"We are so sorry for any inconvenience this might have caused you. Ms. Wilmore," Mr. Tommy bowed.At the moment, Maxwell could no longer hold on to the joy that lingered in his heart. Seeing a decent man bow to his young cousin Mirabella. A smile formed at the corner of his lips as he watched Tommy order the security guards who had harassed him a few minutes ago to apologize properly."We are sorry, sir," they said, bowing their heads in unison.Maxwell and Mirabella continued with their meal, ignoring every other person in the room."He's got some guts." Mirabella chuckled as the thought of Sebastian's arrogant advances crossed her mind."I know his type, and I know exactly how to stop his little charade." Maxwell's tone was stiff and determined as he dug into his meal."So how was the wedding? That calls for some celebration, right, or don't you think it does, my newlywed?" Mirabella teases; without waiting for Maxwell's approval, she lifts the glass of wine and makes a toast to for
"What is he talking about?" Maxwell asked but Athena waved his question away." I need some fresh air" she announced and began walking out. Maxwell followed and in what seemed like five minutes the duo walked back into the hall. Veronica’s face immediately turned dark as Athena and Maxwell approached the table where she was sitting. The table was originally reserved for the Farmont family, but Grandma and her two sons were busy greeting and chatting with the guests who had just arrived.The elegant white tablecloth, crystal glasses and polished cutlery adorn the dining table. A centerpiece of fresh flowers with a subtle fragrance is displayed in a lovely vase. The soothing light of well placed candles creates a cozy and welcoming ambiance. Every place setting has an air of refinement when the linen napkins are folded and laid onExhausted from the drama that had unfolded a few minutes ago, as a result of her daughter's unreasonable decision to continue with her marriage to Maxwell, V
“Oh, c’mon, I won’t stoop so low to go on the ring with a low life like you.” Sabastian snarled the words with pure disdain. Sabastian, I won’t let you talk to my husband in that manner." “Oh! I see what you are trying to say here, yeah’. Isn’t he the guy from the restaurant yesterday?" Sabastian laughs as he recalls his fight scene and how he made him kneel in front of that little Mirabella. “You are the same guy as that so-called Mira. Before he could finish, Maxwell threw a punch, but it stopped right before it got to his face. Maxwell looked down at his wrist and then at his hand, which had restricted him from hitting this arrogant man. “Don’t do it," she said coldly, staring at Maxwell deep in the eyes. She didn’t want the night ruined, as some other guests would think that she had gotten married to Maxwell so he could fight off all her enemies. She stood, imagining how defensive Maxwell gets whenever he is with her. She barely knew him, but from his display, she could tell w
“There’s no way I’m going to let that happen." Veronica gave a fierce response and began to walk back to the hall.“Is there a problem?’ Maxwell asked calmly.‘It’s a little family issue, but trust me, everything will be fine’ Athena responded with an assuring smile. They both walked back into the dining hall.The next morning, after having his breakfast, Maxwell rode on his bicycle to school.He parked his bicycle on one side of the parking lot, but as soon as he locked it, a white SUV slowly parked in a spot across from him.He quickly looked up, inadvertently, and saw a young couple getting out of the car.The man was wearing a white shirt and a ripped bogus jean, looking handsome and smart.Meanwhile, the lady was dressed up in a flamboyant suit. Although somewhat gaudy, she was still considered beautiful.It turned out to be the famous John and Vicky, his now-ex-girlfriend.Maxwell didn’t care why they were here so early, but he knew the wisest thing to do at this point was to av
This is something that always pained Maxwell when it came to dealing with people in power. A video of him in torn underwear was released; he was bruised and battered by the son of a so-called governor, yet nothing could be done to the preparatory work because some governors were involved.Somehow, the only consoling evidence he has against them is the recording he has in his hand.Storming out of Mr. Amos' office with rage, students had already filled the lobby as he walked; they made way for him to pass, and silent giggles could be heard from the side talks."He thinks he can pay his way out", one voice said. I thought to stop but decided to pay no attention to them. He knows where he is going, and he knows exactly how he will take revenge on every single person who has offended him.With quick, aggressive steps, he moved out, his body swaying left and right, causing a rhythmic flow with his shoulders. The thick vibration from his phone caused him to pause. He pulled out the phone, r
Maxwell’s mind is already prepared for what he might meet in the course of fighting the contest. He was amazed by his father’s determination to be the best at what he does. He closes his eyes and mutters a few words of encouragement to himself. At least Zander knows of his commitments, and in no time he will fully take possession of all the wealth that has been kept for him.He fixed his gaze on Zander and imagined what would happen if they all found out that his marriage to Athena was on a contract basis. He shrugged his shoulders and made a hit on one of the worn-out punching bags when a message popped up on his phone.“Who is that?” Zander asked with curiosity.“I think it's Athena, " he replied without taking his eyes off the phone screen. “She wants me to meet her up in her office.”“Oh, I see you too are getting along just fine." It’s a good thing you granted your father’s last wish, but then you have to be careful with those folks. They can be creepy.“I’ve had a little experie
