Immediately the clock chimed 4 am, Raymond sat up in his bed. For more than ten years now, he had been waking up by 4 am each day. His body was now used to the timing that even if he didn't set an alarm, he would be awake by 4 am. He climbed out of bed, then walked straight into the bathroom to wash his sleepy face before he commenced work for the day. When he was done, he returned to his room and did some stretches before settling on his laptop, which was on his desk. Since he skipped work the previous day, he had an extra workload, so he felt that to accomplish his day's goal, he needed to start earlier. He ought to meditate for thirty minutes, but since he didn't do a thing the previous day, he had to skip that daily ritual. For more than three hours, his eyes were fixed on his screen as he went through business proposals, deals, and deadlines that he had to beat. He only realized the time had gone far when his phone began to buzz. It was Niko on the line. “Hey,”
At school, Julia refused to speak to anyone, not to talk of engage in class discussion. She was in her world thinking of the topmost issue on her mind. Ever since Raymond slumped at work due to his boss overworking him, that was two months ago, Julia had been mapping out ways how to get him out of his workplace. She wanted him to work somewhere that his health issue would be placed into consideration and not the other way around. If anything happens to him, the company he works for would only send a condolence letter and some amount of money, and that was all. Julia didn't want that to happen. Even if he had barely a year to live, she didn't want his workplace to fast-forward his death. Unknowingly to him, she had visited several companies and firms to seek a good job for him but had found none. All seemed stressful to her and hence was not different from his former work. The previous night, when he had returned late from work, she tried to speak to him but when she
With a racing heart, Julia got into the cab she had flagged down. Raymond was at work; hence there was no point telling him her whereabouts, in fact, that was a bonus because she didn't want him to know what she was up to. She was going to be snappy with the conversation with her father so that she would return before he did. To keep her mind alert, she began to think about the kind of job Raymond engages in. “What kind of job requires a man to wear tuxedos and blazers every day? Receptionist, PA, Banker, Doctor…” she thought When she couldn't take it anymore, she said, “What if he's just dressing that way so that he won't be mocked by his peers and most, especially my family? Who knows if he is a mechanic or a bricklayer?” She scoffed as she snapped her fingers in anger. “Are you speaking to me?” The driver asked as he peered at the rear mirror. “I didn't pay for a ride to engage you in a conversation” she retorted angrily The driver just sighed, then returned his gaze
The footsteps ceased seconds later and the owner cleared his throat. Recognizing her father's voice, she relaxed, then released the breath she had been holding. A few seconds later, she began to hear another footstep, thinking it was Stella, she hissed but to her charging, it was her mom. “I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. I had a business deal to wrap” her father said as he helped his wife to sit before taking the spot beside her. “It's okay” Julia replied monotone She wished it were only her father who was in the living room with her because she feared her mom would pose a challenge to her. “I got worried when you said you wanted to see me last night, is everything alright?” Her father asked. “Yes father…” she was still speaking when her mom cut in “Then why did you text him? You are married now and so you have to express your worries to your husband and not your father” Swallowing her spittle, Julia propped herself up and maintained strong eye contact with her. If
For the next five minutes or so, Raymond was looking around her room hoping to see a clue to her whereabouts, but he found none. He was in dire need of the same piece of paper carrying a message about her whereabouts to be attached. somewhere in her room. Slipping his phone from his pocket, he checked his message box to see if he had missed her text. “What's going on?” He muttered as he ran his eyes through the room once more. Dejected, he returned to the kitchen to have his meal. As he ate, he was wondering where she must have gone. They were not really close, but he felt he had the right to know her whereabouts, moreover they were couple. After picking his food, he was able to finish eating about thirty minutes later. As he washed the bowl he had used, he began to wonder where she must have gone and haven't returned. When he was done, he wiped his hand on the napkin before picking up his phone that was lying on the island table. During the day, Raymond had formed t
Julia looked on as her family made a mockery of her. For the hundredth time, she reviewed her words in her head to be certain she hadn't said anything funny, and it turns out she hadn't done that. “Is it because I challenged them, and now they are mocking me because I still went on my knees to beg them?” She wondered as she glared at the trio. The laughter was soul-piercing. Walking out of them was the next option, but she stayed put. She had to endure it for the sake of her husband and nothing else. “I hope they give me what I want after their laughter,” she muttered, casting them a glance. All she wanted was for Raymond should be given a job in the family company. She couldn't bear the thought of having him work his butt off in a ghost company. She just wanted a chance for her husband and as a result, she endured everything that was happening. “Did you see any vacant posts on the website?” Stella was the first to speak as she ran her eyes through Julia's figure. “
