After going back and forth with her mother, India finally allowed her mother to lead her through the bustling crowd, weaving their way towards a cluster of well-dressed men standing beside a sleek black Tesla, which seemed like Malakai's. As they drew nearer, India's gaze immediately landed on the familiar figure of Malakai. The moment he caught sight of her, a broad smile spread across his face. "Oh my my.... Guess who is here? India, my dear. You're finally here." India forced a smile, shaking Malakai's outstretched hand. "Malakai. It's...nice to see you. AGAIN," she said the 'again', like she just remembered she didn't say it and it was necessary. Malakai's grip was firm, his eyes sparkling with a hint of something India couldn't quite decipher. "The pleasure is all mine." He gestured to the men surrounding him. "Allow me to introduce you to some associates of mine." India nodded politely as each man was presented, her gaze discreetly sweeping over M
India sat at her table, swirling the glass of crimson wine as she watched the wedding ceremony unfold with a barely concealed look of disgust. The entire hall was a vision of opulence, beautifully decorated with an array of colorful balloons, shimmering ribbons, and a gigantic crystal chandelier that cast a warm glow over the festivities. From her vantage point, India observed as the beaming bride, Nimah, and the dashing groom, Robin, made their way down the aisle, their faces alight with joy. Joy that definitely wouldn't last forever. The solemn strains of the wedding march filled the air, mingling with the soft murmur of conversation and the occasional burst of laughter from the guests. India, however, remained lost in her own brooding thoughts, her gaze fixed on the couple at the altar. She let out a quiet sigh, taking another sip of her wine as a sense of melancholy settled over her. The wedding, for all its grandeur and celebration, only served as a sta
"Well, yeah, that's true. The Archer Empire is also known as the Phoenix Group, which I want to believe you know," Knight revealed, his eyes locked onto India's. India's eyes widened in surprise, and she involuntarily gasped, her gaze fixed on the man before her. Pointing a trembling finger in his direction, she said, "Are you... Are you from the Phoenix Group?" Knight's eyes widened slightly, and he nodded. "Yes, that's right," he said. "The Archer Empire, or the Phoenix Group as we're more commonly known, has been in my family for generations. I recently took over as the chairman, and one of my first acts was to rebrand the company under its original name." India's eyes dilated in surprise, and she leaned forward, her interest piqued. "The Phoenix Group," she murmured, the words rolling off her tongue with a sense of reverence. "I've heard of them, of course, but I must admit, I don't know much about the company or its history, but I certainly know what you guy
India and Knight sat at their table, both of them undisturbed as they discussed business while also observing the festivities unfolding before them. The air was abuzz with laughter and joyous chatter as the Nimah and Robin, exchanged glances and waved at their guests from the altar. India's eyes, however, were devoid of the same mirth. As she watched the rituals unfold, a growing sense of irritation began to permeate her being. The more she observed the way Nimah was behaving around her fiance, the more her own past heartbreak seemed to resurface. This Robin of a guy, seemed very innocent and calm, meanwhile there was someone who was willing to do a fake wedding, probably because of the gifts she would receive after everything before finally breaking up with the husband. India didn't want to tell anyone about this because if anything that would halt the marriage happened, she would be the one to be blamed and she didn't want to leave with that regre
Maria hurried down the empty hallway, her heels clicking against the marble floor as she quickened her pace. "India! Wait! Just hear me out for God's sake, huh? India!" she called out, her voice echoing through the silent corridor. India's steps were brisk, her back rigid with tension as she forged ahead, willing to put as much distance between herself and the wedding festivities that was giving her headaches. She felt the weight of her mother's hand on her shoulder before she registered the her presence beside her. Reluctantly, India halted her retreat, turning to face Maria with a deep frown etched onto her delicate features. "Why the fuck are you following me, mum? I am an adult for goodness's sake? What do you think is going on? Can you leave me the fuck alone?" India asked, her tone laced with frustration. Maria gently cupped her daughter's face, her warm brown eyes filled with concern. "Oh my God, India... This is so not you. Why did you leave so
The crisp, autumn air nipped at Mr. Philips and Mr. Andrea's skin as they both alighted from their car which just halted at the garage, approaching the imposing facade of the police station. As the two men walked through the entrance, the familiar scent of lies, innocence and the muffled sounds of phones ringing and officers conversing enveloped them. It has been like this since they had been showing up. The night Ryan was arrested, Wraith tried stopping the police and trying to convince them that he was the one who invited him in, but the police believed he was being blackmailed and that's why he was trying to protect Ryan. The police took Ryan away, locked him up and wouldn't let anyone to come in to see him or even pay his bail for two days. Mr. Philips and Mr. Andrea approached the counter, where a seasoned police officer sat, his eyes scanning the computer screen before him. The officer looked up, his brow furrowing slightly as he took in the sight of th
Ryan heaved a heavy sigh, his heart palpitating against his ribs. He felt lost, afraid of what might happen to Nicholas. He looked up at Mr. Philips, his eyes pleading. "I am sure Niçholas is going to be fine... We just have to trust him. What about Wraith? How is he?" Mr. Andrea's expression darkened. "Well, Wraith has been taken to prison by the police," he said, his voice grave. Ryan gasped, sitting upright in shock. "Wait, why the fuck would you do that? Why would you send Wraith to prison?" he cried, shaking his head in disappointment. "He shouldn't be there!" Mr. Philips chuckled, his expression unperturbed. "Wraith is a fucking criminal, and he deserved to go to jail... He has always been a criminal working with Malakai. In fact, he was the one who confessed to the police... We had nothing to do with it." Ryan shook his head in disappointment, glaring hard at the duo. "Wait, why are you so worried about Wraith? You just came out of the prison, y
Xavier descended the stairs, his footsteps echoing through the foyer of the Avendano family villa. The wedding ceremony was finally over but the events that occured that day still hung heavily and gloomily in the air, creating tension. The usually vibrant and bustling center room felt unnervingly quiet, save for the soft murmurs of the assembled family members. Xavier's brow was furrowed, his fingers running anxiously through his neatly coiffed hair as he scanned the room, seeking out his wife. His gaze finally landed on her, standing rigid and pensive by the fireplace, her arms crossed on her chest. Their eyes met, and Xavier could see the concern etched across her features. He made his way over to her, the plush Persian rug deadening the sound of his approach. "Maria," Xavier said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Have you found India? Where is she? Have you been able to reach her?" Maria shook her head solemnly. "No, she hasn't come home since leaving Nimah's wedding s