“What? You know that’s not going to be an easy thing to do.”I know, but come to think of it, the whole world now knows we are married, and it only means that we live together as man and wife; we can’t live separately. She explained.“I think you have a point; I will move in tomorrow. He told her and soon began to drum his fingers on his thighs.Athena smiled heartily. This is the happiest news she has ever heard in days. At least with Maxwell in her house, she will be sure of some sort of protection from her uncle's constant bullying.“The Wilmore’s are organizing a bidding fair; I think it would boost my business if I took the opportunity to have a little share with them since my own family despises my growth so much," she said, raising the inner corners of her eyebrows and sucking on her lower lip.“You look funny in that blazer, " she teased, her countenance suddenly brightening up as she made deliberate fun of Maxwell.“Oh, this, he asked, raising the blazer up and shaking it slo
Just after dinner, Athena and Maxwell decided to leave for their home. Since Athena and her mother didn’t leave the mansion, it was already late in the night, sizzling with the chaos unfolding every day. Athena has resorted to saying less to her family as much as she can.‘Thank you for standing by me in there’, she told him. Maxwell looked up at her with a smile. He knew what he had done was going to linger in the air for a long time and that God-forsaking Uncle Duncan might want to come for him later.His smile was reassuring and genuine. “I did it because I hate to see people bren oppressed. I have had my fair share of oppression, and I still have to deal with the stigma of being born poor every other day. He lowered his voice and held her hand in his.‘For as long as you remain my wife, I will protect you from those monsters’. His words made Athena’s heart leap for a moment as she locked eyes with him. She was beginning to love how he took her problems upon himself, but then she c
Maxwell and Mirabella approached the hall with their suits and their dark glasses looking so perfect in them. They had decided to go in the same dress that night, even though it wasn't their grandmother's party. The large hall was filled with guests; honorable men and women of the press were also fully present. They walked down and found the perfect spot to sit. Athena's grandma and her sons were seated on one large table. While Veronica and Athena were busy welcoming the guests into the hall, Just then Maxwell's eyes locked with Grandma Elizabeth, and she got up sharply from her seat and walked towards him.“Hey! Aren't you the wretched boy Athena brought into my home?” She asked with her aged hands on her waist.“I am that same boy, ma'am." Maxwell said, standing up from his seat.“I can see you cleaned up well, but all you need to know is that a pig will always be a pig. You do not need to borrow all of these things to look good because you want to creep into my family." She said
“What the hell is going on?” Maxwell was surprised at Athena's sudden claim of being his wife.“I should be the one asking you what's happening with you and that lady." Athena asked, putting her hands on her waist. “Well, she just came to introduce herself, and that's it. She said she wanted to get to know me, and I said fine, and then she suddenly started acting funny and crazy. She's really a creepy one. She wants me, and I can see it in her eyes. I'm never going to let her take advantage of me." Maxwell said.Athena raised her nose at him and said, “I can see that. You're irresistible,you think?” She asked sarcastically.“Of course I am irresistible, just that you are blind to it." Maxwell teased and poked her nose softly. “Grandpa is waiting for you; we thought something had happened, so I came to get you myself.”.“As my saviour or guardian angel?” “Whichever one you pick, I don't really care." Athena spoke to him calmly.“Let's go”. She pulled him by the hand.“But for real
Maxwell picked Athena up at the exact time he told her. This time she wore a black dress with a crossed strap at the back. Her hair swayed on her shoulders as she walked out of the house to meet him outside.Hello, Mr. Maxwell." She said this to him with a broad smile on her face."Hello, Ms. Fairmont, Are I late?” He asked her casually, his broad smile gracing his appearance. “Nope! You aren't late for the appointment, Mr. CEO." She responded by flapping her hands over her face so he would notice her makeup. She had to do the regular type by herself. She sensed that tonight's occasion was going to be a really heavy one, so she invited a makeup artist over to do the needful on her face. She now had fuller lips than usual, and her nose stood out, pointed and straight, with the help of the contour. “Oh! Okay, I get the message. Your makeup is a hundred percent perfect, and you look really stunning in that black dress, just like a black rose with petals of red on it." Maxwell gave his
