Chapter 20The grandeur welcome The grandeur of the welcoming party for Brandley, the illustrious CEO of Stark Company and sole heir to the esteemed consortium legacy, was a sight to behold! The majestic hall, a testament to the family's opulence and influence, was abuzz with the who's who of the business world, all gathered to pay homage to the visionary leader.As guests arrived, they were greeted by the soft glow of crystal chandeliers, casting a warm ambiance over the lavish decor. The air was alive with the sweet scent of exotic flowers and the soft hum of refined conversation. The hall's grandeur was matched only by the stature of its guest of honor, Brandley, resplendent in tailored attire, exuding an aura of confidence and grace.The evening's festivities unfolded like a symphony, with fine dining, exquisite entertainment, and heartfelt tributes to Brandley's remarkable achievements. The atmosphere was electric, filled with warmth, respect, and admiration for the young CEO, de
His new identity."Do you think this is a place for people like you, this celebration is out of your league and I would advise you to excuse yourself now before I embarrass you like always" Alex sounded a warning to Brandley, looking at him from head to toe."You don't have to be bothered about me, I will just stay in the shadows like always," Brandley said with a smirk."Oh really, I was wondering who dressed you up, or did you go as far as borrowing a suit just to attend a party like this. You haven't stopped thinking high of yourself. Just maybe if you and your miserable mother had begged my father like your life depends on it, you would still have a roof over your head" Alex taunted.Alex's voice drew attention to them, the guests nearby were looking at Brandley suspiciously, trying to decipher what was going on. If what Alex had said was true or not. Brandley hated the unnecessary attention Alex was causing and thought of a better way to end the discussion.Brandley's jaw tighten
Their first meeting Mona woke up with a high temperature, she walked to Brandley's side of the bed and tapped him. "Brandley?" Mona called, shaking him."What is it?" He answered from sleep.Cruel at sleep, Mona thought."I'm running temperature" Mona said, her voice hoarse and a dry throat.Brandley turned to look at her, fully awake at the mention of "temperature""Do enjoy falling sick huh" Brandley asked sitting up.Mona's eyes were closed, unable to answer his question. Whose fault was it that she slept in her party dress?Brandley turned on the bed lamp, he looked at Mona's pale face, touched her neck to feel her temperature.He helped her out of her dress, leaving her with her inner wear. He went to the restroom to run her warm water so she could bathe in it. Mona did as she was told without arguing.The water felt too cold against her body, so she washed her body thoroughly. Spending more time than she should. Brandley called her name on intervals just to be sure that she's
Silent treatment It's been over two days after Mona's meeting with Via, she knew she's not supposed to let whatever Via had said get to her but hell it did. Why should she bear the brunt of another woman's doing.Her routine had been taking his brother to school refusing Ben's help as he normally dropped him at his new school. She's just a contracted wife with no entitlement whatsoever. Spending her time at the restaurant working with Ariel for her money.No one recognizes her as the young madam of the Stark so it wouldn't hurt their reputation. Today wouldn't be any different. Stella had called to spend a few days with her son before returning to the state, to see how well her son had been managing the company.Brandley sat down in his office staring into space, he had noticed the slightest but obvious change in Mona's character after her meeting with Via. Only God knows what that vicious woman told her, Mona had turned cold towards him.She didn't spare him a glance not to talk or
Their first initiated kiss Brandley's gaze lingered on Mona, his eyes searching for a glimmer of understanding. "Mona, what's going on? You've been distant since we got back from the party and your meeting with Via. Is everything okay?"Mona's expression remained guarded, her voice measured. "I just need some space, Brandley."Brandley's face fell, his eyes clouding with concern. He knew their marriage was a contract, a business arrangement, but he had grown accustomed to Mona's presence in his life. He didn't want to lose her, not even if it was just a facade."Space from what, Mona? From me?" he pressed, his voice low and urgent.Mona's eyes flashed with a hint of anger, her voice rising. "Brandley! From the secrets you've been keeping, from the way you have been treating me because you don't have a great relationship with your ex. I'm Mona not Via, why should I bear the brunt of another woman's mistake Hun?!"Brandley's face paled, his eyes widening in understanding. He knew he ha
His antidoteVia slumped on the brown leather couch, drunk with a reddened cheek. Her whole face looked flushed and contorted into a tight smile. She slurred her speech. She spent the whole day with her friends, Isabel, Tonia and Lucy. Informing them of Brandley's new identity as the consortium heir.The shock on their face was as noticeable as the dolphins in the sea. The ladies argue with her, that she was only hallucinating because she missed her poor boyfriend.Instead of Via arguing with them, she showed them the evidence through her phone, searching through Google. She didn't blame her friends for not believing her at first.Who would believe such a miracle could still happen in the twenty-first century? Via told them about her intention of going back to Brandley. She doesn't care what it makes her look like.All she wants is her Brandley. He's hers and hers alone. Tonia thought Via was crazy to think of such a ridiculous idea. She knew Via to always get what she wants but thi
