Jakes picked up the call and tried to listen carefully to the voice at the other end. "You fool! Do you think you can avoid my calls? Even if you do, I'll get to you wherever you are, and that will be worse for you."
"What?" Jakes was surprised at the sudden outburst, and he was not sure of who was speaking, though the voice sounded familiar."Please whom am I speaking with?" Jakes dared to ask."Will you shut your mouth?! Do you think you could go away with my sister the way you did? You made her marry you, and as if that wasn't enough, you introduced her to a life of suffering." Micheal said. Micheal was Stephanie's elder brother and he had always hated Jakes; he made life miserable for Jakes when they were together. Michael had once sworn to kill Jakes, and maybe he would have if Jakes had not left the house at the time he did. Jakes was dumbfounded at Michael's words, and now he did not know what to say. He wanted to say something, but he retreated."Now, listen to me," Micheal continued. "If by tomorrow, Stephanie still stays married to you, she and her baby would be disowned by the Allisons family." "What? Is Stephanie pregnant?" Jakes asked himself. He was surprised by Michael's statement and wondered what baby he was referring to. "Is Stephanie hiding something from me?" Jakes asked himself.Michael continued to rain insults on Jakes. "You know what, if you do everything in this world to get a job, you sure can't get one. Mrs Allison, the Assistant Manager of The Class of Verity and the CEO of The Bevies Place, has demanded that every company in Fitbuck city rejects your application right on sight. So you know what? You're just going to die poor," Michael said, laughing sarcastically. Jakes was now very confused, and he looked depressed and frustrated. He kept mute and allowed Micheal to say all that he wanted to say. He felt so weak, not knowing what to do next. "You see why divorcing Stephanie is the best option you have right now. Because if you don't, you will surely die a pauper!" Michael yelled at him, as he hung up the phone.The last statement Michael made continued to echo in Jake's head. "Because if you don't, you'll surely die a pauper!!!" Jakes was now very afraid, and he thought of what next to do. All this while, he never knew that his mother-in-law was the one behind his not getting a job. He froze to a spot looking embittered and weary. He was about to drop his phone into his pocket when he had his phone ring. "What again?!" Jakes muttered under his breath in frustration. He thought it was Micheal calling again until he looked at his phone screen. It was Stephanie. He had to adjust himself so that his pain would not reflect in his voice. Stephanie was very sensitive, and she could read Jakes even through his voice. If she perceived that something was wrong with him, she would be very worried and affected. "Hello love," Stephanie spoke."Babe, what's up?..." "I have something very important to tell you about. I was about to break the news to you, but you had rushed out of the house." Stephanie said."News?! I hope it's good..." "I'm pregnant," Stephanie went straight to the point."Are you serious? I was just thinking of calling you to ask what information you were hiding from me because Michael talked about you having a baby." " What?" Did Michael call you? And...""Yes, he called, "Jakes interrupted. He didn't want to tell her all that Michael said because he knew that she wouldn't be able to handle the information. She would probably be scared and fidgety about the whole thing. Since the last year they got married, he noticed that Stephanie was very emotional. She always fell sick when he told her about any cruel act done against him by her family. Her love for him was genuine, and she had sacrificed many things just to be with him. Sometimes, Jakes felt that she loved him more than he loved her, and this surprised him. He felt he had nothing to attract Stephanie to himself, and he felt that she was better than him in every possible way."So what did he say?" Stephanie asked enthusiastically. "Don't worry about that. It's nothing serious. We'll talk about that later. I'll be home soon. I need to visit the new company I just heard about."Jakes replied, trying to be evasive."Yes, dear. I saw the note you dropped on the table. Good luck to you." Stephanie replied as she hung up the phone. Jakes began to think about the call he received from his brother-in-law, while he was waiting for a cab by the road. "Why will Stephanie's family want to disown her because of me? The Allisons are so insensitive, Gosh!..." Jakes thought. While he was still lost in his thoughts, a Lincoln Limousine pulled over a few metres away from him. Within the twinkling of an eye, three huge-looking men stepped out of the vehicle and pulled a black bag over his head. They looked very scary in their black spectacles and