ã€Š90 Days With The Cold Billionaireã€‹


 Chapter 1 - ONE: A Doll On Display

    <h4>Chapter 1: Chapter ONE: A Doll On Disy </h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    The lustful gazes of the men that were watching my performance made me sick to my stomach but I had to continue dancing, not like I had a choice.

    "Hey Christy, can I get ap dance?" a potbellied middle aged man with hideous e on his face asked while staring at my ass.

    "Not interested" I replied without giving him a second nce.

    I continued twirling my body until the music came to an end, signalling that my performance was over.

    I rushed to the club¡¯s changing room where my best friend, Callie, was waiting for me.

    "You killed it out there babe" Callie said with an excited voice.

    "I don¡¯t see what is so good about her," Kara said with a sneer.

    I don¡¯t really know what issue she has with me because she is always looking for every opportunity to be nasty and I always give her a befitting reply but today is a special day so I will let it slide this time.

    "You might not see what is good about her but the clients sure do" Callie replied to her with a smirk.

    "Oh please, the only thing you have are those stic balls on your chest" Kara snorted.

    I quickly held Callie back to prevent her from getting into a fight with Kara.

    She hates it when people talk about the work she got done on her boobs.

    "Just ignore her" I said while handing her a bottle of water.

    "She isn¡¯t worthy of my anger, so what did you want to tell me?" She asked with a smile after taking a sip of the water.

    "Mark is finally back" I said happily and she was also extremely happy for me.

    "Hopefully he gets a good job and marries you" she said with a smile.

    Just the thought of us getting married gave me butterflies and I couldn¡¯t wait for it to happen.

    "So when are you going to see him?" She asked with a curious tone.

    "Immediately I get off work today" I said happily.

    I was about to start changing into the outfit for my next performance when the door was suddenly pushed open.

    "Christy, follow me to room 10. A client booked you for a private performance" Ben, the personal assistant of Madam Collette, the owner of the club informed me with a stern expression.

    "But I have always made it clear that I don¡¯t do private bookings" I said with a frown.

    "The client paid directly to Madam Collette and she said you must attend to him" he said before walking out of the room without giving me a chance to say anything.

    "You got a private booking and here you are, pretending to not want it" Kara said with a snort before leaving the room.

    "Come on girl, just go and get it over with. Thest thing you need now is an angry Madam Collette on your case" Callie advised before going out to perform.

    I stared at myself in the mirror, apart from my eyes that couldn¡¯t hide my sadness, everything else was perfect.

    With this look and figure, I knew I could achieve more than dancing in a club and being watched like a doll on disy.

    I took a deep breath and walked out of the dressing room.

    On arriving at the door of room 10, I adjusted my emotions and put on a smile before pushing the door open.

    My smile froze up when I saw the potbellied middle aged man from earlier, sitting on the couch and staring at me like a hungry wolf.

    "I want a good sensualp dance and I can pay you extra if you give me a good blow job," he said while staring at me, his eyes dripping with lust.

    I stared at him with disgust, I would rather face Madam Collette¡¯s anger.

    He seemed to have guessed my thoughts or he ran out of patience. He rushed towards me and before I could react, his hands were wrapped around my waist while he licked my neck.

    I felt like throwing up but I had to free myself and get out of here.

    "Okay, let¡¯s take things slow" I said with a soft voice and he released his hands.

    "Let¡¯s go to the couch, I promise to give you an unforgettable blow job" I said with a submissive smile.

    I led him back to the couch and he quickly started undoing his belt while I positioned myself in-between his legs.

    His entire attention was on his belt, so I slowly reached for the empty bottle on the table and smashed it on his head.

    "Ahhhh" he screamed in pain and I quickly made my way to the door.

    "You bitch!" He yelled as he got up from the couch while holding his injured head.

    I opened the door and bumped into Madam Collette and her assistant Ben.

    "What happened?" She asked me with a frown but I didn¡¯t say anything.

    "I am going to kill you" the man¡¯s angry voice came from behind me and I quickly hid behind Ben.

    "That¡¯s enough, stop making so much noise" Madam Collette yelled at him angrily.

    "What do you mean by that? I paid for a private session but this little bitch refused to perform and also had the guts to injure me!" the man yelled in her face.

    "You can go to the police station if you want justice," she said to him before walking away.

    The man could only hiss and grind his teeth because going to the police wasn¡¯t an option.

    His life could be ruined if people find out about his secret hobby.

    "Go and change into your clothes. Everyone is already waiting in the bus outside" Ben said to me with an annoyed voice.

    "Bus? I wasn¡¯t aware of any outing" I said with a frown.

    "Thest time I checked, you don¡¯t get to ask questions and just do as you are told" he said with a re before hurrying away.

    It took me a few minutes to change and get on the bus.

    "Where are we going?" I asked Callie with a whisper but she just shook her head.

    I sighed, as my ns to meet Mark might not be possible today.

    Half an hourter, the bus arrived at a luxurious penthouse and Ben leads us into a room where we are to get changed.

    A few minutester, Madam Collette walked in to have one of her usual talks with us.

    "Today¡¯s clients are very influential people, make sure to serve them well. I don¡¯t want to hear anyints as this could be our one way ticket to even more wealthy clients.

    Any money that is given to you must be ounted for, do not act smart with me because I have eyes everywhere.

    Have I made myself clear?" She asked after giving us a sound warning.

    "Yes madam Collette" We chorused.

    "Christy, I want to have a word with you" She said while staring at me.

    I followed Madam Collete out with an expressionless face.

    "Your father called and asked me to arrange a good job for you today as he needs urgent money" She said with a smile which made me angry.

    I forced a smile while trying to hold back my anger " I gave him all the money I workedst week, maybe he should get a job and stop relying on his twenty years old daughter"

    "What nonsense are you talking about? He is your father and he has a lot of responsibilities" Madam Collete said angrily.

    "He is also the father of your daughter, Emily. I don¡¯t see her stripping to bring in money" I replied with a mocking tone.

    "How dare youpare yourself to my precious daughter, you are not worth a strand of her hair" She said while ring at me.

    "You can think whatever you want, your father and I were clearly in love before your mother came in, so me her for being a third party" she sneered before turning to leave.

    "You were just his bed mate who deliberately got pregnant and threatened him with the child, you are nothing special" I said to her before walking away.

    "You little slut!" She yelled from behind me.

    I returned to the room where the other girls were waiting and sat down on the sofa.

    "So, what did she say to you?" Callie asked me with a curious expression.

    I smiled and replied nonchntly "She said my father needs money"

    "What a greedy bitch, she is always paying you peanuts with the excuse that your father needs the money while she is clearly spending it on her daughter" Callie said angrily.

    "Don¡¯t stress yourself over it, I¡¯m used to it now" I said with a tired smile.

    Callie was about to say something when Madam Collete walked in with her assistant, Ben.

    "I want to assign everyone to their roles before leaving" she said expressionlessly.

    "Christy will be in charge of entertaining the main guest, that¡¯s the person for whom the party is being held. The rest of you should make sure that the other guests arefortable"

    "Why does she always get the good clients"

    "This is clearly favouritism"

    As soon as Madam Collete announced the arrangement, some of the other girls were not pleased and startedining while ring at me.

    I just looked at themzily " if you want it, you can have it. I don¡¯t care"

    "Kara, are you trying to oppose me? Don¡¯t forget that your mother is still waiting for the money for her treatment" Madam Collete threatened.

    "I am very sorry madam Collete" kara quickly apologized with her head bowed but the hatred in her eyes couldn¡¯t be hidden as she continued ring at me from the corner of her eyes.

    "Now get dressed quickly, remember to  skin, only your boobs and pussy should be covered" Madam Collete instructed before leaving.

    "Yes Madam!" We chorused.

    We quickly started dressing, the pants and bras that were given to us were extremely small and barely covered our private parts.

    "They should have just told us to dance naked, instead of wasting money on this," I said after putting on my own pair.

    "I feel so exposed," Callie said while looking at herself in the mirror. Her boobs were quite big and the little bra only covered her nipples.

    "Thank God for us that stayed natural and too bad for those that got imnts" Kara said with a mocking tone.

    "Just ignore her" I said to Callie who was on the verge of having an outburst.

    We stood in a straight line, with me in front, as we waited to be called into the room.

    Few minutester, the door was opened from the outside and a handsome young man in a suit came in.

    "Hellodies" he greeted with a polite smile.

    "Hi!" We replied.

    "Please make your way to the next room, the masters are waiting" he said while making a gesture for us to leave the room.

    We entered the designated room and came face to face with five extremely handsome men.

    Each one had his own temperament and aura, but the one sitting in the middle was like a king among them.

 Chapter 2 - TWO: First Encounter

    <h4>Chapter 2: Chapter TWO: First Encounter </h4>

    Kendrick¡¯s POV

    I walked out of the airport and stared at the familiar surroundings.

    It¡¯s been three years since I left this city and now here I am again.

    Nothing has changed, it feels like going abroad was just a waste of my time as nothing went as nned.

    "Wee sir" My driver greeted me with a smile and I nodded in response.

    "Where Sir?" He asked after I got into the car.

    "Gary¡¯s penthouse" I said before slowly closing my eyes.

    The thought of seeing my best friend Gary and others brought a smile to my lips.

    It¡¯s been a while.

    "Sir, we have arrived" the driver¡¯s voice pulled me out of my thoughts and I got out of the car.

    He helped me with my luggages and I made my way into the familiar penthouse.

    As soon as I stepped in, I saw Gary sitting on the couch with a smile.

    "You finally came back." He said as he pulled me into a hug.

    "You know I wouldn¡¯t have left if it wasn¡¯t important." I replied, patting him on the back with a half hearted chuckle.

    We settled into the leather couches, and he poured out two sses of wine.

    "So how did it go?" He asked, while passing me a ss.

    I took the ss, stared into the red liquid for a second, before letting out a deep sigh and shook my head.

    "What did the doctors say?" He asked, his lips forming a thin line as he shifted closer to pat me on the back.

    "That I¡¯m fine," I muttered. "That I¡¯m fine and healthy and that a problem I¡¯ve been trying to solve for so long doesn¡¯t exist."

    Gary sighed, his face falling. "They¡¯ve been saying that for the past three years."

    "Exactly!" I snapped, then I lowered my voice realizing it might have been a bit too loud. "I¡¯ve been everywhere. Japan, Brazil and Europe. I¡¯ve met every kind of woman, models, actresses and escorts alike. But not one I tell you Gary, not one has been able to mak¡ª"

    "Your soldier stand?" Gary interrupted absentmindedly. I turned sharply to re at him fiercely.

    "No offensive or depreciating jokes. Got it." He said, giving out a small awkward cough and raised his hands in defeat.

    "I just feel so empty...what¡¯s the point of having all this money if I can¡¯t even getid?" I rolled my eyes in annoyance before continuing.

    I took arge gulp of my wine when I finished speaking, drinking all that was left in the ss and then dropping it onto the table with a loud thud.

    "You know what..." Gary began, standing up abruptly and cing his hands on his hips, "We can¡¯t let you mope around like this. Nope, not today. You¡¯re going toe with me, and we¡¯re going to have fun with some of our friends and I¡¯m going to make sure you getid."

    I looked up at him, as if considering the idea then flopped back onto the couch. "Mhm...no."

    "Yes." Gary insisted, his arms crossed.

    "I¡¯m not going to."

    "Well I¡¯ll force you to." Gary shot back, his tone indignant, half-joking but clearly not backing down.

    "No...wait Gary you have to listen...do you know the amount of women I¡¯ve been w¡ª, sorry tried to be with? It just doesn¡¯t work." My voice cracked with frustration as I sat up again, running a hand through my hair.

    "You haven¡¯t seen the girls Madam Collette has. Especially that girl Christy..." Gary trailed off, then gazed wishfully into empty space, a dreamy look on his face.

    I scowled at him then rolled my eyes before yanking off my tie with a sigh.

    "Bro I¡¯m jetgged. Leave me alone." I murmured face down into the couch.

    "Kendrick."

    "For once in your life stop being a fucking loser."

    "It¡¯sfortable this way."

    Gary rolled his eyes at me, then furrowed his brows in thought.

    A grin spread across his face as he inched closer to me.

    "You¡¯re no longer invited to my seriesunch."

    I flipped over, a scowl on my face. "You¡¯re so fucking petty."

    "Are youing or not?" He grinned maliciously.

    "Fine, I will show up" I finally agreed while running my fingers through my hair in frustration.

    Gary smiled happily "that¡¯s why you are my favorite person"

    The door was suddenly pushed open and one of our friends, Anderson, walked in.

    "Hey ken, you look more handsome than thest time I saw you" Anderson said as he dropped the bottle of expensive wine that he brought along on the table.

    "Don¡¯t fall in love with me" I said with a smile while giving Anderson a hug.

    "Your muscles feel tighter," Anderson said with a teasing tone.

    "Okay, stay away from him, did you forget that he is homophobic?" Gary said while pulling him away from me.

    "I can¡¯t help it when I see handsome men," Anderson said with a yful tone.

    "I sometimes forget that you are into both men and women" Gary said with a disgusted expression while pushing Anderson away from him.

    "Hope you arranged the good stuff?" Anderson asked while taking a sip of his wine.

    "You know that I always deliver the best," Gary said while handing him a packet of white powder.

    Anderson grabbed it happily and poured it on a book, before inhaling most of it.

    "Ahhh, it feels so good," He said with a wide smile.

    "I thought you stopped drugs" I said while staring at him.

    He ran his fingers through his hair before replying with a smile "Addiction is not something that can be stopped just like that, but I only take it once in a while".

    "Mason and Jasper will be here soon, so you might want to clean that up" Gary reminded him and he quickly finished up and got rid of the residues.

    "It¡¯s surprising that Mason has time to show up," Anderson said while drinking water.

    I was lost in thought after hearing what Anderson said.

    We all grew up together, attending the same schools from kindergarten to university.

    People call us the ¡¯god squad¡¯ as we were literally untouchable.

    "Hey Ken, what are you thinking about?" I was suddenly pulled out of my thoughts when I was patted on the shoulder.

    I looked at the person and was surprised to see Mason and Jasper, standing behind me.

    "When did you guys arrive?" I asked with a confused expression.

    "What were you thinking about? We have called your name several times but you just kept staring at the ss" Anderson said while observing me carefully.

    "I am fine guys, I just got carried away" I apologized with a smile.

    "Axel, let thedies in" Gary said to his assistant and took his seat on the sofa.

    A few minutester, the door opened and five beautifuldies walked in.

    The one in front was so beautiful that it was hard to keep my eyes off her.

    Slow erotic music started ying and thedies started swaying their hips to the beat.

    Gary stretched out his hand towards the lead girl but she walked past him and went straight to me.

    Gary couldn¡¯t take his eyes off her and was about to call her when another girl walked up to him and put her boobs on his face causing him to be immediately distracted.

    The girl kept dancing erotically in front of me but I just couldn¡¯t feel anything.

    She stared at me with a puzzled expression as she continued dancing.

    She suddenly stopped dancing and moved closer to me but I still didn¡¯t feel anything.

    She looked at me with a determined gaze and suddenly positioned herself to give me ap dance.

    At first I just went along with the flow as my manliness would be questioned if I didn¡¯t show any emotion but a few minutester, I felt a breathtaking sensation which I haven¡¯t felt before in my life.

    "Oh shit" I groaned as she continued twerking on me.

    Gary seemed to notice my reaction and stared at me with excitement.

    He smiled and grabbed his own girl closer to himself before spanking her ass.

    Normally we aren¡¯t supposed to touch the girls, that was the rule but if the girl agrees to it, then the rule can be broken.

    On seeing the girl¡¯s reaction to his first spank, he raised his hand and spanked her even harder before taking her nipple in his mouth.

    "hmmmm!" she moaned loudly but the music was also loud and only someone with sharp ears like me could hear it.

    On seeing what Gary was doing to his own girl, I looked at my girl with undisguised lust.

    She continued moving her body all over me and I felt so much pleasure that I couldn¡¯t say a word.

    I could not believe what I had been missing my whole life. The feeling was intense, sometimes it felt like I¡¯m going to burst from pleasure and then there was this amazing feeling every time she touched my dick through my trousers.

    I grabbed her ass and moved her body closer while she kept grinding and running her hands over my chest.

    "Keep doing that" I groaned as I held her so close that there wasn¡¯t any distance between us.

    She seemed ufortable with my actions but had to just endure it as she didn¡¯t want to offend me.

    looked at one of the other girls, who was giving her a mocking smile as the person she was supposed to be entertaining was just drinking with her on the couch.

    She gritted her teeth and continued grinding on my body.

    I was feeling too much pleasure to even care about her reactions and expressions at the moment.

    All I knew was that I needed more and I moved my hands into her pants. She immediately pushed my hands off and was about to get up when I grabbed her shoulder and moved the tiny fabric on her chest to gain ess to her nipple.

    Before she could react, I took her nipple in my mouth and sucked it hard.

    "SLAP!"

    I felt a sharp burning pain on my face and the music came to an abrupt stop.

    She immediately ran out of the room after adjusting her bra while I sat on the sofa with a burning pain on my face.

    "Get her back here!" Gary instructed his assistant and angrily pushed the girl who was entertaining him away, her bra has been ripped.

    She immediately scrambled up and picked up the piece of fabric from the ground but it made no difference as her boobs were very big and the fabric hardly covered it initially.

    "Let her go" I said with a cold expression while staring at my pants that still had a visible bulge.

 Chapter 3 - THREE: Greedy Parents

    <h4>Chapter 3: Chapter THREE: Greedy Parents </h4>

    Kendrick¡¯s POV

    I got up from the sofa and gestured to the girl next to Gary to follow me into the inner room.

    She followed me without a word and I gestured for her to get on her knees.

    She quickly went on her knees to give me a blow job but as soon as I took off my pants, my dick went soft.

    She stared at me with a surprise expression, adding to my embarrassment.

    "Get out!" I yelled angrily and she immediately got up and ran out of the room and I closed my eyes in frustration.

    "You can all leave now" Gary said with a cold voice and I could hear the girls footsteps as they hurried out of the room.

    I walked out of the room a few minutester and saw my friends waiting for me.

    I sat down on the couch and Anderson handed me a ss of whiskey.

    I gulped it all down at once and Anderson quickly refilled it.

    "Do you have any specific orders with regards to the girl?" Gary asked me with a serious expression.

    "She actually did nothing wrong by pping you because what you did was against the rule" Mason said with a disapproving tone.

    "The rules shouldn¡¯t apply to us, with the kind of money I paid to get them here, they should be the ones begging for sex" Gary retorted angrily.

    "If there is a set rule, then no one is exempted unless the girl gives you her approval" Mason said with a smile.

    "Okay guys, that¡¯s enough. Let¡¯s hear what Ken has to say" Jasper said while gesturing for me to say something.

    "I had an erection," I said with a smile.

    "What does that have to do with you getting sl...oh my God!" Gary eximed when he finally understood what I said.

    "Bro!" Anderson eximed as well.

    "But you have been with so many girls before without any breakthrough, what makes her so special?" Jasper asked with a contemtive expression.

    "I don¡¯t know as well but whatever it is, I¡¯m going to find out" I replied with a determined smile as I slowly sip my wine.

    *******

    Christy¡¯s POV

    I rushed back to the room to change, so I can leave before Madam Collete finds out about what happened.

    As soon as I finished changing, I heard a rush of footsteps and quickly hid behind the curtains.

    The other girls rushed into the room with different expressions.

    Madam Collete and Ben came in after them.

    "Why are you all back so quick?" Madam Collette asked while staring at them with a frown.

    "You should ask Christy," Kara said angrily.

    "What do you mean by that? And where is Christy?" Madam Collete asked her in anger.

    "The main client only touched her a little but she pped him and walked away, which made them all upset" Kara exined eagerly, she could barely hide the joy in her voice.

    She has always been jealous of me and this was a rare opportunity to embarrass me.

    "Where is that little slut?!" Madam Collette yelled angrily but no one answered her which made her even more upset.

    "Her clothes are gone" Kara said with a resentful voice after checking the ce they had kept their clothes earlier.

    "I only went to the balcony to answer a call and she sneaked in to get her clothes? What were you doing?" Madam Collette asked Ben and threw her purse at him.

    "Ma¡¯am, I have been having diarrhea since yesterday, I was in the restroom and didn¡¯t see her. I am very sorry ma" He apologized while bowing his head repeatedly.

    Ding ding!

    Madame Collete was about to continue yelling when she received a notification of an iing message. She quickly walked towards the window so no one would see the content of the message.

    I watched as she unlocked the screen to check her phone and saw that Gary had transferred the full payment.

    The money was so huge that I had to cover my mouth to avoid eximing.

    But she stared at the message and acted like it was nothing.

    "I just received a message from the clients, they have refused to pay as everything didn¡¯t go as nned. So dress up, let¡¯s return home" she said to the girls and they all immediately left the room after changing into their previous outfits.

    I stared at her greedy face as she left the room before hurrying out of the building.

    I didn¡¯t regret pping the man as that was exactly what he deserved.

    I took a cab and gave him my house address before finally breathing a sigh of relief.

    The cab stopped in front of an old rundown house, I paid the driver and made my way into the house.

    "Mom, I¡¯m back" I said as I pushed open the front door.

    I saw my mother, who looked stressed and worn out. Sometimes I find it hard to believe that she was only in her forties. She looked more like a sixty years old woman because of the hardships she had endured over the years.

    "Wee sister" My little sister, Piper, greeted me with a smile.

    "How are you Piper?" I rubbed her hair lovingly.

    I am four years older than her and have done everything possible to provide for her needs.

    I looked at the dining table and frowned.

    "Why is there so much expensive food? Where did the moneye from?" I asked my mother with a scrutinizing gaze.

    "My dear, I just decided to cook something nice today, your father will be back soon" she said with an awkward smile while avoiding eye contact.

    Piper was also acting weird, which made it hard for me to believe what our mother said.

    Bang!

    Before I could say anything, the front door was forcefully pushed open and our father walked in with his eyes zing with anger.

    "You bitch!" He yelled and gave me a very hot p that left my face burning.

    "Husband, please don¡¯t hurt her" my mother quickly pulled me back, so he wouldn¡¯t hit me again.

    "Do you know what she did? She ruined a perfectly good opportunity to make a lot of money!" He yelled while pointing his fingers at me.

    "Christy, what happened?" my mother asked with a frown.

    "Should I allow a client to abuse me, all because I want money?" I said with a choked voice as I tried my best to hold back the sobs that were threatening toe out.

    "What is a little abuse? Will you be the first girl to be abused?!" My father yelled angrily.

    "Benjamin!" My mother yelled his name angrily.

    "Is that what a father should say to his daughter? How could you say such a despicable thing?" she questioned angrily while trembling in anger.

    "Why are you so angry, isn¡¯t it the simple truth? If she had agreed to servicing clients with her body while also working as a stripper, our lives would have been better than this!" He said while ring at me.

    "It¡¯s all your fault, if you hadn¡¯t filled her head with all those nonsense about integrity, self respect and proper character, she wouldn¡¯t have turned out so troublesome" He said to her and was about to continue talking when he noticed the table filled with food.

    "It¡¯s a good thing that you remembered to cook me a proper meal" he said while looking at her, his own wife, with disgust.

    "Now let me tell you, I have decided that you are going to be servicing customers from now on, we need the money" he said to me before making his way to the dining table.

    "I won¡¯t!" I replied to him with a determined voice which caused him to stop in his tracks.

    He turned and walked to where I was standing.

    "Say it again!" He said through gritted teeth as he couldn¡¯t hurt my face, as I needed a pretty face to make money.

    "I said, I won¡¯t be a prostitute!" I yelled in his face and he grabbed my neck in anger.

    "Benjamin, let go of my daughter" My mother quickly pulled his hands off me.

    "Why should I sell myself to give you a good life? Don¡¯t you have another precious daughter outside? Why don¡¯t you tell her instead?" I asked him angrily while rubbing my aching neck.

    "How dare you? Emily is precious and can never do such dirty work!" He yelled at me angrily.

    "And I am not? What makes her more precious? Is it because she is Collete¡¯s daughter?" I asked him angrily.

    "You can¡¯tpare yourself to her," he said with a look of disgust before going to the dining table to start eating.

    "Dear, are you okay?" My mother asked me with a worried expression.

    "Why don¡¯t you just leave?" I asked my mother.

    "I can¡¯t leave, I don¡¯t want to get divorced and start all over again. I am not young anymore" she replied with a sigh.

    "Don¡¯t you feel like you are being too selfish, can¡¯t you think of us instead? Piper and I are going through a lot but you keep thinking about only yourself" I said and angrily pushed her hand away from my face.

    That was when I finally noticed that my sister had been quiet all along. Piper is the one who usually stands up against our father. I turned to look at her and saw her sitting quietly in front of our father.

    "Don¡¯t learn how to be stubborn and rebellious from your sister," He said to her with a rare smile.

    "Where is the money? I know how much you were paid by Mister Cole, so don¡¯t try to hide any of it!" He said with a stern voice while stretching his hand towards her.

    She took out a wad of cash and ced it in his hand with tears streaming down her face.

    "No...no..you promised me" I staggered and turned to our mother with a questioning gaze.

    "You promised me that you wouldn¡¯t let her do this shitty work!" I yelled at her, but she just looked away without any remorse.

    "You are no different from him, do you know the difference between us and Emily?" I asked her with tears streaming down my face.

    "It¡¯s simply because she has a mother who will do everything to ensure she lives well, while on the other hand, our own mother will do everything in her power to please her husband, who clearly doesn¡¯t love her, even if it means selling her children!" I yelled at her angrily.

    Pah!

 Chapter 4 - FOUR: Betrayed

    <h4>Chapter 4: Chapter FOUR: Betrayed</h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    "Don¡¯t you ever darepare me to that slut!" My mother yelled after pping me.

    "A slut? Isn¡¯t that what you are trying to turn your daughters into? You and your husband sit at home all day, while he is gambling, you are busy cooking different delicacies to impress him but he always goes to his mistress afterwards.

    You don¡¯t take care of yourself at all, you look like an old woman and that¡¯s why he keeps going out, Collete is a year older than you but she could be mistaken for your younger sister.

    Our bad luck ising into this world through you!" I yelled at her before storming towards our father.

    "What do you think you are doing?" He asked angrily when I pushed him off his seat.

    "Give me the money!" I demanded angrily but he refused.

    I angrily picked up a fruit knife and ced it on his neck.

    "Have you gone mad? That¡¯s your father!" My mother yelled angrily and rushed to stop me but Piper held her back.

    "Belinda, look at the good daughters you gave birth to!" He yelled angrily at her.

    "Piper, let me go. That¡¯s your father!" Our mother yelled angrily.

    "No you are wrong, he is not my father neither are you my mother!" Piper yelled at her angrily.

    "What? Are you surprised and wondering how I found out?" She asked our mother who hasn¡¯t recovered from her shock.

    "Piper, what are you talking about?" I asked her while still holding the knife to our father¡¯s neck.

    "I always wondered why our so-called father never liked us, but he treats Emily like a precious treasure.

    I found the answer in their roomst week. Our dear mother couldn¡¯t have children and decided to adopt us from the orphanage.

    He supported her idea of adopting us but everything changed when Collete became pregnant with Emily. He found out that he wasn¡¯t actually the reason for their childlessness all these years, he started mistreating us.

    She is desperate to keep him by her side and does everything to please him, including making us work as prostitutes to fund Emily¡¯s academics" Piper exined everything and the room fell into a deep silence.

    "It¡¯s a good thing that you know, now you can repay us for raising you all these years" Our shameless father, Benjamin said with a sneer and I shed shed his arm with the fruit knife in anger.

    "Give me all the money, including the ones in your ount. Transfer everything to Piper¡¯s ount" I said with a voiceced with anger while pointing the knife at his eyeballs.

    "Do it quickly or I will gouge out your eyes!" I threatened and he took out his phone from his pocket while trembling in fear.

    "Tell him your ount number" I said to Piper, who immediately recited her ount details to him.

    After making him transfer all the money to Piper, I collected all the cash on him before kicking him in the stomach.

    "Ahhh, you bitch!" Benjamin cursed as he curled up in pain.

    "Go ahead and pack our stuff, let¡¯s leave" I said to Piper, who Immediately ran into the room to get our clothes.

    She came out a few minutester with a luggage and a backpack.

    "Your things are in here" she said while handing the backpack to me.

    I hit Benjamin on the back of his neck and he passed out.

    "Ahhhh, you little bitches!" Belinda screamed in shock, when she saw her husband¡¯s unconscious state.

    Before she could say anything again, I also gave her a hard hit and she passed out as well.

    "Let¡¯s go" I said to Piper and we immediately left the house.

    After walking a good distance away from the house, I stopped and hugged Piper.

    "So, do you have anywhere to go?" I asked her after pulling out of the hug.

    "My mathematics teacher likes me a lot, she stays with her grandmother and told me toe live with her" Piper said with a smile.

    "That¡¯s good, the money we collected from Benjamin willst you a few months, I will get a good job and send you money monthly as well. Take care of yourself and I wille to see your teacher to thank her personally" I said before hugging her again and handed her some cash for a taxi.

    "Where will you go?" Piper asked me with tears streaming down her face.

    "I will go to my boyfriend, Mark¡¯s ce for now" I replied with a smile while wiping her tears.

    Few minutester, the taxi arrived and Piper left. I stood there for a few minutes, trying to control my emotions before walking to my boyfriend¡¯s house.

    It took half an hour to get there, I was about to knock when I noticed that the front door was slightly opened.

    I frowned as Mark has always been security conscious and would never leave his door open unless something happened.

    I pushed the door open and walked into the apartment. The first thing I saw was a pair of red women¡¯s undies which seemed awfully familiar.

    Then I saw the red heels that were thrown in different directions and I froze.

    Weren¡¯t this the heels that I gifted Callie on her birthdayst year? I thought.

    But shook my head in denial thinking it was just a coincidence, as it wasn¡¯t the only pair in the world.

    I dropped my backpack on the sofa and walked towards the bedroom with light steps.

    "Ahnnm, Mark" I heard a moan and the voice was Callie¡¯s.

    I couldn¡¯t continue deluding myself and making up excuses to brainwash myself.

    "Oh yes!, right there!" Callie kept moaning loudly.

    I didn¡¯t hesitate anymore and pushed open the bedroom door. Callie was shocked and stopped moaning but Mark was still unaware.

    My blood ran cold as I stared at the two people I trusted most.

    Mark just continued, because he was too engrossed.

    His head was buried in-between Callie¡¯s legs as he sucked and licked her pussy. He stopped when he wasn¡¯t hearing Callie¡¯s moans anymore and raised his head to look at her.

    He saw her looking at the door and turned to look as well. He sprang up in shock when he saw me.

    "How... long has this been going on?" I asked with a trembling voice as I rested my back on the door frame for support while staring at Mark, whose face was covered in Callie¡¯s wetness.

    "Babe, let me exin" he said while racking his head for a good excuse.

    "Mark loves busty girls, he got tired of sleeping with only you. I mean you go around dancing on other men but expect him to be loyal. He has the right to choose his own happiness" Callie spoke up for him with a righteous tone.

    "Shut up" Mark yelled at her angrily.

    "Babe listen to me, how about we act like nothing happened, I mean we can all have fun" he said to me with a forced smile that made him look ugly.

    "Oh really?" I asked with a sarcastic voice. He must really think that I am a fool or easy to manipte.

    "Yes, we can have a threesome and practice an open rtionship," he said eagerly.

    "And I have gotten a good job in the capital, I will be moving soon. Since you and Callie are best friends, it won¡¯t be hard for us to live together" He said with a convincing tone.

    I walked towards him with a smile and hid the anger in my eyes perfectly. Mark became excited and Callie didn¡¯t seem to have any problems with it either.

    At this point, I couldn¡¯t waste my breath anymore.

    On getting to where Mark was standing, I suddenly kicked him in-between his legs and he fell down while screaming like a pig that was being ughtered.

    Pah!

    Before Callie could react, I delivered a hot p to her face and my fingerprints were etched on her face.

    "We are over!" I yelled at Mark before walking out of the bedroom.

    I grabbed my backpack and left to the nearest hotel. I booked a room for three days with the money I got from Benjamin and bought five cans of beer.

    I had no savings as I had given Mark all of it to make sure he could graduate from the university.

    He promised me a happy life after he graduates and gets a good job.

    It was all a lie

    A big fucking lie

    I kept murmuring as I went to the room.

    On getting to the room, I sat on the floor, opened a can of beer and allowed My tears to flow freely.

 Chapter 5 - FIVE: The Contract

    <h4>Chapter 5: Chapter FIVE: The Contract</h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    When I opened my eyes the next morning, I felt a strong headache and an urge to vomit.

    I slowly got up from the ground but fell back down due to weakness. I was having a terrible hangover and slowly crawled to the bathroom.

    I vomited in the toilet and washed my face before feeling slightly better.

    I slowly walked to the bedside to check my phone to know the time and saw several calls from Belinda and Benjamin but I ignored them.

    I was trying to think of ways to make enough money to start a decent life but nothing wasing to my mind and I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration.

    Ding!

    My phone suddenly chimed, indicating an iing message.

    I checked the SMS and saw that it was from an unknown number.

    "You are invited for a private dance, 2 PM at Kingston hotel".

    The message was simple and direct without any pleasantries. I stared at the message for a long time before putting it away with a sigh.

    I usually get these kinds of messages from people but this one gave me a weird feeling.

    Ding!

    My phone chimed again and I quickly checked the new SMS.

    "Fifty thousand dors per hour"

    It was once again very simple and direct and I frowned.

    Who pays fifty thousand for a dance? Could it be a scam?.

    Many questions kept swirling in my head and I sat down on the bed absentmindedly.

    What if it isn¡¯t a scam? I can use the money to start a new life.

    There is no harm in trying, if it is a scam, things can¡¯t get worse than they are right now.

    I thought and grabbed my backpack to check for any appropriate outfit to wear but there were only hoodies and joggers, nothing else.

    I couldn¡¯t buy a new set as the money I got from Benjamin was almost finished and I couldn¡¯t go to Callie for help either.

    I suddenly thought of someone else and rushed into the bathroom to freshen up as there was only two hours left before the appointed time.

    After cleaning up, I hurried out of the hotel to a small roadside eatery to get something to eat.

    After my meal, I quickly took a cab and gave the driver an address. The drive only took twenty minutes and the cab dropped me in front of an old building with peeling paint and a broken corridor.

    I knocked on the front door and a few minutester, the door was opened from inside.

    "What are you doing here?" Kara asked, her expression a mixture of surprise and shock.

    "I need your help with something," I said without beating around the bush.

    "You need my help? Did you hit your head or something? Why will youe to me for help when your best friend is around?" Kara asked at once while giving me a suspicious look.

    "Well,I caught my best friend sitting on my boyfriend¡¯s facest night, so I can¡¯t go to her for help and I also found out I was adopted, so I don¡¯t have a home anymore" I said with a voice that sounded like I was just talking about the weather.

    "Umm..so what do you want?" Kara asked after staring at me for a while.

    "I want a red erotic dance set, the one you used at the clubst time" I said without any hesitation.

    "What?! Do you know how expensive that set is? It was a gift from a wealthy client and what do you need it for?" Kara asked me with a frown.

    "I can¡¯t tell you about it," I replied with a hesitant expression.

    "Well, if you can¡¯t tell me about it, then I can¡¯t help you either" Kara snorted and was about to close the door in anger.

    "Wait, I will tell you" I quickly blocked the closing door with my leg and opened the messages before handing the phone to her.

    "This looks like a scam," Kara said with a frown after reading the messages.

    "It¡¯s a risk that I want to take, if it turns out to be genuine, I will be able to get away from here with the money and Benjamin wouldn¡¯t be able to find me" I said with a smile.

    "But what if it turns out to be a scam?" Kara asked with a frown.

    "Awwn, are you worried about me?" I asked her with a teasing smile.

    "Who is worried about you? I¡¯m just afraid you won¡¯t return my stuff" she replied with a defensive tone.

    "Well, if it turns out to be a scam, I will find a way to escape, I mean things can¡¯t get worse than they are right now" I said with a smile.

    Kara just stared at me for a while before going inside, and a few minutester, she returned with a bag and handed it to me.

    "Everything is in there, good luck" she said and I nodded before leaving.

    I only had forty minutes left and decided to go directly to the hotel.

    On arriving at the hotel, a man dressed in ck suit approached me with an expressionless face.

    "Are you Christy?" The man asked with a menacing tone, causing me to take a step back.

    "Yes," I answered with a vignt expression.

    "I was asked to pick you up" the man said then gestured with his hands for me to go into the hotel.

    I took a deep breath and walked in while observing the man¡¯s movements from the corner of my eyes.

    We entered the elevator and arrived at the top floor. I noticed that there was only one door on the floor unlike the other floors.

    The man opened the door and gestured for me to go in, I walked in without any hesitation and the door was closed behind me.

    I looked at the closed door and slowly walked in, I noticed that it was actually a luxurious apartment with expensive decor.

    "Hello" I was still admiring the ce when I heard a deep male voice from behind, I froze before slowly turning around to face the person.

    When I saw who was behind me, I immediately became angry while ring at him.

    "What¡¯s with that look? You were the one that pped mest time, so it¡¯s me that should be upset" He said with a smile which made me even more upset.

    "So you called me here for revenge? Or you have a fetish for being pped?" I asked him angrily.

    "None, I invited you here because I enjoyed yourp dancing" he said before walking to the bar to pour himself some wine.

    "Do you want a ss?" He asked me and I just kept quiet.

    "I guess not" he chuckled and poured for himself then walked to the sofa while slowly sipping the wine.

    "I am not interested in entertaining you," I said and turned to walk towards the door.

    "Two hundred thousand dors and I will transfer it to you before you start dancing" He said, causing me to stop and turn to look at him in shock.

    "You can make the transfer now" I said after thinking for a few minutes.

    "Okay" he said with a smile.

    It only took him a few minutes to make the transfer and after receiving the money, I immediately went to change.

    When I came out of the room, I was wearing sexy red lingerie and a bra.

    As soon as he saw me, he couldn¡¯t take his eyes off me. I could see the visible bulge of his dick and how he was doing his best to control himself.

    "Are you ready?" I asked him and was about to turn on the music yer when he suddenly took the remote from my hand.

    "There is no need," he said with a strained voice, as he was doing his absolute best to control himself.

    He clearly didn¡¯t want to torture himself by watching me dance.

    "I won¡¯t return the money," I said with a frown.

    "It¡¯s yours" he replied before sitting back on the sofa.

    "I actually called you over, because I have an offer for you" he said and took out an envelope from behind the sofa.

    I took it with a hesitant expression and read through it.

    "I don¡¯t understand," I said with a questioning gaze.

    He sighed and told me about his condition.

    "You are saying that I am the only woman that can arouse your desires as a man?" I asked incredulously.

    "Yeah" he replied with a serious expression.

    "It is written in the contract that I will stay with you for ny days and I will receive fifty thousand dors monthly, my aodation and living expenses will also be taken care of by you" I repeated what I read.

    "Yes," he replied with a serious expression.

    "I will need time to think about it," I said with an equally serious expression.

    "If you are thinking of going back to that little hotel, you better change your mind because your foster father is there with some thugs, waiting for your return. Apart from that, you have nowhere else to go" He informed me and I stared at him in shock.

    "I need to get my bag" I said after snapping out of my initial shock.

    "I will have someone bring it over, all you have to do is sign the contract. New clothes and thetest model of iPhone have been bought for you and are all in the room in which you changed just now.

    We will leave as soon as you sign and I promise you that no one will be able to touch you" He said calmly.

    Between going back to the hotel and having myself killed by Benjamin, I will rather follow this stranger. I thought before taking the pen and signing my name on the contract.

    "Mr ck, are we leaving immediately?" I asked after putting down the pen.

    "Just call me Kendrick and yes we will be leaving immediately" he replied while carefully putting the contract back in the envelope.

    I walked to the window and looked down at the bustling city.

    The next ny days of my life will be filled with uncertainty but I am ready to face whateveres my way.

    I have nothing to lose.

 Chapter 6 - SIX: A Painful Betrayal

    <h4>Chapter 6: Chapter SIX: A Painful Betrayal</h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    "You can rest in the room in which you changed earlier" his voice pulled me out of my thoughts and I turned to look at the direction he was pointing.

    "Okay" I replied before walking to the room and shutting the door.

    I quickly checked my ount bnce once more and still couldn¡¯t believe the figure I was seeing.

