"You wanna cancel your marriage plans with her?" Roland asked in disbelief as he didn't expect much from Anthony."Yes, all thanks to you for ruining my face. How do you expect me to show this face of a joker to her?" Anthony yelled.He endured the pain that came from his mouth.Roland laughed sarcastically."You're ashamed to show your face to her and her family?" Roland mocked.Anthony didn't say a word as he thought about how Katherine will feel.After all, she didn't care about him. She didn't care about how he felt. The only series she thought of all day was Roland and thinking about it made him angrier."I hate you so much, Roland Lafayette!" Anthony cursed. He yelled with the remaining strength in him.Roland pitied the latter because he looked so pitiful.He clapped mockingly at Anthony as he chortle at the latter."Thumbs up!" Roland mocked. "You did good research," Roland said.The table turned around as Roland was the one doing the mocking now.This was one big lesson Antho
Katherine was awake to the steady patter of rain upon her window, droplets yet to scatter the nascent rays of the rising sun. The sound brings calmness to the mind, a soothing melody, and a natural lullaby. With eyes at rest, she could feel her center, live happily within herself for these blessed moments of solitude.She drifts on calm seas, aimless as a child on summer vacation, paddling, at ease with the fluidity of time. Soon Katherine returned to the moment, and the song of the rain becomes a fusion, birds bringing sweet high notes. In her mind's eye, she was with them, singing upon the rooftops, filling her lungs with fresh air, watching the world come into focusFresh windy cool and crispy air started whistling like an invisible ghost. The red and green in color birds with chili-like beaks started twitting their morning melody. The enormous garden stood like a royal palace and the thick dried strong brown big branches danced welcoming the morning. The green brown beautif
"Oh my goodness! They've found Anthony." Anthony's mother exclaimed out of excitement. She jumped up repeatedly and even jumped into her husband's embrace."There's every reason for you to get excited. Let's go to the police station." Anthony's father said with a blissful smile on his face.Their son has been missing for a couple of weeks and they've got every right to be excused since he has been found.They couldn't wait to deal with the person who held Anthony captive."You're right dear." The excited woman held onto her small purse, ready to leave the house."Don't be in a hurry, have your lunch first." Her husband said with a gentle tone."The maids will pack the lunch up for me. I'll have to share it with my son." She said."Such a considerate mother." They both chuckled hard. After getting the necessities they needed ready, they drove off to the police station.On getting there, they sighted a car parked from afar, close to the station. The car looked suspicious and it didn't
Anthony's mother, Mrs. Maria, bustled around the kitchen, preparing a spread of Anthony's favorite foods and snacks. She hummed to herself as she set out plates and glasses, her eyes lighting up with joy every time he took a bite."Are you enjoying it, my love?" she asked, beaming at him.Anthony nodded, his mouth full of food. He had barely spoken since he had returned home, still reeling from the trauma of his captivity.Once he had finished eating, his parents gestured for him to sit opposite them at the dining table. His father, Mr. William, cleared his throat."Son, we need to talk about what happened to you," he said, his voice heavy with concern. "You have bruises on your face, and you were missing for weeks. We need to know what happened."Anthony hesitated, his mind flashing back to the horrors he had endured. But he knew that he needed to tell them the truth."I was kidnapped," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I was held captive by someone who wanted to hurt me."
