that was in his mind was her safety. He didn't care what would happen after he trespassed all he just wanted to know was if she was okay.But no matter how much he called, there wasn't a response. And then it dawned on him that she was in the bathroom. He didn't know what to do in this situation, what if she was doing something?‘Perhaps I should just leave.”"R...ey.”Just when he thought that her weak voice called out to him.He immediately began to panic and got more aggressive as he shook the door knob trying to force it open. Seeing that no matter how much he tried to force the knob it wouldn't open,
Reynold had been all over the house looking for first aid kits but found none. There was no one around apart from both of them. In fact, he was shocked that she dismissed her female bodyguard and came in here alone with a man she just barely knew."I've looked all over but there are no first aid kits. I think taking you to the hospital will be the best course of action."Kayla was halfway awake, she shrugged sluggishly as he spoke. Reynold patiently stood and waited for her to wake up fully.However, the moment she did..."Please get out." She sternly said, holding her head tiredly.A frown creased together Reynold's brows."What do you mean? You just fell and injured yourself. And you are telling me to get out. You need to go to the hospital. You can't even stand on your own.""Please, Reynold. Don't let me get angry, the contract stated that you would not step into my room so get out."Her voice this time was more stable and fearsome.Reynold clenched his fist, he looked at her for a
Reynold as he walked was absent-minded. His thoughts tugged him from within, he seemed lost from the outside, and his mind wandered from here to there and from there to here. It was all because of one person.'What does she want?''What could I have done better?''Was accepting this a mistake?''Should I just be content with the fact that she helped me?'In as much as Reynold wanted to take that route. He suspected that it was going to be hard. Kayla was a beautiful girl who had stretched forth a helping hand to him just when he needed it most.How was he supposed to ignore loving such a person when they were staying under the same roof? Plus the urge to mow her down anytime he saw her in those sexy dresses. How was he supposed to deal with all of that?Reynold sat down at the bus stop, waiting for the next bus to arrive. He raised his head and sighed and he dropped it.A few minutes later, the bus arrived and Reynold left for the hospital.Upon getting to the hospital, Reynold immed
Things didn’t go as easy as Reynold had planned it, he didn’t expect his sister to be quite the quick-witted one. He also didn’t expect her to have some loose screws in the head that she’d think that the kind of marriage he is in is a very cool one.That took most part of what he was worried about off his mind but the most important part still awaited and he had to deliver that part making sure it doesn’t come off as the reason why he is doing all of this.Reynold stole a glance at her as both of them stood in front of the vending machine, he smiled smoothly and looked away before she caught him.Immediately she downturned her lips, disrupting her facial expression like she had swallowed something very disgusting. “Heeeuuw.”“What??” Reynold asked, arching one of his brow.“Don’t look at me like that and smile brother. It’s gonna make me puke I swear.” She declared and picked her canned drink as the machine spilled it out.She peeled it open and swayed as she walked, her steps were del
Reynold silently watched the scenery of the cities turn to a blur of motion as the car sped forward. Everything for a moment seemed still. It had just been a day but he felt like it had been a week. So much had happened.He ran his mind back everything from catching his ex-girlfriend cheating on him with his port-belly boss and him getting beat for it, to meeting a damsel like Kayla then paying for his mother’s hospital bills and his sister too.There were a lot of reasons to be joyful about but only a bitter smile escaped his mouth and he knew the reason why. He wanted something more, and who wouldn’t with a pretty girl like her?He let out a sigh.“You know, I’ve been looking at you since you hoped into this cab.”The driver’s murky voice distracted his thoughts. Reynold shifted his attention to the man in front? Belatedly he noticed he wasn’t befitting the description of a man.He had brown curly hair, his eyes hung lazily over his face, his skin was rough – they hinted of his stru
As the guy’s voice rose higher, the securities at the gathered around hem trying to control the situation but Rey’s so-called colleague only got fiercer and the situation only escalated.“You think because I’m your school mate you can take advantage of me or something cause bro where the fuck is my money?!”This was getting very embarrassing for Rey, he lowered his head in shame. He wasn’t even particular about himself. He didn’t always care about himself, but what about this matter that was so infuriating was that he desperately wished to protect Kayla’s reputation in all of this.Protecting her public image was the least he felt he owe her for how much she had helped him. Even though it was a contract marriage, he still felt much indebted to her.Rey bit his lips, desperately wishing all this ruckus can calm down whatever way.“Hey, did that bastard just hit my man?”Rey recognized that hoarse voice, it sounded tired this time and resonated with a degree of vexation – it was almost p