    I need to inform my sister about leaving the city and also Kara, I need to thank her properly.

    I dialed Piper¡¯s number but it rang for a long time without her picking which is very unlike her.

    I tried calling a couple of times more and on the third try, it was finally picked up.

    "You little slut, you thought you were smart right?" Benjamin¡¯s voice came through the phone and I froze.

    He has my sister!

    This sentence kept ying repeatedly in my head and all I could feel was fear because I know how heartless he could be.

    "What have you done to Piper?" I asked trying my best not to sound scared.

    "You are even asking me questions" he said whileughing like a psycho.

    "Don¡¯t you dare hurt her!" I warned, my fear turned into anger when I remembered what he and his wife had put us through all these years.

    "I want my money, nothing less than fifty thousand dors, do you hear me?!" He yelled loudly and I had to move my phone away from my ear.

    "How am I sure you really have her?" I asked while trying my absolute best to hold back my sobs.

    I can¡¯t let him notice any weakness.

    "Oh, you want to hear her voice?" He snorted and then I heard some footsteps.

    "Make her sing" Benjamin said to whoever was with him.

    "Ahhhhhhhhhhh"

    Piper¡¯s scream made my legs weak and I fell on my knees.

    "You have heard her voice right?" He asked me with a mocking tone.

    "Don¡¯t hurt her anymore, I aming with the money" I said and he immediately hung up.

    Ding ding!

    He quickly sent the meeting location and it is his house.

    I quickly changed into a hoodie and joggers before hurrying out of the room.

    Fortunately, Kendrick was nowhere to be seen, which saved me from having to exin what was happening.

    I rushed to the nearest bank to get the cash and few minutester, I was sitting in a cab heading to Benjamin¡¯s house.

    "Stop here" I ordered the driver and quickly got out of the car.

    I couldn¡¯t just rush into his trap, I needed to know what was going on first.

    I walk into a nearby alley that leads to the house. It only took me a few minutes to arrive at the back of the house.

    I tiptoed to the window to see what was going on inside.

    Benjamin was eating and Belinda as usual was busy serving him like a maid while Piper and two women were tied up at the corner.

    Two thuggish looking men were keeping watch on them.

    No matter how I looked at the situation, all odds were against me and I knew it but I had no choice.

    I took a deep breath and walked to the front door and knocked loudly.

    The door was immediately opened by one of the thugs and Benjamin¡¯s eyes were fixed on the envelope in my hand.

    "Hand over the money quickly!" He demanded with an authoritative voice and Iughed.

    "Let them go" I said with a serious tone. I wasn¡¯t here to banter with him.

    I know today wasn¡¯t going to end well for me and I am ready for anything.

    " Christy, Is that how you talk to your father?" Belinda asked me with a frown.

    "Are you still deluding yourself and ying mother? Have you forgotten that you never gave birth to any child?" I asked her with a sarcastic voice and her expression immediately darkened.

    "You ungrateful wretch!" She yelled at me angrily but I wasn¡¯t here to talk with her, so I didn¡¯t bother responding to her.

    "Let them go and I will hand over the money" I said to Benjamin, my fingers clutched the envelope tightly.

    "You really think you have a choice?" He asked before motioning to one of the thug to take the envelope from me.

    I quickly shove it in my hoodie as the man came close.

    "You better hand it over, I don¡¯t have a habit of not hitting women" He threatened with a ferocious expression.

    Nothing was going to make me hand over the money without my sister and her teacher being released.

    "Can¡¯t you take it from her? You are so useless!" Benjamin yelled angrily at the thug.

    Benjamin¡¯s curses seem to have really angered him and he pulled me closer with one hand while he put the other hand into my hoodie to collect the envelope.

    "Let go of me!" I yelled as I struggled to break free from his hold.

    "You bastard!" I yelled in anger when I noticed that he wasn¡¯t even trying to collect the envelope yet.

    He was busy squeezing my boobs while pretending to collect the envelope.

    "Ahhh!"

    I poke his eyes with my fingers and he immediately let me go while screaming in pain.

    "Enough of this nonsense!" Benjamin yelled angrily and stormed towards me.

    He pulled my hair hard and dragged out the envelope from my hoodie before kicking me to the corner.

    "There is so much money" he said while staring inside the envelope greedily.

    "You little bitch, you must have been doing some side work and you talk about being pure all day" he said with a sneer as he counted the money.

    "Let ...them go" I struggled to say as I slowly got up while using the wall as a support.

    "Of course, I will let them go, I am a man of my words" he said with a smile and gestured to the other thug to release them.

    I watched as the ropes were untied and the thug stepped back for them to leave.

    "Christy" Piper immediately ran to me and held me in a tight embrace.

    "Are you hurt?" I asked while checking her body for any injuries.

    "No, they didn¡¯t hurt me" she said with tears streaming down her face.

    "You can leave now" Benjamin said to the two women, whom I assumed to be her teacher and her mother.

    "Umm...Sir" the elderlydy called to Benjamin with a hesitant expression.

    "Oh, I almost forgot" he said as he pulled out some dor bills from the envelope to give them.

    "Thank you sir" they said happily before walking away with smiles.

    Nothing was making sense at the moment and I turned to Piper for exnation but she just stared at me with a nk expression.

    "You have done well, my dear" Belinda said with a smile.

    No

    She will never!

    I kept trying to tell myself that it wasn¡¯t what I was thinking.

    "Here is the money for the new phone I promised" Benjamin said with a smile as he handed a pile of cash to Piper.

    "Thank you Father" she said happily as she collected it.

    It felt like a bucket of cold water was poured on me at this moment.

    "Why?" I asked her with a confused expression but she just turned her face away.

    The hatred in her eyes couldn¡¯t be concealed.

 Chapter 7 - SEVEN: A Shocking Revelation

    <h4>Chapter 7: Chapter SEVEN: A Shocking Revtion </h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    "Why?!" I asked her angrily.

    "Why what?" She asked back with a lopsided grin.

    "You have always felt better than me, I always had to stay in your shadow. You never allow me to live my life the way I want.

    After what happened that day, I regretted it. I shouldn¡¯t have joined you to hurt our parents. Even if they aren¡¯t our biological parents, they still raised us" she said angrily.

    "You have always been self centered and ungrateful" She said while ring at me.

    "All I ever did was to make sure you grew up safely, I did everything to make sure you wouldn¡¯t be hurt or go astray" I said while trying to hold back my tears.

    How could she say all that to my face, I have loved and taken care of her since we were kids.

    "Wow, a stripper who preaches about living a good life," she said sarcastically.

    p!

    I couldn¡¯t control my anger and delivered a hot p to her face.

    "You finally revealed your real self" she said while holding her cheek.

    "You returned that day, you never went to your teacher¡¯s house" I said with a lot of conviction.

    She yed me all along.

    "You finally became smart" she sneered before walking to where Belinda was seated.

    "Thank you for forgiving me mother, I am so sorry for letting some people mislead me" she said with a smile.

    "I am d you came to your senses my dear" Belinda said while giving me a triumphant smile.

    It was all a trap from the beginning.

    The person I trusted the most betrayed me.

    "Hey, make sure she doesn¡¯t escape" Piper said to one of the thugs and he immediately held me down.

    "When will they arrive?" Benjamin asked her while rubbing his palms together in anticipation.

    "He told me that he will be here soon" Piper responded while scrolling through her phone like nothing was happening.

    How could I not have noticed any details?

    She is so good at hiding her emotions and it took me so many years to finally see the real her.

    Knock knock!

    There was a sudden knock on the door and Piper happily went to open it.

    "Mom, you finally came" I turned to see who the new guest was and everything finally made sense.

    "Hahaha" Iughed with hot tears spilling out of my eyes.

    I was a fool all along.

    I cried as Madam Collete walked close to me and stepped on my back with her heels.

    "You are always walking around like you know everything, are you shocked now?" She asked with a mocking smile.

    "There is no boarding school right, she was always at your ce whenever she left here" I said with a certain voice.

    "You finally got it. Now let me introduce you to my daughter, Emily Scott" she said while pointing towards Piper.

    At this point, my tears kept pouring out and my vision became blurry.

    "Enough with the crocodile tears" Benjamin said with an irritated voice.

    "Oh, he is finally here," Piper or Emily shouted happily.

    I slowly turned my neck towards the entrance and started struggling when I saw who they had invited.

    "Let me go!"

    "Please"

    I begged Piper but she was busy looking for a good angle to take a video.

    The man that arrived was extremely happy, he squatted in front of me and touched my face with a lustful expression.

    He was the same potbellied middle aged man with hideous e. The one I had an altercation with in the club yesterday.

    "We are going to have so much fun" he said before gesturing to one of his bodyguards to hand a bag to Piper.

    "You better ensure that it isplete" she said with a serious expression before taking the bag.

    After a few minutes of confirmation, she walked to where I was being held down and patted my head.

    "I set this up for you sister so make sure to enjoy yourself okay" she said while smiling.

    "She is all yours, have fun" she said to the man who couldn¡¯t hide his excitement as his eyes roamed my body hungrily.

    "Let her go" he said to the thug that has been holding me down" he immediately let go and my face felt numb from being pressed against the cold hard floor.

    "Let¡¯s go," Benjamin said while holding Collete¡¯s waist.

    "Show me some respect at least" Belinda said angrily but they paid no heed to her.

    "Come on Emily, let¡¯s go," Collete said to her daughter with a smile.

    The three of them left without looking back while Belinda stood there like a fool.

    Then the door was suddenly shut from outside, leaving me and her with the thugs and the fat idiot.

    "You really thought you were special?" I asked her with a mocking tone.

    "Benjamin, open the door" she yelled while banging on the closed door but all she heard was the sound of a car engine.

    "She must be the tip, he was talking about" one of the thugs said while staring at her.

    "No...no, you can all have her as many times as you like" She Said while pointing at me.

    I justughed at how heartless she was, the same woman I called mother all my life is saying such vicious words without blinking her eyes.

    "Don¡¯te any closer!" she yelled as one of the men started advancing towards her.

    She grabbed a fruit knife to defend herself against him. He seemed to be blinded by lust and didn¡¯t care about the knife.

    The sound of fabric ripping was heard and before I could see what was happening, the pot bellied man started tugging on my clothes.

    "No, leave me!"

    "Please stop!"

    "Ahhhhhh"

    All I could hear was Belinda¡¯s screams while I did my best to fight off the man that was trying to strip me.

    I kneeled him in his private part and pushed him off me.

    He was writhing in pain while ring at me. I made sure to create as much distance as possible.

    I couldn¡¯t hear Belinda¡¯s voice anymore and turned to see what was happening.

    All I saw were her lifeless eyes as the thug kept taking advantage of her.

    Her head was bleeding, she must have been injured while struggling.

    "Aren¡¯t you done yet? It¡¯s my turn" the second thug said while loosening his belt.

    "Oh shit, she isn¡¯t moving" he said after observing her body.

    The one that was viting her finally stopped after hearing what his partner said.

    "What a waste" he said and gave her lifeless body a hard kick.

    "You can still enjoy yourselves if we work together" The potbellied man said to them while staring at me.

    "She is even better," one of the thugs said with a lustful gaze.

    I immediately tried to run to the nearest room, but he pulled me by my hair and threw me against the wall.

    I felt a sharp pain in my ribs and my ears kept ringing.

    I don¡¯t want to die like this.

    I murmured as my vision became increasingly blurred.

    Suddenly, there was a loud crash and the door opened.

    All I saw was a pair of shiny ck leather shoes before I fell into an endless darkness.

 Chapter 8 - EIGHT: She Didnâ€™t Disappoint

    <h4>Chapter 8: Chapter EIGHT: She Didn¡¯t Disappoint</h4>

    Kendrick¡¯s POV

    I breathed a sigh of relief when she agreed to the contract and left to attend to some business before moving to the capital.

    "So, how did it go?" Gary asked with a gossipy expression.

    "She agreed," I replied with a smile.

    "Just like I predicted, who can refuse the mighty Kendrick ck" he said with an exaggerated tone.

    "Why didn¡¯t you bring her along?" He asked with a serious expression.

    I sometimes wonder how his mood changes so fast.

    "Where? To the office?" I asked him with a frown.

    Why would I bring her to the office?.

    "You gave her some money before signing the contract right? What if she runs away?" He asked with a raised brow.

    "I had Evans keep a watch on her" I informed him and he took a visible breath of relief.

    "She was...."

    Ding!

    I was interrupted by an iing message notification and I picked up my phone to check as whatever it was must be important as it was my personal phone.

    "Boss, she left just like you suspected"

    It was from Evans , the man I stationed to watch her, I frowned after reading the content of the message. I thought she would prove me wrong.

    "What¡¯s wrong?" Gary asked with a scrutinizing gaze.

    "She left," I said inly before dialing Evan¡¯s number.

    "Boss" he picked up the second ring and greeted me.

    "Where is she now?" I asked him with a serious tone.

    "She went to a bank, I am waiting outside for her," he replied emotionlessly.

    "keep an eye on her and keep me updated" I instructed him before hanging up.

    "I am leaving" I said to Gary as I picked up my jacket.

    "I aming too, I will not miss such a good show" he said with a smirk.

    We took an elevator to the underground parking lot and were about to get into the car when my phone rang.

    "Boss, she went back to her parents house, something seems fishy and she is acting strange" Evans said before I could even ask him.

    Wasn¡¯t she being hunted down by her father?

    Why would she go back?

    I thought before getting into the car and driving out of the parking lot.

    Ding!

    "Check it for me" I said to Gary as I focused on driving.

    "He sent his love location, they are in the suburbs" he said after checking the message.

    I quickly drove towards the location with the help of GPS navigation.

    As soon as I arrived at the location, a car that was hurrying out of the ce crashed into my car.

    An elderly man, Benjamin Scott, whom I recognize as Christy¡¯s father from my previous investigation, came out of the car with an extremely ugly expression.

    "Who are you and why are you blocking the entrance of my house?" He tapped my car window and questioned angrily.

    I opened the door to have a word with him but Evans had already appeared and pinned him to the floor.

    "She went into the house and hasn¡¯te out but I saw him locking the door from outside" he informed me expressionlessly.

    "Where is she?" I asked him with a serious tone.

    "I don¡¯t know who you are talking about, just let go of me" Benjamin denied with a defensive tone.

    "We will just have to check it out for ourselves" Gary said as he got out of the car and we both headed towards the house.

    "Hello, what happened?" A young girl, whom I recognized as her sister asked while blocking our way.

    Why was she here?

    I frowned as I shoved her aside and hurried towards the entrance of the house.

    Bang!

    I kicked the door open and the scene that greeted me made my blood boil.

    Christy was resting against the wall, blood was flowing out of the corner of her lips while three men were staring at her like starved beasts. A womanid lifeless on the side of the room.

    She looked in my direction before losing consciousness.

    I quickly picked her up while Gary took care of the three men.

    They didn¡¯t stand a chance against him.

    "Boss" I met Evans and a few other of my people on my way out of the house.

    He must have called for backup.

    "Take the three of them to the basement" I said to Evans before rushing to my car and driving to the nearest hospital.

    I couldn¡¯t take chances, she must recover.

    I finally found a possible breakthrough in my situation and this just happened out of nowhere.

    "Denzel, there is an emergency. Be ready to receive the patient in a few minutes" I called the head doctor of the closest hospital.

    As soon as I drove in, a stretcher was quickly brought over to carry her in.

    She was rushed into the emergency room and I had to wait outside.

    A few minutester, I heard a rush of footsteps behind me but I didn¡¯t turn back as I already knew who wasing.

    "How is she?" Gary asked while patting my shoulder.

    "She lost a lot of blood and some other serious injuries" I said with an exhausted sigh.

    "Why don¡¯t you pay a visit to the basement to blow off some steam?" He suggested with a smile.

    I immediately got up and headed out of the hospital. A car was already waiting at the entrance for me.

    "Let¡¯s go" I said to Evans and he immediately sped off.

    I didn¡¯t bother changing my blood stained clothes as I walked into the basement.

    The three men were tied to chairs and their faces were already swollen thanks to Gary.

    "You are going to tell me everything, from the beginning to the end" I said while looking at their faces.

    "Let¡¯s go with you" I chose the potbellied man.

    "Be a man" I said with disgust when I saw that he had urinated on his pants.

    I turned to the thugs and picked the fierce looking one.

    "I ...I ..didn¡¯t do anything to her, I was employed by her sister " he said with a shaky voice.

    "Her sister?" I asked with a frown.

    From my previous investigation, the sisters were extremely close and Christy has made a lot of sacrifices for her little sister to have a good life.

    "Keep talking," I said to the man.

    "The sister is madam Collete and Benjamin¡¯s daughter, she plotted with her parents to deceive Christy intoing back by acting like she was being held hostage by her father" the other thug quickly added.

    "And him?" I asked while pointing to the potbellied man.

    "What was his role in all of this?" I asked while staring at him.

    "He bought Christy from them, the n was to make her his toy" one of the thugs said quickly.

    "Which hand did you use to touch her?" I asked the man but he just kept quiet.

    He was doing his best to appear calm but his trembling legs betrayed him.

    "Then I will just take both of your hands" I said and Evans immediately handed me a sword.

    "What ...are.. you doing?

    "Do you know who I am?"

    "Ahhhhhh"

    "Ahhhhhhhh"

    His questions came to an abrupt stop when I cut off his hands.

    He howled like a pig in a ughter before passing out from losing too much blood.

    "Throw him into the sea to feed the fishes. Leave no trace" I instructed Evans before walking out of the basement.

    I smiled as I remembered that she didn¡¯t run away with the money like I predicted.

    The sound of my phone ringing pulled me out of my thoughts.

    "We are losing her" Gary¡¯s anxious voice came through as soon as I picked up.

 Chapter 9 - NINE: Donâ€™t Make Me Regret Saving You

    <h4>Chapter 9: Chapter NINE: Don¡¯t Make Me Regret Saving You </h4>

    Kendrick¡¯s POV

    "Let¡¯s go back to the hospital" I said to Evans as I hurried out of the basement.

    I got into the backseat while Evans took the front seat.

    I looked out the window and allowed the cold breeze to touch my face.

    She must live!

    I will go to hell and drag her back if necessary.

    After years of searching for a cure, I finally found a breakthrough and I won¡¯t let it slip away.

    "Boss, we have arrived" Evans voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

    I hurried into the hospital and saw Gary in front of the Emergency room sitting with his head resting on his palms.

    "What happened?" I asked him as soon as I got close enough.

    "Denzel told me earlier that she would be fine after the initial treatment but now, I don¡¯t really understand what is happening. She just tlined" Gary exined with a sigh.

    "Bang!"

    I punched the wall as I needed to vent my frustration and blood slowly trickled down my knuckles but I felt no pain as I just stared at the bright red liquid that was flowing out.

    The emergency room¡¯s door opens and Denzel walks out with an extremely tired expression.

    "How is she?" I asked while scrutinizing his expression.

    "I and my team are doing our best but...."

    "Well, maybe your best isn¡¯t good enough!" I interrupted him angrily.

    "Calm down Ken, we all know how good Denzel and his team are" Gary quickly stood between us to stop me fromshing out on him.

    "There is nothing I can do to save a person that doesn¡¯t want to be saved!" Denzel yelled with a frustrated voice.

    "What do you mean by she doesn¡¯t want to be saved?" I asked him with a frown.

    "She has no will power and isn¡¯t fighting. It¡¯s like she doesn¡¯t have anything worth living for" he exined with a sigh.

    I didn¡¯t know what to say or do for a few minutes. I just stood in front of the emergency room and stared at the girl on the bed that was being saved.

    "No will to live" I repeated Denzel¡¯s words in my head.

    She was betrayed by the person she loved and cared about the most, so it is understandable.

    But I need her and I will have to give her something to live for.

    " I want to go in?" I asked Denzel while still looking inside the emergency room.

    "You will have to get cleaned up first. I will send someone to help you" he said because he knew there was nothing he was going to say that would stop me from entering.

    He walked into the emergency room again and I saw him talking to a nurse before gesturing towards the door..

    "Sir, this way please" a nurse came out to lead me to where I will change and disinfect myself.

    The entire process only took a few minutes.

    I wrinkled my nose as the smell of the disinfectant wafted into my nose as I walked back to the emergency room.

    I hate hospitals but I have spent more time in them than I can count.

    I stood in the doorway, staring at the fragile figure lying in the hospital bed.

    Her fair skin was covered in numerous bruises and she looked extremely pale.

    "Her vitals are too low" Denzel said but I just walked to the bed while staring at her pale face.

    I felt a stuffy feeling in my chest that I didn¡¯t understand.

    I stretched out my hand to touch her chestnut wavy hair but pulled back at thest moment.

    I wasn¡¯t one to show emotions but there was this feeling that I needed to say something at this moment or she would die.

    "You¡¯re making this really inconvenient," I muttered, trying to sound annoyed.

    Nothing happened, it was like she couldn¡¯t hear me.

    "Just keep talking to her, it might help" Denzel encouraged from the side.

    ?"Do you know how many people would kill to be in your position right now?

    Sleeping in a five-star hospital room, with the best doctors money can get? Don¡¯t make me regret saving your life, Christy." I said with a serious tone.

    ?Still nothing.

    ?

    ?I sighed and dragged a hand down my face. I have never lost control before but at this moment, I could feel my control slipping.

    "That¡¯s good, keep talking" Denzel encouraged again while observing the instruments.

    ?"Look," I said with a cold voice. She needed to be told the harsh truth and that¡¯s what I am going to do.

    "You don¡¯t have to trust me and you probably shouldn¡¯t. But if you think dying like this is going to solve anything... it won¡¯t.

    The people who hurt you? They don¡¯t care. They will continue living their lives and find more victims like you." I said coldly while staring at the bruises on her body.

    "They betrayed you, used you and dumped you when you didn¡¯t seem valuable anymore. I get it,"

    "I know what that kind of betrayal feels like and it eats you alive from the inside out." I said with a sigh.

    Then I slowly moved my lips closer to her ear because I wanted to make sure she heard everything I was saying.

    ?"But I also know that lying in this cold emergency room with machines strapped to your body isn¡¯t justice.

    It is surrender and you¡¯re not the type who gives up easily. I saw it in your eyes earlier, I saw the yearning to be free in them" I paused for a few seconds before continuing again.

    "I didn¡¯t sign that contract because I was desperately in need of a girl, I signed it because I saw that you were different from other girls" I said while observing her face for any reaction.

    "Her vitals are going up!" Denzel yelled excitedly and I finally released the breath I never knew I was holding.

    "I promise to help you get justice and to protect you. I will make sure you live well after the contract expires" I whispered into her ear and her finger moved.

    I quickly turned to Denzel, who nodded at me with a smile.

    "The nurses will have her cleaned up and taken back to the room" He said with a smile and gave me a pat on the shoulder.

    I walked out of the emergency room and I feltpletely drained.

    "Here" Gary handed me a bottle of water and I slowly gulped it down.

    "Call Mason, I need his help with something" I said to him and he immediately left to make the call.

    The emergency room¡¯s door slowly opened and she was wheeled out. I followed behind as they took her to my personal room.

    The room was well furnished and has its own kitchen. I had it built specifically for me, during the construction of the hospital.

    They ced her on the bed and administered some drugs before leaving.

    I sat at the edge of the bed and picked up myptop to do some unfinished work.

    Knock!

    "It¡¯s opened" I said, the door opened and Gary walked in with Mason.

    "This is the first time I am entering this room and you aren¡¯t the one being brought back from the brink of death" Mason said with his signature smile but his smile disappeared when he looked at my face.

    " Have they made a move again?" He asked me with a frown.

    "It¡¯s not them, I just need you to help me investigate and dig up some dirt on a couple" I said and tossed a file at him.

    He caught it and slowly read through it.

    "You could have just informed the police, they would have investigated. I am too busy for this" he said after reading and tossed it back to me.

    "I need someone that I trust on it, that¡¯s why I called you" I said with a smile.

    "You know I am very busy this period and I hardly...." He suddenly stopped talking and stared at the bed with a shocked expression.

    "What¡¯s wrong?" Gary asked him but he just shook his head but his eyes were still fixed on Christy¡¯s face.

    "On second thought, I will take care of it" he suddenly said and collected the document he tossed back earlier.

    He looks at the bed one more time before leaving.

    "That was weird, what got into him?" Gary asked with a frown while staring at the closed door.

    I was about to reply when I felt movements behind me.

    "Wa..ter" her hoarse voice came from behind.

    Gary quickly poured a ss of water while I raised her head to enable her drink properly.

    "It¡¯s good to see you awake" I said to her after carefully adjusting her position.

    She just stared at the white ceiling and didn¡¯t say a word.

    "Thank you" she suddenly said but her eyes were still fixed on the ceiling.

    "It was nothing," I said with a sigh of relief.

    "Umm, I will head back now" Gary said before quickly walking out of the room like he was being chased.

    Did you mean everything you said?" She asked emotionlessly.

    "I never go back on my words" I replied with a firm tone.

    She finally turned to look at me.

    "Why are you helping me?" She asked with a frown.

    "You became one of my people from the moment you signed that contract. I always protect my people" I said with a firm tone.

    She was mine to protect for the next 90 Days.

 Chapter 10 - TEN: I Am Finally Free!

    <h4>Chapter 10: Chapter TEN: I Am Finally Free!</h4>

    Mason¡¯s POV

    My mind was filled with the pale face of the girl on the bed.

    Who is she?

    Why is there such a resemnce?

    Could she be my...

    I shook my head as it was impossible for such a coincidence to happen.

    It¡¯s been fifteen years and I don¡¯t want to raise everyone¡¯s hopes again likest time, only for it to not turn out positive.

    I got in my car and tossed the file on the back seat, wondering if I should still take the risk.

    I drove out of the hospital absentmindedly, my fingers clutched the steering wheel like it could ease the tension in my heart.

    The drive only took half an hour, I arrived at the special forces Base.

    " Cole, you have thirty Minutes to find out everything about this couple" I ordered as I handed the file to one of my loyal subordinates.

    "Sir" he saluted before hurrying away with the document.

    I walked to my office and sat behind my desk before bringing out an old rusted locket that has been in the drawer for years.

    I flicked it open and a picture of a little girl with the brightest smile was in it. The girl¡¯s smile is so captivating that one can¡¯t help smiling back.

    "Where are you Eva?" I asked while staring at her eyes that held all the stars in the world.

    Memories of what happened fifteen years ago flooded my head like always.

    Her frantic screams as the water pulled her away from the shore, how I swam to save her and how I passed out before getting to her.

    All I saw in her beautiful eyes was intense fear before I passed out.

    Her eyes have hunted me every night since that day.

    If only I was stronger back then.

    Knock knock!

    A sudden knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts.

    "Come in" I said and the door was immediately pushed open and Cole walked in with a file in his hand.

    "I am ten minuteste Sir" he said while standing at attention.

    I checked my wristwatch and saw that he really was ten minuteste.

    I always lose track of time whenever I think of Eva.

    "Send the soft copy to my email" I said to him before collecting the file and gesturing for him to leave.

    "Yes sir!" He said and quickly exited my office like he was being chased.

    If it was another time, I would have punished him for not adhering to time but I guess today is his lucky day.

    I took the file and read through it.

    Every line I read made me feel extremely disgusted. To think these monsters were roaming free in this City.

    I immediately dial Kendrick¡¯s number while still going through the file.

    "It is done, I will send it to you soon" I informed him as soon as he picked up.

    "Is there anything that cannd them in jail?" He asked with an emotionless tone.

    "With what I am reading right now, life imprisonment will be too lenient" I said with a disgusted tone.

    "I will be returning to the capital soon, I will thank you properly when we meet," he said before hanging up.

    I finally finished reading the file and closed it with a smile.

    Kendrick is thest person anyone will want to offend and this couple wouldn¡¯t even know how they died.

    *****

    Christy¡¯s POV

    My eyes felt so heavy when I tried to open them and after a few tries, I was finally able to open them.

    I looked around the unfamiliar room with a frown then the memories of what happened yesterday rushed into my head.

    Hot tears ran down my cheeks as I remembered Piper¡¯s betrayal.

    I would have never imagined it in a million years.

    I slowly moved my body which felt extremely heavy due to the medication.

    I heard the sound of the door opening and quickly wiped my tears. I didn¡¯t want anyone to see me in such a vulnerable state.

    "Feeling better?" Kendrick¡¯s maic voice came from the door and I slowly turned to look at him.

    He looked good as always and he gave me this feeling of being safe.

    "The doctor said you can only eat light foods for the next two days" he said and dropped a bowl of pudding on the bedside table.

    I struggled to get up from the bed and he just stared at me. I felt grateful that he didn¡¯t offer to help as I didn¡¯t want to be a burden on anyone.

    "If you need help, just press the green button on your left, a nurse wille and attend to you" he informed me expressionlessly.

    "Thank you" I said as I slowly drank the pudding.

    I could feel his eyes on me but I just ignored him and finished the pudding before dropping the bowl back on the table.

    "There is something you might want to see," he said as he picked up the TV remote and switched it on.

    "...Benjamin Scott and his lover, poprly known as Madam Colette Wells, have been arrested this morning following a major investigation. Charges include forced prostitution, murder of his wife, drug distribution, and involvement in human trafficking..."

    I blinked severally to make sure that I wasn¡¯t dreaming.

    I didn¡¯t know how to react at the moment.

    I reached for the remote with trembling fingers and he handed it to me, I turned up the volume.

    The screen switched to their mugshots.

    Benjamin¡¯s smug face was now pale and bloated, his eyes hollow with a lot of bruises on his neck while Colette looked like she had aged ten years overnight, she looked nothing like the diva that made us tremble at the club.

    My heart kept pounding as I continued listening.

    "Both suspects were apprehended following credible tip-offs, andw enforcement believes this bust will uncover a major underground ring of influence abuse. More detailsing..."

    I slowly turned off the TV and my heartbeat was intense. It felt like my heart wanted to burst out of my chest.

    "Ha..ha..ha..ha" Iughed in excitement until tears started streaming down my face again.

    I am finally free!

    I got justice for everything they did to me!

    I kept screaming these two sentences in my head while crying.

    "Aren¡¯t you supposed to be happy?" Kendrick asked and I turned to look at him.

    I forgot he was still here, I quickly wiped my tears and smiled.

    "I am very happy, thank you so much" I said to him but he just stared at me with a frown.

    "I was shedding tears of joy" I said as I felt the need to exin.

    He clearly was not an emotional person and definitely doesn¡¯t understand emotions either.

    "It¡¯s good that you are happy" he said while staring at my face like he didn¡¯t believe what I said.

    "We will be leaving for the Capital as soon as you are discharged" he informed me and I just nodded in response.

    "Is there anything you might need?" He asked me while staring at his phone.

    "I was thinking of getting a makeover to mark my new beginning" I blurted out the first thing that came to my mind and bit my tongue.

    "I actually didn¡¯t...."

    "A stylist will be here to attend to you. I am leaving now" he said expressionlessly before walking out of the room.

    I just sat there and stared at the closed door.

    Was he serious?

    I asked myself before lying down on the bed.

    I stared at the ceiling while recalling all the hardships I suffered in the past years of my life.

    In the afternoon, a nurse brought me another bowl of pudding and I had just finished drinking it when I heard the door creak again. I expected it to be a nurse or t

    Kendrick.

    But when I looked up, I saw an unexpected person.

    It was Piper or Emily.

    Her makeup was smeared, eyes puffy from crying, and her expression twisted in pure rage.

    "You!" she hissed, mming the door shut behind her.

    I sat up in rm. "Piper?"

    " Don¡¯t call me that, my name is Emily and this is all your fault!" she screamed, marching toward me.

    I froze as I stared at her enraged expression. She was nothing like the sweet little girl that I had known my entire life.

    "Why couldn¡¯t you just let us be, Belinda is finally out of the way and now everything is ruined thanks to you!" She yelled angrily while ring at me with so much hate.

    "You are really Collete¡¯s daughter, how did I miss the resemnce all these years or it seems like you are just really good at pretending and also delusional" I said with a smirk.

    "Let¡¯s see how smug you will still be when I ruin that face of yours" She yelled angrily and lunged at me.

    The tray on my bedside table ttered to the floor as I struggled to block her fingers from touching my face.

    Her nails scratched down my arm and I pushed her back with all the strength I could muster up before pushing the green button to call for help.

 Chapter 11 - ELEVEN: A Pain In The Heart

    <h4>Chapter 11: Chapter ELEVEN: A Pain In The Heart</h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    Piper picked up a ss shard from the floor and lunged at me again.

    I quickly moved to the other end of the bed to avoid the ss as she was aiming for my face.

    "Watch how I destroy that face of yours, let¡¯s see if the rich guy will still want you!" She said with a smile that made her look like a psycho.

    "Piper don¡¯t do anything you will regret" I said while trying to find an escape route as I wouldn¡¯t be able to fight her with my current condition.

    The bandages on my hand have been dyed red with blood due to the continuous movements to avoid her attacks.

    I looked at the door, wondering if the help button worked or not.

    "Regret? The only thing I would regret is leaving you alive. I want you to suffer and live a very miserable life" she said with so much hatred while gripping the ss shard tightly.

    The ss cut through her palm and blood started dripping on the floor but she just kept staring at me like she couldn¡¯t feel any pain.

    "Piper, calm down" I said while staring at her injured hand.

    She just kept staring at me like I was her biggest enemy, the look in her eyes made my heart hurt.

    I slowly got off the bed and before I could bnce on my feet, she suddenly attacked.

    I quickly covered my face with my hand and felt a sharp pain at the back of my hand as she stabbed me with the ss shard.

    "Ahhh!" I groaned in pain and pushed her back with all my strength before holding my injured arm.

    Blood was gushing out continuously and I pressed on the injury with my other hand .

    "Why don¡¯t you just die!" Piper yelled and I looked in her direction.

    She was struggling to get up and blood was trickling down her forehead. I looked at the bedside table and noticed some blood on one of the edges. She must have hit her head when I pushed her.

    I was about to press the help button again when the door suddenly burst open.

    Evans rushed in and walked towards Piper.

    She quickly picked up another ss shard to defend herself but she was no trouble for a trained person like Evans.

    "Stay away from me!" She yelled as she tried running to attack me again.

    "Don¡¯t move!" he barked angrily at her.

    He grabbed her by the arms and dragged her back.

    "I¡¯m going to ruin you!" she shrieked at me, kicking her legs as Evans lifted her up like a ragdoll.

    "You¡¯ll pay for destroying my family! I¡¯ll make sure of it!" she screamed again while ring daggers at me.

    "Get her out," Kendrick¡¯s cold voice came from behind Evans.

    "Yes, boss," Evans muttered, hauling Piper out of the room as she thrashed and screamed.

    My hands were trembling as I continued applying pressure on my injury.

    Kendrick came to my side instantly to check my arm.

    " Denzel is on his way, try to bear with the pain" he said stiffly.

    " It¡¯s nothing deep," I whispered.

    This pain is smallpared to the pain in my heart. No matter how I try to mask it, I still cared a lot about her.

    A part of me actually wished she would just apologize and tell me she was brainwashed or something.

    "Do you have anything in mind or should I take care of her in my own way?" He asked while staring at my face.

    "What does your way mean?" I asked him with a sigh.

    "She will be taken far away and will never bother you again" he replied expressionlessly.

    Knock knock!

    "Open" Kendrick said as soon as someone knocked on the floor.

    Denzel walked in with two nurses, each carrying a tray of medical supplies.

    " Let¡¯s get you fixed up," he said to me with a polite smile.

    "Hiss" I groaned in pain as he cleaned the injury.

    "Be careful," Kendrick said to him coldly.

    "I am very sorry about what happened, I will make sure my workers are kept in check henceforth" Denzel said with an apologetic expression.

    I just stared at him in confusion, wondering how Piper attacking me had anything to do with his staff.

    " One of the nurses that attended to you earlier, secretly took a video of you and uploaded it on the Inte. It got a lot of attention and your sister must have seen it too" he exined when he saw my confused expression.

    "She has been fired," he added.

    "It¡¯s alright" I said with a smile.

    Piper would have stille after me even without the post, so the nurse only made it faster for her.

    "She won¡¯te near you again." Kendrick¡¯s cold voice came from the side. I nodded in response.

    And somehow, I believed him.

    *****

    I walked out of the hospital building with a smile. I was finally discharged.

    Well, the papers haven¡¯t been signed yet but today was myst day here.

    I breathed slowly as I stood under the sunlight.

    "Let¡¯s go" Evans¡¯ voice pulled me out of my reverie and I quickly got into the backseat.

    "Where are we going?" I asked him when he drove out of the hospital gate.

    "Boss asked me to take you to the beauty salon" he replied curtly.

    I have gotten used to him, he doesn¡¯t speak much but he is very capable and always executes his tasks wlessly.

    The drive only took twenty minutes and the car came to a halt in front of the most expensive beauty salon in the city.

    A few months ago, I could only dream of entering this salon and now, here I am.

    I walked in with a smile, I was curious and super excited but had to maintain myposure.

    "Isn¡¯t that one of MJ¡¯stest designs?"

    "Hmph...it¡¯s probably a cheap imitation"

    As soon as I walked in, I saw three female beauticians and they all stared at me with varying gazes.

    One gave me a polite smile while the other two were busy discussing my gown.

    "You are right, MJ¡¯s design is a limited edition, she probably can¡¯t afford it" the one who had initially admired the dress said with a disdainful expression.

    I ignored their words and walked up to them with a smile, acting like I never heard their conversation.

    " I have an appointment," I said with a smile.

    "Sorry, we only have one important appointment for today, so you can just stop pretending" one of them replied rudely.

    "Umm...hello, I will attend to you" the one that smiled at me when I entered said with an apologetic smile.

    "What are you trying to do Cam?" The rude one asked angrily.

    "Didn¡¯t the Boss inform us not to attend to any other person until we are done with the vip that ising?" The rude one asked her angrily.

    "I just wanted to ask her for her details so we will know if she is the one or not" the polite one, Cam, said but the others just red at her.

    "Can¡¯t you tell by her cheap imitation clothes that she is not the one?" The other one asked rudely.

    I was about to mention Kendrick¡¯s name when the sound of heels clicking against the hard marble floor interrupted me.

    "It¡¯s been a while" a soft feminine voice came from behind me and the faces of the two rude beauticians immediately lit up.

    I turned around and saw a girl in a tight body hugging white gown and ck heels. She was wearing a pair of sunsses.

    "Wee Miss Celeste, it¡¯s been so long since west saw you" The rude beautician¡¯s character immediately took a 360 degrees turn as she greeted the neer with a smile.

    "It¡¯s good to see you again Margaret" thedy said with an arrogant expression while handing her handbag to the beautician.

    "Tea or coffee?" The other one asked her.

    "Tea," she replied before walking to the sofa to sit.

    "Are there any new treatment packages?" She asked the very rude one, whose name is Margaret.

    I just watched as they were hovering over thedy while I was left standing at the front desk.

    Ding!

    My phone chimed, indicating a new notification. I took it out of my bag and saw a text from Kendrick.

    "Almost done?"

    The text was direct without any unnecessary greetings.

    "I haven¡¯t been attended to" I replied quickly.

    "I will have it sorted out" he replied immediately.

    I didn¡¯t know what to reply again and just left it on read.

    "Here is your tea ma¡¯am" The other beautician, whose name I don¡¯t know yet, brought a cup of tea to thedy.

    "Are you new here?" Thedy asked while pointing at me.

    I just ignored her and continued waiting for whoever Kendrick was going to call.

    "I am talking to you" she said with an arrogant tone but I wasn¡¯t in the mood to talk to anyone.

    "Who is she?" She asked Margaret angrily.

    " she came in and imed to have an appointment" Margaret said while giving me a side eye.

    "Do you just allow anyone toe in here? I thought you had strict rules. I will have toin to my friend when I get back to the capital, so she can inform her brother" thedy said arrogantly.

    She just indirectly told everyone that she was friends with the beauty salon owner¡¯s sister.

    Suddenly, hurried footsteps came from the entrance of the salon. A middle aged woman hurried in with beads of sweat covering her face.

    "Oh good, your manager is here" the arrogantdy said with a smile.

    "Hello Miss Celeste, please you will have toe another day, we are fully booked by an extremely important client" the manager informed her and her expression immediately twisted in anger.

    " What nonsense are you saying? Have you forgotten who I am?" She asked the manager angrily.

    "Hello, you must be Miss Christy. Pleasee with me to the second floor, that¡¯s where I will personally give you the best beauty treatment" the manager said to me with a smile.