Roland woke up early that morning, feeling both excited and nervous. Today was the day he had been waiting for his entire life – he was finally going to take over as CEO of the Lafayette Group, the massive conglomerate that his father had built from scratch.As he got out of bed, his maid Seraphina was already waiting for him, ready to help him get dressed. She had been with him since he was a child, and he trusted her completely. She picked out a sleek black suit for him, with a crisp white shirt and a red tie to match the company colors.Roland took a deep breath and looked at himself in the mirror. He was ready. He walked down the stairs to find his father, Chairman Lafayette, waiting for him alongside the Butler."Good morning, son," his father said, smiling warmly. "Are you ready for your big day?"Roland nodded, feeling a surge of pride and responsibility. "I'm ready, Dad."They walked out to the waiting limousine, where the chauffeur opened the door for them. Roland and his f
The family meeting was held in the Lafayette family mansion, a sprawling estate on the outskirts of the city. Roland arrived early, feeling a sense of apprehension as he walked up the long driveway lined with oak trees.When he entered the house, he found his father and his newly-discovered half-brother Alex sitting in the living room, deep in conversation."Roland, good to see you," Chairman Lafayette said, standing up to greet him. "I'm sorry about all of this. I had no idea that Alex existed."Roland nodded, feeling a mix of sympathy and anger towards his father. How could he have kept such a huge secret from his own family for all these years?Alex stood up, his eyes flashing with a mix of defiance and desperation. "I want my share of the company, Lafayette. I want what's rightfully mine."Chairman Lafayette sighed heavily. "I understand that, Alex. And I'm willing to work with you to come to a fair settlement. But we need to do this in a way that's fair to everyone involved."Th
Days had passed, and Roland had been running the Lafayette Group exceptionally well. His father and the old Butler were proud of him, and Roland felt a sense of accomplishment. However, during the weekend, when he normally didn't go to work, he decided to rest at home all day in his room. The scene of what happened last in the conference room flashed in his mind. He had a half-brother, Alex Lafayette. Roland was curious to know if Alex was the son of one of his father's mistresses.As he sat in his room, his maid, Seraphina, came inside with a tray of breakfast. She served him, and Roland told her not to leave. He started acting all intimate with her and told her to eat with him.Seraphina saw that he was worried about something but just couldn't dare to ask. "Is everything all right, Mr. Roland?" she asked.Roland let out a deep sigh before responding. "No, Seraphina, everything is not all right," he said, his voice laced with concern."What's wrong, young master?" Seraphina asked,
Roland arrived at his father's house just as the sun was setting. His heart was pounding in his chest as he stepped out of his car and approached the front door. He knew that this conversation could change everything, and he was both excited and anxious to finally get some answers.As he entered the house, he was greeted by his father and the old Butler, who led him to the sitting room. The room was dimly lit, with only a few candles flickering on the mantelpiece. Roland felt a sense of unease wash over him as he took a seat on the couch."Roland, my boy," his father said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I have something important to tell you."Roland's heart was pounding in his chest as he waited for his father to speak."I've been keeping a secret from you," his father continued. "A secret that I've been carrying for many years."Roland's eyes widened in surprise. He knew that this was it. This was the moment he had been waiting for."What is it, father?" he asked, his voice barely
Alex Lafayette, a beacon of tenacity, determination, and unwavering conviction, possessed a presence that commanded attention and respect. With a lean and athletic build, he carried himself with an air of confidence and purpose. His eyes, sharp and focused, held a fiery determination that mirrored the passion burning within his soul.Alex's face bore the marks of his struggles and triumphs, reflecting the resilience and strength that lay deep within him. His strong jawline, a testament to his unwavering resolve, spoke of his unyielding pursuit of justice. The lines etched across his forehead told the story of a mind constantly at work, strategizing and formulating plans to overcome the obstacles in his path.His unruly dark hair, with a few strands of gray, symbolized the wisdom and experience he had gained through his journey. It seemed to mirror the untamed spirit within him—a spirit that refused to be subdued or broken.But it was Alex's heart that truly defined him. A flame of rig
Roland Lafayette, the embodiment of resilience, determination, and love, was a man of noble character and unwavering integrity. Standing tall with broad shoulders, his presence commanded attention and respect. His piercing eyes held a gentle warmth, reflecting the depths of his soul and the wisdom he had acquired through life's trials.Roland's face was etched with the marks of a life well-lived—a strong jawline, evidence of his unwavering resolve, and laugh lines that spoke of the joy he found in even the simplest of moments. His raven-black hair, peppered with streaks of silver, added an air of distinction to his appearance, a testament to the wisdom and maturity he had gained over the years.But it was his heart that truly defined Roland Lafayette. Compassion and empathy radiated from within him, shaping his interactions with others and guiding his actions. He possessed a genuine desire to uplift and inspire those around him, leaving an indelible mark on the lives he touched.Throu
Months passed since Roland and Seraphina's enchanting wedding, marking the start of a new chapter in their lives. The Lafayette mansion, once again filled with joy and laughter, became a haven of love and harmony.Roland, now fully committed to being a devoted husband, made it his mission to create a life of happiness and fulfillment for Seraphina. Their days were filled with shared adventures, passionate conversations, and a deepening bond that seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment.As they strolled through the mansion's magnificent garden, hand in hand, Roland turned to Seraphina with a mischievous grin. "My love, how would you feel about embarking on a journey together? A journey beyond these walls, where we can explore the world and create unforgettable memories?"Seraphina's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh, Roland, that sounds absolutely incredible! I've always dreamed of experiencing new places, cultures, and adventures with you by my side."With their hearts set o
