《Undefiled Queen》


 Chapter 1

    ****


    Prologue


    ¡°I love you, Merlyn. The feeling is frightening. I have you, but it¡¯s like I don¡¯t have you enough. So I hug you, but when I do, it¡¯s like you¡¯re not close enough. So I kiss you, and still I can¡¯t get enough. So I make love to you. And yet, and still I feel like I¡¯ll wake up and won¡¯t be sure. And I worry. I worry that I¡¯ll lose you again. That¡¯s one of the reasons I watch you sleep. Because I¡¯m afraid if I close my eyes, when I open them again, you¡¯ll be gone. This is why I want to marry you, Merlyn, do you understand?¡±


    A lone tear fell from myshes. ¡°I¡¯ll never leave you again, Stephen. You¡¯re my lifeline.¡±


    The next moment a menacingughter left out of him. ¡°That¡¯s right. You are my ve and should be ready 24/7 to follow my instructions. He ced his finger under her chin, tilting it upward to kiss her. The kiss was wild, demanding and ferocious taking away the breath out of her.


    Merlyn whimpered. ¡°Stephen, please stop. You are forcing me to death. Is this the way you love someone?¡±


    ¡°Bloody woman, stop dictating the terms and kiss me back.¡± He pulled her hair and angled her neck in a feral crave.


    Seconds passed and Merlyn was almost knocking the doors of heaven with his perilous advances but ultimately it was due to her lucky stars the kiss turned soft and caressing that bled into a hard tongue thrust and possessive fever.


    She submissively smoothed her palms over his taut pecks, shivering at the heat seeping through his pores.


    She tried to part, unable to take over anymore his cavernous moves but he glued her to the kiss, not wanting to let go.


    Having found no other way to escape, she bit his tongue and that was a blunder for Stephen hated ruling women.


    He growled into her mouth with irresistible anger and capitted. ¡°You bloody devil,¡±


    Kissing her along her neck, he forcefully tilted her head back, exploring her throat, and sucked at her soft flesh long and hard enough to mark her his. ¡°I hate it when you resist me. You should know I¡¯m invincible .¡± He raggedly whispered and directed her face to his chest.


    She traveled down his firm sternum, swirled her tongue around his nipple, and he flexed his well-built chest. ¡®Bloody bastard¡¯ ¨C she thought with distaste quelling her mouth.


    ¡°Please stop, I need to go. It is enough for today.¡± She requested, and he bit her nipple.


    The subsequent jump of her body was not deliberate this time, much to his satisfaction. ¡°Take that as my gift for denial.¡± He said to her like a reigning Lucifer.


    His kisses meandered down her body until she was soon on her knees, the position he wanted her.


    Her fingers twirled in his silky trail while she one-handedly unzipped his jeans and freed his rock-hard, veined erection. It was hot, red with blood and felt impressively sturdy in her hands.


    She peered up at him through hershes while he leered down at me with hooded blue eyes. Then he shed a lopsided grin and twitched his dick in her hand. Again. And again. Cocky, cocky ass.


    Eyes glued to his, she took his crest in her mouth. His lips parted, and he tried to make his ensuing sighs imperceptible. He knew she was challenging him if he could ever give up on her. Apanied with an enormous revenge, it was a game of love and war. He knew she¡¯d put up a tough fight for him but what she did not know was, he was surely not a loser.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Licking around his blood-filled crest, she slid her tongue through the split that sprouted pre-cum. He emitted a shuddering sigh this time, but still kept his gaze transfixed on hers.


    She took him in, inch by inch, going lower and lower until she felt him touch her tonsils, her lips wrapped tightly around his base.


    Stephen mmed his eyes shut and his head fell backwards. ¡°Shhhhhhhiiiiiit.¡±


    Then she began to move, pleasuring him with her mouth, sheathing her teeth and sucking him hard. asionally releasing him with a ¡®pop¡¯. Whenever he tried to flex his hips, she¡¯d tighten her fingers around the base of his shaft, blocking his orgasm. At least at once she wanted to be in control.


    ¡°Fuck, Merlyn¡­ you wouldn¡¯t allow me even a peaceful sex¡­please¡­¡± He finally pleaded with her which felt like music to her ears. Atst they were 0-1.


    He was famous for being merciless in bed and this was her return. She tormented him a minute longer, reveling in his garbling and the way his body shivered as his hands helplessly gripped the railings.


    Ending the torture, she uncurled her fingers from the base of his shaft, grasped him with both hands and pumped while she sucked.


    Her hands and mouth moved in synergy. He swelled and grew harder, his hands now fisted in her hair. ¡°Shit¡­ about to¡­ hot¡­ damn¡­ no¡­ shit¡­¡±


    Knowing he was about to climax, she took him all the way in, shoving his swollen steel-hard dick to the back of her throat, as far as she could go without choking.


    ¡°Ah Christ!¡± he growled as he reached his peak and sent his fluids squirting down her throat, pulsing effusively.


    Expended, he slumped back against the railing, simultaneously lifting her to her feet. His lips came down to mine, kissing me hard. ¡°How did you-¡± he started to ask when he pulled away, but curtailed and shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t you ever goddamn leave me. You understand?¡±


    She nodded, nevertheless did she have a choice? She was his prisoner to be apt a ve who should satisfy him in all his physical persuits.


    ¡°Promise me.¡± He was waiting for her to reply and with each passing second she could see his eyes turn darker in fury. Her body trembled with his devilish nature and hairs on her body stood up with fright.


    As her lips refused to function, she urged her body to react to save her skin from his merciless whips. On her tippy toes, she stood and smacked him a kiss. ¡°I promise. I¡¯ll never leave you, Stephen.¡±


    ¡°God damn it! How many times should I say, you should add ¨C I love you very much.¡± He mmed his lips on hers in a punishment and sucked all the air from my lungs.


    *****


    Merlyn woke up from her bed in a jerk with her face turned red and body covered in sweat. It was the same dream again. ¡®He was her past. Now she had escaped him and he would nevere back in her life.¡¯ She tried to counsel herself by wiping the sweat on her face with a napkin but her conscience refused to listen. He was there happily breathing in some corner of the world and he wille back to get her one way or the other.


    I hate you Stephen Collomen.


    ****


    Present


    A sleek ck Range Rover stopped before a stylish looking skyscraper. On the top of the building stood letters proudly in ck ¨C The Radiance Industries.


    The driver of the car got around and opened the door of the back seat to help his boss out of the vehicle. Another man raced to the caur trunk and brought out the wheelchair before the master got out of the car when a pair of perfectly polished ck shoes kissed the tarpaulin ground.


    The trio entered a spacious foyer, where the ceiling was as high as that of a Catholic church. The floors were white marble, and an imposing chandelier shimmered from above. Crystal flower vases stood very proud on every corner of the sitting room that screamed opulence and at one side was the reception desk


    Though attached to a wheelchair, it was the magic of aura he carried around him so strong and superior that people¡¯s feet worked on their own ord to stand up and greet the great boss though he hadn¡¯t even noticed their presence.


    No sooner he entered the workce grandeur his employees walked around him for various advice and discussing work points.


    His speech was elite and distinguished when talking to his employees. He was suave, stylish and elegant in his behaviour and mannerism. Shivers went down the speaker¡¯s spine hearing hismanding and chivalrous voice. He waspelling at the same time with radiance shining in his eyes


    The navy blue suit he was putting was wless, perfectly tailored and the muscles of his hands were strong, bulging out to which the aristocratic suit did little or no justice. He felt debonair and handsome in every aspect. One could easily estimate he was lean, tall and easily more than six feet if he could stand up but the irony is nobody is above fate. Stephen met with a dangerous ident a few months ago and both his legs went paralyzed.


    Walking beside his wheelchair in a short red skirt and six inch pencil heels was his secretary who was trying to bnce the notepad on her hand and coffee on the other with a cellphone getting to record everything that he was speaking.


    The oak wood door which automatically opened with sensor support had letters written in bold ¨C The CEO when his wheelchair entered the threshold. Greeting him ahead was a floor to ceiling ss window which gave a view of the busy city life.


    To the side of the room was a huge bookcase with various sorts of files and books neatly ced one above the other. On the other side was a mahogany desk with a ss top on which various documents and folders were systematically ced for his perusal.


    Stephen was reading the files and signing the documents hurriedly because shortly he was going to host a meeting. Today after almost a decade, Radiance industries is on the top and one of the fastest growing firms in the manufacturing industry with its products ranging from electronics to sanitary pads, from a small pin to a giant machinery.


    Radiance industries now aims to capture the European market too. It was a phenomenal presentation that took off from hisptop just a couple of days ago in the process of convincing Oyster Inc a European firm with its branch in Minneapolis to join him in the fusion.


    As he was deeply reading the matter on the file, there was a knock at the door. The secretary walked in and greeted him. ¡°Sir, your dad arrived. He wants to meet you immediately.¡±


    Stephen pulled out a low groan holding his head. ¡°Tell him to wait, you know I have a meeting and it is very important.¡± Till an hour ago he was editing the minutes of a presentation for his Minneapolis firm regarding an expansion project. Radiance industries was on the brink of sessfully merging both the Chinese and the U. S. market. For the longest time, the two markets operated separately from one another, without ever realizing their potential as a mass conglomerate market for consumer products. But Stephen had seeded in nullifying the traditional terms of business to coalescence.


    ¡°Sir, he says the matter is important and he wants to meet you in an emergency. He wouldn¡¯t wait at any cost.¡± The secretary pleaded her helplessness.


    ¡®Fucking old man! He wouldn¡¯t allow me a break at any cost.¡¯ ¨C Stephen thought. ¡°Send him in!¡± Hemanded before he growled and then closed the file in front of him.


    Secondster polished ck shoes in powerful steps clicked heavily on the wooden floor and a gray haired man upied a seat before him in poise with his right leg ankle resting on the knee of the left.


    ¡°Dad, I told you I¡¯m not interested in marriage. Why do you always keep persuading me on the same matter?¡± The patriarch did not speak a word as reply. In return he only extended a man envelope on which in ck ink were neatly written letters in cursive handwriting ¨C ¡®To my grandson Stephen Collomen.¡¯


    ¡°This is the letter written by your grandfather. It contains the contents of his will. I know you have no interest in marriage but unless you marry and beget an heir within the next two years, you will not have any inheritance as the Collomen heirloom.¡± Mr Raven Collomen the father of Stephen clearly stated.


    ¡°Damn it! The old man had gone nuts. What about the years of hard work I put on this business? I invested my flesh and blood here. A small one million dors firm is now the fastest growing manufacturing industry in the universe with a turnover of 100 millions per annum.¡± Stephen said in rage, stamping his palm on the crystal clean ss desk and sending the papers on it flying in the air.


    Raven shook his head. ¡°No, he is not. He wants his business to live and stand for future generations too.¡±


    Stephen shook his head and ran his hand on his neatly gelled ck hair, unable to find a way to convince his father. Little did he know his dad was the architect of this master n exercised by his grandfather to get him married.


    But he was a man who takes his decisions independently. Nobody has the right to dictate terms to him. Will Stephen agree to what his father says? The suspense continues.

 Chapter 2

    ¡°Dad, let us go and see grand dad. The old man lost his brain sleeping on the death bed. He has nothing to do and thus he thinks of meaningless things. ¡®An idle man¡¯s brain is the devil¡¯s workshop¡¯. But I¡¯m not going to be the scapegoat to realize his meaningless dreams. I have strived to develop this business worth one million to hundred million today and ¡®The Radiance Industries¡¯ is one of the most flourishing cotton textile industries in the United States.¡± Stephen grunted in a rage establishing the fact before his father.


    Half an hourter their car stood before the huge gates of Morgan Estate. It took them ten minutes on the driveway to reach the entrance of the mansion. On both sides were tall trees and in between were flowering nts of roses and sunflowers amidst green pastures. In the front stood a beautiful water fountain.


    The car stopped before the spacious foyer, where the ceiling was as high as that of a Catholic church. Two long, winding staircases with twisted golden banistersmanded attention. The floors were white marble, and an imposing chandelier shimmered from above.


    Reaching the first bedroom below the staircase an old man with gray hair and several tubes attached to his body was sleeping covered in a nket. The ECG machine was beeping and the nurse stood beside him reading the temperature on the thermometer.


    As soon as Stephen¡¯s wheelchair went inside the room, she greeted him and his father. The old man who had his eyes closed opened them and smiled at his grandson.


    With his frail hand reaching him he softly patted his palm and his eyes teared up watching him in a wheelchair. A helpless involuntary sigh left out of Stephen. He did not want anyone to pity him. ¡°I and your father had a talk about your future just yesterday night. I knew the moment I made the decision, you woulde.¡±


    The wrinkles at the end of his eyes, mentioned his experience about life. Morgan knew his grandson was not happy with his decision. Stephen was a tough nut to crack. But his heart was not steel like everyone estimated it. It was gold. ¡°Do not see me as your enemy when Iy a condition of marriage for you to acquire the heirloom of Morgan property. It is for your own good.¡±


    Stephen tried to restrict his indignation to his best towards his grandfather but his words came out in a grunt. ¡°Grandad, today¡¯s girls are very materialistic, calctive and evil. Nobody would like to marry a paralyzed man except to conquer our property that we built up with years of hard work, flesh and blood.¡±


    Morgan¡¯s pale lips stretched slightly, his aged orbs studied his grandson in affection and his wrinkled hand weakly squeezed Stephen¡¯s arm in assurance. ¡°I want to say the same, my Bubba.¡± (Bubba is the pet name with which Morgan called Stephen when he was toozy to crawl and reach him when he was a baby.)


    ¡°The girl whoes to marry you in spite of your handicap is the one pure at heart. She will serve you wholeheartedly and be the mother of your kids. You will be a happy man. Forget the past and move on, Stephen. I know what is working in your mind. THAT GIRL WAS NOT MADE FOR YOU. IF DESTINY DECIDED SHE WOULD, SHE WOULD HAVE COME BACK.¡± Morgan gave a contemtive look to Stephen about which Raven looked at his son interrogatively.


    Stephen ignored the questioning looks of his father and rubbed his hands to ease the sudden tiredness upying his face.


    Memory


    Those novice giggles were heard in his ears once again. She was hardly nine ying and jumping in little puddles of water. Her white school dress uniform had muddy spots all over and some even on her creamy face. But she did not mind getting dirty. In fact she loved ying in the rain.


    Her chocte brown hair was tied in two small pig tails pping on either side of her creamy scarlet cheeks. Those crystal blues were as bright as ever smiling and busy in her own world.


    He was seventeen, almost nine years older to her. Eight years, six months and fifteen days to be exact. Merlyn was his dad¡¯s best friend¡¯s daughter, who stayed two houses away from him. He was watching her while smoking and having a chat with his friends.


    Someone who knows his internal instincts would say he is hooked by her pays and he wouldn¡¯t mind. Yes, he was a cradle snatcher and he loved this innocent girl of nine since he knew he attained his puberty.


    She passed through his group of friends in her white uniform which was now brown and looked up at them in a scorn. Her lips twitched in disagreement. She was not even reaching upto his legs but had the guts to question him giving those angry blue eyes which were covered in purity.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know cigarette smoking is injurious to health, it causes cancer. The other name for cigarettes is cancer stick.¡± She plucked the cigarette in his hands, nipped it and put it in the ashtray.


    One of Stephen¡¯s friends who was standing besides got angry. ¡°You annoying little brat¡­.¡± He grunted and took a step forward towards her grilling his teeth but Stephen discreetly stopped him with his hand extended blocking his way towards the little girl.


    Merlyn did not care about his friend who was almost ten years older to her as she dared him with her challenging looks which got Stephen¡¯s eyes in curiosity and a slight hint of smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, we will not smoke again and cause you irritation.¡± He knelt before her to match her height and extended his hand to her. ¡°I am Stephen. Can we be friends?¡±


    Merlyn tapped on her soft little cheek in thought in a dramatic way and gave out her missing tooth grin putting her little soft hand in his big rough one.


    ¡°We are friends.¡±


    Present: While traveling back¡­Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    With a hidden smirk under his lips Raven responded. ¡°Stephen, the situation is not about a lifetimemitment. You would get married, beget a child and divorce the girl.¡±


    He closed his eyes and a controlled groan left out of the charming billionaire. Reaching back to his office, Stephen pressed the bell of the inte and the secretary rushed in. ¡°Kyara, make a newspaper advertisement ¨C A paralyzed billionaire businessman urgently requires a bride. Applications with the best fertility charts will be preferred the most.¡±


    ¡®There is one pain that I will always feel which you will never know. I die a hundred deaths every day of guilt, for the mistake I couldn¡¯t rectify. I LOVE YOU AND I¡¯M SORRY, MERLYN.


    Dear Friends, the story from here is the shback. When the storyes back to the present, I will inform you.

 Chapter 3

    Merlyn¡¯s POV


    (shback)Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Merlyn, get up fast my Angel, it¡¯s already 8:00A. M. Don¡¯t you have to go to the school?¡± My mother¡¯s amplified voice resonated the silent walls of my dark bedroom. I slid off my covers in a swift movement and red at her with my eyes getting to slits in steeping annoyance. Last night I worked tillte in the night as I had a project to be submitted. ¡°Mom, why is it always necessary that everybody in the house has to maintain military discipline 24/7 and get up before the clock strikes five in the morning? Why can¡¯t rules be rxed depending on the situation and circumstances?¡± I stand up from the bed squaring her with my lips formed in a thin line.


    She smiled at me acting innocent and moved to slide the curtains of the window for let the sunlight peep into the room. ¡°Keep those beautiful ring eyes for the man of your dreams and start getting ready for college. For today, your dad will drop you as you are alreadyte.¡± Those radiating silver and blue optics is the most beautiful feature I inherited from mom. Rolling my eyes at her untimely sense of humour I went to the closet to bring out a face towel. ¡°Mom, the hell wouldn¡¯t burst up if I skip the boring business lecture of Mr Ramon.¡±


    Her bright features instantly turn glum. ¡°Okay, tell your dad everything you just spoke to me. Actually he was the one who told me to wake you up this early in the morning.¡± There was a hidden irritation in thest five words of her sentence.¡±Shit! I messed up even before hitting the target.Listening to the lecture of Mr Ramon is much better than to hear the lessons of dad,my prudence intervenes giving a timely warning. stering a fake smile I turned back and spoke too sweetly to her surprise. ¡°Mom, I will be down within the next ten minutes.¡±


    ¡°Good, you are a very intelligent girl.¡± She pats my head but looks at me in an interlocked warning.


    Ten minutester¡­


    ¡°Merlyn eat your breakfast and don¡¯t you dare to skip it.¡± My dad beckoned standing a few steps behind while I was trying to escape the distasteful pudding.Fuck! Why has this day started so difficult for me?I gulped my breakfast at my dad¡¯s orders within 5 minutes and was all set sitting in the car waiting for him toe and drop me in the college.


    I am really frightened of dad at times though all of us love and respect him for things he does to us. We are a middle ss family but my parents never let us run short of anything in life. My dad works as a manager in a private bank and my mom is a home manager. I have a younger brother who is still in his schooling.


    Hey¡­ Hey¡­ my friend Anshi jumped beside me and smacked my back ¡°Are youte to the school again?¡± I shake my head looking morosely towards her. ¡°I got upte and invoked the irritating attitude of my mom followed by the threats of dad for trying to skip breakfast.¡± Anshi looks at me with her best pitiful looks and suddenly bursts to augh. ¡°I am sorry, I couldn¡¯t control myself.¡± She squirms a little in trying to escape my hits. ¡°There is no soul yet born in the world to remedy you, Merlyn James.¡± I look at her prating my fake anger and she smacks my arm yfully. ¡°The science professor Mr David was asking for you today morning when he came to our ss on rounds.¡±Oh my! What better exnation can I give him now?


    ¡°Anshi, I can¡¯t find my exercise ss work for my first year. I think I misced it somewhere. Mr David had been asking me for it since our college re-started after the winter vacation but regretfully I have no idea where I kept the book.¡± Anshi holds her jaw open and smacks her mouth with the palm of her hand. ¡°That old man is dangerous. He is for sure going to have your brains for his next meal. He already looked impatient searching for you in the ss a while ago.¡± Anshi tells me in a forewarning and I was on the verge of having my first panic attack.


    Throughout my education I worked hard and topped my college getting distinction marks in all my subjects. So generally all my professors insist on my ss works for theirter reference. I had been a student of St Xavier¡¯s college, one of the best colleges in Newyork for science stream since my 11th ss. Now I am in my second year of graduation. Like any teenager, I have big dreams. I want toplete my post graduation in physiotherapy to be a physiotherapist and one day make my parents proud of myself.

 Chapter 4

    Stephen POV


    He was preparing a presentation for his Minneapolis firm regarding an expansion project. Radiance industries was on the brink of sessfully merging both the Chinese and the U. S. market. For the longest time, the two markets operated separately from one another, without ever realizing their potential as a mass conglomerate market for consumer products. But Stephen had seeded in nullifying the traditional terms of business to coalescence.


    Radiance industries now aims to capture the European market too. It was a phenomenal presentation that took off from hisptop just a couple of days ago in the process of convincing Oyster Inc a European firm with its branch in Minneapolis to join him in the fusion.


    Yesterday waspletely stressful in the office with overbearing work regarding the presentation and possible mergers of the top most international firms. He needed a release and he was dog tired.


    The next morning¡­.


    The light from the windowing out woke him up from the soothing darkness of sleep. Unfortunately, he was yanked back to the bed with the feel of soft feminine hands on his sturdy sternum.


    He reluctantly opened his eyes to the annoying realization that the treat of the night was still in his bed. Generally he saw the source of his fleeting pleasure get lost the moment he found his release. But since he was too tired yesterday¡­.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    His eyes skidded over the olive-skinned, tinum blonde. He had met her at a party and discovered her fascination for him. Her long toned legs were entuated by six-inch heels, he had merely paid attention to her curvy figure but with stress and sex drive building up in him the steamy endeavor felt the best option.


    ¡®I want more.¡± Her gentle feminine voice got him out of his thoughts. He preferred engagements that satisfied his bodily needs in hotel rooms. A sigh flowed from him as he mentally kicked himself for falling asleep with the one-night-stand in his home.


    ¡°I¡¯m done, I need to catch a flight shortly. Get dressed. My driver will take you home.¡± The covers flipped back with a simple flex of his muscr arm, and he swung his feet to the red carpeted floor. With the heels of his hands, he rubbed the weight of sleep from his eyes.


    The revolting muscles of his limbs told him just how exhausted he was as he boxed up with sleep. He got up and strolled over to the floor-to-ceiling ss window of his bedroom, staring out at the beautiful dawn of California.


    The weak shade of light from the cornermp silhouetted his tall, muscr frame in the darkness as he stood stark naked before the window and lit a cigarette. Those innocent crystal blues often rolled up in his memories, that made his heart skip a beat. He would never forget them, the pristine blue eyes which reflected many questions and emotions, the most significant of them was pain and abhorrence. He couldn¡¯t tolerate it. He was ordained to reply to her that he was not the killer of her parents.


    Recollection of a memory¡­.


    It was the first time that he saw her. His father was informed by Samuel that she was born. His parents, him, along with his brother went to see her.


    Samuel was like a younger brother to his father and thus like a family. She was the first girl child born. So his dad even went to the extent of telling him that he needed to always protect her.


    His brother was too excited to watch the new born baby. But since he was older, he was expected to behave. Even though he was equally excited to watch her, he maintained a poker face.


    But once they entered the room, he was instantly pulled to the crib where she was. He was nine and so he was tall enough that his head reached above the crib and saw her clearly unlike his brother.


    He looked at her and their eyes met. She stared back at him with those pulchritudinous blues oozing out all the innocence that she had. Her eyes were dted, she was whimpering and he didn¡¯t know why, his heart leapt for her pain. He wanted her to stop crying.


    Few dayster she returned home from the hospital along with her mother. He watched her from the crib extending his finger to her and she held it in her little fist never to leave. And that was the moment he knew he was bewitched.


    Sitting on the couch in the house of Samuel he was holding her in his arms. She stared back at him with those big blue eyes like he was her only hope. Something snapped inside him and he kissed her forehead calling her with a name that always stayed with him. Flower.


    He was there when she took her first steps, her first day of going to school and even the day when she came home crying that one of her friends took away her Barbie pencil. Few yearster his dad sent him off to boarding school. He wanted him to be a tough man to take care of the mafia. And by the time he returned Merlyn¡¯s father was transferred by the bank to a different city. Merlyn was nine and it was thest time he saw her.

 Chapter 5

    A monthter


    Stephen¡¯s pov


    The rm rang beside my bed at exactly 5:30 in the morning. Rubbing my eyes I get rid of the remaining sleep and walk to the washroom to freshen up. Within half an hour I was ready on my track pants and shirt to hit the gymnasium of my penthouse with a bottle of water in my hands.


    The phone in my pants pocket vibrates and I connect the earpiece walking on the treadmill. ¡°Good Morning Mom.¡± Within a minute of connecting to the call the peaceful features on my face transform to annoyance but my voice restricts in control as I speak to the woman I love in theplete universe. ¡°What did he do?¡± My tone wasposed, hiding the indignation. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will handle him and set everything right.¡± I assure my mother regarding the turned events concerning my brother. Eros had been the spoilt boy of our family. Being the younger among the two of us, he had been the pampered littled of our parents since he was a kid and the consequences are ¨C today he is beyond control. Partying, drinking beyond limits, girls and motorcycle races have be his lifestyle over theter years. Mom is always worried about him concerning the upshots of his reckless actions.


    The present worry of my mother is the hit and run case registered upon him for rash driving and consumption of alcohol beyond the limits. ¡°Hello Mr ¡± I had to take care of all the shit that my immature brother made for the sake of seeing my mother happy.


    ¡°Hope you will take care regarding the case imposed on my brother.¡± I dial the superintendent of police and assure him that I would keep a close watch on my brother.


    My voice went restricted and lips formed in a thin line shaking in fury. One cannot estimate the anger I had been restraining for a while. Opening the call list of my phone, I dial the next number most warranted.


    ¡°Eros¡± my voice resonates in the silent walls of the gymnasium. ¡°Shut the hell up.¡± I chastise him for an exnation as my face goes red transpiring to an untamable fury. ¡°This is thest warning I am giving you.¡± My voice transforms to an unearthly roar. ¡°Else, you wouldn¡¯t wish to hear what I am going to do to you.¡± For a few seconds there was a pin drop silence at the other end and then I heard his trembling voice in a short whisper. ¡°This will not happen again big bro.¡±


    Because of this foolish brain, though being a billionaire and unparalleled businessman, I had to request people and bow my head to many. If not for my mother, I would have never taken steps to support my dumb headed brother and abandoned him like a piece of shit.


    Dressed in a sky blue shirt and navy blue pants I prepare my usual breakfast, a toast with eggs and a ss of orange juice.


    ¡°Hi Baby, are you up already? When are we going to meet again?¡± The girl from yesterday night called me from the stairs of the spare bedroom. ¡°Never¡± I answer herposed sipping on my juice. ¡°Aplimentary gift would reach your address before the evening.¡± I tell her sparing no nce checking the mails on my phone.


    In a zing anger the words fall out of her lips like pelting stones. ¡°How dare you¡­.¡±


    I don¡¯t let herplete it. ¡°All the terms and conditions were made clear to you before you reached this ce and you signed the deal under yourplete conscience. Now get out of my house before the securityes and drags you out.¡± I tell her giving out no emotions as I type the replies for the mails of primary importance.


    ******


    There was always a pang of guilt along with the frustration of not being able to see her or meet her in him which made him indifferent towards women. It was always nothing but satisfaction of physical needs.


    He was not heartless like people thought but the missing love of his life had made him indifferent. She was too young and they had an age gap of eight years. How would she understand his feelings? At the same time could he tolerate her with a different man?


    Since that day he had been looking for her. There is no ce or city where he did not put his men and search for her but with passing years his positivity died. It felt like she disappeared from the world and could never see her but only in his dreams.


    Would Stephen be able to trace Merlyn and when he does would he be able to reveal his identity and confess his feelings to her?


    **¡±¡±¡±¡±


    Two hourster


    Stephen¡¯s pov


    I dialled my receptionist, ¡°Sara, to call Mr Luke to my office within ten minutes.¡±A few minutester there was a knock at my door. I was looking into mypany¡¯s bnce sheet and could unfurl innumerable errors in the numbers projected. I had taken over my dad¡¯spany two years ago afterpleting a Masters in Business Administration in Stanford University, California¡­ United States. Since then I have worked almost 24/7 throughout the years and expanded ourpany three times since my takeover.


    Mr Luke was standing across the table. His face was red as good as a tomato. Nervousness evident in his posture and his hands were slightly shaking. I am an ethical andpassionate person but as far as my business is concerned, I am a cold hearted boss who works only under terms and profits.


    ¡°Mr Luke, how could you be so irresponsible towards your job?¡± I reprimand answers scowling at our ountant for miscalcting the previous month¡¯s turnover.


    Mr Luke had been an ountant in our firm for thest 20 years and had been a trustworthy, responsible employee since I was four. He had been like a family. During the recent course of the events I notice him slightly distracted from work. I respect him for the dedication he had shown towards ourpany all his life but now the situation is going beyond control. I excused giving him soft cautions during the hitherto instances but he is taking away all my patience bymitting frivolous errors even ayman would not make.


    ¡°Take a seat Mr Luke.¡± I regard the elderly ountant. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Mr Luke? You had been messing with the bnce sheets and your ledgers are improper.¡± My voice goesmanding and authoritative as I lean back on thefortable leather seat giving him my undivided attention. He trembles with anxiety smitten on his face and answers me with quivering lips ¡°Sir, I apologize for giving you the trouble and promise to give my undivided attention towards my work. Please excuse me considering this as thest chance.¡±


    I dismiss his needless bber and state in dominance. ¡°Mr Luke I know there is some issue which is bothering you and I am not going to take further chances on this matter considering the well being of our enterprise. As an aged employee of thepany with many unprecedented years of work I promise you any kind of help and support which seems warranted. Now tell me what¡¯s your problem, otherwise I am afraid I may have to oust your name from the employee payroll?¡±


    Wiping the small droplets of sweat appearing on his forehead Mr Luke answers my question shaking in nervousness. ¡°Sir, I am diagnosed with terminal stage lung cancer. I have a son who is in his seventh grade and my daughter is in her final year of graduation. I started my career in yourpany with a sry of two thousand per month. Even with all the savings I pooled up and increments over the years I am not able to pull up a gratuity of at least tenkhs. My doctor told me that my days are numbered in this world. I am worried about my finances and the life of my wife, children after my death because of which I am not able to concentrate on my work. I know my health and family are private matters and I truly regret my conduct towards work but please don¡¯t remove me from this job. This is thest hope I have in my life.¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    I waspletely shocked over Mr Luke¡¯s indisposed revtion. It was difficult to form words to console the aged employee who had grown his hair Greg working for mypany. Learning about his health, there was not much that could be done to save him but I was determined to support his family and help the old man to die in peace.


    Bringing out the cheque book from the drawer of my table I sign a fiftykhs cheque that could stand as a support. Lifting of my seat, I circle the table and pat his shoulder as he faces me tensed. ¡°Everything will be fine and taken care off regarding your family Mr Luke.¡± I promised him and handed over the cheque. Mr Luke visibly rxes in front of me with a smile edging over his sad features. ¡°Sir, I and my family will ever be grateful to you for your generosity.¡± He tells me in immense pleasure with his eyes shedding happy tears. I pat his droopy shoulders one more time and speak with an enriching smile. ¡°I have a condition. From today forward you will work for the firm giving your utmost dedication, otherwise¡­.¡±


    He wouldn¡¯t let meplete ¡°Yes sir.¡± His reply goes decisive and firm this time, with all the negativity driven away.

 Chapter 6

    Stephen¡¯s POV


    I waspletely dumped in work with papers sprawled all over my office table. It¡¯s been over a month since Mr Luke¡¯s deadly deration of his disease. Though the sickness had taken a toll, within weeks Mr Luke had renderedplete concentration over his work to the best of his health. I promised him, I would take care of his family whenever there would be a requirement. My phone buzzed after a short while and a smile embraces my features looking at the caller Id. It was my mom. ¡°Hello son, it¡¯s been a while since we met you. Ofte you have been too engrossed in work. You rarely visit us.¡± Sheins like a five year old kid. ¡°Mom, please don¡¯t start again.¡± I told her to sign the documents that required my perusal. ¡°Have dinner with us tomorrow. We can have a light chat and then you can get home.¡± I informed her in an affirmative and continued with work but with a smile adorning my face.


    Next day I went to my parent¡¯s house and had a refreshing dinner after a happy talk with my brother Eros. Over the past month he changedpletely and became responsible. Erospleted his Masters in Massmunication and journalism from University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He wants to be a journalist but dad insists on him to take over our family business. I intervened in the conversation and let Eros have some happy years of freedom doing work of his choice. He is recently absorbed in the post of a journalist in one of the leading newspapers of the country.


    The next day


    Buttoning up my coat, I walk to the conference hall in swift, long strides to hold a meeting with the department heads. My secretary falters behind trying to keep up with my pace and holding out the phone for me to speak. ¡°No phone calls Neena during the summon for the conference meet.¡± I hold up my finger dismissing her abruptly while walking quickly.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Sir I think it¡¯s important. Mr Jack wants to speak to you regarding our uing project in coboration with the pharma industry.¡±


    I turn back, giving her a stern look. ¡°This is myst warning to you. I state my rules only once and I don¡¯t like to repeat them.¡± My secretary¡¯s face goes pale within a matter of seconds. In fear stricken eyes she stammers in a low voice. ¡°Sir, this would not repeat again.¡±


    Walking to the conference room, all the department heads were holding in attention from their designated ces. Wishing them quickly, Imence the meeting. ¡°Mr Rafiq, what is your exnation on this?¡± I push the file to our sales head of department. ¡°Why are our sales depleting in basic consumables when our prices are reasonable and even a middle ss consumer can afford it? Remember if you do not give me a justifiable answer you would be quick to submit your resignation on my desk within the next couple of minutes.¡± There was a visible distress appearing in the kinesics of the department heads. Sucking the breath in his throat Mr Rafiq replies in trepidation. ¡°Sir the raw material is not reaching our industry on time. As a result our products are not able to meet the sales demand and ourpetitive firms are grabbing the market.¡±


    A nerve ticks on my neck muscle and I fist my hand on the conference desk. ¡°So you keep your hands folded reading the whole story while our sales drop to a threshold point? Why doesn¡¯t the raw material reach our industries on time? Answer me damn it!¡± I growl sending the silent conference hall to vibrations. Gulping audible Mr Rafiq gets a feeble reply. ¡°Sir, please give me ten minutes. I will set the matters right.¡± I square him inscrutable. ¡°What were you doing all this while, Mr Rafiq? Baking cookies in your home? I need your resignation on my desk damn right now.¡± Stating my objects lucid, I behest. ¡°Mr Mathew from today, you would be in incharge of this matter. Make it a point to brief me about the progress of affairs on a daily basis. The meeting is dismissed.¡± I state leaving dreadful faces of my staff behind watching me walk away.

 Chapter 7

    Merlyn¡¯s POV


    It was six in the evening and I had just returned from college. ¡°Hi Princess¡± My dad gazes at me in warmth running his hand on my head lovingly. ¡°Dad stop doing that in the presence of Vance.¡± I crib with my eyes directed on my little brother who seems to have a good time watching our daddy-daughter show. ¡°Oh, did I do something wrong princess?¡± Dad takes an innocent side as I give him a hard re. He pulls my nose least bothered about my antics and my brother bursts tough that he was controlling all the while. ¡°See, you made me a joker in front of Vance.¡± Iined pointing to my brother who was now rolling on the ground getting dyspeptic in a hystericalughter.


    ¡°We are going to the dinner party of Mr and Mrs Shergil¡¯s. It¡¯s their anniversary today. Would you wish to join us, Princess? You could also meet your friend Jessie.¡± My dad asks me in expectation. I contemte on his attractive offer but the loads of homework I brought from my college seems to peep at me in mockery. I also have to prepare for my monthly tests to uphold my schrship for the next term. ¡°Dad, I will meet Jessie some other time. Presently I have a lot of homework to do.¡± I mumble inactive. ¡°It is okay Princess, there is always a next time and you are not staying at home idling away watching TV.¡± Dad cheers me with his encouraging words. Vance tails me to stay home as he was not interested in going to parties.


    It was ten in the night. Ipleted all my homework and was on the verge of dozing off. Putting on the nightmp, already surrounded with the cozyness of theforter, I set my rm for the next day and closed my eyes to wee the dream world. Dad has a set of spare keys, so I need not worry about opening the door in the middle of the night. My brother was already fast asleep in the bedroom next door.


    I walk along with my parents on a deserted road. Something about the atmosphere was screaming danger but I put my meaningless thoughts away. My parents are going to shield me from every danger. Dad will protect me. My conscience was on all the time. I turn beside and suddenly note the losing form of my mother. There was an arrow pierced on her chest and she gradually sumbed to the floor.


    I reach her with tearing eyes as she mumbles almost inaudible. Take care of your little brother, my princess.¡± I looked at my father for help but a bullet already pierced his chest and he was losing his conscience. ¡°You need to be bold and stay strong for your brother, my princess.¡± He repeats the words of mom in a dim voice and closes his eyespletely. I gaze at the resting form of my mother. Holding her hands in mine I urge her to wake up but she wouldn¡¯t budge, there was not even a movement.


    Holding my breath I get out of the bed like a zombie.What sort of a terrorizing dream was that?Calm down Merlyn. Everything is going to be fine.My face was covered in sweat. Looking at the mirror in front of me I wash my face in the wash basin and rush to my parent¡¯s bedroom to find their bed empty. Walking ahead, my eyes capture the wall clock hanging on one of the walls. The clock struck exactly two in the night.Why is it taking so long for my parents to reach back home?I checked on the adjacent bedroom and Vance was sleeping peacefully drooling on his pillow. I shake my head looking at my little brother with a smile and pull the nket to his chest.


    No sooner do I reach my bedroom, I hear my phone beeping. ¡°Yes this is Merlyn James speaking.¡± I answer the call. The voice on the other line was in a rush. ¡°Miss, we are speaking to you from Breach Candy hospital. Mr and Mrs James are admitted in the hospital for an ident. You are requested to reach the hospital at the earliest as we are supposed to perform some urgent tests on your parents which require your immediate consent.¡±


    My throat felt dry, unable to register the information the woman gave me in a rush. ¡°What? Are you dialing the right number?¡± I ask her going half insane. ¡°Come and check for yourself mam.¡± She replies morosely and I became pale in a matter of moments. Grabbing my cell phone and some cash for emergency purposes I ran to my car as fast as my feet could carry. I reached the hospital within half an hour and rushed to the receptionist enquiring about my parents. She stered a fake smile over her face and told me to meet Dr Trivedi.


    I scampered to Dr Trident¡¯s cabin in haste and knocked my leg at the door in the process. ¡°Careful youngdy¡­¡± The grey haired man looked in between his sses, raising his head slightly from his desk filled with papers. He looks at me nodding his head in eptance and beckons me toe in. ¡°How is my parents doctor?¡± My throat goes to a constriction as I enquire about their ident. Adjusting his ck rimmed sses, the doctor assessed me carefully. He asked me to take a seat and handed me a ss of water. As I sip the first drop of water the aged man stares ahead and looks at my quizzical. I got the hint and told him that I was the only one toe and visit my parents and we did not have any rtives in New York. He hesitated at first to speak and I was on the verge of getting an anxiety attack. My lips start trembling as I take small sips of water from the ss. Understanding my braced state, he starts speaking.


    ¡°I am sorry child. We could not save your mother. She was brought dead to the hospital.¡± He halted his lines for a second to decipher my reaction. Emotions drained out of myself as I stared at the doctor motionless. Being old and experienced he understood my shaking stature. Patting my shoulder he gazes at me in a fatherly affection and gives me a pep talk. After I regained myposure, he continued to speak softly. ¡°Child, I am sorry that you had to cognize this dreadful incident at such a young age but your father is in no better status. He has broken ribs, a fractured knee and a major head injury. Presently he is in aa. Though we would always pray for the best to happen to him, I am sorry that we cannot guarantee you about his life.¡±Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°The vehicle your dad was driving was not covered under a security so I regret to inform you the insurance would not be covering for the damages. It was a drunk and drive case, an exhibition of sheer negligence from the other side. Today¡¯s youth¡­¡± He shakes his head odious. The driver of the other car was dered brought dead. We still do not have any information about his family for you to impensation though he appears to be from a well to do background. Dr Hance is handling the case. You can speak to him and¡­ ¡°He contemtes thoughtful watching me but continues to be resilient. ¡°If you want to im for the damages.¡± I stare at the doctor nkly devoid of any emotions. I had no words to speak. My rationality stopped functioning and the world around me came to a halt. I dragged my feet to my parent¡¯s room shaking unperceivable and cried my heart out.

 Chapter 8

    Stephen¡¯s POV


    It¡¯s been more than a month since Mr Luke died. Hisst 15 days were torturous for him as well as for the people to see him suffer. He would copse in a glimpse of an eye as for the growing tumour in his brain. However he continued to work with endurance in spite of my repeated requests for him to take leave.