    I just nodded and followed her, she was probably instructed by Kendrick.

    "I will call my friend and make sure you lose your job!" Thedy yelled angrily.

    "I am very sorry miss Celeste, I was ordered by the boss to personally attend to her" the manager exined.

    "The Boss? You mean Kendrick ck?" She asked with a frown while ring daggers at me.

 Chapter 12 - TWELVE: Meeting The Top Socialite

    <h4>Chapter 12: Chapter TWELVE: Meeting The Top Socialite</h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    From her reaction, I figured that she must know Kendrick.

    "Who are you?" She asked me again, this time, she stared at me like she wanted to rip me apart.

    Could she and Kendrick have a rtionship?

    "Are you mute? Can¡¯t you hear me" she suddenly lunged at me but the manager quickly held her back.

    "I don¡¯t know who you think you are but you better watch it, bcos I don¡¯t have a very good temper" I warned her with a serious tone.

    How dare she try to put her hands on me.

    "You bitch! You better stay away from Kendrick" she yelled while struggling to free herself.

    "And why would I do that?" I asked her with a raised brow.

    From what I know, Kendrick doesn¡¯t have a girlfriend and has never dated before, then who is this diva?

    "You better stay away from him for your own good. He is not someone that a lowly person like you should hover around" she said while eyeing me with a disgusted expression.

    "I don¡¯t know who you are and how you know my boyfriend but....."

    "Boyfriend?!" She shrieked with a shocked expression.

    Okay, I didn¡¯t expect her to react so strongly.

    Kendrick never mentioned his family and from her reaction, she is definitely not a rtive.

    She acts more like a jealous lover than a sister.

    "Why don¡¯t youe up with another lie bitch, everyone knows that Kendrick doesn¡¯t date or associate with women" she said with a mocking gaze but I wasn¡¯t in the mood to reply to her anymore.

    "Can we get started? I want her to attend to me" I said to the manager while pointing at Cami, the beautician that was polite to me when I came in.

    "Sure, Cam go and attend to our VIP" the manager instructed her with a stern expression.

    "Hey, I am not done with you yet!" Celeste or whatever her name was, yelled at me as I followed Cam upstairs.

    "You bitch!" She resorted to using insults to get my attention but I wasn¡¯t going to give her that satisfaction.

    What bad luck to meet such a person on my first day out of the hospital.

    "I am very sorry about what just happened ma" Cam suddenly apologized, her voice pulling me out of my thoughts.

    " Just call me Christy" I said to her with a smile and she smiled back.

    She led me into a room that was filled with different machines and beauty products. I just took a quick nce at it before going back to thinking about what just happened.

    Maybe I can get some information from her. I thought while staring at Cam.

    "Is she a regr here?" I asked her as she directed me to the sofa to sit.

    "Miss Celeste?" She asked me and I nodded in response.

    She kept picking out the products that she wanted to use from the shelves after getting my response.

    "She is the Boss¡¯s younger sister¡¯s best friend, so she alwayses to our salon anytime she is in town.

    She is the top socialite in the capital, her family is extremely wealthy and there are rumors that her family and the boss¡¯s family were discussing their marriage" she said with a gossipy expression.

    I smiled as she had given me more information than I hoped for.

    "Let¡¯s forget about her for now and focus on getting me ready as I have an important trip tomorrow" I said to her with a smile.

    "Okay, do you have anything in mind that you want to do?" She asked me while arranging the products in a basket.

    "I want to dye and cut my hair" I said after staring at myself in the mirror.

    "You have such healthy hair, why would you want to cut it?" She asked with an astonished expression.

    "i just want something different" I said and she nodded.

    "For the dyeing, do you have a specific color that you want to use?" She asked while caressing my long wavy hair.

    "I want a very dark red color," I said after some thought.

    "Okay, I think the color will reallyplement your skin tone," she said with a ttering smile.

    "Thank you" I responded while staring at the mirror.

    I watched as she reduced the length of my hair with scissors and I smiled.

    I never liked long hair but I was forced to keep it because Benjamin said so. He felt I would attract more customers with long hair.

    But looking at the shoulder length hair after the cut, I was truly satisfied.

    It felt so good to be able to make my own choices without anyone interfering

    The rest of the spa section went smoothly and by the time we were done, I stared at the mirror and couldn¡¯t believe my eyes.

    She used the perfect shade of red and parted my hair into short deep waves.It gave me a totally different aura.

    "Thank you so much Cam" I said as she escorted me downstairs.

    I looked around and couldn¡¯t find that crazy woman.

    I breathed a sigh of relief and exchanged a few words with the manager before exiting the beauty salon.

    "Hey, you thought I would just let you go after you spoke to me without respect?" Celeste¡¯s angry voice came from the side of the building.

    Oh fuck.....not this bitch again!

    I yelled in my head before turning to face her direction.

    I saw her staring at me with a smirk and two tall well built men stood behind her who are probably her bodyguards.

    "I heard that you are the top socialite in the capital, is bullying part of the criteria to be a top socialite now?" I asked her and the smirk on her face immediately vanished.

    "I have a strong urge to teach you some manners as the top socialite," she said before gesturing to her bodyguards.

    "Get her in the car" she ordered them and they immediately walked towards me with menacing expressions.

    I decided to go back into the salon to avoid being dragged into the car but they seemed to have read my thoughts and one of them grabbed me by the wrist.

    Before I could react, I heard the sound of a car speeding towards us.

    It came to a halt in front of us and the door immediately opened.

    Kendrick stepped out, his jaw was tight and his lips pressed into a thin line as he stared at my wrist that was being held by one of the Bodyguards.

    "Break his hand" he said to Evans through gritted teeth.

 Chapter 13 - THIRTEEN: Avoiding A Scandal

    <h4>Chapter 13: Chapter THIRTEEN: Avoiding A Scandal </h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    Evans immediately took action and the sound of bone breaking and the muffled groans of the Bodyguard filled the air.

    "Kendrick, let me exin" Celeste said as she quickly walked towards him arrogantly.

    "And you are?" He asked her coldly.

    She immediately stopped in her tracks, her arrogant expression immediately vanished.

    "I am Celeste, Raina¡¯s best friend" she said with a smile while staring at him with so much infatuation.

    "Miss Martinez?" He asked with a raised brow and she nodded happily.

    "It¡¯s been three years since west met, so it is understandable that you couldn¡¯t recognize me at first," she said with a shy expression.

    I couldn¡¯t believe she was the same person that was threatening to tear me apart a few minutes ago.

    She seems like a totally different person in front of Kendrick.

    "Let¡¯s go," Kendrick said to me,pletely ignoring her.

    "Are you going back to the capital? I am also going, so can Ie with you?" She asked quickly when she saw us getting into the car.

    "No, I don¡¯t like strangers in my space" he said coldly before mming the door shut.

    On hearing his reply, her expression immediately turned sour and she looked at me with hatred but I just got into the car with a smile.

    I sat in the back seat with him while Evans drove. I could feel her eyes on me and I didn¡¯t even bother to look in her direction.

    She can go kiss a transformer for all I care, I thought and smiled.

    "You look good" Kendrick suddenly said while staring at his phone.

    I stared at him in surprise and smiled again.

    "Thanks" I said as I have gotten used to his habit of not saying much.

    "We are going directly to the airport, something urgent came up in the capital" he informed me without bothering to look at me.

    I didn¡¯t have anything keeping me here in the first ce, so I didn¡¯t have any objections.

    "You don¡¯t want to?" His voice pulled me out of my thoughts and I turned to see him staring at me.

    "It¡¯s fine, I was just lost in thought" I replied quickly and we fell into another awkward silence.

    Before I knew it, we were in a ne going to the capital.I looked out the window and whispered a good bye to my past.

    I felt someone¡¯s gaze on me but I didn¡¯t bother checking, as I already knew who was staring at me.

    Kendrick has this weird habit of staring at me, at first I was ufortable but now I have gotten used to it.

    "Come here" he said with an emotionless tone.

    I turned around to see him focused on me, his eyes were roaming over my body and I immediately felt hot.

    "Come here" he repeated again and I slowly walked to him.

    I slowly sat down on the seat opposite him and stared back at him without any fear.

    He suddenly touched my face with his fingers, then he slowly moved it down to my cor bone.

    "When we get to the capital, we will have to live and act like a real couple. That includes getting intimate in front of others, sleeping in the same room and attending events together" he paused to observe my expression.

    "But in private, there won¡¯t be anything between us, no emotional attachment and no games, it is purely a transaction and you will get paid at the end" he concluded with a serious expression.

    "I understand and won¡¯t cross the line" I said before moving his fingers away from me.

    He seemed to have forgotten that he was touching me and cleared his throat awkwardly.

    The rest of the trip was rtively quiet and when we finally arrived, we were surrounded by reporters at the exit.

    "Stay back" Evans barked angrily at the moring reporters.

    But they seemed to not hear him as they kept pushing and shoving their mics in Kendrick¡¯s face.

    He was extremely quiet and just stared expressionlessly at them.

    "Please stand back" he finally spoke up and the reporters immediately quieted down but they kept pushing their mic forward.

    I just realized that Kendrick might be more influential and wealthy than I had earlier thought.

    "Mr ck, you have been gone for three years. Where have you been?

    "There was a rumor circting before you left, did you go into hiding because it was true?

    "Is it true that you don¡¯t like women but men?

    The reporters just kept throwing questions at him while he just stood and stared emotionlessly at them.

    I was tired from the flight and the voices of the reporters were starting to give me a headache, so I decided to help out.

    I moved forward and wrapped my arms around Kendrick¡¯s waist, his body immediately tensed up but he quickly rxed.

    "As you all can see, my girlfriend is tired and needs to rest," he said to the reporters who had different expressions on their faces.

    From how some reacted, I figured that they might have been paid by someone to make Kendrick trend for all the wrong reasons.

    "How are we sure she isn¡¯t just someone you randomly picked up tobat the rumors?" A female reporter asked with a smile.

    I took a deep breath and grabbed Kendrick¡¯s cor before slowly kissing him.

    I don¡¯t know what came over me and wanted to pull away after I came back to my senses but he held my head and deepened the kiss, sucking out all my breath.

    By the time he finally let me go, my lips were already swollen and I was out of breath.

    "Any other question?" He asked the reporters but they just stared at us like they had seen something extraordinary.

    "Let¡¯s go" he said to me and Evans immediately cleared a path for us to easily walk through.

    I didn¡¯t want to face him after what just happened, so I walked behind him.

    "The new driver just called, he said he is outside" Evans informed him and led us to the direction of the car.

    On getting to the car, the driver door opened and a man dressed in blue drivers uniform stepped out.

    Mark?

    I stared at him in shock, as he greeted Kendrick with a bow and swiftly opened the back door for him to get in.

    I couldn¡¯t believe that the job which he bragged about was to work as a driver and unfortunately for him, his new Boss turned out to be Kendrick.

    "What are you doing here?!" Mark asked angrily when he finally noticed me.

    "Are you following me around?"

    I just stared at him as he sted me with several questions, without waiting for me to say anything.

    I ignored him and cat walked to get into the car but he blocked me when I wanted to open it.

    "This isn¡¯t the ce for someone like you, so leave before you are thrown out" he warned me angrily but I just ignored him and got into the back seat.

    He stared at me in shock as I got into the backseat.

 Chapter 14 - FOURTEEN: Family Drama

    <h4>Chapter 14: Chapter FOURTEEN: Family Drama</h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    Mark just stood frozen and stared at me through the car window.

    Or maybe he was waiting for me to be thrown out of the car.

    "What¡¯s with the dy?" Evans asked him angrily and he quickly got into the car.

    He started the car but his eyes were fixed on me from the rearview mirror.

    "I will have your eyes gouged out if you don¡¯t want them" Kendrick threatened with a cold voice.

    The rest of the drive was extremely quiet and I felt so good and satisfied, knowing Mark was probably dying inside.

    Knowing that he was just a driver and will be working for me, will make him die silently as his pride wouldn¡¯t let him be at peace.

    I was pulled out of my thoughts by the magnificent view in front of me.

    The huge mansion stood tall and gave off a sophisticated aura, on the left was a beautiful garden and on the right were fleets of cars.

    Mark slowly drove to the right and stopped the car.

    We got down from the car and Kendrick suddenly held my hand and smiled.

    "Sir, I have something important that I think you should know," Mark said with an urgent tone.

    He was sure he wanted to tell Kendrick about my past but Kendrick just ignored him.

    "You should know what to say and what not to say" Kendrick said and tapped him on the shoulder.

    "Evans, take him for a briefing" he instructed before holding my hand again and maintaining his smile.

    Before I could ask why he was acting when no one was around, I saw an old man staring at us at the entrance of the mansion.

    I immediately understood that he must be someone important to Kendrick and yed along.

    "Hello Grandfather" Kendrick greeted while still maintaining his smile.

    The old man didn¡¯t even look in his direction, his eyes were fixed on me.

    "Hello Grandfather" I greeted him with a smile despite my nervousness.

    He kept scrutinizing me with his eyes and I felt extremely nervous. He has a strong aura thatmands respect.

    "Good...good,e let Grandpa have a look" the old man finally spoke up with a smile.

    He seemed to have been testing me earlier and from his reaction, I passed.

    "What¡¯s your name dear" he asked while rubbing my head gently.

    I reacted stiffly as I wasn¡¯t used to such affection.

    "Don¡¯t be afraid my dear, wee home" he said With a smile.

    He seemed to have noticed my reaction and gave Kendrick a side eye.

    " Most youngdies, cower in fear when they meet me but you my dear are different. Now I understand what made my emotionless grandson attracted to you" heplimented with a smile and led me into the mansion while Kendrick was totally ignored.

    I turned to look at him and he gestured for me to go with his grandfather while he followed behind.

    As soon as I stepped into the mansion, I was mesmerized by everything, from the decor to the luxury furnishings and couldn¡¯t help but marvel.

    "Where did this thinge from?" A woman¡¯s voice suddenly interrupted me and I turned in the direction it came from.

    Three people were seated on the sofa, one was a woman who seemed to be in her fifties, an elderly man who bears a striking resemnce to Kendrick and a girl of about my age.

    They were all staring at me with questioning gazes.

    "Are you mute?" The woman asked while staring at me and I frowned when I realized that I was the ¡¯thing¡¯ she referred to earlier.

    "Have your manners been eaten by dogs, Sameen?" Grandfather asked her angrily while tapping his walking stick on the ground.

    "That¡¯s enough grandfather" Kendrick said as he slowly walked and stood beside me.

    I noticed he didn¡¯t even nce in the direction of the man, who was probably his father.

    "Brother, Mom didn¡¯t mean to be rude, she was just surprised to see that you brought someone with you" the girl spoke up with a smile but Kendrick ignored her.

    "You can¡¯t even greet your father?!" The man, who has been silent, asked with an authoritative tone.

    "Grandfather, we are tired from the trip. I will take her to rest, sew youter" Kendrick said before holding my hand and walking towards the door at the side.

    "Crash!

    The sound of ss breaking came from behind us but Kendrick still didn¡¯t stop.

    He led me out the door and I noticed a vi behind the mansion, it was painted in grey and looked extremely cold and deste.

    I noticed Evans was already at the entrance with two other men that I was not familiar with.

    "Boss" they greeted Kendrick and nodded at me.

    I also replied with a nod as I didn¡¯t want to seem too forward. I will get to know them with time.

    The inside of the vi was also painted in the same color, with ck sofas, ck shelves and any other thing that a sitting room should have were all in the color ck.

    How could someone stay in this kind of ce?

    I looked at Kendrick as he walked towards a closed door and he looked somehow lonely or maybe it is just my mind making things up.

    "Aren¡¯t youing?" He asked when he got to the front of the door.

    I quickly caught up with him and he pushed open the door, before slowly walking in.

    I followed behind him and what greeted me was another monotonous design. Everything, from wardrobe to bedside table to shelves were ck.

    The only thing that had a different color was my pink suitcase that was ced at the side of the bed.

    "We will be staying in the same room to avoid suspicions" he informed me as he sat down on the bed.

    "We aren¡¯t married, why would they be suspicious?* I asked with a frown.

    I needed my space and this arrangement won¡¯t allow me to have it.

    "This wasn¡¯t stated in the contract" I reminded him and he nodded expressionlessly.

    "I earlier nned for us to live in one of my other vis but grandfather found out somehow and refused" he said while observing my expression.

    If there is one thing I have noticed since we got here is that he listens to his grandfather.

    "I hope you understand, my grandfather means a lot to me, so I do whatever I can to make him happy" he said and I finally saw a trace of genuine emotions in his eyes.

    "Okay, what....." I was about to ask him about the other people that were in the sitting room but decided against it.

    "My father and his wife are not people you should get close to, so keep as far away from them as possible.

    Raina is my stepsister, she is very wild and maniptive, just like her mother and then there is my step brother, who was absent when we arrived just now" he warned with a serious expression.

    I thought all of this family drama only happens in stories, can¡¯t believe I am going to experience it first hand.

    "Get some rest" he said to me before leaving the room.

    I just stared at the closed door for a few minutes before getting out somefy clothes to wear after I freshen up.

    As soon as I was done, I wasted no time and immediately got into bed to get some rest.

    "Christy, wake up" Kendrick¡¯s voice pulled me out of my dream world and I slowly sat up, still groggy and sleepy.

    "Grandfather asked us to have dinner at the main house" he informed me and the sleep immediately vanished from my eyes.

    I quickly grabbed my phone to check the time and was shocked that it was already 6:30 PM.

    I needed to change my clothes quickly to avoid beingte.

    "You don¡¯t need to rush, take your time " he said and my tense nerves rxed a little.

    I slipped on a gown in the bathroom, as I couldn¡¯t change in front of him.

    As soon as I was done, we headed to the main house.

    "Great, are we supposed to starve to death before theye?"

    His stepmother¡¯s angry voice came into my ears as soon as we stepped into the sitting room.

    "That¡¯s enough Sameen" Grandfather reprimanded her and she could only murmur in silence while ring at us.

    He seemed to be waiting for us as he was still in the sitting room while the others were already seated at the dining table.

    We walked to the dining table and Kendrick pulled out a chair for grandfather before walking over to me.

    He was about to pull out a chair for me when we heard footstepsing from the entrance.

    A young man of about Kendrick¡¯s age walked in, drawing the attention of everyone in the dining area.

    He has a strong presence but it can¡¯t bepared with Kendrick¡¯s own. He gave off a sophisticated aura and was dressed in a dark green suit.

    I finally got a clear view of his face when he was close enough and took a step forward in excitement.

    "Curtis!" I yelled and ran into his arms.

 Chapter 15 - FIFTEEN: Drugged

    <h4>Chapter 15: Chapter FIFTEEN: Drugged</h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    It was after hugging him I realized that we weren¡¯t alone, everyone was staring at us with different expressions.

    I quickly let go and he stared at me with an excited expression. He touched my face and couldn¡¯t hide his smile.

    "You little bitch, what are you doing throwing yourself at my son?" Kendrick¡¯s step mother, Sameen yelled angrily at me.

    I turned to look at Kendrick, he acted like everything was fine but one look at his eyes and I could see the storm that was brewing.

    "I don¡¯t know who you are and have never met you before, so you should watch the way you talk to me" I replied to her angrily.

    I am not a pushover and have only been quiet because I didn¡¯t want to give the wrong impression on my first day but I don¡¯t care anymore.

    "How dare you!" She yelled, as she immediately got off her chair and stormed towards me.

    Kendrick was still quiet and Curtis was just staring at my face like he wanted to etch it in his mind.

    "I will have to teach you a lesson" she said as she raised her hand to p me.

    I quickly grabbed her hand and gave it a hard twist and she screamed like I had chopped off her arm.

    "How dare you touch my mom?" Her daughter also rushed forward but she was stopped by Curtis before she could get to me.

    "Brother what are you doing? Why are you stopping me from teaching this bitch a lesson?" She asked him angrily while struggling to free herself from his grip.

    " I can¡¯t let you touch her and you better not bother her again" Curtis warned her but she just kept trying to break free from him.

    "Son, what do you mean by she is the one?" Kendrick¡¯s father finally spoke up while eyeing me from head to toe.

    "She is the girl that I have been searching everywhere for, for the past six years, the one who saved me when I was ambushed by those assassins," Curtis exined with a smile.

    "This is definitely fate, you have been searching for her to thank her and she is now your future sister-inw" Grandfather said with a smile.

    On hearing his grandfather¡¯s words, Curtis¡¯ expression froze but he quickly adjusted his emotions and smiled.

    "Isn¡¯t it weird that my brother coincidentally brought home the girl that I have been doing everything to find?" He asked his grandfather with a slight smile.

    "Raina, get back to the dining area" Grandfather ordered his sister angrily and she quickly went to sit down in fear.

    He avoided answering Curtis¡¯ question and acted like he didn¡¯t hear.

    We all went back to the dining area and took our seats. I was seated next to Kendrick and I felt awkward because of his silence.

    He doesn¡¯t talk much but there was something different about his silence at this moment.

    " Curtis, you have a lot of work at thepany, so I hope you won¡¯t be distracted by irrelevant people" Kendrick¡¯s father, who has been silent since we entered, said while staring at me.

    His gaze was filled with disgust, like I was some dirt that needed to be gotten rid of.

    "Everything is under control father," Curtis replied to him with a smile.

    "So, Kendrick, has your condition been cured?" Aameen, his stepmom, suddenly asked, she tried to fake a serious expression but her eyes were filled with smiles.

    "I am perfectly fine as you can see" Kendrick replied without even sparing her a nce.

    "Are you nning to marry her?" Raina asked with a sneer while staring at me.

    She wrinkled her nose in disgust like I had a stench on me.

    "And how is that any of your business?" I asked her with a frown.

    I have had enough of these bitches, it¡¯s time I start putting them in their ce.

    "Who asked you to talk?" Sameen, his stepmom asked me angrily.

    She looked like she was about to explode from anger and I found it amusing.

    "I have a mouth and can¡¯t help but use it" I said with a lopsided smile.

    "That¡¯s enough, is that how you wee a guest?" Kendrick¡¯s father, Raymond, reprimanded her with a stern expression.

    He nced at Kendrick before looking away with a frown.

    "Let¡¯s have a meal like every normal family" Grandfather said with a tired frown.

    No one spoke again after grandfather¡¯s words. They all acted like everything was a figment of my imagination.

    The dinner was finished in silence and the servants immediately cleaned up the dining area.

    I could feel lots of eyes on me but it didn¡¯t affect my mood as it wasn¡¯t a new thing to me.

    "Christy dear, let¡¯s sit over there and talk" Grandfather said to me with a smile and I quickly helped him up from his seat.

    "Eye service" Raina said with a mocking tone but I just ignored her.

    I slowly helped the old man to the sofa and a servant brought freshly made green tea for him.

    Kendrick also walked over and sat beside me, he still didn¡¯t say anything.

    "You sit with me Curtis" Grandfather said when he saw Curtis walking towards the sofa that Kendrick and I were sitting on.

    Curtis frowned but still went to sit there, his eyes were on me, not secret nces, he was openly staring at me without caring about what anyone would think.

    I noticed that he had changed a lot, he looked nothing like the neen year old boy, who cried endlessly and was scared of taking injections when he was sick.

    Suddenly, I felt a squeeze in my hand and that was when I realized that I was staring too much.

    "So, what school did you attend?" Raymond asked me after also taking his seat.

    I didn¡¯t know how to tell them that I didn¡¯t go to school, I wondered if it would affect Kendrick¡¯s ns.

    "That¡¯s none of your business" Kendrick finally spoke up and I breathed a sigh of relief.

    "What do you mean by that?" Sameen, his stepmom asked him angrily. She looked at him with a mixture of anger and fear.

    "You should focus that energy on your son," Kendrick said to her and gestured for us to leave.

    "Grandfather, I will see you tomorrow" I said to the old man with a smile before getting up to leave.

    "Christy, can I have a word with you? Curtis suddenly grabbed my hand as I was about to leave the main house.

    "Maybe tomorrow, I am very tired" I made up an excuse when I saw the look in Kendrick¡¯s eyes.

    I quickly followed him out of the house and had to walk fast to keep up with his walking pace.

    As soon as we entered the vi, he grabbed my hand and led me into the room and mmed the door.

    I was about to ask him what was wrong when his lips crashed into mine.

    I couldn¡¯t react for a few seconds and by the time I snapped out of my shock, he was already tugging on my clothes while I was struggling to breathe.

    "What is...." I was about to ask him what was wrong after he finally gave me a little breathing space, but I noticed he wasn¡¯t okay.

    His eyes were unusually red and his skin was flushed. He stared at me like a hungry beast that had finally seen food.

    "Ken, what happened?" I asked him in confusion.

    He seems to be drugged but how could only him be affected when we all ate the same food?

    He sealed my lips with his again and kissed me fervently.

    I pushed him away with all my strength and he crashed against the door. He struggled to remain on his feet using the door as support.

    "The drug is too strong, I will make it up to you tomorrow" he said and for the first time, he looked vulnerable and lonely.

    The mighty CEO was nowhere to be seen and from his reaction, this definitely wasn¡¯t the first time he was being drugged in his own home.

    My mind was a mess at this point as I didn¡¯t know what to do but seeing his painful expression, I decided to help him.

    I quickly unzipped my gown and before I could even take it off, Kendrick¡¯s arms were already wrapped around me.

    Trrrrh!

    I heard the sound of fabric tearing and felt a rush of cold air on my chest. He threw the torn gown aside and greedily sucked one of my boobs while fumbling the other one.

    I felt a wave of pleasure and wrapped my arms around his neck as he sucked hard on my nipple.

    "Ummm" I moaned and arched my back as I enjoyed every moment of it.

    He removed his other hand from my boob and slid it into my panties, then he slowly moved his fingers into my wet core.

 Chapter 16 - SIXTEEN: No Idea Of My Capability

    <h4>Chapter 16: Chapter SIXTEEN: No Idea Of My Capability</h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    "Oh shit!" I moaned loudly as he moved his finger in and out of my core.

    I captured his lips in a deep kiss and slowly traced his length with my fingers through his pants.

    "Ahhhhhmmm!" His movement became faster, I felt my core tighten before releasing a load of wetness.

    He slowly took out his finger and licked my wetness off it before putting me on the bed.

    He slid my panties down my legs and I wasted no time as I quickly stepped out of it.

    Before I could process his next move, I felt a warm sensation on my clit, followed by wet sounds as he sucked and licked it.

    "Ahhhh ... .mmmm...ahhh" I couldn¡¯t control my moans and I didn¡¯t care if anyone was going to hear me.

    He went on for a few minutes and I slowly pushed him back, so I could get off the bed.

    I went on my knees and he slowly unbuckled his belt. He was so slow that I lost my patience and pulled out the belt myself.

    The smile on his lips told me that he was teasing me and I gave him a lopsided smirk before pulling down his pants, he stepped out of it and the next to go down was his underwear.

    I gasped when I saw how huge his length was, I guessed that he was big but not this big.

    "Like what you see?" He asked with a hoarse voice and grabbed a fistful of my hair.

    He slowly guided his length into my mouth and I sucked hard on the tip.

    "Umm fuck!" He groaned before thrusting his length down my throat.

    The only sound that could be heard in the room was the sound of his flesh colliding with my face as he thrust deeper and deeper down my throat.

    "Uuhhhhgg!" He kept groaning and his thrusts became wild and rough.

    I pushed him back to get some air and got up from my kneeling position.

    He hugged me from behind and led me to the bedstand. I grabbed it for support as I bent over for him to take me from behind.

    "Fuck, you are so tight" he groaned as he slowly pushed in his length.

    "Ahhhmmm" I moaned when he pushed in his entire length with a hard thrust.

    "Ahhhmmm!"

    "Oh shit...shit!"

    "Feels so ....good"

    "Moan for me like a good girl"

    The sounds of my moans, his groans and his dirty talk filled the room.

    He was good, like extremely good. He knows the right spot to hit that gives me maximum pleasure.

    I have had sex with Mark but he was nothing close to Kendrick.

    I lost count of the number of rounds we had before he finally let me go and I fell asleep from exhaustion.

    *****

    Kendrick¡¯s POV

    My head felt extremely heavy as I tried opening my eyes, but it got better after a few minutes.

    I felt a weight on my chest and slowly looked down and saw Christy¡¯s sleeping face.

    Her short red hair was scattered on my chest and I could feel her soft boobs pressing against my chest.

    She looked extremely tired and memories fromst night came rushing into my head like a wave.

    What makes her different?

    Why couldn¡¯t I feel the same pleasure with other women?

    There were so many questions running through my mind that I needed answers to.

    "Ummm" she stirred up and slowly opened her eyes.

    "Good morning" I said to her, I don¡¯t know why I felt the need to be nice to her.

    "You look good when you smile" she said with a smile and I frowned.

    Why was I smiling?

    "Now you are frowning" she said with a slightugh and I chuckled.

    "Aboutst night, I am very so...."

    "We are two normal adults, even without the drug it would have happened at some point" she interrupted me before I could finish apologizing.

    "Thanks" I said with a smile, I guess she was actually different.

    She smiled and got up from my chest, her boobs stood majestically and her nipples pointed at me invitingly.

    I had to take several deep breaths to control myself and I could feel the self control that I have always been proud of beginning to slip at this moment.

    I quickly turned my face away to stop myself from looking at them.

    She entered the bathroom to clean up and I picked up my phone from the bedside table.

    "Evans, I have an urgent task for you" I said as soon as he picked up.

    I needed to know who was responsible for drugging mest night, if Christy wasn¡¯t around, I wonder what would have happened.

    "Okay boss, I have something to report" he said, it must be an urgent work that requires my attention.

    "Last night, master Curtis was acting extremely strange" he began and I frowned.

    "What happened?" I asked with a serious tone.

    "After you left the main house, he kept trying to go to the vi but the old man stopped him.

    He paced around restlessly and even called the family doctor saying that you were extremely sick.

    The old man got so angry that he fainted but he didn¡¯t care. He came to the vi but I stopped him from entering". He finished narrating and I chuckled as it was quite amusing.

    "Don¡¯t worry about the job anymore, there won¡¯t be any need for it" I said before hanging up.

    Iughed as I imagined Curtis¡¯ face when he couldn¡¯t do anythingst night.

    It wasn¡¯t the first time I was being drugged, they always embarrass me whenever I get into a rtionship with anydy.

    The drug puts me in the mood but after the forey, my member never gets up and this has caused several scandals and rumours about my sexuality and manliness.

    Curtis must have heard that I brought someone home and as usual, decided to drug me but what he never expected was the girl to be Christy, the one he has been searching for.

    "Have you found out who the culprit is?" Christy¡¯s voice pulled me out of my thoughts and I smiled at her.

    "Yes, it was a maid who did it, she has been fired" I lied to her with a smile.

    I knew from her reaction yesterday that she saw Curtis as some kind of angel, who wouldn¡¯t be able to do such a thing.

    "Hope she was sent to prison for her crime" she said and I nodded before going to freshen up in the bathroom.

    When I was done, I noticed Christy had gone out of the house, so I decided to wait for her before having breakfast.

    "Where is she?" Curtis¡¯ angry voice came from outside the door and I opened it with a smile.

    I had thought that Christy might have gone to see him but on hearing his question, I breathed a sigh of relief as I stared at his angry face.

    "Did you touch her?" He asked me angrily.

    "And how does that concern you?" I asked him with a smirk and his anger red up.

    "She is mine....fucking mine!" He yelled in my face.

    The sophisticated attitude that he always tried to maintain was gone and his real personality was on full disy.

    "She is my girlfriend and we did it like every normal couple" I said with a smile.

    "How does it feel for your ns to backfire? Thanks for bringing us closer to each other" I said to him and he suddenly startedughing.

    "Oh, I forgot your little problem of being unable to get it up. So, there is definitely no way you could have had a passionate night with Christy" he said with a mocking tone.

    "I have been away for three years, what did you think I was doing in the three years that I have been away?" I asked him with a lopsided smirk and his face immediately changed.

    "Did you touch her?!" He asked angrily and tried to grab my cor but I moved aside before his hand could touch me.

    " Well I have you to thank for giving me such a wonderful timest night. If you were close to the vi, you would have heard our sounds of pleasure" I whispered to him with a smile.

    "You bastard! Let me tell you once and for all, if you ever touch her again, I will put a bullet through your damned skull" he threatened and Iughed.

    It took me a while to stopughing and then I gave him a p for his performance like the clown that he is.

    They all think that I am weak and useless. I refused to work for our familypany but worked for another.

    Every time they think like this, I smile because they can never imagine what I was capable of doing.

    "You better stay away from Christy or else I will...." He suddenly stopped talking and I turned around to see Christy standing at the door with a frown on her face.

 Chapter 17 - SEVENTEEN: Fixing A Spoiled Princess

    <h4>Chapter 17: Chapter SEVENTEEN: Fixing A Spoiled Princess</h4>

    Kendrick¡¯s POV

    "Is something wrong?" She asked me and I was about to reply when Curtis suddenly bent over with a painful expression.

    "What¡¯s wrong?" She rushed to support him and helped him to the sofa before bringing him a ss of water.

    I just watched him as he did what he does best, pretending to be weak.

    "How do you feel now? Do you need to go to the hospital?" Christy asked with a worried expression and he shook his head with a sigh.

    "Ever since the kidnapping incident, I started having panic attacks, it happens anytime I am agitated or riled up" he said weakly and his face looked extremely pale.

    He will definitely make it big if he ever decides to venture into acting.

    "It¡¯s so early in the morning, why would you be riled up?" Christy asked him and he quickly turned his face from her like he didn¡¯t want to talk about it but I could see the smile he was trying to control.

    "Ken what happened?" She asked me when he didn¡¯t say anything.

    "I just informed him about yesterday¡¯s incident and he got so angry at the maid for daring to do so" I told her with a serious tone and she seemed to believe me as she smiled at me before turning back to him.

    "Luckily, Ken wasn¡¯t alonest night, it would have been disastrous if no one was with him. So you don¡¯t need to be angry with the maid and affect your health" she advised him and his face immediately darkened in anger.

    I smiled at him and he couldn¡¯t do anything as he was busy maintaining his perfect image in front of Christy.

    "It¡¯s good to know that my brother is okay, I will leave now" he said before rushing out of the vi.

    If he had stayed any minute longer, he would have definitely exploded.

    "Do you feel he is acting strange?" Christy asked me while staring at the entrance.

    "I didn¡¯t notice anything strange" I said and she immediately dropped the topic without any further questions.

    She always shows me the reason why she is different from other women.

    From experience, some other women would have continued asking questions or even run after Curtis to make sure he was fine.

    "Are you going to work?" She asked and I nodded in response.

    "Do you have anywhere that you want to go today?" I asked her while arranging my files in my briefcase.

    "No, I am just going to spend the entire day in the main house with Grandfather" she said excitedly and I couldn¡¯t control my smile.

    "Thank you for taking care of him" I expressed my appreciation with a smile.

    "No more thank you. He is a very kind person and I liked him the moment we met" she said with a smile before running to the room.

    I was alreadyte for the office, so I hurriedly picked up my briefcase before leaving the vi. Evans was waiting in the car and we left as soon as I got in.

    "Wee back sir"

    "We are d to have you back"

    On getting to the office, I saw a row of staff outside the building, waiting to wee me.

    "Thank you" I said to them before walking into the building with Evans.

    "Good morning Boss" A female voice came from behind and I stopped to let her catch up with me.

    "It¡¯s good to have both of you back," Ashley, my personal assistant, said with an excited expression.

    "It¡¯s been a while, hope you have been good?" I asked with a smile.

    She is one of the few female workers that I have to interact closely with. She is organized and most importantly, she follows all the rules properly.

    "Sir, did you bring the papers for thend acquisition deal?" She asked and I stopped with a frown.

    "Aren¡¯t the papers supposed to be in my office?" I asked her and she quickly shook her head that I was wrong.

    "You said it was too valuable to be left in the office to avoid people tampering with it" she reminded me and I finally remembered what happened before I traveled three years ago.

    "We can¡¯t hold the meeting without it," I said with a tired sigh.

    "I know where it is, I can go get it from the vi" she suggested with a smile and I agreed.

    She quickly rushed out of the building while I made my way to my office to prepare for my first meeting in three years.

    *****

    Christy¡¯s POV

    After Kendrick left for the office, I quickly changed into a free gown and went to the kitchen to cut some fruits for grandpa.

    I was busy cutting the fruits when I heard the sound of heels hitting the floor. I walked out to see who had entered the vi.

    I saw ady dressed corporately, she was busy searching one of the drawers in the sitting room.

    "Who are you?" I asked her and she finally noticed my presence.

    "I am the one that¡¯s supposed to be asking you that question" she said while scrutinizing me with her eyes.

    "I am Christy, Kendrick¡¯s girlfriend" I introduced myself and stretched out my hand for a handshake but she didn¡¯t take it.

    "Everyone knows that Kendrick doesn¡¯t date," she said with a mocking tone.

    "He didn¡¯t date before but that all changed when he met me" I said with a smirk and her expression twisted as she tried to swallow her anger.

    She walked to my front and looked me in the eye with a hideous smile.

    "I have been working with him for the past eight years and I know everything about him, his likes, dislikes, every fucking thing" she said with a triumphant expression.

    "Oh, you are his PA?" I asked her with a smile and she raised her head with a proud smile.

    " Knowing his likes and dislikes are part of your job as his PA, so I don¡¯t understand what you are trying to say" I said while looking at her face, trying to appear as clueless as possible.

    " I don¡¯t have time for your nonsense" she said before turning back to searching the drawer.

    I looked at her attitude and I could clearly tell that she had feelings for Kendrick.

    "You must have watched a lot of dramas to be thinking that Kendrick would fall in love with you at some point.

    Your little CEO and secretary fantasy will never be a reality, so you better focus on your job" I warned her before returning to the kitchen to continue cutting the fruits.

    By the time I came out again, she was gone and I made my way to the main house with a tray of sliced fruits and yogurt.

    "Grandpa" I called him as soon as I entered the main house. He was seated on one of the sofas in the sitting room and was watching the news.

    "Christy dear, please sit down. You finally remembered this old man" he said with a smile and Iughed.

    "You make it sound like I haven¡¯t been around in ages" I said whileughing.

    "I brought you fruits, I personally sliced them, I also brought yogurt and...." Before I could finish talking, Raina stormed into the sitting room and headed towards me with a fierce momentum.

    Crash!

    The tray of fruit was suddenly swept off the table and shattered on the ground.

    "You bitch!" She yelled and stretched out her hands to pull my hair, I quickly side stepped her and she missed.

    "Raina, what¡¯s the meaning of this?!" Grandpa yelled while stomping his cane on the ground.

    "Stay out of this old man, it is none of your business!" She yelled at Grandpa like he was a kid.

    "How dare you huh?" She asked me while pushing my chest with a finger.

    I controlled myself to avoid getting into a fight with her, thest thing I needed was Kendrick cleaning up my mess.

    "You had the guts to have my best friend thrown out of my family¡¯s beauty salon.

    How dare you!

    You don¡¯t even deserve to hold her shoes, she is the top socialite and her presencemands respect. I don¡¯t expect someone like you to understand it" she said angrily and that was when I noticed Celeste standing at the corner with a smirk on her face.

    "Grandpa, calm down and let me handle this" I said and carefully helped him to sit on the sofa before facing Raina.

    " You came in here, threw Grandpa¡¯s fruit on the ground and also yelled at him" I counted everything she did since she stepped into the sitting room.

    She can insult me, it¡¯s nothing new and she only said some words, I am the one that gets to determine if I will let them affect me.

    Dealing with a little spoiled princess is not a problem, she was nothing close to the crazy strip club girls that I have fought in the past.

    Pah!

    "That¡¯s for yelling and disrespecting grandpa" I said after delivering a very hot p to her, her cheek immediately turned red.

    "How dare yo...."

    Pah!

    I interrupted her with another p and she held her cheeks and stared at me in shock.

    Celeste was also too stunned to speak, they probably expected me to be easy to bully.

    "That is for wasting the fruits I brought for him" I said before calling a maid to clean up the mess.

    "You bitch!" Raina yelled and I turned to see her rushing towards me with a vase.

 Chapter 18 - EIGHTEEN: A Family Of Vipers

    <h4>Chapter 18: Chapter EIGHTEEN: A Family Of Vipers </h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    I quickly stepped to the side to avoid the vase, she couldn¡¯t stop her body in time and crashed into the center table, blood immediately flowed down her face.