Two months had passed since the Lafayette brothers, Roland and Alex, had reconciled their differences. The tension that had once loomed over their relationship had dissipated, and a newfound bond had formed between them. Roland, now aware of the importance of love and family, had decided to take a significant step in his life by proposing to Seraphina, his devoted maid turned love interest.It was a sunny afternoon when Roland finalized his plans to surprise Seraphina. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he sought the help of his brother Alex, who was more than willing to assist him in his endeavor. The brothers had grown close over the past two months, and Alex had become a confidant and a source of wisdom for Roland."Alex, I need your help," Roland said, pacing back and forth in his study. "I want to propose to Seraphina, but I want it to be special. I want her to remember this moment for the rest of our lives."Alex leaned back in his chair, pondering the situation. "Brother, y
Seraphina's words lingered in Roland's mind, her plea for him to make peace with Alex echoing in his thoughts. As he sat in his study, contemplating the path forward, he realized that her words held a profound truth. The pursuit of the will had consumed him, clouding his judgment and overshadowing the importance of family.He took a deep breath, his decision crystallizing within him. Seraphina was right. Blood ran deep, and no matter the past, Alex was still his brother. It was time to put aside the bitter rivalry and find a way to coexist, if not as allies, then at least as family.With a renewed sense of purpose, Roland reached for his phone and dialed Alex's number. The line rang for a moment before Alex's voice came through, tinged with a hint of indifference."What do you want, brother?" Alex's tone carried a mix of annoyance and curiosity.Roland took a steadying breath. "Alex, I want to meet with you," he said, his voice firm but calm. "I think it's time we put our differences
As Roland approached his room, a sense of unease washed over him. The air felt heavy, charged with anticipation. Seraphina's words echoed in his mind, reminding him that there might be more to Alex than met the eye. Could it be possible that Alex's true heritage held the answers to his behavior?With a mix of reluctance and curiosity, Roland entered his room to find Seraphina still waiting there. Her eyes were puffy, hinting at tears she had shed in his absence. She looked up, her gaze filled with concern and compassion."Roland, I'm so sorry for everything," Seraphina said softly, her voice trembling. "I never wanted this to happen. I never meant to hurt you."Roland sighed, the turmoil within him evident in his weary expression. "Seraphina, I... I don't know what to believe anymore," he admitted, his voice laced with a tinge of vulnerability. "Butler Lucas told me the truth about Alex, about his origins. It's hard to fathom."Seraphina reached out, her hand gently touching Roland's
Roland paced back and forth in his room, his anger simmering beneath the surface. The revelation of the will had shaken him to the core, and he couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal. Seraphina, sensing his distress, approached him cautiously."Roland, please," she implored, reaching out to touch his arm gently. "There's more to this than meets the eye. Perhaps there's a reason why Alex was named as the heir. We should consider all possibilities before jumping to conclusions."Her words only fueled Roland's frustration. "How can you say that, Seraphina?" he snapped, pulling away from her touch. "After everything we've been through, all the evidence of his true nature, you expect me to believe he's the rightful heir? It's preposterous!"Seraphina's eyes filled with concern as she watched Roland struggle with his emotions. She knew the depths of his convictions, but she also believed in looking at the situation from all angles."Roland, I understand your anger, but we must keep an o
A stunned silence engulfed the room, the weight of the words hanging in the air like a dark cloud. Roland's world seemed to collapse around him, the walls of the study closing in. It was as if everything he had fought for, everything he had hoped to achieve, had been cruelly snatched away in an instant."No," Roland gasped, his voice trembling with a mix of disbelief and devastation. The room spun around him, his vision blurred by unshed tears. It felt like a nightmare, an unfathomable twist of fate that threatened to suffocate him.Alex, his face contorted with a mix of triumph and malice, stepped forward, relishing in Roland's anguish. "You see, dear brother," he hissed, "I always knew I would inherit what was rightfully mine. This empire was built for me, and now it shall finally be mine to command."Butler Lucas, his usually composed demeanor cracking, shot a disapproving glare at Alex. "This is not the time for gloating, Mr. Lafayette," he snapped, his voice edged with barely con
The lawyer cleared his throat, his hands trembling ever so slightly as he held the sealed envelope containing Chairman Lafayette's will. The weight of the moment hung heavily in the air, as everyone in the study held their breath, their eyes fixed on the lawyer, waiting for the revelations that would shape their futures."Can you read out the will, now!?" Alex ordered with a commanding tone.The lawyer nodded in response as fear gripped him. With a steady hand, the lawyer carefully opened the envelope and extracted the document within. He unfolded it slowly, deliberately, as if prolonging the suspense. His gaze flickered across the words before him, ensuring that he had a firm grasp of its contents before he began."Before I proceed," the lawyer began, his voice resonating with a mix of formality and gravity, "I must emphasize that the final will of Chairman Lafayette contains several clauses, each pertaining to different aspects of the estate and its businesses."Roland's heart rac