“Wait! Did I hear you right?"Rey hurried to her front as she started walking."Yes, you did Rey. We are having dinner with my family tonight."She smiled as she walked past him. For some reason she seemed to enjoy the look on his face. He was so scared and worried. It was cute."That is why we will be selecting a new set of dress for you."Kayla sleekly turned to him, a cute smile sitting on her lips."What? Me?" Reynold was still dumbfounded.The attendants approached him with a subtle bow and demanded to escort him to the men clothing department.The store had an elegant and luxurious feel with dark wood furnishings, glass display cases, and warm lighting.Fine suits in a variety of fabrics and colors lined the walls neatly organized by style and size.At the back were fitting rooms with plush benches and large mirrors.The dressing rooms were separated by velvet curtains for privacy. The main floor had polished marble tile while upstairs had carpeting with leather chairs and sofas
"This is the first rule I an going to give you." Kayla started as the car engine reeved into motion. “Do not speak too much. In fact, I don't see any reason why you should talk at all. My father along with my blood brother are very observant. They can pick up a minute detail from even just talking. My father is so observant he can pick where you come from, your social standards just by paying attention to how you speak."Reynold face tensed."But I don't have an accent or anything like that...""You don't need to. That's how he is. And we don't have to worry too much about that part as long as you keep your words brief and limited. My own brother. Hamish. I don't think he is going to show any particular interest in you but of course everyone at that place will be assessing you one way or the other."Reynold gulped."The ones you should be most careful around are my step brothers. Tate and Sean... oh and Lloyd too. Those three are sneaky and cunning. Especially Tate and Sean. They will
One life ends. Another begins. Such was the world.That was what Rey was thinking as he fondled his ten-month-old baby girl distractedly. He still felt empathy toward Hamish, even though it irritated him. Hamish was his brother-in-law. He shouldn't try to kill him. Nobody's brother-in-law should try to kill him. But unfortunately, that was life. Things happened even when they were absurd, even when they where undesirable.They had charged Hamish and his aide, Sparks, with manslaughter, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder. Whenever Reynolds thought about it, he shook his head. It was bad. If either of the two men received a light sentence, it would be life. That was what Hamish got for throwing his life away. On the other hand, the world had not skipped a beat. The three of them had recovered fully (at least physically) himself, Kayla, and the Chairman. The Chairman was no longer a 'Chairman,' corporately, legally, and technically. To Reynolds he was now only a father in-
Sparks was looking for that one lucky strike.He had tailed Hamish, parked far from sight, approached the building on foot, scaled the fence and come in unnoticed. All according to plan. He knew Hamish was with Reynolds already, and they had been speaking for a few minutes. Hopefully, the stage was well set for his arrival.He went round the building, loathing that he had to use the stairs instead of the elevator. His job always sucked and he hated it.The building was generally deserted as planned. Yes... perfect. At the bottom of the stairs he paused, said a lucky prayer, then set the timer on his watch. Ten minutes for everything... Godspeed.****Hamish and the Chairman stared at each other in bewilderment for seconds."I heard you son. Everything you said," his father told him. For a moment Hamish's mind was blank as he stood transfixed, still holding Reynolds at gun point. Slowly he collected himself, becoming even angrier."I'm not upset at you. Only disappointed. But I don't
If there could be any reason to spare Sparks life and dispose of him, it was the fact that he had an instinct. He hadn't been a henchman these years for nothing. He knew a trap when he saw one. So, when he phoned the doctor requesting to have the package ready by noon, he became aware that he was not speaking to him.Well, technically, he was. But situationally, he wasn't. The doctor was damaged goods now. He sensed that the guy was bugged.How it happened, he had no idea. But it happened real fast.He phoned Hamish and told him. They'd have to take care of the guy, but not too soon, so they don't throw off a scent. It was a tricky situation for the tricky-minded. The better move now, Hamish told him, was to go directly for Reynolds.There were reasons for this. Beforehand, he had noticed that Kayla had vanished from the hospital ward where she was being treated. Of course, he didn't ask questions or raise suspicions (since the hospital staff couldn't link him to Kayla). But Hamish