    After Mr Luke left this world, the ountancy work began to pile up in my firm. There were so many applications reaching our enterprise tempted for the high sries we offer but there was hardly any prospective candidate who could manage theplicated ounts of our multteral firm. Our purchase executive who is an ountancy postgraduate is presently dealing with the numbers but I know he wouldn¡¯t be able to manage for long because of the growing requirement for an ounts professional. Apart from taking care of purchase ledgers Mr Benjamin is a prospective employee of ourpany to grab the next promotion of being chief operation officer of thepany. I am getting more frustrated with each passing day. The interviews conducted duringst week too failed miserably.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°Hey brother! What¡¯s the n for today? It¡¯s been Friday evening man and time to chill and enjoy. Come let¡¯s go to a club and loosen up.¡± My brother sited with excitement. I thought about the proposal and waved a green g to him. ¡°Let¡¯s catch up at Ram¡¯s.¡± Eros beams.


    I went home after work, showered and dressed myself in denim jeans and a white T-shirt. Applying a little bit of gel to my ck hair I was perfectly dressed for the weekend chill. I sprayed my favourite perfume and looked at myself in the mirror to check myself. All set I jumped into my ck Ferrari and drove off to my favourite nightclub which I also owned ¡°The Rams.¡±


    I went to the bar to grab a ss of Tequ and drowned myself with alcohol when my brother interrupted me. ¡°Hey bro! Be a little slow or you will drop down.¡± I just looked at him with dripped eyes and a blonde came to me swaying her hips. I decided to taste her and waved a hand to my brother taking the woman to one of the five stars hotels that I owned.


    At around 2:00 am in the night, I got a call. The person on the other line spoke ¡°Hello we are speaking from Breach Candy hospital. Am I speaking to Mr Stephen Collomen?¡± I answered in the affirmative when the receptionist of the hospital told me that my brother had been admitted in the hospital for an ident on drunk driving.


    Within ten minutes I was in the hospital along with my parentsforting my mom who had almost turned hysterical after looking at the motionless form of my brother. Dad was trying to console mom when he was breaking too. The doctor entered the room and I followed him out to know the health status of my brother.


    Making a note of my anxiousness he appraised, my brother had meagre chances to survive with a multiple organ failure because of the ident. My legs became shaky as I learned about the crucial veracity. Dropping myself to the chair I listen to the doctor¡¯s diction wrecked in a chaos. I was losing all my sanity at the moment.I am the person responsible for my brother¡¯s death.The naked truth was torturing me to odds and ends. Had I been vignt on my drinks and used my rationality on choosing my brother over a whore, my brother would have been alive today.


    I let my brother drive the car in his half conscious state because I had sumbed to carnal pleasures. I chose an unbound woman over my brother. My eyes go moistened, suffering the guilt. Making a lone imusible decision had cost me a sin of perpetuity which changed my life forever.How long am I to suffer the weight loss of my brother?The doctor looked at me with consoling eyes, patting my shoulder. He left the room giving me the privacy that was most required for the moment but before his departure I had one question to ask him.


    ¡°Doctor, I want to have the details of the family that lost its kith and kin in the ident of my brother.¡±


    May be I could amend some of my sins by helping the deranged family.

 Chapter 9

    Stephen¡¯s POV


    Eros left this world and it has been more than a week since the most sorrowful event of our lives ured. Mom went into a state of depression hardly speaking to anyone and was starving herself to death. If this continues for long, I fear that I may lose my mom along with my brother. I spoke to a few psychiatrists about her and now she is on medication. Dad asked me to stay in their house for the time being till she recovers and we are doing our best to get her out of the cataclysmic situation.


    I made it a point, after I came home from the office to spend some time with mom in discussing her day. It is not that she speaks much but she still gives me an answer in monosybles. I am happy she is steadily improving in her health.


    Dad now frequently takes her out, sometimes to a park, temples and even to watch movies which my parents hadn¡¯t done since more than a decade. Yesterday I saw her smiling to dad for one of the stupid jokes he created specially for her. It was a huge sign of improvement and I am d I could share the glee.


    The work in the office continued to be a challenge especially pertaining to the loggerheads of the ounts department. Tomorrow is the final interview I am going to take. Mr Xavier had already shortlisted two candidates from yesterday¡¯s interview and I hope I will now breathe a sigh of relief.


    I tried to find out from the hospital the details of the family that was unfortunately a part of my brother¡¯s ident but couldn¡¯t get a fruitful result. The family wasn¡¯t willing to share any of their information with us. Through the sources, I came to know that the car, which is now reduced to a trash can, belonged to a middle aged couple. The woman died on the spot and was dered dead to the hospital. Her spouse suffers serious injuries and is now in aa. The medical team handling the case ascertains the survival chances for him are very bleak.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Guilt once again consumes me as I am indirectly responsible for the family¡¯s downfall. The victim survives with a daughter and son. I was most willing to help them but was informed the daughter, older among the two siblings, doesn¡¯t want any financial help from a stranger though she is still a student and not a breadwinner. I wonder what the reason could be?


    My life went topsy-turvy within a split of a second. Heavy work in the office, followed byplications in the house makes my head go heavy. My body craves for an immediate release but staying in my parents house that was not possible. I couldn¡¯t grab a drink nor bring a girl to offload my stress. Dipping my head down over the sink in the washroom I sprinkle water on my tired face.


    A couple of minutester my receptionist knocked the door informing me that the short listed candidates from yesterday¡¯s interview were waiting for my appointment in the waiting area. I asked her to send the interviewees inside and within a few seconds there was a knock at my door.


    After half an hour of blowing my head with both the applicants, the result was ¨C I wouldn¡¯t select either of them. Boiled to the core with the useless drill, I badly required an exit. I told my receptionist I would return shortly and entered the smoking zone. After smoking two cigarettes one after another my mind was finally able to take a break.

 Chapter 10

    Merlyn POV


    I was devastated after I heard the news about the death of my mother from the doctor. Sucking in the remaining tears I moved to my father¡¯s bed. Holding his feeble hands in mine I spoke solemnly. ¡°Dad, I lost my mom but I am not letting you go. Things may go out of my control at times, but I promise I will stay the course and get you back from the clutches of death.¡± Bringing his hand to my lips I kissed softly and cried the hell out.


    Next day morning I woke up with sun rays beaming from the window. My eyes were red and puffy with excessive crying and my feet wouldn¡¯t allow me to stand as my body was cramped everywhere sitting motionless beside the bed of my father but with a willpower of a soldier and a determination in my mind I rose to the asion to meet the doctor who treats my dad. I asked him the details of the cost of treatment and the surgery of my father. The police came and asked for my statement to register an FIR for imposition of charges on drunk and drive treaty.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    A couple of hourster I got a call from Dr Trident. The man who was responsible for my parent¡¯s ident seems to be from an influential family. Dr Trident told me, the family was ready to offer support to our family and any amount of finances my dad would require for his treatment if I would take back my case.


    Going home I told my brother about everything making a heart of steel. I hugged him tightly and allowed him to cry till his tears dried out but did not let a drop of water fall from my eyes. I need to be brave for my family and I will be the pir that they badly require to hold on. Going to my room and closing my eyes, I evaluated the pros and cons of my actions.


    Was I going to set free the family who is responsible for my family¡¯s breakdown and all the turmoil in my life for the sake of money?


    or


    Should I fight for the justice of my family, the person because of whom I lost my mom and my father who is fighting the battle of his life?


    An hourter I was clear with all my apprehensions. I went to the police station and filed my case.A person¡¯s action is the causatum of his parent¡¯s upheaval. What kind of parents are they who cannot teach their son the basic principles of life? I lost my mom and my father in a life and death situation because of a daredevil¡¯s recklessness and I believe his parents and family should suffer the same for nurturing an unscrupulous person into this world.


    After filing the FIR, I went to the bank to have a detailed statement about the amount of liquid funds, assets our family holds and how far they will be able to reach for my dad¡¯s medical and surgical procedures. After analyzing our financial position, I couldprehend, all our fixed and liquid funds would be written offplying with my dad¡¯s treatment including the house we own and the only way to keep our heads out of water is to work my butt off saying goodbye for my studies.


    The situation was hell frightening but I was resolute to explore light from shallows of darkness.I opened the daily newspaper which held vacancy positions avable in the city. One of which caught my attention.


    And the challenging days kept repeating. I couldn¡¯t find any job. It felt like there was some evil power that wasn¡¯t allowing me to support my family and two monthster I found out, the billionaire whose brother killed my parents was not allowing me to find any employment.


    He had an influence everywhere. The cops were his pets and that¡¯s why they are not allowing me to reach the culprit¡¯s family. The billionaire is his older brother who wouldn¡¯t allow his reputation to get damaged at any cost.


    Just then I got a call from the hospital. My dad¡¯s situation was serious. He urgently required an organ recement surgery but unfortunately I had no money for his treatment.


    I requested the doctors to take care of him and I will arrange the money from anywhere under the sun even if it meant selling myself. But none of my requests worked.


    Two dayster, my father breathed hisst. Hisst request for me was, me and my brother to leave for my aunt¡¯s ce. He took a promise from me that I will not make any probe on the ident¡¯s case because the other party seemed to be very powerful and affluent.


    Before leaving the world he shared his dream with me that I marry a good natured guy and settle down peacefully in life forgetting everything about the past and leaving it as a part of fate.


    *****¡±


    Was Merlyn happy with what her father chose for her? Could she leave the billionaire unscratched and unexposed to the world of his vice? His brother hadmitted a sin by going drunk and killing her parents. But the older billionaire brother was more evil. He buries his brother¡¯s crime for upholding the reputation of his business and family and didn¡¯t allow her to fetch a job anywhere which made her dad lose his life. Indirectly he is as much a murderer of her parents as the younger brother is!.

 Chapter 11

    Stephen¡¯s POV


    Work was sprawled on my ss desk in the form of various documents requiring my attention. My personal assistant came inside the room after a knock.


    ¡°Sir, the private investigator Mr John wants to meet you.¡± An unweing intuition raced inside my heart. John often called before he came to my office and most importantly it was unlikely that he would disturb me when I¡¯m at work. But today he had failed both his routine practices which said the situation was grave and immediately required my attention.


    I looked through my Rolex and noted, I just had ten minutes of time before I head to my next meeting. It was crucial congress that was mandatory about our new expansion project at Dubai. Mypany was spreading its wings and now to other countries too. What was the thing which was so important that John wanted to meet me this urgent? ¡°Send him in!¡± Imanded my personal assistant.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Sir, I¡¯m sorry to disturb you at work but this is the information of pivotal importance. Since the day after your brother¡¯s ident and you ordered me to pursue the case my eyes stayed vignt and had been guarding everywhere including the police and judicial custody.¡±


    I nodded leaning back on the high ss executive chair. ¡°Take a seat John.¡±


    He wiped the droplets sweat covering his forehead pulling out the handkerchief from his pant pocket. I looked at the air conditioning of the room and found it was good and before I could ask him the reason for his anxiety, he started speaking. ¡°Sir, I am sorry to say this. But justice prevails with the other party. And we have to be cautious that the actual reason for the ident doesn¡¯t leak out to the paparazzi which endangers the reputation of Radiance Industries.¡±


    My legs took me up from the chair in their own ord. I got up from my seat in a rage and stamped my palm on the ss desk before me. ¡°That should not happen at any cost. Give the girl whatever she desires for, to keep her lips sealed. She is not going to open her mouth before the media at any cost. They are after all a middle ss family. How dare she?¡±


    He had been a friend of mine and helping in thepany¡¯s cases for over a decade. John for the first time in our professional rtionship dares to stop me between my sentences. It felt insulting But at the same time it was like a warning of something very uneptable and perilous about to happen.


    ¡°Sir, these middle sses are the most dangerous people. They refuse to get sold for money as they are people with a lot of self esteem. The girl did not ept the money though we offered her a fortune, a property in prime locality of Minneapolis, her home town along with the stack of notes filled in a briefcase she wouldn¡¯t have ever seen or ever imagined in her life. But she refused to surrender. On the contrary she demanded justice for the death of her parents.¡± I shut off the air conditioner and opened the window, to light a cigarette.


    ¡°Though we tried to stop her, she filed an FIR with the police. We are just one shot away to get exposed to the paparazzi. With a lot of persuasion I stopped the police from investigating her parents¡¯ case but I doubt if we could stop them for long. The corporal seems to be a sincere man.¡±


    ¡°Damn it! Then kill her.¡± It did not take me a second to announce my decision. I am ready to pay whatever cost it takes to bury this case under the age-old pending cases in court diaries. Nobody can dare to meddle with the reputation of my family and business. My mother is sick and this stupid ass woman dare not prickle with the sensitivity of the situation I am in.¡±Sir?¡± John was taken aback by the sudden unexpected storm that came out of me. He stared at me bbergasted for more moments but I was in no form to take upon his mood swings. ¡°I said bloody kill her.¡±


    He cleared his throat, preparing himself to face the crucial situation which may probably also cost him his job. ¡°Sir, your decision might pull us deeper into this oasis. As such we are in a lot of trouble now. As a business man of international reputation you must take your decisions judiciously.¡±


    How dare he? This guy worth two pennies tries to give me advise? ¡°Then what are we going to do now?¡± I was two ticks away to lose my sanity.


    *****


    Four years had passed since her parents left the world. Merlyn avoided visiting the graveyard. She was that sort of a person who would suffer a breakdown whenever she would visit the burial of her parents.


    The doctors called it emotional stress and exhaustion. Pathetic her boyfriend Max called. Though she knew he was a womanizer somehow Max had won 10/10 marks in behavior and manners before her uncle and aunt and uncle Peter wanted her to marry Max by any means before December when she would finish her graduation in physiotherapy.


    Just like her dad instrucructed she had been staying in her aunt¡¯s ce with her brother. Her aunt was like a caring mother to her and her brother. And uncle Peter was no less in showering affection though he was not blood rted.


    Both aunt Hana and uncle Peter were childless and they brought up her and her brother like their own children.


    She was finally there, all alone, gathering up all her courage to pay her final respects to her parents before she joined the physiotherapy college in California.


    Merlyn stood on very sodden soil, constantly having to move her feet, listening to the incessant quenching mor her ck boots made in contact with the mire. She repeated the annoying movement over and over, in order to stop them being consumed into the ground. The very ground that held her dad and mom for thest seven years.


    All the while, she was struggling to choke back the tears, which threatened to fall. Continuously she rubbed her hands together, to keep them warm. Although it was August, the weather was obviously unempathetic and probably had the same thoughts and emotions as her. The skies continued to darken over and slowly one after the other, rain drops fell in a ck deluge.


    Merlyn wrapped in a heavy coat dwelling in her grief. Audibly sighing, her eyes ran over and over the words on the headstone. Samuel James Born 31/10/66 Died 31/10/09. Beside it was her mother¡¯s Rachel James Born 13/7/69 Died 29/09/09.


    Her eyes repeatedly blinked to curtail the tears reading the date 31/10/09. It was her birthday, the same day her father died because of a certain someone, whose unknown face kept haunting her dreams till the date. She hated people who are rich.


    cing a bouquet of roses on each of the head stones, Merlyn caught her breath, trying to swallow the sob. She looked up to the sky and watched the clouds travel unhurriedly over her head. Closing her eyes, the droplets fell; they hit her face and grouped together, finally running down her neck in rivulets.


    The sadness she felt matched with the climate. In a way it was good nobody could find out the amount of tears her eyes shed in the memory of her parents.


    From behind her, two hands came forward. They gently rubbed up and down her arms, trying to formte a soothing sensation ¡°Sweetheart, you know we are here for you, don¡¯t you?¡¯ The gentle voice of her aunt came through to her.


    She turned to her, her aunt and uncle collected her in their arms. They stood, clustered together for several minutes before the tomb of her parents.


    ¡°Come on, Merlyn,¡± she heard her brother speaking who stood beside uncle Peter. He was lucky, too young to remember anything. All he knew were their aunt and uncle who brought them up like their own children.


    Uncle Peter pulled her tight against his side. ¡°Let¡¯s go home, honey. We need to take a flight and go back to Newyork. Don¡¯t you remember yourst minute packing to the college is still left?¡±

 Chapter 12

    Walking under the shower Igot dressed quickly when he got the call from his secretary that his private jet was ready. He just wished his business tour to Minneapolis would be a sess. Half an hour of flying he could hear the announcement that got him to tenterhooks at the same time with unsurmountable rage. ¡®Hello, Mr Collomen.¡± The captain greeted him. ¡°I¡¯ve just gotten word of a massive snowstorm brewing right in our path.¡±


    Stephen resisted the urge to curse, shutting hisptop as all electronics needed to be put away. ¡®This snowstorm is grounding all flights to their nearest airports,¡± the captain said. ¡®As it stands now, Wichita, Kansas is our current destination.¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡®Of course, this would happen. Of all the days for this to ur, it had to happen just before the biggest business meeting of the year. For thest whole week he had been forcing himself and his employees for the presentation that would alter the course of hispany¡¯s future, bringing him to the highest high, and it was about to be obliterated by some snowkes.


    ¡®Wichita, Kansas¡¯ a desperate sluggish grin crossed him in sarcasm. ¡®Was this pilot kidding?¡¯ That was easily a ten-hour drive for his final destination, and if that was without the snow. His entire body tightened as the ne started descending.


    Much to his dismay, he gave a call to his right hand man at Minneapolis just in case he could get there on time. All of his ns were jeopardized because of the weather. He could feel his jaw growing taut with anger as the flight descended into Wichita, Kansas.


    There were meagre to no chances for the flight reschedule and he couldn¡¯t take the risk. He was going to head straight for the car rental kiosk and drive the next ten hours into Minneapolis.

 Chapter 13

    He quickly made his way towards the exit when a rush of air passed him by and he was hit in the face by a flutter of brown hair before the woman in question stumbled.


    She crashed into a flight attendant, almost knocking her over. The clumsy woman muttered a pathetic apology before she tore out of the runway exit.


    He shook at her in regret and got his CFO on the phone and told him about his predicament, letting him know he would send him hisst-minute notes when he could hook up to the inte. He reassured him he would make it to the charity ball no matter what, but didn¡¯t want him to assume he would make it to the meeting.


    Getting to the rental kiosk, there was a familiarwoman standing in front of him talking quite loudly with the man at the desk. She kept asking him question after question, interrupting him before he could answer. Apparently, manners were not this woman¡¯s forte.


    ¡®I can help whoever¡¯s next.¡± The other attendant at the kiosk announced.


    ¡®Ah, yes, I will need a car.¡± Stephen announced with his hand tucked inside his pants pocket.


    ¡®Any particr kind?¡± Her voice was smooth and soft, as gentle that it could be.


    ¡®The best that I could get. I¡¯ll be traveling all the way to Minneapolis.¡± There was an undeniablemand and domination in his tone for a billionaire businessman that he was.


    While he dug out his license for the clerk¡¯s perusal, the woman¡¯s voice beside him continued, now with an increase in volume. ¡®Please, I just need the cheapest car you have.¡±


    ¡®Ma¡¯am, this card¡¯s been declined. Do you have another?¡± The male clerk politely asked.


    ¡®Sir, do you have proof of insurance?¡± The woman asked him.


    ¡®Ah, yes, I do. Just give me a second.¡±


    ¡®This is some crazy weather, very unlike Kansas. This ce always had the best climate. Unfortunately now¡­¡± The attendant at the kiosk said to him with a twist of her lips.


    ¡®I wouldn¡¯t know. This is my first time in this state.¡± He said as a matter of fact hastily waiting for the four lines to be seen on his phone.


    ¡®Oh, are you staying for a spell?¡± she asked. Was she kidding? He was renting a car and headed to Minneapolis. He wasn¡¯t up there for some crazy bullshit. All he wanted was to get on the road, reach to a ce that had reliable inte ess, and get his CFO online.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, this card¡¯s been declined, too,¡± the male attendant said to the pathetic woman.


    ¡®Are you joking with me?¡± she asked him rudely though he was very polite to her.


    He looked over at the frazzled woman with the head of brown hair and shook his head. Maybe if she stopped spending all her money on those expensive hair treatments and that beautiful coat she had on, she¡¯d be able to afford her own emergencies. It was people like that who made his skin crawl. People who recklessly spent their money, wasted their time and thenined about not having things when they needed them the most.


    ¡®Well, Mr. Collomen you have the best luck.¡± The woman at the desk said with a full blown smile.


    ¡®I thought I recognized you, by the way.¡± She winked at him and it took all he had not to groan in her face.


    ¡®There is one luxury car left,¡± she said with joy as if she was the one who was going to travel in it.


    ¡®It¡¯s a 2022 Gordon Murray T. 50. Fully loaded with heated seats to get you through this chilly weather. Does that sound eptable?¡± She asked enthusiastically, pping her hands.


    ¡®Sounds just fine, I¡¯ll need it for a week.¡± He added.


    ¡®Let me just enter all this information into theputer and-¡± She began to type on the system.


    ¡®What do you mean there aren¡¯t any cars left?!¡± The woman beside him yelled. She looked like she was just two ticks away from crying, and it took all of his patience that he would not speak up and say something to her that would make her tear up. Did she not realize the bother she was being?


    The absolute least she could do was own up to her mary mistakes that got her there and take her hysterics somewhere where no one would be bothered. She had no right to subject the rest of the travelers to her antics.


    ¡®I¡¯m very sorry, ma¡¯am,¡± the man said as he handed her back her card. Stephen felt sorry for him, in all honesty.


    He signed a few signatures before the women, who handed him the keys. And just as they hit the palm of his hand, the woman at his side burst into tears.


    ¡®Where are you headed, sweetheart?¡± The man who earlier told her the card didn¡¯t work, asked.


    Stephen was d his work finished soon. He picked up his things and started to head away from the desk. He needed to get out of this situation and away from that hysterical woman as soon as possible.


    She was grating on his nerves, with her tears and her cards and her hair that whipped around in everyone¡¯s face.


    His nose was still burning from where she thwacked him with it earlier, and all he wanted was for his ass to hit those heated seats before he settled into the ten-hour drive ahead of him.


    But her answer to the man at the desk stopped him in his tracks. Fuck! ¡®Burnsville, Minnesota,¡±


    He looked over at the woman behind the desk, and she shot him a smile. ¡®Oh, no, not that one¡¯.


    He knew very well what she was thinking. All that idiotic Christmas cheer was filling her cheeks. He hated this time of year and hated festivals. He hated how people were guilted into doing nice things forplete strangers for the sake of a holiday. He was brought up in a boarding school, where there were no visitors, no emotions, no rtives and thankfully no holidays. Initially he hated it but slowly as he learnt things in life, he felt that it was the best that could have happened to him where he wouldn¡¯t have to bubble up to meaningless rtionships and people.


    ¡®Well, with it being Christmas and all, maybe there¡¯s someone here that wouldn¡¯t mind sharing his vehicle.¡± The woman said, eyeing him requestingly.


    He wanted to burn a hole in each of her eyes for the bashful situation she was subjecting him to.


    And then the most uneptable thing happened. He could feel the hysterical woman¡¯s eyes on him. Those big, icy blue eyes that matched Barbie¡¯s eyes.


    Something quipped in him against his interest. There was something in the woman and he hated it.


    The man behind the counter was looking at him, his lips curled up into a cheerful grin.


    It could easily be deciphered that he recognized him because of the way his eyes began to sparkle, and he realized he had been cornered. Fucking hell!


    If he refused to help this woman, it would reflect badly on hispany. The next day he would be everywhere in the newspapers.


    Holy shit! He hated the holidays.


    ¡®Hi¡± The woman said sniffing but with a grin as bright as it would light theplete world.


    ¡°I am¡­..¡± There was a pause ¡°Selina¡± this time it was a stic smile.


    ¡®What? Didn¡¯t she trust him?¡¯ The way she was looking, it said she did not recognize him and he was happy to note that.


    Let her fuck off, not trusting him. He would be more than happy to create such questions for her regarding him.


    But, he wasn¡¯t in the best of his luck for the day. ¡°Are you going in the direction of Minnesota, by any chance?¡±


    Her voice was light and breathy, and he wasn¡¯t sure if it was intentional or not. Yet it sounded innocent.


    Thest thing he needed was having someone with him throughout the trip. He hatedpany and abhorred people who couldn¡¯t financially keep themselves afloat and depended upon others to satisfy their whims and fancies in the name of festivals and holidays.


    ¡°I am,¡± He said, sighing, praying for nature the final time for a chance to get rid of the woman.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    But s! Therees the words that he hated the most. ¡®Would it be possible for me to catch a ride with you?¡±


    Everything inside of him screamed negative but could he? The kiosk clerks¡¯ eyes were on him, and the woman was staring at him in expectation with her massive blue eyes.


    All he wanted to do was turn around and get in his car. Being unnecessarily polite to  ipetent strangers was taking away all his patience but to blow out and get ahead of the storm. However, if he denied to help this woman, his grinch-like nature would be front page news, and the meeting wouldn¡¯t mean a damn thing. No one wants to do business with a cold hearted, insensitive man who hated to help people in need because that was exactly how the media would spin it for him.


    ¡®Where in Minnesota are you headed?¡± He asked her stoically.


    ¡®Burnsville,¡± the woman shouted with cheer, her eyes sparkling like a 1000 watt candle. But when he was insensitive to her emotions, her smile slightly lessened and she replied keeping her feelings in check. ¡°You can drop me off anywhere. Even if I could just get to the border of the state, I could catch a taxi or something.¡±


    Burnsville. Of course, she¡¯d be heading to a town that was practically on the way to Minneapolis. The ce where he has got both good and bad memories, the ce in which she once resided, the ce in which his parents resided for more than five decades, the ce to which his ancestral home still stays and his mom always calls toe home for Christmas.


    A part of him told to visit his mom. He had not seen his parents for thest five years. If he arrives home his mom would be very happy. But rtionshipse withmitments and responsibilities and he hated them. He hadn¡¯t informed his mom that he would be traveling to Minneapolis on business work.


    His dad knows. Being in mafia, both of them together deal with certain things but he knows his preferences and keeps his lips sealed before his mom unless it is of utmost importance.


    It would be nothing for him to drop thedy off in the area to which she was going, but that meant he had to put up with her attitude and her presence for the next ten hours. Was that something he could do? And for that matter, did he even have a choice?


    ¡®Please?¡± she asked.


    And something triggered in him looking into those unsullied puppy blues. He better not watch them from next time. They reminded him of someone, he shouldn¡¯t.


    ¡®I won¡¯t be a bother. I promise.¡± He very well knew that was a lie, but he could see the face of the clerks changing.


    The man was already on his phone and typing out something, and rm bells started going off in his head. He had no escape but to embrace the unwanted situation before it gets worse.


    ¡®I¡¯ll give you a ride,¡± He said, faking a smile.


    ¡°Oh, my gosh. Are you serious? Thank you!¡±


    ¡®No need to overreact, woman. I know you cornered me here with no escape.¡¯ ¨C He cursed under his breath.


    She ran at him and threw her arms around him holding him close. He stiffened. He didn¡¯t do physical contact. Except the direct thing. Nope, nope, nope.


    He stood there and tried to back away from her, clutching the car keys as well as his carry-on bag. But somewhere weirdly he loved her hug. It felt like¡­. home.


    With hisptop slung to his body in a bag he smiled at the two clerks while the woman gathered her things. She kept dropping her never ending stuff into the trunk and all he could do was only groan inside. She was loud, she was clumsy, and she was a hugger but weirdly there was something in him for her that he surely did not like. This was going to be a long trip.

 Chapter 14

    For the amount of problems Merlyn suffered in thest six months, she hardly thought she would make it home.


    Merlyn entered the California university through a merit schrship. The college fees were taken care of under the schrship program. But she had to cater for her boarding and lodging. Merlyn earned while writing notes to the physically challenged.


    It was thest day when she was supposed to submit her assignment and she was runningte. So she asked her roommate to deposit the money to the t owner in the bank. But her roommate was a cheater and ran away with her money. The t owner sent her an eviction notice. Merlyn did not have any other way. She had to pawn everything that was with her including herptop to discharge the room rent.


    Many of her friends called her roommate a betrayer who did drugs by stealing money from people but Merlyn did not believe any of them for the kind nature she was blessed with. Ultimately she had to taste the bitter fruit of her generosity. By the end of the semester in spite of her hard work she was penniless. But thankfully it was herst month of graduation. Thus as soon as she finished her examinations she could run home.


    Borrowing some money from her friends she bought a flight ticket and now here she was all muddled up and in chaos.


    She could have called her uncle or aunt but for the financial doldrums they are already in, it was not ethical to trouble them more. With the little fortune her parents left for her, Merlyn and her brother¡¯s basic necessities like food, clothing and a part of education could be met.


    *****


    She couldn¡¯t believe the man epted to take her home in his car. With an enthusiasm overpowering her she gathered up her things to reach the car trunk.


    Merlyn tried to keep up with the man, but his long stride put him farther and farther ahead of her. His shoulders were stiff and jaw was tense. He smoothly slid his bag into the trunk telling of the way he lived his life with not a thing out of its ce. Every action had a purpose behind it and he wouldn¡¯t speak until required.


    Finally she could have a chance to hear him. ¡°Get into the car.¡± His voice was smooth but dark. He had jet ck hair, and his brown eyes sparkled even in the dimness of the snowstorm.


    ¡°I can drive. I am an expert in driving on snow.¡± She mentally patted her shoulder for her excellency in driving and grinned, extending her hand to take the keys for the drive.


    He turned his gaze towards her and she could tell he wasn¡¯t amused. Rude. Without saying anything, he reached up with his long arm and shut the trunk before wrapping around to the driver¡¯s side of the car.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    She internally shook her head at him. He was impolite, reserved and insensitive. She wondered why he offered her a ride. For the personality she was slowly getting to know about him, these kinds of people wouldn¡¯t even blink an eye to help others.


    Nevertheless, count it on her lucky stars that he decided to help her. She bounced around to the other side of the car and got on in.


    She pulled off her scarf and unbuttoned her coat. By the time they were pulling out of the airport parking lot, her ass was heating up. ¡®Oh, these are those fancy seats that keep the bum all toasty warm.¡± She couldn¡¯t stop asking in excitement.


    ¡®Yes,¡± that was the only word he spoke and they rode in silence for many more minutes. Even though the seat was hot underneath, his cold demeanor shivered her to her bones. His face was stoic while he stared out of the windshield of the car.


    Traveling with the man seemed to be more difficult than she thought. But all¡¯s well that ends well. She was finally reaching home for Christmas, Merlyn tried to cheer herself and started wondering about the man. Who was he? What did he do for a living? What happened to him in another lifetime made him look like a robot, that he was so stiff with people.


    Maybe she had to peel awayyers of his stoical self and finally would get to see the smile hidden underneath. But before she could start up a conversation, the engine began to burp and with a heavy upload the car stopped.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Again there was no response. ¡®The car tank should be full,¡± Ans said as she leaned back into the seat guessing the problem.


    ¡®Do you want me to call the rentalpany?¡± She looked up at him, and as expected there was no response except his gaze that was too hard on her Stephen.


    She quickly sat up in her seat, watching as he slid out of the car. He left her sitting in the car without asking her if she wanted anything. What kind of a man was he who would offer a ride and then not give a damn about anything else? Was he trying to save his face from the people working at the car kiosk? What did those people mean to him?


    She sat back and sighed, allowing her eyes to close with the warmth of the seat. ¡®Merlyn take a deep breath, men like these shouldn¡¯t affect you. She needed to see good things in life. In spite of suffering so much she was still going back home.¡¯ ¨C She tried to boost her morale.


    She watched out the window while the clouds began to cover up what was left of the dying sun. The thick smell of coffee reached her nostrils as he opened the door.


    She would have just loved one such cup in the chilly weather but she couldn¡¯t afford it.


    He unlocked the fuel tank and poured the fuel in it. His long arm flipped to the door of the bo and fluidly ran his hand there as if he had been treating cars for decades. Before she could reach him he closed the bo and hissed with the burning sensation.


    ¡°What did you do?¡± She came around and held his arm in hers which had a light red mark on his thumb.


    He stiffened, he doesn¡¯t do any sort of physical contact and distanced himself before he removed his arm resting in hers.


    But Merlyn was stubborn, she would just not ept the man to be in trouble who helped her. She opened her handbag, took out an ointment and gently rubbed it on the burnt skin before she cleaned the area with water.


    Stephen kept staring at her as she addressed his injury. ¡°You know when you are traveling, you should always carry a first-aid kit with you for emergency purposes.¡±


    ¡°I did not n for my private jet to go grounded.¡± He grilled his teeth. Nevertheless there was a part of him that was willing to confess ¨C The woman wasn¡¯t so much a menace as he thought.

 Chapter 15

    He shifted gears and pulled out onto the road, and soon, the tension filled the car again. Merlyn looked over at him, studying the way he drove. He drove as rigidly as he looked. His hands were at ten and two on the steering wheel and he was trying hard not to cross the speed limit.


    His ck hair was parted perfectly to the side and scooped away from his forehead, enhancing the sternness of his gaze, despite the boyish charm of his bright, brown eyes. Merlyn could bet with anyone in the world that he hardly smiled in just the few minutes that they met. But if anyone could seed in making himugh his eyes would sparkle with joy like the crackers during new year.


    The more silent he was, the more curious she became to know about him. ¡®So, who¡¯s waiting for you on the other end of this trip?¡± She asked but it was as good as talking to a wall. He flickered his gaze over towards her but didn¡¯t say a word.


    ¡®My aunt and uncle are waiting for me. They¡¯re excited. I alwayse home to them during the vacation.¡± She said in enthusiasm.


    Unlike what she expected, there was no response. ¡®With whom do you spend your weekends or vacation?¡± She asked.


    ¡®I work even during weekends and do not go for a vacation.¡± he said ndly.


    The information startled her. ¡°You¡­ you don¡¯t take leave even on weekends?¡± She asked, puzzled. ¡®Are you serious?¡±C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    His face remained stoic, and his lips didn¡¯t budge. ¡°There are more than half the people in the world who do not have money to spend for holidays and weekends and they do not celebrate festivals.¡± He grunted in his breath.


    ¡°You do have a bit of humor in you?¡± She giggled and said much to his resentment.


    What kind of woman is this who cannot differentiate between seriousness and a joke? ¡°I was not joking. Why do you giggle every time? You asked me a question, and I answered it.¡± He said to her in irritation.


    ¡°Well, Burnsville is the ce where I grew up. But after my parents died¡­¡± She sighed blinking continuously to restrain her tears. There was no way she was going to show her weakness to a stranger.


    He flipped his head towards her all at once. Till then he was angry but somehow seeing the sorrow in her eyes, struck a nerve in him.


    She was just a co-traveler with him. After this ten hour drive both of them are going to part ways and he was never going to see her again. Yet there was feeling in him that he hated to ept which was empathetic towards her.


    ¡°My brother and I shifted to Newyork where my aunt and uncle lived. Ipleted my schooling there and after I got admission in California university to do my graduation in Physiotherapy, I shifted there and now I¡¯ming back to my hometown afterpleting my education.¡± She smiled, twiddling with her thumbs.


    Stephen could read people¡¯s psychology like the back of his hand. Well that is how he became a businessman who could crack millions of deals in a few minutes. She was smiling but there was pain hidden deep inside her heart. The twiddling of thumbs was one such indication. Generally people do it when they are anxious.


    What was the pain she was hiding from him? She reminded him of someone he can never be with, not even utter her name. She reminded him of ¡®her¡¯ in every word she spoke? She had left him when she was only nine. Though she is the queen of his dreams till date, he had refused to acknowledge her presence in this world. ¡°You said your uncle and aunt are based in New York. Then why would youe back to Burnsville?¡±


    She was again doing that. Twiddling thumbs. And was grinning like always hiding her tears behind. ¡°You are so secretive. You don¡¯t give me even an iota of information about you but you want everything from me.¡±


    She heard him sigh, and then, he finally relented. ¡°I do business in California.¡±


    Hush! Finally he told her something about him. She looked over at him to give him time to offer up anything more about his life, but all he did was stare out of the windshield.


    ¡®What kind of business are you in?¡± She watched his brow furrow deeply, like she had just stepped on the tail of his favorite kitty. He refused to answer the question, and she sighed, allowing her gaze to drift out the window for a bit.


    ¡®Would you mind if I called my aunt and uncle to update them on my travel ns?¡± She asked.


    ¡®Sure,¡± he said, shifting the gear. ¡®Great. Thanks.¡± She held out her hand for his cellphone, and he looked at her like she had grown two heads and quickly turned his sights back onto the road.


    She wiggled her fingers, if not for her cheater roommate, begging someone like this just for one phone call wasn¡¯t her forte. She was a woman with a lot of self esteem. But when he didn¡¯t relent, she had to start talking again. ¡®Look, I know talking is not your thing and all, but if you keep making me exin everything, I¡¯m not gonna shut up which would cause you further irritation.¡±


    ¡°Why are you holding your hand out?¡± He asked, ignoring her statement.


    ¡®My phone died on the ne. I need to borrow yours.¡± He groaned before he clenched his jaw, but he finally dug his phone out and dropped it into her hand.


    ¡®Wow, is this a fully-loaded phone, too?¡±


    Her eyes shone like Christmas candles as she asked him.


    ¡®Yes, because I use it for business purposes, too.¡± He said inly.


    ¡®Do you own apany or something?¡± She asked him bewildered.


    And much to her surprise he answered affirmatively. ¡®Yep.¡±


    ¡°Fucking lord of heavens! What does yourpany do?¡±


    ¡®Stuff,¡± he said inly, trying his best to concentrate on the road. The day seemed to be the worst part of his life. First his jet went grounded, second he gets to travel with this loud clumsy woman who couldn¡¯t keep her mouth shut even for a minute.


    ¡®Stuff. Sounds lucrative, but what is it to be exact?¡±


    ¡°We manufacture everything from electronic gadgets, cotton textiles, cosmetics¡­. there is nothing in this world that mypany doesn¡¯t produce.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a lot!¡± She looked over at him for just a split second and she thought she could see the faintest shadow of a grin cross his cheeks. And she was right. His eyes sparkled when it happened.


    ¡®Well, you¡¯re doing well for being so young. Like what is your age?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s yours?¡±


    ¡°It is never polite to ask a woman her age. Didn¡¯t your mother teach you manners? Anyways, I am 21.¡±


    Instantly, she saw his facegrow cold. His knuckles tightened like he was driving for his life and hisplete stance turned rigid.


    Everything about her including the age screamed ¡®her¡¯. Was she¡­.


    His heart began to beat erratically as he willed himself to the most daring question but before he could do that, the car burped once again and the engine shut off.

 Chapter 16

    ¡°What happened?¡± He looked at her with the same furrowed brow and got out of the car. The cool air passed by making his soft hair swerve with the breeze. There was a pull in her to run her fingers there andb his hair back in ce.


    He opened the door of the bo and she stood behind seeing what had happened. ¡°Damn it!¡± He muttered as negativity and irritation upied him.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Merlyn asked him again and he looked at her as if her head popped off. Zipping up his leather jacket he walked a few steps ahead to find out the road was blocked with ciers and ice. And shortly there was going to be a snow storm.


    She could decipher he wasn¡¯t going to tell her anything. The cool wind blew over her making her fingers frigid and with pain. She quickly got back into the car.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Leaving her again in the car he walked to the other side and ten minutester came back.¡±There is a tyre puncture because of icy roads and there is a problem with the engine too. I found out through google two miles ahead there is a car servicing center. Stay here, I will be back in a few minutes.¡±


    Before he could take a step ahead, she clung to him like dead meat. ¡°I¡¯m not staying here alone. I will walk with you.¡±


    Walking a few steps ahead, ¡°you forgot to give me your phone. I have yet to call my aunt.¡± She reminded him. He groaned and dug out his phone from his pants pocket, handing it to her.


    Just as she heard the hello of her aunt, she found herself giddy. ¡°So you haven¡¯t boarded your ne?¡±


    Merlyn told her everything about her journey starting from grounding of her flight to the tyre puncture. ¡°Oh honey, I¡¯m so sorry to hear about this. Drive carefully and keep us posted, we can¡¯t wait to see you.¡±


    Just hearing the words of her aunt she felt a knot brewing in her throat. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see you guys.¡±


    Stephen honestly wondered if the woman would ever cut off her call with her aunt. They keptughing and talking about how they were going to celebrate the vacation together. Just how long could she talk like that? The amount of conversation she had today, he couldn¡¯t have with his mother in a lifetime.


    ¡°Thanks¡± she finally handed him the phone and he immediately ducked it away into his pants pockets as if it was something which should never go in her hands again.


    He looked up towards the sky in dismay when darkness surrounded them. The clouds continued to gather and cken, promising him a storm of epic proportions.


    He was trying to walk in the snow as fast as he could to reach his destination, the repair center before the rain caught him.


    The hysterical woman¡¯s antiques had held him up in the airport longer than he needed to be and now he wasn¡¯t sure if he could beat the storm. He needed to be at the meeting by evening. It was crucial and very important for the growth of his business, the merger of the European market with American and Chinese. But here he was struck up with the weather where he could hardly expect any positivity.