    "Oh my gosh, how could you be so heartless?" Celeste screamed with an exaggerated tone.

    She just stood in the same ce without making any move to check up on her injured friend.

    "What happened?" Sameen ¡¯s voice came from the entrance, followed by the sound of heels as she hurried to check her precious daughter¡¯s injuries.

    "Mom, that bitch is the cause of all of this" Raina cried while pointing at me with an aggrieved expression.

    "She attacked Raina for nothing" Celeste added, she quickly moved closer to check on her friend¡¯s injuries.

    Sameen¡¯s expression darkened and her face twisted in rage as she stared at me.

    "I have tried my absolute best to put up with you to avoid drama but now you have crossed the line. Get the fucking hell out of my home!" She yelled angrily at me, I was about to reply her when Grandpa held my hand.

    I quickly supported him to stand up, he looked at Sameen with a deep frown.

    "How is this ce your home!" He questioned her angrily, sheughed after hearing his question.

    "Oh, if it isn¡¯t mine, then who does it belong to?" She asked him with a lopsided grin.

    "This house was built by Kendrick¡¯s mother Ayesha" Grandpa said and Sameen red at him.

    "Grandpa, how could you say that to Mom?!" Raina yelled while holding her bleeding forehead with her hand.

    "Get out immediately!" Sameen yelled at me again but I still didn¡¯t move.

    "The only person that can tell me to leave is Kendrick, so you should wipe the thought of kicking me out from that head of yours" I said with a smile which only seems to enrage her more.

    She raised her hand to p me and I caught the hand before it could touch my face.

    Pah!

    I had to return the p back to the owner, she held her cheek while staring at me in shock.

    Funny how the mother and daughter pair have exactly the same reaction when I p them.

    "I am going to kill you!" She yelled and tried to scratch my face with her acrylic nails.

    "Enough!....cough.... cough" Grandpa yelled and he immediately started coughing.

    I pushed Sameen aside and rushed to get him a ss of water, he drank a little and I instructed one of the helps to take him to his room.

    "Don¡¯t worry Grandpa, I can take care of myself" I assured him when I saw his hesitant expression.

    "Hey you piece of trash, can¡¯t you see that my daughter is injured? You want a special invitation to take care of it? Worthless trash" Sameen yelled at the head maid angrily.

    Raina was quickly taken to her room to dress the wound and her mother smiled at me with a sinister expression.

    She suddenly stepped forward and threw herself to the ground.

    "Mom!" Curtis hurriedly held her before her body could hit the ground.

    She slowly open her eyes and tears spilled out like a fountain.

    " She pped me, your father has never raised his hand to hit me but this bitch dared to do it" She said amidst sobs and Curtis face immediately darkened.

    I just stood there, waiting for him tosh out at me, so I can also put him in his ce.

    I vowed to never let anyone treat me like trash or use me ever again, no matter who or how close we are.

    "Mom, let me take you to your room first," he said while helping her up.

    She seemed shocked by his reaction and pushed him away from her angrily.

    "I told you that she pped me and injured your sister as well, are you just going to let her go?" She questioned him angrily.

    "Mom please don¡¯t start" he said with a frown and it only made her more upset.

    I felt quite amused as I watched them bickering and wished I could get some popcorn.

    "Aren¡¯t you ashamed of yourself? Look at how you are behaving because of a low life" she said to him with a sneer.

    "That¡¯s enough mom, we both know that you are just being overly dramatic as usual and Raina has been spoiled so much that she acts without thinking" he replied angrily and she stared at him in shock.

    Pah!

    She gave him a hot p that made his cheek turn red and swell immediately.

    He grinned at her like a psycho while his hands shook like he was stopping himself from hitting her and I realized that he was no longer the Curtis I had known years ago.

    This one was extremely aggressive and extremely good at hiding his emotions.

    A good pretender.

    "Curtis, I .." she seemed to want to apologize but she stopped, seeming like her pride wouldn¡¯t let her.

    "Don¡¯t bother, if you could be this fierce with dad, maybe he wouldn¡¯t be having affairs outside" he said with a sarcastic voice, his eyes look extremely fierce and his grin gave me chills.

    I didn¡¯t want to watch their drama anymore and decided to go stay with Grandpa in his room.

    "Did I ask you to leave?" Sameen questioned angrily but I didn¡¯t stop, she doesn¡¯t have the right to tell me what and what not to do.

    "I am his father and I have every right to determine who he marries"

    I heard Kendrick¡¯s father, Raymond¡¯s voice as soon as I got to the door of Grandpa¡¯s room.

    "My daughter always wanted him to be free and do what makes him happy. After what happenedst time, you still want to force him into another one of your schemes?" Grandpa said, his voice was extremely weak but it didn¡¯t hide his anger.

    His daughter? Kendrick¡¯s mother?

    I thought Grandpa was Raymond¡¯s father, surprisingly he is his maternal grandfather.

    "Unfortunately, she isn¡¯t here anymore" Raymond said without any emotions.

    "You bastard, I told her not to marry you. Everything you have today is all thanks to my hard work. You and your mistress can continue scheming and plotting but you will never get your hands on my properties....cough..... cough" Grandpa said angrily and started coughing again.

    "It¡¯s only a matter of time" Raymond said and I heard footsteps approaching the door.

    I didn¡¯t see the need to hide, so I just acted like I just got there and opened the door directly.

    I came face to face with him and greeted him with a nod before walking past him.

    "I want to have a word with you" he said to me and stood there without leaving.

    I walked to Grandpa¡¯s bed and helped him drink some water to moisten up his throat.

    "I will be back in a few minutes" I said to him before walking out of the room.

    Raymond followed me out and walked in a different direction, I followed behind him without a word.

    He stopped in front of a door, took out a bunch of keys from his pocket and opened it.

    We walked in and he gestured to a chair for me to sit on.

    I noticed the disorganized bookshelves and scattered documents on the table, there were some adult rated magazines scattered on the floor as well.

    The ce was a total mess, a stark contrast to the clean image he portrays.

    "This is my personal study," he said while pouring two sses of wine.

    "I don¡¯t drink" I declined when he handed me a ss.

    "I have been watching you since your arrival and I must say, you are quite fascinating" he said after taking a few sips of his wine.

    "Thank you" I replied inly, still waiting for him to state his purpose for bringing me here.

    "I want to make you an offer" He finally got to the point.

    "I am listening?" I said and he smiled.

    "Kendrick has a fiance, whom I personally chose for him, you must have already met her earlier, Celeste Martinez" he said with a serious expression.

    "I have seen Celeste and Kendrick has never recognized her as his fiance" I replied to him with a smile and he frowned.

    "You shouldn¡¯t be so bold as a woman, no man wants a woman he can¡¯t control," he advised me.

    "You should keep that advice for your daughter, Raina," I said with a smile.

    His face immediately darkened and he dropped his ss of wine angrily on the table.

    "You should watch your words Youngdy, I am just trying to help you" he said through gritted teeth.

    "And how can you help me?" I asked him, his facial expression or mood has nothing to do with me, he can kiss a transformer for all I care.

    " If you agree to leave Kendrick, I will make sure you neverck anything for the rest of your life" he said with a smile and moved his chair closer to mine.

    I immediately got an unsettling feeling and got up from my chair.

    "You don¡¯t need to be scared, I will make sure you are happy" he said while staring at me with a lustful gaze.

    I was too stunned to react and only came back to my senses when he touched my face.

 Chapter 19 - NINETEEN: The Scheming Assistant

    <h4>Chapter 19: Chapter NINETEEN: The Scheming Assistant </h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    I quickly took a step back in disgust, while he stared at me with a nerve racking grin.

    "Things always go my way, so you don¡¯t have a choice" he said before walking back to his chair, sat down and picked up his ss of wine.

    His behavior was too unusual and I had this feeling that something bad was about to happen.

    "Things could have gone differently if only you agreed to my offer" he said with a smile before slowly sipping his wine.

    "I am not interested in your offer, Kendrick and I are very happy together" I replied with a fierce tone, doing my best to not appear scared.

    "Happy together?" He asked with a chuckle.

    "I have more important things to do," I said before turning around to leave the messy study.

    "You can put my offer into consideration" he said before I mmed the door shut.

    I walked back to Grandpa¡¯s room, he was still lying down but he looked better than before I left.

    "I am back grandpa" I said with a smile and sat on the bed.

    "You are a good child and I believe you will make the right decision" he suddenly said to me with a smile.

    I looked at his eyes and it felt like he could see through me.

    "I will, I promise" I promised with a smile and he nodded before closing his eyes to rest.

    I stared at his face, wondering if I should tell Kendrick about his dad¡¯s behavior.

    *****

    Kendrick¡¯s POV

    "Isn¡¯t she back yet?" I asked Evans when the meeting was about to start and Ashley still hasn¡¯t returned with the documents.

    "She told me she was almost here when I called her," he replied while staring at the door repeatedly.

    The clients were already waiting for me and I hate beingte, especially for something so important.

    "Call her again, tell her to be here in two minutes or else...." I was interrupted by the sound of the door opening and Ashley walked in with a disheveled expression.

    Her white shirt, which was best and clean before she left, was now wrinkled and dirty. Her left cheek was swollen with visible p marks.

    "What happened to you?" I asked her with a frown while Evans collected the document from her and checked it.

    She kept mute and tears just spilled continuously from her eyes, she looked extremely pitiful. The tears mixed with the makeup she had applied, making her face a disgusting mess.

    "If you won¡¯t say anything, leave my presence as I have more important things to do" I said to her and prepared to leave after Evans confirmed that the document was okay.

    She stared at me with a shocked expression, like she expected me to hug her or something.

    "You might not believe me sir" she said amidst sobs and she looked scared to say what happened.

    "And how are you so sure?" I asked her with a frown.

    "When I went to get the documents, I entered your vi without knocking because I didn¡¯t know you had someone in the house" she paused to wipe her tears.

    I frowned as I looked at her disheveled appearance again, was she saying Christy did this to her?

    "And then what happened?" I asked her with an impatient tone, I was alreadyte for the meeting and her hesitation was beginning to annoy me.

    "She used me of being a third party and started hitting me. I exined to her that I was only your PA but she used me of getting the position just to seduce you.

    She told me to get my head out of the clouds and not dream of an office romance. She pped me severally before throwing me out of the vi" she narrated while sobbing really hard.

    Her eyes were swollen, plus the red swelling on her cheek from being pped, she looked hideous and the thought of having anything to do with her made me feel extremely disgusted.

    "You said she attacked and used you as soon as you entered the vi right?" I asked her and she nodded pitifully.

    She slowly wiped her tears but more tears kept spilling out of her eyes and I was quite impressed.

    Such an Oscar worthy performance.

    "So how did you get the document?" I asked her and her expression froze. Her eyes moved around aimlessly, probably trying toe with an excuse.

    "So she used and attacked you, then when she was done, she allowed you to take the document before throwing you out?" I asked her with a smile and she just kept mute.

    "I actually made a mistake, what happened was that I entered the vi and collected the document before she noticed that I was in the vi.

    I held on to the document even when she pped and used me because I know how important it was to get the document to you" she exined pitifully while wiping her tears.

    I just stared at her and felt extremely annoyed. I hate dealing with people who think everyone is as stupid as them.

    "It is quite surprising that you forgot such an important detail, something so traumatizing that happened to you less than an hour ago.

    How am I supposed to trust you with the job of a PA, how am I sure you haven¡¯t forgotten an important thing that might put thispany in jeopardy?" I questioned her angrily and she fell on her knees in surprise.

    "Sir, I have a very good memory and never forget anything. I have always had the best interest of thepany in mind and will never do anything that will jeopardize it" she begged while sobbing loudly.

    She continued crying but this time, the tears were from genuine fear of losing her job.

    "Evans, get me a new PA, A man to be specific" I instructed before walking towards the door.

    "Sir please, I am very sorry for lying. I promise to change and I will never do anything like this again" she blocked the door with her body while begging.

    "Evans, plead with him for me, for all the years we have been working together" she said to Evans but he just focused on preparing her discharge letter.

    "Get out of the way!" Imanded and she moved away from the door with a fearful expression.

    "Come to the conference room when you are done" I said to Evans before opening the door to leave.

    " Is it a crime to love you? I have worked diligently for the past four years. You act like you don¡¯t know I have feelings for you. What makes that girl better than me?!" Ashley questioned angrily, her face was now twisted in anger and looked even more disgusting.

    " You really think I don¡¯t know what you have been up to?

    You soldpany secretsst year and framed a junior for it because you needed money to treat the shameful disease you got from dating different men.

    You also lied about being a graduate from Harvard, all your documents are forged. You have been married twice and divorced because you couldn¡¯t bemitted.

    Or is it the side deals you made to get extra money? Employing your illiterate family members? Or the fact that you sleep with a lot of the male interns despite knowing you have a sexually transmitted disease?.

    I have been away from thepany for three years but I know about every single thing you do. I was originally going to do a clean up of the staff this week and you are the first on my list of those that would be fired.

    You just made your discharge faster by putting on this little drama and the reason I am not sending you to jail is because Evans pleaded for you" I listed out everything and her face turned pale.

    She sat on the floor with a look of despair and I walked out of the office without a second nce at her.

    "Very sorry for the dy gentlemen" I apologized as soon as I entered the conference room.

    "It¡¯s no problem Manager ck, it¡¯s good to see you again" Mr Patterson, the head of the partnerpany said with a smile.

    "Okay, let¡¯s begin" I said and they handed me their proposal.

    I went through the proposal and each page made me frown deeper.

    "Why do you think we will sign such a contract, Mr Patterson?" I asked him and the smile on his face vanished.

    "Your PA, Miss Ashley, told me that you epted these terms" he said with a frown.

    "Former PA, and she never discussed anything with me" I corrected him before throwing the proposal on the table.

    " Let¡¯s have this meeting again, when you are ready to do business" I said as I got up from my seat.

    "Mr ck, yourpany can¡¯t cancel our agreement just like that" Mr Patterson said angrily and the others nodded.

    "You never negotiated with mypany, it was Ashley that gave you her words and I suggest you go find her" I replied to him with a frown.

    " And you better go to the hospital for a checkup if you had any intimate rtionship with her, you might still be able to get treated" I advised before leaving the conference room.

    Ding!

    My phone chimed and I checked to see what notification came in.

    Christy: <i>Grandpa is not feeling well, pleasee with a doctor</i>.

    I quickly made my way out of thepany while calling my personal doctor.

 Chapter 20 - TWENTY: You Are Doing Too Much

    <h4>Chapter 20: Chapter TWENTY: You Are Doing Too Much </h4>

    Kendrick¡¯s POV

    "I need you to be at the main house as soon as possible" I said to my friend Jasper, who is also Grandpa¡¯s personal doctor as soon as he picked.

    "Okay I will be there shortly" he replied and I hung up.

    "Boss, what happened?" Evans asked while breathing rapidly.

    "Get in and drive" I said with a serious tone and he quickly started the car without any further questions.

    I have never regretted choosing him as an assistant, he always knows what to do.

    "Grandpa isn¡¯t feeling too well" I informed him, he sighed and increased the speed of the car.

    The drive took almost an hour, Jasper¡¯s car was already parked outside and I breathed a sigh of relief.

    "What did he eat?" I heard Jasper¡¯s voice as I rushed into Grandpa¡¯s room.

    "Hey" Christy greeted me before getting up from the bedside to give me space.

    I nodded and quickly held Grandpa¡¯s hand, his face looked pale and his white hair scattered on the pillow and he had really dark circles.

    "What¡¯s wrong with him?" I asked Jasper, who was busy scribbling in his notepad.

    "He isn¡¯t sleeping well, he seems to have a lot on his mind and it is weighing him down.

    Whenst did Grandpa go out? Like an event or pic?" He asked me but I couldn¡¯t answer.

    I have been away for the past three years and have neglected him. I felt so ashamed and couldn¡¯t bring myself to look at his face.

    "It is never toote to start Ken, betterte than never" Jasper encouraged with a smile.

    "Yes, why don¡¯t we organize a little get together, just your friends" Christy suggested while staring at me.

    "I think that¡¯s a good idea, we can grill some barbecue" Jasper also added and I had to reluctantly agree.

    I felt a gentle squeeze on my palm and turned to see Grandpa smiling at me.

    "Grandpa, you made me worried" Iined with a sigh and heughed.

    "See, I told you he is very adorable" he said to Christy and sheughed as well.

    "From the look of things, Grandpa has been very happy recently and has also been eating well. So he just needs to go out for some fresh air" Jasper concluded.

    "Post in the group, tell the others to be at the vi on the hill in an hour" I said to him and he nodded.

    Ding!

    Ding!

    My phone chimed repeatedly and I brought it out with a frown.

    Jasper: <i>Ken is organizing a get together, be at the vi on the hill in an hour.</i>

    Gary:<i> Great, I really needed a distraction.</i>

    Anderson: <i>on my way.</i>

    Mason: <i>see you soon </i>

    I read through the messages before dropping my phone on the bedside table.

    "Christy dear, I can¡¯t wait for the both of you to get married and give me a great grandchild" Grandpa suddenly said to Christy and her face immediately flushed red in embarrassment.

    "Grandpa, I need to go get ready," she said before running out of the room.

    "I will also be waiting outside and is it okay to invite Mira?" Jasper asked and I nodded.

    "What are your ns for Christy, when are you getting married?" He asked after we were left alone.

    "Grandpa, marriage is not something we rush into and I am not ready to go into it either" I said with a frown.

    How do I tell him that our rtionship wasn¡¯t real?

    That it is just a contract that will expire in less than three months.

    "You aren¡¯t young anymore,do you want me to die before you marry?" He asked angrily.

    "Stop talking about dying, you still have a lot of years to live" I replied to him with a smile but he just red at me.

    "Christy is such a nice girl, what is stopping you from marrying her? Do you want someone else to take her from you?" He asked me angrily but I couldn¡¯t respond.

    The thought of seeing Christy with another man made me feel extremely anxious and also angry.

    "I will send someone to help you get ready" I said to him before leaving the room.

    I had to change out of my suit and wear something morefortable.

    Christy was busy applying some makeup when I entered the room and she looked breathtaking.

    She was wearing a light blue gown that highlighted her curves perfectly and her short hair was neatly styled.

    "Hey, I brought out a tee shirt and jeans for you," she said with a smile when she noticed my presence.

    I just stared at her without saying anything until she tapped my shoulder to pull me out of my little trance.

    "Get ready quickly so we can go," she said with a smile.

    "Don¡¯t you think you are doing too much?" I blurted out a question that suddenly popped up in my head.

    Her smile immediately vanished and she took a step away from me.

    "I¡¯m sorry, I have a bad habit of doing more than I am supposed to," she said with a fake smile.

    I felt ufortable with the way she was acting and regretted what I said even more.

    "Christy, listen, what I meant was..."

    "I will keep to my own end of the contract from now on, I will only talk to you when necessary" she said before picking up her purse and heading out of the room.

    "Shit!" I kicked the bedframe angrily before quickly changing my clothes.

    Everyone was ready and they were waiting for me, as soon as I stepped out of the house, my instincts kicked in and I quickly dodged.

    Grandpa¡¯s walking stick flew past me and hit the wall before falling to the ground.

    "You dare to dodge?!" Grandpa yelled angrily at me.

    I picked up the walking stick and handed it back to him but he kept ring at me.

    I looked at Jasper and Evans for answers and they gestured towards Christy with their eyes.

    Did she tell Grandpa about the contract?

    My mind raced as I stared at her but couldn¡¯t ask her directly.

    "Why are you staring at her after making her sad?" Grandpa sneered before getting into the car.

    I breathed a sigh of relief as I watched him

    take the seat opposite Christy and give her a gentle pat on the head.

    I wondered how they got so close in such a short time as Grandpa hardly allowed anyone get close to him after my father¡¯s betrayal.

    " If that stinky brat doesn¡¯t treat you well, I will introduce you to my friend¡¯s son, he is very responsible," Grandpa said to her,pletely ignoring me.

    It felt like I was the outsider and I could only watch him console her all through the journey to the vi.

    "Hey, you guys sure took your sweet time" Gary said as soon as our car came to a halt.

    We all got down and I saw our other friends, Anderson and Mason busy setting up the barbecue grill.

    " Hello Sir" A female voice came from the side and we all turned to see Mira, Jasper¡¯s fiance and also Mason¡¯s cousin.

    "Hello Miss Lancaster" Grandpa replied to her expressionlessly.

    Then he gestured to Christy to get down from the car, as soon as she stepped down, Mira suddenly dropped her bag with a panicked expression.

    "What¡¯s wrong Mimi?" Jasper asked her worriedly but she immediately shook her head and picked up her bag.

    " Let¡¯s go dear" Grandpa said to Christy and they both took their seats.

    "Oh my, you are the girl from...ouch!" Anderson was about to let the truth slip, luckily Mason was there to stop him in time.

    He hasn¡¯t a habit of speaking too much and saying what he isn¡¯t supposed to.

    "Hello Christy" Gary waved with a smile.

    "Why are you smiling so much?" Grandpa asked him with a frown and we allughed.

    "If I was a stranger, I would have thought she is your granddaughter," Anderson said with a chuckle.

    "If Kendrick doesn¡¯t treat her well, I will have no choice but to adopt her" Grandpa dered with a serious expression and I knew he wasn¡¯t bluffing.

    Christy still hasn¡¯t said a word since we got here and it was making me feel extremely guilty.

    "Come on Jasper, bless us with your delicious barbecue" Gary said with a smile.

    "Okay, prepare to be...."

    "Why do you have to prepare it? The fact that you are not as rich as they are doesn¡¯t make it right for you to be treated like a ve" Mira interrupted Jasper angrily.

    Grandpa snorted and turned to talk to Christy,pletely ignoring us.

    "Mira, no one is treating me like a ve and Mason will also help out with the barbecue" Jasper said but Mira refused to let go of his shirt.

    "Won¡¯t you behave yourself?!" Mason asked her angrily and she quickly let go of Jasper¡¯s shirt before walking away while sobbing.

    Mason has always been strict with her, she was raised by his parents so had to keep her in check.

    "Should I...."

    "Let her be, she wille back by herself" Mason said to Jasper when he wanted to go after her.

    He sighed before walking towards the grill.

    "Attention seeker" Grandpa sneered in the direction that Mira ran off in.

    *****

    Unknown POV

    Mira looked behind her to make sure she wasn¡¯t being followed before bringing out her phone.

    "Mom, she is alive and will take everything back" she cried as soon as her mother picked.

    " Who is alive?" Her mother asked her.

    "Eva" she whispered the name like something would happen if she said it any louder.

    "That¡¯s impossible, I watched her drown" her mother said with a lot of certainty.

    "There is a girl that looks exactly like Aunt here and she is dating Kendrick" Mira said with a panicked voice.

    "Calm down, we need confirmation," her mother said with a sinister tone.

    "Okay, what should I do?" She asked with a sigh of relief.

    "Get a strand of her hair so we can do a DNA test" her mother instructed.

    "Okay Mom, I will get it" she said before quickly hanging up.

    She adjusted her hair and expression before going to join the others.

 Chapter 21 - TWENTY ONE: Uninvited Guests

    <h4>Chapter 21: Chapter TWENTY ONE: Uninvited Guests </h4>

    Kendrick¡¯s POV

    Everything was going well and Jasper was almost done with grilling the barbecue.

    "I can¡¯t eat this, it looks so unclean" Mirained when Jasper offered her some barbecue.

    "Come on Mimi, I am a doctor and I will never give you anything that would harm you" Jasper said with a helpless smile as he continued trying to convince her to taste the barbecue.

    "I don¡¯t want it" she pushed his hand away angrily.

    Nobody said anything as we were already use to her tantrums and have advised Jasper severally but he has refused to leave her.

    "How is it?" Gary asked Christy with a smile.

    She gestured for him to wait for her to swallow what was in her mouth.

    "It is amazing, it tastes really good and the spices are mixed in the right proportion" she gave a honest review and Jasper smiled while Gary apuded.

    "You could have just said ¡¯good¡¯, was the other parts about the spices necessary?" Mira asked her with a provocative expression.

    "At least she knows to appreciate food unlike some uncultured girl...cough...cough" Grandpa said angrily, he looked extremely upset and Coughed repeatedly.

    Christy quickly handed him a ss of water and the coughing stopped.

    She still hasn¡¯t spoken to me and wouldn¡¯t even look at me. I felt extremely ufortable with her behavior.

    "I am clearly not weed here, a nobody seems to be treated better than me" Mira sneered at Christy but got no response from her.

    I looked at Jasper and he quickly nodded and apologized before whispering to her.

    "Why should I apologize? Are you going to let them throw me out?" She yelled at him without any manners.

    "You can leave,if you don¡¯t want to stay. No one wants you here anyway" Mason reprimanded her angrily.

    She stared at him in shock, like she couldn¡¯t believe he would yell at her in public, she turned to re at Christy.

    "y some music" I said to ease the awkward atmosphere and Mason immediately turned on the MP3 yer.

    Suddenly, there were sounds of cars getting close and we all turned in the direction of the sound.

    Three cars drove into the vi premises and parked. The cars were very familiar and I didn¡¯t need anyone to tell me who were in them.

    I clenched my fist as I watched them slowly get down from the cars.

    My father and his wife were in one, Curtis had one to himself and thest one was upied by Raina and her best friend,Celeste.

    "Why are they here?" Gary asked with a frown.

    How did they find out about the pic, it wasn¡¯t even nned.

    "We brought snacks" Sameen said with a smile, without caring about everyone¡¯s expressions.

    "What are you doing here?" I asked her and she looked at my father with an aggrieved expression, like I I sucked her.

    "Is that how you speak to your mother?" Raymond asked me angrily.

    I looked at her in disgust and turned my face away, I wasn¡¯t in the mood to banter with them.

    "Have you be so stupid that you don¡¯t remember who gave birth to your son?" Grandpa asked him with a sarcastic voice.

    He looked at Grandpa like he wanted to say something but decided against it.

    "Thanks Mimi for letting me know about the pic" Celeste said as she hugged her.

    I turned towards Jasper and he sighed deeply before begging on her behalf as usual.

    " She is not usually like this, she must

    .."

    "Jasper, aren¡¯t you tired of making up excuses for her, she is not a child anymore" I interrupted him angrily before turning to Evans.

    "Let them stay" Grandpa said with a serious tone.

    I knew he just didn¡¯t want to see unnecessary drama, but the thought of sitting with Raymond and his family annoys me greatly.

    "Hello again, Ken" Celeste said with a smile as she approached me.

    I looked at Christy from the corner of my eyes, expecting her to be jealous or something, but she just turned her face away like it was non of her business.

    "Step back, I don¡¯t like strangers in my space" I said with a deep frown when she got too close to me.

    She looked hurt by the fact that I called her a stranger. That is what she is and it won¡¯t change anytime soon.

    "Celeste is the Fiance I have chosen for you, Raymond said angrily when he heard what I said to her.

    "I don¡¯t remember agreeing to any marriage alliance" I replied him with a lopsided grin and his face immediately darkened.

    "Your agreement is not needed, I have the final say as your biological father" he said with an air of authority.

    "Says the man who knows nothing about me" I replied him with a littleugh.

    He frowned deeper like I have offended him greatly. I sometimes wonder if he is okay or is suffering from a mental illness, because no one behaves the way he does.

    "What? Do you want me to spend everyday with you? I have a lot more important things to do than sit around and babysit you" he said with a disgusted expression, like he was talking to his enemy.

    Says the man that hasn¡¯t seen me for three years and didn¡¯t even bother to call or send a text.

    Curtis smiled at me, he seemed to be enjoying the drama.

    I brought out my phone from my pocket, as I wanted to know what my friends think about the current situation.

    Me:<i> Should we continue or leave?</i>

    Mason:<i> I don¡¯t have a problem with them being here as long as they stay away from me.</i>

    Gary: <i>We can¡¯t ruin our day because of some unimportant people.</i>

    Jasper: <i>The barbecue has already been grilled, so we can¡¯t just leave.</i>

    Anderson: <i>Whatever you decide bro.</i>

    I read through their replies before putting my phone away, that was when I noticed that Raymond was still staring at me.

    "Did you hear what I said?" He asked angrily. his anger increased when he saw the way I looked at him without any reaction or saying anything.

    Grandpa gave me a tap on the shoulder and smiled at me.

    "The Martinez family is asking when they will get married? I need to give them an answer" Raymond said angrily while grandpa sneered at him.

    "The Martinez family is just greedy for resources, you think I don¡¯t know about what you have been up totely?

    The Martinez family is using you but you are too blind to see it" Grandpa said with a disgusted expression.

    "Father..." Raymond was about to say something but Grandpa raised his hand to stop him before gesturing for them to talk privately.

    I knew there were a lot of things that Grandpa wasn¡¯t telling me and I also know that he will never harm me, so I am never worried.

    "Hey, how are you doing" I was pulled back from my thoughts when I heard Curtis voice.

    He was sitting beside Christy, on the seat that was reserved for me.

    "You should move" I said to him with a frown.

    He continued trying to grab her attention andpletely ignored me. Christy looked at me for a while before turning towards him.

    "I am sorry about what happened earlier, I didn¡¯t mean for you to see me like that" he apologized with a smile.

    "It¡¯s fine" she finally replied him and he smiled triumphantly.

    See him like what?

    Did something happen between them

    Is she cheating on me?

    "Christy, let¡¯s talk privately" I said to her, I needed to get answers to the numerous questions in my head.

    She just continued sipping her juice and eating barbecue. She acted like I was invisible.

    "Some people probably haven¡¯t tasted barbecue before" Raina said with a mocking tone while staring at her but she still didn¡¯t respond.

    Mira was busy chatting with Celeste,pletely ignoring Jasper.

    "Get me some barbecue, make sure it is well grilled and spiced" Sameen said to Evans with amanding tone.

    Evans just walked away like he couldn¡¯t hear her and she finally got up to get it by herself afterining to her satisfaction.

    I couldn¡¯t focus as I had to keep my eyes on Raymond and Grandpa. I don¡¯t trust him at all, I have seen what he can do when he is desperate and can¡¯t take chances.

    "Excuse me" Christy said when her phone rang and walked away to answer it.

    I saw this as an opportunity to apologize to her for what I said earlier, so I decided to follow her.

    I stood behind her, waiting for her to finish her call, so I can talk to her when she is done with the call.

    She turned to look at me and her eyes widen in shock, she suddenly threw her phone away and ran past me with a shocking speed.

    I turned around to see what was happening and saw Grandpa rolling down the stairs, his face was already covered in blood.

 Chapter 22 - TWENTY TWO: Tampered Evidence

    <h4>Chapter 22: Chapter TWENTY TWO: Tampered Evidence</h4>

    Kendrick¡¯s POV

    I don¡¯t know how I ran so fast, all I knew was that I was holding my unconscious grandpa in my arms.

    "The ambnce is here" Christy yelled but I couldn¡¯t react or respond.

    My body felt extremely heavy and my legs were stuck to the ground.

    Fear?

    I don¡¯t remember thest time I felt this emotion. I couldn¡¯t summon the courage to look at his blood covered face.

    What if I lose him?

    "Ken, let go of Grandpa, he needs to be taken to the hospital" Mason said with a sense of urgency.

    I want to move but my limbs seem to have a mind of their own.

    p!

    I felt a burning pain on my cheek, the pain made my frozen limbs move and I quickly helped Grandpa into the stretcher.

    "Let¡¯s go," Gary said. We all got into our respective cars and followed behind the ambnce.

    Grandpa was quickly rushed into the ER and we all had to wait outside.

    "He will be fine Ken," Jasper said before entering the ER with the other doctors.

    "How did Grandpa fall?" Mason asked the question that has been on everyone¡¯s mind.

    I suddenly remembered that he was having a talk with my father and it was the reason he went to the staircase.

    I looked around but couldn¡¯t find him, his wife or their children.

    "Where are they?" I asked angrily.

    If I found out that Raymond has something to do with Grandpa¡¯s fall, I will make his life so miserable that he will wish for death.

    "Evans, retrieve all the CCTV footage in the vi. I want to know what happened immediately" I said through gritted teeth.

    He quickly rushed to get it done while I slowly sat down on the floor and rested my back on the wall.

    "He will be fine, bro," Gary said and gave me a gentle pat on the shoulder.

    I wish his words were enough to make me feel at ease but each second that passed without any news of Grandpa¡¯s situation, felt like punishment.

    Breathing felt like work and I only got more riled up after each breath.

    I turned to where Christy was sitting, she wasn¡¯t any better. Her eyes were already puffy from crying and she kept staring at the door like it will make everything go well.

    I got up from the floor and decided to take a walk to ease my tense nerves. I can¡¯t afford to break down at this moment.

    I somehow ended up in the hospital garden, it was quiet and there was nobody around.

    "Will he be fine?" Christy¡¯s sobbing voice came from behind me.

    I quickly turned around and saw her standing with her hands covering her mouth as she tried to hold back her sobs.

    "He will be fine," I said before pulling her into a tight hug.

    Seeing her cry made me feel extremely restless and there is a part of me that wants to protect her.

    I slowly ran my hand through her short red hair while she wrapped her hands around my waist with her head resting on my chest.

    We stayed in this position until I heard hurried footsteps heading our way.

    I quickly pulled away from her and took a step back to create a distance between us. She looked hurt by my actions.

    "Boss, I have gotten the videos" Evans said as soon as he got to where I was standing.

    I quickly collected theptop in Evan¡¯s arms and yed the footage.

    I watched how Grandpa went to the side to talk to Raymond, they had a serious argument.

    Then Raymond walked away from him in anger, he climbed the stairs and Grandpa followed him.

    The next video was the one of Grandpa rolling down the stairs after a fall.

    Everything seems to be fine and it seemed like Raymond had nothing to do with the ident.

    "Can I see the second to thest video again?" She asked me and I reyed it for her.

    "This video seems to have been tampered with" she said with a lot of conviction and I quickly checked the video again but couldn¡¯t find any issue.

    "In that video, Raymond went upstairs but in this one, he was already downstairs. The question is how did hee downstairs and not appear in Camera" She analyzed and I quickly checked the video again.

    I could feel my blood boiling as I reyed the video.

    Now I understand why he didn¡¯t follow us when the ambnce came earlier. He was waiting for everyone to leave, so he could tamper with the video.

    I handed theptop back to Evans before storming into the hospital building.

    I wanted to make sure my grandpa was fine before taking care of Raymond.

    "Any news?" I asked Gary and he shook his head.

    He stared at my face with a frown.

    "What¡¯s up?" he asked with a raised brow.

    "Raymond nned all of this," I said inly.

    "Let¡¯s just confirm Grandpa¡¯s health before dealing with him" he advised and I nodded before sitting down beside him.

    The door to the ER finally opened and Jasper walked out with two other doctors behind him. He looked extremely tired and the other two were no better.

    "How is grandpa?" Christy asked anxiously.

    "He is fine, luckily the stairs weren¡¯t many and not too high. The timely intervention saved him from losing too much blood.

    He has a cut on his forehead but it isn¡¯t too deep, I have dressed it and he needs to be on bed rest for the next one week" he informed us and I finally let out the breath that I never realized I was holding.

    "The nurses will have him cleaned up and sent to the VIP ward" Jasper said, he turned around to thank the other doctors.

    "Thank you very much, I will see you tomorrow" I also expressed my gratitude.

    My Grandpa was fine, no news was better than it.

    "Ken, can we have a private chat?" Jasper suddenly asked and I agreed.

    "What¡¯s up?" I asked him when we walked a few steps away from the others.

    "Mira told me something and I think you should know," he said with a hesitant expression.

    Okay, I¡¯m listening" I said with an impatient tone.

    " Celeste¡¯s family are nning your marriage with her, they have been putting a lot of pressure on Raymond. The only person standing in their way is Grandpa, so that might be the reason for this ident" he informed me and I could hardly control my anger.

    I clenched my fists in anger.

    I walked into the VIP room and found Christy sitting at the edge of the bed, she looked extremely worried.

    "He is fine" I said to her and she nodded.

    "I was so scared when I saw him, thank you for the p, it pulled me back to reality" I joked and she smiled.

    "Is the old man dead?"

    "Why is everyone so quiet"

    Sameen¡¯s voice echoed at the entrance of the room and my anger was once again ignited.

    The door opened and they all walked in. My father, his wife, Raina and Curtis.

    "How is your grandfather doing? Raymond asked me with an authoritative tone but I just chuckled.

    He really has the guts toe here and act like he had nothing to do with Grandpa¡¯s current condition.

    "Are you deaf? Do you have to go against me in everything?" He questioned angrily, I ignored him and his face immediately darkened.

    I just kept watching him as he vomited trash from his mouth. He still thinks that I am still the little boy who craved and begged for his father¡¯s attention a few years ago.

    " Honey, why don¡¯t you just tell him directly," Sameen said to him with a sinister smile.

    "I spoke with the Martinez family and they want you and Celeste to get engaged as soon as possible" he said it like he wasmanding a servant.

    "I am in a rtionship and not interested in any engagement. Especially to someone like Celeste" I replied to him with a smile.

    "I don¡¯t approve of your rtionship with this low life," he said, pointing a finger in Christy¡¯s direction.

    "Grandpa is resting, please take whatever you have to say outside this room" Christy said sternly, leaving everyone stunned.

    I looked at my watch, it was only a matter of time now. Hising here saved me the stress of going to look for him.

    "You really have everything nned out for your little family, I am quite impressed by your schemes" I said to him and walked to where he stood.

    "What nonsense are you talking about?" he questioned angrily but I could see the slight panic in his eyes, that he was trying to hide.

    Knock knock!

    "Come in" I knew who knocked, so I didn¡¯t bother asking.

    Mason entered with two special forces officers behind him.

    "Mr Raymond ck, you are under arrest for the attempted murder of Sir Benjamin Elizade"

 Chapter 23 - TWENTY THREE: Love Is A Weakness

    <h4>Chapter 23: Chapter TWENTY THREE: Love Is A Weakness</h4>

    Kendrick¡¯s POV

    "What is the meaning of this?" Raymond asked me angrily.

    Sameen rushed forward anxiously, shielding him with her body.

    "He is your father! How can you be so heartless?" She questioned me angrily as well but I didn¡¯t respond.

    "You have no right to arrest me, I haven¡¯tmitted any crime" He said with a triumphant expression.

    His confidence gave me an unsettling feeling that he must have something up his sleeves.

    Ring ring!

    Mason¡¯s phone suddenly rang, I don¡¯t know what the other party said to him but his expression immediately turned dark.

    "Ken" he called to me before walking out of the ward.

    I followed him out with a frown, wondering what was happening.

    "The Martinez family got involved, they got a hold of my superiors and I have been ordered to let Raymond go" he informed me with a helpless expression.

    Bang!

    I punched the wall in anger, he really had everything nned out, that¡¯s why he was so confident.

    "Ken, I think the best thing to do now is to make them regret their actions without being too open about it" Mason advised me and I nodded.

    He was right, being sent to jail will be a light punishment for Raymond. I have to destroy everything he holds dear and watch him crumble.

    I took out my phone from my pocket and dialed Evan¡¯s number, he picked on the second ring.

    "Give Raymond the Weske project that he has been pitching for, tell him toe for the signing tomorrow" I instructed him before hanging up.

    "I need to head back to the base now" Mason said before calling the officers that came with him.

    I watched them leave before going back to Grandpa¡¯s room.

    "All bark and no bite" Sameen taunted as soon as I stepped in, I ignored her and sat on the edge of the bed.

    "Let¡¯s go home, so we won¡¯t disturb Grandpa¡¯s rest," Raina said with an impatient expression.

    She was clearly forced here, just to have a pleasant excuse when Grandpa wakes up.

    "Take this Christy, the night might be cold" Curtis said as he handed his jacket to her.

    I watched as she took it without hesitation and he gave me a lopsided grin.

    Something in me just wanted to rip it out of her hands and throw it in the trash can. The more I stared at the jacket, the angrier I became.

    When they finally left, the room became deathly silent. Christy just stared at Grandpa, probably trying to avoid looking at me.

    "I will tell Evans to get you something warm" I said to her but she just ignored me.

    I walked to where she was sitting, to collect the jacket and toss it into the trash can.

    "What are you trying to do?" She asked me with a frown.

    "Getting rid of the trash" I replied but she quickly pulled it back from me.

    "How is it any of your business? Please don¡¯t meddle in my life" she said with an annoyed expression.

    "I am sorry about what I said earlier" I apologized as she was still clearly upset about what happened before we left the vi.