Six months later, Wilmore Casino had grown into the talk of town. They were well known all over the city. Uncle Zander and grandpa are so proud of what Maxwell had made out of the business within just a few months of emerging as MD. Just like the way Grandpa usually creeps into his room unannounced. The knock on the door was soft and familiar, but he never thought that it would be his grandpa until he answered.“Come in, please." He answered even though his back was turned against the door. He was busy making some photocopies.“Hey,son”. Maxwell turned only to see his grandfather walking into the room with his walking aid on one hand. “Hey pops, you didn't tell me you were coming,” Maxwell said with a smile on his face. He got up from his seat and went to hug his grandfather.“I didn't know I had to call your assistant or book an appointment before coming over to see my son; you should be more grateful, and the old grayed man is paying you an extravagant visit." Grandpa teased. They
Maxwell had resumed work fully, and it has beenIt was a bit hectic for him, as this was his first time managing any institution. He was sitting in his office when Mirabella came in. Shocked to see her, he got up.“Mirabella, is everything alright?” He asked her with shock and curiosity in his tone.“Have you seen the news recently?” Mirabella asked, still pointing at him as he stood to his feet casually.“What about the news? I haven't heard anything, though." Maxwell responded sharply. "Here,” she rummaged through her bag and threw the newspaper down on the table.“What's this?” He asked about picking it up.“Vickie?” He asked in surprise and flipped the page to read the headlines. “My God, who did this to her?” He asked, looking up at Mirabella. She shrugged her shoulders. “I don't know." She replied. He paused for a while and had a flashback to the last day he had met her with those hefty men. She had actually brought them to kill him, but Grandpa was just on time to defend him
After they finished with the dinner, they spoke for a while and cracked jokes to themselves. Athen had never had such a beautiful moment in her life with any man before. Her heart skipped a bit the moment she paused and leaned closer to her. Her body was ready, and just as his lip was about to touch hers, she pulled away.“Uhm! Arrh! I have to go now. I mean, we should go now; we have work to do tomorrow. I have meetings to attend tomorrow." She stuttered the words at him. Maxwell got up and looked down at her. “I get it, and I am sorry. I am willing to wait until you are ready." He told her with a smile, and for a second, Athena had all the tightened air in her stomach loosen. “Thank you”. She said and smiled at him for being so kind and considerate, unlike Sabastian, who tried to drug her to have his way with her. She loves Maxwell's sense of humour and how mature he acts around her. He is the kind that Mark's and protects his territory. She is sure that with him, she would have n
“I shall tell you everything you need to know, and none of it shall I withhold." Maxwell told her calmly, his eyes not straying away from her at all. She had learned to hold his gaze for a little more time before doing anything else. Now that he began to speak, she placed both hands on her lap, barely even checking out the food prepared for them by the five-star chef. Athena looked cool and calm, but deep down in her heart, she had loads of unanswered questions.“I'm waiting, and I plan to listen to all you have to say to me tonight." Athena responded with a calm tone.“I am an orphan. I lost my dad to some killers from the opposition. And my mom was killed a few months after my birth. So my grandpa, Ricjard Wilmore, took me to a woman and asked her to take care of me. He even gave her some money to take care of me. The lady looked away because my life was threatened, so she ran away with the baby, and that's how I grew up in a poor home. I never knew I had a rich father until my fina
Athena put her hand into his and climbed down the remaining part of the stairs. She smiled at Maxwell and the two of them walked out of the building. Outside, Maxwell helped Athena with the door till she got into the car and settled down. Maxwell took the driver's seat and off they drove into the heart of the city. Athena looked puzzled as she drove past all the restaurants she had been to yet she never said a word, after a while she began to panic in her heart and then she couldn't just hold it anymore.“Maxwell, where are you going?” She asked curiously Maxwell took a quick look at her and smiled. Somewhere you would love he answered. “Why do you ask though, you don't trust me anymore?” He asked her with a smile forming at the corner of his lip.“It's not that, I am just curious because we've passed almost every restaurant I know “. She sighed and looked out the window. “It's fine. It's okay to have fears. I never wanted you not to be too strong though, being feminine comes with
After the men left, Maxwell looked at his watch. He had planned to go on a date with Athena, at least, if not for anything. She deserved some explanation about how he got to their house and the reason he had to hide his identity. He looked out the window for a while and smiled. There was no way he would let any of his children face the same humiliation he did from the rich folks. He had vowed to make a name for himself, aside from the great Wilmore behind his name. He would make a name for himself with the talent he has built inside of him. He twirled the seat and tossed it side by side. This is just a part of the good life. Nothing on earth would make him leave a life as sweet as this, and the best part of what he has earned with his new name is the respect he gets from the people around him and all those who once looked down on him. He sat in his office after he had the meeting with the staff. He needed to know their names, at least, so he wouldn't address them wrongly. They all