    And of course Merlyn continued to be the pain in his ass. She talked to her aunt for at least fifteen minutes. With every exit he passed by, he wondered if he could drop her off, just leave her in the gas station, call a cab toe and pick her up. But there was a part of him that was still worried about her safety. What happens if the driver tries exploiting her? He wouldn¡¯t be able to forgive himself for a lifetime on that.


    He took out his phone from his pants pockets in a desperate plea to nature to let him find the signal on his phone so that he could call his right hand man and brief him of his possible absence at the meeting. But s! There was not even a single tick for him now with the uing storm.


    Merlyn connected the ear buds to her ears as she bobbed her head to the most awful rendition he had ever heard ¨C Vacation by Dirty Heads. How could she find a streak of happiness even in the most unfavourable situations like this?


    He remembered the time the album was released. It was the busiest period of the year for him. The time he really threw himself to work and prepared for the next year. Attending important phone calls, wrapping up meetings and doing the final paperwork for submission of tax returns. But for people like her it was the time for vacation. A time for smiles and reliefs.


    People might call him a Grinch, a scrooge who did not take weekends off or take time for vacations but that sure as hell didn¡¯t make him a heartless person. He wasn¡¯t cruel. It¡¯s just that his tastes did not match with others.


    The music kept ringing to his ears though she put on earphones because she seemed to know the lyrics of every song that yed there and she was a horrible singer. It was another way to grate his nerves. His hands went to tight fists as he kept walking ahead hopelessly in search of the fuel house or a car mechanic.


    He sure as hell couldn¡¯t tune his heart to leave her nowhere in the middle here and definitely will not risk opening up his mouth as it would prompt her to continue asking questions to him. However, not a second had passed that the thought entered his mind and the worst luck hit him. There it was!


    ¡°How much longer should we be able to reach the mechanic?¡± She asked, dragging her feet, unable to catch up with his pace.


    There was a single drop of rain that fell on his phone screen. Slowly one after the other, raindrops fell in a ck deluge brewing into a storm. He gave her a re. Suddenly took a cellotape, by opening the bag that hung to his shoulders and put it on her lips and hands so that she cannot talk and can¡¯t remove it either.


    As he closed his eyes, droplets fell on his face and body drenching him in a matter of seconds. He kept walking ahead hastily in search of a shelter when he noticed it. She wasn¡¯t there beside him anymore.


    He turned back and looked around anxiously in search of her but she was not found anywhere. Shit! He doesn¡¯t even remember her name. The rain was pouring incessantly, the clouds continued to darken in the habitat surrounded by snow.


    Pensiveness warred his stance like crucifixion. Chattering his teeth his eyes moved around the area in helplessness and in fear. ¡°Chatterbox, this is not funny anymore.¡± He shouted severely.


    His voice echoed between the ciers and snow but there was no acknowledgement. ¡°I swear to lord, if you don¡¯t answer me now¡­¡± He threatened with tears brimming his eyes and then ¡­.

 Chapter 17

    ¡°Chatterbox, I swear to lord, if you don¡¯t answer me now¡­¡± He threatened with his eyes slowly getting dted and then he could hear a soft squelching sound from behind.


    He turned around and there she was, who fell into the pit covered with ice. Her hair was covered with snow and face mixed with ice and water. She was asking his attention, hitting the ice covered soil with her elbow because her hands were tied up.


    He released the air that he didn¡¯t know he was holding and scurried to her rescue before removing the cello tape covering her mouth and hands.


    ¡°How would I answer your call when you treat me like a prisoner and seal my lips and hands, you poker-face.¡± She spat her words in fury at him.


    ¡°Do not call me that. You invited this to yourself. You keep on talking without ama or full stop. I¡¯m not ordained here to answer your questions.


    Huch! There goes out a sneeze and another. The sneezing goes on for Merlyn. ¡°I fucking told you to sit in the car. At least you would have stayed protected in the cold. But you will not listen.¡±


    He held her hand in his which somehow still continued to stay warm for her even in the uncooperative weather. Finally, out of all the hapless events that happened to him since he got up today morning, there appeared a ray of hope.


    He could see a dim light glowing a little away from them. He whizzed to the ce with her and saw it was an eatery outlet with just a few washrooms. Nothing fancy but it was enough to take care of their primary needs like water and hunger.


    They could finally have something for their belching tummies. Merlyn went inside one of the washrooms to change her clothes while Stephen ordered food for them.


    She had removed the clothes on her body and reached out for the fresh ones only to discover they were already lost.


    ¡°Hey¡± She called Stephen from the washroom poking her head out of the door and then there were at least ten heads that turned to her direction but for him who was busy typing on his mobile.


    ¡°Hey poker face¡± and this time his head popped up walking to her in stiffness and wreaking temper. Merlyn wondered if his ears could also bring out some smoke.


    She giggled imagining him like a robot and with no feelings except anger. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare call me that, you chatterbox.¡± He walked to her and hissed in an irate.


    ¡°Then what should I call you? You don¡¯t even tell me your name. Somebody stole my clothes.¡± She told him with a pout.


    ¡°What?¡± He asked her unbelievably.


    ¡°Yes. Somebody stole my clothes.¡± She confirmed and shook her head with dismay.


    He could already find her twiddling with her thumbs behind the door. ¡°These things can happen only with you.¡± He walked back to the table he was sitting, took out a pair of trousers and shirt of his and gave it to her.


    Putting on his clothes which were at least three sizes more than hers she walked back to their table in reticence. ¡°There ¡­ . the girl who put on my clothes. She is sitting behind her boyfriend and racing away on the bike.¡± Merlyn pointed to someone ahead of her


    Stephen shook his head in disbelief. ¡°I don¡¯t understand why such things only happen with you?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Why so?¡± She asked him in innocence. Her Stephen glowered, as she looked down at her digits.


    There was a faintest smile on his brims as he pulled a sandwich from the wrap and brought it to her lips. His eyes sparkled at her in affection as she dwelled in her thoughts. ¡°Finally there is something in this world that could lock your lips.¡±


    ¡°Hey¡± Merlyn called and he acted serious but burst to chuckles and she kept staring at him for several minutespletely awestruck.


    ¡°Like what you see?¡± He asked in deride after hisughter slightly reduced.


    ¡°You look beautiful when you smile.¡± She told him still blessed in the trance of his paralyzing charisma.


    ¡°Hey, I did not ask you for apliment, youngdy. By the way, ten minutes walk from here, it seems there is a hotel with rooms. Let us check it out. I know I will not be able to make it for today¡¯s meeting. If the snow storm cools off tomorrow, I will be able to make it to the charity function and give a speech. Let¡¯s hope for the best.¡± He sighed.


    ****


    The reception clerk was a middle aged man yet he had no shame to look at the girlsciviously who is half his age.


    Stephen extended his arm sideways and pulled Merlyn behind him when the man wet his lips and brought down his gaze to her bristols.


    He flipped his fingers before him. ¡°I¡¯m the one speaking here. Look at me. We need two rooms.¡±


    The receptionist shifted his weight between his legs still not getting the hint but to look at Merlyn. ¡°We have only one. And we can rent a room on an hourly basis too.¡± He winked at Stephen with a naughty smile.


    Stephen clenched his jaw and bit his tongue. He was a damn unshameful womanizer. If he simply ignored him he would have another way to reach her. But before he could speak she butted in for the usual chatter-box nature that she possessed.¡°That¡¯s great. We would love to rent a room on hourly¡­¡±


    ¡°Ssh! Did I tell you to speak? Didn¡¯t you see I was talking to him?¡± It was always her nature to talk foolishly with no end. At least three year olds were better than her. You give them a toy, they will stay with it, without talking for a few minutes.


    ¡°You are a grinch.¡± She pouted and he couldn¡¯t stop at herment but tough. She was not the first one to call him that but she was the first to mimic a child¡¯s voice.


    The shock on her face to look at him grinning was priceless. A thing that made him a sessful businessman was the ability to read people. She was easy, she wore her emotions on the sleeve of her coat. But he was used to reading sharks in the tank that swirled around for human blood. If he wasn¡¯t good at reading people, he would have gone swept under the current for years by now.


    ¡°Book the room for the next 24 hours.¡± The man gave out azy grin and bent forward over the counter disying his half rotten teeth. Stephen already predicted what he wanted to say and told Merlyn to sit in one of the chairs that were ced a few steps behind him.


    ¡°So you want to keep the girl for a day. Is she that hot? You see, you and I can have an agreement to share the money 50:50 and we can sell¡­¡± Before he couldplete the sentence the man received a sharp sting on his cheek. For a moment he couldn¡¯t decipher what just happened and looked around.


    Merlyn looked up hearing the sound, clueless on the possible altercation that the poker-face had with the receptionist but she did not expect him to go physical on the clerk.


    Without saying anything further, the man ced the room keys in his hands. ¡°Come, let¡¯s go.¡± And Stephen pulled Merlyn with him.


    ¡°Hey, why did you p him?¡± Merlyn asked Stephen as he pulled her with him through the balcony.


    Stephen groaned inwardly and ignored her question. ¡°Why do you always have to talk non-stop? Didn¡¯t you see I was talking to him? The world is full of crocodiles thirsty for blood, not as in hearted like you. By the way the man was thinking you to be a slut and he was fixing the rate with me.¡±


    For a moment she was silent and he did a victory dance in his mind. But his happiness was only short lived. ¡°My mom always hosts Christmas.¡± She said all of a sudden with no reference to the context. She can shift between topics like a chameleon but it was impossible for her even for a moment to stay quiet.


    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡± He nodded guiding her through the hallway.


    ¡°My dad makes hot chocte and cinnamon rolls while mom bakes cookies, plum cakes, Christmas pudding and ginger bread.¡±


    ¡°That sounds nice.¡± He rested his hand on the small of her back and punched the room card inside the groove with the other.


    She was a horrendous singer and a non-stop talker but she was unique in her own way. Her words rang true and cut deeper than she had probably intended them to, and it gave him a lot to think about her.


    Stephen was equally strange to Merlyn. She always wondered what he would do on Thanksgiving. Probably he would order a pizza and n for his next business meeting. That groan he gave her every time she asked him a question made her think if he ever talked to people casually. He was rigid and way too serious than anyone needed to be and she wondered if he hated everything that gave tiniest joy to the people in the world.


    ¡°Have you got anyone in your home to celebrate your holidays with?¡± The question started out casually but it ended in extreme anxiousness. What if he is married? What if he already has a wife? Does he have children too? Anyways, why does it bother her? She had no answer for any of her questions either from her or from him.


    Like always he did not speak. He acted like the idea of a holiday doesn¡¯t excite him at all. There was no joy in his eyes nor any enthusiasm to see his family. He was like a robot in every aspect except for at times that he groaned when she spoke endlessly.


    Stephen was busy in his thoughts. He only hoped he had another piece of furniture apart from the bed to share the room with her. But he highly doubted it. The front desk had hardly any chairs for the visitors to sit in, which was foreshadowing the room they were going to upy.


    Even during the small amount of time that he talked to the front desk, the roads began to freeze. Fortunately the inte worked and he could call the car mechanic.


    He used the key card to get into the room and had to use his hip between the door and the wall. When he stumbled into the room, he couldn¡¯t believe his eyes.


    The room was small to say the least. There was a box television on a table which was moving because of loose legs and the carpet had several holes in between. The furniture screamed old and requested repairs.


    The king size bed was dripping in the middle. Extra furniture to sleep was a far away option, the room did not have even a bedside table to set their stuff on. The washroom, though clean, was less than ideal.


    The sink just hovered over the bathtub in the side with its nuts and bolts already rusted and on the verge of falling.


    Not minding his roommate, Stephen just walked into the washroom to check the door only to find there was more to get him on the nerves. The shower leaked and one of the taps was not working.


    Stephen heard the televisione to life as Merlyn started shifting channels. She carried this childish attitude with her 24/7. She was all smiles hanging her head out like a dog and catching the snow kes ying her hands up and down. Her singing was horrendous, she was insane and now he also had to share the bed with her.


    Stephen often wondered how she could think positively even in the most rueful circumstances. He pondered, he was struck with a girl who behaved like a toddler of three. She was beautiful which was obvious to anyone who had an eye to spare towards her and thus the front desk man who was a womanizer had many things rolled up his sleeve when he saw her. But there was also something unfathomable to his own self that shocked him and hit a nerve when he eyed her the wrong way.


    He took out his phone from his pants pockets to call his right hand man. When he punched to code to his shock the was pretty much fast.


    He immediately screened for the weather report which said it is going to snow for the next twenty four hours. So it was definite he would not be avable for the meeting but probably he would make it to the charity ball.


    Just then there was a call at the door. Thankfully the mechanic was quick to deliver the carpletely repaired and re-fueled.


    She went to pee and he left a breather for the first time during the trip. He shrugged his coat off and sat on the edge of the bed only to find it creak and the mattress dipped underneath him like a cotton filled gunny bag.


    His phone has already started to beep with various people from different parts of the world trying to contact him and he typed a huge text message sending it to all of them about his current location.


    In the television some stupid dance show was going on in a volume high enough to irritate his ears. He got up to switch it off when he found the calling bell ring once again.


    He was the same mechanic who repaired his car. ¡°Sir I am sorry I forgot to give you this earlier.¡±


    He brought out something like a card from his pant pockets. ¡°Sir, I found this in between the mats of the car.¡± He handed him an identity card.


    And the letters of the name felt like they were dancing bulging out of their cesas he looked at them.


    Merlyn James.


    Father¡¯s name: Late Samuel James


    Mother¡¯s name: Late Rachel James


    Date/PlStephen of Birth: 29/7/01 Burnsville, Minneapolis.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    It felt like the world stopped around him. His heart skipped a beat and he continuously blinked to clear the musk in his eyes. She was¡­ ¡®her¡¯. Why was destiny ying such a cruel game with him?


    The world suddenly felt too small. He wanted to forget that she ever existed though she was there smiling in each and every one of his dreams like an Angel. And now she was right in front of him daring him if he could ever make his heart to forget her.

 Chapter 18

    Just then Merlyn walked in. His breath clogged in his throat and words reduced toe out. He ced her identity in her hand while asking almost in a whisper, in a tone only she could hear. ¡°Are you Merlyn, Merlyn James, the daughter of Samuel and Rachel James?¡±


    Merlyn peered at Stephen nkly. ¡°Yes. But why does it make you so ufortable?¡±


    Who was he fucking kidding, he was good at sorting out his emotions before everyone. He gave off the air of being totally at peace with himself. He presented a good poker face to the world. It¡¯s probably why the family business was so damn sessful, he was the master of letting no one in. The English public school he was sent to, away from my family, had definitely helped with that. He had learnt the ¡®stiff upper lip¡¯ that the rich instilled in their children from an early age, and his American/English ent always won over the American business world. Getting back to his senses he stood up from the bed and pushed his shoulders back, taking a huge calming breath.


    ¡®She was too young to nourish any feelings for you before she left the small town when her dad got transferred. She would most probably not remember you or even recognize you. You do not have to expose your identity to her. She is just another person living in the same universe. Few hours more and you are done with her, never to see her again. You can do this Stephen.¡¯ ¨C He pep talked to himself.


    ¡°Both of us grew up in the same town of Minneapolis and the friendship of your dad Samuel and Raven was very famous. The friends were most talked after in the small town as a living incarnation of friendship. That¡¯s how I was a little surprised when I saw your parents name and confirmed the information.¡± He lied to her.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°How did your parents die?¡± He was now more than concerned about the death of her mom and dad because he knows now who she was! His father would be lost if he came to know this news and maybe follow Samuel in his journey if he told him he was dead. He wonders till today how the best friends parted without even knowing an address of each other.


    His thoughts were interrupted when he saw her face suddenly fall.


    ¡°The geyser in the bathroom is not working. Let me call the reception to find out when it is going to get repaired.¡± He could hear the giggle in her voice. She did it again, concealing her grief behind her smile.


    ¡°You were talking non-stop till a few moments ago but when I asked about the death of your parents you shifted the topic. What happened? Cat got your tongue? Any boyfriend?¡± Stephen¡¯s heart was beating like he was running a marathon. Why does her having a boyfriend suddenly affect him so much? Didn¡¯t he just counsel himself after this journey, she was out of his sight and mind?


    ¡°No, no boyfriend.¡± She did not reply for the former but thankfully at least for thetter. And Stephen released a breath he did not know he was holding.


    ¡°I find it hard to believe. Howe a girl like you does not have a boyfriend?


    ¡°Merlyn, despite the fact that you get on my nerves, you are a beautiful woman, yet it is shocking to find for a woman like you who seems to find positivity in the worst scenarios doesn¡¯t have a boyfriend and cannot share her grief and happiness with her parents.¡±


    He walked to the washroom and risked his health by picking the towel set on the towel stand of the washroom and began to wipe his face. He was expecting Merlyn to talk non-stop again for the chatterbox she was but unexpectedly she was quiet and then fidgeting with her fingers like always.


    It was sure for him, there was something not so weing in her life concerning her boyfriend. Normally he had neither the time nor the interest to bother about other people¡¯s business. But this was a matter concerning Merlyn and everything concerning her bothers him not now but from years they parted. ¡°We were notpatible.¡±


    ¡°Was he a stick in the mud?¡± He asked and her eyes whipped up at him.


    ¡°It is a part of my job to read people and make a proposal with the best deal. And that¡¯s how I stand today to be the top businessman in the United States.¡±


    She snickered and looked up at him. ¡°Is this a way to get me to open up? Why do you want me to share everything about my life while you keep enclosed in the shell you are in?¡± Again she was concealing her emotions behind that fake smile.


    ¡°I told you I¡¯m a businessman and there is nothing splendid or noteworthy in my life that I have to share with people.¡± She knew he wasn¡¯t ready to ventte anything about him but wanted to know everything about her. Yet hell, she hated to admit it felt peace to share things with him and loosening up. She wanted to feel light like she was getting lifted up in the air like a balloon leaving the weight of stress and sorrow behind.


    He walked up to her and saw her jaw was clenching. It was interesting to turn the tables especially to a woman like Merlyn who was a non-stop chatterbox yet there were things in life she couldn¡¯t dare to speak. But the thing is that he was hell bent on exploring her fears, cleaning her tears and designing a new path for her in life which is only filled with roses and no thorns.


    He could get to see her getting more and more ufortable. The more she talked, the greater he knew she had more than she was exposing herself to be and then the chilling thought ran through his mind. ¡°Did he hurt you?¡±

 Chapter 19

    Her eyes slowly peered up at him and he felt like a sudden fall of a heavy weight on his chest. All at once her desperate attempt to get out of Kansas airport, her undisclosed fear which she was trying to conceal under her bber and the hidden grief behind her smiles began to make sense. Was she in an abusive rtionship? His hands unknowingly began to turn to fists.


    ¡°Not the way you are thinking it to be.¡± She suddenly answered and he breathed out an air of relief but the answer left him with more questions that he wanted to ask her.


    She was doing it again. Fidgeting with her fingers. ¡°What happened?¡± He walked closer to her.


    She snickered and shook her head but this time her eyes were telling a different story. In fact giving it all. His mind was whirling to dangerous scenarios while she ran her hand in her hair. And he noticed how silky they were. His fingers itched to touch them. But ignoring thescivious sensation, he asked her. ¡°It was recent. Wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± She stared into his orbs shocked and he repeated his statement. ¡°Because you did not want to spend your vacation alone you wanted toe back to your aunt and uncle.¡±


    ¡°How could you assess people¡¯s emotions so wlessly?¡±


    ¡°So I was right.¡± Before he could dwell himself in his assumption, Merlyn swung her arms around him and their lips collided in a shocking endeavor. His hands went to hold her head in ce and her hands cupped his light stubble filled cheeks. Their lips massaged each other, twirling to emotions they did not know they possessed. Her tongue swept across his lips reaching to the deep recesses of his mouth and thereby reaching the neck and the warmth of his shoulders. But before he could realize what happened and cherish the moment she pulled away.


    ¡°Max has been my boyfriend since the time I joined my aunt and uncle after my parents death. I finished my schooling and I went to study in California university for physiotherapy. Subsequently he too managed a seat there, I don¡¯t know how. Initially I was very happy but as our rtionship progressed, I began to fear him. He became all the more controlling and assertive. He doubted me on everything I did and raked a fight. Hecked self-confidence and ultimately one day I saw him doing drugs and sleeping with my roommate. They robbed my money, everything that I saved up for my education including the room rent. Finally I had to sell myptop including the Christmas gifts I bought for my family toplete my education and run over to my home in need of a roof over my head. Practically I am homeless is what you can say. Now shut up with your prodding and let us not talk about this again.¡± She said breathlessly and reached the bed.


    There was no way in her life she was going to rehearse what happened to her a couple of months ago at the university. Merlyn decided she would stay out of his business so that he would stay out of hers. But the sexual tension between them was too high. His cheeks and lips were tinted red.


    Stephen had his share of women in his past but the overwhelming feelings he experienced with Merlyn were unmatched and unsurpassed. He felt the same electric shock that he knew will always be there when he touched her since the time he came to know about her identity.


    There was more that he needed to know about her. Her parents were dead. Somehow the fact did not settle well with him. There was a kind of bitterness enveloping his throat. The names of the wife and husband who died many years ago during the ident with his brother had the same names. But Rachel and Samuel are the mostmon epithets which more than half of the American poption would have. When his private investigator, John, supplied him the information, he did not have much thought until a few minutes ago when she said her parents died in an ident. rm bells began ringing in his head. How was he going to find out about the happening when she was not of the nature to share an iota of her pain with him and cleverly conceal it in her smile?


    Merlyn saw the rigid man in front of her turn to fluid, like a fish floating in its own space. His shoulders rxed and his dark eyes turned to mesmeric shade of sea greens. She discovered the wantonness in her to kiss him again. There was some sort of magical power in him to which she was attracted.. like they had known each other for long.


    She wanted to run her hands again on his chiseled jaw and feel his strong chest against her globes. Just like she wanted his face slowly crawled closer to her.


    She wanted to feel what was inside that expensive suit he carried on himself, she wanted to pull that tie using which she wanted to bring him closer to her. Merlyn was still processing her feelings for him when their lips met once again and she felt them sinking to the bed.


    The temperature outside was below zero but the warmth his tongue carried wrapping in every meek cell of her body was of the boiling point bringing the unexinable hotness in her.


    His hands quickly worked in pulling out theyers of clothing in her. He was an Adonis with perfect taut muscles. His lips slid down to her throat nting butterfly kisses reaching the swelling of her breasts.


    Wetness pooling between her legs thrilled her body. Once they were d naked brushing each other¡¯s skin, she took time in feasting on his muscled body, his rippling abs and sturdy sternum.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    His eyes dted with desire turning ck that swallowed the beautiful green of his eyes and his full perfect lips took in her pert nipples. Merlyn moaned and whimpered, arching her back and giving him the soft loops of her body to please her.


    His hands brushed every fold of her womanliness reaching between her legs. Their lips collided in a flurry. His dexterous fingers cupped her pussy and inserted a finger into the honey dew setting her to a frenzy.


    The bed creaked underneath their bodies as his hands worked magic inside her. Soon his finger was reced by his tongue and he licked away her wetness clean and dry.


    The ice continued to drizzle down from the ss window panes but even during the freezing temperature she found her back sweating underneath.


    The desire between the two of them was unrestrainable. ¡°Please tell me you¡¯re¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a virgin.¡± She felt the heat of his body at once parting away from her.


    He was staring down at her in shock. ¡°What?¡±

 Chapter 20

    ¡°You¡¯re a virgin?¡± He asked her in conformation, taken aback. ¡°You just confessed you had a boyfriend.¡±


    Merlyn pleaded with him with the desire overpowering her and started fidgeting with her fingers and his eyes worriedly scrolled from her face to her fingers. ¡®What was troubling her now?¡¯


    ¡°I never allowed him to touch me. That¡¯s probably why he chose a different woman for himself.¡±


    Stephen stiffened his lips in indignation. He did not like her to feel sorry for her actions. In a way, he did not know why, but he was happy to know Merlyn was a virgin. ¡°That man is an idiot for having lost you. You are a jewel.¡± He tipped up her face to meet his eyes.


    ¡°Sex is only a physical necessity but ultimately the thing which matters is the character. If he really loved you, he would have waited till the marriage and for you to ept him wholeheartedly. Unfortunately he was not eligible to have you as his better half. But why did you start this with me?¡±


    Merlyn had no answer for Stephen¡¯s question. She was herself unable to figure out the reason. There was no man born in the world till date who could make her so weak and vulnerable. But with Stephen around she had no idea how her own body yed havoc with her.


    His strong arms around her gave her a feeling of protection and warmth, his affection filled nces at her made her feel special and cared. Merlyn felt herself different around him. She felt like he was the man she wasn¡¯t seeing today but had known for many years.


    And then all of a sudden a sob broke out of her, she did not know why. Was it because of the rejection that she just faced from him or it was simply because of sharing her past experience with a stranger who she just met. She couldn¡¯t share her downfall regarding her boyfriend with no person in the world till date including her aunt and uncle. Then how was this man having such a remarkable effect on her?


    ¡°Hey¡± he called not liking the tears in her eyes and then he did something tender she would have never expected from a man like him. He ran his hands tenderly in her hair and hugged her running his hand softly on her back.


    Desire drizzled her body in the most provocative way even with his most virginal action. As if it was her test to celibacy, he did not move or get up but pulled her into hisp.


    Leaning his back to the wall, he gently pulled her with him and rocked her. ¡°Let the bed not brake.¡± Someone called from outside.


    Merlyn couldn¡¯t help but giggle and heard him sigh. Slowly her giggles grew toughter and saw him roll his eyes. ¡°Bloody cheap motel¡­¡±


    ¡°Hey, do not curse the hotel here. It gave you shelter when you most required and at least you made a fun little memory that you could share with your friends.¡±


    Stephen twisted his lips. ¡°Fun little memory? First of all I do not share about my sexual endeavors with my friends. Secondly it was not something I would want a repetition in my life. I go high on sex upon a girl only to realize, she is a virgin and I have to control my swelling libido.¡±


    ¡°Who told you control?¡± Merlyn asked surprised, not liking his statement.


    He shook his head. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want to be the man who takes away your virginity for a few minutes of sexual satisfaction. It is your wealth that you stored for years to share with the man of your dreams, your life partner.¡±


    Merlyn might have called him a Grinch, a stick in the mud but he was respectful, a man with a heart which was honestly something she did not expect of him.


    Stephenid there pulling her to his chest. For all the talking she did, ironically she was pretty silent on the bed. She was the first woman in his life who could make hime to the faintest of her touches.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Though they did not consummate and for that matter not even start, he felt whole andplete with her. After all she was his Flower, the girl who took control of his mind and body since more than a decade, the girl who gave him sleepless nights yet left peace with him in a unique way. But could he dare to confess his feelings to her? First of all she might not even recognize him and she would definitely not nourish simr feelings for him because she was too young to have experienced the feelings any other way.


    *****


    When Stephen thought he was never going to have the love of his life, in an unexpected shocking endeavor mercilessly sketched by fate he gets to meet her. Now he can neither confess his feelings nor do away with her as just an affable traveler because hell of a truth to be confessed Merlyn was simply not a friendly co-passenger but much more than that to him.

 Chapter 21

    Stephen needed to wash away her scent off his body. The dust of the mattress on which they just slept was all over him. His hair was sticking to the neck and for that moment he hated his body more than anything else in the world. How could he get his body to rule over his mind? How could he think of sleeping with her after knowing fully well who she was?


    Merlyn was giggling stealing her looks from him but trying to control her smiles by pping her palm on her lips while she scrolled through the TV channels. Stephen wondered how she could find a reason to grin in the bleakest circumstances.


    He had opened the shower, five minutes had passed by but still the water wasn¡¯t hot. Hot was a very big word, it was not even warm. The motel was below average in providing facilities. The management couldn¡¯t look after basic necessities like maintaining hot water for its customers.


    The snow continued to drop down the window panes. Of all the negative scenarios upying him, the only positive thing that he could assume was him leaving the bloody cheap hotel very shortly.


    He had to adjust for a bath by using the crappy soap stored in the washroom and scrub his hair and body. Stephen hopped out of the washroom grabbing the first towel which caught his sight striving to stand the cold.


    With the intention of blowing a fuse he called the front desk to let them know about the unavability of hot water. ¡°Sorry sir, the geyser blew, we are working on it.¡±


    ¡°When could we expect a positive result?¡±


    ¡°I have no idea.¡± There was no use rubbing his head with thedy who least bothered about her guests. With no further words, he simply cut the call.


    With the towel still wrapped around his body, he announced it to Merlyn. ¡°We are leaving.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Merlyn¡¯s eyes were tuned to the TV. The weather report said there was a massive snow storm in the states of Minnesota and Minneapolis. Much to Stephen¡¯s indignation, they were in the middle of the storm and in the ce where the red light was beeping.


    ¡°I think it is not advisable for us to leave this ce during this weather.¡± As much as he wanted to deny her, Merlyn was right. She giggled, extending him a hand towel to wipe his head.


    Stephen wondered how she could find a silver lining even in the worst circumstances. Merlyn was always found spirited and lively. For the top-notch businessman that he was, who could read people¡¯s minds within a flick of fingers, she was a puzzle he couldn¡¯t yet solve.


    It is not like life has not given her equal challenges. She was still recovering from a sodden rtionship, she had lost both her parents at a very young age, practically penniless with not even a roof over her head Merlyn still was a cheerful young girl who was smiling before him with an outpouring of positivity and hope.


    After hearing the weather broadcast, one thing was certain for him that he would not be able to head to Minneapolis on time. He called his right hand and briefed him to conduct the meeting on his behalf, he sent him mail on points that he needed to talk about and reversed to the strange woman sitting before him.


    Merlyn¡¯s positivity was getting on his nerves as she peered at him with that idiotic grin but something about her always attracted him, maybe it was his regard for her being his Flower or her fight with situations even in the discouraging circumstances.


    Her phone began to ring and her eyes began to glitter with delight as soon as she heard her aunt¡¯s voice on the other line. Even for a man who is going to die in two days, if he listens to her words, he will be filled with zeal and crity. The unapproving weather was a very minute thing for Merlyn¡¯s psychology.


    Nevertheless a sort of uneasiness filled the kernel of Stephen as soon as he heard Hana. He had met the woman a couple of times when Merlyn¡¯s family stayed close to them. She was kind and helpful but the sort of a woman who wouldn¡¯t think twice to rip the goblin out of his flesh when tried to harm her family.


    Why does he have this intuition that somewhere he and his family were the reason for her devastated state? ¡®Rachel and Samuel James are the mostmon names and unfortunately one of those couples who died with his brother in the ident. They necessarily need not be Merlyn¡¯s parents. ¨C He tried to counsel himself


    ¡°Is he handsome, honey?¡± Hana¡¯s words brought him out of his reverie as he shot Merlyn a perplexing look. At some corner of his heart he wanted to know her opinion about him.


    ¡°It depends upon the situation.¡± Merlyn called in a giggle and gave him an introspective look. She knew she was too much to handle for him. But thankfully he had¡¯t called her annoying as yet.


    Her father had always stated to her to be positive and caring. However today the life lessons she learned since her childhood had proved contrary. She lost her parents because of some rich negligent alcoholic and his self conceited asshole of a brother who refused to grant her justice and bury the truth. She lost her boyfriend for a drug addict roommate who was hated by the whole university but for her who still had a hope of friendship with her. The theories she went nourishing from her juvenescence had betrayed her. Why is it wrong to expect love from the person upon whom you have invested your everything?C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Nevertheless, she owes a lot of exnation about her missing boyfriend as soon as she reaches home to Uncle Peter and Aunt Hana.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see you guys.¡± Merlyn said and cut the call before her aunt discovered her tearing up. Stephen¡¯s gaze was struck to her face as she discreetly wiped the wetness pooling her eyes. The man felt strangely familiar though she was seeing him for the first time. His hugs, his kisses and his touch felt like she was dwelling in them for many years.


    Who was this guy? Why does she develop an uncontroble familiarity and intimacy with him?

 Chapter 22

    Stephen continued to stare at Merlyn that after a stage, she began to feel ufortable. To break the tension between them she asked, ¡°what happened?¡±


    Unlike earlier when he wouldn¡¯t respond, for the first time, he was opening up to her. ¡°The meeting for which I had been nning for more than a week and making preparations for more than a month is today off my hands. This is a very significant congress of my career, a venue which could open the doors for my business to the European market apart from American and Chinese. And today because of this stupid weather, I am sitting here in a cheap motel which doesn¡¯t have even the basic facilities instead of addressing hundreds of delegates in a conference hall.¡±


    He looked at her cheerful face and asked the only question which had been taunting his mind since the time he first met her. ¡°How would you stay smiling and happy even in depressing circumstances like this?¡±


    Merlyn continued to hold her smile and spoke to him. ¡°It could always have been worse. Imagine our car broke in the middle of the road on a highway where we do not even have these facilities. At least now we are in a ce that has habitation. We had a sumptuous lunch, a roof to cover our heads and a cot to sleep in. When I cannot or have nomand on the situations covering me up, I have nothing to worry because even if I do, I cannot change the circumstances.¡±


    ¡°What is the situation which is covering you up?¡± His concern grew for her but was she ready to have it? She was no way going to share her problems with a stranger who she met just a few hours ago.


    She quickly found an excuse in her usual style of dealing with things. ¡°I think the water in the geyser might have heated up by now. Let me go and check.¡±


    ¡®There, she did it again, diverting the topic about which she did not want to talk.


    Stephen started wondering about her life. Why did her family suddenly shift from Minneapolis? The way she lived, the amount of adjustments, she and her brother would have to face in her aunt¡¯s ce. He remembered her aunt was not rich and not even middle ss.


    He still remembered the day when he came home from boarding school for the vacation. Her family was gone like they never existed. He couldn¡¯t express his hidden feelings about her to his father. He was too young to do that. But he asked him why and where they left and he refused to say anything except that her father was a bank employee and he got transferred.


    He knew his father was hiding something very significant from him. Over the years he grew tired and stopped persuading. He came to terms with fate that she was not the one he was destined to have as his better half.


    When he was over with her, destiny had to y this ridiculous game with him by introducing her back into his life.


    ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡± She suddenly announced and both of them went out in search of vending machines which could provide them some food. He couldn¡¯t believe his life, the worst motel he could evere across, the busted water heater and a chance encounter with a woman he thought he would nevere across.


    The old vending machine ate away the only two dors of change he had and did not even give him the cup of coffee that Merlyn wanted. Seeing his scrunched up face her giggles were on top which felt like silk to his ears. They began to knock him at the end of his throat in a scious way.


    A smile spread across his cheeks watching her and theyughed until their stomachs ached. ¡°That¡¯s the first time I heard youugh so big. I¡¯m surprised you didn¡¯t have to blow the dust off your vocal chords before you did that.¡± She joked which made Stephen warm up to her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m sure I will have plenty of opportunities to do that in yourpany.¡±


    ¡°Did you justpliment me?¡± He saw the cascading snow in her twinkling blue eyes which always mesmerized him from the day she was born.


    It was hard to think of the girl who had so much innocence hidden in her orbs, had to endure so much pain of losing her parents in her young age, losing the guy she trusted the most and there was more which she couldn¡¯t even share. It was the pain which dragged her to solitude.


    It took all of him to pull away his gaze from her. He had to suck it up. He had betrothed he wasn¡¯t going to do something to her for which he would repent for the rest of his life. He wasn¡¯t going to touch her.


    ¡°It is about time we leave, before we start freezing here.¡± He suggested.


    ¡°That¡¯s a great idea.¡± Merlyn supported him and both of them walked back to the motel with the little eating stuff they got from different vending machines.


    After they reached the room, they fell silent again. Was it because of the possible sexual endeavor that they had? But, Stephen wanted to know everything about her including the death of her parents.


    Nevertheless like always she fell silent with each of his questions. ¡°You have not answered any of my questions and for that matter, I do not even know your name, to find out about you through Google. But you want to know everything about me? Is it a fair exchange?¡± She took a pack of chips that they just bought and went into the bathroom before she locked herself.


    That was so unexpected for him. Stephen went and knocked on the door still in a stupor on what she did. ¡°Hey, I know you are right behind this door. To avoid answering me, are you going to sit on the toilet seat and eat?¡±


    The woman was really a piece of work. To quit answering his questions she was even ready to eat sitting on the toilet seat.


    ¡°Merlyn,e out and eat here on the bed.¡± He knocked again.


    ¡°Popping, l can¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°No, you are lying.¡±


    ¡°I wille back whenever I want.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re being childish.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯re being an idiot.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not.¡±


    Her stupid teenage hormones are kicking him right at the ce he did not want them.


    He gulped his curses and walked back to the bed to remove his jacket and change to his nightwear.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    More minutes passed and Merlyn did note out. If she did not want to share anything about her parents with him, then it is fine. Taking a deep breath, he slid under the covers. His stomach was rumbling for food but he did not feel like having anything.


    Merlyn prodded on why she should share that some rich misbred teenager and his older brother under the pridefulness of being wealthy became the cause of death of her parents. Why should she share with him the grief of being orphaned at a young age and not having money even to fulfill basic necessities. Why should she allow him to know that behind every smile of hers that she presents to the world, there are tears hidden underneath. Why should she share with him about the pain that stillsts with her even after five years of her parents death and she still muffles her cries on her pillow every night before going to bed. Why should she tell him that she hates herself for being their dependent when her aunt and uncle even count pennies at the end of every month on how they are going to run the dishes on the dining table during thest days of the month.

 Chapter 23

    Merlyn finished her snack and licked her fingers sitting on the loo seat. Her hair began to stick at her back and clothes she was putting on now looked dirty. She desperately needed a bath.


    Opening the shower, thankfully the water was warm. Merlyn started scrubbing her hair when the warm water started getting cooler. Hopping out of it, she waited for the water to heat but nothing of such sort happened. In fact the water went cooler and cooler that her fingers began to ache.


    Picking up the only towel situated on the towel stand she ran out of the bathroom and began to shiver standing beside the TV stand.


    The nket slid beside in a simple flex and at once Stephen squat up to look at her. ¡°You¡¯re freezing. Get inside the nket. Otherwise you will fall sick this way.¡±


    Merlyn knew the man was dangerous for her heart. He was only a stranger whom she met during the course of travel. By tomorrow evening, he would drop her Minneapolis and disappear from her life. But man, did he not look charming? Probably she would never see him again. He is just an acquaintance who she came across during the passage of time. But her heart seems to disagree with everything her mind stated. She was slowly falling in love with him which should never have happened.


    His extending arm to pull her into the covers seemed to be the most weing thing at the moment. Merlyn slid under the covers and took every bit of the warmth that he could give her. She did not understand why she felt sofortable in his embrace. Her mind kept giving her warning signals but body moulded into him like a second skin. Her leg went between his reaching for the warmingfort. His arm enveloping her body seemed to work miracles in giving her all the heat that he could possibly provide but soon he was shivering too.


    She closed her eyes and sighed. Very soon a low groan went out of him. She opened her eyes and looked up at him digging out her head from the covers and then she could notice what got him so irritated. The power was gone.


    ¡°What the fuck!¡± Things turn out to be the most unexpected and longer than he could imagine. He was absolutely stunned with the road trip he was having with this unknown woman who appeared to be like an antique piece in the museum yet a delightful change for his fucked up mind.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Merlyn was grinning like always. ¡°The power wille back soon.¡±


    ¡°I think your positivity is kicking in again.¡± He sighed, peeled of his shirt and pulled her to his chest.


    ¡°Why? Are you annoyed by my positivity? Merlyn was slightly reluctant for the intimacy he was providing her. But his body was like a ma which pulled her more and more towards him. She knew his skin touching hers directly would make the fire ignite in her. But sweet heavens, could she deny having it?


    ¡°Concentrate on my body heat, Merlyn.¡±


    ¡®Oh yes, she was doing right that and could say her body was setting to mes of lust.¡¯ She would have called him emotionless with clothes on his body but with shirt off, he was a virile, caring and passionate man.


    Merlyn moved away from the wet spot created by her hair and in the process got more closer to him that not even air could go between them.


    He slightly dipped his head and his lips brushed from her forehead to her cheeks tenderly.


    Somehow his care for her made her change her decision. She looked up at his turquoise green eyes that swept her away into the field of assurance. She wanted to reduce the weight that she had been bearing on her kernel since long. Maybe a little loosening up and giving him a tiny bit of information about her may not be wrong.


    ¡°My parents died on a drunk and drive case. They had actually gone for a friend¡¯s marriage anniversary party. I and my brother were supposed to go with them but since I had a school assignment next day I refused to apany and my brother followed me in a tow. At two in the mid-night I got a call from Breach Candy hospital. My mother died on the spot. And my father¡­.¡±


    With every piece of information, Merlyn was giving him, his body stiffened and cells began to go riot. This cannot happen. This shouldn¡¯t be happening. ¡°More than the one who died in the hospital along with my parents, his older brother was a tyrant. To save his family and business reputation in the public he bribed the cops and buried the justice in age old case sheets of the judiciary. During my fight for truth, my dad died too.¡± She sobbed softly in his chest.


    That¡¯s it! She was the one. He is almost sure of it. Why is life ying such a torturous game with him? She is his father¡¯s best friend¡¯s daughter, the girl he fell in love when he was hardly sixteen. But will the feeling ever be mutual after her knowing the truth? He was a sinner in her life, the betrayer of her happiness and the cause of tears in her eyes. How was he going to amend this irreparable mistake of his life?