    "You don¡¯t need to apologize, you were only stating the truth. I am the one that was getting ahead of myself and not facing reality" She said with a forced smile.

    I just wanted to hug her and tell her or show her how sorry I am but ...

    What if it is all in my head and I don¡¯t actually have such feelings for her?

    Everything changed since the night I was drugged. Am I in love with her or just feeling guilty for what happened?

    Love is a weakness I can¡¯t afford to have.

    So many questions were running through my head and I had no answer to any.

    "The first month payment will be sent to you tomorrow" I blurted out without thinking.

    She looked hurt but quickly adjusted her expression.

    Why would I say that at this moment? I felt so frustrated as I stared at her face.

    "I need to get some fresh air," she said before walking away.

    I knew following her at this moment wouldn¡¯t make a difference, so I decided to wait till she was calm.

    ******

    Christy¡¯s POV

    Kendrick¡¯s words have been ying repeatedly in my head and it took a lot of effort for me to not break down.

    Even if I knew it wasn¡¯t real, I just wanted to delude myself a little.

    To act like I wasn¡¯t alone in this big world and that I also have a family that loves me.

    Grandpa gave me so much love and care that I havecked all my life in just three weeks and I will never forget his kindness for the rest of my life.

    I let my tears fall freely as I made my way to the hospital garden.

    "Are you okay?" Curtis¡¯s voice came from behind me and I turned to see him with a pack of takeout.

    "I thought you might be hungry and brought you some food" he said with a smile that reminded me of the sweet boy from years ago.

    It seemed like the violent man from two days ago was a figment of my imagination or he was just so good at masking his emotions.

    "Hey, you have been staring at me non-stop" he said with a soft voice that gave me goosebumps.

    My stomach chose this moment to growl and I had no choice but to ept the food. I secretly prayed he left me alone as soon as I collected it.

    "Good night, I would have loved to stay with you but I have an important meeting in the morning" he said with an apologetic smile and I gave him a nod to signify that I understand.

    I watched as he walked away and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

    I needed space to think about everything that¡¯s going on and make ns for when the contract expires.

    On getting to the garden, I headed straight to the bench to sit and eat the food.

    I suddenly stopped walking when I heard someone sobbing behind the flower pots.

    I slowly walked around the pots to get a clearer view of the person.

    The sun had already set and night was fast approaching. I saw a girl, wearing a ck dress with her head resting on her knees.Her body shook as she sobs continuously.

    "Hello, are you okay?" I asked her and she slowly lifted her head to look at me.

    "Christy?"

 Chapter 24 - TWENTY FOUR: A Friend Or A Foe

    <h4>Chapter 24: Chapter TWENTY FOUR: A Friend Or A Foe</h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    I stared at the girl¡¯s face in shock and it took me a few seconds to finally snap out of it.

    "Kara? What are you doing here?" I asked and quickly helped her up.

    Her eyes were swollen and it seemed like she had been crying for quite a while now.

    "Is it really you? You look so different" she said while observing my face thoroughly.

    "It¡¯s me" I said as I pulled her into a hug.

    I noticed that she has lost weight and was now a little skinnypared to a month ago.

    "What happened to you?" I asked her with a worried expression and she started sobbing again.

    "My...my Mom passed away" she said amidst sobs and I pulled her into a hug again.

    I slowly rubbed her back until she became a little calm before pulling away from the hug.

    "How did you end up here?" I asked her after sitting down on the garden bench.

    "My cousin works here, I came to see her but I saw a scene of a girl crying over the boy of her dead mother and it kinda brought back memories of mine" she said while trying hard to stop her tears from spilling out.

    I felt extremely sorry for her and didn¡¯t even know what to say to console her at the moment.

    "After you got Madam Collete arrested, we all lost our source of ie" she said with a sigh.

    It sounded like she was ming me for her mother¡¯s death or maybe I am the one that is reading a different meaning to her words.

    "Don¡¯t get me wrong Christy, I am not ming you for anything. She deserved what she got" she quickly added when she noticed my silence.

    "I didn¡¯t get her arrested, she and Benjamin plotted against me, unfortunately for them, things didn¡¯t go ordingly to their ns and that¡¯s why they ended up in jail" I corrected and she nodded.

    "Let¡¯s not talk about Colette anymore" she said with a smile and I agreed.

    I remembered the food Curtis got me and quickly opened it.

    "Have something to eat first, we will talk moreter" I said and handed her one of the packed food.

    "Thanks" she said before quietly eating.

    We ate in silence, there were a lot of questions I wanted to ask her but now didn¡¯t seem like the appropriate time to do so.

    "So, what have you been up to ever since" she asked me with an inquisitive expression.

    " Well, I..."

    "There are rumors of you dating a very rich man and that he was the one that got Benjamin and Celeste locked up with his connection" she said with a gossipy expression.

    I stared at her face and decided to tell her the truth, she will find out sooner orter.

    "My rtionship with the rich guy is true, remember when I came to you to borrow an outfit for a private dance?" I asked her and she nodded excitedly.

    "When I got there, he told me he likes me and would love to date me, I agreed because I had nothing to lose if he turned out to be a fraud" I narrated and she seems genuinely happy for me.

    I felt guilty about not telling her about the contract but on second thought, it was better I didn¡¯t.The fewer people that know, the better for me.

    "You are so lucky...congrattions" she said whileughing excitedly.

    "Thank you" I said with a slight smile.

    "So, how is he like? Does he treat you well?" She asked with a curious expression.

    "You know him, he was the one I pped on ourst outing with madam Collete" I revealed and her eyes opened wide in shock.

    "Girl, that¡¯s crazy. If I was in your position I would have definitely rejected his proposal. What if he only wants you to let your guard down before getting his revenge?" She asked different questions at once, she looked extremely worried.

    "Nothing like that is going to happen" I assured her with a smile..

    "Okay, as long as you are safe" she said with a deep sigh.

    If someone has told me that one day, Kara and I will get along and have a civilized conversation, I wouldn¡¯t have believed.

    "So, what about you?" I asked her and she sighed deeply.

    "After my mom¡¯s death, I decided to move to the capital to start a new life. My cousin took me in and I have been staying with her ever since" she said and I gave her a gentle pat on the back.

    Ring Ring!

    Her phone suddenly started ringing and she quickly brought it out of her pocket. She picked up without even looking at the caller ID.

    "Hello"

    "Okay, I will be there soon"

    The call was very short and when she was done, she got up from the bench.

    "My cousin is waiting for me outside, so I have to go now" she said to me, I hugged her and offered to escort her to the outside of the hospital but she declined.

    "Give me your number, we will go out and talk properly next time" she said before pulling me into another warm hug.

    I bade her farewell and she hurried away, she probably didn¡¯t want to dy her cousin.

    I sat back down on the bench with a smile. It was good to meet someone that I know. I felt much betterpared to when I left Grandpa¡¯s room earlier.

    *****

    Kara¡¯s POV

    I turned back one more time to look at Christy. She was smiling happily and all I felt was hatred.

    I want to make sure she never smiles ever again. She is the reason my mother died.

    Why does she deserve to live in luxury while I suffered?

    Seeing the expensive clothes on her body and the way she was glowing made me so upset that I could hear my blood boiling.

    I nce at her one more time before walking out of the hospital.

    I quickly spotted the ck Lexus that had brought me here earlier and got into it.

    "How did it go? Did she believe you?" Mark asked as soon as I sat down.

    "Of course, I told you it was a piece of cake" I replied to him with a lopsided smirk.

    Mark came to me after my mother¡¯s burial and promised to help me get my revenge on Christy.

    "That¡¯s good, now you can sabotage her and she will never be able to guess that you are the culprit" he said with an excited expression.

    "Miss Celeste, has promised to reward us handsomely if we are able to create issues between the rich guy and Christy" he reminded me and I nodded.

    Christy, the more miserable your life bes, the richer I will be.

 Chapter 25 - TWENTY FIVE : You Are Running

    <h4>Chapter 25: Chapter TWENTY FIVE : You Are Running</h4>

    Kendrick¡¯s POV

    I hadn¡¯t stepped foot in the hospital for a week, I knew grandpa would be extremely furious by now.

    Not because I didn¡¯t care about him , if anything, it was the opposite. Caring was dangerous and one person was enough for me to take the risk for but now, it seems like my control is slipping and my emotions are all over the ce.

    And love is even more dangerous and I will never let it ruin everything I have worked hard for.

    So, I buried myself in work, letting the tick of the clock and the endless pile of contracts keep me from thinking about her.

    She had somehow worked her way into my head and after ourst talk, I knew this was no longer just a contract.

    Her voice, herugh, that damn stubborn way she looked at me like she could see through every wall I¡¯d built over the years.

    Maybe if I stayed away long enough, I would be able to get rid of this unnecessary emotion.

    Instead of going to the hospital myself, I sent Evans to the hospital every day to check on grandpa¡¯s health.

    "Just update me if anythinges up," I had told him on the first morning after I decided to stay away.

    And he did, precise, impersonal updates on my grandfather¡¯s health.

    I sometimes waited for him to say something about Christy but just talks about my grandpa, never once mentioning Christy, and I never asked even though I knew she was there with him.

    I was halfway through reviewing a set of international contracts when Evans came in, setting a file on my desk.

    "Are you back from the hospital? How is he? " I asked him with a serious expression.

    "His vitals are stable, the doctor said the swelling has gone down,"he said simply.

    "Good," I muttered, signing another page without looking up.

    There was an awkward silence and he shuffled his feet like he was hesitating to say what was on his mind.

    "Any other thing I need to know?" I asked him while I was still busy with the documents.

    "She asked about you again,"he said with a hesitant voice.

    My hand froze on the pen and it took me a few seconds to snap out of it.

    "And you told her?" I asked, and stopped reading the document and looked at him.

    "That you were busy." His tone was neutral, but I caught the judgmental flicker in his eyes.

    "Good" I said inly before going back to reading the document and signing.

    " I honestly think you both should talk about things" He said and hurried out of my office

    Before I coulde up with a suitable excuse , the door opened again. Gary walked in without knocking, like always. He tossed himself into the chair opposite my desk, leaning back and studying me.

    "You look like hell, your eye bags are having eye bags," he said.

    I didn¡¯t answer, as I focused on signing the documents in front of me.

    "I saw Evans in the hallway. He told me you haven¡¯t been to the hospital in a week. What the hell are you doing?" He asked with an annoyed tone.

    "Working." I replied without lifting my head to look at him.

    "No," Gary leaned forward, with his elbows resting on his knees.

    "You¡¯re running." he said with a sigh.

    I looked up sharply.

    "From what?"

    Why would he say I am running, I have nothing to run from. I just needed time to think about everything.

    "From her." He said without blinking.

    "From feeling something that actually matters." he added with a frown.

    "Grandpa asked me to tell you that he wants to see you tomorrow" he informed me expressionlessly.

    He hardly gets upset and this is one of the few times I have seen him like this.

    My jaw tightened. "You think I have time to y emotional games? Feelings get in the way. They cloud judgment. They... "

    "They make you human, Kendrick," he cut in. "You¡¯ve built this empire, fought off enemies, survived things that would¡¯ve destroyed most people. And now you¡¯re scared of one woman because she makes your heart race? That¡¯s pathetic."

    I mmed the pen down. "It¡¯s not just about her. You don¡¯t understand..."

    "Then make me," Gary challenged.

    I looked away, my chest tight. Memories I kept buried scratched at the surface.

    My father¡¯s voice, sharp and cold, the smell of blood, the heat of betrayal when people I trusted sold me out.

    Twice I¡¯de close to death before I was twenty-one. Twice I¡¯d learned that attachments made you a target.

    "She¡¯s not a game I can afford to lose," I said finally, my voice low. "And I don¡¯t want her to be my weakness."

    Gary shook his head. "You¡¯re so busy protecting yourself from hurt that you¡¯re hurting her anyway."

    I didn¡¯t reply... I couldn¡¯t. The truth of his words lodged in my chest like a de.

    *****

    Christy¡¯s POV

    Seven days. That¡¯s how long it had been since Ist saw Kendrick.

    Every morning, Evans came in with that polite, practiced smile and told me he was ¡¯busy¡¯.

    Every afternoon, he left before I could press for more details.

    I told myself I didn¡¯t care. That I was here for his grandfather, not for him. But the hollow ache in my chest said otherwise.

    Grandpa was propped up in bed, reading the newspaper when I came in. He smiled when he saw me.

    "Ah, my sunshine," he said warmly.

    I sat in the chair beside him, forcing a smile.

    "How are you feeling today?" I asked him with a smile.

    "Old," he chuckled, then his expression softened. "Christy, I need to ask you something."

    I frowned. "What is it?"

    "Promise me you won¡¯t leave him."

    The sudden plea caught me off guard. "I¡¯m not, I mean, we¡¯re not... "

    "I know what you are and what you¡¯re not," he interrupted gently.

    "But I also know my grandson. He feels for you. Probably more than he¡¯s ever let himself feel for anyone. And that terrifies him."

    My throat tightened. "Why?"

    He sighed and set the paper aside.

    "Because of what he¡¯s been through."

    I leaned closer as he began to speak, his voice low and heavy.

    "When Kendrick was a boy, his father... neglected him, to say the least. He was left to fend for himself most days. When his father did pay attention, it was to criticize, to tell him he¡¯d never be enough.

    Then, when he was eighteen , he was attacked. Twice, in the same year. The first time, someone cut his brakes. The second..." His voice faltered.

    "The second, they left him bleeding in the street."

    My hands clenched in myp. "Who would do that to him?"

    "Enemies of the ck family , mostly. But the worst damage came from inside the family.

    Sameen made it her mission to ruin him. She spread rumors about him, cruel, ugly lies about his sexuality, about his... nature.

    People believed her. Friends turned away. He learned early that trust was dangerous."

    I swallowed hard, my chest aching.

    "He doesn¡¯t let people close because everyone who¡¯s ever gotten close has hurt him," Grandpa finished quietly. "But I can see it, you¡¯ve slipped past his guard. Please, Christy... don¡¯t give up on him."

    Tears stung my eyes. I reached for his hand, squeezing it gently.

    "I won¡¯t."I promised, even though I wasn¡¯t certain I could keep it .

    For a long moment, we sat in silence, the weight of his words settling over me. My heart ached for Kendrick, for the boy he¡¯d been, for the man he¡¯d be because of it.

    I left the room to clear my head, walking slowly down the corridor. The hospital smelled faintly of antiseptic, the air cool and dry. I stepped outside into the crisp air, letting it bite at my cheeks as I tried to process everything I¡¯d just learned.

    Kendrick wasn¡¯t just cold or distant by choice.

    He was protecting himself from a lifetime of pain. And yet, I wanted to be the one to melt the ice around his heart.

    After twenty minutes, I headed back toward the room.

    The door was ajar and I remember vividly that I had closed it when I left.

    A prickle of unease slid down my spine. I pushed it open quietly and froze.

    A man stood beside Grandpa¡¯s bed, his back to me. He was holding a syringe filled with a cloudy, pale liquid, his hand steady as he reached for the IV line.

    For a split second, I couldn¡¯t breathe as I stared at him.

    "What the hell are you doing?!" The words came out of my mouth before I could think.

    The man jolted, half-turning toward me. The light from the window caught his face, a stranger, dark eyes shing with something I couldn¡¯t name.

    I could feel the killing intent emanating from him as he stared at me expressionlessly.

    The syringe gleamed in his hand and his grip tightened around it.

    And then he moved, he was so fast that I couldn¡¯t react before he grabbed my neck.

 Chapter 26 - TWENTY SIX: Blood And Jealous

    <h4>Chapter 26: Chapter TWENTY SIX: Blood And Jealous</h4>

    Chapter TWENTY SIX: Blood And

    Jealous

    CHRISTY¡¯S POV

    The man moved faster than I could think.

    One second he was standing over Grandpa with the syringe, the next his hand was at my throat, shoving me hard into the wall.

    Air instantly vanished from my lungs.

    My fingers wed at his wrist, nails digging into skin, but he was strong, too strong for my little attacks to affect him. His grip tightened, and ck dots exploded across my vision.

    Grandpa¡¯s voice cut through the haze. "Christy!" His shout was shaky and panicked. I could hear the bed creak as he tried to move but groaned in pain.

    The intruder¡¯s eyes were wild, locked on mine as though strangling me was personal. I tried to kick at him, but my body was already weakening.

    BANG!

    "Let her go!" Curtis¡¯ voice boomed as he kicked the door open.

    He barreled into the room like a storm, his shoulder mming into the man¡¯s side.

    The grip around my neck loosened enough for me to greedily suck in a ragged breath before both men crashed to the floor.

    I stumbled to the side, coughing rapidly , my throat burning.

    Curtis swung his fist and a hard punchnded on the intruder¡¯s jaw. The man grunted, jerking back, but he didn¡¯t let go.

    They rolled on the floor , fists and elbows flying at each, the room filling with the sound of grunts from the sharp impacts.

    "Curtis, the syringe!" I yelled, my voice hoarse as my throat was still burning .

    It was still in the man¡¯s hand, glinting under the fluorescent light. Curtis grabbed for it, but in the chaos, the needle jabbed into his side. I saw the intruder¡¯s thumb press down on the plunger before Curtis shoved him away with a roar.

    "Curtis!" I lunged forward, but the intruder kicked out, catching Curtis in the ribs, then bolted for the door.

    I dropped to my knees beside him. "Oh my God... "

    His skin was already pale, his breathing ragged. Sweat beaded on his forehead, his eyes unfocused. "Don¡¯t.. worry... about me," he muttered, but his voice was faint.

    The hallway erupted with shouting as nurses rushed in. "We need a gurney, now!"

    They lifted Curtis onto it, his body limp except for the twitch in his fingers. My hand found his, clutching tight. "Stay with me. Please. Just.. don¡¯t close your eyes."

    But his eyelids fluttered anyway.

    They wheeled him away, and I followed until a nurse stopped me at the ER doors. "Ma¡¯am, you can¡¯te in here."

    Tears blurred everything. "Is he going to die?"

    "We¡¯re doing everything we can."

    I pressed my hand to my mouth, swallowing the scream building in my throat.

    The sound of hurried footsteps pulled my attention to the corridor. Sameen and his sister, Raina, appeared, their expressions thunderous.

    "What did you do?!" Raina¡¯s voice was a whip crack.

    I blinked at her, stunned. "I didn¡¯t... "

    "Curtis is in the ER because of you," she spat. "You¡¯ve been nothing but trouble since you got here!"

    Sameen stepped forward, his re cutting into me. "We trusted you to look after the old man. Instead, you almost got him killed and dragged Curtis into it."

    "That¡¯s not fair!" My voice shook. "An intruder came in, I... "

    "You should¡¯ve called security," Raina snapped. "But no, you had to y the hero and now Curtis might not survive whatever that was."

    The words hit like stones. My chest tightened, heat rising to my face, but I couldn¡¯t form a defense that would matter to them. They¡¯d already decided I was guilty.

    Sameen shook his head in disgust. "Stay out of our way."

    They swept past me toward the ER, leaving me rooted in ce, my legs trembling.

    *****

    KENDRICK¡¯S POV

    The call came while I was in a meeting, mid-sentence.

    Gary¡¯s voice was low but urgent. "There¡¯s been an incident at the hospital. Christy.. Curtis... "

    The blood drained from my face. "What happened?"

    "He was injured. Badly. They¡¯re saying it was an intruder."

    I didn¡¯t hear the rest. My chair scraped back as I stood. "Clear my schedule," I barked at my assistant, already heading for the door.

    The drive was a blur, just the pounding of my heart and the white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel.

    When I stepped into Grandpa¡¯s room, he was propped up in bed, pale but unharmed. Relief punched through me, but it was quickly swallowed by the cold dread still gnawing at my chest.

    "You¡¯re okay," I said, scanning him for injuries.

    "I¡¯m fine," he assured me. "But Curtis... he saved Christy. Took whatever was in that syringe for her."

    My jaw tightened.

    Grandpa¡¯s eyes were sharp despite his frailty. "That young man¡¯s willing to risk his life for her. If you don¡¯t wake up, Kendrick, you¡¯re going to lose her."

    "That¡¯s not... "

    "It is," he cut in. "You think keeping your distance will protect you. But someone else will step in, someone braver with his heart. Curtis has already shown her more courage than you have."

    The wordsnded like blows, each one hitting where I didn¡¯t want to admit it hurt.

    I found Christy outside the ER, her face pale, eyes rimmed red from crying. She was pacing, twisting her fingers together like she was holding herself together by threads.

    Something inside me softened, then I saw the way she looked toward the ER doors every time they opened, like her world depended on the man inside.

    Curtis.

    The softness vanished, reced by a sharp, ugly heat.

    I closed the distance between us. "How bad is he?"

    She startled, then met my eyes. "They don¡¯t know yet. He.. he was injected with something. He could.. " Her voice broke.

    "Why are you crying like that for him?" I demanded before I could stop myself.

    Her brow furrowed. "What?"

    "You¡¯re this torn up over another man. What exactly is going on between you two, Christy?"

    Anger red in her eyes. "Are you serious right now? He almost died saving me!"

    "That¡¯s not an answer," I said, my voice low, dangerous. "Tell me.. does he mean something to you?"

    She stared at me like she didn¡¯t recognize me. "You haven¡¯t spoken to me in a week, Kendrick. You¡¯ve ignored me, avoided me, and now you want to interrogate me?"

    "Yes," I bit out. "Because I can¡¯t stand the thought of you crying for him like this."

    Her lips parted in shock, and for a moment, neither of us spoke. The air between us was thick with tension, the beeping machines in the ER the only sound.

    Somewhere down the hall, a doctor called out for more oxygen. The sound jolted her back, and she turned away, wiping at her cheeks.

    I stood there, fists clenched, hating how much I cared, hating that another man had been the one to protect her when I wasn¡¯t there.

 Chapter 27 - TWENTY SEVEN : A Perfect Act

    <h4>Chapter 27: Chapter TWENTY SEVEN : A Perfect Act</h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    The doctors have been in there for hours, no news about how Curtis was doing.

    The continuous rushing of nurses in and out of the emergency room made me understand that they were fighting to keep him here.

    Then there is Kendrick¡¯s unnecessary temper tantrum. I don¡¯t really understand how he views me.

    I am not his property and have the right to do as I please. So I ignored his presence.

    "I¡¯m sorry about everything" he suddenly apologized but I wasn¡¯t in the mood to talk to him at the moment.

    "Christy, will you give me a chance to exin everything to you?" he asked when I ignored him but I just continued staring at the emergency room¡¯s door.

    "I am really not in the mood to talk right now, I need some space and silence" I said without turning to look at him.

    He was silent for a few minutes a

    And I knew he was still behind me because I could still feel his eyes on me.

    "Aren¡¯t you two just shameless? My son is in there because of this useless girl and here you are being all lovey dovey" Sameen hissed at us angrily.

    "She is a jinx, everything started going wrong when she came into our family" Raina added while ring at me.

    I wiped the tears that were threatening to roll down my face.

    "Let¡¯s go somewhere to talk, you need some fresh air" Kendrick said from behind me without caring about what they said.

    I turned to face him angrily, this was all his fault. If he wasing to the hospital, no one would have dared to make such a move on grandpa.

    "I am not leaving here, until I confirm that Curtis is okay, so you can leave and stop making me upset" I said to him angrily before walking to sit down with my back rested on the wall.

    He stood there for a while, staring at me and I couldn¡¯t bring myself to look him in the eyes.

    I was afraid of showing him how much he affected me.

    How much I wanted him and how I have fallen in love with him.

    When I epted this deal, I felt like it would be easy but nothing prepared me for this emotional Rollercoaster.

    He stared at me for a while before walking away, seeing him leaving made me cry harder.

    I didn¡¯t want him to leave but I couldn¡¯t just forgive him for what has happened recently.

    "You can stop the crocodile tears now, it is quite irritating to watch" Raina snorted angrily.

    I ignored her as I wasn¡¯t in the mood for any unnecessary drama.

    The emergency room door finally opened again after another hour and the doctors stepped out with tired expressions.

    "Sir, how is he?"

    "How is my son?

    Sameen and I asked at the same time, she gave me a side eye and Raina pushed me back.

    "He is out of danger, he is very lucky to have survived, he was injected with a deadly poison that kills extremely fast.

    I still don¡¯t know how he survived, it was like his immune system was fighting the poison and made everything work out well" the doctor said with a tired smile.

    "He would be moved to a room and you can visit him when he wakes up" The doctor said before walking away with the others.

    A few minutester, two nurses pushed him out and I followed behind them.

    "What are youing in to do?" Raina questioned me angrily when I wanted to enter the room too.

    Bang!

    She mmed the door in my face before I could say anything. I signed and sat on the bench outside the door.

    The nurses left a few minutester but Sameen and Raina remained inside.

    I waited for an hour before the door opened again and Raina walked out angrily. She red at me before walking away.

    I could hear muffled voicesing from the room but couldn¡¯t understand what they were saying exactly.

    The door opened again and Sameen came out fuming, she also red at me before storming off.

    I slowly got up and opened the door. Curtis was already awake but he seemed to be in a bad mood as he was frowning deeply.

    "Hey" I said, taking slow steps towards the bed.

    "Are you okay?" He asked me with a smile while struggling to sit up.

    "Just lie down, you don¡¯t need to get up, your body is still weak" I said nervously and helped him to lie back down.

    "Thank you so much" I said with a smile, after making sure he wasfortable.

    "You don¡¯t need to thank me, remember I promised to always protect you when I get stronger" He said with a nostalgic smile.

    How can I ever forget the handsome teenage boy that showed me what it meant to be cared for.

    "I know that you might be thinking that I am different now but a lot of things happened these past couple of years that I couldn¡¯t have survived if I didn¡¯t be the person I am now" He said with a sigh.

    "what happened exactly?" I asked him as I sat on the edge of the bed.

    "My mom wanted a perfect son like Kendrick, he was intelligent and extremely talented at a young age and I wasn¡¯t even good at anything.

    My parents saw me as a disappointment because I wanted to pursue my music career. "He paused to continue his emotions. I could see the tears that he was holding back and I couldn¡¯t imagine what he must have gone through.

    "I gave up everything that made me happy, just to be the son they wanted and yet they are still not satisfied" he concluded with a sigh and I patted his shoulder tofort him.

    Knock knock!

    I turned to see Evans standing at the doorway with a polite smile.

    "Grandpa asked me to call you" he informed me and I frowned wondering what was wrong.

    Then I remembered that I did not check on him after the incident.

    "I wille to see youter," I said to Curtis before hurrying out of the room.

    I bumped into a man on my way out, he smiled apologetically before walking into Curtis¡¯ room.

    I felt a weird sense of familiarity with him, but I didn¡¯t dwell on it as I was hurrying to see grandpa.

    *****

    Curtis POV

    As soon as Christy walked out of the room, I got off the bed. All this acting was starting to give me a headache.

    "Bro, you deserve an Oscar" My friend, Gerald¡¯s voice came from the door.

    I turned to look at him and he gave me a lopsided grin.

    "I think you gripped her neck too tightly, you left some bruises" I said with a frown, remembering the purplish palm print on her neck earlier.

    "I just wanted to make sure it was as realistic as possible" he replied with an apologetic smile.

    "It¡¯s fine, everything went exactly how you wanted it to go. The doctors and nurses have also been settled" he added and I nodded.

    Now Christy will be mine and she will be too busy taking care of me to think of Kendrick.

    She has always been mine.

 Chapter 28 - TWENTY EIGHT: Finally Confessed

    <h4>Chapter 28: Chapter TWENTY EIGHT: Finally Confessed</h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    I walked as fast as I could and on getting to grandpa¡¯s room, I saw him lying weak on the bed, his face was extremely pale too.

    Kendrick was seated on the bed with a worried expression as he gently massaged grandpa¡¯s legs.

    "Grandpa" I called with a nervous voice as I took slow steps towards the bed.

    He slowly opened his eyes to look at me and gave me a smile which made my heart ache even more.

    "Grandpa, how are you feeling?" I asked him when I was close enough.

    "very fine my dear" he replied, his voice was so weak that it came out as a whisper.

    I looked at Kendrick with a raised brow. I wanted to know what was wrong with grandpa as his health seems to have gotten worse.

    He just shook his head and made a wait gesture with his hand. I nodded before turning to look at grandpa who had closed his eyes again.

    "I hope you both sort out your differences and get married soon" Grandpa said weakly without opening his eyes.

    "Rest well grandpa, I want to talk to her" Kendrick said before holding my hand and leading me out of the room.

    We walked to the hospital garden and before I could say anything, he pulled me into a deep hug.

    I didn¡¯t push him away, in fact I have been craving it for weeks. I slowly wrapped my hands around him and we were in that position for more than five minutes.

    "I am very sorry for the way I treated you and my behavior towards you can¡¯t be justified but I hope you can forgive me" he apologized after releasing me from his arms and one look into his eyes, I saw his sincerity.

    "Kendrick I...." I wanted to tell him the truth, the fact that I might never fit in and the difference between us is like heaven and earth.

    What will happen after the contract ends, will he change his mind? Or will he be willing to fight for our love?.

    I am scared of getting hurt, everyone I have ever trusted always ends up betraying me, would he be better?.

    "Why are you crying? I know I was a jerk and I kept trying to deny my feelings for you. I was scared of having a weakness and I allowed this fear to control me" He said with an apologetic voice and more tears flowed out of my eyes.

    He wasn¡¯t one to talk much, so seeing him saying he was scared made me so emotional. I knew it took a lot to admit something so deep.

    "I am scared too but I want to give us a try," I said with a smile. More tears flowed down my cheeks and gently ced my hand on his face.

    "I promise to never hurt you again" he said before iming my lips in a deep kiss.

    I wrapped my hands around his neck and deepened the kiss, we only separated when I ran out of air.

    Ring Ring!

    His phone rang and he brought it out of his pocket, I saw Evans name shing on the screen.

    "Yes" he said after picking up.

    His expression suddenly changed, he frowned then it slowly turned into anger.

    "I will be there soon," he said before hanging up.

    He hugged me again, this time felt different. It felt like something was wrong but he didn¡¯t want to tell me.

    "What¡¯s wrong?" I asked him, the way he was acting was making me scared.

    "I am so sorry" he said before nting a kiss on my forehead.

    "No matter what happens, I want you to trust me" he said before hurrying away without looking back.

    I could only watch helplessly as he got further and further away.

    Ding!

    My phone chimed and I saw a text from Kara, saying she was in the coffee shop opposite the hospital.

    I quickly made my way there, as I needed something to distract me for the meantime.

    "Over here Christy" Kara said while waving at me as soon as I stepped into the shop.

    I quickly walked over to her with a smile and she hugged me happily.

    "someone is in a good mood" I said to her and sheughed even more happily.

    "You are right, today is a great day" she said with an extremely excited voice that drew the attention of others.

    I felt a little embarrassed when so many people turned to look at us but she seemed to not care.

    "So what is happening today?" I asked her with a low voice and she gestured for me to get closer.

    "I got a huge job after weeks of applying, they even gave me an advance payment. I never imagined making so much money from doing such a simple thing" she said with a mysterious smile.

    I frowned as she never mentioned what the job was from the beginning to the end of what she just said.

    "What kind of job is that? What are you expected to do exactly?" I asked her but she just drank her coffee without saying anything.

    " Sorry if my question made you ufortable, congrattions on your new job" I said with a smile and she waved her hand at me.

    "You are as naive as ever, I was just pulling your leg. The job is simple but stressful. I am a caregiver of an elderly wealthydy. She liked me when we met and gave me some money as a wee gift" she said with a chuckle and Iughed.

    "That¡¯s nice, sounds like a good job indeed" I said with a smile before taking a sip of my coffee.

    I¡¯m so d everything was working out for her, she deserves to be happy.

    "Okay, let¡¯s forget about me, there is an apartment that I want to rent and I need your opinion on the color of paint to use" she said happily and quickly brought out her phone from her bag. She opened the gallery and stretched it towards me.

    Ding!

    Her phone chimed and she took it back to check the notification. As soon as she checked, her smile immediately vanished and she stared at me with a sad expression.

    "What is wrong?" I asked her with a frown, wondering what could have ruined her happy mood.

    "You might want to see this," she said before handing me her phone.

    As soon as I saw what was disyed on the screen, my body trembled and I quickly took a deep breath to control my emotions while I read through the news article.

    There was a picture of Kendrick and Celeste at a high ss party but the caption made me unable to breathe.

    "WEDDING OF THE SEASON, THE ELDEST SON OF THE BLACK FAMILY WEDS THE ONLY DAUGHTER AND HEIRESS OF THE MARTINEZ FAMILY"

 Chapter 29 - TWENTY NINE: No Tears Left To Cry

    <h4>Chapter 29: Chapter TWENTY NINE: No Tears Left To Cry</h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    How could he do this to me? He just confessed his feelings to me less than an hour ago and now he is marrying someone else? Was he joking with my emotions?.

    My body kept trembling and my knees went weak. I would have fallen on the floor if Kara hadn¡¯t rushed over to support me.

    "Christy calm down, maybe it is not what we think" She said with a forced smile.

    I was not that naive to believe that it was just a rumor because no mediapany would be bold enough to publish such a thing about two of the most powerful families in country N except they wanted to go bankrupt.

    "Let me check the ck Family¡¯s official Twitter ount" Kara suggested before quickly checking.

    I didn¡¯t have much hope because I was sure it wasn¡¯t fake, Kendrick was really going to marry Celeste.

    All that talk about love and his promises were lies, big lies!

    "Should I read it? They made a post a few minutes ago" Kara asked with a hesitant expression.

    I gave her a weak nod and took a deep breath to control my emotions. I can¡¯t cry here to avoid attracting the attention of those around.

    "The ck family is thrilled to announce the marriage of our son, Kendrick ck and the daughter of the Martinez family, Celeste Martinez.

    Invites will be sent out soon, we hope everyonees to share in our joy" she read and I saw a slight smile on her lips.

    I shook my head and noticed no trace of smiles instead, tears were flowing down her cheeks.

    I wondered why I would even think of such a thing in the first ce. What would she achieve from hurting me?.

    "Stop crying Kara, everything will be fine" I said to her while doing my best to hold mine back.

    "Why are we always getting hurt? We deserve to be happy too" she said while wiping her tears. Her eyes were slightly swollen from crying.

    "We will definitely be happy when our timees" I consoled her.

    It was quite funny that I was consoling her while I should be the one crying.

    I am done crying over things that are beyond my control. I will leave as soon as the contract expires and start a new life abroad.

    "Who do we have here?" Raina¡¯s voice came from the entrance of the shop.

    I looked over, the first person I saw was Celeste with a smug smile, behind her was Raina holding hands with a man dressed in a sharp suit.

    When they got to our table, I finally saw the man¡¯s face clearly.

    It was Mark, my ex boyfriend.

    From the affectionate look in Raina¡¯s eyes, they were most definitely in a rtionship.

    I always wondered what happened to him after Evans took him away when we arrived at the capital.

    " Why are you staring at my boyfriend like that? He told me about how deceived him and ran away with his money and your disgusting lifestyle" Raina snorted angrily.

    Deceived him? His money?

    I couldn¡¯t stop myself fromughing as it all sounded ridiculous.

    "You canugh as much as you want but look around you, you lost" Celeste said with a mocking tone.

    "I don¡¯t remember everpeting with you, it is a waste of my precious time and brain cells topete with someone as dull and senseless as you" I replied to her with a smirk and her expression immediately turned dark.

    "Enough Christy, what are you pretending for? You seem to have forgotten where you came from" Mark said with a warning tone.

    "Since she knows Mark, that means she never schooled abroad, right?" Celeste asked with a raised brow.

    "We grew up in the same neighborhood and she has never been out of the country. She is also an orphan"Mark replied while smiling like a sycophant.

    "And she had the guts to want to enter my family" Raina sneered with a triumphant smile.

    I wasn¡¯t in the mood to deal with them, so I decided to leave. I stood up from my chair and turned to Kara, who has been unusually quiet since the troublemakers arrived.

    "Let¡¯s go" I said to her but she didn¡¯t move. She slowly smiled at me.

    Her smile gave me chills and a sudden bad feeling arose in the pit of my stomach.

    "You can stop staring at her now. How do you think we knew where you were?" Celeste asked with a mocking voice and I took a step back in shock.

    "Why? I asked her while trying to sound like I was fine.

    "Why? You really have the nerve to ask me why?!" she asked me angrily.

    I don¡¯t remember offending her, we did have some little girl¡¯s quarrels but it never led to anything.

    "My mother died because you got Madam Collette arrested. Everything worked out for you but you ruined business for the rest of us" She said angrily, the hatred in her eyes sent chills down my spine.

    "Madam Collette was arrested because she was involved in a lot of illegal businesses and that had nothing to do with me" I replied to her angrily.

    "It had everything to do with you, if you hadn¡¯t offended Benjamin, none of their business dealings would have been found out" she argued with a fierce voice.

    The other customers in the shop were all focused on us now and some were even recording with their phones while Celeste and the others had smiles on their faces like they were watching an entertainment show.

    "Christy, you don¡¯t know what your actions caused, lots of the girls that were set free couldn¡¯t fit into the society or get jobs because everyone kept talking about their past. Unlike you that is here living avish lifestyle, acting all high and mighty" she said with a jealous expression.

    I didn¡¯t know what to say to her because I knew that she had made up her mind to me me for everything she couldn¡¯t achieve.

    "Piper asked me to say hi to you" she said with a lopsided grin and I frowned.

    Kendrick told me he took care of Piper, so how is it possible that Kara saw her?.

    I looked at her one more time before walking out of the shop and heading back to the hospital.

    So much has happened at the same time and I had no one to lean on. I kept blinking my eyes to hold back the tears until I got to the hospital garden.

    I allowed the tears to flow freely as I squatted behind the rows of flowers.

    A few minutester, I heard footsteps approaching, I knew who wasing but didn¡¯t bother to stop crying.

    He stopped behind the flowers, followed by the smell of cigarettes. It took me a while to get my emotions together, took a deep breath and confronted him.

    "Christy let me exin," Kendrick said as soon as I walked out from behind the flowers.

    The ground was littered with cigarette butts and he looked rough with a bruise at the corner of his mouth.

    Pah!

    I pped him but he didn¡¯t even flinch. He just kept staring at me like a lifeless robot.

    "Why would you confess your feelings to me if you were going to marry someone else?" I asked him angrily but he remained silent.

    His silence was driving me crazy, I want an exnation.

    "Say something, anything!" I yelled at him angrily.

    "I¡¯m sorry" He said emotionlessly.

    "Okay, it¡¯s fine. I am also very sorry for getting ahead of myself and falling in love with someone that is above my league.

    There is only a month and three weeks left for the contract to expire, so I hope you fulfill your part of the contract and give me everything you promised.

    I will leave and you will never see my face ever again. I wish you a happy married life with Celeste" I said with a smile.

    "Gary will pick you upter, he will take care of everything you need" he said emotionlessly.

    I touched my face, expecting to feel some tears but there was nothing, I guess I ran out of tears.

    "Christy, I never meant to hurt you" he suddenly grabbed my shoulders with a helpless expression.

    "Then what is going on?" I asked him but he slowly let go of me and stepped back.

    His phone suddenly started ringing and he brought it out, I saw Celeste shing on the screen. He picked it up without hesitation and I felt a tightness in my chest.

    "I¡¯m not doing anything important" he replied to whatever she said.

    "I will pick you up after seeing grandpa" he said before hanging up then turned around without even giving me a nce.

    The difference between him and the Kendrick that professed his love to me was like heaven and earth.

    He walked away without looking back and I could only stare at his back as he got further and further away.

 Chapter 30 - THIRTY: Gold Digger

    <h4>Chapter 30: Chapter THIRTY: Gold Digger</h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    The moment Kendrick¡¯s back disappeared down that hospital path, something inside me caved in. I stood frozen behind the flowers, too numb to move, too broken to breathe properly.

    My heart wasn¡¯t just hurting, it was shattering into pieces sharp enough to cut through my chest.

    How could he?

    How could he look me in the eyes barely an hour ago and confess feelings that felt so real... only to walk away now like none of it ever mattered?

    I pressed a trembling hand to my mouth to stifle the sob wing its way out of my throat. No sound escaped, only a harsh gasp.

    My knees threatened to buckle. For a terrifying second, I thought I¡¯d copse right there in the dirt, surrounded by flowers and cigarette butts.

    Instead, I forced my body to move. One shaky step after another until I finally staggered back into the hospital.

