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
The table lapsed into an uncomfortable silence once again as everyone focused on their meals, the tension palpable in the air. After a moment, Lady Ravenhood spoke up, her voice warm and genuine. "Lady Avendano, I must confess... the food is simply wonderful," she said, her eyes shining with genuine admiration. "You've truly outdone yourself as a host, considering this is the first dinner you'll be hosting as a lady. I must give you the accolades." India offered the woman a grateful smile. "Mrs. Ravenhood, you're too kind," she said, her voice tinged with genuine appreciation. "Please, you don't mention. I only wanted to ensure our guests were well cared for. And just like you said, it's my first dinner, it is supposed to be perfect." Before Lady Ravenhood could say another word in response, Robin interjected, his gaze fixed on India. "That reminds me, speaking of guests, I haven't seen Alexander Avendano around," he said, his tone laced with a hint of cu
The air was thick with anticipation as India stood at the center of the courtyard, her gaze sweeping across the sea of faces that had been drawn to her unexpected summons. The assembled guests held their collective breath, their eyes riveted on the her while they waited for her to make whatever announcement it was. They had no idea if it was about business or anything, but who wouldn't honor the invite of the first lady in the twenty first century. Everyone wanted to be on India's good book because they know the opportunity that comes with it. India savored the moment, relishing the palpable tension that blanketed the courtyard. She knew this announcement would send shockwaves through her world, but the time had come to confront the truth, no matter the cost. At least, she would gain a thing from it and it wasn't that she was going to keep it as a secret forever. And as a matter of fact, if she refused to, she would be the person to be blamed if it ever gets
India felt the blood drain from her face, her hands trembling as she gripped the phone. "Alexander?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. Suddenly, the effect of the call hit her like a physical blow, and she gasped, unable to contain her shock. No one had an idea what was going on on the other end, they only noticed India's expression changing. As India went down on her knee, Maria rushed to her side, placing a gentle hand on her arm. "What is going on? India, what is it? What's wrong?" India shook her head mutely, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and disbelief. The line had gone silent, the call disconnected, but the name that had been uttered still reverberated in her mind, shattering the carefully constructed facade she had maintained for so long. Xavier, who had been watching the exchange with growing concern, stepped forward and gently pried the phone from India's trembling hands. "Calm down India, I just heard you mention Alexander. What is go
The tension in the hospital reception was patent as India, Nimah, Robin, and Xavier huddled together, all of them staring into the space, seeing how they rushed in and rushed out patients. Families crying at every corner, while some are laughing in excitement. Mixed emotions everywhere. India gripped the arm of her chair, her knuckles turning white. She had never felt so helpless, so powerless to change the course of events unfolding before her. Yeah, she and Alexander was never in good terms because of his cunning ways but never had she wanted him dead. He happened to be a very strong pillar that held one side of the family that mustn't collapse. India's gaze wandered to her father, whose face was etched with worry, the lines on his forehead deepening with each passing minute. Nimah, seated beside her husband fidgeted nervously, her fingers drumming against the arm of her chair. Her mind raced, wondering what the doctor would say, whether the news would be good or dev
"What secret?" the voice on the other end demanded, the curiosity evident in her tone. Nimah glanced around once more, ensuring that no one was within earshot. "Okay... Listen. I messaged when India was going to tell the family that I'm pregnant - I was very scared and I wasn't thinking straight. I just needed an advice from you, maybe to stop it. To be for real, I don't know what I was doing then," she confessed, her words barely audible. The gasp that followed was almost deafening. "Oh no! She did it? I am so sorry I wasn't there for you," the voice asked, the shock palpable. Nimah chuckled, a wry smile playing on her lips. "Well, you don't have to be sorry, because she didn't," she replied, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Fortunately for me, she got a call that distracted her. Well l, that doesn't mean she won't do it again but at least, it buys me enough time to make another plan." A sigh of relief echoed through the phone. "That's good news," the voi