Dealing with his forces.Jacob Morgan walked into the Murphy branch of Stark company at Luz. He had booked a flight earlier in the day to make it a quick visit. Jacob did his research on the Stark family and found out that Brandley's Uncles were on a bad term with him. Jacob wishes to pay Murphy a visit since he was the bigger catch in the picture.He brought all the needed documents along, ready to pitch his business idea on the marketing strategy to him.Jacob knocked on the door once before letting himself into the spacious and conducive working environment. He noticed that every building of the Stark speaks of power and wealth. Each building has its own unique style but no company can be compared to it.Jacob studied the man before him, his gray hair which has taken a larger portion on his head speaks of years of experience and competence.No wonder both Uncles were devising a way to be in charge of the company. Jacob would have done something more brutal if that would make him t
RevengeBrandley met with his lawyer to file a case against Jacob for assault. That's just the beginning of his revenge. Even though the family lawyer, Aaron, told him that it would be difficult to file a case without concrete evidence.Brandley told him that he was the evidence and his mom as witness. It's true that no lawyer would dare go against the wish of the Stark heir, except if he/she wants his firm to be closed down.It's just the close of dawn when he finished discussing with Aaron. He wouldn't appear in court but would want Jacob to pay his fine. He would fine him for every scar Jacob inflicted on his body, before moving on to that of his mom.He could remember that they had a CCTV camera in the house then, all he needed to do was to plant someone in the house so he could have it. All the money Jacob had refused to help him with, he would pay them as fine and have it donated to the orphanage homes within Westend.Brandley tailored suits were out of shape due to working sch
Revelations UnveiledBRADLEY'S POVUnfolding the letter from its envelope, I couldn't believe my eyes. The words written on it shook me to my core and revealed a truth that was beyond what I ever thought possible."I can't believe this is real," I whispered, barely audible. The letter's contents disclosed a secret that shook me to my very core.Her unwavering gaze fixed on me, Ava watched intently as she spoke. "Bradley, I understand this is overwhelming for you but the truth must be revealed."Rereading the letter, every word seared itself into my consciousness. It revealed a link between my stepfather and an array of dubious transactions that surpassed any previous suspicions I held. As I absorbed the significance of this disclosure, my hands shook with anxiety.My mind was filled with questions as I trailed off, realizing that I had no idea how deep this conspiracy went. Its potential implications for me and my mother were unclear.With a reassuring touch, Ava placed her hand upon
Uncovering TruthBradley's POVInhaling deeply, I sensed the weight of Mona and Alex's hopeful stares fixated on me. It seemed as though time had momentarily halted in anticipation for my response that would untangle our present predicament."Okay," I started, absentmindedly running my hand through my hair. "I guess it's time for me to give you both an explanation."Mona leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms and maintaining eye contact with me while Alex mimicked her stance, displaying a mix of interest and worry on his expression.I began, "Ava was the one who called. Her father holds a high position as CEO in our city. Our first encounter happened quite unexpectedly. Back when I found myself short on cash to settle my bar bill after assuming otherwise, Ava intervened and covered for me."Surprised, Mona raised her eyebrows and exclaimed, "So now she's asking you out on a date?""I confess," I admitted, "however, it's not as straightforward as one might assume. While she genui
Entangled relationshipBRADLEY'S POVI was frightened when I saw Mona text message on my phone asking me to come to a coffee shop. I thought something terrible had happened to her because she sounded like it was earnest because she didn't inform me that you were the one who wanted to see her, so I was so cold. “Yes I had to do it for security purposes, but why did you act like you were about to kill Jim when you saw him because as I looked at your face it looked as if you were angry, so why did you act that way?” Mona asked. “Well, I was just forming it. I was surprised to see my longtime friend. Okay, I am delighted to see him. It has been a while now since we last met each other, so I am very surprised to see him” I said. “Oh so how did you share my contact with him, I mean how since you haven't seen each other for a while?” Mona asked. “Well about that I lied I knew you both were so close I had to use the opportunity to get you because we are really in need of someone who has a