 Chapter 24

    Soon again she started to shiver. ¡°My body heat is not working. I need to try to distract you.¡±


    Merlyn gave questioning looks to Stephen and soon he started biting her neck. ¡®Oh my did she feel it right? Of course in every way it was. He might be saving her from cold but whatever he was doing was working wonders upon her.


    He slowly began to pepper down wet kisses down her skin and Merlyn was gradually reaching the height of eroticism.


    His hands brushed every curve of her body, reigning her soul like he was the king who ruled it.


    Merlyn pulled his face to her lips and kissed him, deep, strong and passionate, swirling them into the vortex of love. Stephen could realize it was not just a kiss but something more. It was amitment which was filled with a promise of life long passion.


    Trepidating goosebumps crawled his skin like an unestimable hailstorm which got him into deeper levels of anxiety. Could Merlyn ept him for what he was? Could she ever? Could he say goodbye to her within the next twenty four hours to never meet her again.


    His hands slowly caressed the folds of her feminism. A loud dominating mewl made out of her. She began to swing her body to the moment of passion. His fingers worked inside her in synchrony with her movement. Very soon Merlyn was at the height of receiving her first orgasm.


    Could Merlyn convince her body and soul which looked forward for his love to never meet the man again in her life?


    Stephen had his share of women but the feelings his mind and body were experiencing with Merlyn were beyond the word called satisfaction.


    He quickly dipped his head and began to lick her juices away. ¡°Oh my handsome, please do not stop.¡±


    Merlyn¡¯s eyes were closed, working her fingers on his soft hairs, pulling them as he took her to an all new level of passion.


    Even when the snow was drizzling down the window panes and her hair was still wet with the shower, Merlyn could find sweat settling at her back.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°That¡¯s great. You are slowly heating up.¡± Stephen announced with a victorious grin and was about to settle beside her but Merlyn stopped him before his back hit the mattress.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± She asked in irritation. ¡°You get me irresistibly high on sex and stop it all of a sudden? Do you think I¡¯m going to ept it? Come on, make love to me.¡±


    Stephen was shocked and at the same time thrilled with her outburst for want of love. Was it her adrenaline marking its effect or was it simply the relish of a novel feeling she didn¡¯t have the taste so far in her life was making her speak such things to him without hesitation?


    Whatever it was, he was liking it but he waspletely against taking her virginity away. He wasn¡¯t the man she was going to marry. He was not going to let that happen. Though he cannot revert her past and bring back her parents, when he goes back to his workce, he would make sure she would have sufficient money to look after her and her brother¡¯s needs starting from education to everything without depending upon her aunt.


    She need not know the person who helped her. Watching her smile, and the next time from the bottom of her heart was enough to make him feel at peace. He wouldn¡¯t want anything more to ask nature for it was the best Almighty could give him for his irreversible mistake.


    ¡°Come on, make love to me, what is stopping you?¡± He stared at her not knowing what to say. ¡°You are a virgin.¡± He called after much thought and muse.


    ¡°So what, fuck the virginity and make love to me.¡± She guided his arm back to her vagina before she licked his fingers.


    Stephen till then did not know, she was a wild enchantress in the bed. It was very hard to deny her when he was equally electrified with her inviting body. He could not stop taking a step forward. His body worked in its ord ignoring the squeaks of his mind.


    He continued to pleasure her and soon his finger was reced by his organ. ¡°This might pain you initially butter everything will be a pleasure.¡± He cautioned her and started moving inside her slowly.


    Initially it was painful and a lot ufortable like he warned but slowly the friction turned to eroticism and Merlyn was enjoying as he rocked them to the threshold of heaven.


    Her cries of pleasure began going deeper and stronger. The creaking bed had its innocent exercise for a long time, hitting the wall towards their head


    With passing seconds the sex turned more steaming. ¡°Oh my God, I am going to have it, handsome.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± He asked slyly, knowing fully well what she meant.


    Nothing worked in the brain of Merlyn. ¡°I¡¯m¡­I¡¯m¡±


    ¡°Going toe?¡± He finished the sentence for her.


    ¡°Then go on, my prettydy.¡± He had hardly finished his sentence when his own orgasm rocked him in a whirlwind ofsciviousness. His body shook with rapture breathing heavily looming over her as every cell in his body vibrated with copiousness.


    ¡°Fucking hell of a lord!¡± He roared in a zeal spilling his seeds inside her.


    ¡°Cool it guys.¡± Somebody knocked on their door.


    Stephen fell beside Merlyn on the bed and ran profanities. ¡°Bloody cheap motel¡±. And Merlyn had theugh of a millennium. But this time he was not knocked by her positivity. He beganughing with her and very soon they were drowned to sleep.

 Chapter 25

    The snow falling subsided the next day and the weather forecast was favourable. Thus they started their ride to Minneapolis.


    The journey was inplete silence. Sexual tension was so thick between them, that it could be cut to two slices.


    Stephen stopped the car before a small eatery to grab the breakfast which also had a pharmacy. He brought them two chicken sandwiches and fried eggs with a ss each of orange juice along with two tablets for Merlyn. ¡°What is this?¡± She asked him a bit surprised.


    ¡°Remember, the night?¡± ¨C ¡®oh yeah, was it the night that could ever be forgotten in her life? He was an Eros in bed and the most passionate man in the world. He treated her like a queen and his love for her was unparalleled though he wouldn¡¯t say a word to admit it.¡¯


    ¡°These tablets will prevent you from falling pregnant. Have one after breakfast and then after dinner. I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have done that.¡± He called with his eyes down as if not able to look at her. Remorse in his words did not sound good to Merlyn. They were equal participants in bed. And if what they did was wrong, both of them were to be med.


    ¡°I don¡¯t consider it a mistake. And if it was, it was not only your fault but mine too.¡± Merlyn grabbed the tablet and gulped it with water.


    Theypleted the breakfast and soon Stephen was busy in a call briefing his right hand man about the conduction of the meeting and his possible arrival time.


    Merlyn tried to busy herself in scanning her phone though nothing entertained her. The day did not feel good at all though the weather was pleasant. There was an unknown anxiety in her heart. The thought of not going to see him again made her nerves revolt with depression.


    Stephen felt the same. She was his Flower, he was never going to have. Merlyn was the girl who invaded his every dream but the girl whose life went topsy-turvy because of his egotistical and cash rich attitude. He and his deceased junky brother were the killers of her happiness and her parents.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡°There is the girl.¡± A group of gangsters called dashing aggressively towards her.


    ¡°Who are they?¡± Stephen was beside her in a blink of an eye.


    Merlyn was clueless. ¡°I have no idea why they are searching for me.¡± She pleaded innocence.


    ¡°What is your rtionship with Kelly? How dare you help her elope with her boyfriend?¡± One among the four guys who appeared like the leader asked and was about to hit her.


    But before his hand reached her, a strong arm with nerves popping out held him. ¡°Nobody dares toy a hand on my Flower. And this was the promise I made to my dad when she was just a few days old.¡±


    ¡°How dare you? Didn¡¯t Kelly put on the clothes of this girl? I¡¯m her brother.¡± The leader of the four grilled his teeth towards Stephen and about to blow on his face.


    ¡°I told you, nobody dares to touch her.¡± Stephen held his arm and grunted low, enough perilous for the man to shake in fright before he made a hit on him.


    ¡°We have no connection with your sister. In fact she was the one who robbed my girlfriend¡¯s clothes when she went to one of the washrooms to change her attire.¡± Stephen admonished with fire emitting from his eyes.


    While the leader was talking to Stephen, the other three tried to attack Merlyn. The action got Stephen out of his senses. He pummeled his fist on the first guy while he held the neck of the other so tight turning his face pale. He then struck a leg on the third, injuring all of them at once.


    ¡°What are you doing? Leave them. I do not want you to end up in prison for killing them.¡± Merlyn cried when Stephen continued to knock each one of them like he was upied by a spirit.


    Seeing the menace he could mean the leader understood the power of the man they had just tried to rub their nose in ignorance. He understood Merlyn¡¯s innocence and she had nothing to do with his eloped sister. He took his boys and went away from the ce without a further word.


    All the time when Stephen was fighting for her, the only thing that kept nagging in her mind was Flower ¨C the name with which he addressed her. Why does the new epithet given to her appear so familiar? The name rolled out of his lips so naturally like he had been calling her with it for years. It struck a chord in her throat.


    ¡°And this was the promise I made to my dad when she was just a few days old.¡± Those words¡­.. Does the man have a connection with her in the past? Does his family know hers or he was simply saying that to protect her? However, his statement did not feel like a lie. In fact it felt so solemn like they were the words of a pledgeing from his heart.


    Two hourster they were in the city of Minneapolis very near to Burnsville. The car ride was extremely silent with a tick of his jaw every now and then except for the voice of the stereo.


    Though he was not saying anything to her Merlyn felt suffocated with the tension filling up in the car. She wanted to rush out of it. Why was he so angry? The words he told the guy, did they mean the truth? And the way he called her ¨C Flower. Was he someone she knew from her past? Well, she did not suffer any memory loss, an ident or a mishap. If she knew him, she could have remembered him. Everything about his words was making chaos in her head.


    ¡°Thank you for all the help that you did to me during this journey to reach my ce. You might be gettingte for the charity ball. You can drop me before one of the hotels that passes by, I will call my uncle and he will pick me up.¡± Merlyn offered, ready to skip out of the car as soon as possible.


    His hands were in the position of ten and two of the clock holding the steering which suddenly turned tight making his knuckles go white and his vision was ahead looking through the windshield, rock hard. ¡°I took your responsibility at the car kiosk to drive you safely home and I willplete that by any means.¡± He said in a way that paved way to no arguments.


    Few minutester, finally easing the nerves of Merlyn, the car stopped before the floweringwn of her house. Her aunt was cooking and uncle walked out to wee them inside. Stephen shook hands with Peter but politely denied his request to be the guest and before the thought struck her to stop him the car drove away.


    What a weird journey it was! At first when she did not know anything about him, she could speak non-stop but in the end when she thought he was the guy for her she did not even have the words to stop him from driving away from her. She knew nothing about him, not even the name except for the information that he was a businessman.


    Everything that happened felt like a dream and now she was over with it. Will she ever meet the guy again?


    ¡°Merlyn, why are you standing there? Get inside. It is very cold there.¡± Her uncle called.

 Chapter 26

    Stephen¡¯s POV


    6 monthster.


    I was on my way to return to my office after a conference when I found my receptionist arguing with a young girl in the corridor. ¡°What¡¯s the matter and how does this youngdy enter my office without permission?¡± My voice wentmanding to Rita. The girl¡¯s back was facing me.


    ¡°Sir, thisdy is here for the interview of the ountant. I was trying to exin to her, the interviews have finished but she wouldn¡¯t listen.¡± Rita tells me in a tinge of disappointment but bnces her tone swiftly. ¡°Sir, I will find out how she was directed here without giving her initial interview to Mr Benjamin?¡±


    The boss¡¯s voice felt very familiar to Merlyn. There was an unknown delectation apanied with anxiety in her heart. Her toes curled in trepidation. Was it him?


    ¡°Call the front desk and inform, theplete staff should be in my office within the next ten minutes.¡± I shooted my words and looked at the girl opposite the receptionist. And then the world stopped around me. There was an instant ecstasy which ignited my soul. My lips stretched automatically and my hands reached hers on their own. ¡°Merlyn?¡±


    Merlyn was having the same kind of thrilling goosebumps all over her skin. For the man she thought she would never meet, fate had brought them together once again. But she cannot bring their friendship to his workce. She was supposed to be professional like a boss and an employee.


    Before he could speak anything next, she talks in an apologetic tone. ¡°Sir, your front desk staff was perfect in doing their duty. Actually it is my fault, I tricked them by taking the base of a lie. I told them that I was a friend of your deceased brother and would wish to speak to you about something important regarding him. That was why they sent me here.¡±


    My eyes scrolled over Merlyn¡¯s physique and recalled the way my hands caressed every part of her skin once upon a time. Those beautiful crystal blues that looked at me sometimes in naughtiness and sometimes in mystery. That attractive body that upied every cell in my system like a spirit. Since that day no woman in this world seems to entice me though I tried to lift up some of the tension in my body through physical pleasure. She is the one for me, my lifeline, my salvation and my happiness. I realized with gaetyI¡¯m a taken man now.


    I came out of my trance when my receptionist sneezed behind me. ¡°Rita, get yourself checked for corona. Otherwise you will kill yourself and others too with you.¡±


    My eyes stared back at Merlyn. She does not know who I am and who my brother is. Then why is she indulging in such a huge lie? I tried to y along but much intrigued to find out the truth. A nerve struck in my throat. She should never know the truth about me or my brother. I will never let that happen. Unless I bring myself closer to her she will not learn the truth. I prefer to be a beautiful memory in her thoughts than stay a tyrant always moving around her. What is this game destiny is ying with me? The more I try to forget my past, the greater it chases me. I even sacrificed my love to bury the veracity yet ites back to me like a curse for the sin I cannot amend.


    Why does she enter my life again?


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know because of your ignorant mistake some people would have lost their jobs here? Though it has been more than four years, my family and the enterprise is still mourning the loss of my brother and you try to take an advantage of people¡¯s sentiments to enter this ce? Shouldn¡¯t you feel sorry for what you have done?¡± I feign a hint of my annoyance and before I would speak further her eyes trickle tears.


    Shit! What have I done? In an attempt to know the truth I had hurt her. She covers them in her dark tresses trying to make them unnoticed and sucks in her breathe attempting to face me bold. ¡°Sir, I apologize for what I have done. I did some homework about your family. It was the year I lost my parents too.¡±


    Recalling the past, guilt again upied me for the injustice I had done to her. My heart skipped a beat. ¡°I know I amte for the interview but getting this job is very important to me, for supporting my family.¡±C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    My heart ached for her. Suddenly what is this new development? What is the urgent necessity her family has that she needs to fetch a job immediately? And why is she applying for an ountant when she is a physiotherapist? I could see the genuineness behind her words. She was not lying and my instincts told me I was supposed to help her. ¡°Get inside my cabin.¡± I tell her softly and walk to my room. Privacy at this moment was very important to us.


    Six months ago with not a word or a greeting I dropped her abruptly before her aunt¡¯s house and fled away, not ready to continue our connection. But as fate would have it she kept knocking back in my life. First in the car kiosk and now in my office.


    I close the door and lock it to be on the safe side and my body works in its own ord without hearing my mind¡¯s warnings. My hands went around her waist and brought her closer to me. They cup her cheeks and my lipsnd on hers in a hypnotizing spell.


    She moans and dwells in my touch and the kiss as if she wanted this as much as I wanted. Our tongues fight for dominance as they y with each other.


    This kiss was slow, long and passionate and we poured out our feelings to each other. I directed her to the wall behind and holding up her wrists my kiss turned wild and ferocious and in a crave like a hungry monster.


    Her moans took louder and louder as she rubbed her front body to me. I was tempted to have her in more ways than possible and wished we were in a different world where I do not have to recall my past associated with her.


    Our bodies synced with each other like a moth attracted to a me. There was an invisible force between us like a divine union. Her peaks and valleys cuddling with my rock hard chest invoked sweet titition in me and my manhood went erect just by the taste of her touch.


    We were like untamed bores smacking each other like one wanted to swallow the other. The magic of lust was overwhelming our bodies. Our souls united without mind¡¯s control. My leg moved forward and my knee went between her legs to caress her G. Spot. ¡°That¡¯s my man.¡± She mewled like a cat and minutester all of a sudden she pushed me away like a spirit reigned in her mind.


    ¡°Why did you leave me like that? Not a greeting, not a word and not even a kiss. It was so unexpected that my mind couldn¡¯t even process what was happening and within a blink of an eye you were gone. And today six monthster you unpredictably appear again in front of me. I guess we were meant to stay for each other.¡± She bit her lip dropping her head in shyness.


    I did not reply to her. My heart was still beating heavily, recovering from the aftermath of the kiss. Long ck hair, dark blue eyes, beautiful and charming ¨C these are the first words that strike me gazing at her.She has been here for more than ten minutes now, but this is the first time I observe her because my thoughts kept wandering to the upying attraction. She was my Flower, my childhood love and my pristine Angel.


    Guarding my reverie Ie out of my smitten self. ¡°Take a seat.¡± I tell her in ascension, stretching my hand to take the file out of her hands. ¡°What are your qualifications? I know youpleted your graduation in physiotherapy, then why are you here to apply for an ountant post.¡±


    I evaluated her testimonials, apart from physiotherapy, she had done a crash course in ountancy. That makes sense. Her dad was a bank manager and before that he was an ountant. Probably she had an interest in the field too.


    I ced my hands on the file before she could speak. ¡°You do not hold a graduation certificate in ountancy. Radiance Industries is one of the most leading textile firms in the American market, how could you think you would fit into this post? You are not even qualified for an interview in thispany, leave about getting the job. The minimum qualifications required for applying for the post of ountant here is, a post graduation inmerce and ounting along with a minimum of ten years experience.¡± I lean back on my leather chair crossing my fingers and guard her emotions.


    What makes her suddenly apply for a job that too for the post of an ountant after studying physiotherapy?

 Chapter 27

    She bites her lip looking at her file on my desk and there was a thump in my heart. I arrest the stupid feeling in my heart and tell her softly. ¡°Study well, you have got good grades. If you want any financial help, here is my number. You can call me¡­.¡± She wouldn¡¯t let meplete my sentence. ¡°I am not a charity case.¡± She admonishes clearly.


    Her words got me stupefied. That was so unexpected from her. I was seeing a new side of Merlyn today. ¡°I am here to seek employment.¡± She tells me assertively. I gaze at her absolutely bemused.I have never seen a girl of her age so poised and self possessed.Feisty and braveanother two admirable qualities of her that I love to note.


    She gulps inaudibly meeting my eyes trying to show some confidence and mutters. ¡°Please don¡¯t judge me by the qualifications I am yet to acquire. As you have noted I have got good grades in my previous sses. You can ask me any number of questions and I am confident I will be able to answer them well. Though I have no certificate of graduation in ountancy, I have helped my father innumerable times in the past to make ledgers and bnce sheets and also did a certificate course in ountancy because of my interest in the subject.¡±


    I raise my brows looking amused about the positive spirit and the confidence she upholds to apply for the Radiance group of Industries, the top most business firm in spite of not being the least qualified for the post. The guts of the girl¡­and I have noted it since the beginning. I was clearly inspired by her and decided to not let her spirits die though there was no way she would be absorbed in my firm.


    A little smile ys on my lips and I tell her to slip her file on the table. ¡°What is the urgency for you to apply to this job?¡±


    She again started doing that. Fidgeting with her fingers. I circled the table and held her fingers. Holding her hand, I walk her to the visitor¡¯s couch and take her into myp. At first she was stunned but gradually she gets rxed and a slow smile ys on her brims.


    ¡°Tell me now. What brings you here?¡±


    ¡°I do not want to be a charity case.¡±


    When she was about to y with her fingers, I abruptly stopped her holding her digits again. ¡°You are not a charity case. In fact you are the most dignified woman I havee across. And didn¡¯t I tell you there is nothing to worry about? I¡¯m here and I will take care of you just like I did before.¡±


    She looked at me with those pulchitrudinous blues radiating all the positivity and innocence with her lips slightly parted. Her eyes diverted from my eyes to my lips. My heart skipped a beat. If she does that one more time I knew I cannot stop but was going to kiss her.


    She was sitting in myp with her legs on either side of my waist. I wish she hadn¡¯t noticed it. I was already getting a hard-on and my pants became ufortably tight just by her most virginal touch. She has that power on me. My Flower and my everything in this world.


    My hands slid to either side of her waist holding her in ce as I gaze down at her in affection giving her my undivided attention to find out for what she was here in front of me.


    ¡°My uncle is sick. He had met with an ident and is now in a wheelchair. The orthopaedic surgeon told us he needs a surgery where a te needs to be fixed in his right leg for him to walk again and the cost of the surgery would cause us two millions. My aunt is doing everything in her hands but you know she has four mouths here to feed.¡±


    ¡°What is your situation with your ex-boyfriend?¡± I couldn¡¯t stop myself to ask.


    ¡°I booked a case upon him and my roommate for stealing my money but nothing helped. He has some underworld connections. Anyways¡­¡± She sighed ¡°this is not new to me. I have been the most unlucky all my life to rub my nose with the most powerful in the world and get beaten up.¡±


    Culpability to be the reason for her misfortune once again consumed me. Assessing the genuineness of the facts, it was not her misfortune but I was the beast who entered her life to make it the most unbearable. Now it was my duty to protect her by whatever means. ¡°I will help you win the case over your ex.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± She stared at me unbelievably and I nodded confirming to her. ¡°Yes, you heard it right.¡±


    Her face was worth seeing as she held my face andnded her lips on me. Very soon we were kissing again pouring out the affection we had hidden for each other for such a long time. Her hands caressed my cheeks while mine were running freely on every loop of her body while our lips danced upon each other¡¯s in ecstasy. We were on the seventh heaven ready to forget the world that existed around us.


    I was in no position to control myself. I removed the coat and opened the belt of my pant while I continued to smack her. Just as I was about to direct her to the sleeping position on the couch, I got a call from the receptionist. ¡°Sir the employees are assembled here waiting for your orders.¡±


    ¡°Send them back.¡± I growled on the phone. ¡°It wasn¡¯t their mistake for Merlyn to be here.¡±


    ¡°Sure sir.¡± Rita replied professionally and cut the call. ¡®That was right on time, else we would have gone very far¡¯ ¨C I thought.


    Bncing herself after the kiss, Merlyn added bringing me out of my frenzied state. ¡°My uncle is like a father to me. Though we are not blood rted, he had looked after me and my brother, like his own kids. I would like to do everything in my capacity to bring him out of his present paralyzed state. I had been applying to jobs everywhere when I saw a vacancy here in Radiance industries.¡±


    I sighed. ¡°That¡¯s the post which stays vacant in mypany for many long years.¡± I knew she was looking at me with many questions but nevertheless I continued. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t wish to take any financial help from me and I cannot offer you a job without assessing your efficiency for the post. But understanding you as a sincere and hardworking girl I would like to give you a chance to prove yourself.¡±


    The smile on Merlyn¡¯s face goes unmatched and noting that I was the reason for her happiness I was thrilled. A sense of pride upied me. At least for once, I became the reason for a smile on her face rather than always giving heartbreaks in her life.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be putting any questions to you but considering your positive attitude I wish to give you a chance. This is the monthly statement of one of the branches of ourpany. The entries here aren¡¯t posted in the right manner. You will readjust them, make ledger ounts and prepare the bnce sheet. I give you one hour of time. If your entries are urate, this job will be yours.¡± I tell her tenderly, keeping aside all my professionalism and power.¡°See yourself in the visitors hall outside. Rita will guide you and will also give you the necessary stationary required for your work.¡±


    Was Merlyn going to get what she wanted from Stephen?


    Was she going to qualify for the ountant post which was vacant for a long time?


    And if she fails to qualify, how was Stephen going to convince her to take his money?

 Chapter 28

    Merlyn¡¯s POV


    It was the post of an ountant in the Radiance group of Industries. It is a top ss firm in the United States. They are the leaders in cotton textile and consumer products who have also diversified their resources to the pubs and hotel industry.


    I dressed myself in a sky blue pencil skirt and a cream colored top. I added a little bit of mascara, eye shadow to highlight my blue eyes and proceeded to leave. Throughout the journey I thought if I could be lucky enough to grab the job. I was not even qualified for the post. They require a post graduate in ountancy with a minimum of ten years experience and I wouldn¡¯t fulfill either of the requirements. My chances to grab the position are nil but if I am lucky, the CEO is a liberal pay master. With no doubt I would be able to pull off our family expenses and also be able toplete my post graduation.


    Half an hourter, I was in front of a stylish looking skyscraper with a big board on top hung in pride, The Radiance Group of Industries. Pushing away all my anxiousness I moved towards the receptionist to tell her the reason why I was here.


    She told me the interviews were over but I was not ready to take a negative reply. I thought for a moment and something clicked in my crazy mind. I told her I got crucial information about the CEO¡¯s deceased brother.


    Before applying for any interview, I took it as a part of my job to study the background of the firm I was supposed to apply for and coincidentally I found the CEO¡¯s younger brother also died in the same year and month my parents died in a car ident. Unfathomably, for no obvious reason empathy in me kicked for the family.


    No sooner I walked into the opulent foyer I could see a life size portrait of a young man. ¡°That¡¯s the CEO¡¯s deceased younger brother. Our boss loved him so much.¡± The receptionist stood behind me and said gravely. My heart skipped a beat. Though Mr Collomen and I are poles apart in social and financial positions, I could rte to his pain.


    ¡°It is heard that the CEO¡¯s mother suffered many months of depression after her son died and the CEO had a hard time to bring her back to normalcy. Since that day the family has done a lot of charity during festivals and social asions but as you know nothing can bring back the buried man back to life.¡± Somehow, I felt very close to the boss and his family. My voice choked and breath clogged in my throat. ¡°May God grant the family peace.¡±


    ¡°So, what is the information you got about his younger brother?¡± The receptionist¡¯s voice brought me out of my reverie.


    ¡°I would want it to be stated to the boss first.¡± The receptionist looked at me softly. ¡°Sure.¡±


    She asked me to take a lift and go to the 17th floor and meet Ms Rita. The personal assistant of Mr Collomen. Very soon I came face to face with the CEO of thepany and ground washed away from under my feet. Mr Stephen Collomen¡­. This man¡­so he is Stephen Collomen. The cotton textile mogul who rules more than three fourth of the American economy.


    Everything makes sense now. Why I felt him familiar, why the people at the car kiosk were snickering and giving him knowing looks and why he offered me lift though he did not want to initially. Calctive Grinch. It was because he did not want to spoil his reputation before the front desk of the car kiosk and be in every newspaper the next day.


    I was so stupid, I was too busy in my own world and brooding over my problems that I rarely read newpapers. But he was no less than a celebrity with his face struck at every banner and business newspaper of the United States. At least then I should have got a hint.


    My uncle should have recognized him. He reads a lot of daily but maybe because of his age, he couldn¡¯t recollect him immediately though he told her the man looks familiar, simr to her own feeling.


    Merlyn ran her eyes from the corner of hershes on his enticing figure and her orbs made a feast of his handsomeness for seeing him after a very long time.


    He is charismatic, smart and handsome. An Adonis dressed to kill, his aura radiated dominance, might and power. The maic pull between us was undeniable and no sooner he brought me inside, he smooched me so hard like his life depended on that kiss. ¡°So you are Stephen Collomen, one of the most powerful businessmen of the United States and the man who gave me a lift at the car kiosk unwillingly to save his face at the front desk and avoidplications with the paparazzi.¡± I giggled.


    ¡°I am sorry but I speak the truth, clean from the heart.¡± I say with not a bit of reticence and in between my smiles.


    ¡°I already know you Merlyn and I know you are clean from heart, a straight forward woman. Yes my firm stands among the top five firms in the United States and we are leaders of cotton textile but unfortunately you couldn¡¯t recognize me. ording to you I was some rich, overweighing handsome hunk with a lot of self-pride. But it came out like a blessing in disguise for me, at least I could be at ease around you like some nobody. Nevertheless, keeping our past aside, I am sorry to say, you are not even qualified for an interview here.¡± His strong voice prated my soul like shards of ss making me pensive in a matter of seconds but I wasn¡¯t here to ept defeat.


    I revitalize my courage and face him boldly. ¡°You can ask me any number of questions and I am confident I will be able to answer them well.¡±


    Stephen nodded thoughtfully. ¡°You, being a science student, have hardly any chance to seed in ountancy. Though you will not qualify for the job here, I like your confidence and your undying spirit to take over the challenges that are almost impossible to achieve.¡±


    He took out a file from the top drawer of his desk. ¡°This is the monthly statement of one of the branches of ourpany. The entries here aren¡¯t posted in the right manner. You will readjust them, make ledger ounts and prepare the bnce sheet. I give you one hour of time. If your entries are urate, this job will be yours.¡±


    My eyes already shine with enthusiasm. He was not a Grinch or stick in the mud. He has a heart that many people fail to see. ¡°You can meet Rita at the front desk. She will give you stationary and all the other material.¡±


    I finished the task given to me by thepany before time and reached the hospital to take a note of my uncle¡¯s health.


    Going home I prepare dinner for me and my brother as my aunt was in the hospital and keep my fingers crossed praying to God to help me with the job. Next day afternoon at around 2:00pm, I get a call from an unknown number. ¡°Am I speaking to Ms Merlyn James?¡± Fiddling with the pen in my hands where I was working on my uncle¡¯s medical bills, I gave a feeble affirmative. ¡°Mam, you have been selected for the post of ountant in Radiance group of Industries. Please be in the head office reception tomorrow morning by 8:30am sharp.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I stopped breathing for a second. Did I hear it right? The receptionist once again repeated her words this time with a little irritation clearly in her voice but who cared? I was on the moon. I hug my brother, singing and doing a happy dance with him and finally breathe an air of happiness.


    My uncle¡¯s medical bills are soon going to get cleared but will I be able to stand the persona of the self conceited handsome hunk and keep a control on my heart especially when I would be working so close to him?C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

 Chapter 29

    Stephen¡¯s POV


    Lately my life has had a pretty amount of twirls and turns. It had been six months since my meeting with Merlyn and something significantly changed inside me.I think I was not the usual poker face and the grinch that she often called me. I started looking at things in life with positivity.


    My mother had slowly been recouping from her depression.  She had now stopped almost all her medicines except two the most vital ones. Though my brother¡¯s void could never be fulfilled in her heart, I made every possible attempt within my reach to help her out of the tragedy. My dad was also heartbroken but he was a bnced man and kept his emotions in control.


    For a few days they went to my grandfather¡¯s ce. The man is like a backbone to our family. Though he is almost eighty his ideas are young and innovative, capable of enticing today¡¯s youth. Even today after six years of introducing myself to the business, I take his advice.


    At my work front I wasparatively rxed. Since Mr Luke¡¯s death though it has been almost 5 years today nobody could make up to my demands. ountants came and resigned, hardly each of them sticking for a month or two. But since my new ountant and my sweetheart took over Luke¡¯s job, I am at peace in seventh heaven.


    Though Merlyn is only 22, she has the maturity level of people much older to her. She is still a fresh graduate but has the capability of doing her work with expertise. I am yet to confess anything about her parents death and my heart disagrees every time I make a venture. I have no idea how long I could carry this weight on my shoulder. Every time I look at her the culpability of sinning blinded by the eyes of richness and pride washes over me like a gue.


    I understand she is hardworking and intelligent which could take her much ahead in life. At least I want to fill a part of my evil done to her with goodness. The time I confess the heart breaking truth to her, I will already have made arrangements for her next employment and a huge bnce in her bank ount which would look after her future.


    I searched on the web and decided to enroll her in a post graduation course in ountancy at one of the night colleges nearby her house, so that she can have a bright future. She at first hesitated to ept my offer as she was doubtful she could pay the fees but when I assured her that it was only a loan and she could repay me when she gets a better job, she readily epted my offer.


    I waspletely engrossed in work when a file of previous month financial statement attracted my attention. I decided to call her and do some hunky-punky business after which I could check about Shaw & Co who was our debtor for thest few months.


    Within a few minutes there was a knock at the door and there she arrived. My heart skipped a beat just by looking at her.She was dressed simple in ck pants and a in white top yet there was an elegance and a kind of poise in each of her movements and mannerisms. It was the moment when I was not able to contemte my own feelings. She is the love of my life. My Flower. The girl who was present in my every dream since I attained my puberty. Fucking, if not for the ident, I would have made her mine by now.


    Merlyn was the test of my patience and my future, the girl I so much desire, very close yet so far.


    I thought I would be okay after having a few one night stands. But soon I could understand, they were only for physical pleasure. There was always a vacuum in me. Merlyn is different from every girl I saw. She made meplete, dream of positive things and brought sce in my kernel.


    Girls keep stealing nces at me but Merlyn was always different. Though we had an advanced level of physical rtionship, she always behaved professionally in the office. She kept her eyes to work and looked at me only when asked for something. I was falling for this woman more and more and knowing the veracity of facts every passing day it was bing hell a lot difficult keeping my emotions at bay.


    Putting my sentiments aside I upheld my cold demeanour of a boss and put forward my hand to take the file from her hand asking her to take a seat.In my heart I just feel like hugging her and kissing passionately.


    I was awestruck by her skill in ounts. When Mr Benjamin told me she was perfect and more experienced than Mr Luke I had no words to say knowing fully well her age and her graduation in physiotherapy instead of ounts.


    I waspletely satisfied with her answers regarding every detail she delivered. Moving the file away from my eyes, urging to see her intoxicating face once again, I nketed my emotions and asked her if she could prepare me a cup of coffee as my personal assistant was on leave. She immediately nodded and left the room.


    I started breathing again which I never knew I held back. Feeling an urge for distraction from the woman moving in front of me, I called my friend Haynes to my office so that we can have some guy¡¯s time and just move into a club to rx as it was almost closing time.


    Haynes had been a y boy right since his young age. He was a ssmate of mine and also my best friend except for his flirty deeds towards women which I never liked.


    As Haynes¡¯s office was quite nearby, he came to my office within a few minutes of time. ¡®Hey Stephen! What¡¯s up man? You never call me. It¡¯s only I who wants to mingle with you. What happened to the cold hearted businessman? Does he not want to work anymore?¡± He started kidding me. I raised my hand for a hi five and was chatting with my best friend when she arrived.


    Haynes immediately turned his head sideways to look into the person standing beside him and fell aghast by the beauty walking ahead of him. He regained hisposure and greeted her with a puzzled face ¡®Hey beautiful! Are you new to thispany? My ountant did not reply to him immediately. In fact she took her time and without looking much into him she spoke in her ever soft voice ¡®yes sir, very recently.¡±


    I inwardly felt a relief flood over my face. I do not know why but I felt happy, she was not attracted to him.Haynes was charming, handsome and smart but a flirt. Thankfully Merlyn did not fall for his tricks. ¡®We are organizing a party at Hotel Grand on the sessful 10th year of ourpanyunch. I wish to personally invite you to the party.¡± Merlyn just put a nk face and answered him very courteously ¡®sir I have a younger brother to take care of at home. Besides, I am not habituated tote night parties.¡±  With that she turned her face towards me and asked permission for her to leave after she ced the coffee on my table. I immediately nodded and felt reprieved that she had left.


    The feelings of Stephen are growing stronger for Merlyn with the passing period of time and at the same time the fear of losing her after learning the deathly truth was killing him.


    Merlyn has simr feelings for Stephen but was being professional since she needed the job utmostly to regain back her losing family.


    What is going to be the fate of these two love birds?C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

 Chapter 30

    Merlyn¡¯s POV


    Who is this asshole who is in Stephen¡¯s cabin? He is openly flirting with me. I hate these kinds of guys. Stephen has always been a well behaved man. Even when I irritated him the most by being a clear chatterbox during our travels together, he behaved with me courteously. I don¡¯t know why he encourages a moron like this in his office.


    Driving my thoughts away from the bullshit I underwent recently with the idiot seated in my boss¡¯s office, I decided to take a warm shower and get dressed so that I can go to my night college. Stephen had been very kind to me. He told me to leave the office by 6:00 p. m so that I can get ready and leave for my night college which starts at 7:00 p. m. How many bosses in this world look after the welfare of their employees like this?


    I had been falling for this man since the day I first met him in the car kiosk. Just the thought of his arms around me sends butterflies in my stomach. I don¡¯t know what sort of a feeling it is! But I am developing sensitive feelings for him. Merlyn, control yourself. He is your boss, not your boyfriend and you are poles apart not only in financial but family background too.


    He is not going to marry you, he only has empathy towards you since your parents died at a very young age and you have gone dependent on your aunt whose family too is in problems today. Once upon a time when you were at the car kiosk begging for the cheapest car with no money in your wallet, you were a charity case for him and you are a pitiable case for him today too. ¨C I tried to counsel myself but nothing worked. I am back to the state of hallucination again.


    Those green eyes which bore into mine whenever I look at him stop my world. I am developing strange feelings for him. Is it attraction, infatuation, or love? No Merlyn this can¡¯t be love. How can you develop such feelings towards your boss? Stephen is not your co-traveler today, not a random guy with whom you can hook-up. He is your pay master with whom you can never ever entertain such ludicrous feelings. Restraining my thoughts towards the man of my dreams, I prepare dinner for my only family avable at home, my brother and leave for the night college.


    I caught the bus which stopped a few steps ahead of my college. I was slowly walking towards my college when I felt the hold of rough hand in one of my arms. I was swayed around by the person holding me and my breath stopped. ¡°Mr Benjamin?¡± I spat with venom in my voice.


    The man had been a pain in the ass for me since the time I joined Radiance industries.He was the person who was giving me night mares. I don¡¯t know how I was going to handle him. I do not have anybody to help me. This bastard would disturb me all day during my work and tries toy his hands on me. I can¡¯tin about him to the boss. After all he has been an ardent employee of thepany with a work experience of 10 years in the same firm. Initially I thought about sharing my problem with Mr Collomen, but when I came to know about Benjamin¡¯s work experience I drove my thoughts away. I am only a fresh employee of thepany. If Iin about a man who is ten times better experienced than me, I am the person who is going to walk out of the firm. All my hard work to attain this job will go a waste.


    He discreetly tried to reach one of my breasts. I brushed away his hand with force and yelped loudly. My brain became foggy and my throat went dry from the intensity I yelled. After a few seconds I feel a sudden sh of heat on my left cheek followed by a sting and a shooting sharp pain. I realised I was pped and came in contact with the ground. ¡°You bloody bitch, your throat works smarter than any other part of your body.¡± He snarled on my face.


    I tried to run fast moving away from his hold but failed miserably. I was again caught by him. The smell of cigarettes apanied by the foul smell of cheap liquor were doing no better to help me out of my mncholy state.


    He lifted my hands upwards on either side of my head and inhaled my scent closing his eyes like he was enjoying every iota of me. I felt an extreme revulsion for the kook.


    He dipped his head and began to lick my neck starting from the bottom almost reaching my lips. I shivered with abhorrence. If I do not stop him now, I knew I wouldn¡¯t be able to safeguard myself.


    In a situation of do or die I had no much choice. I smacked him in a ce where the sun never shines and ran as fast as my feet could carry.


    When I reached the alley where his eyes thankfully hadn¡¯t reached yet, I pulled the phone from my pocket pulsating and sumbed to the only sane thought which screamed in my mind.


    Call Stephen!


    Stephen¡¯s POV


    I was enjoying my time with my friend Haynes in the pub when my phone beeped. I looked at the caller ID and was rmed.  A bundle of questions shed through my mind. What happened to her? Why is she calling me thiste in the night? Is she alright? Is she not feeling well? I began to get worried within seconds of recording the call. I wasn¡¯t able to contemte on myself, why am I getting influenced by the girl I could never have as mine and bringing unnecessary problems in my life?


    My life is going smoothly now. My mother is steadily recovering and with Merlyn as my new ountant I am at peace in my work ce too. Why can¡¯t I stop encouraging copious thoughts about her and allow her only in my employee payroll? She is making me go crazy. Do things which I have never done.


    I went to a corner in the pub where there was no sound. A brte began to sway her hips in front of me. I turned her down with a wave of my finger and quickly picked the phone alerting myself. I was anxious. Anxious about her.


    She spoke in a trembling voice and my heart began to thud. ¡®Stephen, help¡­This man is trying to molest me.¡± That¡¯s it! I lost all my sanity and the beast within me took over his seat.


    But I controlled myself. ¡°Send me your location. I am on my way.¡± I could hear the beat of my heart to my ears as I raced out after stamping a thousand dors bill on the bar counter.


    Haynes looked at me rmed and to what came over me that I barged out of the club so abruptly. I signalled to him with my hand that I will talk to himter.


    I wasn¡¯t supposed to lose my mental stability here. I had to guide her to protect herself until I reach her. I took a long breath to bnce myself and did my best to bring out an even tone.


    ¡°Flower¡± I rasped. ¡°You have been bold since your childhood. Remember, you taught a lesson to the boys not to smoke who were more than double your height and age. Now is the time to show that boldness again and teach the vulture a lesson.¡± I began to counsel her while I hopped into my car keeping my anxiety at bay.


    ¡°Look around, do you see anyone walking nearby?¡± My eyes tried to concentrate ahead looking through the wind shield. Thankfully I wasn¡¯t too drunk though I find myself a little tipsy.


    Her reply was negative. ¡°It is raining here cats and dogs and the street lights failed. Theplete ce hosts no habitation and is dark.¡± She said almost crying in trepidation.