    The fluorescent lights stabbed at my swollen eyes. I must have looked like a ghost because a nurse nced at me, then quickly looked away as if afraid she¡¯d catch my misery if she stared too long.

    At the reception desk, Gary stood waiting. The instant he saw me, his brows furrowed, and his easy smile fell away.

    "Christy?" His voice was soft but urgent. He scanned my face like he was searching for clues.

    "What happened? You look... pale. Did something... " He asked me with a frown.

    "I¡¯m fine," I lied, cutting him off before my voice betrayed me. My throat still felt raw from holding back tears.

    Gary¡¯s sharp eyes told me he didn¡¯t believe a word. But, mercifully, he didn¡¯t push. He simply stepped closer, cing a steadying hand at the small of my back like I might copse any second. "Come on. I¡¯ll drive you home. Thest thing you need right now is to be seen falling apart in public."

    Home?

    That word stung deeply, Kendrick¡¯s vi had never truly been mine, and after today it felt less like a home and more like a gilded cage where I was trapped as a ceholder until Celeste officially reced me.

    Still, I nodded. I didn¡¯t have the strength to argue.

    The ride was silent except for the low hum of the engine. Outside the tinted windows, life in the capital bustled on, bright lights,ughing couples, people busy with their own worlds. I envied them. For them, happiness seemed so easy.

    My phone buzzed relentlessly in myp. I tried to ignore it, but curiosity gnawed at me. Finally, with trembling hands, I unlocked the screen.

    Twitter exploded before my eyes.

    #Fakegirlfriend

    #Golddigger

    #ckMartinezWedding

    #PerfectUnion

    #CelesteAndKendrick

    I clicked on the first one and saw a picture of me and Kendrick at an auction we had attendedst month.

    Under it was filled with insults and hatements. I always thought I was strong and nothing could get to me except I allowed it.

    But nothing prepared me for cyber attacks, I had always heard how people end up taking their own lives because of cyber bullying and now I was experiencing it first hand.

    My stomach churned as I scrolled, Comment afterment, each one another dagger:

    "Guess the ything served her purpose. Now he¡¯s marrying real money."

    "Did anyone actually believe Kendrick would fall for a nobody? Please."

    "Imagine thinking you¡¯re the main dish when you¡¯re just the appetizer. Embarrassing."

    The words blurred as tears filled my eyes. I dropped the phone onto the seat like it had scalded me. My hands flew to my chest, clutching at the sharp ache spreading through me.

    Gary nced at me from the driver¡¯s seat. His jaw tightened, but he didn¡¯t say a word.

    Maybe he¡¯d already seen the news too. Maybe he pitied me. The thought of anyone pitying me made me sick.

    I turned my face toward the window and forced myself to swallow the sob threatening to break free.

    When we finally pulled into the vi, the sight of those tall iron gates and manicured gardens felt surreal. Just weeks ago, I thought I¡¯d found a sanctuary here. Now, it was just another stage where I¡¯d been forced to y a role.

    On getting Inside, I copsed onto the bed in my room. My body trembled with exhaustion, but sleep wouldn¡¯te.

    Every time I shut my eyes, Kendrick¡¯s face appeared. His smile, his warmth, the rare softness in his voice when he told me I mattered...

    All lies!

    Fucking lies!

    "Why did you lie to me?" I whispered to the empty room, as if the walls could answer.

    I sat up and grabbed my phone again, my fingers shaky as I scrolled further down the endless pit of insults and hate.

    There were a lot ofments and many reposts.

    Some even went as far as sending me direct messages, all filled with insults while some kept dropping pictures of snakes. I stopped opening the messages and scrolled through the insults.

    This time, I stumbled upon fan ounts dedicated to Celeste. They posted pictures of her in dazzling gowns, wless makeup, every angle perfect. The captions were worse,

    "Finally, a queen worthy of standing beside Kendrick ck."

    "This is what power couples look like."

    "Goodbye, fake girlfriend. You won¡¯t be missed."

    Fake.

    That word seared into me. It didn¡¯t matter that Kendrick had offered me the contract, that he had begged me to y his girlfriend.

    To the world, I was a fraud. A desperate gold-digger clinging to a man far above me.

    A sob broke free before I could stop it. I buried my face in the pillow, muffling the sound. My chest heaved violently as I cried until no more tears came.

    I had thought I ran out of tears earlier, but it turned out I just needed an even more painful trigger to bring them out.

    But when the tears dried, the pain didn¡¯t go away. It lingered, a hollow weight in my chest.

    At some point, I dragged myself into the shower. Hot water cascaded down my skin, but instead offort, it only magnified the emptiness inside me. My reflection in the foggy mirror startled me, red-rimmed eyes, hollow cheeks, lips trembling.

    I didn¡¯t look like myself anymore.

    I looked like a girl broken in half.

    And the worst part? I let him break me.

    That night, Iy awake, staring at the ceiling. Memories filled my head, Kendrick pulling me into his arms the first night we kissed, Kendrick¡¯s voice when he told me I was more than a contract to him, Kendrick¡¯s softughter in the middle of the night when he thought I was asleep, his touches on the night he was drugged.

    Each memory stabbed deeper.

    I curled up on the bed, whispering to the darkness,

    "Maybe I was stupid for believing a man like him could ever love a girl like me."

    The clock ticked past midnight, but sleep never came. My pillow stayed damp with tears.

    By morning, I was a shell of myself. My body ached with fatigue, my eyes felt raw, but I dragged myself out of bed anyway. Pretending to be fine had be second nature.

    A knock came at my door.

    "Christy," Gary¡¯s voice called.

    "You¡¯ve got mail," he said with a hesitant voice.

    I frowned and opened the door. He stood there with a sealed white envelope, the ck family crest gleaming in gold wax.

    His expression was unreadable, but his eyes flickered with something, pity or maybe guilt.

    "What is it?" I asked, my voice hoarse.

    He handed it over carefully. " This came straight from headquarters."

    The paper felt heavy in my hand, heavier than it should. My stomach churned as I broke the seal and slid out a card.

    Gold edges and elegant calligraphy greeted my eyes .

    The ck Family cordially invites you to a banquet celebrating the union between Kendrick ck and Celeste Martinez.

    The words swam before my eyes.

    I blinked severally to avoid crying, I didn¡¯t want Gary to pity me.

    My fingers trembled so hard the card nearly slipped.

    This wasn¡¯t a rumor.

    This wasn¡¯t some tabloid lie.

    This was official.

    And they invited me.

    "Christy, he asked me not to say anything but I just want you to know that Kendrick always keeps his words. Just don¡¯t give up on him" Gary said with a sigh.

    I raised my head to look at him but he quickly avoided my eyes and I chuckled.

    " If you were in my position, would you trust the person that has hurt you in such a way? " I asked him but he just remained mute.

    It is always easy to talk when you are not the one affected.

    I sometimes wonder how I still haven¡¯t ended my life, after experiencing so much betrayal and heartbreak.

    Was I that bad or hateful that my biological parents abandoned me?

    Everyone I have ever loved and genuinely cared about always end up betraying me.

    First it was Piper, then Callie and Mark, Kara and now Kendrick.

    I will attend this banquet and it will be my goodbye to Kendrick and this contract.

    I am done.

 Chapter 31 - THIRTY ONE: Nothing Can Get In My Way Now.

    <h4>Chapter 31: Chapter THIRTY ONE: Nothing Can Get In My Way Now.</h4>

    Celeste POV

    Everything was finally going the way I wanted. The numerous curses and insults being thrown at Christy online made me ecstatic.

    She deserves it all for daring topete with me.

    I applied a beautiful makeup and chose a beautiful ck gown and a matching purse before leaving my apartment.

    I have organized a celebratory dinner with a few of my friends. Christy¡¯s downfall was worth celebrating.

    On getting to the entrance of the hotel, I saw Mira, who had also just arrived.

    "Congrats girl" she said and gave me a brief hug.

    "Thank you for your assistance" I said to her with a smile.

    She offered to help me with buying water armies to drown Christy with insults. I have no idea why she was helping me but I don¡¯t care either as long as she was working in my favor.

    We walked into the private room that I specifically booked for the celebration and saw that everyone else was already there.

    There were five of us in total, just me, Mira, Raina, Mark and that wannabe country bumpkin, Kara.

    "Hey, beastie.... Oh it is my sister inw now" Raina said happily as she pulled me into a tight hug.

    Mark greeted us with a handshake while I avoided touching the country bumpkin, to avoid any infection or germs.

    "Everyone, let¡¯s sit down and enjoy our meal," I said with a smile as we all took our seats.

    Raina and Mark were being lovey dovey all through the meal while Mira was trying her best to hide her disgust.

    "Raina, which prominent family is he from?" she asked when she couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore.

    "How does that matter? What matters is my happiness and he genuinely loves me" Raina responded with an unfriendly expression.

    "I am sure Mira did not mean it the way you are thinking" I had to say something to dissolve the tension.

    Thest thing I wanted was for two spoiled brats to ruin my happy mood tonight.

    I turned my attention to Kara, who was busy stuffing her face with the expensive desert.

    "Did you see the money I sent you?" I asked her and she nodded as she couldn¡¯t speak with a mouth filled with deserts.

    "Good, You will leave the capital tomorrow and I do not want to ever see your face again" I said to her with a serious expression.

    "But you..."

    "But what? Did you really believe what I said about helping you get into high society and marrying a rich guy?" I asked her with augh before she could say anything.

    "What¡¯s with the expression? You should consider yourself lucky to have even spoken to us, and yet you want to stretch your filthy paws further" Mira said to her with disgust.

    "You really have big ambitions, considering the type of work you do for a living. Which rich guy would want to marry a girl that entertains men for a living?" Raina added and tears of humiliation streamed down her face.

    "You promised to help me live a better life if I help you get rid of Christy" She said angrily while ring at me.

    "Lower your gaze, you aren¡¯t worthy to look at me like that" I said with a frown and she quickly avoided my eyes.

    This is exactly what I like seeing, the fear in her eyes gave me joy, the fear of knowing that I was stronger and capable of determining how her life goes.

    "Thanks to the video of Christy that you provided, I can finally get rid of her once and for all at my engagement party" I said to her while twirling my phone with my fingers.

    The anticipation of seeing Christy humiliated in front of the entire elite circle made me excited.

    "Mark, this wasn¡¯t our agreement" She turned to Mark with teary eyes when she couldn¡¯t get me to change my mind.

    "That¡¯s enough, get out!" Raina snorted angrily.

    She doesn¡¯t like it when anyone tries to get close to Mark and it made me rest assured.

    "We can¡¯t let her go, what if she goes to warn Christy about our ns? " Mira asked and I nodded before pping my hands twice.

    My personal bodyguards came in with fierce expressions. I gestured for them to seize her.

    "What are you doing?"

    "This is illegal! "

    "I won¡¯t say anything I promise, just let me go" she begged but nothing was going to make me change my mind.

    "I had her do a checkup earlier and she is clean, so you guys can have fun to your heart¡¯s content" I said to my bodyguards and they covered her mouth and dragged her out excitedly.

    "Remind me never to offend you" Mira said with a smile and Iughed.

    I looked at Mark and signaled him with my eyes to meet me at the rest room.

    "Excuse me guys, I need to touch up my makeup" I said to them with a smile before walking out of the room.

    I only had to wait a few minutes before he arrived. He gave me a smile and I frowned.

    "How is what I told you going?" I asked him as I was clearly not seeing any results.

    "I am doing my best, we do it every night. Pregnancy just doesn¡¯t happen in a few days. Just give me time" he said with a sigh.

    "You better remember your ce and not allow Raina¡¯s love to get to your head. You owe everything you have now to me and I can also take it all away" I warned him and he nodded obediently.

    "You can go back to the private room now before she starts suspecting you" I said to him and he immediately hurried off.

    I have to make sure Raina is under my control so she wouldn¡¯t be able to affect my stay in ck¡¯s family.

    Ding!

    My phone suddenly chimed and I brought it out to see a simple text but it sent shivers down my spine.

    "Meet me in room 801"

    I wondered how he knew I was in this hotel. I stared at my phone for a while before taking a deep breath.

    "HI guys, something urgent just came up, I have to leave now. Have fun" I returned to the private room to inform them before picking up my purse to leave.

    "What¡¯s so urgent?" Mira asked me with a frown.

    Nosy bitch, can¡¯t you mind your business?

    I grumbled in my mind before giving her an apologetic smile.

    "My dad called," I said with an apologetic tone and she nodded.

    "Then I will be leaving too" She said while picking up her purse.

    I gave Mark a look to remind him to take advantage of the situation and get the job done before leaving.

    On arriving at room 801, I opened the door without bothering to knock.

    "You finally came," the man who was wearing a bathrobe and sipping wine on the bed said with a smile.

    His smile made me so disgusted but I had to maintain a gentle and happy facade as usual.

    "Uncle ck, you know I am always happy to see you" I said as I slowly ced a kiss on his neck.

    "I have told you severally to call me Raymond and drop all those formalities" he said while tugging on my gown hungrily.

    Yes, the man was my future father inw and Kendrick¡¯s father, Raymond ck.

    He promised to support and help me marry Kendrick as long as I satisfy him whenever he wanted.

    "Take everything off quickly" he said impatiently and I immediately did as he said.

    His rough old hands kneaded my boobs until they became sore. He was rough andcked any ounce of gentleness.

    "I have missed you so much" he said before sucking them hungrily.

    I am used to him talking to my boobs every time, at first it was irritating but now, I have gotten used to it and no longer feel repulsed.

    I went down on my knees and took his old shaft into my mouth, I only pleasured him for a few minutes before acting tired.

    He roughly pushed me on the bed and entered me without asking if I was ready, I justid down and let him do as he pleased.

    "Who is your daddy?"

    "You are"

    "Who owns you?"

    "You daddy"

    He loves to talk dirty every time and I always y along. I fake a moan every few minutes to excite him until he finishes.

    "You seemed to have gotten younger, it felt like I was being taken by a teenage boy" I praised him with a shy expression and heughed happily.

    I will do anything and everything to have Kendrick to myself. No one can stop me from being his wife.

    "Remember everything you promised me" I said to him while stroking his chest gently.

    "Don¡¯t worry, as long as you continue satisfying me, you will definitely marry Kendrick and be the mistress of the ck family" he promised and I smiled.

    Nothing can get in my way now.

 Chapter 32 - THIRTY TWO: The Weight of Goodbye

    <h4>Chapter 32: Chapter THIRTY TWO: The Weight of Goodbye</h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    Knock knock!

    The knock on my door came earlier that morning, I got up with a tired sigh and dragged my body to open the door.

    Gray was standing outside, he handed me a box, his expression unreadable,

    " it had been delivered anonymously" he said expressionlessly before leaving.

    I was grateful for the fact that he respected my decision to be alone and didn¡¯t bother making meaningless conversations.

    My name was scrawled in bold red ink across the lid and chill ran through me before I even opened it.

    Insidey a dinner gown of ck silk, shimmering and luxurious. A single note sat on top, the handwriting sharp and venomous:

    "Wear this tomorrow night. Don¡¯t disappoint me, trash."

    I didn¡¯t need to guess who sent it.

    Celeste¡¯s cruelty always had a signature, elegant on the surface, poisoned underneath.

    The dress wasn¡¯t a gift, it was showoff, she wanted me toe see how she takes everything I want and wish for, she wants to watch my reaction as she bes Kendrick¡¯s fiancee.

    My hands shook as I touched the fabric, it was beautiful but it made my heart clench in pain. I tossed it on the bed as if it burned me.

    For a moment I stood staring at it, my reflection in the mirror behind me, until my chest cracked and the tears came, hot and endless.

    I told myself I wouldn¡¯t cry. But I did.

    Later that afternoon, I made my decision.

    I couldn¡¯t keep running in circles, waiting for Celeste¡¯s next strike. I needed closure. I needed to say goodbye to the only person in Kendrick¡¯s family who had treated me like I was more than disposable.

    Grandpa.

    The drive to his estate was heart wrenching. I kept trying to muster up the courage to say goodbye to him. Thest thing I wanted was to see him heartbroken but I have got no other choice.

    By the time the butler ushered me inside, my heart was pounding so hard I could barely breathe.

    He sat in his favorite chair, a nket over his knees, sses perched low on his nose. When his warm and gentle eyes lifted to me, I nearly broke on the spot.

    "Christy," he said softly, reaching out a trembling hand.

    "Child, you look pale. Come, sit." he gestured to the seat opposite him.

    I sat opposite him, twisting my fingers together. The words were like stones in my throat.

    "Grandpa... I came to say goodbye." I said with a barely audible voice.

    His hand paused over the book he was reading.

    "Goodbye? What are you saying, girl?" He asked me with a frown.

    From his expression, he seemed to be unaware of the current happenings.

    "I don¡¯t belong here Grandpa, I was foolish to think I did. Kendrick¡¯s world... your family¡¯s world... it isn¡¯t mine." I forced a smile, though my vision blurred with tears.

    "Don¡¯t you dare say that." His voice cracked with emotion.

    "You¡¯ve been a light in this house. Even in his coldest moods, I saw how Kendrick looked at you dear.Please don¡¯t throw that away." he begged with a hoarse voice.

    "He¡¯s getting engaged tomorrow, Grandpa, to Celeste and when I confronted him, he had no excuse for his actions. I don¡¯t want to ruin your happiness by clinging to false hope. I just... I wanted to thank you. For treating me like I was worthy when no one else did." My tears spilled faster and the pain in my chest intensified.

    The silence that followed was crushing. His shoulders sagged, his breathing uneven. When he spoke again, his voice trembled with sorrow that

    "If you walk away, Christy, you¡¯ll break his heart and mine. But if you truly believe this is best..." He paused, eyes shining with unshed tears. "Then I won¡¯t stop you."

    I dropped to my knees in front of him, pressing my forehead to his frail hands.

    "I¡¯m so sorry," I whispered, sobbing.

    "Child," he murmured, stroking my hair, his voice as broken as mine.

    "don¡¯t be sorry for surviving. Just... be strong. That¡¯s all I ask." he said with a sorrowful voice.

    I left his house with swollen eyes and a weight on my chest so heavy I could hardly walk. I thought that would be the hardest part of my day.

    But fate wasn¡¯t finished with me.

    Because outside my apartment, someone was waiting.

    "Kara?" I froze in shock.

    She looked nothing like the proud, mocking girl I¡¯d known. Her hair was tangled, makeup streaked down her face, her clothes torn and dirty. Her eyes were wild with misery.

    "Christy," she sobbed, stumbling toward me.

    "I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean for it to go this far. I thought Celeste would help me, but she used me, like she uses everyone." Her voice cracked as the words spilled out in a rush.

    "You have to be careful," she begged.

    "Tomorrow... She¡¯s nning something worse. Please, believe me. I didn¡¯t know she¡¯d be this cruel." she said with a desperate expression.

    Her desperation sliced through me, but my mind screamed not to trust her.

    The same Kara, who had mocked and betrayed me? .

    And now she was warning me against the same person she had been working for?

    "I don¡¯t believe you," I whispered, backing away.

    "You chose your side." I said to her, making sure to keep a safe distance from her in case this was also a trap.

    "Please. I don¡¯t have anyone left."Her face copsed with grief, tears spilling down her cheeks.

    But I couldn¡¯t.

    I couldn¡¯t let myself fall for another trap, so I turned away and hurried inside, leaving her cries echoing behind me.

    I thought that would be the end of it but less than an hourter, I heard the news.

    Kara had thrown herself in front of a train.

    The world spun as my knees gave out.

    I copsed against the wall of my apartment, gasping for breath. I had brushed her off like dirt, and now she was gone. Her final words rang in my ears.

    ¡¯I don¡¯t have anyone left¡¯.

    Guilt stabbed through me like a knife and my chest burned with a pain I couldn¡¯t soothe. I didn¡¯t know if I was crying for her, for myself, or for both of us.

    The hours turned into night but I just sat on the couch, knees pulled to my chest, staring at nothing. My body aching and my heart shattered.

    That was when the door bell rang at midnight.

    My stomach twisted as I forced myself to get up and check the monitor.

    Kendrick? .

    He stood outside the gate, disheveled, his clothes wrinkled, his face pale, his body thinner than before. His eyes looked haunted and desperate. He pounded weakly against the door, his voice breaking through the speaker.

    "Christy... Please open the door, I need to see you."

    My whole body shook. Every part of me wanted to run to him, to throw the door open, to bury myself in his arms.

    But memories of Celeste¡¯s smirk, of the dress, of the humiliation and the fact that he was getting engaged to her tomorrow , chained me to the floor.

    "Ken, let¡¯s go. She¡¯s not opening and you are killing yourself like this." Gary appeared beside him, cing a hand on his shoulder.

    But Kendrick refused to move, his hands gripped the door knob like it was the only thing holding him up.

    "I can¡¯t... I can¡¯t leave her... Christy, please! Just one minute. Let me exin!" His voice cracked, raw with anguish.

    I pressed my hands over my mouth to stifle a sob. On the screen, I saw him sink to his knees, forehead against the cold door.

    My heart shattered into pieces, but I couldn¡¯t move. I stayed frozen, watching him like a ghost behind ss.

    "Don¡¯t do this," Gary begged. "You¡¯ll only make it worse."

    Kendrick didn¡¯t move for the longest time, he just knelt there, shaking, the night swallowing him whole.

    Finally, with a strangled breath, he staggered up. Gary guided him away into the shadows.

    The screen went nk and I copsed to the floor, sobbing until my throat burned. I had pushed him away.

    Kara was gone, Grandpa¡¯s heart was breaking and I was utterly, hopelessly alone.

    I couldn¡¯t sleep after Kendrick left,the silence pressed down like suffocating weight.

    All the memories of our time together came rushing into my head. When we hadughed, when I had dared to hope. Now all of these memories were overwhelming me.

    Kara¡¯s broken face wouldn¡¯t leave my mind. Her plea, her despair, her end. I whispered apologies to the air, knowing they¡¯d never reach her.

    Grandpa¡¯s trembling voice echoed too.

    ¡¯Be strong. That¡¯s all I ask of you¡¯

    But what did strength mean? Walking away? Or holding on even when everything hurt?

    I didn¡¯t know anymore.

    My gaze fell on the ck gown sprawled across the bed. It glimmered under themp like a curse.

    Celeste wanted me humiliated and destroyed. Maybe she would get what she wanted.

    At three in the morning, I stepped onto the balcony, hugging myself against the cold. The stars above felt distant, indifferent. I whispered anyway, hoarse and broken.

    "Please... let tomorrow be thest time I hurt."

    The wind carried the words away.

    When I returned inside, the gown still waited for me like fate itself. I brushed my hand across it, steadying my resolve. If Celeste wanted me to fall, then I¡¯d fall, but on my own terms.

    And in the silence of my room, I swore I heard Grandpa¡¯s voice again, steady in my mind,

    Be strong.

    Tomorrow, everything would end.

 Chapter 33 - THIRTY THREE: Thatâ€™s The Girl

    <h4>Chapter 33: Chapter THIRTY THREE: That¡¯s The Girl</h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    My body felt extremely tired as I got up from the bed, I hardly slept as today was the day.

    The ck gown was stillying on the bed and my phone was blowing up with notifications.

    The party starts by 4pm so I still had a lot of time to get ready and I didn¡¯t need to rush.

    My body felt unusually tired and my face looked extremely pale when I saw myself in the mirror.

    Knock knock!

    The sudden knocking on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. I didn¡¯t bother asking who it was as Gary was the only one that knew I was here apart from Kendrick.

    "Grandpa sent something for you" he said with a forced smile as he handed me another box.

    I took it without a word as I didn¡¯t have the strength to make a conversation.

    "A make up artist will be here to help you get ready at noon" he informed me before closing the door himself.

    I slowly opened the box and I was greeted by a bright red gown, I slowly dropped the box to check it out and a card fell out.

    Be strong my dear.

    It contained just four words but it made me so emotional and I felt a sudden boost of strength from nowhere.

    I returned to checking the gown and saw that there was also a pair of red heels and purse.

    I looked at my hair in the mirror and noticed the red dye was starting to fade out and it has also gotten longerpared tost time.

    I decided to take a short nap before the make-up artist came.

    Knock knock!

    I was awoken by another knock on the door and I checked my phone to know the time.

    2pm?

    How did I sleep that long?

    I quickly got off the bed and opened the door, twodies were standing outside. One was holding a make-up box while the other held a bag.

    "Hello ma, we were asked to style you for an event. I am ire and she is the hairstylist, Wanda" the Make up artist, ire, introduced with a polite smile.

    "pleasee in" I stepped aside for them to go in.

    The hairstylist couldn¡¯t hide her facial expressions as she kept staring at me with a look of disgust despite several nudges from the otherdy.

    "Do you have a problem with me, Wanda?" I asked her with a smile and her expression froze.

    She seemed shocked by my directness and couldn¡¯t react for a while.

    "She doesn¡¯t have an issue ma, I am very sorry if she gave you that impression" ire quickly apologized for her.

    "Yes, I am very sorry" she forced out an apology through gritted teeth.

    I smiled as I slowly sat on a chair that ire had prepared. There is nothing more enjoyable than being served by someone that doesn¡¯t like you because the person has no other choice.

    If she decides to leave without finishing her job, she risks offending Gary, which would definitely not be good for her.

    "Do you want it dyed red again?" She asked through gritted teeth and I smiled at her through the mirror.

    "No, wash off the dye. I want my natural color" I replied to her with a smile.

    The red color was supposed to be a symbol of a new beginning for me but all I have now is a broken heart and a little depression.

    Wanda quickly washed off the dye and in less than half an hour, my natural hazel brown hair was being styled on my head.

    " I gave it a little trim and it is now twelve inches long," she said with a slightly sincere smile.

    "Thank you" I replied to her with a smile as well.

    She seemed to havee to terms with the fact that being rude to me wouldn¡¯t be beneficial to her.

    ire was very fast and efficient and in no time, she was done with my make up.

    I picked up the carton containing the gown and other things before walking into the adjacent room to get dressed.

    " Let¡¯s be honest, She is so beautifulpared to Celeste" ire¡¯s voice came from outside the door.

    "What nonsense are you spouting? How can youpare her to the number one socialite in the entire city?" Wanda reprimanded her angrily.

    "I am just saying she is beautiful, nothing more" ire argued.

    "What is the use of beauty when it can¡¯t keep a man? Didn¡¯t Mr ck leave her for the less beautiful Celeste?.

    My dear money is everything, when you have money, no one will see your ugliness because they will be too busy kissing up to you" Wanda said with a mocking voice.

    I stopped listening and quickly slipped on the dress. The gown was a perfect fit, an off shoulder design that showed off my neckline and a perfect split at the bottom that made walking easier.

    "Wow, you look amazing" ireplimented with a smile while Wanda turned her face away but the jealousy in her eyes couldn¡¯t be hidden.

    "Thank you" I said to ire and she quickly did some touch up before leaving.

    By the time I was ready, it was already quarter to four and Gary was waiting for me.

    He seemed stunned by my appearance when I stepped out but he quickly masked it with a polite smile.

    The drive to the venue took half an hour and by the time we arrived, there was hardly any space left for him to park.

    The entrance was filled with reporters and the shes from their cameras were blinding.

    As soon as I stepped on the red carpet at the entrance, the reporters rushed towards me hurriedly.

    They shove their mics towards me aggressively and I had to take a few steps back to avoid being hit.

    "Move back or leave" Curtis¡¯ cold voice came from behind me and I felt a gentle squeeze on my hand.

    "Miss Scott, are you hooking up with young Mr ck now?"

    "Did you decide to settle for him when you couldn¡¯t get his brother?"

    "Did you really feel like you had a chance topete with Celeste?"

    "We heard you came from a small rural area, what gave you the guts to dream of marrying into the ck family?"

    Each question felt like an attack and I didn¡¯t expect anything less. They must have been instructed by Celeste.

    "Just ignore them" Curtis said as he led me into the venue, Gary was nowhere to be seen.

    As soon as we stepped into the venue, the lively chatters of the guests immediately stopped and I could feel the eyes of the guests on me.

    "That¡¯s the girl"

    "Oh my gosh, she really came"

    "There is definitely going to be a good showter"

    "Why is Curtis with her?"

    "She is actually a beautiful girl, too bad she offended the wrong people"

    The guests openly discussed without bothering to lower their voices.

    "Who do we have here?" Sameen asked with a mocking voice as she made her way towards me with an arrogant expression.

    "A butterfly that thinks of itself as a bird" she said and the guestsughed.

    I just stared at her with my head raised high, I had nothing to lose anyway.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, please let¡¯s wee Mr Kendrick ck and Miss Celeste Martinez, as they grace us with their presence" the emcee voice echoed in the entire hall, pulling everyone¡¯s attention to the stage that has been specifically set up for the engagement.

    Celeste and Kendrick slowly walked towards the stage, they wore matching outfits. Celeste was dressed in a long royal blue dress and Kendrick wore a suit of the same color.

    He suddenly looked back and our eyes met for a brief moment but I quickly looked away.

    "Why didn¡¯t you tell me about your contract with Kendrick?" Curtis suddenly asked and I stared at him in shock.

 Chapter 34 - THIRTY FOUR: He Came For Me

    <h4>Chapter 34: Chapter THIRTY FOUR: He Came For Me</h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    I didn¡¯t know how to reply to his sudden question, so it took me a while to snap out of my initial shock.

    "How.. How did you know?" I asked him with a stutter.

    He gave me a smile and gestured for us to go somewhere more private. He led me to a quiet corner at the side of the hall.

    "I overheard your argument with Kendrick in the hospital garden" he said with a serious expression.

    "Why did you make such a deal? Were you in desperate need of money and he took advantage of your helplessness?" he asked but I just remained mute.

    I watched as his expression turned from curiosity to anger and then frustration.

    "He gave me hope when I was at my lowest" I said to him before walking back to the hall.

    I didn¡¯t want to miss a moment of the engagement, I want it to be etched in my memories forever and it will be a constant reminder for me not to fall in love ever again.

    "Thank you all foring to this historic event and I hope you enjoy the rest of the night" Sameen said with a smile before returning the mic back to the emcee.

    I watched as Kendrick and Celeste went around, greeting the guests.

    "I am quite surprised that you really showed up." A ss of red wine appeared in front, followed by Mark¡¯s annoying voice.

    "And I am surprised that you managed to trap and deceive Raina" I replied with a sarcastic tone.

    "At least I was able to get her, unlike you, who ended up with nothing," heughed mockingly.

    He gave me a triumphant lopsided grin, before looking in Celeste¡¯s direction. I saw themmunicating with their eyes and should have immediately left but I didn¡¯t have the strength to run anymore.

    I was done running!

    "Why don¡¯t we have a good time tonight for old time sake" he said with a lewd expression.

    I knew he was acting ording to their n but still couldn¡¯t control my disgust.

    When he saw that I was ignoring him, he became bolder. He touched my face and leaned in to kiss me.

    p!

    I gave him a resounding p and before I could walk away, Raina attacked me angrily from behind.

    "You couldn¡¯t get my brother, now you are trying to seduce my boyfriend?" She asked loudly while still pulling on my hair.

    Everyone¡¯s attention was now focused on us and even the music was turned off as well.

    "Raina, what happened?" Raymond asked her with a frown.

    He looked clearly upset about his carefully nned engagement party being disrupted.

    "She was shamelessly trying to seduce my boyfriend" sheined with an annoyed and irritated expression.

    "Everyone knows that I don¡¯t jump to conclusions, so let¡¯s hear from the young man," Raymond said with a smile and most of the guests agreed as well.

    "Raina went to use the restroom and asked me to wait for her, so I decided to get a drink while waiting.

    Thisdy suddenly walked over and tried to get my attention but I ignored her. Then she suddenly pped me, like ignoring her was a crime" he said while pointing his finger at me repeatedly.

    I just watched quietly as he continued lying and spouting nonsense without any remorse.

    As soon as he finished speaking, the entire hall erupted in whispers.

    "Isn¡¯t she the other woman?"

    "How desperate can someone be?"

    "She has no shame and will do anything to get the ck family¡¯s attention"

    Celeste walked over at this moment, she gave me a mocking smile but quickly concealed it to maintain her perfect image.

    "Christy, how could you do such a thing?" She asked me with a frown.

    "Which eye of yours saw me doing anything?" I asked her with a smile and she seemed surprised that I replied to her.

    Was she expecting me to just let them use me and ruin my reputation without saying a word?.

    "What nonsense are you asking? Are you saying everyone here is blind?" Sameen asked me angrily.

    I didn¡¯t bother replying to her because she would only continue ranting when I replied.

    "I begged you to stay away from Kendrick because you will only ruin his life. He deserves better.

    You approached and seduced him, hoping to climb the socialdder with ease but you never thought that I would find out the truth about you... Did you?" Celeste asked me with a triumphant expression.

    "What truth is she talking about?"

    "I hate suspense"

    The guests whispered excitedly and some even brought out their phones,in anticipation of the drama that was about to happen.

    I kept having a bad feeling, when I saw their triumphant smile.

    I looked in the direction of the stage, hoping to see Kendrick but he was nowhere to be found.

    Did he leave?

    I was still lost in thought when Raymond came closer to me.

    "I can still stop everything if you agree to be with me. You will be able to walk out of here without any worries and I will take care of everything on the inte as well" he whispered into my ears, I felt a wave of disgust and quickly took a few steps away from him.

    "Seems like you have made your choice" he said to me before giving Celeste a nod.

    "When I found out that my son was in a rtionship with an unknown girl, I did what every loving father would do.

    I had her investigated and what was found was so shocking that Kendrick immediately agreed to marry Celeste instead" He said while staring at me with a disgusted expression.

    If I said that I still didn¡¯t understand what they were up to, then I would be the biggest and dumbest fool in the world.

    I knew this day woulde but I never thought it would be so soon.

    "Everyone, please see for yourself, so it wouldn¡¯t look like we are bullying her unnecessarily" Celeste said and she raised her hand to signal the tech team.

    The huge screen in the middle of the hall, immediately lit up and a video started ying.

    At first the guests were extremely quiet as all their attention was on the video.

    I watched in horror as a video of me performing in Madam Collette¡¯s club yed on the screen.

    "oh my gosh, she is a stripper!" Someone yelled in surprise and her voice seemed to have snapped the other guests from their shock.

    They all stared at me with judgmental expressions while some of the men couldn¡¯t hide the lust in their eyes .

    "How dare you appear here?"

    "Someone as filthy as you shouldn¡¯t be allowed to walk freely"

    The guests yelled curses and someone poured wine on my face, followed by more wine and some even threw cake at me.

    My legs seemed to have been glued to the floor, as I couldn¡¯t move an inch.

    Suddenly I was pulled into a familiar embrace and the hall suddenly became quiet.

    I buried my head in his chest and finally allowed the tears that I have been holding back to fall.

    Just one thought kept reying in my mind.

    Kendrick was here, he came for me.

 Chapter 35 - THIRTY FIVE: The Truth Revealed.

    <h4>Chapter 35: Chapter THIRTY FIVE: The Truth Revealed.</h4>

    Kendrick¡¯s POV

    Christy¡¯s eyes made me feel extremely guilty and I did my best to avoid them as I exchanged the engagement rings with Celeste.

    I just had to keep up the act for a few minutes more then I will put them all in their ce.

    The vibration of my phone made me anxious and I quickly walked out of the hall to receive the iing call.

    "Report" I said while trying my absolute best to remain hopeful and positive.

    "Everything went ording to the n, we got Madam out sessfully" Evans informed me excitedly and I finally let out the breath that I didn¡¯t realize I was holding.

    It was finally over!

    I looked up at the sky and smiled for the first time in two weeks.

    Now, I don¡¯t need to pretend anymore and I am going to make every single one of them regret their actions.

    I slowly took out a cigarette as the memories of everything that transpired filled my head.

    Everything started on the day I finally summoned the courage to confess my feelings to Christy. I don¡¯t know how Raymond and Sameen came to know about it.

    FLASHBACK!

    Ring Ring!

    As soon as I left the hospital after confessing my feelings to Christy, my phone suddenly rang and I brought it out to see who was calling. I frowned as I saw Raymond shing on the screen.

    He is not worthy to be called a father, so I don¡¯t bother with such a show of respect.

    "Yes" I said without any pleasantries.

    "Is that how you speak to your father?" he yelled angrily but I just kept mute, waiting for him to say what he needed.

    "Come to the main house, there is something important we need to discuss," he said with an authoritative tone.

    "I¡¯m busy" I replied emotionlessly.

    "Your grandfather seems to be recovering very well" he said with a threatening tone and I frowned.

    "Don¡¯t you dare have any thoughts about my grandpa" I warned him angrily and heughed mockingly.

    "Then you better be here in an hour," he said before hanging up.

    I squeezed my phone angrily and decided to go see what he was up to.

    The drive to the house took me less than an hour and as soon as I entered, I saw Raymond and his wife waiting in the sitting room.

    "Oh, see who decided toe," Sameen said with a mocking smile.

    I ignored her and sat on the chair opposite them.

    "The Martinez family wants to know our stand. They have given us a week to decide if the marriage alliance will happen" Raymond informed me with a serious expression.

    "And what does that have to do with me?" I asked him with a frown.

    "What nonsense are you asking?" Sameen asked me angrily.

    "If it was left to me, of course I would want my precious son to marry Celeste instead. I don¡¯t know what she saw in you" She sneered.

    I ignored her as usual, I don¡¯t waste my strength talking to unimportant people.

    "You and Celeste¡¯s engagement will happen in three days¡¯ time"Raymond said with a tone of finality.

    I stared at his face with a slight smile, wondering what gave him the guts to order me.

    "Don¡¯t give me that look, you have no choice but to follow my arrangement" he said with an authoritative tone and I frowned.

    I knew he was definitely up to something because he had never approached me with such an attitude.

    "You better stay away from my grandfather"I warned him angrily as I couldn¡¯t think of any other reason why he would be so certain that I would be obedient to him.

    "I have no ns of hurting the old man, so you can rx" He said with a triumphant smile.

    I couldn¡¯t guess what he was up to and it was extremely frustrating.

    "Do you remember what happened to your mother?" He asked me with a serious expression.

    My blood immediately boiled as I remembered everything that happened back then.

    "Don¡¯t ever talk about her ever again" I warned him and got up to leave.

    "She is alive" he suddenly said as I was about to walk out of the door and I froze.

    I slowly turned to look at him in disgust.

    "Did you just make that up? You really want me to believe such nonsense?"I asked him angrily.

    " Her body was never found after she had that car ident" He reminded me.

    I didn¡¯t want to believe him but a part of me has always wished that I could find her someday.

    "I received a callst week from someone iming to be her. Of course, I didn¡¯t believe her, so I set up a meeting with her to confirm her identity.

    I couldn¡¯t believe my eyes when I saw her, she is alive and in my hands" he informed me with a cunning smile.

    "Am I supposed to just believe everything thates out of your old lying mouth?" I asked him with a frown.

    "You should show your father some respect" Sameen reprimanded me angrily but I just gave her a side eye and she immediately cowered in fear.

    "I knew you would ask for evidence and I made sure to prepare one" Raymond said with a sly smile and handed the tablet on the table to me.

    I collected and clicked y, so I could watch the content of the video.

    The first face that I saw was the face that I have been longing to see for years. She smiled at the camera.

    The woman was none other than my mother.

    She was alive.

    "How are my father and Kendrick doing?" Her voice came through, it was exactly how I remembered it, soft and soothing.

    "They are fine," Raymond replied.

    "I know you must be surprised to see me after all these years. I was rescued by a kind old couple after the ident and I suffered from amnesia.

    I couldn¡¯t even remember my name or where I came from..." She paused as tears rolled down her cheeks.

    I squeezed the tablet and I couldn¡¯t exin how I felt about it.

    "You are back because you remember everything now?" Raymond asked her with a caring voice.

    "Yes, I got my memories backst week, although I am still weak, but I couldn¡¯t stop myself froming to see you, my father and our son" she said with an emotional voice and Raymond pulled her into his arms for a hug.

    His care was clearly faked and from what he has been saying since I got here, he was holding her hostage.

    "Where is she?!" I asked him angrily but he just ignored me and kept sipping his wine.

    "She is safe, all you have to do is follow my arrangement and marry Celeste" He said with a cunning grin.

    "And if I don¡¯t?" I asked him with a frown.

    "Then I don¡¯t know how long I can guarantee her safety" He threatened me.

    I needed time to get my mother out of his clutches and to put his guard down as well.

    "Okay" I said inly and he immediately jumped off his seat excitedly.

    Ding!

