Luke took in the scene unfolding before him with a satisfied grin playing out on his lips. The conference had been brought to a premature end because of the entire Antoine debacle but he couldn’t care less because his grandfather was currently being congratulated and praised over Luke’s ability to discover Antoine’s crimes and bring him to justice.Prominent news and radio channels in London had covered the entirety of this evening’s happenings. Luke was certain that by tomorrow, news of Antoine's arrest will probably reach every nook and cranny of the earth… including his home country, France.However, just when happiness was within reach, the ugly hands of fate struck yet again.With a furrowed expression, Luke watched his grandfather excuse himself from the crowd to take a phone call. He noticed that Lord George’s expression soured immediately he looked down at the screen and discovered who the caller was.Call it a gut feeling but something told him to follow behind and find out
The air in the room was stiff and cackling with tension. Luke could feel his grandfather’s burning stare as he thought of ways to avoid the questions he knew were coming.“Luke? Is that true? Did Fiona set up the hall for the conference today?”Luke's gaze clashed with his grandfather’s icy ones, his heart clenching when he saw the confusion and disbelief in the older man’s eyes.After a moment’s hesitation, completely ashamed, he lowered his gaze and nodded. “Yes, grandfather. She’s right.”“What?!” Lord George bellowed. “How the hell is that even possible? You told me that you had everything under control.”Luke shook his head, his guts tightening with rage when he saw Fiona’s smug expression.“After the event centre got burnt down, it was a real struggle to find another suitable place…”“Why didn’t you come to me for help, then?” Lord George cut in. “You were in a fix and instead of coming to your family for help, you decided to receive assistance from a stranger? And not just any
It was eight PM already and the Carmichaels were scheduled to arrive anytime now. Luke and his grandfather waited patiently on the porch for their arrival. Fifteen minutes later, the gates were pulled open and a gleaming black SUV rolled into the premises. Luke’s heartbeat accelerated in anticipation as the car rolled to a stop and a uniformed, middle aged driver quickly got down from the driver’s side to help them with their doors. Luke had no idea what his grandfather had planned for the Carmichaels but whatever it was, he knew it was going to be worth the wait.Finally, Mrs Carmichael was helped out of the car first, followed by Fiona and her father.Luke felt his grandfather visibly stiffen as they approached. Mrs Carmichael and Fiona had fake, wide smiles pasted on their faces. Luke did not bother returning the favour.“Luke!” Mrs Carmichael crowed. “Thank you so much for letting us stay here. We’re very grateful to you.” She moved in for a hug but Luke stepped back quickly, e
Luke reeled in pleasant shock at his grandfather’s declaration. He was very much aware of the tiny building which had been erected six months ago for Lord George’s personal bodyguard. The house was barely spacious enough for one person, talk more of an entire family of three.The Carmichaels, on the other hand, looked like they’d been shot in the foot with a rifle. It took all of Luke’s self control not to burst into a fit of uncultured laughter at the look of horror on their faces.“What are you talking about?” Fiona whispered, her voice tinged with disbelief. “The agreement was that my family and I will stay in your mansion for two weeks, not the boys’ quarters.”“Exactly.” Lord George agreed with a tiny shrug. “Your deal clearly stated that you will stay in my mansion. This entire premises is my mansion, including the boys’ quarters.You never said that you’ll be at liberty to choose which part of the mansion you decide to stay in for the next two weeks… so I took the initiative a
Luke was literally dying of laughter as he led the Carmichaels to their new residence. He could not help the satisfaction that unfurled in his guts at the scoffs of disgust and discomfort that came from Mrs. Carmichael and Fiona when they arrived at the tiny cottage.“This is it. Welcome to your new home for the next two weeks.” Luke stepped aside, giving the Carmichaels the opportunity to take in their new home.Fiona looked around, her mouth pinched with disgust.“Luke, this wasn’t part of the plan and you know it.” She sneered. “Your grandfather has cheated us.”Luke gave her a stoic glare.“Fiona, I’m pretty sure my grandfather has sufficiently explained the circumstances surrounding your living conditions to you. Now, if you would excuse me, I have work to do.” That being said, Luke turned around and walked away without looking back. Fiona watched him leave, her guts burning with bitter anger. When he was completely out of sight and earshot, she stomped her left foot on the gro
The next morning dawned bright and clear. After a restless night’s sleep filled with torments from rats and cockroaches of all shapes and sizes, Fiona rose as early as six AM to execute the next part of her plan.Her plan was to make Luke his best coffee before he left for work, just like a good wife or fiancée would.She wanted to prove to him that she was the only woman who deserved to run his empire by his side, one cup of coffee at a time.Fiona successfully bypassed the security guard at the first entrance of the building. However, just as she was about to go through the mansion’s main entrance, a voice came from behind her;“And where do you think you’re going, young lady?”Fiona froze in her tracks for all of two seconds. Finally, she took a deep breath to calm her frayed nerves, put on her best diva smile and turned to face whoever it was.Her smile disappeared immediately when the person turned out to be one of the guards.“And who do you think you are to ask me that question