    ¡°Damn it! How did you reach such a deserted ce?¡± I closed my eyes, hearing her pulsing on the other end of the line and my heart¡¯s beat took over, soon matching hers. ¡°Run to a ce where there are people around. And if he gets to you before you reach a popted ce, make your hand a fist and kick him as hard as you could between his legs. That¡¯s all. The action would make him unstable for a few minutes and that will be your clue to run away. Keep your phone switched on so that I could trace you wherever you are.¡±


    I could hear her scampering while speaking to me. Doing my best topose myself, I held the steering. I drove like a crazy stupid after leaving the club. Within minutes I was into the valley behind the night college where she was hiding.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    When I traced her, she was struggling from the strong arms of the monster whose face felt familiar but I was not able to recognize him because of darkness. I reached her running and with one swift blow, I gave two shots to the pig over his face. I pounded upon him and gave him further smacks over his stomach and his chest. When I was hovering over him with anger, I recognized him and felt shocked. ¡°Mr Benjamin?¡±


    He is the purchase executive working in thepany for the past ten years.I thought of him as the most sincere employee of the firm and decided to give him an award too during thepany¡¯s anniversary. But I am wronged. A feeling of extreme resentment took over me and with one more punch over his startled face, I pulled my girl towards me. As soon as she felt the warmth of my body against hers, her body rxed and she cocooned her face in my chest. I could hear her soft sobs and something broke inside me. ¡°My Flower, I will always be there for you when you need me.


    I began to whisper sweet nothings to her, holding her firmly in my arms. After a few moments she fell stiff.  I raised my arm holding her head firmly in my hand to arms length and realized she became unconscious.


    ¡°Shit!¡± I lifted her in my arms and carried her to my car before I belted her firmly. Reaching home, I gingerlyy her on my bed and called the doctor.


    After a few minutes the doctor came and examined her.  He confirmed to me that it was a panic attack and I had to take care of her for the night to see that it doesn¡¯t repeat and aggravate her condition. Iy a hand on her middle and slept beside. After a few hours in the middle of the night she stirred and was struggling in her sleep. I pulled her to my chest and began to nuzzle her hair whispering sweet nothings in her ear. After some time she rxed and fell asleep but I continued to hold her so that she felt secure in my arms. That night I had the best sleep I couldn¡¯t get over the years, my Flower wrapped securely in my arms and this was not a dream. It¡¯s the reality.


    Next morning when she got up, I was taking a shower in my bathroom. I felt a slight sound in my bedroom. Wrapping a towel around my waist, I rushed out to look at her. She was wide awake by the time I got in and raised her big blue eyes slowly to look at me.My breath hitched in my throat as her icy blues swept me away to their depths. Taking two long steps I pulled her to my chest andnded my lips on her. I could not control myself anymore.Very soon we were kissing like two creaturesing from a different world and craving for each other in an undying lust. I felt my racing heart calm down with her contact and felt her experience the same within my strong arms. Neither of us spoke a word nor was it required. We just stood there I don¡¯t know for how long in afortable silence enjoying each other¡¯s presence. And then she said to me the words that I dreaded the most.


    ¡°I think, I love you, Stephen.¡±

 Chapter 31

    Merlyn¡¯s POV


    I felt myself losing my consciousness. But his strong arms were around me. Though everything was in a mayhem, I felt rxed that I was safe now. He will protect me ¨C with that thought I weed the dark world to take over me.


    After a while in the night I tried to get up but felt some restriction against me. I felt a strong arm encircling me and somebody was blowing sweet nothings in my ear. I smelled a pure male intoxicating scent. I was not able to concentrate on what was happening to me. An excruciating pain was prating my head. But whoever it was I felt rxed under his touch and then fell asleep again.


    The next morning I noticed I was on a soft king size bed with plush covers unlike my hard jute mattress with worn out covers that my uncle brought from his hometown. I looked around and felt that I was not in my house.Beautiful satin window curtains in floral design swayed with the breezeing out of the casement. The furniture and fixtures were in gray and ck. To one side of the room was a huge walk-in closet thatpletely appeared male. And the other side had two doors, the first one was small and the other one was slightly bigger than the previous one. I guessed the smaller one is a bathroom door and the bigger one is a balcony because the door was left ajar and a fresh air of blossoming flowers hit my nostrils.


    I felt rejuvenated like I was reliving my life again. The sun was shining brightly from the window on the other side. The day was sunny, invoking positiveness in me. My heart at once fills with an unknown delectation but a sudden shrill of pain hit my head and incidences from yesterday ran flooded in my brain and instantly I started panicking.


    Flower? Who is this Flower? Why does the name sound familiar to me? Stephen was telling me I taught a lesson to the boys against smoking when I was not even half their age and height. How does this man know things about my childhood? Why does he sound familiar to me? Why do I feel I am missing something very important in my life?


    I was busy in my thoughts when I heard a soft sound of shower from the bathroom nearby but suddenly it stopped. My heart began to beat restlessly. Where am I? I looked around the costly room in fear and then felt somebodying out of it. Slowly I raised my eyes and the world stopped moving around me.


    With my jaw hanging open I sat there motionless and stunned. So this is his house. Stephen brought me to his house? I slightly raised my head to him in question and he discreetly nodded. Probably he understood my inner thoughts and subsequently azy smirk crossed his features.


    With two long strides Stephen stood in front of me. He slowly raised his arm and started moving his thumb across my cheek examining it with an intense look. I shivered a little because of the pain I suffered and sensed a look of hurt in his eyes. He cussed under his breath and pulled me to a hug. I was surrounded by his weing body wash and felt heaven in his arms.


    After a while he distanced us just a little bit to learn about my wellbeing. I gaped at his standing out features. His hair was disheveled as he just came from the bath but he looked hot in a different way. Droplets of water were dripping down from his neck to his waist consumed into the towel. His v line was perfect, apanied with a happy trail and clearly visible for his towel being held dangerously low. His sea green eyes were boring into mine contemting in case of any uneasiness. He had a pointed nose and 5¡ä 0 clock shadow. In short he was nothing less than a Greek God. I waspletely smitten by his charisma and engaged in my own thoughts when he spoke ¡®are you alright?¡±


    I could only manage to nod at him because of the sudden empowering feelings that he created in me. ¡°Who is this Flower? And who were those grown-up boys whom I asked to stop smoking? I do not remember anything? Do you know me from the past?¡±


    Masking his feelings under his cold demeanor and maintaining stiff upper when talking to delegates were traits Stephen learned during the very beginning of take-over of his family business but his emotions are sent haywire when I am around. I knew that at least after working with him for thest six months. There was a visible pensiveness marked on his face with a furrowed brow. He gulped down the anxiety and choked out his words. ¡°Flower was my childhood sweetheart who I lost with time and discement. Because I like you, unknowingly I called you with the same name. And that story was simply made-up to instill courage in you.¡±


    ¡®Was it a made-up story? It did not feel the same. And Flower?¡¯ I bit her lip in shyness. He just confessed that he likes me. Though he did not say the word ¡®love¡¯, at least he admitted he likes me. And in an instant I was in seventh heaven hearing his indirect confession.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    He went inside his cupboard and put a yellow sundress on the bed along with inners. I waspletely surprised at how he could manage with the measurements of my under garments but he just gave me a knowing snicker and it struck me we slept together two times. How did he remember my size so urately? It was more than six months ago. He put his hand on my shoulder and when I looked into his eyes I was starstruck. Something about him always intrigued me. ¡®Don¡¯t worry, everything is fine. I got you checked by my doctor and he said it was just a panic attack. I slept beside you yesterday night to assure you everything is alright. ¡±


    I couldn¡¯t stop grinning knowing the fact. Understanding I slept beside him one more time, sweet tititions crawled my skin. He judged people excellently from their facial expressions, he once confessed to me that it was part of his job and I discovered a naughty smile crafting his brims. What does that mean?


    ¡®I will drop you in your house. Get ready.¡± And then pointing to the medicines lying on the side table, he held his voice out ¡®take them regrly for the next 10 days. I will take you to the doctorter for the review¡± he spoke with concern. I felt myself on cloud nine. He really cares for me. Come on Merlyn, he is your boss. He is only sympathizing with you and taking care of you. How can he have feelings towards his employees? Pinching myself out of the indiscriminate thoughts surrounding me I led myself into the bathroom.


    No doubt Stephen loves Merlyn though she was yet to have confirmation about his feelings. But what happens when shees to know his real identity and the viin¡¯s role that he unfortunately yed in her life?

 Chapter 32

    Stephen POVCopyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    I gazed at the beauty sleeping beside me peacefully. Though I was awake for more than an hour, I couldn¡¯t attempt to move out of the bed. She snuggled into me, holding me tight as if her life depended upon me. I decided not to wake her up as she waspletely exhausted with yesterday¡¯s events. Thinking of yesterday, my blood boiled. I slowly raised my hand to inspect her injured cheek. Tilting her head slightly, to gain a better ess to the injured portion, I scrutinized. It waspletely swollen red.  I fisted my hands out of rage. I was determined that I would rip the flesh out of that bastard¡¯s head for touching my angel. I haven¡¯t been unable to calm myself down since yesterday. I just wanted to go and beat him to death. But my angel was my first preference. Shey unconscious in my arms. Probably because of the tension she underwent to get out of that bastard¡¯s brutal arms. ¡®Fuck¡¯ once again rage took over me and my stance is in disturbance upied by fury. I will take care of him once I go to the office so that he neveres across my girl.


    Looking down at my sleeping angel I smirked. What had she done to me? No doubt the electricity was there between us right from the day she was born. Our eyes met when she was hardly a few days old and somehow I knew she was the one for me though I was still young to understand anything.


    It was a cruel game fate was ying with us. Of all the people avable in the universe, why should my brother hit only her parents¡¯ car and kill them. Even if he did, I came to terms with destiny and started learning to live without her. At the juncture when everything was falling on track she had toe back again knocking on my life.


    I was frustrated, angry and at the same time helpless. A clueless grin automatically adorned my features when she started stirring. I was irreparable, head over heels fallen in love with her.  I already knew this was going to happen and one day she would seed in extricating the truth out of me from the day I came to know her identity.


    And now the ball is out of my court. I feel I can do anything for her, I was gradually bing very possessive about her. If my angel tells me to dance like a little girl, I think I would do even that.


    Loose strands of her hair sprawled across her face. She had long ck hair which reached her hips. Of course she would never let it lose and I don¡¯t want her to do either. That¡¯s the beauty which only I am supposed to see. Now there it is! Again my possessiveness. She ties her hair into a long it. Her it would sway brushing her hips on sides, making her back more beautiful. Men keep drooling at her back, in my office and I just don¡¯t like it. She is my beauty. And it¡¯s only me who should enjoy every bit of her. Sometimes I feel like telling her to tie her hair into a bun but then she would think me as a maniac. Two days back I was almost on the verge of telling her but thank heavens there was somebody at the door and I diverted my possessive thoughts from her.


    I took my time to observe herpletely and put a strand behind her ear. Her lips were naturally pink and had a cute pout. I felt like kissing them. My inner voice was tempting me. Kiss them.Mine. im them back as mine. After all she was my girl, a pair made in heaven. That is why we keep meeting each other though we decide to part. I can do anything for her.


    I found my beauty slightly stirring. Using that as my opportunity I slowly moved out of the bed. If I keep looking, I would keep staring at her all the time and she would think of me as a creep. And that is something which I don¡¯t want to let happen. She should never have any negative thoughts against me. If only it could ever happen¡­.


    I went into the bathroom and did my business. Later when she dressed herself, I found her calling somebody. I was curious to know whom she was calling as I did not know anything about her present life. I sat besides observing her and telling that breakfast was ready. She looked at me with those mesmerizing big blue eyes. Oh God! I should say my world stopped. She is so beautiful. Those innocent and pristine orbs stop my world and stare so deep that I think I can swim in them.No matter the amount of time, I could keep looking at her optics for hours and thank God for creating her for me.


    She was calling her brotherforting him that she was alright and she would being home soon. Why is she not calling her aunt? She should be the first person to be informed. Maybe she was already on duty. I need to speak to her about her family and help her in case she requires any money for her uncle¡¯s operation. I couldn¡¯t help saving her parents and in fact indirectly became the culprit in their life. But I was in no way allowing the past to repeat again. By hook or by crook, I will help her in saving her uncle¡¯s life.


    Later that day¡­..


    ¡®You are fired¡± I spoke in authority to the purchase executive, Mr Benjamin, my dad hired 10 years ago. I can handle anything but not discourteousness towards women. And when it came upon my own girl, I lost all my sanity. I held my hand to stop him from speaking any further and told him to get out of my room.

 Chapter 33

    Merlyn¡¯s POV


    I went to the office at my usual time but noticed some kind of buzz among the staff members. I found out from Rita the receptionist that the purchase executive Mr Benjamin had been fired from Radiance Industries instantaneously without notice and the reason is unknown. Everybody saw him getting out of the room of Mr Collomen dripping with sweat and cursing the stars out. Mr Collomen walked ahead of himpletely serious, his aura radiating anger. But his face was devoid of any expression. Everybody was bbergasted by thinking of what might have happened in between the four walls of the CEO¡¯s room but none could dare to speak.


    After a few hours¡­.


    Though I waspletely afraid to face him, I managed to knock on the door with the files that were ready to get his signatures. I got a serious reply ¡®get in¡¯ from the other end of the door. When I heard the devilish voice, with trembling hands, I held the door knob and somehow pooled up all the courage to get into the room.


    Seeing me enter, his facial features softened from cold demeanor to a gentle person. He got off from his seat, held my arms with his hands and looked into my eyes with concern. He asked me ¡®are you alright?¡± I managed to only nod my head, unable to speak any further but somehow guarded to ask ¡°why did you rusticate the purchase executive. He sighed while brushing his hair back and spoke nonchntly. ¡®I don¡¯t tolerate discourteousness towards women in my office¡±. A small smile threatened my lips, happy to feel that my feelings are considered.


    He took the file from my hands and signed at all the required ces and again ced it in my hands. When I was about to leave he said ¡®Wait! I need to talk to you.¡± I turned and looked into his eyes questioningly. ¡®Sit down.¡± He ordered. When I took my seat, he spoke softly ¡®from today onwards, I will drop and pick you up from your college. I don¡¯t want any other man toy his hands on you. You are MINE and will continue to be mine¡± he spoke with authority.


    I did not understand the meaning behind his statement however I would never risk myself questioning him as I now understand what he is when he is angry.


    The rest of the day went on fine. I tried to avoid him in every possible way and tried not to enter his room again at any time of the day. Just when I was sorting out the files for the next day, I heard the office inte ring and felt his husky voice boom my ears. ¡®Don¡¯t you want to go to the college sweetheart?¡±


    Oh Sweetheart is it? He is a jerk. I smiled, unable to curtail myself. I missed his voice. Sweet heavens, save me from this handsome devil. I immediately noted the time.  It was already 5 minutes across six. I packed my bag and was about to jump out of the office when he held my hand. ¡®Didn¡¯t I tell you, I will leave you for college from today?¡± I stuttered ¡®Sir I¡­ I¡­. Mmm I can manage. I can take care of myself.¡± Within seconds his features turned from soft to serious. ¡®I am not here to ask for your opinion but you are here to carry out my instructions.¡± Damn his ego. Mentally scolding myself for arguing with the monster, I simply followed his footsteps and got into his car. He skipped into the driver¡¯s seat and drove off speedily.


    The journey to the college was silent. None of us were talking but I noticed him stealing nces at me from the corner of my eyes and of course I left no opportunity to check him out. His coat was gone. His white shirt was folded up to his elbows. His strong muscles were poking out of his white shirt. His hair was slightly disheveled and his eyes werepletely focussed on the road ahead.


    When the car stopped in front of the college, I was about to get out of the car but he held my arm and his other hand was cupping my cheek. His voice was unquestionably soft unlike his cold demeanor which brought butterflies in my stomach. ¡®Flower, please don¡¯t move out of the college until I arrive. Okay?¡±


    I looked into his eyes and felt hypnotized by his turquoise greens. There was a pull in them that drove me more into the oasis and in a stupor nodded to him. Hearing my affirmation, his eyes turned dark holding my gaze and there was something in them that I was not able to say exactly. They held a different feeling. A feeling I couldn¡¯t contemte but I was dying to find out.


    What happens when Merlyn finds out the meaning behind those eyes of Stephen?


    He had been a gentleman to her without a doubt from the time she got into his car but the question is should Merlyn move on in her life with him dwelling in the words forgive and forget or teach him the lesson of life by locking him up in the prison for killing her parents?


    Stephen POV


    It was a weekend and I went to the bar with Haynes. A girl was sitting at the bar counter with a ss of wine and invited me for a dance. But since Merlyn came into my life, no woman interests me. Earlier I used to have my own lot of fun time, but not anymore. Now my mind and body craves for only one person, my beautiful Angel.


    She is making me insane. The more I try to stay away from her to keep my secret, the greater is the pull to go and have her. I just want to go and kiss her roughly. Passing a day without her was bing difficult. I just cannot manage without seeing her. Today she had no office as it is a Saturday. So I made a n to go to her house and see her. But what should I tell her? She would be shocked to see me. She has no college on Saturdays.


    I jumped into my Rolls-Royce all set at least to have a look at my gorgeous girl. I knocked on the door and there she stoodpletely perplexed by my presence. My eyes trailed her body from top to toe.  She was dressed in a beautiful pink night top and ck shorts and her long hair was let loose to her hips. Sweet Jesus! She is sexily gorgeous. Her creamy long legs, fuck them. No Stephen no. Don¡¯t fuck her. She might flip and run away from you when you do it right in her uncle¡¯s house. You are not here to make her frightened. Remember she has to lead her whole life with you epting you for what you did to her. You have to solve the problem amicably by gradually bringing light on the subject. My inner voice triumphed. I kept staring at her. She had a wless face and her big blue eyes were boring to me questioningly for the reason I was here. Wait, Oh no! Her eyes were welling tears. What made my girl cry? Was it because of some flirt again who tried to disturb her? I swear I would kill him with bare hands if he tried to touch my Flower.


    Coming back to my senses, I held her face and my other hand moved to a strand of her hair from falling on her face. Looking into her tearful eyes, I wondered, ¡®What makes you cry, Flower?¡± I asked her with tenderness.


    She sniffed and looked down. Probably she was trying to hold her emotions. Baby you need not hide your feelings from me. I am yours. I put a hand on her shoulder and made her sit. Then I looked into her eyes, raised her head and wiped away the tears. She broke down and began to whimper in my chest. I felt as though my heart was being ripped out of my body.


    ¡®You know, I lost my parents in an ident more than five years ago. The only people I have in this world are my aunt and uncle. The doctor told me earlier, my uncle¡¯s treatment would cause a million for which I joined yourpany but today he informed me there is tissue damage surrounding the wounded ce because of time ck. Now the cost of surgery is two millions plus greater time in healing. Working in Radiance industries I could pool up to half million and I require another one and half more in two days. Failing which my uncle wouldn¡¯t be able to walk ever again. She paused and then burst out.My aunt is already on the streets, trying to arrange finance from wherever she can. I want to see my uncle alive. I am ready to do anything for him.¡± She was now incessantly crying.


    It killed me every day when I came to her house, to pick her up at the college about what happened to her family. I could only see her brother. But she would never budge. She would capably deviate from the topic. But I am no stupid to not be able to understand it. I gave her time to open up and here it is! All her fucked up life like a down pour in front of me. It disturbed me, why I wasn¡¯t able to retract any information from her while she used to cry secretly in the office trying to hide her tears from everyone including me.


    I couldn¡¯t see my Flower any more in such an insatiable state. I sped my hand with hers and made her look into my eyes. I held her chin and spoke, ¡®you are mine. All your responsibilities are mine. I cherish you for pleasure and pain as well. So from now onwards don¡¯t hesitate to share your problems with me. I will take care of the surgery¡± I assured her. And with those words said, I sealed her fate with mine. I grabbed her lips and kissed her passionately. At first she stilled butter granted an entry to my tongue. My tongue explored every corner of her mouth. Slowly her lips began to sink with mine. Her lips were soft and juicy and I wanted to devour every bit of her. We were in that blissful ecstasy for a few more minutes and then broke our kiss when we began to pant for want of air.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    After the kiss, she looked deeply into my eyes and began to smile with shyness, hiding her face in my chest. It was our kiss. Our first passionate kiss after a very long break and I felt bliss supreme. I smiled back at her looking into her eyes.


    The next day we are at the hospital in her uncle¡¯s room. He gave a meek smile looking at her.Later Merlyn introduced me to him and he nodded his head with a soft smile. Thankfully her uncle did not recognize me except for being the CEO of Radiance Industries and the guy who dropped Merlyn back in her home after her journey.


    I came out of the hospital room and had this ill feeling at the corner of my heart that I was the sole person responsible for this miserable state of hers. It bugged me.Just then Merlyn¡¯s aunt arrived with her hands filled with medicines. I offered help and it was the biggest slip I had made. Her brows furrowed looking at me. ¡°You are¡­¡±


    And my heart stopped beating.

 Chapter 34

    Merlyn¡¯s POV


    I heard the knock at the door and came to look at who it was. And it was him. I was just in the house after paying a visit to my uncle. I would visit him every Saturday as it is an off for me at the office and college. I reached the hospital and the doctor told me that a surgery is immediately required for my uncle as a tissue adjacent to the wounded area is getting infected. It needs to be urgently removed with the surgery to save the leg. Else the infection can spread from the leg to other parts of the body sending him toa or death. The cost of the surgery earlier was one million but now with a greater level of treatment required by the patient, it would cost me two millions.


    My heart wouldn¡¯t stop but beat rapidly at what the doctor said an hour ago. How would I be able to arrange so much money in just a few days?


    I am shattered. Nothing seems to go right in my life. Unknowingly I started to cry and tears dropped ceaselessly. He came and cupped my faceforting me. He assured me everything about my life and soon we were into a kiss. The kiss was full of adoration, my first kiss after we officially confessed our attachment for each other. We were on the verge of going to the next level when the milk man pressed the bell to deliver milk.


    People fall in love, kiss and have sex but for us everything started fromst. I sumbed to him forgetting about the reality. I was slowly weing the man of my dreams into my life ¨C My prince Charming. Stephen Collomen.


    Stephen¡¯s POV


    ¡°I am the boss of Merlyn, Stephen Collomen. d to meet you ma¡¯am.¡± I offered a hand to her, sending a silent prayer to God for the gray haired woman not to recognize me. The amount of consternation I underwent at the moment was unmatched. It was greater than the anxiety I had before cracking the biggest deals for mypany.


    Hana¡¯s features became rxed. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, age is ying with me in the worst way these days. I am sorry. I mistook you for someone else.¡± She waved off her seemingly almost relevant thoughts with her hand and I did not know my heart stopped beating till then. It just felt like I faced death in an arm¡¯s distance and came back.


    I have to do something very quickly before this deathly situation consumes me. Earlier I thought staying away from Merlyn was the solution to my problem but as days pass by, I find it not a solution but out of option. I have gone addicted to her and I should make her mine by any means even if it means turning the world upside down.


    Going back to the office, I couldn¡¯t concentrate on my work. I headed straight to the bar and drowned two pegs continuously. Still the deathly crucifixion wouldn¡¯t end. I know I was going over possessive upon her but I cannot stop myself from the thought.


    She is my childhood love. After she left me when she was hardly eight, I learnt to live like a rock trying to think she never existed. I slept with every female species on earth. My life was weird but was calm in some twisted way and then she entered my life again making my life Topsy turvy in just a matter of a few months. Now I cannot get over her. She is my addiction I cannot stop having.


    ¡°Merlyn be mine¡­¡± I pulled my hair and began to chant the same sentence while drowning in more drinks until alcohol consumed me.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Minutester, I raised my head which shook buried till then into the table and gave out a devilish smirk. The idea struck me like lightning.


    ¡°Merlyn, you are going to be mine even after knowing the truth. Wait for my challenge.¡±


    I drowned another peg and fell unconscious on the table.


    ****


    It has been almost a week since I received the news of her uncle¡¯s surgery. She ispletely out of her mind now-a-days.But I have to make up for her and give her some happy times. I took care of everything including her uncle¡¯s surgery and she visibly rxed after she heard the assurance from me.  After all, she has every right to live and enjoy her life.


    It is Merlyn¡¯s birthday today. I wanted to make her feel like heaven with a st but I do not know how she would react to it.


    I wanted to surprise her and after nning everything I am walking to her cabin to ask her for a date with me. But the scene ying in front of me made me lose my mind. My face bes furious. How can she do this to me?


    I expressed my feelings to her and she is using me¡­. for my money? I ran to the man holding his cor who was hugging Merlyn, a few steps ahead of me.


    ¡®What are you doing? ¡± Merlyn stuttered. ¡®I want to ask you the same thing.¡± I spat boiling with anger. The man whose cor I was holding was trying to move away from my hold, mumbling something.  Anger was evident in  his eyes. But I care a shit.  I was feeling hopeless within a matter of a few seconds.


    Merlyn was looking at me puzzled and then slowly a smile began to creep over her face which turned into a hugeughter consecutively. But by then fumes wereing out of my ears.  I blurted out ¡®What the hell do you think you are doing? Do you think you can y with me?¡± She again giggled like she always does and spoke those words which satiated the hundred volts electricity passing through me. ¡®He is my brother, a cousin of mine. He lives in Delhi and came to pay a visit to my Uncle.¡± Saying those words she broke into a hugeughter which threatened toe all through our conversation. I gave her a sly grin ¨C ¡®wait till my hands reach you, my Flower.¡¯ Iposed myself cursing for my impulsiveness. She drives me crazy. I cannot think rationally when ites to her.


    After the overwhelming scene which I faced just now, I dered an off for her and she looked surprised with my sudden gesture.  I excused myself from the man in front of me and pulled her towards the elevator. ¡°Jerk¡± she murmured under her breathing along with me to the lift.


    ¡°I am called much worse.¡± I confirmed to her that my ears work and gave her a serious re, which said don¡¯t you dare and she averted her look from me silently looking down fiddling her fingers, the habit which automatically gets absolved in her when she is tense. I took her hand in mine to make her rx and she secretly looked at me through the corner of her eye. I mentally smirked at myself realizing the control I had on her.


    I reached for my ck Lamborghini along with her and after she wasfortably seated I gestured to my driver to start. We went to one of the beaches in New York where I own a wooden house. The driver parked the car beside the beach. We strolled for some time hand in hand across the small shops lined up and I took her to a hotel nearby which had a beach view. She ordered her favorite vegetable nuggets and brown rice and I ordered noodles and a bottle of beer.


    She looked surprised at me and asked ¡®do you drink even during the day time? How can you make it work?¡± pointing to the bottle of beer. I just gave her a smile and replied ¡®I am not addicted to alcohol but drink quite frequently.¡±


    She looked distraught for a moment butposed herself immediately. I wanted to find out what it was but reserved that part for ater period of time. Later both of us had a happy time in each other¡¯s presence. She was putting on a red sundress with a gold color border and matching earrings.  Her long ck hair tied in a long it which sways over her hips. In short she looks like an angel. My angel and all MINE.


    Both of us chatted for a while and she looked delighted with everything I did for her. I was in turn bewitched with her presence beside me. And I decided to take her to my beach house which I bought two years ago with the profits I made in thepany. I set to n my much awaited move on this day, her birthday.


    I nned everything in advance. I asked Roger, the housekeeper, to keep the house clean by the time we arrived.


    She was enchanted by looking around the house. While she was busy browsing the captivating painting ahead of her, I dragged her through the stairs to the bedroom. She looked agitated for a second contemting my next move and as usual started fiddling her fingers. I consoled bringing her to me with a warm hug and whispering in her ears. ¡®I will not do anything against your wish, Flower and I know you are not one of those random hook-up girls. I will cherish whatever we had during our long travels all this life because I know you gave me something very precious of yours and you did not share it with any guy in the world.¡±


    And then I wished her, ¡®May you acquire everything that you wish for in this world and all your dreamse true, happy birthday my Flower.¡± She looked at me wide eyed ¡®How do you know that today is my birthday? I just thought you brought me for an outing.¡± She spoke with a shy smile.


    But my surprises for her were not over yet. Let me see how she reacts to the second. A conceited grin lifted my lips.


    ¡°Jesus¡± I sent a silent prayer to God to protect me in my n to make her mine forever before she gets to know the truth. Everything is nned in my notebook to cage her with me always and here goes the first step.


    I looked at her in awe and dropped on one knee and pulled out a 24 carat diamond ring from my pocket. Holding the ring in my hand, I looked into her eyes ¡®Merlyn, the first time I saw you, you captivated me with your beauty. You seem different to every woman I have been. Girls keep dropping their jaws for a look of mine. But you are different. I never felt I had any influence on you. I had been falling for you more and more each passing day. You are beautiful, hardworking and sincere and at the same time traditional. You are a girl of my dreams ¨C The girl whom I fantasy to be mine. Will you make my dreame true, my Flower?¡±

 Chapter 35

    Merlyn¡¯s POVThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    I wanted to prick myself if this was reality. The billionaire, the most wanted bachelor of the United States, the man of every girl¡¯s dream just proposed to me ¨C a simple ordinary middle ss orphaned girl. I felt ecstatic. My lips went locked in happiness and I justy staring at him with tears in my eyes. When his facial expressions were changing from happy to dejection, I understood I had not spoken anything to confirm his offer. Bringing myself back to the world, I was crying and at the same timeughing and I do not know how many times I said ¡®Yes¡¯ to him.


    ****


    I was getting ready to go to the office when Sam called me. Sam is my aunt¡¯s son. I had been pretty close to him since my childhood. Aunt Poppy is the only sister and sibling of my mother. Since the time she heard about my parents she was nning to meet me. But her husband¡¯s business had some problems so her presence was required in their house. Sampleted his graduation a year ago as he is one year older to me and would being to visit me as it is my birthday. But I never thought he would surprise me bying to my office directly.


    When he was with me, Stephen¡¯s face was worth seeing. He was fuming with jealousy once Sam hugged me. It was very difficult for me to curtail myughter seeing his angered face. On the other hand Sam was clueless of everything. Thank God he didn¡¯te to know anything about us. Or this news would have spread among our whole family like a wildfire. And I am really not ready to share this news with anybody at this juncture when my whole family is in a vulnerable state. Once my uncle recovers from his surgery, I will tell my family everything.


    I did not tell Stephen about my birthday. I was not in the mood to celebrate it. My previous birthday¡¯s sweet memories would cross my mind and I would be more into tears which I do not want to do at least for the sake of my brother. Otherwise he would feel worse. Every year Mom on my birthday would bake a delicious cake with her magical hands. Dad used to shower me with gifts. Last year he bought me a guitar. Oh! By the way, I forgot to tell, I y guitar. I often y it also when I am sad. ying guitar always rxes me in situations when I am tensed. And my sweet little brother would save his pocket money all through the month and would buy me a gift. Last year he brought me a peach coloured dress which I like the most. But I never thought Stephen would surprise me this way. This has been indeed the most memorable birthday of my life.


    Listening to my reply, he immediately slid the most beautiful diamond ring into my finger kissing it. He got up from his knees and kissed me passionately, holding me firmly. He bit my lower lip asking for an entry and when I parted my lips, his tongue slid into my mouth iming it as his territory exploring every part of mine.


    I felt as though I was in a different world. His hands slowly slipped from my cheeks to my neck. He lifted his lips from mine and started kissing my neck and nted butterfly kisses till the back of my ear.


    I felt tingling sensations in my stomach ¨C a feeling which I had never experienced earlier in my life. Nobody touched me this way. I began to make slow moans with every touch of his and he began to groan at my lustfulness. His hand came up to my shoulder and undid the zipper of my dress. He slid the attire off from my shoulder in a swift motion. Kissing me hungrily he cupped my left breast and began squeezing it. His other hand was on my waist caressing it and sending goosebumps all over my body.


    When he was sessful in undressing mepletely, his eyes lustfully scrolled over my body from top to bottom. Then his hands slowly went to the it of my hair and unclipped it. My long ck hair fell loosely over my shoulders to my hips.


    When hepleted his sweet deed of undressing me, he came closer and whispered in my ear ¡®beautiful¡¯ with his hungry looks scrolling over my body. Swiftly in an action he unbuttoned his shirt leaving himself only in his pants. Looking at him I bit my lip unknowingly. He was undoubtedly a sex God, born to kill.  He smirked at me realizing the effect he had on me.


    I was standing half naked in front of him and my hair was loosely falling touching my hips. Suddenly, I realized my state and I felt shy. This was the third time I was standing in front of a man (my only) in an almost naked state except for my undies. I became conscious of myself and began to cover my breasts with my hands.


    He smiled at me lovingly, and slowly reached my hands. Looking into my eyes he whispered ¡®Angel, no need to feel shy in front of me. You are mine and I am yours in every respect.¡±  He paused for a while and looked deeply ahead as though analyzing the words he spoke again ¡®I wish you were my first¡± he spoke softly with regret. I quivered looking in his eyes, and he brought me closer to him and hugged me tight.


    His heated body wasing into contact with mine. And my soft breasts were being pressed into his rocky chest. ¡®So soft.¡± He murmured and pulled me out after a few minutes only up to arms length. Then slowly he began to undo the hooks of my bra making me sit on the soft bed beside us. Giving loving nces every now and then at me, he threw it on a couch nearby. He slowly traced his fingers on my exposed breast and looked into my eyes. In a rustled voice he spoke ¡®my Flower¡±, and then ran his hands tenderly over his hair and then again looked into my eyes remorsefully ¡®I had been with several women in my earlier life but never emotionally involved with any of them. I am clean. I can get you my medical certificate.¡± He paused for a moment ¡®but from today forward I am only yours and you are officially taken as mine. All your problems, worries and joys are all mine and mine are yours. Are you ready for this my Flower?¡±  He asked me expectantly. When I nodded, in a quick motion he squeezed my creamy breasts. ¡®So alluring¡± he muttered under his breath and held them. He began to nibble the bud of my left breast and put it in his mouth and promptly yed with the right one. ¡®So tempting¡± he uttered again.


    That was the moment worth living. It was the day both of us will cherish till the day we are alive in this world.


    I closed my eyes and began to savour every touch of his to my heart¡¯s content. After he finished pleasuring my breasts, his hands began to roll down between my legs when his phone buzzed.


    ¡®Hmm¡± he sounded irritated and continued with his sweet torture but the phone continued to ring. He cursed under his breath and got up from the bed to go to the balcony to speak. Within seconds his expressions changed from a loving and caring man to a devilish cold hearted businessman.


    After a few minutes of hard talk with probably his office staff, he returned. I sighed and asked him about the problem dressing myself back. He pushed it away saying that it was a business call. But I understood it was more than it as he was not any more peaceful. He went again to the balcony lighted a cigarette and began to speak to someone again exposing his toned, muscled sexy back.


    I hated the smell of cigarettes but it was toote for me to realize that he was a smoker. I felt suffocated in the room with the awful smell and stood up to get away from the room but I think he understood about my difort and immediately nipped the cigarette into the ashtray noticing my nauseating expressions while speaking on the phone.


    Afterpleting his job of speaking, he came inside the room moving close to me. I tried to shift back not looking into his eyes moving my fingers near my nose and he understood my inconvenience. Holding my hands he distanced himself and hushed softly ¡®I will never smoke in front of you again. I understand, it causes you difort. I will quit it soon. Please give me some time.¡± With those words he left me moving to the bathroom.


    After a few minutes he came out and walked closer to me grabbing my lips into a heart warming kiss. I felt his fresh minty breath intoxicating me and sumbed into himpletely.

 Chapter 36

    Merlyn¡¯s Pov


    Stephen parked his car in front of arge mansion. On top of it was written ¡®Collomen House¡¯. I gaped at the beautiful aura radiated by the eye-catching mansion.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    As soon as we entered therge gateway of the house, both sides of the pathway were covered with beautiful flowers of different colors. Just beside the mansion were varieties of cars lined up one after the other. I was awestruck at the possible wealth my fianc¨¦e¡¯s family had. Not that I give importance to money, but I understood the house was screaming rich.


    Soon after we rang the doorbell of the house, a beautifuldy in herte forties opened the door and smiled at us. Her face looked quite familiar to me. After a while when I looked at Stephen, I understood why she looked familiar.


    She embraced me as soon as she caught my looks and gestured toe inside. Stephen took the opportunity to speak as soon as we led in. Gesturing me, he introduced thedy in front of me as his mother and I introduced myself to her. When we were making our sweet talk, a tall well built man almost in his fifties stepped down the stairs and introduced himself as Stephen¡¯s father. I greeted him and talked for a few minutes. He spoke to me kindly, and queried about my family and my interests andter excused himself from work.


    Stephen sat closer to me, putting an arm over the sofa almost touching my shoulder and spoke casually about several things to his mother. I wondered whether he was the same intimidating businessman who runs millions worth of businesses every day.


    I was moved out of my thoughts when his mother asked me to move towards the dining area to have lunch.


    Stephen¡¯s mother was a kind hearteddy. She spoke to me just like my mother. I missed my mother all the more when I spoke to her. As if understanding my inner thoughts, she wiped away my tears running through my eyes which I never noticed and told me to call her as ¡®mom¡¯. I nodded in an affirmative and gave a tight hug to her. Stephen was just being a silent man smiling lightly in between the talk of me and his mother.


    After we had our lunch and had a light talk further, Stephen proceeded to leave, when she tugged me and ced a box of beautiful diamond ne in my hands. She told me that it was for the future daughter-inw of the family and I should wear it on my wedding day.


    I could not talk anymore and my eyes started watering. I am soon to inform my aunt and uncle about Stephen. I was awestruck gaping at the elegant ne in my hand. Stephen brought me closer to him and hugged me and his mother moved to my side running her hands through my thick hair.


    I closed my eyes in contentment and let the tears drop, thanking God that if he had taken my mother away, he had brought me another.


    Stephen¡¯s POV


    I am taking my Flower to my parent¡¯s house. My mother had been asking me too many questions ofte about Merlyn. I had been so busy with my work that I did not have much time to introduce her to my parents. But today I nned for everything. I brought her a baby pink silk gown with blue flowers embroidered on it. She looks too beautiful in pink as it radiates on her skin colour and I am simply in awe watching her. I may look like a creep but never mind, I crossed all the borders six months ago itself and saw her naked. A week ago we were officially engaged and I saw her almost naked except for her undies. We made out except for that stupid phone call which disturbed our love making.


    It was the call from John, my private investigator when I was with ¡®My Angel¡¯. With the evidence he collected John was not happy and suspects that Merlyn would soon learn about my involvement in the ident. This time she caught hold of an honest police officer who is heavily bent on finding a clue to expose me.  I am terribly frightened of his conclusion and I asked him to investigate it further. I hope his information was wrong. But my sane side was confronting me that John never fails in his work. He had been a friend of mine and helping in thepany¡¯s cases for over a decade.


    I almost know if the information John gathered happens to be true, leave about marrying me, Merlyn never would see my face in her life. From what my experience says, she would never forgive me and my family for what we have done to her. Since the day I got this information, I am not able to rest in peace. Out of all the girls in the world, I had to only fall for her. She drives me crazy. I know if she leaves me, I would either kill myself or conclude myself in mental asylum.


    She was sitting beside me in the car and looked tense. I took her hand in mine and squeezed it lightly. She whisked at first but bncedter looking into my eyes. I gave her an assuring smile and told her to rx. My parents aren¡¯t that bad ¡®My Angel¡¯.


    But as fate would have it, as you sow, so you reap. It was my turn to get tense but brushing aside my terrifying thoughts, here I am along with her traveling to my parent¡¯s house. I have to marry her before she finds out the truth .

 Chapter 37

    Merlyn¡¯s POV


    Things were moving pretty fast in my life and I was getting apprehensive about what the things wouldnd me into. Within 2 days was my uncle¡¯s operation. The doctor gave us a hope that my uncle would be able to lead a near normal life after the surgery.


    Stephen had arranged everything including the money for my uncle¡¯s operation for which I will ever be grateful to him. Whenever I speak about it, he brushes it away saying that it was his duty towards my uncle. I do not understand what sort of duty. We have very recently gone engaged in only a private ceremony, not many people know about it. And I do not think he is indebted to my family in any way. It is his kindness and generosity that he tries to make me feel helping my family is a part of his duty.


    We came from his parent¡¯s house veryte at night.Since the time my uncle had the ident, my aunt has stayed with him in the hospital itself. It feels like the hospital literally became her home because she bathes, gets ready, goes to work andes back to the hospital instead of reaching home.


    I texted my brother, I would be home the next morning. Normally he would query me with several questions for the protective brother, he is. But now that he knows about my rtionship with Stephen, he sometimes calls him directly whenever I amte to home. Stephen in turn keeps a track of every movement I make. In fact he reminds me of my father sometimes. He is very possessive about me that at times it pisses me off. At the end of everything, I¡¯m not a baby. But I have to remind him of that everyday.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    It was eight in the night, almost dinner time. Stephen told me that he would cook but I insisted. He was busy with work in the morning, then took me to his parent¡¯s house and drove us back. Stephen always wanted that privacy between us when I am traveling with him and always insisted on him driving me personally. I mean without a driver.


    I am a bitzy at times but when its anything rted to Stephen I wanted to do it all by myself. So I insisted on cooking a healthy meal for him. He might be hungry. We had a whole 4 hours of ride on the busy roads of New York as his parent¡¯s house was on the outskirts of the city. I cooked vegetable soup, Chicken tortis andsagna which are his favorite dishes. I arranged the table for the two of us with tes and sses and was waiting for my prince charming at the table.