they wore black clothes. They dragged him into the vehicle very forcefully. Jakes began to fidget and was now very afraid. Two of the men sat by his side. One on his right-hand side and the other on his left-hand side, while the third man drove the vehicle. Jakes shook uncontrollably, believing that he had been kidnapped. "Be calm man!" One of them spoke sarcastically. Jakes began to think about Stephanie and their unborn baby. "What happens to Stephanie, if she hears that I have been kidnapped," he thought. He felt so helpless and wished he had not come out of the house at the time he did. But it was too late now. "There's no need crying over spilt milk," he thought. He looked at the two men seating beside him through the corners of his eyes. "Do I know these people? And who could have sent them? Did I offend anyone?" Several questions crossed his mind, and he desperately needed answers to them. Jakes thought of his wife's family and the threatening phone call he just received, so he began to suspect the Allisons. He thought about Michael and how the both of them had been enemies since childhood. Michael had been very troublesome and unfriendly to him. He always looked for an opportunity to make him unhappy, and he had not seemed to change in any way."This must be a well-thought-out plan by the Allisons. They must have sent these men to kidnap me," Jakes thought. After a while, the Lincoln limousine parked in front of a building. The men got out of the vehicle and one of them pulled Jakes with him as they moved towards the entrance of the house. Outside the building were beautiful flowers arranged in an orderly manner. The compound was so quiet and Jakes wondered if anyone lived there. One of the men opened a big door leading to the living room and ordered Jakes to go in. " Will you raise your feet and get in quickly?" One of the men commanded."Sit there," The second man said in an indifferent voice, pointing at one of the sofas in the living room. Jakes wondered the reason why he was brought there, and he looked very bothered. Within a short while, an old man came out of one of the rooms. His hair was all grey, but he looked very smart and handsome. He wore a yellow shirt on black shorts. The man looked very furious as he walked into the sitting room, he had watched through the surveillance camera, the way Jakes was been treated since he entered the compound, so he was unhappy with the men."How dare you treat our young master this way?! He yelled at them. The men trembled at his voice as they bowed their heads."Don't be silly men!" The old man continued, and then he faced Jakes. "Jakes, I know you're surprised at why you were brought here. And you wonder who I am." Jakes looked up at him and was eager to hear the next thing the man would say. "You don't know who you are; that was why I sent my men to bring you here. I think it's high time you know your identity," The man continued. "You used to be the young master of a very big and famous family in this City - the family of the Johnsons. Your family was renowned for its wealth and affluence, with several investments in its name, until someone betrayed your family. Within a short while, the whole family was wiped out. Your parents and siblings were killed in a fire, and some of the family's investments were taken over...""What?" Jakes interrupted. He was too shocked to hear this. He looked at the old man in bewilderment, as his eyes turned red. He used to be emotionally strong, but he felt weak this time. The old man was quiet for a while
"Yes, Pa Drakes. I must claim my place. Jakes said, then he paused for a while looking very sad. "It's just that...it may be dangerous for me to come back with such a high profile." "No problem son, I understand. This can be our little secret for the time being." Pa Drakes said."However, I have a few more things to tell you," he continued. "The Johnson family owned a total of twenty-five companies within and outside Fitbuck City. Only within Fitbuck City are eight renowned companies. Four are among the top ten leading companies in the city; one of them is the " Class of Verity" which was taken over by the Allisons, while the remaining three are smaller companies which report to the bigger ones. The remaining seventeen companies are in seven other countries of the world. But don't worry, I'll soon hand over a document that shows every detail you need to know. The document contains the names of the different companies, their locations, and their presiding managers.""Wow! This is gr
