India paced back and forth alone in the courtyard, her expression serious and gloomy as she held her phone in her hand, dialing a number, the phone hanging on her ear each time she called. The phone rang several times as she kept redialing over and over but there was no response. India hadn't been able to get hold of herself since the text she got in her office that says, "Now, I have a task for you." India stomped her feet in frustration, her eyes filling with unshed tears. She walked up to the wooden bench at one side of the courtyard and sat down, dropping her phone as her face buried in her palms. The warm morning sun shone down on the lush greenery of the courtyard, the gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the towering trees that lined the perimeter. India's shoulders rose and fell with each deep, shaky breath she took, trying to compose herself. The weight of whatever was troubling her seemed to press down upon her, making it difficult to breathe. Ju
Just then, the sound of footsteps approaching drew India's attention, and she looked up to see Magnus. Magnus was a tall, handsome figure, his casual white t-shirt and jeans doing little to conceal the well-defined muscles of his physique. As he approached, he bowed slightly, his expression one of respect and concern. "You summoned me, my lady?" he said, his voice low and steady. India managed a small smile, quickly wiping away the tears that had begun to gather in her eyes. "Yes, Magnus, how was your trip to Tanzania? Father told me about the challenges y'all had to face. Please, have a seat." Magnus shook his head, his brow furrowing slightly. "I'm fine standing, my lady. It was South Africa we visited, and thanks for your concern. It's actually one of the best trip we've had this year." India's smile wavered, and she gently patted the empty space on the bench beside her. "I insist. I won't be comfortable having this conversation with you if you're s
India sat at the dining table, absentmindedly scrolling through her phone as she finished her breakfast. India's lips curled into a small smile as she read through a particularly promising email from one of their business partners. Things seemed to have been going well for the company lately, and she felt a sense of pride swell within her. Just then, India's mother approached the table, a kind smile on her face. "Good morning, dear," she said, her voice soft and gentle. India looked up, her smile widening as she greeted her mother. "Good morning, Maria," she replied, her tone cheerful. "You look stunning today? I love your outfit." Maria tilted her head slightly, her brow furrowing with curiosity. "Well, thank you... I can't remember the last time you actually genuinely compliment my outfit, thanks. You seem to be in a very good mood this morning," she observed. "May I ask what has you smiling so much? And I want to believe that's the reason you complimented me
"Malakai?" she murmured, her fingers trembling slightly as she answered the call. "Hello?" "India, dear," Malakai's smooth voice purred through the line, "how are you? I have been looking forward to your call since you left the headquarters but I got no calls from me and I was just very worried. How have you been?" India stood up from the swing she had been sitting on, her grip on the phone tightening. "I'm...I'm doing alright, thanks for your concern," she replied, her tone tinged with wariness. "Is there any reason in particular you called?" There was a brief pause, and India could practically feel the weight of Malakai's gaze even through the phone. "Well, you see, I have a business idea that I think will blow your mind," he said, his voice laced with excitement. "Oh wow, really? And what is that about?" India asked with a smirk on her face. "Well, this is not something I can talk over the phone... But this one idea is something that could take us, I
A sleek black sedan glided effortlessly into the driveway of the Hiram Decks Hotel, its polished exterior reflecting the grandeur of the imposing structure before it. Nestled in the heart of Launceston, the Hiram Decks Hotel was a bastion of luxury and exclusivity, its reputation for unparalleled service and security drawing in the city's most influential and discerning clientele. It happened to be the third most sort after Hotel after The Loughty House and The Gremlins Resort. As the car gently swerved into the expansive parking lot, the presence of the two occupants instantly commanded attention. India Avendano, her regal bearing and striking features, exuded an air of confidence that belied her youthful appearance and beside her was her father. Alighting from the vehicle, India and Xavier were immediately greeted by a flurry of activity. Ladies in crisp, uniform attire scurried to attend to them, their movements efficient. However, even though this was li
The receptionist's brow furrowed, but she dutifully began typing the new name into the system. After a few moments, she shook her head, her lips pursed in apology. "I'm sorry, but there's no record of anyone by that name either," she said, her gaze shifting between Xavier and India. Xavier's gaze pierced hard into the eyes of the receptionist, he leant closer to the counter, lowering his voice, "Listen, I know you're probably following orders. But tell me, did Alexander tell you not to tell anyone that he's here? Just tell me the truth and we will work out of here." The receptionist frowned in annoyance, staring back at Xavier and chuckled humorlessly. "What are you even talking about? You thought I have been lying to you? Really? Did you even know it's very inappropriate to give the details of our customer to strangers, but I decided to help and you're calling me a liar? I am so disappointed in you, Mr Man." "You know what? This conversation is over with you. Call
India paced back and forth in the hallway, her mind racing with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. She glanced at her wristwatch every few seconds, her heart pounding in her chest as she waited for Marcus to arrive. The seconds ticked by like an eternity, and finally, her eyes caught sight of Marcus making his way towards her down the long corridor. India frowned, a hint of anger flickering in her gaze as Marcus approached. "What took you so long? Must you prove to me, your irresponsibility," she demanded, her voice sharp and accusatory. Marcus bowed his head slightly, a gesture of respect and apology. "I'm sorry, Lady Avendano," he said, his tone sincere. "I was delayed by the supervisor. There was a last-minute issue that needed my attention." India's eyes narrowed, and she reached out, grabbing Marcus's shoulder and turning him to face her directly. "Did anyone find out about what I asked you to do? Did the supervisor ask you anything? Tell me now!"
India's heart raced with a thrilling mixture of exhilaration and trepidation as she navigated the winding streets. The freedom of being in control of her own movements, of not having to answer to her father or his legion of security personnel ever since she took the position of the lady Avendano, was both liberating and terrifying. She gripped the steering wheel tightly, knuckles turning white, as she weaved through the heavy traffic. After nearly two hours, India finally reached her destination – a bustling, crowded area teeming with activity. She pulled the car into a parking spot, her eyes darting around, wondering if she was truly in the right place. Before arriving, the image in her head was some quiet estate or even a park where suspicious people lurk. However, the area was a maze of shopping malls, salons, auto shops and different kind of stores and India felt a sense of unease settle in the pit of her stomach. Stepping out of the car, India surveyed h