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
The warm, golden morning light filtered through the grand windows of the Avendano Villa, casting a soft glow over the bustling scene of event planners and staff decorating the lavish space. India and her mother slowly meandered through the villa, surveying the transformation unfolding before their eyes. India couldn't discuss what happened at where she went to anyone, not even Marcus. Marcus tried to make enquiries, but she only brushed it off. Whoever it was refused to send the tasks they wanted her to fulfil and this only made her grew more nervous. India's gaze swept over the intricate floral arrangements adorning the tables and mantles, the delicate crystal chandeliers casting a dazzling shimmer, and the pristine white linens that draped elegantly across every surface. As they continued their stroll, Maria's expression suddenly shifted, her brow furrowing with a mix of concern and contemplation. India noticed the change immediately, and turned to face her
As soon as her mother was out of sight, India's expression shifted, a determined glint sparking in her eyes. She reached into the pocket of her designer jacket, retrieving her phone and quickly dialing a number. Impatiently, she waited for the call to connect, her fingers drumming against the polished marble surface beside her. After several rings, the line clicked, and a deep, familiar voice answered. "Malakai, where have you been?" India demanded, her words laced with frustration. "I've been calling you, and you didn't answer. Your phone should always be with you." There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, and India could almost picture Malakai's brow furrowing in response. "I'm sorry, India," he replied, his tone apologetic. "I was... preoccupied with some people. But when I realized it could be an emergency, I decided to take a rain check and answer right away. What is the problem? Is it an emergency?" India let out a heavy sigh, her free hand
The board of directors sat in stunned silence, their eyes widening in shock as they turned their gaze towards India. "Mr Avendano is missing?" Mrs. Marica, the eldest female member of the board, uttered in disbelief, her brow furrowed with concern. "Oh no, have you informed the police already?" India shook her head, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Unfortunately no, I haven't informed the police. And I don't think I will... I don't want to involve the police," she said, her gaze unwavering. "And all of you are probably wondering why so. It is because I don't want any of the board of directors to go to jail. You can drop the act, I found out what happened already." The directors exchanged confused glances, their faces etched with bewilderment. Mr. Colehem, a seasoned businessman with a reputation for his no-nonsense approach, rose from his seat, his features hardening. "What are you talking about, Lady Avendano?" he demanded, his voice laced with a hint of
As Mr. Colehem opened his mouth to speak, Mrs. Marica cut him off, her voice tinged with a hint of concern. "My lady, you're right. There was a... a little bit of misunderstanding between the board and Alexander on Monday, it was nothing deep believe me," she admitted, her gaze shifting uncomfortably. India raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a subtle smirk. "Could you elaborate on what happened that day, Mrs. Marica?" she asked, her tone deceptively mild. Mrs. Marica hesitated, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. "Well, when you stormed out of the conference room so abruptly, we all thought it was because of something Alexander had said to you. We had alot to discuss with you that day and we thought he was the one who ruined our chance of having a conversation with you," she explained, her words coming out in a rush. "We asked him about it, but he flared in anger, he said alot of things I can't even remember but when we tried to talk back, he
India heard a soft knock at her bedroom door and her heart raced. She quickly hid her phone under the pillow, praying her mother wouldn't notice. She had been acting suspicious all day that her mother had to confront her on why she had been stealing glances at her phone all day. The door creaked open slowly, revealing Maria. Maria's sharp eyes swept the room, her neatly-manicured brows raised in question. "Is something the matter, dear?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of concern. India forced a smile, shaking her head. "No, Mother. Why do you ask?" "Hmm." Maria hummed, not entirely convinced. She stepped further into the room, the soft fabric of her evening gown rustling. "You do know what's happening tonight, don't you?" India chuckled lightly. "Of course mom, I do." She rose from the bed, smoothing a hand over the delicate lace trim of her robe. "Then, why are you yet to dress up? Your cousins and nephews are ready. Your uncles told me the
India hesitated for a while, her gaze sweeping the courtyard one last time, but she reluctantly nodded and allowed her mother to guide her back inside. "I'll go ensure that everything is going right on the other quarter," Maria said, releasing India's hand. "Why don't you take a few moments to collect yourself? I'm sure you're just as excited as I am for this evening's festivities." India offered a wordless nod, watching as her mother disappeared down the hall. Alone now, she slowly made her way back to her room, running a hand through her hair as she went. The events of the past few hours had left her feeling unsettled, a lingering sense of unease gnawing at the pit of her stomach. For some reason, she still couldn't shake off the feeling that there was someone hiding at that corner, however, she was at the same time trying to convince herself that she was just imagining things. Pushing open the door to her chamber, India stepped inside, her gaze immediately
India stepped into the courtyard, the gentle sway of her white gown catching the warm evening breeze. The majestically decorated space came alive under the soft glow of the moonlight, every detail carefully considered to create an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur. As India walked, the glittering fabric seemed to dance across her figure, drawing admiring gazes from the assembled guests. The courtyard was already bustling with activity, the dinner party in full swing. Soft, solemn music played in the background, providing a soothing accompaniment to the low hum of conversation. India's entrance did not go unnoticed, and as she made her way through the crowd, every eye turned to her, captivated by her poise and beauty. The media representatives in attendance rushed forward, cameras flashing and microphones extended, eager to capture this moment. India smiled brightly, acknowledging the attention with graceful waves as she navigated through the throng of g