    Our phones chimed at the same time and I brought it out to check.

    "Perfect, just on time" Sameen eximed happily before I could even check the notification.

    When I finally checked, I immediately understood why she was happy.

    It seems they were very certain that I would agree to their n, so they got the ck family official page to release the official announcement of mine and Celeste¡¯s engagement.

    END OF FLASHBACK!

    It took me a while to finally find out the exact location where he was keeping my mother.

    With Mason¡¯s help, I was able to sessfully rescue her.

    By the time I snapped back from my memories, I noticed that I had spent almost an hour away from the party.

    I rushed into the hall as I couldn¡¯t control the urge to hug Christy and tell her everything but what I saw on entering the hall made my blood boil.

    How dare they treat her like that?!

    I immediately rushed to her and pulled her into my arms, she buried her head in my chest as u held her tightly.

    "He is protecting her despite seeing the truth?"

    "Did she cast a spell on him?"

    I heard some of the guests as they spoke in hushed voices.

    "What is the meaning of this?" Mr Martinez asked me angrily as heforted his crying daughter.

    "Have you forgotten what we spoke about?" Raymond asked me with a threatening gaze.

    "Howe I don¡¯t remember ever talking to you?" I replied to him nonchntly.

    "Mr ck, what is going on? We had a deal" Mr Martinez asked him angrily.

    Seeing his precious daughter cry made him very upset and he kept ring at me.

    I took off my jacket and covered Christy with it, before bringing out my phone to call Mason.

    But before the phone could ring, I saw him walking into the hall with two officers behind him.

    "Mr Raymond ck, you are under arrest for forced imprisonment and detainment of Mrs Lauretta ck" Mason said and one of the officers immediately handcuffed Raymond.

    "Did I just hear Lauretta or am I hearing things?"

    "Is she really alive?"

    The hall erupted in a noisy chaos as the guests discussed what they just heard.

    "Stop!" Celeste suddenly screamed and the hall fell into a pin drop silence.

 Chapter 36 - THIRTY SIX: It Was Finally Over

    <h4>Chapter 36: Chapter THIRTY SIX: It Was Finally Over</h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    Everyone stared at Celeste after her scream, she slowly made her way towards us with a hesitant expression.

    "Why are you doing this to me?" She asked Kendrick but he just kept staring expressionlessly.

    She took a deep breath before opening her purse and bringing out a neatly folded paper.

    "I didn¡¯t want to do this but you have left me with no other choice" she said with tears streaming down her face as she handed the paper to Kendrick.

    He took it with a frown and slowly opened it. I was also extremely curious about its content, so I read it as well.

    After seeing what it was, I froze in shock before slowly turning to look at Kendrick¡¯s face.

    I wanted to see his reaction to the content and he looked confused but the way his eyes avoided mine told me the content might be true.

    "If you do not believe it, we can go to a hospital for another one" Celeste said with a determined voice.

    I slowly got out of Kendrick¡¯s embrace, as I wanted him to say something, to tell me it was all a lie.

    "What is going on dear?" Mr Martinez asked his daughter with a confused expression.

    Celeste slowly turned around to face him with her head bowed.

    "I am sorry father, I have embarrassed you" She apologized to him.

    "Dear, tell me what happened," he demanded.

    "You and uncle ck wanted Kendrick and I to get closer to each other, so you made us live in the same apartment for a week.

    On the third day, he had a huge fight with his grandfather, because the old man wasn¡¯t in support of our engagement.

    After the fight, he got drunk and I tried helping him to his room but he lost control and...." she paused dramatically but everyone already understood what happened.

    "You bastard!" Mr Martinez raised his hand to hit Kendrick but one look from him, made him tremble in fear and dropped his hand.

    "I am pregnant and you are responsible for it. I didn¡¯t want things toe to this but you kept pushing me to the wall" Celeste said to Kendrick while crying miserably.

    I don¡¯t even know what I was waiting for, my eyes were on Kendrick the entire time and I was waiting for him to tell me that she was lying but he just closed his eyes with a frustrated expression.

    "Ken, is... it true?" I asked him with a shaky voice.

    He finally opened his eyes and held my hands but I noticed he kept avoiding eye contact.

    "I don¡¯t remember anything that happened that day, I woke up with no recollection of that night" he exined with a pleading gaze.

    He doesn¡¯t remember?

    That means, there is a possibility that Celeste was really carrying his child.

    It felt like my heart was being ripped out. I didn¡¯t feel this hurt when the video was shown to everyone, or when wine was being poured on me.

    "So there is a possibility that you are responsible?" I asked him, despite knowing that it was the truth but I wanted to hear him say it himself.

    "Christy, listen to me, I..."

    "What nonsense are you trying to say? Do you want to avoid taking responsibility for my daughter?" Mr Martinez interrupted him angrily.

    "Oh my gosh, another plot twist!"

    "I am so d, I didn¡¯t miss this party"

    "me too"

    The guests were so excited but I felt like I was dying slowly.

    It felt like I was trapped in a dark abyss, then Kendrick came and showed me the beauty of light and freedom before pushing me even deeper into the same abyss.

    "You must take responsibility for my daughter and this engagement is not going to be canceled!" Mr Martinez demanded angrily before taking Celeste away.

    Kendrick suddenly turned to face me but I was tired and cold all over . I couldn¡¯t feel anything anymore.

    "Everything I did was for you, I hope you will understand that someday" Raymond said to Kendrick before being taken away by the officers.Sameen and Raina followed as well.

    They didn¡¯t even say a word when Celeste revealed that she was pregnant, they just watched till the end, which was very unlike them.

    "Christy, I.." Kendrick tried to talk to me but I raised my hand to stop him.

    I was done with all of these dramas.

    I wrapped his jacket around my body tightly, as my dress was still soaked with wine.

    I looked at him onest time before walking out of the hall. I listened for any footsteps behind me but there was none.

    He didn¡¯t follow or try to stop me. Hot tears slowly slid down my face as I stepped into the cold breeze.

    I felt extremely cold but I couldn¡¯t stop walking, my legs seemed to have a mind of its own and wanted to take me away from here.

    Where am I supposed to go from here?

    I have no one to call a friend or family, so where do I start?.

    "Why me?!"

    "Haven¡¯t I been through enough?!"

    I yelled into the night as tears kept pouring out of my eyes.

    The wet gown made me ufortable as it clung to my skin.

    Painful memories of the betrayals and hurt that I have faced, surfaced in my mind adding to my agony.

    Piper, Mark, Callie, my foster parents then Kendrick came along and gave me a taste of happiness and love but the end result was the same.

    It seems like I am destined to never be happy in this lifetime.

    I continued walking in the cold night without any destination in mind.

    Suddenly, the lights of a car came on a few meters away from me. I stared at the car as it suddenly started speeding towards me.

    It seems like the universe heard my screams and has decided to end it once and for all.

    My legs felt like they were glued to the ground as I watched the car as it got closer and closer.

    Mira?

    I was surprised to see that she was the one driving the car.

    My body flew into the air as the car crashed into me.

    The screams of the other pedestrians filled my ears as my head collided with the hard ground.

    My vision turned red as blood flowed into my eyes before everything slowly went dark.

    It was finally over.

 Chapter 37 - THIRTY SEVEN: Big Brother Is Here

    <h4>Chapter 37: Chapter THIRTY SEVEN: Big Brother Is Here</h4>

    Mason¡¯s POV

    After several days of nning, we finally saved Kendrick¡¯s mother and I personally came to arrest Raymond but I never imagined that things would take such a drastic turn.

    Who would have ever thought that Celeste was pregnant.

    I found it hard to breathe when I saw Christy crying so sadly. Her eyes had no light and she looked hopeless.

    Just seeing her like this made me so angry that I had to clench my fist to control myself.

    It hasn¡¯t been confirmed yet, so I can¡¯t make any rash decisions.

    Seeing her run out of the hall, I decided to follow her just to make sure she didn¡¯t do anything extreme.

    Ring Ring!

    My phone suddenly started ringing and I brought it out to see who was calling.

    Why would he be calling me at this time?

    "Jasper, I can¡¯t really talk now. Something happened" I said to him impatiently.

    I looked around and couldn¡¯t see Christy anywhere.

    "The DNA results are out" He informed me with an excited voice.

    I froze as the words yed repeatedly in my head.

    "Hello, bro are you there?" He asked and I finally snapped out of my shock.

    "What did the result say?" I asked him with a slightly nervous tone.

    "It was a 99.9% match, she is your biological sister, Eva" Jasper said with an emotional tone.

    She is my sister!

    I didn¡¯t know how to react to this amazing news and a lonely tear slid down my face.

    I finally found you.

    "Congrats brother, you owe me a drink" His voice brought me out of my trance-like state.

    "How did things go with Ken?" he asked and I remembered the reason why I was outside.

    "I have to go now" I said to him hurriedly before hanging up.

    I ran as fast as my legs could take me. I needed to find her and tell her that she wasn¡¯t alone.

    She has a big brother who loves her and wouldn¡¯t let anyone hurt her ever again.

    After running for a while, I still couldn¡¯t find her. I decided to show her photo to the other pedestrians on the road, if they have seen her.

    "Hello, have you seen her?"

    "No"

    "Hello, have you seen her? She is wearing a red gown and a ck jacket"

    "No, I haven¡¯t"

    "Hello, have you seen her?"

    "No"

    I kept asking around but they all kept saying they hadn¡¯t seen her.

    This was the only road that leads to the main city from the engagement venue, so she definitely passed here.

    I decided to ask more people, someone must have definitely seen her.

    "Hello, have you seen her?"

    "No"

    "Hello, have you seen this girl?"

    "No, sir"

    I felt suffocated as I hoped and prayed that she hasn¡¯t done anything stupid because of heartbreak.

    "Oh my gosh, an ident just happened in front" a teenage girl rushed over to inform her friends and I also noticed that others were going in the same direction as well.

    I also rushed towards the scene of the ident and I stopped when I saw the huge crowd gathered at a particr spot.

    Some were on their phones calling for an ambnce while some were busy taking videos.

    I pushed through the crowd and walked into the center with trembling legs.

    The first thing I saw was the very familiar red gown and ck jacket.

    "Eva!" I yelled as I quickly held her in my arms.

    "Eva, big brother is here!"

    "Someone call an ambnce!"

    Her head was bleeding badly and her skin was extremely cold and pale from blood loss.

    "Eva, please hang on?"

    I just found her after so many years of searching and the fear of her dying made me extremely scared and anxious.

    A few minutester, I heard the ambnce sirens ring, and I quickly picked her up, making sure to support her injured head with my hand before rushing towards the ambnce.

    "Mason?" Jasper¡¯s shocked voice came from the ambnce.

    "Save her please, my sister is dying. I can¡¯t lose her please"I said to him with an extremely anxious voice.

    They quickly helped her on the stretcher and administered emergency treatment before she was moved into the ambnce.

    I got into the ambnce as well, holding her hand tightly and praying for her to survive.

    "We have stopped the bleeding and we will do our best to save her," Jasper promised.

    He kept staring at me and I knew he had questions but was holding back because of the current situation.

    "I finally found her and I will never let anything happen to her... ever again" I said to no one in particr.

    It was more like a promise to myself, I couldn¡¯t save her back then but this time, she must survive.

    When we finally arrived at the hospital, she was immediately taken into the operating room for surgery.

    I waited outside the door and every second was a torture.

    "Son!" My mother¡¯s voice suddenly came into my ears and I froze.

    I looked up and was shocked to see everyone here. My parents, grandfather and brother were all standing in front of me.

    "Are you okay? What happened?" My mother asked while checking my body for any injuries.

    She breathed a sigh of relief when she couldn¡¯t find any injuries on my body.

    "How did you know I was here?" I asked her and she pointed towards one of my father¡¯s personal guards.

    "Your father sent him to follow you when he found out about your helping Kendrick. Raymond ck can be very evil and we didn¡¯t want to take any chances" she exined with a sigh of relief.

    "If you aren¡¯t injured, then why are you in the hospital? Did a friend of yours get into an ident?" My father asked me with a frown.

    I looked at my mother and tried toe up with the best way to break the news to her.

    How do I tell them that the one person that they have been praying to find, was in there battling for her life?.

    "Mother, you might want to sit down" I led her to one of the chairs and she sat down with a confused expression.

    "I failed again, I am so sorry" I said after finally mustering up the courage.

    "What are you talking about son?" she asked me with a frown.

    "I only got the DNA results less than an hour ago and I was toote to protect her" I said with an apologetic tone as I tried my best to hold back my tears.

    She quickly got up from the chair and grabbed my shirt with an agitated expression.

    "Eva?" She asked with tears streaming down her face.

    "Yes, I found her but I couldn¡¯t protect her again" I said to her and she looked at my father, whose eyes had also turned red with unshed tears.

    "My baby!" she screamed and I had to hold her back from running into the operating room.

 Chapter 38 - THIRTY EIGHT: Christy is Eva.

    <h4>Chapter 38: Chapter THIRTY EIGHT: Christy is Eva.</h4>

    Mason¡¯s POV

    "Mother please calm down" I begged my mother as she kept struggling to get out of my hands to rush into the operating room.

    "Who did this to my daughter? She has been through so much already" She cried loudly when she finally stopped struggling.

    "Mason, tell us everything from the beginning"My father said as he helped my mother to a seat.

    "I met her two months ago and she had a lot of troubles. The family that raised her were using her to enrich their pockets. They made her...." I paused as I found it hard to say what she was forced to do.

    "What did they make her do?!" My father questioned me angrily.

    "They made her work in a strip club" I said with a low voice.

    "Where are those monsters?!" He asked angrily.

    "She got the man his mistress arrested and the woman is dead" I replied emotionlessly.

    They were lucky to still be breathing and they should cherish it because it won¡¯t be for long.

    "How did she end up in the hospital?" My mother asked me with a frown.

    I took in a sharp breath as I didn¡¯t know how to tell them about her rtionship with Kendrick.

    They already don¡¯t like the ck family and have warned me severally to stop being friends with Kendrick.

    "She was in a rtionship with Kendrick but Raymond wanted him to marry the Martinez daughter, so they made her life miserable" I summarized as I didn¡¯t want to go into details.

    "The ck Family again? Why is it always them?" My mom asked with an annoyed expression.

    Our rtionship with the ck family has been terrible for years but I never allowed it to affect my friendship with Kendrick.

    "You bastard! Is this what you are talking about so calmly?" My father yelled at me while looking at his phone with an extremely furious expression.

    My mother quickly went over to him to watch as well and her face immediately changed.

    "They bullied her so badly, how could they be so heartless?" My mother asked amidst sobs.

    "I want every trace of her wiped off the inte" my father ordered me and I immediately excused myself to call my subordinates.

    "Brother" Kelvin, my younger brother, called me.

    "Yes" I answered him.

    "Why are you protecting him?" He asked me angrily.

    "What are you talking about?" I asked him with a frown.

    "I am talking about Kendrick, he is the one that caused the most hurt to our sister and you are still protecting him!" he replied angrily.

    "He was also pushed to the wall and had no other choice" I said with a sigh while rubbing my forehead in frustration.

    "Well, you better tell him to stay away from her, because I won¡¯t hold back if I ever see him near her" He said furiously before storming away.

    By the time I was done instructing my subordinates, the surgery had ended and the door of the operating room slowly opened.

    Jasper walked out with several other doctors, they all looked tired and pale. Some used the wall as a support as they couldn¡¯t stand firmly.

    "How is she?" My mom asked him with an extremely nervous expression.

    "The surgery went well and she will be moved to a room for more observation" Jasper said with aforting smile.

    "Thank you so much" My father said to him with a grateful expression and they all followed behind the nurses, as Christy was being taken to the assigned room.

    The other doctors left as well but Kelvin refused to leave.

    "I have something urgent to discuss with Jasper" I said to him before he reluctantly walked away.

    Jasper led me to a quiet balcony with a solemn expression.

    "How is she?" I asked him with a serious tone because I knew there was something he didn¡¯t say in front of my family.

    "The injury to her head is quite serious and there is a high chance of her having amnesia" he informed me and I nodded with a sigh.

    It is best she forgets everything about the past and moves on without any regrets.

    "Any other thing?" I asked him when I noticed his hesitant expression.

    " She is pregnant" he said with a low voice and I froze.

    Just when I thought she could finally let go of everything?.

    "The baby seems pretty lucky, it survived despite the tragic ident," he added.

    "I can¡¯t make the decision, so we will wait until she wakes up and let her decide" I said with a sigh.

    "The baby is Kendrick¡¯s, right? He asked me and I nodded.

    "Let¡¯s just keep this to ourselves for now, I don¡¯t want anyone else to know about it" I said to him before looking at the shadow behind the door.

    I knew he didn¡¯t leave earlier, he has always been stubborn.

    "Kelvin, I don¡¯t want our parents to hear a word about this" I said in the direction of the door and Jasper turned around with a surprised expression.

    He slowly walked out from behind the door and stared at me expressionlessly.

    " Shouldn¡¯t we get rid of the baby now?" He asked with a frown.

    I also had the same idea but letting her decide on what to do is the best approach.

    "That¡¯s not a decision for us to make," I replied to him with a sigh.

    "What if she decides to keep the baby?" he asked me with a deep frown.

    I didn¡¯t reply to him, as I had also thought of this possible oue.

    "Let¡¯s just forget about all that for now and focus on her getting better," Jasper said with an exhausted voice.

    "The best thing to do now is to investigate the ident thoroughly. We need to know who was behind it as soon as possible to avoid future urrences" I said to Kelvin with a serious expression.

    "Just leave it to me, I will definitely get justice for my little sister," he said with a determined tone before walking away.

    *****

    Kendrick¡¯s POV

    My legs felt stuck and I couldn¡¯t move, I could only stare in the direction that Christy had run off in.

    "Now that my daughter is pregnant, you have no choice but to marry her," Mr Martinez said angrily.

    I red at him and he immediately took a step back.

    "Get rid of that thing" I said to Celeste and she looked extremely shocked.

    Was she expecting me to dance and happily marry her because she was pregnant?.

    "How can you say that without any remorse? He is your flesh and blood" She said with tears streaming down her face.

    "Get rid of it and I don¡¯t want to ever hear anything about it again" I said before hurrying out of the hall.

    I need to find Christy as soon as possible, there is so much that I need to exin to her.

    "Ken!" Gary called out to me and I turned to see him rushing towards me with an extremely anxious expression.

    "Were you able to find her?" I asked him as soon as he got to me.

    "She got into an ident and it looks really serious," he said with a frustrated sigh.

    It took me a few seconds to process what I just heard.

    Christy got into an ident?

    "Ken let¡¯s go" Gary said anxiously as he supported me to the car.

    He drove towards the hospital and all through the drive, I couldn¡¯t say anything as Christy¡¯s face before she left the hall kept reying in my head.

    As soon as the car stopped in front of the hospital, I jumped out and made my way to the emergency unit.

    "Mason, what happened?" I asked as soon as I saw him but he just stood in front of me without moving.

    "Ken, I think you should leave first. I will call youter" he said to me emotionlessly.

    Gary also joined us after parking, he looked confused by what was happening as well.

    "I want to see Christy, she needs me right now" I said before attempting to walk ahead but he restrained me with his hands.

    "What¡¯s the matter with you?!" I asked him angrily as my patience has reached its limit.

    "Gary, please take him away" he said to Gary with a tired expression.

    "What is the meaning of this?" I asked him angrily and pushed him out of the way.

    Before I could take a step forward, I felt a sharp pain on my face that made me stagger backwards.

    "You bastard!" The person who punched me yelled angrily.

    "Kelvin!" Mason yelled and quickly held his brother back.

    "How dare he appear here?" Kelvin yelled while ring angrily at me.

    I couldn¡¯t understand what was happening and just stared at him in confusion.

    "You better stay away from my sister!" he yelled angrily and I was too stunned to react.

    "What do you mean by your sister?" Gary asked Mason with a confused expression.

    "Christy is my little sister, Eva" he replied with a slightly emotional tone.

    I didn¡¯t know how to react or what to say as I just stared at him in shock.

 Chapter 39 - THIRTY NINE: Miraâ€™s Lie

    <h4>Chapter 39: Chapter THIRTY NINE: Mira¡¯s Lie</h4>

    Kendrick¡¯s POV

    "How is that possible? Are you sure you aren¡¯t mistaken?" Gary asked Mason with a surprised expression.

    I have known Mason for years, so I knew he would never joke about anything rting to his sister, Eva.

    "I advise you to leave now, my parents might not be polite if they see you," he said to me with a serious expression.

    One look into his eyes and I knew that our friendship would never be the same again.

    "Okay" I said before walking away.

    Gary followed me out as well and on getting to the parking lot, I finally couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore and allowed the tears that I have been holding back to flow freely.

    "Bro, let¡¯s go to my ce and drink until we forget about this mess" Gary said while patting my shoulder gently.

    My chest felt extremely tight and I found it hard to breathe.

    A few minutester, I was finally able to control myself and got into the car.

    He immediately started the car and drove off.

    *****

    Mason¡¯s POV

    I have never seen Kendrick in such a miserable state before and I couldn¡¯t exin my emotions as I watched him leave.

    "He better stay away from her" Kelvin said angrily and I gave him a stern look.

    "I don¡¯t care if he is important to you, I am just making sure no one that has a hand in my sister¡¯s miseryes close to her" He said furiously.

    He never involves himself in other people¡¯s lives and always stays on his own but once he sets his mind on something, he makes sure to finish it.

    I sighed deeply before walking away. I needed to find Jasper, as I still had a lot to discuss with him.

    Luckily, I was the one that saw Kendrick first, if not, it would have been troublesome.

    Knock knock!

    I knocked on Jasper¡¯s office door before pushing it open when I didn¡¯t hear any reply after waiting for a few minutes.

    As soon as I stepped into the office, I saw him seated on his chair with his back to me.

    "Jasper" I called him and he jumped off his chair with a startled expression, causing what he was holding to fall.

    "I knocked but you didn¡¯t answer" I said to him and he nodded before quickly picking up the ne that had fallen on the floor.

    "Where did you get it?"I asked with a frown when I had a clear view of the ne.

    "It has been with me for years, it was a gift from someone" He replied with a smile while still staring at the ne.

    "Who?" I asked him and he frowned before finally looking at me.

    "Why are you asking?" he asked with a puzzled expression.

    "This ne was a gift from me to Eva on her sixth birthday" I replied to him and he seemed stunned by what I said.

    "How is that possible? You are probably mistaken because this ne belongs to Mira" he said with a confused expression while staring at the ne again.

    "I can¡¯t be wrong about this because I had personally chosen this ne and even had the initials of her name engraved on it.

    He carefully checked the ne for the initials and froze.

    It is understandable that he never noticed it as the initials weren¡¯t visible if one wasn¡¯t focused.

    "E.L, that¡¯s Eva Lancaster?" he asked with a slightly emotional tone.

    "Yes, but why did Mira give it to you?" I asked him after confirming it.

    "Do you remember when we went for a camping trip that I went missing, she saved me and I held on to the ne in my unconscious state and she had no choice but to leave it as she couldn¡¯t pry open my fingers" He exined to me.

    "It was Eva that helped you and came to call for help when she saw you were unconscious. If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask your father" I revealed to him and he took a few steps back, as he found it hard to believe.

    Now everything made sense, his unusual tolerance towards Mira and how he spoiled her no matter how despicable she acts.

    "But Mira said she was the one and that the ne belongs to her" he said, his voiceced with anger.

    "Jasper" the office door was suddenly pushed open and Mira walked in with a smile.

    She walked up to him and hugged him happily but he pushed her back.

    "Jasper, why are you treating me like this? Did I do something to upset you?" she asked with her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

    "Exin this" he said as he threw the ne at her.

    She picked it up with a stunned expression and when she had a clear view of the ne, she immediately panicked.

    "This is my ne that I gave you, have you forgotten?" She asked but her panicked expression exposed her.

    "Are you sure it is yours?" I asked her and she looked at me in shock.

    "Bi... Big.. Cousin, what are you doing here?" she asked me with a mixture of fear and panic.

    "I asked you a question" I reminded her angrily and she shrank her neck in fear.

    "It is mine" she said with tears streaming down her face while looking at Jasper for help.

    "I personally picked this ne for Eva back then, how did it be yours? It was also Eva who saved him back then "I said angrily as I hated liars a lot.

    "All these years, I have been nothing but nice to you and you never missed an opportunity to remind me of how you had saved my life! " Jasper yelled at her angrily and she cried miserably.

    "I just wanted someone to care about me too, it was always Eva, everyone just wanted to make her happy and no one cared about me" she cried andined resentfully.

    The hatred in her eyes couldn¡¯t be hidden and I suddenly suspected that she might be involved in what happened to Eva back then but I quickly shook my head as she was too little to do such a thing.

    "Jasper, let¡¯s go check on Eva" I said and I noticed how her expression froze.

    "Eva? Is she alive?" She asked anxiously.

    "Were you expecting her to die?" I asked her angrily and she quickly shook her head in denial.

    "No, I am just surprised," she said with a pitiful expression.

    "Doctor, the patient in the vip seems to be having a panic attack!" A nurse said as she barged into the office.

    Jasper quickly grabbed his white coat before running out, I also followed him towards the room.

    "What¡¯s happening to her?!"

    "How can you be so unprofessional?!"

    My mother¡¯s angry and anxious voice came to my ears and I increased my speed.

    "Mother, what happened?" I asked her anxiously as Jasper hurried into the room.

    "Those good for nothing nurses couldn¡¯t mind their business and keep their mouths shut. I only escorted your father and grandfather to the parking lot, when I got back, I saw that Eva was awake and having a panic attack.

    After questioning these useless nurses, I found out they told her that she was pregnant. How dare they make up such nonsense?" she exined angrily while ring at the nurses who were quivering in fear by the door.

    "Mother, about this, I wanted to find a more suitable time to tell you about it" I said to her while observing her expression.

    She was first stunned and I prepared myself for her outburst but then she suddenly smiled happily.

    "I am going to be a grandmother?" she asked me with a happy expression.

    It took me a few seconds to react as her reaction was totally unexpected, I looked back and saw Kelvin with an equally shocked expression.

    "The doctor said you cane in now" a nurse informed us and we immediately went into the room.

    The first thing I saw when we entered was Jasper hugging Christy and she looked really calm in his arms.

    "Oh, wee mother-inw" he greeted my mother with a smile.

    She stared at me with a confused expression and I gave her a sign to y along.

    "Dear, your mother and brothers are here" he said to Christy softly and she slowly turned to look at us.

    My mother quickly hugged her with tears streaming down her face.

    "My baby, mother is so sorry" she cried and hugged her tighter but she just kept staring at Jasper.

    I gestured to him to step out with me, as I wanted to know what was going on.

    "What¡¯s going on?" I asked him with a serious expression.

    "She was having a panic attack and I had to calm her down. I called her Christy but she didn¡¯t react to her name at all, that¡¯s when I realized that she had amnesia.

    I thought it was the best opportunity to just tell her the truth about her pregnancy and to make it easy for her to ept, I told her we were married" He exined while avoiding my eyes.

    "What, but you are my boyfriend!" Mira¡¯s angry voice came from behind me, before I could say anything.

    I looked at Jasper, despite knowing that what he did was wrong but it seemed like the best solution for now.

    "Don¡¯t worry, when she recovers fully, I will tell her the truth" he promised me with a determined expression before walking back to the room without bothering to look back.

    When I looked behind me, Mira was gone and I frowned before going to look for her. I can¡¯t allow her to cause any trouble at this time.

    I walked down the hall but couldn¡¯t find her and I was about to return to Christy¡¯s room when I saw that the storage room was slightly open.

    "She is alive and everyone is aware. What do we do now?" Mira¡¯s anxious voice came from the room.

 Chapter 40 - FORTY: Letâ€™s Break Up

    <h4>Chapter 40: Chapter FORTY: Let¡¯s Break Up</h4>

    Mira¡¯s POV

    I waited anxiously for an hour before returning to the scene of the ident. I noticed that Christy¡¯s body was gone and everyone was just going about their normal activities like nothing happened.

    I quickly rushed to a nearby store to find out what happened from the owner.

    "Hello sir, I heard there was an ident here earlier, do you know what happened?" I asked the store owner.

    "The ident was really bad, the youngdy has been rushed to the city hospital" the man replied with a gossipy expression.

    "Thank you" I said to him before rushing back to my car.

    I had nothing to be scared of as the car from earlier had been disposed of and I had also made sure to get rid of the CCTV footage.

    But now, she has been sent to the city hospital and there might be a chance that she will survive.

    I drove to the hospital as fast as I could, I needed to find out what happened from Jasper.

    On getting to his office, I entered without knocking like I always did.

    "Jasper" I called his name when I saw him but he just stared at me expressionlessly.

    His gaze sent chills down my spine and I panicked.

    Why was he acting weird?

    I hugged him but he pushed me away and before I could react, he asked me about the ne.

    That was when I knew he had found out the truth.

    Then, to make matters worse, Christy had survived.

    I watched as they all rushed to her room just because of a little panic attack.

    I still did my best to remain calm despite everything that was happening.

    I just had to confirm that she did not see me when I had hit her with the car.

    I waited a few minutes before Jasper walked out of the room with Mason and I quickly followed behind them.

    "She was having a panic attack and I had to calm her down. I called her Christy but she didn¡¯t react to her name at all, that¡¯s when I realized that she had amnesia.

    I thought it was the best opportunity to just tell her the truth about her pregnancy and to make it easy for her to ept. I told her we were married" Jasper said and I didn¡¯t know how to react for a few seconds.

    "What? But you are my boyfriend!" I yelled angrily at him but he just acted like he didn¡¯t hear me.

    I couldn¡¯t take it anymore and walked away. I have to find a solution as soon as possible.

    I quickly walked to the storage room and called my mom.

    "She is alive and everyone is aware. What do we do now?" I asked her anxiously as soon as she picked up.

    "Why are you panicking, do not give anyone a reason to suspect you" She advised me with a stern tone.

    "But mom, Jasper also found out about the ne and now he is ignoring me" I said while doing my best to remain calm.

    "I have told you severally to leave that boy, he was just a useful pawn and now, we don¡¯t need him anymore" she reminded me angrily.

    That was the n in the beginning but as time went on, I just couldn¡¯t stop myself from falling in love with him.

    "Focus on the matter at hand, you need to find a way to get rid of Eva as she is still in the hospital. This is the best time to act" she said with a stern tone and I panicked.

    "Mom, you promised me thatst time would be thest" I said with a pleading tone.

    "We havee too far to fail" she said with a convincing tone before hanging up on me.

    I looked at my phone screen in frustration then threw it against the wall.

    "Why do you have to push me to the wall!" I yelled angrily with tears streaming down my face.

    Memories of what happenedst time came flooding into my head.

    It wasn¡¯t my fault and I never meant to kill her but the bitch deserved it.

    She was just a poor girl on schrship and she wanted topete with me.

    I had to show her who was in charge, so I made her life a living hell but who would have thought that she would secretly record a video of me bullying her and threaten me with it.

    So I got rid of her, stabbed her multiple times on her chest and pushed her off a cliff when we went on a school trip.

    My mom did the cleanup and made sure no one would suspect me.

    It was fun to watch as her life slowly slipped away and I enjoyed every moment of it.

    Eva or Christy, better be prepared because she is next.

    I thought as I stared at the wall with a smirk.

    "What are you doing here?" The door was suddenly pushed open and Mason walked in.

    I quickly controlled my emotions and squeezed out some tears.

    "Cousin, I just came here to clear my mind because of everything that¡¯s happening" I said while holding back my sobs.

    He stared at me with a stern gaze and I quickly tried to recall what I had said on the call with my mom.

    "What happened to your phone?" he asked while staring at the broken phone on the floor.

    "I slipped on something and it flew out of my hand" I quickly made up an excuse but his expression showed that he didn¡¯t believe me.

    "How is Eva?" I asked him and he finally stopped staring at me.

    He walked out of the storage room and I followed behind him.

    On getting to the room where Eva was admitted, I saw Jasper feeding her with a doting expression.

    "Hi Eva" I said to get her attention, she looked at me without moving her gaze away from my face.

    I became flustered with her gaze, could she have remembered something?

    "This is Mira, your cousin" Jasper introduced me with a smile.

    She still didn¡¯t react or move her gaze away from me.

    "I have seen you before, I just don¡¯t know where" she suddenly said and I froze.

    "You have met her before, don¡¯t worry your memories will be restored soon" Jasper said with a gentle voice.

    My heart ached as I watched how he treated her with such gentleness which he had never shown me.

    I hid my emotions behind a smile as I stared at them.

    "Mira dear, Aunty would like to have a word with you" Her mother said with a warm smile and I nodded despite being reluctant.

    When we walked to a quiet corner, her warm smile vanished.

    " I will be very direct with you, we just got Eva back, so I don¡¯t want anything that will make her unhappy or hinder her recovery" she warned me with a stern expression.

    She had never liked me and no matter how nice I am, she never seemed to care.

    "Aunty, I know Eva is sick but don¡¯t you think it is unfair for me? Jasper is my boyfriend" Iined but it just seems to anger her.

    "Do you think I don¡¯t know how he became your boyfriend? I just turned a blind eye because I don¡¯t want to involve myself in unnecessary things" she replied with a disgusted tone.

    She knew all along?

    That exins why she had always distanced herself from me.

    "Aunty, why would you say something like that? Why do you hate me so much?" I asked her with tears streaming down my face.

    I looked past her and noticed Jasper¡¯s frown.

    "What nonsense are you talking about? I just avoided you and your mother so I wouldn¡¯t be pulled into your schemes" she replied with a sarcastic tone.

    "My mother has always respected you, why would you say such a thing about her?" I asked her amidst sobs.

    "You can keep putting on a show for him but how do you think he will react when he finds out you were the one that pushed his mother down the stairs which caused her to be in a wheelchair" she whispered into my ears and I froze.

    How did she find out?

    If Jasper finds out about this, I might even go to jail.

    "Excuse me" she said before returning to the room.

    Jasper walked up to me with a frown and I quickly put on a pitiful expression.

    "Jasper, Aunty is just worried about Eva and wants me to stay away from you for the time being" I said with a sad voice while slowly wiping my tears.

    "Let¡¯s break up, I can¡¯t be in a rtionship that was built on lies," he said to me with an emotionless tone and I stared at him in shock.

    He looked like a totally different person from the man that would do anything to make sure I was happy.

    "Why? Is it because of Eva?" I asked him angrily but he just ignored me and walked away.

    I was about to follow him when I heard Kevin¡¯s voice.

    "Brother, I have found some clues regarding sister¡¯s ident," he said and I immediately panicked.

    What could he have found out?

    Did he find the car?

 Chapter 41 - FORTY ONE: She Never Lost Her Memory

    <h4>Chapter 41: Chapter FORTY ONE: She Never Lost Her Memory</h4>

    Mira¡¯s POV

    I followed behind them to eavesdrop on their conversation.

    "I was able to retrieve the CCTV footage of the ident from the security cameras of the supermarket opposite the scene of the ident.

    It didn¡¯t capture the driver¡¯s face but the car¡¯s te number was visible, so I sent people to search for it and it was found at the outskirts of the city" he exined the details of his investigation.

    Shit!

    Those greedy bastards!

    I panicked when I heard that the car had been found.

    I have paid a lot of money to have the car burnt but those greedy bastards must have wanted to sell it for extra gains.

    "Was there no one in the car when you found it?" Mason asked him and I listened attentively to hear his reply.

    "There was a man from the rural areas in the car, and ording to him, he came to sell his farm produce in the City and was approached by some people who sold the car to him" he replied with a frustrated sigh and I breathed a sigh of relief.

    "We are still checking the car for any clues and the farmer has also been taken into custody" he said before leaving to continue his investigation.

    Things are starting to get troublesome now, I have to find a way to end it soon.

    Ding!

    My phone chimed indicating an iing notification.

    "A package will be delivered to you soon, make sure to get it done and not get caught"

    I saw a text from my mother and frowned when I finished reading it.

    What was she sending and how does it help me in my current situation?.

    Half an hourter, a nurse walked over to me and handed me a small box before hurrying away.

    I quickly went to a quiet corner to open it, the first thing I saw was a syringe filled with a colorless liquid then a folded white paper.

    I slowly unfolded the paper after making sure no one was around.

    "Inject the liquid into her IV drip and she would be dead in two minutes"

    My hand trembled when I saw the content of the paper, I quickly tore it into pieces and disposed of it.

    Now, the issue was how to get my aunt and the others out of the room.

    After thinking for a few minutes, I finally got an idea and quickly brought out my phone to make a call.

    "Hello aunt May, I need your help" I said as soon as the call was answered.

    "What do you need my help with?" a hoarse female voice asked.

    Aunt May is the Lancaster family cook and one of my pawns. I have a video that could ruin her life so she will never disobey me.

    "Put something in the old man¡¯s tea, I want him to have a crisis immediately" I informed her but she just remained silent.

    "Didn¡¯t you hear me? Or do you want me to show everyone how colorful your life is?" I threatened her angrily.

    "No please, I will get it done" she said with a trembling voice and I ended the call.

    All I have to do now is wait for everyone to rush home.

    I didn¡¯t wait for long before I heard my aunt¡¯s worried voice.

    "Father was fine before he left the hospital, how did he suddenly fall ill?" she asked with an anxious voice.

    "We don¡¯t know what really happened, father asked me to return to the main house" Mason said before leaving.

    Damn!

    The old witch didn¡¯t leave and now I have to think of a way to get her out of the room.

    " Aunty, what happened to grandpa?" I asked her with tears streaming down my face.

    She looked at me with a frown before reluctantly patting my back.

    "At least you are not as heartless as your mother who doesn¡¯t care about anyone" she said before walking back to the bedside.

    I watched as she lovingly stroked Eva¡¯s hair with a doting expression.

    Why does she have to be loved while I have to beg for it?

    What makes her better than me?.

    "Aunty, about Christy¡¯s condition...."

    "Her name is Eva, not Christy!" She corrected me with a re.

    "I heard the nurses discussing how there was a specialist doctor visiting today, I think he might be able to help my cousin recover faster" I said while observing her expressions.

    "Why didn¡¯t anyone inform us of this?" she asked me with a frown.

    "I heard the man is not easy to talk to, his time is very precious as he has a lot of work" I said with a convincing tone and she immediately got up.

    "I will be back shortly, don¡¯t leave her alone" she said before walking out of the room.

    I waited for a few minutes to make sure she was really gone before slowly walking towards the bed.

    It will take my aunt at least fifteen minutes to return, so I had to do it quickly and leave.

    On getting to the bedside, I quickly uncapped the syringe and prepared to inject it into the IV.

    "What are you doing?" Jasper¡¯s angry voice came from behind me and the syringe fell out of my hand as I panicked.

    I quickly turned around and saw him standing behind me with a disappointed expression.

    "I have always known that you were heartless but I never imagined that you would have the courage to take someone¡¯s life" he said with a disgusted expression.

    "Jasper, I am sorry, I don¡¯t know what came over me" I immediately squeezed out some tears.

    He looked at me with an even more disgusted expression, clearly not buying my act.

    "Mira, we were together for many years , despite the fact that you have betrayed and lied to me numerous times, I forgave you but I can¡¯t turn a blind eye this time" he said and brought out his phone to make a call.

    I quickly went on my knees, there was no way I would let him call the police on me.

    "Jasper please, I am sorry. I really don¡¯t know what came over me" I cried while begging him, trying to look as pitiful as possible.

    I noticed his hesitation and knew that he would help me if I acted well. I quickly grabbed the syringe and slowly brought it to my neck.

    " Fine, I will just kill myself as no one loves or wants me" I cried as I slowly brought the syringe closer.

    Why wasn¡¯t he stopping me?

    Oh.. Shit!

    What do I do now?

    "Are you done with your act?" he asked me with a sneer and I froze.

    "I will take it from here" Mason¡¯s voice suddenly came from behind him.

    What was going on?

    "You little witch!" my aunt stormed in and gave me a hard p.

    Where did I miscalcte?

    "What¡¯s with that expression? Did you really think you were that smart?" Kelvin also came into the room with two officers behind him.

    "I didn¡¯t hurt her, Jasper stopped me before I could inject her... Please I am sorry" I cried while observing their expressions but they seem to be more angry.

    "You can drop the act now, I will make sure you have a good time in jail" Kelvin said before gesturing to the officers.

    "What are you doing? I am a member of this family, how can you treat me like this?" I yelled as I tried to struggle out of the officer¡¯s hold.