Stephanie came out of the kitchen with a bottle of cheap wine and two glass cups in her hands. She gave Jakes one of the cups, and held the other cup in her hand, as she poured some wine into each cup. "Let us toast to a new life," Stephanie said as she made her cup kiss Jakes's cup. Then the both of them drank from the wine in their cups."So tell me more about it. How did you get the job this time?" "Darling. I can't even explain it myself. All I know is that the interviewer assessed me, saw that I was qualified, and asked me to start work on Monday morning." Jakes was not ready to break the news about his family's fortune to Stephanie now, though he intended to tell her about it later. Her excitement could lead her into telling her family about it, as she may not find it so easy to keep such news secret. And he needed to tread carefully because of her family, asides from the fact that he also wanted it to be a surprise to her. "Wow! I'm the happiest right now. So what's the jo
"You have to submit these documents at " The Legends" first thing this morning. I must get this contract for the company." Micheal told his Secretary. Michael was the Head of Personnel, at "The Class of Verity" and he was desperate to get the contract placed in the market by "The Legends" so that he could climb up to become the CEO at The Class of Verity, "so he sent his secretary to submit a proposal for the company. "Okay, Sir. I'll be on my way now." Linda, Micheal's secretary replied, as she rushed out of the office. ***"Miss Linda, we have filed your company's proposal, until we receive a letter from the company's chosen guarantor," May said.May was "The Legends" General Secretary, and she had just collected the proposal from Linda. She was about to submit it at the MD's office when she found out that no guarantor's letter was submitted alongside. "I am a secretary from 'The Class of Verity'," Linda emphasized. She felt May did not hear her the first time, because every s
"Mr Cameron will be here in a short while. Clean up yourself and put on this dress. You must appear your best to him," Mrs Allison said, as she showed Stephanie the expensive gown she had purchased from the city's mall. When Mrs Allison noticed that Stephanie got up from the floor very sluggishly, she said: "I told you to abort that thing in your womb, but you refused. However, it's not too late to do that. Mr Cameron mustn't find out that you are pregnant; it could discourage him from getting married to you.""Mum, I'll go take my bath, but never you call my baby a thing. He's a human being, you know!" Stephanie said angrily, as she stood up and walked into the bathroom to take her bath. She had finished bathing and was wearing the new dress her Mum had bought when she had a sudden knock on the door. She quickly zipped up her dress and looked through the door hole, when she saw a maid carrying a tray of food in her hands. Stephanie opened the door and collected it from her, then she
"I need to go and see Stephanie," Jakes told himself. It had been one week since he set his eyes on his wife. He had tried to go to the Allisons' place a few days ago, but he received a call from a friend who told him that he saw his wife in a grocery store close to their house. So, Jakes was confident that Stephanie was around, and would return home that day. Now, three days had passed, yet she had not arrived. He later got to know that the person his friend saw at the mall was not his wife; they only had a striking resemblance. Now, he was desperate for his wife's return, so he made up his mind to go and see her. ****Back at the Allison's place, Stephanie was seen lying on the floor inside a small room. She had been battered and maltreated by one of Mrs Allison's strong men. So she felt very weak and exhausted.Stephanie's room was always locked, except when she was going to be tortured; when the maid wanted to serve her food; or when her family members needed to talk to her. It
Jakes felt a little nervous when he saw them, but when he remembered his identity, he summoned the courage to face them."Good day my in-laws." Jakes greeted Mrs Allison and Micheal. "What is good about the day?... Liam! Liam!!" Mrs Allison called angrily. "Yes, Boss!" Liam responded from inside one of the rooms in the house."Come over quickly!"In no time, Liam walked into the sitting room. He looked very huge and tall with a scary look on his face. "This fool here is Stephanie's husband. Lock him up in the darkroom.""What?!" Jakes was surprised at Mrs Allison's instructions."I came here to look for my wife. I was told that she's here, and the next thing you want to do to me is to lock me up. You can't be serious." "I'm more than serious. Liam, what are you staring at? Bundle him up and lock him!" Mrs Allison commanded."Okay, Boss," Liam replied as he rushed towards Jakes and tied his hands. Jakes was surprised at what was happening. "Leave me!" Jakes cried, trying to stop t