“What’s wrong, Luke? What happened?” Nina asked, getting to her feet and patting him softly on the back just in case he’d choked on his coffee.Fiona tried to back out of the room without being seen but Luke shot her a dark, cold stare and she froze in her tracks.“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” He asked.“Uh… Um. I…” she stuttered.Nina and Lord George stared in confusion as Luke got to his feet and advanced in Fiona’s direction. His shoulders were stiff with tension and his eyes, all but glowing with rage.“Son, what happened? What’s wrong?” Lord George inquired.Luke remained mute until he was standing almost nose-to-nose with Fiona, pinning her in place with a death-worthy glare.“What happened to the coffee I ordered you to make, Fiona?” He asked in a low growl. When she continually remained silent, lowering her head to avoid his gaze, Luke snapped.“Speak!”Startled, Fiona jumped and a squeak of surprise fell from her lips.“I… I don’t know…”Luke grabbed her upper
Luke and Nina touched down Japan at exactly seven PM the next evening. They were immediately driven to the Fortress Hill Hotels, one of the best seven star hotels in the city.On their way, Luke watched, completely fascinated as Nina smiled and gasped at the view of the beautiful city. He couldn’t help it. She was simply the most beautiful woman he’d ever met. And to think that Fiona almost made her choke on bad coffee. “Oh my God, Luke!” Nina exclaimed, snapping him out of his bad thoughts. “Japan is so beautiful! Take a look at those cool lanterns.”Completely smitten by her infectious joy, Luke took her hand and smiled down at her. “Yeah. It’s a beautiful place. Very beautiful.”He was supposedly referring to the city but his entire attention was on Nina.The atmosphere in the car suddenly grew tense as Nina ducked her head shyly and tucked a strip of hair behind her ear.Seconds later, her entire frame trembled with delicious heat as Luke tipped her face upwards with his index
One year later“…to end this broadcast, here’s a recap of the major stories.Former Mrs. Fiona George, ex wife to one of London’s most successful trillionaire businessman, Luke George, along with her mother, Mrs. Carmichael and ex-boyfriend, David Humsworth have all been sentenced to different years in prison. After a long year of legal battles, the court finally announced their sentence today, bringing months of crime and criminal conspiracy to an end…”A sense of satisfaction settled over Luke’s heart as he watched clips of Fiona, her mother and David being led into a police van, already handcuffed. Fiona was screaming and crying while David and Mrs. Carmichael lowered their heads to avoid being captured by the cameras.Beside Luke, Nina, his five months pregnant wife, snuggled deeper against his side, placing her small hands atop his chest.“It’s finally over.” She whispered, her gentle voice already soothing his soul. “It’s really over. Are you happy now?”Luke twisted to the si
For five long seconds, a thick blanket of silence reigned in the room. Lord George stared at Nina in shock, obviously unable to believe his ears. Lucas’ expression was filled with awe while Fiona and her mother looked like they’d just been forced to swallow a bowl full of fart.“Luke, she’s lying. This bitch is lying to you. I didn’t bribe the doctor. How could I do that when I didn’t even know the hospital until you took me there? How can I betray you like that?” She sniffed and hiccuped, looking every bit the victim.Mrs. Carmichael was enraged.“All you’ve done for the past few minutes is go around yapping that little mouth of yours and spewing lies.” She spat at Nina. “Where’s your evidence, huh? You’re claiming that my daughter bribed the doctor. Where’s your goddamn evidence, you shameless homewrecker?!”“If you’re looking for evidence, don’t ask her. Ask me.”Everyone turned towards the door, searching for the owner of the new voice.Mrs Carmichael’s face dampened with fear an
Luke’s heart thundered like a runaway train as Fiona came closer and closer, thrusting the baby towards him.When she was just a hair’s breadth away, Nina intercepted her, blocking her from reaching him.Fiona’s scowl deepened, her eyes already burning with rage.“What the heck do you think you’re doing, Nina? Get out of my way.” She snapped angrily.“And what the hell do you think you’re doing?” Nina countered, folding her arms.Fiona raised her chin.“I was just about to introduce Luke to his son and heir before you rudely interrupted. As you know, my Cameron is a bonafide member of this family. You’re not. Therefore you have no right to be here. Why don’t you just give up on your plans to destroy my marriage, Nina? Can’t you see that you’re already failing?”Nina smirked.“Since we’re all here and you seem to have so much to say today, Fiona, why don’t we play a little game?”Luke stared at the back of Nina’s head with confusion. What was she doing?“In addition to being blind, ar
SIX MONTHS LATERPain. He was in so much pain.His arms, legs and back throbbed and burned. His head felt like a wailing banshee had taken up residence. He tried to open his eyes but his eyelids seemed to be glued shut.“His vitals seem okay but he’s no longer responding to treatment. I’m afraid his coma might become worse. His injuries are nothing like we’ve ever seen before.”He heard noises above him and tried to alert whoever it was to the fact that he was actually awake. He tried to blink or even move his finger, but his body refused to listen to his brain as usual.“I’m sorry but you and your family will have to consider taking him off life support. I don’t mean to be pessimistic but it doesn’t look like he’ll get any better than this.”His heart tightened with panic as he listened to the doctor go on and on about how he’ll never recover. Someone was crying in the room. He could hear the whimpers. Her whimpers.He struggled to stay awake for a moment longer but his brain was spi
THREE MONTHS LATERThe day was dark and gloomy. Rydling soldiers and Elders gathered around the glass casket, their faces pinched in tight frowns.“We’re gathered today to celebrate the one person who sacrificed his life to save all of us. We’re here to witness the end of the reign of our chosen one.” Elder Tomako said quietly.“We watched him fight a good fight. Now, it’s time to bid him farewell. We tried our possible best to bring him back, but I believe this is really the end of the road for our hero. Lower the casket.”The casket was lowered by four heavily built soldiers into the already dug earth. The moment it touched the ground, the death bells started ringing.The forlorn sounds of the bell were followed by flashes of lightning and the deep, rumbling sounds of thunder. That was the king of the Rydlings himself, saying goodbye to his chosen one. The Chosen One had fought a good fight. Now, it was time for him to rest eternally.