There was one more person to put away when the scheme was done with. That doctor.As much as Hamish hated to deal with it, another clumsy character on the scene meant another loose end. He was going to go all out till he got his package... and till it worked. They he'd pay the man in full before making him disappear.Of course basic logic would question his choice of paying first. He just thought it necessary to stick to one's part of a deal no matter what. So he'd pay the man's family for his service, then kill him. He knew he'd needed a new aide for that job, since Sparks would have to go, too. Either in the process or after the process.In fact, he had started to feel a sense of urgency to do away with Sparks before something spilled. The man was already becoming disgruntled. He was already becoming too important. Nobody became too important with Hamish.But first Sparks needed to get the dirty work done, before he eliminated and dissociated him.****When Benny launched himself
Doctor Benny liked the concept of a bright future. He had always liked it and other terms like it. Future. Success. Opportunity. Yes, that one. Opportunity. There wasn't very much of it for him in his profession. He wasn't poor or anything—of course he had stuff to be grateful for. But he sensed it could be more. So he tried to get more.Wen he had got the call from Hamish's aide to get a lethal solution ready, he, as any rational person, did not like it. But what choice did he have? His wife was a compulsive shopper and his children sometimes forgot he wasn't a billionaire. So he asked himself what he had to lose and the answer was not much. He didn't know if he had a strong or weak conscience. He only knew he could use the money they were offering. He took the offer. He had hoped it would be a one-off thing. Prepare the solution, have it delivered, get his money, forget any of it ever happened. Now it was staring him on the face. That was the problem with crime. It made for str
Impatiently, the Chairman waited for Rey to arrive. More than clarity, he needed to prove to his son-in-law—and himself—that he was mistaken. If they hadn't been from Rey, he would have paid the messages no heed. He found it rather confusing under the given circumstances. He waited in his topfloor office in the conglomerate that morning, when he should have been busy with other concerns. Reynolds needed to explain. It was not that the strings had no connection whatsoever. No, the Chairman wasn't imprudent. It was the way they connected. And the who they connected to. Those were the things he could not accept. At least, not without hard, infallible proof.His desk phone beeped and he picked it up. It was Rezei, asking if he wanted to see Reynolds."Yes, let him come," he said. Then he glanced sharply at the central air conditioner, feeling like the temperature in the room had fallen by a hinedered degrees Celsius in one second. The door opened almost immediately to reveal Reynolds
Hamish was painstaking meticulous at planning. He knew when things could go slow, when they could go fast, and when they needed to go fast. Killing Rey was a fast game. It had to be if it would be played, as it was also a cagey game. Not that he was not a cagey man, or that he doubted his own genius. His master-mind. Rather, because he knew that perfection was not cheap, and if you were going to kill your next-door neighbour without taking a dent, you required perfection.He had two usable routes. One was direct: strike Rey. This required precision and care, seeing as the man had become his father's favourite. The other was a bit more accommodating: Strike Rey through Kayla. That is, strike Kayla, and when it impacted and exposed Reynolds, he’d then put the man to rest permanently.Being the genius that he was, Hamish kept both routes open. It would be like a double barrel, a kill-both-birds-with-one-stone formula. He was almost enjoying the prospect. All his track would be clean.
The police never got around to finding Riker. He was ghost, they said. Came and went as he pleased. In truth, he was aboard the next flight out of the country after the Johns foiled his coup. With his absence came peace. The Chairman gave Reynolds a position in the company to work alongside Hamish. Kayla's baby continued to grow, her belly ballooned, pushing against her buttons. For the couple and the Johns, the world seemed a kindlier place.All except Hamish.He was angered by the turn of events, especially with Reynolds' new position as his managerial superior. Bloody Reynolds? His Superior! They had no inkling what he was capable of. Maybe he would have to show them. By himself this time. He would restore his honor by taking out all his enemies and their accomplices, in any form they manifested. Including those who directly limited him, and those who did so indirectly, by being dumb and sluggish, by playing with his goals.The first, perfect victim would be Grant.Luckily, a d
The tracker vanished all of a sudden and Jovian's head jerked with a start. He had been watching his wearable monitor almost boredly up till it happened. “What the--?" He spat."What?" asked Ceneau who had also been observant."Do we move?" one of the aides asked. Jovian nodded. He dd not want to say that the tracker had been lost. They'd just drive to where it was last seen.Everybody prepared hastily. Even Ceneau fiddled with a rifle he probably couldn't use. They piled in and hit the gas, hard.****The first thing Reizei did was strike the overhead sensor. He guessed that damaging it could shut the mantap on one end (for both doors) and lock half the guards out momentarily. And it worked. The only people to cross were the three of them, Riker, and about half the escort party.Once Reynolds grabbed the nearest guard's gun, he had acted, ramming his fist into the circular sensor above his head. There were screams, including his.The Chairman scrambled. The guard behind Reizei gra