Secret and suspiciousMONA'S POVMy dad was having an argument with my mom. They almost used their physical ability with both of them, but I had to ignore them because I have something more important to attend to than always getting a heartbreak from my parents. I went into my room and was ready to leave. “Dad, I'm out. I would come home eventually,” I told him, then I Left. My parents are just frustrated. I wished I had money. I would have left them and stayed in another apartment, but everything is too hard for me. Likewise, I would just have patience and wait until everything is okay. Well, the coffee shop isn't too far from my home, but I may spend about twenty minutes or more to get there. “I hope he isn't calling me for an unreasonable thing because I wouldn't waste my time saying rubbish, I would be very annoyed if he called me for nonsense”“But what if it is about relationships like me dating him maybe I would even accept so through him, he can help me out with my finances
Confronting the TruthIt was a bright day as the morning was sunny. Mona was getting ready to answer Alex, which she did promise she would come. Mona stood up from her sleeping position and went towards the direction of the bathroom. “Wow what a bright and sunny day I hope for today to bring forth good thing” She came out to the living room, where her father sat down. She greeted him but when she was about to leave the room she turned and saw her mother at a corner of the room sitting alone. Likewise, she thought of going to her to embrace her bit on another thought she had to stay away before she could hit her again, then she only had to fade her hands to her. “Father, I am about to go to a friend's place. Okay, I will be back soon, but I am not ready yet. I just came to greet you before I remembered to inform you about where I am about to go,” Mona said in a low voice, allowing her mother not to be aware of it. “Okay, my lovely daughter, but are you rushing? I think you should s
When courage meets crueltyBRADLEY'S POVFear was all over me as I heard the voice of my father. I was more afraid because my mother was beside me and I didn't know his next action towards us. I saw his face being frowned and that wouldn't be a good sign.“Well well well I see your both are having a meeting because of wow I see” He said as he came closer to us” The room was silent as he spoke, tension was both in me and my mother’s face because neither of us was expecting that. I never saw him coming. He took a step closer to where me and my mom sat down, his eyes blazing with anger. “And you, you're just as bad”, he said and spat on her. You are always siding with him even if he is bad or wrong, supporting the wrong things he always does. You are the reason he is soft and cold. He shouted at my mother. “Suddenly, my mom stood up. I was surprised by her courage and tried to calm her down, but she forced herself up and talked back at him despite the anger and venom in his face. “Tha
Secrets and suprisesMONA'S POVI had to sneak in quietly to alert no noise in the peaceful home because I think everyone including my mom would have gone to bed by now. I rushed to go inside my room to have some rest because of the stressful and hard day I have been getting since today. I really need some time to rest my head. As I tried entering inside my room a voice called out my name which sounded like my dad's voice. “Mona, where are you coming from? I looked to the direction the voice called me beside me, and truly it was my dad. “Where are you coming from? He asked again but I was short of words. I didn't know what exactly to say or do, so I had to tell him the truth about where I was. “Dad, I did have a stressful day today considering the matter at hand. In my mom's case I was overthinking and had to go to a cool place to clear my head. You know mother's situation is becoming worse as each day passes by. I know I have said all this before, but the problem is I don't real
Bradley was hurried inside that night as he was shivering due to the cold weather. His attempt to enter his room was hindered by a bold and thick voice. "Where do you think you're headed? What's making you rush to enter? What's the genuine matter?Although everything was dark, Bradley was unable to see the person speaking to him. He moved closer to see who he was, but his vision was unable to see the person speaking.I am speaking with you. Why are you approaching me like you don't know who it is or have you become insane? The voice spoke to him. As the voice spoke once more, Bradley knew it was his stepfather. He was unable to act, so he paused and showed reverence to his father. I repeat, where are you coming from? I won't say it again. “E…mm” he was about to stammer because the fear in him wouldn't allow him say anything because he was always afraid of his stepfather anytime he is close to him because of the way he treated him, he didn't have anything to say any more so he had
A GLIMMER OF TRUSTMONA'S POVI saw Bradley's message the notification came to my phone I took a little bit of time to reply to him his words were touching in my heart they were emotional to me, I never wanted to reply those messages I wanted to be left alone for some time before I speak with anyone I needed some space to myself, but he wouldn't let me be. I think he is distressed about me but what did he want me for I just have to text him. “You keep disturbing me. I wanted to have some time to myself, but your emotional words wouldn't let me be. I just replied to you for a reason. Okay, not there I required you around me. Okay, you Just have to learn to let me be okay. I really require some space for myself. I am at the area of the street okay I am there alone I have to take some rest okay just come over there” I texted him. I knew as soon as he saw the message, he wouldn't hesitate to come over to come and check me if I am truly here. Not quite long after I texted him, I saw him