    Stephen on the other hand went to shower. I was feeling immensely hungry and tired. I want to eat fast and go to bed. So, hurriedly I climbed the steps to his bedroom and knocked in order to make sure he hadn¡¯t dozed off because he was equally tired. When I slightly opened the door to get inside, he looked into me with his seductive eyes ¡®you don¡¯t have to be formal with me. This is going to be your house very shortly and I am your husband to be.  You can move and roam around any part of this house without any hesitation.¡± He spoke with conformity and those words swelled my heart.


    My handsome was only in his towel with his perfectly carved body and water dripping down his hair. I was having a hard time controlling my senses. I fidgeted with my fingers and moved towards him. He had a naughty smile on his face, probably understanding my emotions. He tugged me on my waist pulling me closer to him. When I was just in front of him in his arms he wiggled his hair with his fingers and droplets of water flew up on my face. I blushed instantly andmanded him to ¡®sit¡±.


    I took a towel from his closet and stood between his legs while he was seated at the end of his bed. My thighs were brushing his bare legs leaving me burnt everywhere we touched. I pulled his head closure to my chest and started drying his hair with the towel in my hands. His hands were wrapped securely around my waist and both of us were enjoying our sweet moment in perfect silence.


    After his hair waspletely dry I left him to get dressed but he held my arm. I turned to face him. Pointing to the closet he said ¡®there are dresses in there for you to wear. Take a shower and put on any one of them and get down fast. I will be there waiting for you in the study doing my work.¡± I nodded to him in confirmation and opened the closet and was amazed at the variety of dresses it carried. It had varieties of party wear, casual wear clothes and even lingeries and nightwear. I held my jaw open and looked at Stephenpletely surprised. Without even looking at me he casually replied, getting dressed ¡®you are going to be wife of a billionaire, what do you think? Pick one of them and get dressed fast.¡± was his simple yet dominating reply. After a few seconds he spoke again ¡®whenever I went out of the city and the country I picked up dresses for you whichever I felt attractive and would look good on you.¡± He looked intense for a while and then spoke again ¡®shopping for you has been my hobby since¡­¡± He was drowned in thoughts, corrected his throat and then spoke again. ¡°I felt you as ¡®mine¡¯ , something which I enjoyed even when you were not there with me.¡± He came out with his truthful revtion. But at times he felt weird. Was he hiding anything from me?


    I showered myself and got into a casual pink T-shirt which had a Barbie painting on it apanied with ck sweatpants. Coming down the stairs I stood at the door of his study which was left open and asked ¡®ready to eat?¡± He looked at me from top to bottom in awe andplemented me ¡®You look indeed a princess,¡± he paused pointing to me a finger ¡®in that pink Barbie top.¡± I blushed at hisment and he beckoned me toe inside pulling me into hisp. I put my head on his chest. The first two buttons of his dress shirt were undone exposing his hairy chest. I inhaled deeply enjoying his intoxicating scent. After a few minutes, hepleted his work at the study with me in hisp and we went to the dining room. I served both of us in our respective tes when he spoke quietly ¡®why are two tes necessary for us? We can always have dinner in one.¡± Saying it he emptied the other te and pulled me to hisp. I was seatedfortably on his legs and he slowly put small morsels of food in my mouth with himself eating simultaneously. He moaned, enjoying the food and said ¡®very tasty. You are a good cook.¡± Heplimented me. We ate the food inplete silence and he continued to feed me in my mouth. We enjoyed the food in each other¡¯s close proximity.


    After a while I sat watching TV for some time, hepleted his work in the study and both of us went up the stairs to the bedroom. I gestured to the guest room but he said ¡®Why is it necessary? We are both engaged.¡± Saying this he pulled me to the bed with himid close to me. I rested my head in one of his arms and buried my face in his chest. I ran my hands on his hairy chest and closed my eyes feeling secured in his arms. He kissed the crown of my head wrapping his other arm around my waist, he mumbled ¡®you smell amazing Flower.¡± I smiled. ¡°Why does your endearment of calling me Flower always sound familiar? It feels like I was called many years ago with the same name by someone.¡±


    He suddenly stiffened hearing my statement and his face became red like somebody stepped on his little cat.


    ¡°Let us go to sleep.¡± He changed the topic all of a sudden going cold and getting me clueless.


    Stephen is very caring and possessive but at times he behaves extremely bizarre which knocks the hell out of me.

 Chapter 38

    Merlyn¡¯s POVThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    My brother became closer to Stephen. Stephen would spend long hours in my house helping my brother in solving Maths problems. He would rify my doubts in ounts as he is an M. B. A. Within a short period of time I wouldplete my post graduation and all set to marry, after my uncle recovers from his surgery. I am yet to tell him about Stephen. But, I am sure he knows something about us.


    4 dayster¡­..


    My aunt had emergency work. So though she wanted to be with my uncle on his most important day, she couldn¡¯t. She thus entrusted the work to me to take care of him post surgery. She had gone out of station and will being back only after a week.


    The operation was sessful. I was holding Stephen¡¯s hand outside the operation theater leaning my head over his shoulder. He was brushing my back up and down in order to sooth me up. His warm shoulders could provide me a sce which no one on earth could ever provide. Though I lost my parents, I am grateful to the higher power that he saved my uncle who is like a dad to me and sent me a wonderful man like Stephen to be my life¡¯s partner.


    Within a month¡¯s time, I could take my uncle home. The marriage preparations are going on in full swing as Stephen wanted to make me his as soon as possible.I bit my lip not tough as a maniac once the thought arrived.


    My brother was very happy with Stephen and was more than excited about my marriage with him.My aunt already likes Stephen. It is because of him she is tension free and is staying with my uncle day and night in the hospital.


    Now the only person from whom I need to get approval is my uncle. I sighed, thinking about how I would convince him.


    I told Stephen about my final exams. It was always my wish that I settle down in my life after Iplete my studies. Though Stephen wanted the marriage a little early, he would always oblige to what I say. I have been dating Stephen for more than a year now and I am very happy to have him in my life. Though he would look cold hearted to the outside world, he is always warm towards me taking care of even the minute things regarding me. I had taken an off from work for more than a week because of Stephen¡¯s insistence so that I can be home, rx and then study for the exams. He told me that he would pick and drop me at the exam hall. He would stayte till night at my house and rify all my doubts. I am very happy and more than content with my present life.


    I am making dinner. It¡¯s already 7:00 pm and Vance will be arriving shortly after his tuition for dinner when I heard the incessant ringing of the doorbell. ¡®Wait a minute Vance, I aming.¡± I screamed hurrying to the doorstep, slightly irritated. I opened the door and flinched looking at the man ahead of me. Stephen waspletely drunk, unable to even stand holding a door frame. I waspletely fear smitten learning his present state and the smell of liquor was not making me feel anything better causing me to nauseate. I hate the smell of alcohol. Why did hee to my house in this state? I began to panic.


    He gave me a meek smile, mumbling a sorry and ushered me to move inside. As he was losing his bnce, I caught hold of him making him sit on the bed so that he can have a pleasant sleep after some time. Looking at his tired eyes I could sense something dangerously wrong. However I would confront him about everything tomorrow when he would sober up. I am just not going to leave him as it is because he is going to be my life partner very shortly. He needs to quit drinking. It was one resolution I made up in my mind that day.


    After some time when I was about to get up from the bed, he tugged my hand and signaled me to sit through his eyes. I sat beside him and he moved closer to me in the bed. His eyes were moving lustfully between my eyes and then to my lips. I was getting more and more tense with his actions and the heat was ring up. I tried to move away guessing his actions but he pulled me back to the bed. Without losing the eye contact he slowly moved forward and crashed his lips on mine. I closed my eyes inplete ecstasy enjoying the movement of his lips on mine. He bit my bottom lip holding me firm in his embrace and I parted my lips granting him the entry he desired. His tongue was moving with expertise in its territory and slowly we were kissing each other fervently. Gasping for air we parted our lips and he slowly nuzzled his head in my neck holding and squeezing my breasts.


    I softly moaned at his touch when the doorbell rang. I asked Stephen to stay calm and closed the door softly leaving him to rest. He groaned in disapproval but left my hold with displeasure. I opened the door for my brother and served him dinner. After hepleted his meal and left to sleep, I went to my room to have a bath where Stephen was sleeping. I came out in my bath towel and slid it off to put on my night wear. Stephen¡¯s eyes were skilfully scanning my bare body but I ignored his looks doing my business. He was my husband to be and had every right to see me in a way no male in this world can look.


    I brought dinner to our bedroom feeding him and myself simultaneously. We ate inplete silence. When we finished, I helped him to lie on the bed again. I slept beside him and heid his arms on my chest himself turning sideways. Then he slowly moved his hands on my breasts earning a soft moan from me. ¡®Shh¡­ Silence. Otherwise your brother would wake up.¡± He cautioned me. He removed my top from over the head and unclipped my bra. Now his fingers were moving freely on my breasts ying and nipping them with both his hands. I was making soft moans at his touch and he silenced me cing his lips on mine devouring me in every possible way.


    I closed my eyes enjoying his touch on my body when he quickly removed his shirt and unzipped his pants leaving himself only in his boxers. My eyes roamed freely at the devilishly handsome man to be mine. He was tall, almost 6 feet five inches; he had a six pack body, toned muscles and mouth watering looks for which every girl could swear her life easily. His dark ck eyes turned a shade darker looking at me, desire clear in his eyes.


    After removing his clothes he sat beside me so close that both our legs were brushing each other. He nced at me seductively. After enjoying my breastspletely, he carefullyid me on the bed with himself beside me. His hands traveled slowly to my waist and removed my pants. His fingers darted into my panties and he nibbled my clitoris. A loud moan escaped my mouth. ¡®Shh¡± he spoke and put a finger on my mouth and again silenced me with a sweet kiss.


    His finger began to y me under my panties over there giving me sweet sensations. I waspletely disheveled frantically moving my head left and right enjoying his cupid tingles. I was almost at my orgasm. I moaned his name when he whispered ¡®not so early baby, let us enjoy for some more time, and he inserted another finger into me enjoying my sweet shrills. Slowly he began to pull and push his fingers inside and out and my moans became heavier and louder in spite of his repeated checks to silence me.


    Mmm¡­ Stephen¡­ Mmm¡­. Make it faster. ¡®Fuck¡¯ he cursed and removed his boxers in a swift motion, put his manhood at the entrance of mine removing his finger. I began to feel breathless when he looked seriously into my eyes and asked ¡®Baby are you ready?¡± He spoke with concern. I nodded my head, shakily unable to speak anymore. Fuck¡­ you are so beautiful little girl, he muttered and brushed my hair off from my face. He entered inside me making slow thrusts into me. His shaft became bigger and bigger. He caressed my hair softly and assured me that he would be slow. Slowly and steadily he began to make his movements. Initially I was in pain butter on it waspletely turning to pleasure. I enjoyed his thrusts more and more and screamed ¡®Baby faster¡­ Mmm¡­ Faster and with onest thrust I came. He spilled his seeds within me and pushed himself besides simultaneously bringing me to his chest.


    Wey like that for some more time, his hand under my neck and the other brushing my hair and my head was on his chest enjoying his mesmerizing sandalwood scent. After a few minutes when our breaths became slow and steady he began to speak, pulling me closer to his chest if it was possible. ¡®Flower, I apologize for getting drunk and pleasuring you. I know you don¡¯t like drunkenness but I required the strength to express the truth. So I had to do it. What truth is he going to express, my heart began to beat fast. I did not understand what he was saying. He took a deep breath and again started. He looked into my eyes. His eyes were holding altogether a different mncholy ¨C a perturbation into which I couldn¡¯t prate. He held me tight and moved me much closer to him and said ¡®Flower, whatsoever happens promise me that you will be mine and always mine. I will never hurt you willingly and even if I did when I understand it, death would be more inviting to me than seeing you suffer. I will do anything and everything to protect you and make you happy even if it ims my own life.


    When he said thosest words to me, I immediately stopped him by cing my hand on his lips and kissed him. I assured him that whatever happens, I would never leave him and be with him in his happiness and sorrow.


    With those words said he held me firm to his body and spoke ¡®Sweetheart, can I ask you something? Looking into his eyes I nodded my head inplete trance. He pulled out his hand and held my hand in his firmly as though I was an object slipping away from him. I slightly squeezed his hand in mine assuring him with the other hand that I will hold on to him for whatever happens.


    Sighing he whispered ¡°I do not have time to book a church and arrange for the guest list. Marry me, within 2 days, at the registrar office.¡±

 Chapter 39

    Merlyn¡¯s POV


    I was shocked at his sudden revtion. Unable to mutter even a single word, I gasped wide eyed at him. He nced at me lovingly, with a slight smile over his face. Laying a finger under my chin so that he can look into my eyes perfectly the other cupping my cheek pulling me closer to him, he spoke concerned ¡®I cannot exin to you anything at this moment, why I want our marriage to take ce immediately but I promise, I would give you the best life any woman can dream off. I will make you the happiest woman on the earth. Now my Flower, tell me do you trust me? Will you agree to marry me within two days? His eyes were pleading with me. I never felt him so vulnerable in my whole one year of rtionship with him. Wondering about the reason behind his sudden maneuver of the most important decision in his life, I nodded to him with a modest smile and assured him that I trust him and am ready to marry him whenever he asks me.


    Contented with my answer, his lips twitched into a wide smile, a smile for which any girl would swoon to die. He grabbed my lips, cing a heart warming kiss. My hands automatically went to his soft ck hair gripping tightly pulling myself more into the kiss. After the passionate moment he dressed himself. While getting ready, he nced up at me and pointed a finger, he told me ¡®Be ready tomorrow at 9 o¡¯clock. I will pick you up to the office.¡± Ash! Good heavens. My dominating devil is back.


    Next morning as per Stephen¡¯s instruction, I got up and made myself presentable for the office. He parked his car exactly in time in front of my house and guided me to the car.


    His face was radiating happiness and he gave me the most enigmatic smile which I could ever dream off. Clutching the steering, he sped off into the busy roads of Newyork making mesmerizing nces every now and then at me.


    As soon as we arrived at the office, he pulled me into the cabin, had mefortable on the couch and put forward an envelope in front of me. I was clueless into what the letter was and looked at him questioningly. He signaled me through his eyes to go through the contents and gave me a pen to sign it. It was my resignation. Then he hushed me in a very soft voice ¡®Flower, now that you are going to be my bride, the wife of one of the top billionaires of this country, I do not want you to work as my ountant any more. If you want to be financially independent of yourself, I would not stop you. You canplete your M. B. A as it goes as per your dream and start off your own business. I will support you financially as much as you require but¡± he paused for a while. ¡°The only thing I want from you is¡± he held himself ¡®resign from this job.¡±


    I rose up from my seat and looked at his adoring eyes which were pleading. I came over to his desk and sat on it. I grabbed his face in my hands. He just bent a little so that I could reach him easily and I kissed him fully. Then I took the pen and signed it.


    He took his seat with a pleasing smile and pulled me into hisp. He gave me a peck on my lips and nuzzled his face into my neck holding me tight in ce. I felt the tent forming between his legs. Slowly he started kissing my neck and moving up to the back of the ear and his breaths became heavy.


    I started feeling intoxicated relishing every sweet movement of his when there was a knock at the door.


    I quickly got up from hisp and upied a seat across. Rita entered inside and said ¡®Sir, Mrs Collomen wants to meet you.¡± A yful smirk danced across his face for the reason I am still about to know.


    Merlyn¡¯s POV


    Mrs Collomen entered the cabin and I greeted her. She gave me a warm hug and spoke ¡®Now that you are going to be a daughter-inw of one of the wealthiest families in this country, shouldn¡¯t we go shopping for the costliest marriage of the decade?¡± Saying this she winked at me exuberantly and I smiled.


    After hearing our sweet conversation, Stephen gave a hug to his mother and gestured to me to go along with her. Just before I turned to leave, he said ¡®wait¡± and ced a card in my hand. I resisted saying I can buy the things I require with the money I earn but he insisted and put the card in my purse. Having no ce to argue, I turned around to leave the room.


    ¡®Fashion Street¡¯ it is! That is where the wealthiest people of Newyork go for shopping. Stephen¡¯s mother first took me to a jewelry store and bought me 5-6 varieties of costliest nes,ter she took me to the cloth store where I bought my wedding dress, and a few pairs of footwear, inners and of course costly lingerie to seduce Stephen.


    Stephen always loves my selection and would gawk like a hawk whenever I put on a new dress. After finishing all the shopping for my wedding we went to a good restaurant to have lunch. After I finished everything I nned to meet my uncle to apprise him of thetest changes about my marriage.


    I waved to my future mom-inw and got down from the car in front of Breach Candy hospital and proceeded to my uncle¡¯s room.


    I knocked on the door and when I heard the voice e in¡¯ I entered inside. My uncle was leaning to the head board and reading a book with his sses on. When I entered, he raised his head from the book and greeted me with a sweet smile. I went and hugged him and enquired about his health. He gave me an encouraging reply and enquired about myself.


    I left a heavy sigh and told him about everything that happened in my life and my marriage with Stephen.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    He was for few moments left puzzled but listened to me patiently and guided me to get married as per Stephen¡¯s wish. I noticed a tinge of displeasurecing his face. When I was about to pop up my question he just covered it up with a smile saying everything was fine.


    I didn¡¯t know what it was, but I noticed my uncle was notpletely happy with the decision of my marriage with Stephen probably because he couldn¡¯t apany me to the aisle. But whatever it is I will definitely find out.


    Brushing aside my thoughts, I moved to my house with buoyancy. Day after tomorrow is my wedding with Stephen Collomen, the billionaire businessman and the most eligible bachelor of the country.


    Tick tick 1 tick tick two, what¡¯s going to happen next?


    Why was Stephen suddenly so much in a hurry to marry Merlyn?


    Was Merlyn going to know the truth very soon?

 Chapter 40

    Stephen¡¯s POV


    Three days ago¡­.


    A shiver ran through my spine. John, my private investigator, came to my office and reiterated the fact which he told me before and made a shocking revtion about the ident of my deceased brother. The police officer who was investigating the ident of Merlyn¡¯s parents hade to know the truth. But because of God¡¯s grace he had gone on three days leave urgently for domestic purposes.


    Fucking lord! For hiding a single truth from my love I¡¯m sinning repeatedly. I got his wife into an ident so that the police officer could take leave and not talk to Merlyn about her parents¡¯ ident.


    Theplete scene of the ident is revealed now. My brother was driving on the sloppy road when a car came ahead of him, he could not bnce the car in a drunken state and drove it into the car ahead thereby pushing himself along the car into the valley.


    I put my hands on the table resting my head in them cursing myself for everything that had happened. Had I stopped my brother from leaving the bar that day without my assistance, he could have been alive and also Merlyn¡¯s parents would have been safe. But I sumbed to my physical pleasures enjoying the night with a call girl.


    I was skeptical about my brother¡¯s driving skills right from the beginning when he was drunk. He would often flip that is why I never would hand him the steering wheel when he is inebriated and always insisted on myself driving him as I am always a bnced man. But I turned a deaf ear to all my sane thoughts and here I am, sittingpletely distressed with my own past actions.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    I did not know what to do. I felt as though my world had stopped. I know very well, if I tell Merlyn the reason behind her parent¡¯s ident is my own sibling and me, she would never ept even moving beside me, marriage is a far lost option. I have to do something, to make her agree to the marriage. I do not want to lose her.


    I know I am bing obsessive about her but I can¡¯t help myself. In order to make her mine, I can kill or bring any number of people to problems including the cop and his wife. In the meantime I nned the wedding. I will either get signatures from her or get the paper forgeries about a contract marriage so that she cannot leave me until the next two years. In theing two years, which is sufficient time for me, I will win her heart and bring her to a situation in love where she would ept me in one way or the other.


    She may initially hate me for what myself and my family had done to her family after knowing the truth but subsequently my sixth sense whispers that she would ept me. I love her and am ready to do anything to im her as mine.


    I wiped my glistening eyes, controlling my emotions. I am a gentleman, I chanted the phrase like a mantra assuring myself before the world. But I can kill people, for, I promised myself that I would make Merlyn mine by any means. Of course I am a bit selfish about marrying her.I want to see her happy in all means and so here I am in her uncle¡¯s hospital room pleading for mercy to forgive me and agree for the marriage.


    ¡°What do you think of yourself?  You wealthy bastard¡­. How do you think I would marry my only daughter to a murderer like you?¡± Our massive altercationsted for hours together. Her uncle yelled at me,pletely losing his temper.


    Could anyone dare to speak to me like that? Not even my parents did till date. My hand went and held his throat so tightly that his face slowly began to turn blue. He began to strike his legs to the footer of the bed helplessly. His eyeballs went upwards and he began to pulse restlessly.


    When I heard footsteps approaching, I released him. ¡°I did not do anything to you Peter, my hand went on its own ord to reach your throat. I am a gentleman¡­you know¡­always a gentleman.¡± I told him innocently and assured myself once again before I stood in front of him with my head down.


    The nurse came and checked his pressure and pulse. ¡°Mr Peter, you were improving till today morning but now I see your pressure is very high. Don¡¯t worry, I will be back in a moment with the doctor.¡± She patted his shoulder with a soft smile about to leave but he stopped her.


    ¡°Thanks, but I¡¯m fine. No need to call the doctor.¡± He forced a smile.


    The nurse looked at him doubtfully and nevertheless walked out. ¡°I know you are in a hurry to go home to take care of your daughter¡¯s marriage. But your health is very important here. I wille back in an hour and check your pressure and pulse again. If it continues to be on the rise, I will call the doctor and you may have to stay here for a few more days.¡± The nurse warned and left.


    I yed my eyebrows before Peter and extended my brims in a sly grin. ¡°I was about to send you to Hades. If you don¡¯t keep your lips sealed, that is what is going to happen to your daughter too. Do you want to see her die at such a young age?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a gentleman¡­. I¡¯m a gentleman.¡± I chanted the phrase again, patting my shoulder and I saw an extreme revulsion in the eyes of Peter for me.


    ¡°You are a lunatic.¡± He snarled on my face and I did not like the intonation of his speech, in the least bit. Grounding my teeth, I was about to switch off the oxygen pipe attached to his nose but the doctor¡¯s approaching footsteps saved him once again.


    ¡°Take care Peter and you are like her dad. You know how to keep Merlyn happy. She had already lost both her parents. You cannot leave her and go too.¡± I was about to hold his hand but he quickly took it away before my hand reached.


    The doctor smiled at me. ¡°Mr Peter is very lucky to have such a loving and phnthropic man like you in his nearest rtion. You saved him from death clutches by sponsoring a huge amount of money.¡±


    I shook hands with the doctor. ¡°You are giving me too many attributes. Peter loves me and I like him too.¡± I took a cheque book from my pants pocket and signed a 10 million amount.


    ¡°This is my grant to the hospital. Please take care of my father-inw well.¡± I ced the cheque in the doctor¡¯s hands who was very happy to receive it.


    ¡°The doctors and hospital staff will take good care of you Peter. But the efforts should first start from you and you know what to do to see yourself and Merlyn happy.¡± I winked and walked out of the hospital.

 Chapter 41

    Three days ago¡­


    Stephen¡¯s POV


    I promised Peter that I will take care of his daughter like a soldier does towards his nation, like a mother who takes care of her child. I assured him in every possible way I can and after so much altercation, he had no way but to agree to see Merlyn living before him.


    I need the strength to face her, to make her agree for the marriage to be held within two days. Though we nned initially to get married after her uncle gets discharged from the hospital, I presently have no option left except to rustle her in the process to marry me. What if shees to know the truth? What if she disagrees with marriage? What if she begins to hate me? It was the biggest fear I can ever have. It is a big challenge to me. How would I make her do it? Will she agree to marry me without any questions? And if she questions, how would I answer her and if I tell her the reality¡­. Oh my God¡­. My heart is going to explode¡­.. All these questions are going to kill me¡­.. I ripped the hair into my hands making a squeal ¡­. God help me please¡­ I finished my office and ran to the bar and gulped down alcohol peg after peg until I waspletely drunk and ran to her house with only thoughts running in my mind Merlyn¡­ please marry me.


    Luckily Merlyn had agreed to my request without any question. And I¡¯m thankful to my lucky stars for helping me. A devilish grin featured my features. ¡°Wait till my hands reach you, my Flower and I¡¯m never allowing you to go.¡±


    PresentText ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Stephen POV


    Today is my marriage with my dream girl ¨C a girl about whom I dreamt leading a life in my sleeping and waking state. Today she is going to be my wife, my better half. The thought itself brings tingles in my body.


    I am dressed in my ck trousers and white dress shirt and a ck zer. I am not at an official function so I did not put on any tie. My ck hair isbed back neatly and I sprayed my favorite sandalwood perfume. I am now all set to meet my beautiful princess.


    I have nned everything. The registrar is my friend so I could manage with my marriage date just two days in advance. I have nned for my honeymoon also but the location will still be a surprise for ¡®My Angel¡¯.


    I am waiting at the registrar office chatting with my friend. And there she is! She is looking like a goddess. Oh my God! She is beguiling; beauteous I don¡¯t know what all I should say. If I keep seeing her, I would keep on with my gaze all day and night. Draped in a white full sleeve gown with embroidered roses, she was wearing a diamond ne with earrings. Her hair is left loose with pins at the side which is swaying across her hips and she is in all smiles walking to the office with my parents, aunt and her unclepletely ring daggers at my intimate nces towards her.


    I pity the old man. I¡¯m an unsurpassed billionaire of this country. The world understands only onenguage, thenguage of money. Nobody would try to invoke the ck eye of me, the great Stephen Collomen. Peter has to keep his lips sealed for his and his daughter¡¯s wellbeing though he might be filled with anger for me.


    Her brother sat in one of the visitors chairs and he gave me a thumbs up as soon as his sister walked inside.


    She stood beside me brushing her hand to my wrist, naive of what she was doing to me with her innocent deeds. I controlled my looks towards her so as to not to look like a creep, speaking to my dad.


    Oh ¡®My Angel¡¯ I wish you knew I fell in love with you because of the million things you never knew you were doing.


    The officer-in-charge came and took the seat across from us. We sat down and he motioned the book towards us to take our signatures. We signed and exchanged rings our parents brought.¡°You may now kiss the bride.¡± The minister announced.


    His words fell like music to my ears except for the killing looks of her uncle. I am sure he would have done a lot of ground work to stop this marriage. But I¡¯m the unparalleled businessman of New York city. The police and judiciary dance at the flick of my fingers. He might have understood quite well now. And so as to avoid any future risks, I got the sincere cop transferred to a God forbidden ce. I pulled her face to mine and kissed her long, deep and passionately to let the world know and stamp her as pletely mine¡¯.


    My face was radiating the luminous excitement. My father patted my shoulder. I breathed out heavily with cheerfulness smiling at my wife and the officer congratted us followed by our parents.


    I am in a euphoria of felicity. I want to scream to the world I am ¡®the happiest man on earth¡¯. I took my wife¡¯s hand in mine and proceeded towards the airport for our honeymoon. Throughout the journey in our car she had been querying me about the ce we are going, but I kept myself hushed telling her that it was a surprise.


    Stephen¡¯s POV


    Finally we are in the airport. We went to the back side of the airport where my private jet is present. We boarded the ne and the captain wished us a happy journey. She was sitting at the window gazing outside holding my arm. Suddenly out of the blue she turned towards me and raised her eyebrows ¡®do you own this flight?¡± I smiled at her sweet gesture and nodded my head. Her eyes became wide in surprise and she looked around. I chuckled and grabbed her hand to show her around my private jet. ¡®We have a T. V room, a bedroom and also a kitchen. You can cook whatever you want. However, an air hostess would being to serve you sumptuously if you like to eat anything.¡± Ipleted my sentence with a smile. She gawked at me with her jaw hanging open. I held her jaw to close it and brought us back to our seats with a chuckle.


    Within a few minutes, the ne took off. I talked to her a little. Afterwards she felt drowsy and her headnded on my shoulder. I smiled at the sleeping beauty beside me and brushed my fingers on her cheek. She snuggled more into me causing tingling sensations all throughout my body.


    I did a little bit of work on myptop and then lifted her in my arms to the bedroom. She was peacefully sleeping with a cute pout on her juicy lips. Her loose hair was sprawled all over the bed.


    I brushed her hair aside and proceeded to sleep beside her and she snuggled into me. My little friend over there became naughty with her cute doings and I was feeling it difficult to calm him down. No, not when she is sleeping my inner voice intruded. I grabbed her to my chest, calming my senses and slept soundly.


    After we had a good nap, I woke her up. She fluttered her eyes and looked at me with a cute smile. ¡®Cute¡¯ ¨C it is some sort of a word which applies only to her in my dictionary. I came closer to her sitting besides and kissed her intensely. My hands automatically moved on her chest. She flinched looking around but I reposed to her ¡®nobody can hear or see us ¡®My little girl¡¯. She felt visibly at peace and turned around for me to pull down the zipper of her dress thereby giving me a facile entry. My little friend stood up with pride as my eyesnded on her sexy brassiere that was now exposed.  I ran my hands over her breast andter made love to her.


    ¡®Here we go Merlyn, wee to Fiji Inds.¡± I said to my wife with excitement. She gasped with her eyes wide in surprise.


    Later on in the day we did quite a bit of shopping. We went to the water park and then Merlyn enjoyed the spa.


    How long would Stephen seed in hiding the truth from Merlyn? He had gone on honeymoon with her like normal couples. But are they normal? He cheated upon her by hiding the substantial truth of her life.

 Chapter 42

    Merlyn¡¯s Pov


    Today I am getting married to one of the top five businessmen of this country. I am feeling ted at the same time anxious thinking of my sudden marriage with the most handsome man on this earth. Everything is going on good. My coherent thoughts tried to counter.


    I am all set in my wedding gown which has embroidered self design roses on the bust and hands area of it. It is simple at the same time elegant and correctly ording to my preference as though designed especially for me. Stephen wanted to call the fashion designer to design a dress for our wedding. But I forbade him, reasoning it was too short a notice to design a dress in two days. Not that anything is impossible for Stephen, but I did not want somebody to suffer for our downright requirements.


    Stephen had been weird for the past two days. He came home drunk and suddenly asked for the preponement of marriage. I wanted to know the reason behind his sudden change of n but kept it for future discussion realizing his mental state. He was almost begging me to marry him. I perceived something dangerously wrong happening for his feeling of insecurity towards me.


    I know I am always his and will continue to be his woman but now it is his turn to understand it. So I agreed to the proposal. But I will definitely dig it out through him about the sudden emotional change. Why has he been so restless about our marriage, I was anyway going to marry him once my uncle was stable. Though this ufortable feeling kept thumping my heart, the feeling of marriage with my dream hero kept me ignited.


    I am all set for my best day. I applied a little bit of mascara and eyeliner and a nude lipstick to suit the asion. I do not like to overdo make-up. Stephen wanted to send me a make-up artist. ¡®At least let me do this for you Merlyn¡­ on our special day¡± he is too dramatic at times but I always wanted to dress and look simple.


    After I was ready with everything, I looked at myself through the mirror. I was happy that I presented beautiful. I am missing my parents abundantly today, which is to be the most important day of my life ¨C my marriage. My mother would have been very happy for this day. She had always been my best friend and I shared my most important tant secrets with her. She was more of a friend than a mother to me. I miss my mother.


    My father would have turned the whole city topsy-turvy bringing me dresses and jewelry. He would have invited every living person on earth for my marriage. The person who so ever is responsible for extirpating my parents, I am going to kill him with my bare hands. We have already lodged a policeint and the enquiry is going on. From the information police gathered, a very big business man¡¯s family is associated with the ident. Whoever it is, I am not going to put my foot back.


    Few days ago the cop in charge called me and said that the investigation is almost over and he would be delivering me the happy news very shortly. I was on top of the world but suddenly there was an emergency in his family and two dayster I heard that he was transferred to a new ce. Though this might be only my intuition, I feel there is someone digging holes on my back working for the culprit¡¯s family.


    But what they do not know about me is, I am a tough nut to crack. I will fight for my family, and for all the turmoil I underwent all these days. I am never going to spare him. I promised myself with tears dripping from my eyes.


    My aunt is very happy. She had tears of joy seeing me in my wedding gown. Holding one of my cheeks she kissed the other. ¡°I wish I had carried my promise to your dad sessfully. On the contrary, I levied my family burden upon you. I want you to stay happy and have a sessful married life.¡± She called in an emotion.


    ¡°Aunt Hana you and uncle Peter had done everything to me that you could. I have no regrets. You have been more than parents to me and my brother.¡± I assured my aunt.


    Suddenly my phone began to beep. It is from my mom-inw. She is just like a mother to me. Whenever I am in need of her, she is always avable. Do we have some kind of telepathy? I tried to sound witty, attempting to ease myself. I let out the emptiness of my life in the form of silent sobs to her and sheforted me. She told me that she and father-inw are arriving at my house to pick me up at the registrar office. I was more than happy to receive the news. My uncle though he is not discharged from the hospital, he took permission from the doctor to be for me on my special day. My aunt and my brother apanied me.


    A formal deration of the marriage and a party will be held for all the business associates of Stephen to participate in our joyous celebrationter. My mom- in-w is more than excited for the party. She asked me to put on the diamond ne which she had given me when I visited their house, to put on for the party. I nodded an affirmative and tried to interrogate her about the sudden change of n regarding our marriage but she tried to flee away the topic andforted me saying everything was alright. But my sane mind has a different feeling to offer me. Something is wrong Merlyn. Brushing aside my unconcealed thoughts, here I am along with my aunt, brother and future parents-in-w in front of the registrar office.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    I grabbed a quick look at my future husband. He looks like sex God. Oh my holy mother of lords! Is he real? He is looking statuesque in that formal suit. I want to jump and hug him. Look Merlyn, do not drool. Keep your feelings under check. He is going to be yours in a few hours of time. Try to control and do not be a joke. My sane mind intruded.


    I gave a heart warming smile to him and stood beside us to proceed further towards our marriage procedure.


    What is he hiding? He looks reticent.

 Chapter 43

    Stephen Pov


    Merlyn was in seventh heaven. I am just not able to take my eyes off of her. The way she smiles, her looks, her innocent talks, I have be a fan of everything about her.


    Everything went on quite well with the honeymoon. I had been pulling myself back since quite some time. I need to tell her the truth. I am feeling restless. I do not know how she would react after receiving the news ¨C The truth behind her parent¡¯s death. I never knew that this sort of a day would ever arise in my life. I cracked millions of business deals in a wink of an eye. But expressing the truth to her has been taking my breath away.


    The other side of my heart argued. There was no necessity for her to learn the truth. Her parents are dead and they cannot be brought back. By her knowing the truth doesn¡¯t make any difference. And regarding the people who are alive for her, he had saved her uncle by sponsoring his surgery.


    To be on the safer side, I had got all her signatures done on the marriage contract in the name of her resignation to thepany. She cannot divorce me for another two years which is enough time for me to win back her heart.


    As I was still closing my eyes and thinking about her, I heard her. ¡®Hey Stephen get up! Let¡¯s go shopping.¡± She asked cheerfully. I groaned and opened my eyes. There she is in all her beauty. Her hair was wet and droplets of water were falling on the ground. She was only in her pink towel. A little bit of her cleavage was exposed as her towel slipped slightly and Oh God! Fuck. She was looking sexy as hell.


    Her naturally pink lips were formed into a cute pout. She was imploring me to get up by dragging my hand to pull me out of the bed with all her strength, but could not move me even an inch. If there was somebody else, I wouldn¡¯t budge, but she was my beautiful wife requesting me. So I got up from the bed to the washroom. But before going, I turned towards her and pointed a finger to her, Imanded ¡®You will first finish your breakfast and then only we are going out. Not having breakfast means no outing.¡± I expressed finality in my voice, I had already experienced it. Whenever she is in a hurry to go out, she will skip eating and that¡¯s not going to happen this time.


    She pulled a face and nodded like a small child. She is the only person in this world whom I can describe as both cute and sexy. I just do not understand how she manages to be both ¨C ¡®My Flower¡¯.


    After I finished bath I served her pancakes ¨C her favorite with chocte syrup. She was chewing them, eagerly watching her favorite TV show with wide eyes. She would make adorable faces and sometimes scream at the characters, as though all drama is going on just in front of her ¨C a drama queen that she was. I was in all awe watching her from a distance leaning to the door frame. Unknowingly, I called her ¡®Flower¡± and she looked at me with her big blue eyes. Her mouth waspletely stuffed with the pancakes, almost like a cutesy balloon. With that face she can¡¯t even scare a fly. I do not know how she will control our children in future. ¡®Eat fast ¡®Flower¡¯. I spoke tenderly.


    She looked back and forth between me and the te and dumped the pancake with chocte syrup into the mouth like a cute puppy munching over its food. The syrup was leaking out from the sides of her fingers and she began to lick pulling her finger into the mouth. ¡®Fuck¡¯ how am I going to pull on this day with her this way. I just want to push away the shopping part and take her to the bed right now.


    *******Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    It was night time, we finished our dinner and ¡®My Flower¡¯ was lying beside me. I pulled her to my chest and yed with her strands of hair. I cannot lie to her anymore. She trusted and married me without asking any question. How was I going to expose the biggest sin of my life? ¡®Flower¡¯ I called and pulled her more into me. I wanted to feel her all the time, especially when I am tense. I told her that I want to share my life¡¯s biggest truth with her. She put her tiny hand on my chest tofort me and motioned me to speak. Making a sigh with regret, I told her about her parent¡¯s ident, death and almost everything. I panicked all through my deration to look through her eyes to trace any kind of resentment towards me and if she did I am sure I cannotpose myself. But to my surprise her face was emotionless. I could not untangle her mental stature.


    She slept beside me the whole night without uttering a single word. I just could not understand what was going on in her mind. Sometimes she is very impassive. We spent our honeymoon in Fiji for 10 days and returned the next day in the same flight. During the flight I put a hand on her shoulder to ease her but she stiffened. Realizing that she required some space to recoup from the biting truth of our lives, I distanced myself from touching her to make her feelfortable.


    I bought a new house for us to stay in. I made every corner of the housefortable for her. I took time to create an entire new wardrobe for her. I brought every dress which felt eye-catching to me, almost all footwear which looked beautiful and everything which she could require. After all she is the wife of multi billionaire Stephen Collomen. I instructed my cook to prepare foods only of her choice and house helps to be at her service always. I wanted to give her all the happiness whether it is materialistic or physical.


    Giving instructions to every being in the house, I went to my bedroom. My beauty was sleeping peacefully. After all, she might be feeling tired because of the entire journey. A series of curses went out of me. I should not have nned for a far off ce for the honeymoon which made her too tired.


    Giving one final look at her I kissed her lips and left without turning back. Because if I turn I would keep ogling her without doing any work.


    Will she forgive me? The same question kept repeating in my mind again and again.

 Chapter 44

    ¡°I love you, Merlyn. The feeling is frightening. I have you, but it¡¯s like I don¡¯t have you enough. So I hug you, but when I do, it¡¯s like you¡¯re not close enough. So I kiss you, and still I can¡¯t get enough. So I make love to you. And yet, and still I feel like I¡¯ll wake up and won¡¯t be sure. And I worry. I worry that I¡¯ll lose you again. That¡¯s one of the reasons I watch you sleep. Because I¡¯m afraid if I close my eyes, when I open them again, you¡¯ll be gone. This is why I want to marry you, Merlyn, do you understand?¡±


    A lone tear fell from myshes. I should somehow tell him sweet words and get out of this situation. ¡°I¡¯ll never leave you again, Stephen. You¡¯re my lifeline.¡±


    The next moment a menacingughter left out of him. ¡°That¡¯s right. You are my ve and should be ready 24/7 to follow my instructions. He ced his finger under her chin, tilting it upward to kiss her. The kiss was wild, demanding and ferocious taking away the breath out of her.


    Merlyn whimpered. ¡°Stephen, please stop. You are forcing me to death. Is this the way you love someone?¡±


    ¡°Bloody woman, stop dictating the terms and kiss me back.¡± He pulled her hair and angled her neck in a feral crave.


    Seconds passed and Merlyn was almost knocking the doors of heaven with his perilous advances but ultimately it was due to her lucky stars the kiss turned soft and caressing that bled into a hard tongue thrust and possessive fever.


    She submissively smoothed her palms over his taut pecks, shivering at the heat seeping through his pores.


    She tried to part, unable to take over anymore his cavernous moves but he glued her to the kiss, not wanting to let go.


    Having found no other way to escape, she bit his tongue and that was a blunder for Stephen hated ruling women.


    He growled into her mouth with irresistible anger and capitted. ¡°You bloody devil,¡±


    Kissing her along her neck, he forcefully tilted her head back, exploring her throat, and sucked at her soft flesh long and hard enough to mark her his. ¡°I hate it when you resist me. You should know I¡¯m invincible .¡± He raggedly whispered and directed her face to his chest.


    She traveled down his firm sternum, swirled her tongue around his nipple, and he flexed his well-built chest. ¡®Bloody bastard¡¯ ¨C she thought with distaste quelling her mouth.


    ¡°Please stop, I need to go. It is enough for today.¡± She requested, and he bit her nipple.


    The subsequent jump of her body was not deliberate this time, much to his satisfaction. ¡°Take that as my gift for denial.¡± He said to her like a reigning Lucifer.


