I wasn’t a fan of physical contact at night and had often not even shared the bed with my deceased wife. Not that she would have ever dreamed of wanting to have me close at night. She never bothered to hide her reluctance to have me near her, least of all when we slept together—unless there was something that she wanted from me.Matilda had asked for my closeness and I’d denied her.The early morning light illuminated her puffy face. Her lashes stuck to her skin with dried tears. She was close, had moved closer in sleep until we were almost touching. I felt the unreasonable desire to touch her—and not in a sexual way. Propped up on my elbow, I watched her peaceful sleep. As with many nights before, Lisa ’s blood-covered body had haunted my dreams. I hardly ever dreamed about the people I’d killed, and yet my dead wife still filled my nights.Matilda stirred, lips parting in a soft sigh. I pushed myself up and swung my legs out of bed, turning my back to her.The bed shifted. I
Matilda POVIt was almost eight in the evening when we finally pulled up the driveway to Leonard ’s mansion, a magnificent three-story brownstone building with white columns supporting the porch, white window frames, and old crooked trees on the front lawn. Leonard parked in one of the double garages on the left.He got out and opened the door for me. My stomach hollowed with nerves. This was my home now, and soon I’d meet the children I’d raise. Leonard ’s hand found its place on my lower back again as he led me toward the magnificent white front door. Someone from his staff had gathered my belongings in the morning and brought them to the house.I released a shaky breath when Leonard put the key in the lock. His eyes cut to me. “This is your home.”I gave him a shaky smile, knowing he meant it. Yet judging by the way he’d handled everything so far, his rules would be the only ones he’d want followed within those walls. I’d have to fight for every bit of power and freedom—h
I walked into the modern, silver-gray meeting room, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and polished leather wafting through the air. The cityscape sparkled seen from the tall windows, a clear indication of the competitive environment I lived in.As I sat down at the shiny mahogany table, I was met with a series of hellos and confident handshakes. The investors, made up of experienced professionals and eager beginners, looked at me with a calculating focus that caused my stomach to tense."Felix , nice to finally meet you face to face," the main investor Marcus said, with his smile just as sleek as his custom suit. "We've been told wonderful things about your... entrepreneurial mindset."I grinned, my thoughts quickly evolving with the significance of this encounter. They desired a portion of my empire, a stake in the profitable transactions and high-risk dealings that had established my reputation in the business realm.While the conversation continued, the atmosphere in the room beca
Upon entering the nightclub, I noticed that the night was quite mild as the crowded venue was filled with individuals dancing, drinking, and rocking out to the loud music.I wasn't focused on any of those antics, I was here for one individual and one individual only. I looked around the place and smiled, seeing his ever energetic self entertaining a group of other people."Who do we have here?" He says, noticing my presence. "I can't believe this! Leonard ! It's been ages " he said engulfing me in the brotherly love.I smiled in return, mirroring the gesture. "Good to see you, Louis ."He left the people he had been entertaining and we made our way to the hallway. He looked around and finally speak."Leonard , I still can't give you enough gratitude for how you saved my life the last time. Like I said, I will always be here to help you whenever you need me." He says."That's why I am here man, I have something important to
The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the vast expanse of our large X territory. It was a warm and pleasant day, with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the surrounding trees. Myself and the rest of the maids of the bustled about, our hands and feet moving in a coordinated dance as we diligently attended to various various tasks.Ava had organized a small party with some of her friends in her room the previous night, drinking themselves to stupor. I had the thankless task of cleaning up their mess the next morning, while she stepped out with them.“Make sure it's as clean as it was before the party,” she had instructed me before leaving. “Everything must sparkle before I return,” she added, wielding an air of authority.Damn it!It just felt like I was being punished for another person's mistakes! Well, not that I had a choice.I quickly got on with my job. Luckily, I had the strength to undertake them, leaving me with the freedom to observe the diligent work of
As soon as Matilda left my room that evening, I knew the clock was already ticking, moving so fast against me in my bid to keep the one I loved, the one whose heart was my resting place.I quickly got ready and made my way to my father's chamber, ready and determined to tell him the words that I have kept hidden in my heart all these years.It was his study time, and he hated to be disturbed. He had often warned that not even a pin should drop on the floor whilst he study…“My study time is my most precious time, and no one must come between my books and I,” he would often remind Ava and I.But there was nothing ‘threatening’ about his words that day as I stormed to his study, my heart pounding with anger and frustration.“Leonard !,” he said, as soon as the door way way, surprised to see me.“Father,” I just said.“I thought my words were clear about…”“I know, father,” I said, abruptly cutting him short before he could complete the words. “But I must speak to you about something
The early morning air was thick with a chilling mist that hung low among the trees, casting an ethereal glow over the sprawling estate. The scent of dew-kissed grass clung to the breeze, a hint of freshness tingling against the senses. The sky, adorned with hues of lavender and tangerine, promised the arrival of a new day, filled with secrets waiting to unfold.In the heart of this picturesque scene, within the grand manor that stood tall and imposing, I sent for Puertelas, the leader of the maids.“She must return with you,” I sternly said to the guard.The atmosphere crackled with urgency as I eagerly awaited Puertelas' arrival, my mind consumed by a mixture of curiosity and concern.I had no idea if sending for her was the best thing to do, but I knew I had to start from somewhere.Moments later, the door creaked open, and Puertelas entered, her typically composed face marred by a troubled expression. Her eyes widened with surprise and worry as they met my unwavering stare. The air
Lucy and I were sitting on a bench in the garden, enjoying the rare sunshine. We had managed to get done with our routine that morning before the other maids. But we knew we had only a few minutes before we would be summoned back to our duties by the ever demanding Puertelas, who never gets satisfied, even if we had to work our socks off. “How has your relationship with Ava been?,” Lucy asked me, her ears and eyes fixed on ke, as if I had called for a press meeting.“It's just like every other, nothing specia,” I said.“I know she still has eyes on you.”“I don't really give a fuck if she does, for I have no business with her brother. They can both have him for all I care,” I just said. I was already tired of always having to talk about Leonard every time Lucy and I had a conversation.“But I thought you…”“Please can we talk about something else, Lucy?,” I pleaded with her.“If you insist,” she said, sounding resigned.We were so engrossed in our conversation that I did not notic