"Where the hell is Mark?" I snapped, consumed by a wave of irrational anger that had plagued me for months. "He was supposed to ensure Barbara's safe return and meet me here!""I will call him now, boss," Chad replied, attempting to calm the tension.Glaring at him, I snapped, "Don't you think I've already tried that? Both his and Barbara's phones are off." As the words escaped my lips, a sudden unease gripped my heart. I witnessed the realization dawning in Chad's eyes before I urgently added, "Find him!"Nodding, Chad hurried towards the door. "Gather as many men as you can and find him!" I roared, fear coursing through my veins. I followed him to the front of the house, where more of my guards were present despite the late hour of 2 a.m."Each and every one of you, go and find Mark now!" I yelled, my voice echoing through the chilly night. "Don't return until you've found him!"The sound of running feet filled the air as my guards swiftly dispersed into the darkness. Retrieving my
I visited the doctor after experiencing morning nausea. The news that followed left my heart skipping a beat. "Congratulations, Madam. You are four weeks pregnant," the doctor revealed. Finally, I was carrying Victor Donovan's child. Now I just have to wait for the perfect time to do this right. I cannot afford to mess up.I decided to stop drugging my mother. I already got what I wanted, and there was no reason to continue. But still, as the night fell and I nestled in my warm bed, gently stroking my stomach, I couldn't help but daydream about telling Victor and seeing his reaction. I had no idea why my mother didn't try to give him another child. Perhaps she was barren. I mean, she is old. In her mid-forties now. Ugh! Their wombs probably shriveled up at that age. Rolling my eyes, I turned to the side where Victor always lay and reached for his pillow to press it against my nose."I don't know, I'm beginning to think I have some deep emotions for my dear daddy dearest, which would b
I did as my mother asked, containing my emotions and pretending as if nothing had happened. When I was finally allowed out of my room, I discovered that Victor wasn't around, so I decided to wait. I felt depressed and withdrawn, so I chose to stay indoors. The night Victor returned, it was clear that he intended to visit my room again. Everything seemed familiar, but it wasn't the same anymore.As he slipped under the covers with me, attempting to draw me into his arms, I couldn't go along with it. I couldn't keep this from him any longer. "Hey," he whispered, pressing kisses on the back of my shoulders, igniting my body with desire for him. Tears welled up in my eyes, overwhelmed by the intensity of his urgent kisses. It was almost as if he had missed me. Turning in his arms, I cupped his jaw, unable to stop the tears streaming down my face. He looked down at me with a grin. "You miss me this much?" he rasped. I forced a smile, pressing my lips together."I miss you," I said. His gri
A contingent of around ten guards trailed behind me as I navigated the intricate hallways of the hospital, following the nurse who was leading me to Barbara's ward. As I entered the room, her father rose from his seat, his expression a mix of anger and concern. Chad was the only one who ventured inside with me."How could you be so careless with my daughter?" the older man began, his tone seething with anger and accusation."Sir, please try to calm down," Chad intervened, attempting to assuage the distraught father."Sit down, Isaac," I commanded, my voice firm and authoritative. Taking purposeful steps toward him, I exuded an intimidating presence. Startled, he quickly complied, his eyes widening with a mix of fear and disbelief."You can't speak to me like that!" he protested, incredulous. He glanced at Chad, seeking confirmation. "Can he talk to me like that?" He directed the question back at me, his voice filled with indignation. "I am a Senator of the United States of America! Ho
"Get the doctor, quickly!" My mother yelled as I cried, wracked with pain. Victor stood off to the side, watching me as tears streamed down my face."Everybody out!" Victor bellowed."What?! She needs a doctor!" My mother protested."I know. Leave," he replied coldly, giving her a piercing stare."Damn it, Victor, she's my daughter!""And that's precisely why she's still alive, in case you haven't grasped that," Victor retorted in a low, chilling tone reminiscent of Archer. The realization hit me—did he suspect my involvement in this?"Victor, I swear I don't know anything!" I sobbed, as the room emptied, leaving only the three of us at the dining table.Victor took a few steps towards me, joining me by my side. I could feel the sting from the broken glass and shattered plates embedded in my back. Trembling with tears, I knew these wounds would leave scars."Get out, Patricia," Victor ordered my mother, his gaze locked with mine. There was a darkness in his eyes that filled me with fe
The recent days have been an absolute whirlwind of overwhelming experiences. The department has bombarded our graduating class with a multitude of programs, leaving me feeling constantly on the go. From career seminars to elaborate dinners and even a special lunch event, the schedule has been packed to the brim. Amidst it all, I found myself tirelessly searching for the perfect dresses to wear for each occasion.On top of that, we were required to print several copies of our projects and have them signed by various school officials in our department before submitting one to the school library. And getting a hold of the school personnel was not an easy feat. As if that wasn't enough, we also had to sort out our financials to ensure there were no outstanding debts before the graduation ceremony. Exhaustion had consumed me each night, causing me to neglect the fact that Mark's calls had become scarce. Every time I tried to reach him, his phone was switched off. Unfortunately, Archer Do
In a state of bewilderment, I stepped into the house, only to find the living room transformed beyond recognition, save for the familiar presence of the chimney. The fireplace had undergone an extravagant makeover, adorned with ornate and intricately carved stones, imparting an air of opulence to the room. On either side of the entrance door, elegant tampered glass panels were now adorned with floor-to-ceiling damask drapes, exuding an aura of refined luxury.My gaze ascended to the center of the ceiling, where an exquisite chandelier now hung, casting a resplendent glow upon the space. Its shimmering crystals danced in the light, lending an ethereal touch to the room. On the opposite side of the expansive living area, a majestic staircase took center stage, its grandeur commanding attention and showcasing the artistry of the architecture.The interior exuded an air of richness and sophistication. The walls, now embellished with textured wallpaper featuring intricate patterns, imparte
"Let me go, please," I pleaded, my gaze lowered to his chest."I will when you've calmed down," he replied in his deep voice, the rumbling vibrations reaching me."I'm calm," I whispered, and he slowly released his grip, stepping back abruptly. I took a shaky breath. "Did you do all of this? Renovate my home, bury my brother without notifying me?"I needed something to distract myself from the pain and loss, and he seemed like the perfect target for my anger. Silence enveloped the grounds. I noticed Chad had left, leaving me alone with Archer. When he didn't respond, I had no choice but to look up at his face. My heart constricted as I saw his eyes fixed on Mark's unmarked grave. I remembered then that they were friends, and he had lost a friend just like I had lost a brother."Archer..." I called."It's cold. You should return to the house," he said, turning around and walking away down the path."I want to stay," I replied, my voice trembling."Mark isn't there, Adele," he said, con