THE END OF HIS REIGN***Have you ever gotten the feeling that you’re about to die and no one can save you even if they tried?Have you ever looked death straight in the eyes?That was all that went through Luke’s mind as he stared at the red eyes of the demon-beast before him. His knees and heart quaked with fear and blood whooshed loudly in his ears.Luke knew he was powerless without his amulet. Even if he’d trained for physical combat, those skills wouldn’t be of any significant help against Malcolm.Malcolm took a step forward and Luke gulped in deeply.“I heard Rydling had chosen a weakling to save his people.” He growled, his voice dripping with disgust. “I thought my people were bluffing. But looking at you, I guess they weren’t.Which makes me wonder why my own brother would, out of the millions of experienced and well-trained soldiers at his disposal, choose a good-for-nothing scaredy-cat to lead a war against me.” Malcolm burst into loud, booming laughter. “I mean, what w
A month later…Something was coming. Luke could feel it.For the past month, his anxiety rate had tripled. During the day, he felt followed, stalked. At night, he felt watched.. He could barely sleep these days. His amulet glowed all night and he was pretty certain he’d heard whispers in the dark two nights ago. The hairs on the back of his neck stood at attention. His guts burned with suspicion. There was something wrong somewhere.Something was coming. Something dark…and very, very ugly.****“Focus, Luke. Focus! Channel your amulet’s power. If you’re distracted, the enemy will definitely find an opening to strike.”Luke took a deep breath, trying to calm his raging nerves. Today’s training was on mobility. His ability to dodge the strikes of evil spells or possibly, gun shots from the enemy.“There’s an unwritten rule that guns are banned from all supernatural wars but Malcolm’s followers are evil. We should not underestimate their inclination to cheat.” Elder Tomako had said ea
FOUR MONTHS LATER“It's all about concentration, Luke.” Elder Tomako said for the umpteenth time. “Close your eyes and focus on the power within your amulet. Channel it. If you can do that, the amulet would do anything you want. Close your eyes and feel the magic. Command it.”Luke shot his eyes and focused. Gradually, he felt the familiar energy begin to build. His amulet glowed and throbbed against his chest, sending spurts after spurts of power through his entire frame.He chanted the power codes he was taught throughout his first month of training and the tips of his finger began to burn. “Ancient spirits please arise. Lend your power and your might. Victory over my enemies, I pray thee. Ancient spirits please arise!”Finally, the energy within him became so powerful, shards of dangerous light shot through his fingers and sliced all the targets in front of him, reducing them to puffs of dust.The room erupted into a flurry of explosions and the stench of smoke filled the air.Whe
“How did you kill him?” Luke asked as they both settled down on the Italian sofa.Lucas’ expression became guarded.“Well, turns out, grandpa isn't the only person Edoardo was indebted to. The bastard was involved with a lot of shady people. He gambled a lot and lost loads of cash in the process.Unfortunately, he borrowed money from an organisation that doesn’t believe debtors should walk around scot free.”A slight chill crawled up Luke’s spine at Lucas’ dark expression.“What organisation was that?”Lucas took a few seconds too long to reply and Luke instantly knew that Edoardo had fallen into deep, deep shit before his death.“Edoardo borrowed money from the Russian crime syndicate. The Bratva.”Luke froze as shock shot through his entire system. “D-did you just say…?”Lucas nodded.“Yes. Unfortunately for him, he borrowed half a million dollars from them and couldn’t pay back after a period of six months like he’d promised.”Luke's heart thumped wildly as he asked;“How did they