The only person who seemed to be unaffected by his presence was Julia. She was just staring at him as if he were a new toy she wanted to acquire from the mall. After allowing him to torment her family with his presence for more than ten minutes, she grabbed her purse and phone, then walked across the room. Everyone used their eyes to follow her until she came to a halt right in front of Raymond. She engaged him in an eye contest before grabbing his hand, then led him out of the living room. Stella was the first to release the breath, she had been holding. With her heart in her mouth, she rose as she stared at her mom, who was visibly shaken by Raymond's appearance. She looked in her father's direction and it was still the same thing. “What just happened?” She asked no one in particular with her fingers pointed at the door which they had walked out from. “I'm still confused here. Did he eavesdrop on our conversation?” Mr. Brooks asked. “Of course he did. When he got tired,
Raymond tried to turn his face aside, but Julia was quick to grab his face. “Say something” she snapped “What job offer does your family have?” He asked. “I don't know yet but trust me, it's going to be good” she said and at the same time she was trying to believe her word. Since Julia had no idea on the kind of work her family was offering, Raymond began to brainstorm on all the possible job offers a company could offer. It became more difficult for him when he realized that he had no idea what kind of company her family operated and the services they rendered. He brainstormed for a long time before coming up with the least job he could think of. “What if I'm assigned to work in the lavatory?” He asked. Julia cast him a glare, then whacked him hard across his shoulder. Raymond wasn't hurt, so she whacked him again with all the energy she could muster. “That was hard,” he groaned as he rubbed his aching shoulder. “Really?” “Of course. Moreover, it was just a simpl
Chapter 188Niko had been going on and on about his dream wedding, it was not as if he was in a serious relationship or had anyone he had a crush on.Adam and Raymond were trying to stifle their laughter because they found his gestures funny but listened to him regardless with rapt attention."No, my dream wedding would be in Paris, the city of love, no, no, Dubai. Women love traveling to Dubai and I know my woman would want the same too.” "What woman, last I checked, you're single.” Raymond said. "Is that what you think?" Niko asked with a smirk. Adam and Raymond exchanged glances with their mouths wide open. Adam was the first to speak because he was surprised since he was closer to Niko."Are you seeing any woman now?" Adam asked, surprise evident in his tone and Niko chuckled for a bit before he sat down, he had been standing ever since he began his description."I would only tell you when I'm done with my description of my perfect dream wedding. So as I was saying before I was
Raymond has just left the correctional center and all he could think of was his father's face. The look on his father's face kept replaying through Raymond's mind. He would rather have his company crumble than let his son manage it? What kind of man was that? — he scowled, replaying his words in his head. On leaving the prison, he called Adam and Niko to meet him at their favorite bar. He needed a drink to wipe the images flooding his head. The image of his father trying to kill him. The image of him swearing to do it again, everything was making him.go crazy. Several minutes later, Adam and Niko met him at the bar and they began taking shots."It's not enough that my wife almost died, I had to go be reminded of the shitty ass dad I have." Raymond yelled downing another shot in one gulp. "You shouldn't have met him." Adam said to him rubbing his shoulder. "I don't know why you bother with him when you should be looking for ways to cut ties with him for good." To that Raymond grun
“Are you sure you are okay?” Raymond asked, leaning against the bed frame. As for her family, they were in the waiting room. Niko and Adam and finally succeeded in pushing them out to prevent further drama. “Sure, I'm.” Came her response, accompanying it with a smile but Raymond wasn't placated by it and didn't bother to hide it. “Are you thinking about Dina?” She asked and immediately, Raymond snapped his head in her direction.“Dina doesn't matter here, your health and wellbeing comes first.” He said, propping her up, he said, “Let's get you to Doctor Anderson so he can check you thoroughly.” He said, pushing her hair behind her ears. “Don't you trust…” “I don't.” he snapped even before she could complete her words. “Fine, let's go see him.” She said with a shrug. After making a few calls, Julia was moved to Doctor Anderson hospital. Though he wouldn't be the one to perform the checkup, he referred another doctor who shared the same name with him. Before they could get to th
