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
The cool morning air wafted through the grand lobby of the hospital as India, Nimah, Xavier, and Robin gathered at the reception desk, anxiously awaiting news of Alexander's condition. Nimah fidgeted nervously, her gaze darting between India and the others. She could sense the tension radiating from India, who was uncharacteristically quiet, her eyes cast downward. She didn't even want to look at Nimah at all, but Nimah could tell that she hadn't told anyone about the secret already. Nimah's heart raced as she worried that India might reveal the secret this morning. She just didn't want to see that betrayal in their eyes, if India was going to, she just didn't want to be present. Robin could notice Nimah's unease and restlessness, he looked at her and asked, "Is there a problem Nimah?" Nimah looked up at him, trying to force a smile and shook her head. "No, I am fine." Robin wasn't convinced by the curt response, he wrapped his hand around his wife, pull
"You don't have to speak," Xavier said to Alex, his tone reassuring. "Just nod if you're in pain. Can you remember who did this to you" Alexander's gaze shifted to Xavier, and after a moment's hesitation, he gave a slow, deliberate nod. India, who had been standing at Alexander's side, reached out and grasped his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Father, isn't that enough questions for now? Don't you think those questions are a bit too much?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of reproach. "He needs to rest." Xavier chuckled softly, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. "I'm just concerned for my nephew, that's all, if he does remember, that could help us get to the bottom of this asap," he said, his lips curving into a small smile. He turned his attention back to Alexander. "Is there anything you need from me?" Alexander shook his head, his eyes conveying a silent message of gratitude. Satisfied, Xavier made his way to the small sofa in the co