    His kisses meandered down her body until she was soon on her knees, the position he wanted her.


    Her fingers twirled in his silky trail while she one-handedly unzipped his jeans and freed his rock-hard, veined erection. It was hot, red with blood and felt impressively sturdy in her hands.


    She peered up at him through hershes while he leered down at me with hooded blue eyes. Then he shed a lopsided grin and twitched his dick in her hand. Again. And again. Cocky, cocky ass.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Eyes glued to his, she took his crest in her mouth. His lips parted, and he tried to make his ensuing sighs imperceptible. He knew she was challenging him if he could ever give up on her. Apanied with an enormous revenge, it was a game of love and war. He knew she¡¯d put up a tough fight for him but what she did not know was, he was surely not a loser.


    Licking around his blood-filled crest, she slid her tongue through the split that sprouted pre-cum. He emitted a shuddering sigh this time, but still kept his gaze transfixed on hers.


    She took him in, inch by inch, going lower and lower until she felt him touch her tonsils, her lips wrapped tightly around his base.


    Stephen mmed his eyes shut and his head fell backwards. ¡°Shhhhhhhiiiiiit.¡±


    Then she began to move, pleasuring him with her mouth, sheathing her teeth and sucking him hard. asionally releasing him with a ¡®pop¡¯. Whenever he tried to flex his hips, she¡¯d tighten her fingers around the base of his shaft, blocking his orgasm. At least at once she wanted to be in control.


    ¡°Fuck, Merlyn¡­ you wouldn¡¯t allow me even a peaceful sex¡­please¡­¡± He finally pleaded with her which felt like music to her ears. Atst they were 0-1.


    He was famous for being merciless in bed and this was her return. She tormented him a minute longer, reveling in his garbling and the way his body shivered as his hands helplessly gripped the railings.


    Ending the torture, she uncurled her fingers from the base of his shaft, grasped him with both hands and pumped while she sucked.


    Her hands and mouth moved in synergy. He swelled and grew harder, his hands now fisted in her hair. ¡°Shit¡­ about to¡­ hot¡­ damn¡­ no¡­ shit¡­¡±


    Knowing he was about to climax, she took him all the way in, shoving his swollen steel-hard dick to the back of her throat, as far as she could go without choking.


    ¡°Ah Chrisssssssssttt!¡± he growled as he reached his peak and sent his fluids squirting down her throat, pulsing effusively.


    Expended, he slumped back against the railing, simultaneously lifting her to her feet. His lips came down to mine, kissing me hard. ¡°How did you-¡± he started to ask when he pulled away, but curtailed and shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t you ever goddamn leave me. You understand?¡±


    She nodded, nevertheless did she have a choice? She was his prisoner to be apt a ve who should satisfy him in all his physical pursuits.


    ¡°Promise me.¡± He was waiting for her to reply and with each passing second she could see his eyes turn darker in fury. Her body trembled with his devilish nature and hairs on her body stood up with fright.


    As her lips refused to function, she urged her body to react to save her skin from his merciless whips. On her tippy toes, she stood and smacked him a kiss. ¡°I promise. I¡¯ll never leave you, Stephen.¡±


    ¡°God damn it! How many times should I say, you should add ¨C I love you very much.¡± He mmed his lips on hers in a punishment and sucked all the air from my lungs.


    Merlyn¡¯s Pov


    Stephen is behaving weird. Every time he made love to me, it was more like an assault rather than making love. With passing days I am getting more frightened with him which was never the case earlier. He left for work. I did not want to face him or talk to him. I was tired so I closed my eyes trying to fall asleep. But sleep was far from my life. I love him but cannot forgive him or his family for what they had done to me. He swindled my feelings. Treachery is something which I can never forgive.


    Now I know why he calls me Flower. Stephen Collomen ¨C the name always rang rm bells in my head but I was not able to find out why. Everything is clear to me now. It was not only him but his father too who cheated on my father.


    Our fathers were best friends and so were our families in Burnsville, a small town where people talked much after the two friends, Samuel James, a bank employee and Raven Collomen the businessman. They both felt more like brothers than friends.


    One day Raven asked my father to lend him some money for his business which was then in losses. My father gave highest priority to friendship and believed in the words of Raven. Without having second thoughts, he gave away all his savings he had till then to his friend which is one of the reasons me and my brother are penniless today and dependent upon my aunt.


    Years passed Raven¡¯s business came out with record winning sales but he would neither return the principal or even the interest.


    Ours was a middle ss family and we needed money because my grandmother was on her deathbed. But Raven acted as if he never took money from my father.


    My dad was heartbroken by his friend¡¯s treachery. Both of them stopped talking and soon dad was transferred to a different ce by his appeal to higher bank authorities.


    Stephen knew about my family and me much before and he did the same like his father exploiting my innocence in the situation. After all, I am eight years younger than him. When my father left Burnsville I was too small to remember him.


    Treachery. Genes determine the hereditary character of the offspring. Now I understand the science statement very well. Deceit and exploitation has been going on with my family since generations. His father deceived my father and he deceived me. He tried to trick me into marriage by hiding the truth, in order that I don¡¯t pose a hurdle to him for marriage.


    But why did he want to marry me, a girl who is strictly ¡®no¡¯ to his family is a million dor question. And why did he tell me the truth? If he wanted it he could have continued with his lie for many more days. Nevertheless I¡¯m not interested in what he thinks anymore.


    Today, as I join the dots, everything is clear and there is a reason behind everything. Why the cops failed to trace the culprit¡¯s family even after years, failingw and judiciary in my parents¡¯ ident, the rich guy involved andst but not the least, Stephen¡¯s weird behavior at times when I brought up the topic of my parents¡¯ ident.


    A hystericalugh left out of me. How insane I was? I believed him in every way but he cheated upon me. I can never forgive him, never in my life.


    My parents were everything to me. It is my duty to earn them justice in every possible way I can, even if it threatens my own life. I cannot stay in this house anymore, especially with people who had been responsible for my parent¡¯s death. I decided to leave the house.


    I am smart enough to understand that even if I give him the least hint of leaving, Stephen would trace me out even from the threshold of earth¡¯s crust. After all he is a billionaire and has connections all over the world. I promised him that I will stay with him as his wife as long as I live, but he lied to me. I cannot live with him anymore. I cannot be a part of the family who tried to orchestrate my parent¡¯s death.


    It¡¯s not only him who hid the truth but his whole family had tried to deceive me. When I asked his mother about the sudden change of marriage n, she just swayed it away. Thinking of his selfish thoughts and dangerous ns, a shiver ran down my whole body. Oh Lord what a foolish woman was I to believe him with everything.


    I called my uncle and told him briefly about Stephen¡¯s deceit, I wasing home and soon I will leave the country. A fearful incursion surfaced his emotions. It was then he told me Stephen had already told him everything and ckmailed him with my life.


    My uncle is a paralyzed man with age as well as ability. He had no way but to keep his lips sealed at least to see me alive. Contemting the dangerous steps of Stephen, he did not tell anything even to my aunt.


    While I was mourning for my parents death, this is the new development that I¡¯m hearing. He not only killed my parents, even ckmailed my uncle taking the advantage of his and my life.


    At that moment I hated myself more than anything in this world for trusting a killer. I tried to question myself, where I went wrong but it is not the time to brood over the spilt milk. Earlier I thought I would be the only person to leave this country. But now I think my family too should especially after hearing the death threat my uncle got from Stephen.


    I cannot believe he threatened my uncle. He talks so lovingly and softly to me. Never in my dreams did I imagine him as a wrong guy. Even during our travels together though he had many opportunities, he did not try to exploit me using my helpless situation. Obviously he was aiming for a big fish but what is it?

 Chapter 45

    ¡°Are you okay, princess?¡± My uncle was in agony hearing my decision.


    ¡°I am absolutely fine, uncle Peter.¡± I told him I would answer all his questions once I reached him. I told him not to inform anybody including Stephen and promised him I will discuss everything with him in detail once I will reach him. Though with anguish, he agreed to me disapprovingly.


    Soon after I disconnected his call, I called my cousin Sam, who now works and resides in Dubai. I have to pack my things fast before my husband reaches home. I know pretty well, I cannot escape Stephen¡¯s grip, least of all moving even from this house if I amte.


    I packed my things hastily, shuffling them in my bag. I am a woman of pride. I would never touch even a single penny of his. I booked four air tickets from the savings I had when I worked. I packed the dresses and jewelry I brought from my house leaving the things he and his family purchased.


    I ran down the stairs hurriedly. All the servants in the house were having a staring contest at me. In order that they don¡¯t get any doubts, I told them that my uncle had fallen sick and it was an emergency for me to leave him for a few days and once he settles down I will be back.


    They had rxed faces and consoled me that they will inform Stephen of everything when he gets back home. I smiled inside and congratted myself that I had been sessful in manipting them. Giving onest nce to the house where I thought I would build my future, I left straight without looking back.


    I rushed home and told my uncle everything. He tried to reason me out and asked me to continue with my marriage as everything that happened was a part of fate and my husband could not help the situation in any way. Now I doubt he was probably afraid of Stephen¡¯s next course of action.


    In their thirty years of marital rtionship, my uncle never hid anything from my aunt. But today he kept her away from the most important truth regarding me. When thought carefully, it made sense. He is definitely frightened of Stephen. And thus to avoidplications, he kept his wife out of everything.


    Nevertheless, when I make the decision, nobody can try to intercede with it. Rage began to take control of my mind. These rich people drink and drool and when that is not enough for their whims and fancies, they im innocent lives. My family suffered a lot and it is time he, his family are going to reap the fruit of it. My uncle waspletely unsessful in convincing me. Though not before a drama, some things were understood and some not by other members. And finally everyone agreed and I vacated my house with my aunt, uncle and brother.


    He tried to deceive me. It was the only sentence which was ringing in my ears. Had he told me the truth before our marriage, maybe I would have given our rtionship a chance considering the mishap as a part of destiny. But it was not only him , his family too continued to betray me supporting him in the lie which was just not eptable to me. The biggest and most important thing for the sess of marriage ording to me is ¡®trust¡¯ and I don¡¯t trust him anymore for his perfidy. Keeping this thought in my mind I proceeded towards the airport with my family.


    Soon I will file for divorce.


    Stephen¡¯s POV


    I went to my office at my usual time but I could not concentrate on any of my work. My Flower, my wife was all the time incubating my thoughts, capturing my mind and body. I tried to stay away from her intuitions and direct my mind towards the work but could not concentrate.  I took the phone in my hand and dialed her number but my coherent thoughts abruptly intervened. I immediately cut the call. What if she is still sleeping? She was very tired with the entire journey we had. Trying to calm myself from her rumination, I diverted my attention to the stalk of papers on my table which required my signatures.


    My secretary Tina came to inform me that I had a meeting with the shareholders of ourpany for the uing expansion in Dubai. The project has been set and the n is on the headway. I had to go to Dubai this weekend to check the progress and inspect the new branch which is set up. But I am no longer in the mood to go because my wife has to stay at home. I cannot take her with me because it remains a surprise for her. Now that she haspleted her post graduation and going to do a special business course shortly, I wanted her to have a little bit of practical experience. Setting up a business is subsequently her life dream. So I thought of handing over my overseas business to her and making her the in- charge of the Dubai branch which I am now going to set up. Not that it is easy for me to stay away from her, but initially I have to control my carnality for her bright career.


    I am confident that she can do a great business and bring ourpany into an entirely different level. As she worked for ourpany earlier, I know she does the work withplete sincerity, perfection and dedication. With that thought in my mind, I proceeded towards the meeting.


    Soon after the meeting was over, my mother called me to fix a date for the reception. My marriage was only a formal affair just on paper because of circumstances, and so we have soon nned for avish reception as per my mother¡¯s request. I love my mother, and couldn¡¯t deny her at any cost. I called Tina to fix afortable day to hold the reception and asked her to take a call from my mother.


    Setting everything ready, I descended towards my house, waiting to catch a glimpse of my beautiful wife. I sat in my car covered with pleasant thoughts of my Angel. It¡¯s been a while since we made love. She was a little dested after learning the truth of her parent¡¯s demise, but I am sure she will get over it within a short time because I am going to shower her with affection her parents would have ever made for her in her lifetime. She has been my pretty doll since the time I achieved my puberty and finally after a lot of testing and patience God gives me my right back.


    I just want to hold her and pleasure her immensely till the dawn of the day and she would scream my name all through the night. The idea itself made me big over there.


    I was smiling like a moron all through my journey, eager to see her. I knocked on the door with a grin on my face, unable to have any control. One of my servants opened the door. I went straight to my bedroom to find my Angel. ¡®Flower¡± I cooed to her e here¡± I called her softly unbuttoning my dress shirt. But there was no reply. My house is quite big. She might be in another room. Maybe she is reading. She is an ardent reader. Sometimes she doesn¡¯t even check the time while reading if she finds the book interesting. But I couldn¡¯t find her even there. My pressure began to rise. I checked all other rooms including the backyard but she was nowhere found. One of my house help ran to me hurriedly when I called for my Angel a bit louder. She spoke to me tensed ¡®Sir, madam had an emergency. Her uncle had to be admitted to the hospital.¡±C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    I visibly rxed at her pleasant disclosure and thanked for the voluntary response. I called Merlyn immediately, but the phone immediately went to her voice mail. ¡®What the hell¡± I cursed under my breath. Why wouldn¡¯t she inform me before going out and when it was an emergency?


    I jumped into my car and drove to the hospital where her uncle was previously admitted, but found out there was no such patient present. My pulse began to rise. I rushed to her uncle¡¯s house, but found it was locked. I knocked at their neighbors house to find out which hospital her uncle was admitted to. My anxiousness was at its peak. After a while the door was opened and I got the answer which I couldn¡¯t assimte even in my wildest dreams.


    They left the country.

 Chapter 46

    Stephen Pov


    She left me.  That¡¯s the only sentence which kept engrossing my mind. My feet could no longer carry me. They became limp and I sumbed to the floor. I do not know how long I stayed there. When I came back to my senses, my eyes were burning and glistening. I realized what I was doing ¨C sulking for her. She became my life. She captured my heart and soul. How could she leave me in this catastrophic state? I did everything to make her happy. Of course I cannot change what she endured but I also suffered no less. I also lost my only brother to that ident. I never cried all over my life. Not even when my brother died but for her¡­. I sighed and inhaled heavily.


    I rubbed my forehead with agitation. Deciding that I am no longer going to give up, I raised myself over my legs and moved towards my Lombarghini. After all, she is my wife. I have every right to im her back. I am a billionaire businessman. I crack deals worth millions in my everyday business and earn billions monthly. Handling a young naive girl is not a big deal for me.


    I dialed John¡¯s number ordering him to find out about her. I went home all alone to an empty house. It was already 10:30 pm. I went to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of scotch to have a drink. I had been drinking almost the whole night but still couldn¡¯t stop thinking about her. Where is she? Is she okay? With the effect of alcohol I had in my body, I dozed off to sleep. I woke up in one of the couches the next morning with the intervening of bright sunlight peeping through the windows. My head was pounding with pain. I did my morning routine and grabbed two tablets of aspirin with water. After the shower, I went to my closet to find a suit for the day¡¯s work and found that all her dresses were hanging in their usual ce. I checked every nook and corner of the cupboard and found that she had only taken the dresses and jewelry which she purchased with her earnings. She would not touch even a single penny of mine. What a self esteem.


    I gritted my teeth with anger. Suddenly I heard my phone beep. It was a message. I checked who the messenger was. It was from a bank. Amount of 10 million had been wired to my ount from an unknown ount. I checked the ount number and found that it was from Merlyn. What the hell is she doing? Why would she transfer all the money back to me? I deposited the money into her ount for her safety and emergency. Oh holy mother of Gods what an amount of self consciousness. She is always on my nerves even when she is away from me. I tried to look into the ount details in order to track her. But s! She already closed the ount. I once again tried to call her number but I found the number no longer valid. Nice try Flower, but you are yet to knowpletely about me, I will trace you out even from the abode of the dead.


    It has been almost a week since she left. I feel my life shredding in a devastating manner. I am still unable to trace her. Every day I would dump myself with work in the office and when Ie home embracing her emptiness, I drink to the oblivion.


    I miss her so much, miss her cuddles, I miss her smell.  I miss everything about her. Every day before going to bed I would spray her perfume beside me so that I do not feel her absence.  In order to ascertain that feeling, I would hug a pillow and try to drift off to sleep.


    I returned to the office like everyday but somehow I feel happy. My inner voice says something good is going to happen. Iughed at my own stupidity. Now I even started bing a soothsayer in the madness that my wife left me. Within an hour I got the response I needed. John called me and informed me about her whereabouts. I am ted. My joy crossed all the boundaries of the world. The only feeling left in me is to go and hug her.


    So she is in Dubai. What a blessed coincidence. I smirked at myself. I wanted her to handle the overseas business and she is already into it. I don¡¯t have to n for anything. I now know very well what she is going to do next. I called her cousin Sam and then her uncle. Of course he had some huge curses for which would have surely bled my ears if I was not in a happy mood but who cares? I am sure to win her back and get her into my arms as soon as possible. I dialed Tina¡¯s number and told her to book my private jet ready. I alerted her security about which she hasn¡¯t got the least idea.


    ¡®Flower¡¯! I aming. Wait for me.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Merlyn¡¯s Pov


    My friend works in the passport office. I contacted her soon enough when we were on the honeymoon, when he revealed to me his dangerous truth. With her help in two days, I managed to get the visa to Dubai.


    My cousin, Sam, lives there. He promised to help me with a job. Now that my uncle is discharged from the hospital, it¡¯s easy for me to leave the country. Once everything settles down well I will return the money he spent for my uncle¡¯s surgery.


    Keeping this in mind, I stepped into Dubai¡¯s airport. I found Sam in all smiles waving to me. I reached him and hugged along with my aunt, uncle and brother.


    I know he would trace me out the next second if I am living in the same city. It¡¯s not very difficult for him even if I stay in some other corner of the country. So I decided to leave the country itself.


    ¡®I love him¡¯ a part of my heart spoke. ¡®He deceived you¡¯ the other part countered. Stupid Merlyn why do you still love him? He cheated upon you to marry him. I brushed away my thoughts and proceeded towards the car my cousin brought.


    A week passed and I was still not able to find any job. I am waiting for Sam eagerly. Today while moving for work in the morning, he told me he would speak to a friend of his and try for a job. I am running out of my savings and need a job desperately. Uncle Peter and aunt Hana are also trying their best to get a job. After all, getting a job in an entirely different country within such a short notice is not an easy task for the elderly people. Guilt consumed me that for my happiness, my whole family had to even shift borders.


    The doorbell rang and I went running to see who it was. Sam came home with a lot of excitement. He told me that a friend of his had opened apany recently in Dubai and requires ounting managers. I was all smiles. At least I got a chance to try my luck this time.


    I dressed myself in a simple ck long skirt and a white full sleeve top with a chain and matching stilettos. I did a little bit of make-up so that I look presentable. I went to the office which says ¡®Exploring minds¡¯. The manager of the firm Mr Shabbir interviewed me and was very much pleased with my performance. He beamed that I can start working from the next day onwards. I was smart enough to grab an experience certificate from ¡®Collomen Industries¡¯ and a rmendation letter from Stephen before I resigned from the job. As Collomen Industries is one of the top Indian firms, I did not have much of a problem in getting a job in Dubai.  ¡®Exploring minds¡¯ is an American basedpany opening its branch in Dubai. To my surprise the pay package was also very good. After all I had a solid one and half year¡¯s experience in Collomen group of Industries. Smiling I mentally raise my cor to boost myself.


    It is night and I am somehow anxious thinking about various things which happened recently. I met thewyer for divorce in spite of my uncle¡¯s repeated persuasion to abate my next step. Though I sounded obdurate with every decision I take, I feel a pit deep in my stomach, a sense of regret which I am no longer able to perceive.


    It¡¯s been a month since I came here. Aunt Hana and uncle got a new job and Vance settled in well in his college. I feelfortable here, though I always miss the presence of Stephen. I am now staying in the t thepany hired for me.


    Though the branch had been opened around 6 months back we are yet to see the head of the firm. He will be holding a business meeting shortly where I could get to see him.


    I do not know why but I am curious about this man. Alegra, my new friend in the office, heard a good bit of him. He is a ruthless businessman very strict regarding work but rewards amply when people give him good service. Probably that is why I am paid amply. Congratting myself of my credentials. I patted myself. I am inquisitive to know more about my employer or at least have a glimpse of him.


    So here I am waiting to discern a look of his.

 Chapter 47

    Stephen Pov


    So she wanted to run away from me. I smirked at her innocence. Flower, try as much as you want, but I will chase you as a shadow you would never notice. She thinks she managed everything in her own capacity. Without my intervention she would not earn a single job in Dubai with her credentials. I control theplete world with the flick of my fingers. I did not allow her to have a job until she reached me which she ultimately did. She would be earning 50, 000 dirham along with a fully furnished t and a chauffeur driven car.


    My Flower is an epitome of ignorance. Mr Shabbir is my man. I managed her cousin through Mr Shabbir and put her in mypany. I want my Flower to stayfortable wherever she lives. She drives me crazy with her innocent acts.


    She doesn¡¯t know about my reputation. I can pull her wires even across the seven seas. Though she is away from me, everything about her is in my control. I interdicted the police, not to tell her anything about the impregnable night, unless I¡¯m ready. But I don¡¯t want to hurt her or lie to her. So I revealed the entire truth about her parent¡¯s ident. My Flower doesn¡¯t realize, the extent of my territory is far beyond her imagination.  Whatever she ys, I am ready to enjoy every performance she hits upon me. I control everything with a wave of a finger sitting in my office. I am an arrogant, dominating sovereign freak to the outside world but, bend over my knees¡­.. Only for her. She has smashed me with her cute antics right since the time she was a day¡¯s baby and has mepped over her little finger since the time Iid my eyes on her¡­. the day she was born.


    Imagining about my girl, I became a lovesick fool and would drool about her all day long when somebody knocked at my study. I asked them toe in and one of my house maids entered and handed me a post. It was from awyer. I wondered what awyer wants from me, as mypany is in no way involved in any legal obligations. I try to settle all mypany¡¯s matters outside court which is always better for either of the parties. Wondering what it was, I opened the document.


    As soon as my eyes followed the document, I felt thunder bolted. It was as though a hundred liters of water spilled over me. I did not know what to say, how to react, it was a feeling as though I was pped hard. The document was the divorce papers which my wife sent me.


    I am devastated though I know she cannot divorce me because of the two year contract. What bothers me is, does she hate me so much because of our despicable past? Am I so bad a husband that my wife hates me to the core of my existence? I did not know what to do. I called my friend Haynes and told him everything. Both of us went to the bar and I gulped alcohol shot after shot but still couldn¡¯t recoup from the shock my wife gave me. My friend tried to console me but I know about my wife pretty well. She is an utter bombshell. She would neverpromise with things and never was going to forgive me. I thought forcing her to live with me is the solution to all our problems. But I was wrong. By sticking her to me, I have her presence but not her heart. I have to find a way out.


    Tomorrow I am going to my Dubai branch for a meeting. Never in her dream am I going to divorce her. Not now, not ever. I will imnt a piece of sense in her little brain and bring her the hell out back to our home.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    Enough of hide and seek that she yed with me. I am done.


    Merlyn¡¯s Pov


    Today I am going to a party. I am very excited about it. It is Alegra¡¯s birthday. She informed me about it around two days ago. I am in my office doing my work. In a short while the CEO of ourpany is going to hold a meeting with the senior executives of thispany. As I am one among them, I am supposed to attend the meeting, and give the presentation on the previous month¡¯s financial report.


    I have a lot of work today. I need to finish my work fast, as I am nning to leave the office a bit early because of the party n.


    We are sitting in the board meeting and I am looking into my stack of papers going through each and every one of them when a familiar fragrance encapstes the room. ¡®Good Morningdies and gentlemen ¡± a strong and authoritative voice resonated the walls of the conference room. A chill ran down my body. I raised my head to view the owner of the recognised voice I was dreading, and the earth shattered under my legs. I stared at himpletely dumbfounded unable to get out of the trance I was in.


    He was as usual in his best with everything. His crisp suit was wless, his hair was gelled to perfection and as he addressed the delegates, everybody seated was awestruck with what he spoke with immacteness.  Now it was my chance to deliver the financial report. He seemed unaffected with my presence and spoke to me like any other employee of the firm.


    Merlyn, why do you care, he is now only a boss of yours my inner voice adjudicated. But my conscience on the other side said I need to submit my resignation as early as possible now that I understood him as my boss. Somehow I felt void deep inside my body that he seemed oblivious of my presence.


    Soon after the meeting was over, I went to Mr Shabbir, to submit my resignation. He was seatedfortably in his chair when I approached him. I handed him my resignation. He looked at me bbergasted and handed me another document which held my signatures. It was the document I signed before joining thepany. He told me as I recollected that I signed a bond with ¡®Exploring Minds¡¯ that I would serve thepany for a minimum period of one year failing which I would be surrendering my one year sry to thepany. I heaved a sigh at my own stupidity. I was in no position to pay my one year sry to thepany as I was already in financial doldrums. Resigning the job and paying ¡®Exploring Minds¡¯ was the least thing I could do. So I returned back to my seat with a shallow face. My head was exploding with the series of events I underwent today.


    It was lunch time. Alegra joined me at the cafeteria with her usual smiley face and reminded me to be ready for the party by 7 p. m as her friend Vincent who is also my colleague woulde and pick me up. At first I denied the offer as I have got thepany¡¯s chauffeur to drive me, but as she insisted, I agreed to her. I went to Mr Shabbir to ask him for permission to leave the office a bit early, stating the reason. As he was also one of the invitees to the party, he agreed to me heartily. Just as I was about to move out of the office, I heard my phone beep a message.


    It said


    ¡®Do not go to such parties.¡±


    ¡®It¡¯s risky.¡±


    ¡®Stephen?¡±I knew it would be him though the name is not mentioned. Why does hekeep intervening with my life though I filed a divorce notice? The nerve of him I grunted under my teeth and moved outside the office in a hurry.


    I decided to have a simple but an elegant look. I wore a ck dress which just stopped above my knees giving me a slightly sexy appeal with ck heels and light make-up. It was quarter to seven and I just finished dressing up when I heard the horn outside the house. It was Vincent. I greeted him and stepped inside his car all set for the party.


    All through the trip, he kept talking to me like a chatter-box and giving me seductive looks but I paid no heed to either his words or his actions. As soon as we went to the club where the party was being held, Allegra gave me a warm hug and weed me inside. There were many people invited to the party. Most of them were from our office and a few, her personal friends. Vincent waspletely flirtatious, giving me hypnotizing looks, but I paid no interest to his corrupt deeds. A waiter came by and I grabbed a ss of orange juice which continued to be my favorite drink right since my childhood.


    After a while, I felt the need to piss so I went to the washroom putting the drink over the side table where I was chatting with my friends. I came back after I did my business and continued sipping my drink and talking to my friends. After a while I felt tipsy and understood my consciousness dripping. Vincent appeared out of nowhere and was walking me out of the club to one of the suits he rented. In spite of my utmost resistance to stop, he seeded to pull me out of the club to an adjacent dark, narrow street and tore my dress from my shoulder to almost my breasts with his rough hands which almost left a mark everywhere they touched.


    I was almost in tears from my paralytic state, fiercely trying to fight him back and gain some consciousness when two men dressedpletely in ck appeared out of the world in front of me like angels. One was trying to study me out from falling to the ground while the other was throwing punches at the face of Vincent. The one who was holding me, held me firm with one hand so that I didn¡¯t reach the ground and with the other he was speaking to somebody, probably his boss. ¡®Sir we have him and she is safe¡±  I panicked assimting what I just heard. I do not understand what is happening to me while on one side I am saved for which I should be happy. On the other side I felt my problems never seem to turn off. I am being abducted by another scumbag. I understood I waspletely barrelled and darkness enfolds me.


    Stephen, please save me. I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t listen to you.

 Chapter 48

    Stephen Pov


    I was dumped with work and all the files pinned up in my table. The only thing I want now is my wife in my arms. Thinking about her, I dialed my center in charge at Dubai to find out about everything going around. He went anxious and told me that Merlyn wanted to submit a resignation. I gave him a hubristic smile. I knew about this. ¡®So Mr Shabbir, didn¡¯t you show her the contract she signed?¡± ¡®Yes sir, she felt unhappy and left to her cabin¡± was his stoical reply. I felt disconste and raked my hands through my thick hair. I had no other way out to retain her. If I let her out, thinking about her safety, I would not be able to sleep peacefully at night.


    After discussing a few other things regarding the progress of mypany, he informed me that one of the employees over the branch wants to invite me to her birthday party. Generally I do not ept any invitations of my employees as I feel, going personal hampers business rtions. But this case was different. I need to keep an eye over my childish wife. I came to know from Mr Shabbir that she is going to attend the party. I know very well what these kinds of parties hold for girls like her.They are very dangerous. I alerted her not to go but s, she is the personification of stubbornness.


    I sighed, rubbing my forehead. My wife is always ready to kick my nerves out. It was almost 8. 00 pm and I was still immersed in work at my study room in the house when my phone rang. It was from her security. I picked the call immediately after the first ring when I heard the news which made my face drain out of blood. ¡®Sir somebody spiked her drink and he is trying to pull her into a suit¡±


    I ran furious within a matter of seconds. ¡®He took her to a suite? What are you doing there, baking cakes? And why are you here talking rubbish to me?¡± Imanded, with rage iming its territory over me. ¡®Barge into him and take control.¡± I snarled with imed indignation, I was running out of control and bing restless. I want to hit something hard, breaking it into pieces. My hands turned into strong fists and became bloodless out of rage. I made a series of phone calls to alert the police and doubled her security within minutes. Bing anxious I lit a cigarette and waited for the obvious second call wriggling the phone in my hands. Within a few minutes I picked the call from her security swiftly for which I was waiting for and my nerves calmed down. ¡®Sir we have him and she is safe.¡±


    I paced in my living room uncontrobly with a thumping heart waiting for my stubborn little wife to arrive. After a few minutes the doorbell rang and I squirmed to the doorpletely agitated. After making a nce at her, I thanked the security and closed the door breathing out with a sigh of repose. I called her uncle informing him about her so that her family wouldn¡¯t start worrying.


    I held her in my arms protectively. After kissing her cheeks, I scooped her up in my arms and got to the bedroom. I freed her out of the awful dress she was wearing and took her to the bathroom to give her a warm shower. My hands stayed for a little more time than necessary on her soft bosom. I scrubbed her body and couldn¡¯t stop my physical urges to repeatedly touch her nectar bed. Immediately my friend went alert.


    While I fingered her, I satisfied my own carnal requirements. She kept moaning my name even in her drugged state which added fuel to the fire. After a long time it was an earth shattering orgasm I experienced.


    After I was fully satiated under the shower with her, I blow dried her hair, holding her to my chest, I applied medicine to all the injured areas over her body cursing the fucker who caused the pain and covered her up with one of my dress shirts. I ced her head over my arm allowing us a warm embrace. I pulled her to me as close as possible. I want to feel her every moment and assure myself, she is safe. After making sure that she is sleepingfortably I pulled the duvet over us. I switched on the nightmp seated on the bed post and closed my eyes with relief.


    Merlyn¡¯s Pov


    I fluttered my eyes open to the rays of sunlight which were beaming across the window. I wondered at the beauty of the room. It screamed expensive. Probably the boss of the two men in ck uniforms was rich. I looked at the costly furniture and around the room just when there was an overwhelming feeling to puke within me. I rushed to the washroom and emptied the contents of yesterday night into the sink. My drink was spiked and I understood I am still yet to get over it.


    I looked around the room andy appalled at the huge wedding picture of me and my husband hung on one of the walls of the bedroom. I was smiling at the camera and my husband was looking adoringly towards me. I wondered why this kidnapper of mine held our wedding picture.


    When I was about to pull myself out of the bed, to have a better look at the picture hung on the wall, my eyes nced down at my body and I found out I was no more in yesterday night¡¯s dress I had put on. I was dressed in one of the dress shirts of probably the person who kidnapped me but the familiar scent it carried, somehow brought indiscreet feelings within me. Paned my thoughts when I looked at the way I was dressed.  Dreaded feelings began to creep within me. I searched the nearby closet to find a presentable dress that I could wear but there were no women¡¯s wear found.  Just then there was a knock at the door and a middle ageddy came in. She was holding a dress in her hands.  She smiled at me warmly and gave me the dress to wear. Tears welled up my eyes acknowledging my miserable state.  Sheforted me saying that her boss was not a bad man. I can negotiate with him and ease myself.


    To present myself better I went to the washroom, did my daily routine and dressed myself in the clothes brought by thedy. I was surprised the dress also had inners which were exactly of my size and the tears which threatened toe previously formed their way. I was probably raped. I sobbed silently. I should have listened to him. What he said was the truth.


    My life became a disaster. I wailed and walked down the stairs. The house waspletely silent and thedy who came to give me the dress was no longer seen. I looked around the silent walls of the house and noticed more pictures of me and my husband. Most of them were our honeymoon pictures. Curiosity raised in my thoughts furthermore along with agitation.


    As I was deeper into the house, I heard hushed sounds in one of the corner rooms. I walked tiptoeing, so that nobody noticed me and peeped through the slightly open door. I gaped wide, and my face became red as good as a tomato. Stephen¡¯s back was towards me. I was angry and at the same time relieved. Angry for he wouldn¡¯t stop chasing me and relieved because now I know I was not raped.


    He was wearing a white polo shirt and ck sweatpants. His hair was messy as though he raked hands through it several times. He was holding a file in one of the hands flipping through the pages of it and with the other he was holding his phone with a cigarette between his fingers.  He was talking to somebody with reigning anger all over his face when suddenly he yelled at the person on the other end ¡®because she is my wife.  Damn it!¡±


    I jumped on my tracks looking at the fury of my husband and nced at him with my jaw wide open. I was looking down, twiddling my fingers when I heard him say ¡®are you going to stand there all day long or will youe in?¡± His back was still facing me. I guess he has eyes all over his body.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    I raised my head slightly with terror so that his chiseled picture came to view and taking slow steps I sat in one of the chairs across the table. After looking at me for a few seconds he nipped the cigarette into the ashtray and pointed a finger at me, he spoke with anguish ¡®do you have any idea of what I went through yesterday night? I told you not to go to that terrible party. But you are so adamant, you never listen.¡±


    I looked at him giving him my puppy eyes in view of telling him that I am sorry but he spoke again signaling me through his eyes ¡®do not look at me like that. I am not going to get carried away with those big blue eyes this time. Do you have any abstraction of what would have happened to you if the security was not on time?¡± He continued giving me lectures for the next half an hour. I rose from my chair and mumbled ¡®I am sorry¡± with tears brimming down my eyes.


    When he caught me tearing, he looked at me remorsefully. He came closer to me and cupped my cheeks raising my head so that I can look at him and spoke ¡®Flower, I am sorry if I had hurt you it¡¯s just that ¡­¡± he trailed off with guilt hitting his face ¡®I am going to kill that bastard.¡± He dered with an ultimatum and kissed my lips.


    Both his hands were cupping my cheeks tenderly. He angled his face and his lips were slowly brushing mine. Both our chests collided with each other radiating extreme heat which amazingly calmed my senses. His kiss was not the lustful kiss which I experienced earlier but the one which held extreme passion. It was the kiss which was saying ¡®I miss you, I love you and I cannot live without you.¡± It was then, I realized I can never stop loving my husband. I was born only for him and he was for me. My knees became weak from the realization that hit me and I went numb.


    But he held me tighter. His hands slowly moved to my waist in order to hold me firm and he pressed me to his chest when there was a sudden sh of pain. I flinched a bit and he immediately understood my difort. He released my lips from his and asked me surprised but softly ¡®what happened?¡± I bent my head down and bit my lower lip to arrest the crick that was about to cover my face and mumbled ¡®I feel pain on my left breast.¡± He cursed under his breath and scooped me up in his arms.


    He climbed the steps with me in his arms effortlessly as though I weighed only a feather and made me sit on the bed. After cing me down, he nced at me for a while and said ¡®Sit. I will juste¡± and went to the washroom. After a few seconds he came out with a first aid box in his hands.


    He swiftly unbuttoned my top and pulled it off my body followed by my bra. He sat beside me at one of the sides of the bed and started applying some kind of ointment on all my bruised areas. When he brought his fingers to the injured parts of my breasts I winced with pain. He stilled for a moment looking deeply into my eyes searching for any kind of further difort and when he found none he continued with what he was previously doing but this time more carefully.


    He cupped my left breast cautiously with his right hand and with the other he began to slowly smear the ointment on the bruised part cursing the person who was responsible for my suffering.


    The pain was camouged from the sweet torture he was giving me. I closed my eyes savoring every touch of his on every part of my body and a soft moan escaped involuntarily over my lips. He stopped abruptly asking, ¡®Does it pain more?¡± he asked with anxiousness. I nodded my head horizontally, unable to speak for what he was giving me.


    After he nursed every wound that I suffered, he charily helped me to the bed to lie down and went downstairs. After a few minutes he came with a te full of chocte pancakes. When my eyes went wide looking at the dish he was carrying, he smirked at me ¡®I know these are your favorite that¡¯s why I made the cook prepare them¡± he asserted.


    Then he gingerly ced a small table on the bed and slowly started feeding me the pancakes. I tried to arrest him with my hand telling him that I can feed myself but he would just not listen to me. After he finished feeding me all the pancakes, he gave me medicine along with a ss of water to ease me of the pain. Then heid me back on the bed pulling a duvet over me. Rising from the bed, he nced at me for a few more seconds and softly shut the door when I closed my eyes but not before telling me ¡®Flower, I will be in the study doing work. In case you require anything, call me.¡±

 Chapter 49

    Stephen¡¯s Pov


    I was at the height of indignation all the time when I was rubbing the ointment on my wife¡¯s body. I want to kill that bastard with bear hands. Cursing him for what he had done to my Flower, I got down the stairs to my study. I made a series of phone calls to the police at various heads. My family is a strong benefactor of them so they will make sure not to invoke my ck eye. ¡®I want to see that asshole behind the bars within 24 hours.¡± I squealed at the police officer at the other end of the telephone. After an hour long conversation I had with the highest police officials, I got the fucker right behind the bars finally to inhale a sigh of appeasement.


    After the retrenchment of Vincent from my firm, I will make sure nopany employs him on a future date even after his release from prison- my angered self resonated within the calm walls of the ptial room.  With everything now settled I went upstairs to have a watch on my ¡®Flower¡¯.


    I fed her a te full of pancakes today morning in order to relieve myself that she is not hungry anymore.  It is lunch time and she is still sound asleep. My Flower is very tired because of yesterday¡¯s course of events. I grunted thinking of what happened to her yesterday. The anger doesn¡¯t seem to wave off at any cost.


    I went down the stairs and quickly prepared lunch for her. I wanted to cook for her all by myself. I took her lunch to the bedroom and fed her the food in small morsels. Her soft lips touching my fingers were giving me goosebumps all through my body. Sweet Jesus! How long will I be able to control myself? While feeding her, I noticed she had a little bit of fever. She is sick and that troubled me. I gave her medicine and allowed her to sleep till dinner.


    After a few hours¡­.


    My Flower was looking like an angel with her long hair sprawled across the bed. While sleeping, she is so cute with a tiny pout on her lips. I made her eat dinner that I prepared for her. Her cute pink lips were attracting me as though challenging me of my willpower to stay controlled. I want to devour her now itself. But it is not the time.  She is not well. After having my dinner I slept beside her only in my sweatpants bringing her to me. She snuggled more into me, feeling me and brushing her hands on my hairy chest.


    I inhaled heavily for the sweet sensations she was giving me. I brushed her hair off her face and gave her light kisses all over. I held her cheeks in my rough hands and kissed her lips. When my lips brushed hers she fluttered her eyes open ncing at me surprisingly. ¡®I love you¡± I whispered to her and moved down her neck giving her soft love bites.


    Our bodies were radiating heat, infuriating the love we had for each other. Both of us became breathless within a few moments panting for the touch of each other. The moon light peeping through the window into the dark room was helping no better than igniting the fire in both of us. I got on top of her kissing her and feeling every part of hers on me. My slightly grown stubble was pricking her and sheined ¡®you are pricking me¡± whining like a cute child. I chuckled at her innocence, kissing her more and heard her begging me for sex. I slightly raised my head amazed with her reaction and put a finger on her pink lips. ¡®Flower, it¡¯s not sex that I have with you. I only love you.¡± I corrected it as though I was exining something to a kid.


    I cannot deny my Flower in any way.  She was pleading with me for love.  Satisfying her every desire is my ultimate pursuit. In an instant I undid her bottoms and my pants and entered inside her. My hands slowly moved all over her body assimting every part of her. She pulled me closer by my back and inhaled deeply with satisfaction. I gave her what she required and gratified her. Afterpletion of the deed, she hid her face in my chest smiling slightly with shyness. I raised her head and looked into her eyes. Her eyes met mine and I found tranquility in them. I smiled at her ncing at her lovingly with blitheness. The serenity that both of us were experiencing, something we could get only with the presence of the other was unmatched.