"Where's Raymond? I can't believe he couldn't do anything to help Julia rather he sat back watching that lunatic lynch her.” Mrs. Brooks said, storming towards the ward she had been directed to. The moment Raymond heard Mrs. Brooks' voice, he froze against the chair he was occupying. His hands immediately became sweaty as he braced himself up to face her. Niko and Adam looked at him in pity. They knew the history between Raymond and Julia's parents even if it seems they had rectified their differences and they didn't want to interfere.Immediately Julia's parents entered the room, Raymond stood up from his seat while they looked at him with disdain before they bypassed him and went straight to Julia who was still unconscious but was now stable. "Can you see what you've done, you see. I warned Julia not to get involved with a despicable person like you but she was swoon by your charms to listen to me. Now look where that love has gotten her." Mrs. Brooks yelled, venom dripping from
Meanwhile, Julia was holding her head in pain, she screamed in sheer horror as she saw the blood streaming down her face, staining her clothes in the process. The noise coming from all corners made her so uncomfortable coupled with the pains she was facing. "What has Dina done to me, my head." She was still screaming when she felt Raymond's body against hers. Lifting her up, he held her tight and then placed her down on the floor."Listen to me Jul, nothing is going to happen to you, okay, I can't believe Dina would go this far.” He said, checking her pulse. Tearing his shirt, he began to press it against her wound. It didn't take long before the cloth became crimson red. "It hurts Raymond, it hurts." Julia screamed as tears continued streaming down her eyes as she lay helpless in Raymond's arms. He has never been in this kind of situation before and so, he was so confused."Please Julia wake up, you can't die on me please." Raymond whispered in her ears as tears brimmed in his ey
Chapter 183For the next few minutes, Julia couldn't raise her face. Without being told, she knew a lot of eyes were staring at them and because of this, she couldn't raise her head and look back at them. “If only Raymond had relieved her of her job when we asked him to, this wouldn't have happened.” She muttered, biting her lips in anger. “Hello sissy, I told you I'm going to get you out of the way so I can have Raymond to myself. You thought I was kidding? Damn! I wonder why a lot of people take me as a joke when I'm damn serious, Dina cringed, throwing her hands in the air. Niko wanted to stop her but Adam came out of nowhere and then blocked his path.“What do you think you are going to do?” Niko yelled, trying to bypass him but couldn't.“Let's watch her.” He replied, pushing him backwards. “Watch her as she attempts to kill Julia? Are you even thinking?” He yelled, still trying to move but couldn't. “Get your hands off me.” He yelled, pushing him but he wouldn't budge. Whi
The two continued bickering with no hope of stopping anytime soon. While Raymond was using their hassle to keep himself from zoning out, at the same time, he was looking at the door as he awaited Julia's arrival. They had gone to get the perfect dress for the party scheduled to hold the next day at the shopping mall.“Bye.” He said the moment he saw Julia walking towards him with a broad smile on her lips. “How do I look?” She asked, swirling around for him to have a clear view. “Super.” He said, smacking his lips with a little smile. “You're sure.” She asked, raising her brow at him. “Of course. It's as if the tailor had you in mind when he was making the dress.” He said, accompanying it with a wink whilst she blushed shyly. After picking a few more things, the couple's retired home for the night. Raymond knew better not to tell her anything concerning Dina's plan. The following morning, after breakfast, since the party was scheduled to hold by evening, Julia decided to keep he
Pursing her lips, Ava tried to forget about the conversation she had with Dina but couldn't. Meanwhile, Dina was busy eating merrily as she continued divulging more information to her. “Please stop it already, you are making me feel nervous.” Ava snapped. “What? Are you angry because I defeated you in our little game?” She yelled back at her, rolling her eyes to the back of her head. “That's not the point here.”“Then what is it? Speak now or forever remain silent.” She snapped, cutting a large chunk of her meat. “They are a couple, we shouldn't make things tough for them.” Laughing, Dina said, “Couples my foot. Also, I want you to clear that motion from your head. We aren't a team or anything. We decided to play a game and I beat you to it.”“I know I lost but come to think of it, you are taking this thing too far. If this continues, I'm scared you wouldn't mind doing something that would mar their marriage forever.” She mumbled. Leaning towards her, she said with a little voice
“Ava isn't the culprit here.” Niko suddenly said the following day when he, Julia, Adam and Raymond were gathered around a table to decide on which way the party was going to go. “Really?” Julia asked, leaning close, eager to hear everything that he wanted to say. “Yeah. Thanks to the spyware installed unknowingly to them on their phones.” He said, gritting his teeth and seething with anger at the same time. For the next few minutes only Niko and Julia talked. Raymond and Adam on the other hand are just watching as they listen to their conversation. “So who's the culprit now?” Adam asked with a firm voice, hitting the butt of his pen against the table. “Dina of course.” Niko replied and immediately Julia slumped on her seat, all the while she was thinking Dina was the innocent one. The previous day, she even went ahead to share lunch with her, promising to help her find someone else. “This is crazy.” She said, shaking her head as she bit her bottom lips. “If you want, I can sho