Stefan wore a pleased expression as Tom relayed the news of Stella's interest. He patted him on his shoulders with the same weak smile on him. From the look of it, satisfaction didn't linger in his eyes for long. Tom had done so well for a start, he was going to admit that but that wasn't all he wanted. He desired more than mere interest from Stella; he wanted assurance from him that she would be eliminated from the picture entirely and in the shortest while positive. Clearing his throat, Stefan commended Tom for his efforts but made his expectations crystal clear. He wanted Stella gone, and he wanted it done swiftly. The air grew tense as Stefan dangled the promise of a hefty reward: half a million for Stella's demise."If you achieve success with what I asked of you,then I wouldn't hesitate to bless you with half a million dollars," Stefan said as he rubbed his palms together.Tom's eyes widened at the mention of the substantial sum, his face lighting up with a mixture of greed
Morning arrived faster than expected, its arrival signaled by the gentle glow of dawn. The ray of sunlight seeped into their eyes through the hole that was in between the curtains.Stella reluctantly opened her eyes and stretched her tired limbs. The exhaustion weighed on her, tempting her to linger in the warmth of her bed, but duty called, and she couldn't afford the luxury of more sleep.With a resigned sigh, Stella got up, gently nudging Zen awake. He yawned at her with the same exhaustion that was in her eyes."Good morning my love," he greeted, a bright smile adorning his lips. She smiled at him and responded, "Good morning. It's almost seven and you need to get ready for work," aye muttered with a glint in her eyes. Stella cat walked to the bathroom that was a few meters away from her and proceeded to have her bath, hoping the water cascading down her body would wash away the lingering stress and worry.Under the soothing spray of the shower, Stella's mind drifted to the o
Stella ignored the pain and shoved it to the back of her mind. She thought it was a normal feeling that was going to leave as quickly as it came but she was completely wrong.The pain within her intensified, a relentless force gnawing at her from the inside. It threatened to turn her world upside down and was quickly attaining success with it.It didn't take long before the agony became too much to bear, and she collapsed in her office with a loud thud.Her secretary who had come to ask her some important questions walked into the room and was met with a shocking sight – Stella sprawled across the floor, her face contorted in pain. It was unbelievable and her jaws fell in dismayed."Are you alright ma'am?" She asked. That must have been the most gullible question Stella ever heard."Do I look… look okay to you?" Stella managed to say, wincing in the pain that that threatened to consume her.A surge of panic overcame the secretary, who immediately called for help. The urgency in her vo
The joy on Tom's face was evident as he drove to the office where Stefan awaited him. The weight of his actions hung heavy on his conscience, but the promise of recognition and reward filled his spirits.The thought of half of million caused excitement within him. He could already imagine himself as the second in command in the firm and the mere thought of it thrilled him. A wide grin etched on his face as he straightened himself and walked through the building.As he entered Stefan's office, the air crackled with anticipation. Stefan's long gaze that was fixed on him spoke volumes, his silent acknowledgment of Tom's success echoing through the room.Stefan smiled at him, baring each and every one of his tooth in his mouth.Without the need for words, Tom confirmed what Stefan already knew. Stella's fate had been sealed, her life hanging in the balance as a result of Tom's actions. The words hung in the air like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over the room."You have done wonderful w
Zen was seated by Stella's side and had heavy eyes. He had barely slept as he hope she would suddenly wake up and speak to him..He reeked of exhaustion and not an iota of strength was left in him. He exhaled with his eyes flickering incessantly.Suddenly, he noticed Stella's eyes move. He became agitated as he waited to see what was going to happen. He took a deep breath with his hands rubbing against each other.Zen's heart leaped with joy as Stella's eyes fluttered open. She stared around,her gaze filled with confusion and uncertainty. The sight of her awakening filled him with relief. His prayer had been answered and he didn't realize when he rose to his feet and began to dance. Stella ogled at him as she tried to understand what was going on but to no avail. To an extent, he made her smile even though it was unclear to her.With tears of gratitude welling in his eyes, Zen enveloped Stella in a tight embrace, his heart overflowing with emotion. The weight of the past hours seeme
Stefan sat in his office, the weight of his dilemma bearing down on him like a heavy burden. He exhaled with his heart thumping against his chest.The offer he had made to Tom loomed large in his mind, a promise he now regretted making. The thought of parting with half a million was enough to send shivers down his spine, and he knew that Tom wouldn't take no for an answer. He bit hard at his nails with a thick frown adorning his face. He puffed out air from his lips as he stared into oblivion.As he pondered on his options, Stefan realized that there was no easy way out of the situation. He needed to find a way to avoid paying the money to Tom, but the path forward remained unclear. He racked his brain, searching for a solution that would rid him of the troublesome burden that Tom had become.There was only one option that was left to him and that was to eliminate Tom. That way, he wouldn't get to pay him anymore. The idea appealed so much to him and made him smile.His thoughts wer
Stella's hospital room was like a safe haven for her, a place where she could find peace amidst all the troubles surrounding her. With Zen always nearby, she felt a sense of safety she hadn't felt in a long time. His constant presence was like a ray of hope in the darkness, reminding her that she wasn't facing her struggles alone.Zen's protective instincts went into overdrive as he watched over Stella, making sure she got the care and attention she needed. He only allowed a few trusted individuals to enter the room, keeping the outside world at bay to protect Stella's privacy.Even though Stella sometimes protested against Zen's protective measures, deep down, she appreciated his dedication to keeping her safe. She found solace in his unwavering commitment to her well-being, knowing that he would do whatever it took to ensure she was okay.While Zen stepped out briefly to get some food for Stella, a sudden knock on the door shattered the quiet atmosphere of the room. Stella's secreta
Zen's entry smashed the delicate peace that had settled within the room. His eyes blasted with outrage as he observed Ariel's nearness, his feelings bubbling fair underneath the surface. With a voice bound with wrath, he requested that she take off at once, unwilling to engage her nearness a minute longer."What are you doing here? You have no reason to be here at all," he said in a loud and firm voice that resounded through the room.Ariel, detecting the concentrated of Zen's seethe, made a move to depart, her resolve unflinching within the confront of his fury. She had anticipated his response, bracing herself for the storm that had definitely taken after her entry."I'm sorry for bothering you but I honestly didn't mean any harmf. I only came here to make friends with you both," she said, her eyes bearing witness to her words She was going to walk out through the door when Stella's voice cut through the pressure like a cut, her words stopping Ariel in her tracks. She inquired Ari