    "When she didn¡¯t die after hitting her with the car, you decided to finish your evil n here. You even went as far as having your own grandfather poisoned! " Mason yelled with an extremely upset tone.

    "You can¡¯t just use me, do you have evidence to prove that I was the one that hit her with the car?!" I questioned him angrily.

    There was no use acting pitiful anymore, so I had to be serious at this point.

    I am sure that there was no way they could have found any evidence, so they are definitely just acting on their suspicions.

    "Who said we need evidence?" Kelvin asked me with a mocking voice.

    "What do you mean? Do you think you can arrest me without any evidence?" I asked him with a sarcastic tone.

    "Mira, you might get a lesser sentence if you confess now," Jasper said with a sigh.

    Confess?

    To what exactly?

    "I am confused, what are you all talking about?" I asked them with a frown.

    They all looked at me with anger and it made me panic.

    Could they really have found something?.

    "Sister, please can you help her to clear her confusion?" Kelvin said with a smirk and I watched in horror as Eva, who was supposed to be sleeping, slowly sat up.

    She looked at me with a slight smile before getting off the bed.

    "Do you think I wouldn¡¯t know the face of the person that tried to kill me?" she asked me with a smile and I took a few steps back in shock.

    They tricked me!

    She never lost her memory.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 42 - FORTY TWO: I Am Not Just A Nobody

    <h4>Chapter 42: Chapter FORTY TWO: I Am Not Just A Nobody</h4>

    Christy¡¯s POV

    I thought it was over, the moment my body collided with the floor, but who would have thought that God would see my struggles and pain.

    When I opened my eyes again, everything had taken a whole new turn.

    My brother has been with me all these while but we couldn¡¯t recognize each other.

    I am not just a nobody from a small town or a girl who worked as a stripper to survive.

    Now, I don¡¯t need to beg for anyone¡¯s love either because I have got an entire family that is willing to spoil me.

    Eva is a nice name but Christy is the name of the girl that never gave up despite all her hardships.

    In addition to finding my real family, I also have a baby growing inside of me.

    At first I didn¡¯t want the baby, I felt he or she would continually remind me of my failed romance with Kendrick but my mother was able to change my mind and now I havee to love this baby.

    It has only been a day since I woke up and the first thing I did was tell Mason who was responsible for my ident.

    I was curious and wanted to know why Mira would want to hurt me.

    So we decided to find out, it is human nature to panic when there is a high chance of one¡¯s plot getting exposed.

    We staged a little drama about me having amnesia and being in a fake rtionship with Jasper and she immediately fell for it.

    "Do you think I wouldn¡¯t know the face of the person that tried to kill me?" I asked her and the shock on her face was too vivid to ignore.

    "How is that possible?" she mumbled in a trance like state while still staring at me.

    " You have a lot of exining to do when we get to the station," Kelvin said with a lopsided smirk.

    "No... No... It wasn¡¯t me, I was forced to do it!" she screamed with tears streaming down her face.

    "Aunty, please I am sorry, I can¡¯t go to jail" she quickly knelt down and held on to my mother¡¯s legs.

    It seems like she finally understood that she was not getting off easily this time and she finally dropped her act.

    "Grandpa will not allow you to hurt me!" She yelled when she noticed that no one wanted to help her.

    "You wicked girl, I raised you with so much love and you schemed against me!" A hoarse old voice came from the entrance and we all turned to look.

    I saw an old man with a head of white hair, dressed elegantly with a walking stick in his hand.

    His aura was overwhelming and his face was filled with a mixture of disgust, anger and disappointment as he stared at Mira.

    Behind him was a middle aged man, wearing a dark green military uniform. He had a stern expression and looked very strict.

    His aura was even more overwhelming and he looked like the older version of Mason and Kelvin.

    "Grandpa, I will never hurt you, please I am being framed" Mira cried, tears mixed with snort covering her face.

    "You are being framed? By who?" The old man asked as he slowly moved his way towards her.

    "Aunt May must be lying, I never instructed her to hurt you?" she replied quickly then her eyes suddenly widened when she realized her mistake.

    "And how did you know that the culprit is Aunt May?" Kelvin asked her with a smile and she shook her head repeatedly in denial.

    "Take her away!" The old manmanded and the officers immediately dragged her out.

    "Grandpa please"

    "I won¡¯t do it again"

    She yelled and begged as she was being taken away until her voice faded.

    They have probably knocked her out or something, to avoid her disturbing other patients.

    "Please excuse me, I have to check on other patients" Jasper said before tacitly giving us some privacy.

    The old man walked up to me and stared at my face but I didn¡¯t flinch or avoid his eyes.

    I looked him in the eyes and a few minutester, he smiled.

    "You really have the blood of the Lancaster family running in your veins, you have the eyes of a true soldier" he praised me with a gentle pat to my head.

    A true soldier?

    Oh, I remember Kendrick telling me that Mason is from a military family.

    That exins why the men in the family are in the military.

    "Dear, I apologize on behalf of the entire Lancaster family for not protecting you properly and allowing you to endure so much hardships" he said with a sad expression.

    I don¡¯t know what happened back then but I am back where I belong and that¡¯s all that matters.

    "Eva, please sit down, you aren¡¯t fully recovered yet" my mother said as she quickly helped me to get into the bed.

    "Wee back home dear" the middle aged man, my father, said with a smile.

    As soon as he smiled, he looked like a totally different person from the stern looking General from earlier.

    "Just focus on recovering, everything would be taken care of by your brothers" He said with a doting smile.

    Seeing the five of them, staring at me with so much love made me emotional.

    The love I have craved for so many years was finally mine and I don¡¯t need to beg or cry for it.

    "Flora, I need to have a word with you and Ethan" Grandpa said to my mother and they walked out.

    So my mom¡¯s name is Flora and my dad¡¯s name is Ethan.

    "I also have to go to the station to personally interrogate Mira" Kelvin said before walking out of the room as well.

    Mason and I were the only ones left in the room.

    He walked to my bedside and sat down on the edge of the bed. He looked troubled and was hesitating to speak.

    "Are you going to tell him?" He asked me with a serious expression and I frowned as I remembered all the hurt and humiliations I endured all in the name of love.

    "No, he doesn¡¯t deserve to know and I want everyone to think that I lost my memories.

    I want a new beginning with you, our parents, grandpa, Kelvin and my baby. I don¡¯t need him" I said with a determined tone as I wanted him to know how serious I was in taking this decision.

    "I have known him all my life, he is a good person but was just unlucky to be born in the ck family.

    I will respect your wishes and won¡¯t tell him anything" he replied with a sigh before patting my head.

    "I have a case that I am currently working on, so I need to go back to the base, I wille to check on youter" he said before leaving as well.

    Maybe I was just scared of seeing Kendrick again, as I don¡¯t know how I would react.

    Would I be able to forgive him for everything?

    I sighed before closing my eyes as my thoughts continued to run wild.

    *****

    Kendrick¡¯s POV

    Christy is Eva.

    Mason¡¯s words kept reying in my head since I left the hospital.

    She trusted and believed in me so much but what did I do?

    I hurt her over and over again!

    Grandpa was right when he said that I would regret it if I ever lost her.

    "Ken, why don¡¯t you stay at my ce for the time being?" Gary asked me with a worried tone.

    "No, I have to solve everything as soon as possible. I can¡¯t let her recover and see all that mess.

    Now I would also need to prove to the Lancaster family that I am worthy of her" I replied him with a solemn voice.

    I knew how strict and uptight the head of the Lancaster family is and it won¡¯t be easy to impress him after everything I have done to her.

    "You have been smoking for three hours now, the ground is filled with cigarette butts, do you think she would be happy to see you like this?" Gary asked me with a slightly upset tone and I took another puff of my cigarette.

    "Nothing is going to get solved by beating yourself up, you need to show them who is boss!

    You have your mother and grandfather to take care of as well" he reminded me angrily.

    I took another puff before throwing the cigarette away.

    "Can you give me a lift ?" I asked him and he nodded.

    Half an hourter, he stopped me in front of the ck family house. I stared at the huge building that held nothing but my numerous painful memories.

    As soon as I stepped into the living room, I frowned as I stared at the people seated with smug expressions on their faces.

    "Herees the ungrateful son that got his own father arrested" Raymond said with a triumphant expression.

    I couldn¡¯t understand how he got out so early.

    I knew he would find a way out but not this fast.

    Then I noticed my mother, who was also seated with them. She got up and walked towards me with a furious expression.

    Pah!

    I felt a sharp pain as she delivered a p to my face.

 Chapter 43 - FORTY THREE: Could It Be All Planned

    <h4>Chapter 43: Chapter FORTY THREE: Could It Be All nned</h4>

    Kendrick¡¯s POV

    The sting from my mother¡¯s palm lingered against my cheek. For a moment I just stood there, staring at her with wide eyes, unable to process what had just happened.

    Why was she so upset with me all of a sudden?

    I looked at Raymond and Sameen, they stared at me with mocking smiles.

    "You betrayed your family because of a girl!" my mother¡¯s voice cracked,ced with fury and heartbreak.

    Her chest rose and fell rapidly, and her eyes shimmered with something between rage and disappointment.

    "After everything your father has done for you, this is how you repay him?" she asked me with a disappointed expression.

    I just blinked and stared at her with a confused expression.

    What nonsense was she talking about?

    "Betray... him?" I asked her with a hoarse voice while pointing in Raymond¡¯s direction.

    "Mom, you can¡¯t be serious," I said with a confused tone.

    "Serious?" she cut me off, almost spitting the word at me, she couldn¡¯t hide the fury in her eyes.

    "You got your father arrested, Kendrick! You turned against your blood. And for what? Some nobody girl who doesn¡¯t even belong in our world?" she questioned me angrily.

    If she wasn¡¯t my mother, I would have probably walked away by now.

    Her words were really hurtful and I still couldn¡¯t understand where all of the nonsense she was spilling came from.

    Raymond leaned back on the leather couch, watching with satisfaction written across his smug face.

    "He has never cared about me, dear. He always acts like I¡¯m the viin, always making life difficult for his step-siblings. You see it now, don¡¯t you? He¡¯s blinded by that girl. He doesn¡¯t care about you, about us, about this family." He said with a righteous tone and my mother¡¯s anger seemed to increase after hearing what he said.

    I turned my head toward him, hatred filled my eyes as I just wanted to get rid of him.

    I just want to rip that smirk right off his face.

    "Shut up," I growled, my fists tightening.

    "You¡¯re the reason this family is rotting so don¡¯t you dare try to y the victim"I yelled at him angrily.

    "Enough!" My mother¡¯s sharp cry silenced me.

    Her gaze snapped between us, but instead of anger at him, it was all directed at me.

    "I can¡¯t do this. I won¡¯t listen to you destroy your father anymore." she said while ring at me.

    And just like that, she turned away, her heels clicking as she stormed out of the room.

    I stood frozen in that position, just watching her back as she stormed away, and my jaw clenched in anger.

    Why would she react in such a manner?

    Choosing to believe the man who had cheated on her and have kids with another woman.

    Raymond chuckled as he continued staring at me with a mocking smile.

    "See?" He leaned forward, his eyes glittering with triumph.

    "She¡¯ll always believe me. Because she loves me, Kendrick.

    She is even willing to stay in this family despite everything. Even though Sameen and my other children are also living here." His smile slowly turned to a smirk as Sameen, Curtis and Rainaughed.

    "The olddy is really crazy in love" Raina said with a mocking voice and theyughed again.

    "You think you¡¯re strong, but in this house, I will always win." Raymond said with a boastful expression.

    My hands trembled with restrained rage. Every word he spoke made me want tosh out, to end this once and for all.

    But I held myself back, I didn¡¯t want to give him the satisfaction of seeing me lose control.

    I turned to leave, I needed to find my mother to understand what was really going on.

    And another reason is that I couldn¡¯t look at their faces for another second.

    But before I could take a step, the front door creaked open.

    The sound of luggage wheels scraping against the marble floor sliced was heard and turned to see who hade .

    Celeste.

    What¡¯s she doing here?

    She stood there, perfectlyposed, with her suitcase in hand. Her belly was already starting to show, her hand resting protectively over the curve.

    "You," I snarled, taking a step forward.

    "What the hell do you think you¡¯re doing here?" I asked her angrily.

    Her lips curled into a faint smile, one that screamed of arrogance and entitlement.

    "Coming home, of course. Where else would I go?" she said with a triumphant smile.

    "This isn¡¯t your home," I barked, anger spilling out of me like fire.

    "Take your things and leave before I... "

    "Enough" The deep,manding voice cut through my fury like a de.

    Grandfather.

    He walked in with slow, deliberate steps, his cane tapping against the floor. His presence alone shifted the air, heavy with authority that no one dared defy.

    "Grandfather," I said with an anxious expression.

    " She... "

    "She carries the flesh and blood of this family," he interrupted me with a sharp tone that demands no argument.

    His cold eyes locked onto mine.

    "That child is yours and we can¡¯t have a child of the ck family raised outside. So whether you like it or not, she will stay." he said with an air of finality.

    This is exactly what I feared would happen, grandfather values blood ties a lot.

    I clenched my fists so tightly my nails bit into my palms. My jaw ached from grinding my teeth.

    "Grandpa please, I will know if the child is mine"I tried to convince him but his mind was clearly made up.

    "Silence!" he snapped, his voice booming in the entire sitting room .

    "I will not hear another word from you " he said before gesturing for the maids to be called over.

    Two maids rushed into the room immediately.

    "Prepare a room for her," Grandfather ordered.

    <fn6f3d> Original content can be found at find?novel</fn6f3d>

    "She will stay here until the child is born. That child is of the ck blood, and no one will turn them away." he said to me with a stern tone.

    I couldn¡¯t bring myself to disobey him as he was the one person I have been close to all these years.

    Celeste¡¯s smug expression only deepened as the servants took her luggage.

    "You see?" she said softly, tilting her head with mock sweetness.

    "I belong here, Kendrick. Whether you like it or not." she said with a triumphant tone while slowly rubbing her stomach.

    I couldn¡¯t stand it. Couldn¡¯t stand her voice, her face, the reminder of everything she had taken from me, everything I had lost.

    Without another word, I stormed out of the room, my feet pounding against the floor. I needed air.

    I needed space before I exploded.

    But the fire inside me refused to die.

    I couldn¡¯t understand it.

    My mother, standing against me, pping me, choosing him over me.

    The woman I have been praying for and hoping toe back to my life. I even risked my rtionship with Christy to rescue her.

    Why now?

    Why this madness?

    I needed answers.

    I marched down the hall toward her room, my breaths sharp and shallow.

    I raised my hand to knock, but then I heard a voiceing from inside. .

    I froze, my knuckles hovering in the air as I stopped myself from knocking.

    "...how could she have survived?" My mother¡¯s voice came into my ears. Her voice was extremely cold and sinister, nothing like the gentle voice from my memories.

    "You assured me it was done and there were no mistakes, you said so and yet that girl still lives. How is that possible?" she questioned whoever she was talking to angrily.

    My entire body went numb as my thoughts spiraled out of control.

    Who was the girl she was talking about?

    Could she be Christy?.

    My heart mmed against my ribs as I pressed my ear closer to the door,my hands shaking.

    "You¡¯d better fix this," she hissed into the phone.

    "Because if she continues to live, everything we¡¯ve worked for will crumble. Do you understand me? Christy must not..." As soon as I heard Christy¡¯s name, my stomach dropped. The walls of the house seemed to close in around me.

    Why would my mother be doing this?

    The woman who had not been around for years and I went through a lot to rescue, who had just pped me for betraying the family, was plotting against Christy¡¯s life?

    I stumbled back from the door, my breathing ragged, I could barely stand as so many thoughts were going through my head at the same time.

    I didn¡¯t know whether to burst in and demand answers or copse from the weight of what I had just heard.

    Could her disappearance and sudden appearance be all part of her n?

    Did she really lose her memory or was it all just a lie?

    But one thing was certain.

    My mother was not who she pretended to be.

    And the truth was far darker than I ever imagined.

 Chapter 44 - FORTY FOUR: A Stranger to Her Heart

    <h4>Chapter 44: Chapter FORTY FOUR: A Stranger to Her Heart</h4>

    Kendrick¡¯s POV

    The walls of the house felt like they were closing in on me.

    My breath became sharp and uneven as I staggered back from my mother¡¯s door, the echo of her words ringing like a curse in my head.

    "Christy must not..."

    No.... No, I must have misheard because I couldn¡¯t just bring myself to believe that my mother was such a person.

    Why would she be plotting against Christy¡¯s life?

    My hands trembled as I pressed them into my hair, gripping tightly like I could force the thoughts out of my head.

    "She... she wouldn¡¯t... She can¡¯t," I whispered to myself.

    But the memory of her cold and sinister voice wouldn¡¯t leave me.

    Confusion, disbelief, and fury tangled inside me until I couldn¡¯t breathe and my chest felt extremely tight and painful.

    I had to get out.

    I had to leave before I lost my mindpletely.

    I stormed down the hall, ignoring theughter echoing faintly from the sitting room.

    Raymond¡¯s smugness, Celeste¡¯s arrogance, Sameen¡¯s mocking, all blurred into meaningless noise.

    I snatched my car keys from the stand near the front door and shoved myself outside.

    The cool night air pped my face, but it didn¡¯t soothe me as my feet carried me fast, my fists were still balled so tight my knuckles ached.

    Sliding into the driver¡¯s seat, I mmed the door and just sat there, gripping the wheel.

    Why would she...? Why Christy?

    I squeezed my eyes shut, but all I saw was Christy¡¯s face and I imagined all the pain she must have gone through in less than three months.

    And now my mother was plotting against her.

    I couldn¡¯t understand and I didn¡¯t want to understand because of the fear of finding out something more painful.

    "God," I muttered under my breath, mming the steering wheel.

    "What the hell am I supposed to do?" I yelled as I pped the steering wheel continuously

    I turned the key, the engine roaring to life beneath me, and I pulled out of the driveway with a screech of tires.

    I didn¡¯t know where I was going. I just needed air, needed distance, needed anything but the poison inside that house.

    The city lights blurred past me, neon smears against the darkness. I drove without thought as my mind was filled with everything that was happening.

    Every word my mother had spoken echoed again and again.

    Every possible meaning I try toe up with is twisted into something darker.

    Was her disappearance deliberate?

    But a part of me refused to ept it as I shook my head in denial.

    That was still my mother.

    She can¡¯t mean it... maybe it was about someone else.

    Maybe I misheard and she wasn¡¯t talking about the Christy I know, probably someone with the same name.

    Maybe... maybe I¡¯m losing it.

    I grip the steering wheel tightly and clenched my jaw in anger and frustration.

    I wanted to deny it and I also wanted to believe there was an exnation.

    But the way she had spoken Christy¡¯s name with so much hatred ... there was no mistaking it.

    My head felt like it was about to explode as I continued driving and without realizing it, my car had turned down a familiar street.

    I slowed down as I stared at the huge hospital building.

    I hadn¡¯t even meant toe here. My hands had driven me here on their own, guided by something deeper than thought.

    I just wanted to see her badly and tell her how sorry I was and how much I miss her.

    For a long moment I sat there in the dark, gripping the steering wheel, my chest rising and falling fast as I kept staring at the hospital building.

    The Lancaster family members would tear me apart if he caught me anywhere near her.

    And Christy... after everything I¡¯d done, after all the hurt, did she even want to see me?

    But then I imagined her lying in that hospital bed, hooked up to machines. I didn¡¯t know if she was fine or in a critical condition as her family had blocked every news from leaking.

    I finally summoned up the courage to see her, no matter the consequences.

    Even if she hated me or if she never forgave me, I had to see her. I had to know she was okay.

    I grabbed a hooded jacket from the back seat. Luckily Gary had left it there a while back and my chest pounded as I approached the hospital entrance, trying to look as casual as possible .

    The smell of antiseptic hit me the moment I walked in, the reception desk was quiet as the nurse was busy with paperwork. She didn¡¯t nce up as I slipped past.

    I knew the way by heart. I¡¯d been here too many times already.

    Every step down that hallway was heavier than thest, my palms sweating as I tried not to be too nervous.

    When I reached her door, I hesitated.

    I couldn¡¯t move as my body refused to take the next step.

    But then I heard the faint sound of movement from inside and I pushed the door open.

    Christy.

    She was awake and I felt a rush of relief as I stared at her.

    Her hair was loose around her shoulders, her skin pale but glowing faintly in the moonlight spilling through the window. She wasn¡¯t hooked up to any machine as I had previously imagined.

    But it wasn¡¯t her posture that made my heart ache, it was her eyes.She was staring out of the window, distant, her expression unreadable.

    "Christy..." I whispered, almost afraid to say her name.

    She didn¡¯t turn.

    I stepped inside, closing the door quietly behind me. My legs felt like they could give out any second, but I forced myself forward until I was standing near her bed.

    "I¡¯m sorry." I said with a hoarse voice as the words spilled out of me before I could stop them.

    "I¡¯m so sorry, Christy. For everything. For the pain, for the hurt, for all the mistakes I made. I never... I never wanted to hurt you. I never stopped caring. I... " apologized to her with hot tears trying to find their way out from the corners of my eyes.

    She finally turned her head and when her gaze met mine, it was like a knife straight through my chest.

    There was no recognition in her eyes, no warmth or anger, just confusion.

    "Who... who are you?" Her lips parted slowly and she asked me with a frown.

    I staggered back a step and had to rest my body on the wall for support, as my legs were almost giving up on me.

    "What?" I croaked, my chest clenching painfully.

    She tilted her head, her brows furrowing as she studied me like I was a stranger off the street.

    "I don¡¯t... I don¡¯t know you." she replied with a confused expression while staring at me.

    My heart stopped.

    "No," I whispered, shaking my head violently.

    "No... no.. Christy, it¡¯s me... It¡¯s Kendrick. It¡¯s... it¡¯s me." I said with a hurried tone and she just blinked slowly, her gaze dropping to herp, as if my words meant nothing.

    I dropped to my knees in front of her, desperate, my hands trembling.

    "It¡¯s me," I repeated, my voice breaking.

    "Don¡¯t you remember? Don¡¯t you remember us? Everything we¡¯ve been through? The nights, the fights, the... the way you smiled at me?" I tried to make her remember me by talking about the memories we shared.

    Her face twisted suddenly, her hand flying to her head.

    "Stop," she whispered, her voice trembling.

    "Stop... my head... it hurts." she cried as she continued holding her head.

    "Christy?" I reached for her, panic flooding me.

    She gasped, clutching her temples and her body started to tremble.

    "Christy!"

    Before I could grab her, she copsed forward, her body hitting the floor with a dull thud.

    "Christy!" I shouted, dropping down beside her and my arms gently wrapped around her limp frame.

    My chest exploded with fear as I lifted her andid her back on the bed with frantic hands.

    <fnf87f> For more chapters visit F¦Énd£Îovel</fnf87f>

    "Stay with me, please," I begged, my voice cracking. "Please, don¡¯t do this."

    I mmed my hand against the emergency button by the bed side.

    Jasper arrived quickly as the door burst open.

    "Kendrick?!" He yelled my name in surprise.

    His eyes went wide when he saw me standing by the bedside and his face darkened.

    "What the hell are you doing here?" he asked me and rushed forward.

    I stumbled back, my chest heaving.

    "She....she copsed, I didn¡¯t..."I tried to exin but he just shoved past me, his hands moving quickly over Christy¡¯s body, checking her pulse, her breathing.

    "She¡¯s fine," he muttered after a tense moment.

    "She just... her memory..." He finally looked at me with aplicated expression.

    "She¡¯s lost her memory, Kendrick." he finally said after a few seconds of hesitation.

    The words hit me like a hammer.

    "No..." I whispered.

    "No, that¡¯s not... she can¡¯t..." I shook my head repeatedly in denial.

    "She doesn¡¯t remember you," Jasper said with a sigh.

    "You shouldn¡¯t even be here. Haven¡¯t you done enough? If Kelvin or any other person sees you here, it would be a problem"

    I opened my mouth, but no words came out as my throat felt too tight and my chest was extremely heavy as well.

    And then, before I could respond, Christy stirred and her eyes fluttered open, ssy and unfocused. She blinked up at Jasper, her lips trembling.

    "...Jasper?" she whispered and he sighed in relief.

    "I¡¯m here... I¡¯m here." he said as she reached weakly for his hand and clutched it tightly.

    "Hubby, my head hurts..." sheined to him sadly.

    What did she just call him?

    Hubby? As in husband?

 Chapter 45 - FORTY FIVE: They Are Going To Release Mira

    <h4>Chapter 45: Chapter FORTY FIVE: They Are Going To Release Mira</h4>

    Kendrick¡¯s POV

    The word hit me like a de across my chest and I gave Jasper a questioning gaze but he avoided my eyes.

    My heart mmed against my ribs so hard it felt like it would tear through and I forgot how to breathe for a few seconds.

    She had said it.

    She had called him the sacred word that should have belonged to me.

    For a second, I thought maybe I misheard. Maybe the panic in the room had scrambled my brain, maybe the rush of fear in my blood had made me imagine it.

    But I saw how her eyes softened when she looked at him.

    I staggered back, my knees threatening to give out beneath me. The walls spun, and all I could hear was the pounding in my skull.

    Jasper¡¯s eyes met mine, and for the first time since we were kids, I didn¡¯t see the warm, brotherly smile of my friend.

    All I saw was pity.

    Pity and something that made me want to smash my fist through the wall.

    "Come with me," he said to me with a firm tone.

    He carefully patted Christy¡¯s hand, then he whispered something to her before walking out of the room.

    I wanted to scream and demand answers right here in front of her but when I remembered how she had passed out earlier, I held back.

    I forced my legs to move and followed him, each step felt like it was dragging me deeper into hell.

    We stopped in the quiet hallway. The lights made Jasper¡¯s tired face more visible to me.

    He turned, with his jaw clenched tightly as he shoved his hands into his pockets like he didn¡¯t know what to do with them.

    "She¡¯s not faking it, Kendrick," he said then paused with a hesitant expression.

    "She really lost her memory." he revealed with a tired sigh.

    I just stared at him as his words slowly sank in.

    "No," I said after a few seconds, shaking my head like a child refusing bad news.

    "I understand that it is possible for her to lose her memory but didn¡¯t you hear her? She called you... she called you... " I stuttered as I couldn¡¯t bring myself to say it.

    "Her husband," he finished tly.

    Hearing him confirm it, made me feel slightly dizzy from anger.

    "I don¡¯t know why," he continued quickly, raising a hand before I could explode.

    "I think it¡¯s some form of trauma-induced amnesia. She woke up two days ago and we discovered that she had lost her memory and In her head... I¡¯m the only one she remembers and she remembers me as her husband." he exined quickly and the more I listened to him, the angrier I became.

    "That doesn¡¯t make sense," I hissed. My hands wed into my hair, pulling until my scalp burned.

    "Why would she think that? Why you?" I asked him angrily, as I couldn¡¯t understand how such a thing could happen.

    They hardly saw each other before and had only met a few times, so it is not logical for her to choose him.

    "Because I¡¯m the one who was there when she first opened her eyes," Jasper said, his voice breaking slightly.

    "I held her hand, Kendrick and I told her she was safe, she looked at me like I was the only thing keeping her alive and when she whispered the word... I didn¡¯t correct her. Not when she was still fragile and had no will to live." he said with a slightly emotional tone but I don¡¯t know why I just couldn¡¯t believe him.

    "You should have told her the truth!" I shouted, my voice echoing down the hallway.

    "And hurt her?" Jasper shot back, his face finally cracking.

    "You think I want this? You think I enjoy hearing her call me something I could never be to her?

    I¡¯m waiting and giving her time, so that when she¡¯s stronger, I¡¯ll exin everything to her." he replied angrily while running his hands through his hair in frustration.

    I stared at him, trying to see if he was lying but couldn¡¯t find any trace of lies. He was trembling too, his fists clenched like he also hated what was happening .

    "You promise me... promise me you¡¯ll tell her." I whispered hoarsely.

    "I promise," he said immediately. "But you can¡¯t rush this or push her. If you do, you¡¯ll only hurt her more." he advised with a serious expression.

    I pressed my back against the wall, sliding down until I was crouched on the floor. My hands covered my face, and hot tears leaked through my fingers.

    How did everything get this twisted?

    The sound of footsteps interrupted us. I looked up just in time to see Kelvin storming down the hallway. His eyes locked on me, and they zed like fire.

    "You," he spat.

    Before I could react, his fist collided with my jaw, snapping my head to the side. Pain burst across my face but I didn¡¯t raise my hands.

    Another punchnded in my gut. The air rushed out of me, and I doubled over while gasping for air.

    "Kendrick!" Jasper tried to intervene, but Kelvin shoved him back.

    "You¡¯ve done enough!" Kelvin roared, his fists flying again. His knuckles split my lip, the metallic taste of blood flooding my mouth.

    I let it happen and didn¡¯t fight back.

    I let every punchnd, every hit drive deeper into my bones. My eyes flicked to the doorway. The door cracked open just enough for me to see her pale face peeking out.

    She was watching.

    I prayed that seeing me like this, broken and bleeding, would trigger her memory or ignite a spark.

    But her eyes stayed nk. She just stared, her lips parted slightly, her hand gripping the door with a pale face.

    "Kendrick!" Jasper shouted again, finally pulling Kelvin back.

    I spat blood onto the floor, wiped my mouth with the back of my sleeve, and forced a smile.

    "She doesn¡¯t remember me, even when I¡¯m like this." I whispered in despair.

    "Good, so you better stay the hell away from her."Kelvin sneered

    I didn¡¯t fight back or argue.

    I just turned and walked down the hallway, each step heavier than thest, until I was back in my car.

    My chest felt hollow and my soul felt dead.

    *****

    Christy¡¯s POV

    I watched as Kendrick walked away with lots of bruises and I released the breath I didn¡¯t know I was holding.

    I pressed my palm against my chest, trying to stop the furious pounding of my heart.

    My heart was aching too much and flowed down my cheeks.

    Tears blurred my eyes, and I quickly wiped them away.

    I had to be strong and not let my emotions control me.

    Jasper noticed as soon as he returned to the room.

    "You¡¯re crying," Jasper said softly, his voice carrying a weight I couldn¡¯t ignore.

    "No... I¡¯m not," I lied quickly, even though I knew it was pretty obvious.

    Jasper sighed, pulling up a chair beside me and he didn¡¯t call me out directly.

    "You still feel something for him, even if you don¡¯t admit it." he said after being silent for a few seconds.

    My chest squeezed, and more tears slipped free.

    "I can¡¯t," I whispered.

    "I can¡¯t feel anything for him, not after everything that happened." I said amidst sobs.

    I don¡¯t want to be weak anymore but it is so hard.

    "Then why lie to him?" Jasper asked gently.

    "Because it¡¯s better this way."I replied to him with trembling lips.

    "Better for who?"

    "For everyone," I whispered fiercely.

    "Don¡¯t you get it? If I tell him the truth that I remember everything, it¡¯ll only break us all over again. He¡¯ll expect me to forgive him, to take him back. And I can¡¯t...I can¡¯t go through that pain again." I said in frustration as more tears spilled down my face.

    Jasper leaned back, studying me with unreadable eyes.

    "I want to start fresh," I said, my voice shaking but firm.

    "No past, no heartbreak. Just... peace with my family and unborn child." I said with a resolute voice.

    "If that¡¯s what you want." His jaw tightened, but he nodded slowly

    "It is," I whispered, though my heart screamed the opposite.

    The door burst open suddenly, and Kelvin strode in. His face was filled with and he looked troubled.

    "What¡¯s wrong?" I asked immediately, sitting up straighter.

    He hesitated, running a hand through his hair. His eyes darted to Jasper, then back to me.

    <fnfc21> Official source is find¡¤novel</fnfc21>

    "You¡¯re not going to believe this," he said grimly.

    "A girl just showed up at the station, she looks exactly like Mira and confessed that she was the one responsible for everything." he said with a deep frown.

    Jasper and I looked at each other in shock.

    "She admitted she was the one behind everything. The framing, the lies, the attack on you and she said that Mira is innocent. Which means..." Kelvin continued

    He trailed off, his jaw tight.

    "They¡¯re going to release Mira," he finished quietly.

    The room fell into silence and my breath hitched as my fingers clutched the sheets so hard my knuckles turned white.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 46 - FORTY SIX: The Weight Of Power

    <h4>Chapter 46: Chapter FORTY SIX: The Weight Of Power</h4>

    Kendrick¡¯s POV

    The drive back home felt endless as my hands clutched the steering wheel so tightly that my knuckles turned white, but it wasn¡¯t because of the road, it was because of the storm inside my chest.

    Every bump in the street, every sh of the city lights against the windshield, made my heart pound harder, reminding me of the look on her face.

    Which was nk and empty with no flicker of recognition or a spark of what we once were. Just that fragile expression that tore me apart more than Kelvin¡¯s fists ever could.

    I reyed it over and over again, like some cruel movie stuck on repeat. Her standing there in the doorway, her pale hand gripping the frame, watching me get pummeled, watching me bleed and yet she did nothing. No scream of my name or rush to stop it.

    Just a painful silence.

    I bit the inside of my cheek until I tasted iron. Maybe this was what I deserved, maybe I was meant to drown in this despair.

    By the time I pulled into the long driveway of the ck estate, I wasn¡¯t sure if I had the strength to get out of the car.

    The mansion loomed in front of me, a shadow against the night sky, massive and cold and for a moment, I wished I could drive past it and never return. But I couldn¡¯t as this was my reality.

    Dragging myself out, I went straight to the one person I had avoided for a week.

    my grandfather.

    His room smelled of old books and tobo. His aura was extremely overwhelming and made the air heavy.

    He was seated in his armchair, back straight as always and I knew even at his age, nothing escaped him.

    "You finally remembered you have a grandfather?" His voice was calm butced with anger.

    I swallowed hard, forcing my legs to move inside.

    "Grandfather... "

    "Sit." hemanded and I obeyed.

    For a long while, he didn¡¯t speak. He just studied me, and under that piercing gaze, I felt like a child again, caught doing something unforgivable.

    "I heard what happened at the hospital," he finally said, his words cutting through the silence.

    "You let yourself break... for a woman." he said with a disappointed expression.

    I suddenly felt a wave of shame but it wasn¡¯t really my fault.

    "I... "

    "Don¡¯t speak." His tone sharpened.

    "You think tears will make you a man? You think bleeding for love makes you stronger? No, It makes you weak and pathetic.

    You carry the ck name, Kendrick. A name built on power, resilience, and dominance and yet, you sit here before me, hollow-eyed and broken over someone who doesn¡¯t even remember you." he yelled at me angrily.

    The words sliced through my chest, but I forced myself to hold his gaze.

    "You should have been at thepany," he continued, mming his cane against the floor.

    "You should have been watching Curtis as he schemes with the executives, gathering them like vultures waiting to feast. But you were too busy crying over a woman to realize what was being stolen from you." he said angrily and I finally held his gaze anymore as I bowed my head in shame.

    Curtis, so that¡¯s why I haven¡¯t seen him since the engagement banquet.

    The name filled me with bitterness. I had been so consumed with Christy, with her rejection, her memory loss, that I hadn¡¯t even noticed what was happening in the empire my grandfather had spent decades building.

    "Do you want to hand over everything to outsiders?" His voice boomed.

    "Do you want the ckpany, our blood, our sweat, to be in their hands while you wallow in self-pity?" he questioned me angrily.

    "No," I rasped, my chest tightening.

    "Then prove it," he said firmly.

    "Be the CEO I raised you to be and the heir I molded. Stop letting your emotions control you and take back your power.

    If you want to change the mind of the Lancaster family, if you want Christy to ever stand beside you, you need power. Without it, you are nothing but with it, the world bows to you." he said with a serious tone.

    His words burned into me, igniting something I had let die.

    I bowed my head.

    "I understand, Grandfather." I said with a determined tone.

    "No." His voice hardened.

    "Don¡¯t just understand, Act.Tomorrow, you walk into that office not as a broken boy, but as the CEO of ck Enterprises. Do you hear me?" he said and I nodded.

    "Yes, sir," I said, my voice steadier now.

    He leaned back, satisfied, though his eyes still drilled into me.

    "Do not disappoint me again." he reminded me before slowly closing his eyes.

    I left his room with my chest heavier but my mind clearer.

    My emotions were still haywire but beneath them, a new fire was lit.

    I couldn¡¯t let Curtis win, I couldn¡¯t let Christy slip through my fingers without a fight.

    Pulling out my phone, I called Evans, my assistant.

    "Prepare everything for tomorrow," I ordered.

    "I¡¯ming back to the office." I said with a cold and decisive voice.

    "Yes, sir," Evans replied immediately.

    I hung up, exhaling sharply. Tomorrow, I will rise.

    Tomorrow, I will take back what was mine.

    But before I could retreat and rest my head, there was a knock.

    It was my mother.

    She stood in the doorway, her expression softer than it had been in weeks. Her eyes, red-rimmed from tears, carried regret.

    "Kendrick," she whispered, stepping inside.

    I froze, memories of her p and harsh words shing in my mind. The sting was still fresh, not on my cheek, but in my heart.

    "I shouldn¡¯t have done that," she said quickly, her voice trembling.

    "I was angry, I was scared... but I shouldn¡¯t have raised my hand to you. I¡¯m sorry." she apologized with teary eyes.

    She reached out, hesitating, then ced her hand gently on mine.

    "Please, Kendrick... try to get along with your father. I know it¡¯s hard, I know he¡¯s not perfect, but this family needs unity. If you¡¯re going to take your rightful ce, you can¡¯t do it with enemies in your own home." she advised.

    I wanted to scoff and tell her unity was impossible with a man like Raymond. But the exhaustion in her eyes made me swallow the words.

    "I¡¯ll try," I murmured, though it was more for her than for me.

    She smiled faintly, squeezed my hand, and left.

    Alone again, I sank onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. My grandfather¡¯s words echoed in my head.

    Power, Without it, I was nothing but with it, I could have everything.

    And for Christy and for us, I would im it.

    *****

    Christy¡¯s POV

    The day I was discharged, the world felt different. The hospital walls that had caged me for so long finally gave way to the open air, and it was overwhelming.

    The sky was brighter and the breeze colder, but inside, I still felt fragile, like one wrong move could shatter me.

    The Lancaster family house loomed ahead, magnificent and intimidating. As the car stopped, I braced myself, clutching my stomach gently, a silent reminder of the life growing inside me.

    The doors opened, and suddenly I was engulfed by warmth.

    Smiles and cheering voices, weing me back as though I was some missing piece finally returned.

    "Wee home, Christy!"

    The dining hall glowed with golden light, the tableid out with more dishes than I could count.

    Every member of the Lancaster family was there as I had been previously informed, their faces lit with relief and happiness.

    For a brief moment, I let myself feel it, the joy of being surrounded by family and the illusion of peace.

    I smiled, though my heart trembled.

    Dinner began, andughter filled the room. My uncle cracked jokes, my aunts fussed over me, and Kelvin hovered protectively like he always did. Mason sat close, his quiet support anchoring me.

    For a fleeting second, I thought maybe this was what I needed. A new beginning, and chance to start fresh, just as I had told Jasper.

    But then the doors mmed open.

    Mira walked in.

    Every head turned and silence fell. She was radiant, dressed wlessly, her posture dripping with entitlement but her eyes burned with anger.

    "Do you all enjoy humiliating me?" she snapped, her voice cutting through the silence.

    <fn0f05> Checktest chapters at f?ndnovel</fn0f05>

    "Dragging my name through the mud, treating me like a criminal, when I was the one framed!" she yelled angrily.

    Gasps rippled through the room and our grandfather quickly rose, striding toward her.

    "Mira, that¡¯s enough, you¡¯ve been through a lot and I promise you will bepensated.

    Everything you lost, I will return to you double, but tonight, let this be about Christy¡¯s homing." he said firmly.

    Her fury softened at his words, her lips curling into a smug smile as she nodded, pretending to calm.

    Then she turned to me.

    "Oh, Christy!" she eximed, rushing forward. Before I could react, she pulled me into a tight hug.

    Her arms squeezed around me like iron, and while her face lit up for everyone else to see, her whisper slithered into my ear, sharp and venomous.

    "You better watch your back," she hissed, her tone dripping with malice.

    "Because I¡¯m not done with you." she said with so much hatred.

    My breath hitched.

    The room erupted in chatter andughter again, but her words echoed louder than everything.

    And as I pulled away, forcing a smile, I knew the peace I craved was just an illusion.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!