"Bien accueillir," The young waitress greeted with a welcoming smile as Brandley and Via settled into their seats at the bustling café in Lennox Mall. "Sir, your girlfriend is very beautiful, just like me." The waitress said honestly yet teasingly too.Via blushed at the compliment from the waitress, her cheeks turning a rosy hue as she glanced down, a shy smile playing on her lips. Of course she was beautiful and receiving such beautiful compliments didn't come as a surprise to her."Thank you," Bradley replied, with a sense of pride as he gazed at Via. Her beauty was undeniable, and he felt a surge of affection for her in that moment.It was the sixth month of them being a couple - a relationship that had been a journey of growth and self-discovery for Bradley. He had never imagined himself with someone as sophisticated and refined as Via, yet here they were, six months into a relationship that had been a challenge instead of the pure bliss which Brandley sought all in an attempt
Brandley arrived at the Morgan's club house. He knew he shouldn't be there but he had no choice. Saving his relationship with Via was more important to him and being almost sure that his coming to the club house was a mistake, he considered it a risk worth taking.Standing at the entrance, Brandley could hear his heart pound. It was almost like everyone present in the club house that evening were his greatest nightmare. Marcus and Norman were there with their wives and it was good enough reason to be apprehensive. His step father Jacob was his usual self, barely smiling. Everyone seemed to be having a good time except his mother Stella. The only person who was absent from the party was his half brother Alex. Alex had been in Paris for over six months on a luxurious vacation in preparation for his coming over to take over the chains of businesses that belonged to his father Jacob Morgan.Inhaling and exhaling deeply, Brandley summoned the courage to interrupt the party and make his req
Brandley arrived early at the guest house to meet with the maids. He was informed that his mother was already waiting for him in one of the rooms inside. Meeting Brandley at the guest house was to ensure that Jacob doesn't find out that she had agreed to help Brandley with the money he needed. She knew it was the least she could do to help Brandley considering how despicable Jacob treats him."Mom..." Brandley greeted as he opened the door."Oh, Brandley, I'm so sorry for what happened earlier," Stella apologized, her voice filled with concern."It's okay mom. I'm fine now," Brandley reassured her.A heavy silence fell between them as Stella tenderly placed her hand on his face, her motherly love evident in the gentle touch. She couldn't help but notice the changes in him – a slightly darker complexion and a loss of muscle tone."I'm sorry, Brandley," she apologized once more, her sincerity palpable."Mom, I've told you over and over again. I'm fine. You're the one I should be worried
Via's heart was filled with excitement as she wandered through the boutique, surrounded by an array of stunning clothing and accessories. The excitement of indulging in the shopping spree she had so much longed for filled her with an infectious joy as she looked forward to flaunting her own expensive things before her friends by the time she was done.She just couldn't take her eyes off the elegant dresses, the chic tops and stylish accessories that the boutique had to offer. Indeed, Pheonix was a treasure trove of fashion as each cloth seemed to beckon to her, inviting her to explore the real beauty of fashion.With a sense of admiration, Via moved from one rack to the next, running her fingers at the fabric of each beautiful dress, almost unable to resist the urge to indulge in a bit of everything.Brandley, seeing that Via was already picking more than he had planned for, had to remind her of the agreement."Via...," He called out."Brandley, can you see what I'm seeing?" She aske
"I think I inputted the wrong pin or something. Is it okay to try again?" Brandley asked trying to convince himself that he had probably made a mistake to receive the notification that his card had been blocked.With a skeptical look in her eyes, the cashier gave him the machine to input his pin once again. She was already getting annoyed as there were other customers waiting in line.With shaky hands, Brandley inputted his pin again hoping against hope that he had really inputted the wrong pin the first time but to his outmost dismay, the same notification popped up."Hello, sir, you're wasting my time." The lady in collared blouse blurted out.Brandley felt ashamed. Via wasn't looking. The customers behind him were becoming impatient.He took his debit card and wiped it clean with a handkerchief."I think it's dirt or something. Please let's try it one more time." Brandley requested offering a tender apology to the customers behind him.Reluctantly, the cashier tried it one more tim
Brandley, still reeling from the turn of events, could only watch in disbelief as Alex delivered a mocking wink, his intentions clear. The realization of Alex's taunt left Brandley seething with anger, unable to contain his frustration and disappointment. "Are you sure that's all?" Alex asked after seeing the few things they Via added to her collection."Can I add more?" Via asked."Of course you can. All bills on me." Alex replied confidently.Via seized the opportunity to explore the racks she had previously been denied access to and as she did, a sense of exhilaration surged through her. She scanned the array of clothing with a newfound freedom, her eyes lighting up with excitement as she spotted a beautiful dress that caught her eye."Do you like it?" Alex inquired, his gaze fixed on her with a hint of amusement."Yes, I do. Can I have it?"Without hesitation, Alex nodded in agreement, his gesture fueling Via's excitement even further. This was her moment, a taste of the lavish l
Brandley could feel the weight of panic that surged through him as he made his way back home to the Morgan's mansion that evening. He tried calling back his mom and even if the phone was ringing, she wasn't answering.Upon getting to the house, Brandley met Jacob yelling at his mother."You thought I wouldn't find out, right?" Jacob asked angrily."It's money. I have the right to spend it as I like." Stella retorted.Jacob's eyes lit with unspoken anger as he lashed out at Stella, "Your money? I guess you've forgotten how and where I met you. You were wretched. Now you have the guts to talk back at me."Stella couldn't hide her tears as Jacob continued to rain insults on her. "Why can't you just accept that I'm Brandley's mother? Why do you hate my son so much?" Stella asked."Because I'm not his father!" Jacob blurted out angrily, his words piercing deep through Stella who had always treated Alex like he was her own son."Not once have I treated Alex like he isn't my son. I've loved
Stella and Brandley stepped into the Morgan's mansion only to be met with a sight that took them by surprise. What they had expected to be a quiet family meeting had turned out to be a lavish party as the mansion had suddenly transformed into a spectacle of extravagance.Shimmering lights illuminated the grand hall, casting an ethereal glow over the opulent surroundings. Guests who were adorned in designer attire mingled and laughed, their voices carrying through the air with an air of luxury and sophistication. It was clear to Stella that this was no ordinary gathering - it was a gathering of the elite, a display of wealth and status.Yet, amidst the glittering crowd, Stella couldn't shake the feeling of unease that washed over her. She noticed the subtle glances and whispers exchanged between the guests as she and Brandley made their way through the room. It was as though they were fugitives in a world they didn't belong to, with everyone staring at with suspicion and disdain."What