Mrs Allison had just returned from work, and she looked very bothered. After putting off her shoes, she leaned against the sofa in the big sitting room looking very tired and exhausted. "The Class of Verity" was going to be sold out in two days, if the outstanding debts were not paid before then. She had a faraway look in her eyes, as she thought of what step to take on the issue. She thought of her strong men: Liam, Hansen, and George, and how she was going to use them in achieving her desires."That bastard, Jakes must be killed today! If he's killed, Stephanie will have no option but to marry Mr Cameron this time." Mrs Allison thought. After thinking about this, she took up her phone and dialled a number. "Liam, you need to come over to my place right now! And you can bring Hansen and George along.""Alright, Boss," Liam replied.While waiting for the three of them, Mrs Allison moved to the dining to have dinner. When she was done with dinner, she walked towards the room where Steph
The courtroom was filled with tension and anticipation as the trial of Michael, the man who had caused so much pain and suffering, began. Present in the courtroom were Nora, her parents, Mr and Mrs Henderson, Jakes, Stephanie, Mark, Kathryn, Rose, Taylor, and Mr and Mrs Allison. They were all there to witness the proceedings and to ensure that justice was served for the crimes committed by Michael.As the judge entered the room, a hush fell over the spectators. The weight of the situation was palpable, and everyone held their breath, waiting for the trial to unfold. Michael, accompanied by his defence attorney, sat in the defendant's seat, his face betraying a mixture of fear and resignation.The prosecutor, a stern and determined individual, presented a compelling case against Michael. They meticulously outlined the numerous charges, ranging from kidnapping and assault to extortion and fraud. Each crime was detailed, highlighting the impact it had on the lives of the victims and the
As Nora arrived home, she was enveloped in a warm embrace from her parents, Mr and Mrs Clark. The relief and love in their eyes were palpable, reassurance that she was finally safe after the harrowing ordeal she had endured. They ushered her into the living room, urging her to sit down and share her story.With a mix of exhaustion and determination, Nora began recounting the terrifying events that had unfolded. She explained how Michael, the man she had fallen in love with and intended to marry, had revealed his true colours—locking her up in a room and subjecting her to a nightmare of captivity and fear.Tears streamed down Nora's face as she shared her confusion and disbelief at discovering Michael's dark secrets. "I never knew, Mom, Dad," she choked out between sobs. "I had no idea he was a criminal, wanted by the police. I was blindsided by his charming facade."Her parents listened intently, their expressions shifting from concern to shock as they absorbed the truth. It was a har
As days turned into weeks, a cloud of worry settled over Nora's parents, Mr and Mrs Clark, Nora's parents. It had been a while since they last heard from their daughter, and their attempts to reach her were met with frustration. Nora's phone was always switched off, and their texts and calls went unanswered. Concern grew into suspicion, and they couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.Unable to bear the uncertainty any longer, Mr Clark decided to take matters into his own hands. He packed a bag and set off on a journey to find his daughter, with Mrs. Clark by his side. They were determined to uncover the truth and bring their daughter back home, no matter the cost.Meanwhile, Nora found herself trapped in a small, dimly lit room by Michael. He had taken away her phone and cut off all communication with the outside world. Fear gnawed at her insides as she realized the true extent of the danger she was in. She had never witnessed glimpses of Michael's dark side before, and
Stephanie lay in her hospital bed, a sense of joy and exhaustion washing over her. In her arms, she cradled her newborn baby—a precious gift of life that had entered the world only moments ago. The room was filled with warmth and love as her husband, Jakes, stood by her side, his eyes shimmering with pride.The sound of a soft knock on the door broke the tranquillity, and Stephanie's heart swelled with anticipation. She knew exactly who was on the other side. With a gentle smile, she beckoned her parents, Mr and Mrs Allison, to enter.Paul, Stephanie's father, entered the room first, his face beaming with happiness. He rushed to his daughter's side, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "Stephanie, my darling, you've brought another blessing into our lives," he said, his voice filled with emotion.Tears welled up in Stephanie's eyes as she looked into her father's proud gaze. "Thank you, Dad," she whispered. "I'm so grateful to have you here."Mrs Allison followed her husband, her ey
Nora sat in their living room, her eyes fixed on the television screen as the news played in the background. She had been trying her best to support Michael, hoping that he would change. But as time went on, it became evident that his promises of change were empty words.She watched as the news anchor's voice filled the room, detailing the latest developments in a string of criminal activities. Nora's attention shifted from the mundane stories of the day to the image that appeared on the screen. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized the face staring back at her—Michael's face.The news anchor's voice grew more urgent. "Authorities are searching for this man, Michael Allison, who is wanted in connection with multiple illegal activities. Anyone with information leading to his capture will be rewarded. Please contact the local authorities if you have any information."Nora's hands trembled as she reached for her phone, her mind racing with a mixture of shock, disbelief, and a gnawin
Nora sat across from Michael, her brows furrowed in confusion. She couldn't understand why he was refusing to meet her parents, especially when they had expressed their desire to get to know him. It was important to her that her parents accepted their relationship, and their approval meant everything."Michael, I don't understand," Nora said softly, her voice tinged with disappointment. "My parents want to meet you. They want to get to know the man I love. Why are you hesitating?"Michael shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his gaze avoiding Nora's eyes. He knew that revealing the truth would only put their relationship in jeopardy, but he couldn't keep hiding the dark secret any longer. He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before finally meeting her gaze."Nora, I want nothing more than to meet your parents, but I c meet them now," Michael replied, his voice laced with sadness. Nora sat across from Michael, her brow furrowed in confusion and concern. "But why, Michael? Why c
Nora and Michael stood side by side, their lives forever changed by the tragic events that had unfolded. The police investigation into Justin's death had concluded, revealing that Michael had no involvement in the tragic incident. The autopsy results confirmed that Justin's death was indeed due to an asthma attack.Relieved but still mourning the loss of Justin, Nora clung to Michael for support. Through the darkness, they had found solace in each other's arms, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. Despite the pain and uncertainty, they had developed a deep connection that seemed to transcend their circumstances.As the days turned into weeks, Nora's trust in Michael continued to solidify. She saw the compassion and kindness in his actions, his unwavering support during her grief. One evening, as they sat together in the living room, the weight of their experiences hanging in the air, Michael took a deep breath, gathering his courage. He turned to Nora, his eyes filled w
Jakes stood before Mr and Mrs Allison, a mix of emotions swirling within him. He had come to their house with a heavy burden on his shoulders, a truth he had to share, no matter how difficult it might be. The room was filled with an uneasy silence as he prepared himself to reveal the shocking revelation.Mr Allison looked at Jakes with curiosity and concern, sensing the gravity of the situation. Mrs Allison's eyes were filled with anticipation and worry, her hands tightly clasped together in anticipation of what Jakes was about to say. They had trusted Jakes as their son, and now they were about to learn a disturbing truth.Taking a deep breath, Jakes began, "Dad and Mum, there's something I need to tell you. It's about Michael." He paused, his voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and anger. "Michael was responsible for the gunshot you experienced some time ago."Mr Allison's eyes widened in disbelief, his heart pounding in his chest. "What do you mean? How do you know this?" he aske
As the night grew darker and silence settled over the house, Michael found himself restlessly pacing in his room. He couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that something was amiss. The house was eerily quiet, save for the occasional creaks and whispers carried by the wind outside. Nora had packed out of the house a day before after showing her disinterest in the wedding. Justin was heartbroken and was feeling sad about Nora's decision until he forced himself to sleep.Suddenly, amidst the stillness, a muffled sound caught Michael's attention. It was a faint wheezing, barely audible but enough to send a shiver down his spine. His heart skipped a beat, and his instincts propelled him forward, urging him to investigate.Without a second thought, Michael stepped out into the dimly lit hallway. The air felt heavy, charged with anticipation as he made his way toward Justin's room. Each step seemed to echo in the quietness, heightening his sense of urgency.As he reached the door, he paused