    I brought her back to my chest.  Her creamy soft breasts had pointed nipples which felt that she was equally aroused as me and I felt that extremely enticing. I told her how much I love her.


    And finally letting my guard down, I held out the truth. ¡®Flower, listen to me carefully. I never wanted to lie about getting married, but I was frightened, you would never marry or see me, once you know the truth about your parent¡¯s death. I know I acted like a head weighted scumbag with my eyes blinded with pride of money. But I did not know who you were at that time.¡±


    She was looking at me with no emotions and my pressure kept rising on what she was thinking of me. ¡°I thought of you only as another deal and offered you money for the loss of your parents which is unforgivable. I apologize and if it makes you anywhere happy I want to inform you, I lost my only brother too in the ident. By the time I came to know everything regarding your identity, the damage was irreparable. Everyday I suffer a guilty man¡¯s death for turning your life disastrous.¡±


    She was still not speaking anything and I thought my heart would burst. As if it would reduce my tension, I rubbed my face with my hands and continued. ¡°Life has not been easy either. I lost the love of my life before I could even confess my feelings. Your father got transferred to a different ce.¡± Her jaw held open at my revtion. But was it the end? I had more to confess.


    ¡°Yes I had fallen in love with you from the day you were born. Remember our parents were family friends? I was there when you first opened your eyes in this world to see me from your crib. I was there when you took your first steps, the day when you went to school. I have loved you since the day our eyes met for the first time, since the day I first held you in my arms as a baby.¡± Every information I revealed was like a shock to her.


    But to the heck of it, hell I need to finish this episode today. Otherwise it will eat me alive. ¡°I thought staying away from you would allow me to restore my sanity. But you kept knocking on my door first in the car kiosk and then in my office.¡±


    ¡°One has to suffer the sins he hasmitted and there is no escape from nature.¡± That was the first sentence she spoke to me in repugnance. ¡°Do you think I nned everything regarding the situation we are in today? It is my destiny to meet you at the car kiosk and again in your office.¡±Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    I only nodded, I understood she was the one who suffered and is suffering till date. I try to rectify the situation but this is going the wrong way. Thus I came straight to the point. ¡°Merlyn whatever happened has happened in my ignorance of not knowing you and unfortunately I cannot modify the past. But I have loved you since the day you were born. I regret my way of talking to your uncle and ckmailing him, who is a father figure in your life. But in my support I have only one statement to confess. I cannot afford to lose you in any way and the only option I was left with was to marry you, by hook or by crook. I never wanted to cheat upon you. That is why I expressed every truth behind the ident to you in detail once I married you. Flower, I love you so much.¡± I spoke with sincerity. ¡®Please do not run away from me.¡± I pleaded.


    ¡®I cannot breathe. You are my addiction that I keep running after you.¡± I looked at her and exhaled and got myself relieved of holding the breath all the while which I never noticed I did all through my confession.


    After a while I continued, ¡®I tracked you within a week you left New York. Also, getting a job in mypany was part of the n.¡± Her eyes zeroed at me processing what I just said. She waspletely puzzled by what I just blurted out. But I continued I cannot keep her in darkness any more. ¡®My love for you has always been honest, Flower.¡± I dered. ¡®That is why I drove to the hospital and expressed everything to your Uncle before our marriage.¡± Once I mentioned her uncle, her eyes went wide and she looked ahead of me. Her eyes were staring at the oblivion as though processing the things which I just said. I gave her time to think about everything but made sure I was feeling her all the time. She nodded her head to my great relief epting what I just let out. And after a while both of us were weed into the dark world.

 Chapter 50

    Merlyn¡¯s Pov


    After a few days of staying with Stephen, I became hale and hearty once again. I missed my aunt and uncle and wanted to spend some time with them. On the other hand Stephen was always insisting on me to go to our home back in New York. Though I excused him and understood his intentions were not to betray me, I needed some time to process things in my mind.


    After much argument with Stephen on going back to my maiden home, I finally seeded and came back to my uncle and aunt. As soon as I came back home, my uncle weed me with open arms. My aunt was working in the kitchen preparing my favorite dishes. Both of them thanked Stephen heartily for dropping me home as well as taking care of me during my sickness.


    On the contrary, Stephen was humble to state that it was his duty as a husband to protect me. My uncle and aunt need not have to thank him for that.Their conversation was so friendly that it was too difficult for me to process that a few days ago he almost killed my uncle, threatening him to not disclose the truth of my parents death to me until I was married to him.


    After Stephen went back to the office and my brother to his college, I asked my uncle to stay back with me for the day. He was initially surprised but subsequently agreed to me when I told him that I missed him and wanted to be with him.


    After a while of settling down in the house, I asked my uncle to sit beside me on the bed and asked the one question which was pricking me all the while toe out of my mouth. ¡®Why didn¡¯t you tell me who the killer was of my parents? Didn¡¯t I have the right to learn the truth about their mishap being their child?¡± I osted with angercing in my voice to my uncle.


    ¡°You sure do dear.¡± He breathed out deeply looking up to the ceiling of the room and said ¡®so finally he apprised you of the truth.¡± My face was devoid of any expression. I was waiting for his exnation and his beating around the bush replies were freaking me out.


    ¡®Princess¡±, he paused for a bit and continued. ¡®I am your uncle and I always want the best to happen to you. Stephen came to meet me when I was in the hospital and expressed to me the entire truth behind your parent¡¯s death. To tell you the truth¡±, my breath shook ¡®I was burning red with the information he relinquished and wanted to kill him then and there leaving about the consequences. But my sane mind taught me differently. I need to act mature as a father of a grown up daughter and son. I understood how powerful he was! He could change the tables in another part of the world by the flick of his fingers leaving not a clue.¡±


    ¡°Keeping my emotions in control I listened to everything patiently that Stephen confessed to me. When I admonished him for his wrong doings, I was submerged by his rage. I understood he could kill me with not a third eyeing to know about it and still get out of the hospital stain free. But whatever he is to the outside world his feelings for you were genuine. I observed him as a man in your life and through better and worse. He really cares for you and loves you with all his existence. I need to confess with regret that I cannot bring a better husband to you than him though I still hate him and his family for what all of them had done to you and your brother.¡±


    After a while uncle again continued with a troubled expression as though there was a deep knot in his thought. ¡®As an uncle and well wisher of yours, I never wanted you to marry him. But I observed you, and noticed you had simr feelings for him as what he had for you. I also understood no man will keep you as happy as he could. The prick of losing your parents because of him will always be there but I¡¯m sure eventually you will get over it with time and his affection.¡± He spoke with genuineness in his voice.


    ¡®It is really a curse of fate that he happened to be ¡®the man¡¯ in your life, who is indirectly responsible for your parents death.¡± He raked hands through his hair frustrated. ¡®But unfortunately Stephen cannot do anything about it. I regarded him deeply. Though he may be a money minded, tricky, maniptive beast to society, his love for you is sincere like no other person can, apart from your parents.¡± That is why keeping aside my prejudice; I allowed you to marry him hiding the truth.¡± He concluded with sincerity in his eyes.


    Merlyn¡¯s Pov


    I rubbed my face with anxiousness, thinking about the cruel game fate had yed with me.


    Ten days passed by since the revtion of tant truth that changed my whole life. My rtions with my spouse are nurturing well and I am happy with the good things developing in my life. Last night Stephen told me that he would be hosting a party for theunch of his new branch at Dubai and insisted on me toe. But somehow I feel sick at the smell of liquor and cigarettes around me.


    I was watching a movie on Netflix waiting for Stephen when I heard the doorbell. With an enthusiasm that he would probably be at the other side of the door I pulled it open with an evesting smile on my features. But s! Nobody was there at the entrance.


    My sanity intervened on a timely basis. Why would Stephen anyhow ring the bell? He always has the house keys with him. I looked around and then felt something smooth under my feet. There it rests, a man envelope in a neatly written cursive handwriting in thick blue ink ¨C to Mrs Merlyn Collomen.


    Was this a surprise from Stephen? My lips automatically stretch to a smile. My husband loves me and is very fond of giving me surprises.


    Eagerly I opened the envelope and inside it were a stack of photos. The moment I had a glimpse of the first one, my heart thudded fast. Each one felt like a p on my face and shook the ground under my legs. Thankfully I was sitting. Otherwise my knees were on the verge of giving up.


    My nerves were in tenterhooks and my lips began to shiver. The pictures shocked me to the core. My hands gingerly took the first photo in my hands. It was Stephen holding hands with a young brte. The ce looked like a house because it had all the household essories, like TV, fridge, microwave etc.


    I could see there were a few photos hung to the wall but they were not clear in the photograph. In the second Stephen was hugging the brte. My hands automatically went to fists.


    In the third picture, Oh God, I couldn¡¯t even see it. They were kissing each other wild and passionately.


    I had no strength in my kernel to look at the other pictures but as my hands were shivering one of the photos from the stack fell to the floor. It was a scene of their passionate excursion with both of them stark naked and dim bed light glowing on the nightstand.


    An unquenchable abhorrence submerged me. No coherent thoughts were forming in my mind because of anger. I immediately got up from the couch and went to pick up my mobile to dial Stephen but the call went on voice mail.


    Before I could drop him a message, my own phone beeped. It was a call from an unknown number. Who was calling me at this hour? Was it Stephen? What more secrets is he hiding from me?


    I stered the phone to my ears and spoke a meek hello. ¡°Hello beautiful, did you recognize me? How is my Christmas gift to you? Enjoyed? After you caught the golden eagle you stopped responding to my messages but how could I forget you? I manipted a few people and just got out of the prison cell your husband put me in.¡±


    ¡°I am sorry. Who is this? Do you think making my husband a viin will get you any closer to me?¡± I snarled with rage but recovered a few secondster. ¡°You are mistaken. It doesn¡¯t mean if he is out, you have a chance to enter my heart. Who is this?¡± I repeated again and then got a doubt.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°Max?¡±

 Chapter 51

    Merlyn¡¯s pov


    A hubristicughter left out of him. ¡°Yes darling you¡¯re right. I¡¯m d you still remember my voice. There is a saying that first love is always the strongest and you just gave me the hint that you still love me.¡±


    ¡°Shut up! And stop talking nonsense. I¡¯m over you long ago.¡± Max ignored my response like always. It is his nature to always suppress me and smear down his thoughts upon me, one of the things I hated and yet he couldn¡¯t improvise on himself.


    ¡°Your asshole husband, put me in the lock-up because I slept with another girl while I was dating you. All my life I struggled to get into the good books of your uncle but this idiotes all of a sudden into my life, taking you away and shattering my peace.¡±


    My patience was running on a thin thread. Was I here to listen to this idiot¡¯s lecture? When I was about to disconnect the call his words got me to an abrupt stop. ¡°If sleeping with someone is disloyalty, what is he doing in those pictures? Not ten days had passed since you got angry and left him and he started with the infidelity. His brother killed your mother and he is responsible for the death of your father by not allowing you to gather funds and dying his treatment which subsequently led to his death.¡±


    ¡°Enough. How do you know about all these things?¡± I yelled, going out of my breath.Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    ¡°I have my way, baby. Do you think I will approach you before doing homework? After all, you are my golden goose who would be giving me a golden egg every day.¡±


    ¡°What do you want? Why are you back in my life?¡± I panicked. My chest was heaving in palpitations. Am I going to have a panic attack like before? Holding the walls of the room I staggered to the dining table to reach the water jug. But my hands were trembling and the ss container fell to the floor breaking to pieces.


    ¡°Be patient with my egg nt, why are you so impatient? Now that I have entered back your life, I will once again turn it into a turmoil.¡± He was shameless to call himself a viin. My heart was beating fast against the rib cage.


    His voice broke once again into my ears. ¡°He is still roaming free out of the court. Enemy¡¯s enemy is always a friend. So Merlyn, if you are willing, let us join hands and teach the fucking rascal a lesson.¡± I may have my own grievances against Stephen. But they stayed in their ce. Never am I going to cooperate with this goat to avenge my animosity against him.


    My face was slowly going red with droplets of sweat covering it. The words of Max were gradually fading off. I was not able to concentrate anymore. My legs began to wobble. I tried to stabilize myself with my hands stapled to the ss top of the table and gulping repeatedly to quench the dryness in my throat but nothing worked. My eyes turn blurry and my legs ultimately give up getting me to the ground and darkness surrounds me.


    Stephen¡¯s POV


    With the branch opening upheld for the Dubai firm, my work turns heavy. By the time I head back home, it iste in the night.


    I unlocked the door only to find the sitting room in chaos. I gingerly walk inside the room and then suddenly my feet get halted in their tracks. Merlyn was lying unconscious on the floor. Her ck long hair was scattered everywhere, face red and droplets of sweat covering her forehead.


    rm raised in my nerves. Did she have a panic attack again? What suddenly happened? I immediately checked her pulse and found it very low. I dialed the doctor and waited for her to revive after I took instructions from him for the first-aid.


    My phone started ringing in my pants pockets. I answered it and found there were three missed calls from her. It was then did my eyes fall on a bunch of pictures carelessly fallen on the floor.


    Taking a look at each, my eyes bulged out of their sockets. Those were very old pictures of me and Fiona. Fiona was my ex girlfriend or the best way our rtionship could be described was friends with benefits.


    Fiona was a matured and very understanding girl. Though she loved me wholeheartedly she never rubbed her feelings upon me. She was a sweet distraction of the times when I was still struggling to get settled in business.


    We had a few nights together. For her it was satisfying love making but for me it was only satisfaction of physical pleasures because my heart only belonged to my Flower since the beginning.


    As it was only like a one way traffic, we found no sizzle in ourter Chapters. Afterwards Fiona understood she cannot expect a future with me and gradually we ended our physical rtionship. Even today we talk, we are good friends, she is married and happily settled in life but what I did not understand is how mine and Fiona¡¯s pictures arrive here in Merlyn¡¯s hands. Is somebody trying to frame me after my happily married life?

 Chapter 52

    Merlyn¡¯s POV


    The excruciating rays of sunlight hit my eyes and an intense pain shot in my head. I stopped the rays with my hand and constricted my orbs.


    I looked around and saw I was in the bedroom and yesterday¡¯s course of events rolled in my head. My pools automatically hosted wetness. A single tear drop fell from the end of my right eye.


    To what state had I brought myself too. I always wanted to stay positive but the more I challenged my willpower to reach my goal the greater were the obstacles in my life.


    I raised my optics and ahead of me hung to the wall was our wedding picture. I was smiling so bright to the camera holding the bouquet of white roses and Stephen was looking at me with adtion as if his world vests within me.


    Today when I recollect everything, I cannot stop butugh at my stupidity. My first mistake was falling for the wrong man, then getting cheated by him and marrying the killer of my parents and now bearing with his deceit.


    I raised my front body to squat on the bed and experienced a sudden spinning feeling as if the whole world was doing a mary go round. Shit! I turned to the side and got up slowly to sit. Stephen might have found me on the floor and brought me here.


    Yesterday night after seeing those photos I think I had another panic attack. Just then the door knob tilted and inside walked Stephen. ¡°You are already up? Good morning! How are you feeling now?¡± He asked cheerfully looking at the time on his Rolex as if everything going on between us is the best.


    I tried to move my hand and hissed with pain. It was then that I noticed I was on a drip. ¡°Careful¡± he called and ced the tray filled with food on the table.


    ¡°Does it pain you very much?¡± Worry evident in his eyes. He held my hand in his and looked at the needle insertion.


    ¡°Last night when I reached home, I saw you unconscious on the floor. I got worried and immediately called the doctor. He said you¡¯re underweight and malnourished which is why unable to stand strain you sumb to panic attacks.¡±


    I grilled my teeth in anger and impatience. ¡°Well, for a woman who has a killer and betrayer as her husband these sort of panic attacks are quitemon. It is not the question of malnourishment.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± He looked rmed. ¡°After everything we had and after every exnation I gave, is this what you think about me?¡± He looked broken.


    I bit the inside of my cheek to arrest the curse about to fall out. What superb acting skills. For best training in such fine arts my husband is the first person to be approached.


    ¡°What is your exnation about those photographs?¡± I locked my hands to my chest and came straight to the point ignoring his sorry ass excellent acting skills.


    For a few seconds, he did not talk and just looked at me. Slowly his eyes dted but he blinked continuously to stop them from falling. ¡°Can we talk about it after you have your breakfast?¡±


    I only nodded and took the tray from the side table. Truth speaking, I was very hungry. It was my favorite breakfast. He surely knows which nuts to tighten and which knobs to pull when the need arises. That¡¯s how he became the top business man.


    He continued to stare at me but with no words while I devoured the food with delight. When I lifted my eyes, he was still staring at me.


    I squirmed under his gaze and cleared my throat before I drank the water. Noticing me getting ufortable, he averted his eyes. ¡°I need to smoke. Since you hate the smell of cigarettes I wille back after a few minutes when you finish your breakfast.¡±


    Walking out of the room, he took his phone from his pants pockets. I could hear his distant voice speaking to someone on the phone, initially the conversation was business-like which subsequently transformed to angrymands and snarling.


    Minutes turned to hours and I did not see hime back. I couldn¡¯t hear him either. Did he already leave the office? I tried to call him but his phone was either not reachable or my call went to his voicemail.


    What is it with him? I wanted to discuss such an important issue and he simply left the house not even informing me.


    I patiently waited for him. After all, it was not an issue to be ignored and he came back homete at night. His hair was disheveled, the tie hung loose across his chest and his coat was gone. There were brown ash marks all over his face. What happened to him?


    Panic first reached me but when I carefully observed I saw they were only stains rather than burns and subsequently I exhaled an air of relief. Why do I love him in spite of everything he does?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I had to keep you waiting and left home without informing you. Fire broke out in one of the departments. By the time the fire extinguishers arrived it was toote so we had to cater for ourselves to save the most important documents. Two young lives were imed and ten of mypany¡¯s staff were injured¡±


    I nodded. ¡°I understand. No need to apologize. My condolences to the lost lives.¡±


    ¡°Can we pay a visit to the hospital tomorrow to see the injured staff?¡± I went thoughtful. With the current situation prevailing between us should I still consider myself as his wife?


    He sighed, removed his tie and pulled us to the couch. ¡°I can understand the mental situation you are going through. Those were the photos sent by your ex boyfriend. I put him in prison for cheating upon you with another woman and obviously he is trying to get revenge upon me through you.¡±


    ¡°What is the difference between you and him?¡± Stephen¡¯s eyes were ring daggers at me with that question. Earlier there was remorse in his eyes which is now transformed to fury.


    ¡°Well, if you want to believe outside sources and those stupid pictures, I have nothing to talk to you, Merlyn and by the way pictures can be photoshopped too. I see you as an educated woman and capable of understanding things.¡± He was walking to the stairs ignoring my questioning stare.


    ¡°I need an exnation Stephen. I am your legally wedded wife and beating around the bush, talking in puzzles does not help.¡± I shouted behind him standing up from the couch.


    He stopped on his tracks before reaching the staircase, turned around and looked at me. ¡°I have already told you many times, I was not a saint before you entered my life. But whether you believe it or not, I am a clean person now. I have no woman in my life other than you. That girl you see in those photos was my past, my ex-girlfriend. Now she is happily married in another city with husband and kids.¡±


    He walked back cing a business card on the center table not even sparing me a look. ¡°That¡¯s her contact number. She is an interior designer. You can find everything directly through her if you do not believe me.¡±


    I was pretty surprised at his sudden action. It was so unexpected. However it led me to more questions. ¡°That¡¯s not required. I believe you.¡± I said standing before him blocking his way to reach the stairs.


    ¡°Finally¡± he huffed.


    ¡°But I want to know, how do you have her business card? And the date mentioned in the photos is just ten days ago.¡±


    ¡°You said, you believe me Merlyn, then why so many questions?¡± He looked at me tiredly. Nevertheless answered.


    ¡°I am opening a new branch in Dubai and she is my branch¡¯s interior designer. And regarding the photos like I told you earlier, they could be photoshopped too.¡±


    Stephen¡¯s pov


    I took a shower, got dressed and went to bed taking my wife into my arms. It felt peaceful. I kissed her forehead and she mumbled an apology. Her eyes were already shutting off. ¡°Sleep sweetheart. Misunderstandings can always arise in any rtionship but they should be solved before the date in the calendar changes between husband and wife. As long as this happens, no storm can separate us.¡± I kissed the forehead of my wife and allowed the sleep to takeover


    That bloody asshole Max. How dare he rake questions in my wife¡¯s brain? Until yesterday we were happy. Though after a long time and many challenges I thought I had my childhood love back but I was wrong. I have to ask the cops how he came back from the prison so early. The nerve of him to meddle with my life. No sooner he came out he started with the business of bringing chaos in my family.


    Today I was busy because of the fire ident. But the first thing I would do tomorrow morning as soon as I reach my office is to teach the rascal a lesson.


    *****


    Stephen was not a clean hearted person. He can ckmail people, n treachery, bribe and even can get people killed. But he is non dangerous to Merlyn because he loves her from the bottom of his heart.


    ¡°Good Morning sir! Due to his good conduct Max was released from prison six months beforehand. Normally cheating cases go on with the lock-up period of up to five years but Max obtained a goodwyer. He fought the case so well that his serving time behind the bars got reduced to one year which was further brought down to just six months because of his good conduct.¡± The senior superintendent of the police replied to Stephen.


    Stephen did not like the cops reply. ¡°Good conduct?¡± He called it sardonically to the officer on the other end of the line.


    ¡°How do I get him behind the bars again?¡± For a moment there was a pause. When Stephen thought the line went dead the cop spoke again. ¡°Sir, it is difficult until he gets into a proven crime once again.¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Something struck and a devilish smirk crossed Stephen. ¡°Thank you officer Daniel.¡± He greeted and cut the call.


    His next call went to the most warranted number. ¡°Good morning sir.¡± The man from the other side greeted him.


    ¡°I want you to do a deal for me.¡± The next few minutes went in Stephen exining things on what the person has to do. And an hourter, he got the call from the same number. ¡°Good morning sir, the work is done.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great. One million will be wired to your bank ount within the next half an hour. But, nobody should know what you did. Failing which you will meet the same end this man is going to have shortly.


    The next day there was an article in the newspaper ¨C a ck truck dashed a baby stroller and almost killed the mother. The woman is admitted in the hospital with severe head injury and concussion while the driver of the car whose breaks failed is absconding. His picture in the insight beside the ident scene. If any person finds him anywhere should immediately inform the cops and can im a huge reward.


    Merlyn read the article aloud for Stephen to hear and showed him the picture in the insight. ¡°I never thought Max would do such a thing.¡±


    A sly grin crafted on Stephen¡¯s features.


    You try to touch what is mine, I touch you, Max. Do not dare to meddle with me again. Otherwise next time it will not be thedy fighting between life and death but you.

 Chapter 53

    Stephen¡¯s POV


    I was making an arms agreement with the Russian delegates. Yes, I am a part of the mafia though I am not a leader of any gang.


    I went to one of the bars that I own in the city. The Russians were already waiting for me. One of the waitresses at the club served us our drinks.


    Half an hourter I was very happy. I cracked an arms deal of one billion dors with the Russians. The ship would be arriving at the Miami harbor in a week.


    *****


    Stephen was in the euphoria of celebration. What he did not see was Max was sitting on the table just behind him. He was burning with fury with the ridiculous game yed by the former.


    Stephen got the breaks of his car to fail, booked him into a hit and run case and got him locked behind the bars. It was his fortune that the cop was his friend, managed certain records and got him released for a few days under bail.


    Stephen was sailing close to the wind. Max wasn¡¯t a man to be meddled with and now he would breathe only revenge every moment he is out of bail against Stephen.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Max signaled something with his eyes to one of the waitresses in the bar and she nodded.


    She had tricked the manager by sending him out for five minutes and all the CCTV cameras were shut off.


    Max had smartly added some white powder in the sachet to the drink and instructed the waitress to offer it to Stephen.


    After five minutes the manager was back to his ce and everything was as normal as it was in the club.


    Stephen took the drink off and on during the process of the deal and even after closing it. Somehow his legs went locked to the floor. He wanted to enjoy more time in the club.


    There was a change in his thoughts. Something new was going on within him and he was enjoying every moment of it.


    Unknowingly he was smiling to himself and Max who was all the time watching him was also having fun. He winked to the waitress in a victorious smile.


    If the deal of Stephen was worth billions, that evening hidden under the shadows of red and green neon lights of the club, though not exactly in money, Max too cracked a deal.


    Stephen kept drinking without a control and he felt like he was floating on the clouds. He was smiling to himself and the feeling was amazing.


    The phone in his pants pockets started ringing, he took it out and saw his wife¡¯s number shing on the screen. A smile automatically traced on his lips. ¡°Hi baby, I am having a lot of fun here. I know you will keep waiting for me at the dinner table. I will be home in another ten minutes. Okay?¡±


    Stephen spoke everything without connecting the call and the phone kept ringing. ¡°Why do you keep ringing in my ears, when I am talking?¡± He scolded the phone and switched it off.


    Max, who was watching him alertly sitting on the table behind him, was having the entertainment of the decade. Hisugh wouldn¡¯t stop, enjoying the stupidity and drunkenness of Stephen.


    When Max waspletely sure about the state of Stephen he gestured to the waitress to walk to thetter¡¯s table.


    The brte came and swayed her hips before him. Stephen liked whatever he was seeing. He smacked her round ass and pulled her to hisp. Shortly they were too engrossed with each other and started kissing.


    Max was always prompt to take the snaps at the best time.


    ¡°Merlyn, why do I feel your lips are different?¡± Stephen asked and kissed the girl again.


    The girl only giggled. ¡°Are we going to sit here all the time or will you take me to the room?¡± She asked him seductively, ying with the cor of his shirt.


    ¡°Sure honey, did I ever deny you anything. You are my love, my childhood sweetheart and my life.¡± Stephen kissed her again but he always found something different with his Merlyn today. He knew every inch and every curve of her body. Tonight, when he held her in his arms, he felt his wife was much different from earlier.


    Nevertheless he had never denied her anything till today. Stephen wobbled with his hand on the shoulder of his Merlyn while singing ¡®Love of my life¡¯ by Jennifer Lopez.


    The waitress kept the door of her room unlocked for Max to enter and soon both of them were naked, started kissing each other.


    Max took the photos of the couple at the best angles. After all, his photography profession should be helpful to him in some way or the other.


    Once he had finished his task, he sent all the photos to Merlyn and called her.


    Merlyn was waiting for Stephen to arrive home, though her eyes were dropping off with sleep. It is their habit to sit together and dine during dinner.


    When her phone started ringing, she enthusiastically walked to pick it from the center table but when she saw an unknown number, she decided to ignore the call.


    Nheless, her phone wouldn¡¯t stop ringing. Tired of its rings, she ultimately decides to pick it and hears Max¡¯s voice.


    She did not believe in what he had to say. But he wouldn¡¯t stop in convincing her that her husband is with another woman.


    When she denied him, he literally dragged her into his car, blinding the security and took her to the club where Stephen was spending the night with another woman.


    Merlyn¡¯s feet shook with abhorrence, her eyes teared up with pain and hands turned to fists at the sight in front of her. She did not know she was capable of such anger. At that moment she felt nothing but to kill Stephen with her bare hands. She decided she would divorce him at the earliest. Merlyn could bear with anything but not infidelity.


    Little did she know Stephen was drugged. He was having sex with another woman but in his thoughts it was always his wife with whom he would make love. He cannot think of having sex with any other woman but Merlyn. She is the only for him, his beloved little wife.


    On the other hand, Merlyn initially denied all the allegations put on her husband by Max. But when she saw everything with her own eyes, how can she not believe Max?


    Two dayster Merlyn handed divorce papers to Stephen soon after he was back home from work. Stephen was clueless why his wife was behaving weirdly.


    For thest two days she was moody and behaved like he was nobody to her. Stephen was not liking Merlyn¡¯s reticence towards him. He wanted back his loving little wife who would light his world with her innocent giggles as soon as he came back home.


    He had gone to a jewelry store and bought her a diamond ne. When he was making arrangements to please her, to win her back, Merlyn handed him the divorce papers.


    When Stephen asked her for reasons she handed him the photos, a proof of his deceitfulness towards her.


    Stephen knew he went to the club to make an underworld deal but afterwards he did not remember anything.


    The next morning when he opened his eyes, he was sleeping alone in one of the rooms of the club. He thought he probably drank too much and the staff had helped him to the room. But he did not know somebody had yed a cruel game with him by drugging him and destroying his happy marriage.


    Through Merlyn¡¯s words, he understood the culprit was none other than Max, he tried to plead his innocence to her and that his drink was spiked. But Merlyn wouldn¡¯t listen. ¡°How many times can you fool me with your super smart excuses, Stephen?¡± She snarled on his face.


    ¡°Thest time I got such a type of photograph, you called the girl your ex-girlfriend. But now I have seen everything with my own eyes and you say your drink was spiked. How many stories will you knit, Stephen? I congratte you for your instant made-up stories. If not for the help Max did to me, you would have continued blinding my eyes and sleeping around.¡±


    ¡°Max¡­your friend.. My foot. He is finding ways to separate us and get you back with him. And you believe him instead of me?¡± Stephen asked Merlyn,pletely disappointed.


    When Merlyn turned a deaf ear to his pleading innocence Stephen went to thest resort. He told her they cannot have a divorce since the marriage was a contract marriage. Merlyn waspletely taken aback at the sudden revtion and she began to hate Stephen all the more for his deceit upon her in taking her signatures on the wrong documents.


    Though she couldn¡¯t file a divorce, she could opt for separation from Stephen and she did exactly that.

 Chapter 54

    Stephen¡¯s pov


    ¡°Merlyn, everything that you see is not the truth. There are certain things that you can only believe and should perceive. The most important thing that should prevail between husband and wife is trust. I am telling you I am drugged by that rascal. Give me sometime, I will prove everything to you. There is no woman in my life other than you and I have been loyal to you always.¡± I try to convince her but she turns a deaf ear to my requests and continues to pack her bag.


    ¡°I have given you enough chances Stephen. You killed my father because you wanted to save your family andpany¡¯s reputation. But I epted you understanding you were a different man then and you did not know me. Your family ruined my life and my brother¡¯s turning us into orphans. Thankfully my aunt and her husband are supportive. Though they do not have money, they brought us up with love and care. Otherwise I cannot imagine what our condition would have been. But I convinced myself that the situations were not in your control and whatever happened was a part of my fate. Do you think I did not know that you wanted to kill me if I was too stubborn to take back my case? The sincere cop who handled my case and whose wife you mercilessly brought under the wheels told me everything.¡± Merlyn¡¯s eyes turned to me in a burning volcano but with tears she couldn¡¯t control.


    I was dying a thousand soul¡¯s death at the same time hearing her revtion. The times when Imitted the most brutal crimes, I was alright. Why am I suffering the crucification now?


    ¡°And now when I thought everything was going normal between us, you go on my back and have an affair. In the first instance, it was with your ex-girlfriend which you cleverly managed calling her your past and now I see you again in the same path right in front of my eyes. How can I stop understanding? You were drugged? How do you manage instant exnations, Stephen?¡± She spat the words with venom.


    I grunted and narrowed my eyes at her in indignation. ¡°I can take you to the hospital and prove everything to you through the reports.¡± I was about to hold her hand to take her to the nearby nursing home but she took a step back pulling her hand behind from not reaching me.


    ¡°For how much did you bribe the doctor? Bribing is not new to you. You bribed the entire police department of Newyork, bribed the judges, and court to bury my parents¡¯ ident case.¡± I sighed, running my fingers in my thick ck hair. ¡°That was my past. I am a changed man now. You changed me. Nevertheless, when you can¡¯t trust me no matter the exnations and proofs I cannot convince you.¡±


    ¡°Right. You cannot convince me. So let me leave.¡± She screeched between her cries.


    I wanted to console her. Take her in my arms and say everything is alright between us. But I know she would not believe me. Why did everything that we hade back to a sudden stop?


    ¡°How many times should I tell you, I did not know who you were at the time? I did not know you were my childhood sweetheart. I was only a businessman then and you were just a middle ss girl who was getting my hackles up by pursuing the case I did not want you to.¡± My tone went dead serious in anger.


    ¡°I am telling you for thest time Merlyn, once you step out of this house you cannot be back. I am not a gentleman or a hero in fairy tales. I am a viin who can kill people with not an iota of remorse for the slightest sort of inconvenience they may cause me. That¡¯s how you brought disaster in your life. Had you not been adamant, taken back the case of your parents, situations would have been different today. I would have supported you with the money and your dad would have been living today. You have only seen the gentle side of me till date Merlyn because I love you. Do not even think I would spare you if you¡­ ¡±


    She did not allow me toplete the sentence. ¡°So you now want to say, I am the one who is responsible for all the catastrophe in my life?¡± She shouted hysterically.


    ¡°I cannot be the wife of a deceiver and killer of my parents.¡± She spat on my face without a second thought.


    How dare she? ¡°You will still be my legally wedded wife.¡± I said arrogantly and in dominance, straightening up my frame with my hands in the pant pockets.


    I prayed clinging to thest piece of thread with a hope she would at least for once turn back to look at me, think on our marriage and love I have for her before leaving the house. But she did not. She left me. The day which haunted my dreams since the day I found out who she was, is right in front of me.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ****


    I drank like a goat since that day to forget my grief but I would still remember her, the happy moments we spent together, her smiles and the way her eyes twinkled like stars when she giggled even in my most inebriated state.


    Days passed and she did not return. The damage caused by Max to me is imperceivable. I loathed the man. He had framed Merlyn against me so expertly that I think she would even hate to breathe the air I breathed out. Was I going to spare the life of such a man?


    Enough of chances I gave him to amend himself but every time he only tried to hit me back. I should have perceived him long ago, I did not give the fucker so much importance, overlooked upon him thinking him to be an ant and he turned out to be the most vicious snake.


    I have decided, I will not hand him to the cops but take care of him on my own. If I send him to prison, he wille out again using his techniques. I was perturbed for the amount of influence he has in the police department. Thus I decided to look after him on my own. I ordered my men to find him and bring him to the office underground.


    Two hourster my chief security called that they have him. I walked to the bar, took a drink. I cannot function without drinking these days. I have gone addicted to alcohol. I reached the parking lot where my driver was waiting for me.


    I told him to drive to my office underground. It waste in the night by the time I arrived at the ce. Max was tied to a chair. He already had chapped lips and a ck eye but the guts of the idiot to counter me did not still die and I hated it the most.


    He looked at me with a crafty smirk. ¡°I knew this day would arise one day or the other. But I do not regret any of my actions for what is happening today. Yes, I cheated upon Merlyn but are you a sage? You killed her parents and even thought of ending her to protect your reputation. I only slept with another girl, I did not n to kill her like you did. I¡¯m a man just like you and I have my needs. Merlyn did not cooperate with me even for a kiss¡­¡±


    ¡°And you went disloyal.¡± Ipleted it for him. What pricks me the most is the truth behind each of his words. It makes me hate him all the more because of the feeling of guilt that I did injustice to her. She did not cooperate with either of us. She did not give him sexual pleasure that he wanted from her and she did not take back the case that I so much wanted of her though I promised her a huge ransom. Merlyn has been arrogant, stubborn and daring since her childhood. That is her nature since the beginning. Otherwise no girl, hardly 8-9 years old, tries to teach the boys the lesson of no smoking who were double her age and height.


    ¡°You got me imprisoned for such a small mistake when you on the other hand is a crime syndicate. I only returned your favor, I have no regrets even if you kill me. The day I messed up with you, I knew my end was destined in your hands. I have done the damage. I¡¯m happy now, I broke your marriage.¡± Max had no fear or remorse in himself for his doing.


    ¡°You..¡± My temper was matchless. My hand worked on its own ord and within a blink of an eye, I blew his face with my fist.


    ¡°You and I are equal sinners in our injustice towards Merlyn. You wanted to take revenge upon me but why did you involve Merlyn in this? She is innocent.¡± I added with rage demanding an exnation.


    ¡°Because she is your wife. She has to bear half of your sins. Didn¡¯t both of you take marriage vows? Oh yours is a registered marriage, right?¡± There was a hubristicughtering out of him.


    I wondered how he could smile so carefree when he was just two ticks away to face death and where I was on myst thread of patience controlling my anger.


    I pped him. His head turned to the side with the force exerted and he vomited blood. ¡°That¡¯s the result of meddling with my family.¡±


    Max was already breathing hard by then. I lifted my leg and pummeled my knee into his stomach. ¡°This is for bringing pain to my wife and making her cry. She had already suffered so much in the past and you wouldn¡¯t allow her to smile even in the end.¡±


    His chair pelted behind and the back of his head hit the floor causing him a concussion. He was bleeding from his head. For a few minutes he felt numb and then his limbs started moving again.


    I was not satisfied with the suffering he endured. It was nothing to the pain I am going through today. My heart aches for my wife. I cannot eat, drink and concentrate on my business. My business is slowly slumping because all I do is get drunk to forget the ache which never leaves me.


    I pulled his hair and forced him to look at me. His eyes were dropping off but I will not give him an easy death. ¡°You ruined my life.¡± I hissed and he gave out a conceited grin even in his half conscious state.


    It instigated me to torture him more. I lifted one of his legs and twisted it. He rose up his upper body which was unmoving and battered on the floor to hold his leg and cried in pain. I was sure his hip joint would have broken. That cry and suffering of his gave me a little satisfaction. I gave the same treatment to his other leg too after mastering the technique.


    This time he is pleading with me for death. But was I ready to give him what he wanted so easily? Something struck within me and a sly grin crossed my features. ¡°You want to die peacefully?¡±


    He hastily nodded with all his energy though his eyes were shutting off. This was so much fun that I cannot stop myself from smiling.


    I took out my mobile from my pants pockets and put it before him. ¡°Okay. You have to confess the truth here, that you framed me into this. You drugged me and manipted me to have sex with another woman.¡±

 Chapter 55

    Stephen¡¯s pov


    ¡°Yes, I will confess but please grant me an easy death.¡± He requested me once again with tears in his eyes.


    My happiness was unsurpassed. Getting Max on his knees and pleading with me, gave me immense pleasure. I was now one point above him.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    If I show this to Merlyn, I can get her back. Just having the thought of her back in my arms brought goosebumps in my skin.


    Like a beggar getting a hearty meal after a long time, Max took the phone from my hands and confessed all his wrong doings and his mistreatment towards Merlyn.


    Listening to his savagery upon my wife, my blood boiled with rage but what is there to be done for an already dying man?


    ****


    Dying is easier than living every moment pleading the Almighty for death. After removing all his limbs attached to the body I allowed him to live but probably God was more merciful to him than to me. He probably wanted to end his troubles before me. Three dayster after I left him in that state I got a call from one of my men early in the morning that Max left the world.


    Max finished his time on earth and passed away. But what about my liberation? I was living everyday like a dying man.


    I sent the audio message of Max to Merlyn. I thought she would rush back to me again soon after listening to the tape. But to my utter dismay, I got no response from her even after a week. My flowering heart of hope withered again. When I made inquiries, I came to know Merlyn had left the city long ago. The feeling felt like somebody stabbed me from behind.


    In normal cases I would have got my men to follow her everywhere she went and report to me. I did the same the previous time she left me and won her back. But how many times can I chase her? This time she specifically told me not to follow her. She needed space from me. I understood I cannot force her to love me back. Love should happen on its own.


    *****


    My parents have hidden everything from my grandfather. A yearter my business almost went into a state of bankruptcy because 24/7 I was drunk living in the sweet memories of Merlyn, hardly looking after my businesses. Even though the age has taken over, the old man was much stronger than any of us.


    As if I was a little boy who woulde to hisp, he took me into his custody, kept me under his supervision day and night and turned me rock solid in and out with the help of regr psychiatric counseling sessions and medication.


    Though removing Merlyn from my heart was impossible for me during this birth, I learnt to live without her and took over my business again.


    A yearter my business gained its former glory. But were my challenges in my life over? Not yet. I met with a dangerous ident which changed everything in my life. My spinal cord got damaged, my hands felt numb and I went paralyzed from my waist to my feet going bedridden.


    My parents were heart broken, my mother suffered a stroke. She had already lost one son and she feared losing the second. She was uncontroble and nobody could ease her difort. Because of her weak heart doctors started giving her morphine injections.


    But maybe it was because of her prayers, I slowly began to heal. The medicines and expert care of doctors who were hired from all over the world to treat me started giving its fruits.


    Six months after the ident the numbness in my hands reduced and slowly I could move my fingers and arms though still not able to move my legs. But since I was able to move my hands, I got out of the bed and gradually started inspecting things regarding my business again.


    Using a wheelchair Imuted in the office and at home and as days passed by I could hear the hopeful words I so wanted to hear from my doctors that one day with regr physiotherapy sessions, I could heal and be able to walk normally.


    Merlyn¡¯s POV


    I left him. He pleaded for me to stay back ¡­. that he could prove his innocence but I turned a deaf ear to him though a part of me wanted to get back to him. My conscience screamed to me to give him the benefit of doubt. Somehow I felt, I saw the truth in his eyes but another part told me he was not a person to be trusted. He has no humanity and no morals and he is very dark from inside.


    I thought shifting to a different city would get me out of his thoughts. Nevertheless, the change of venue didn¡¯t help with my concentration, because my independent mind kept wandering off to thoughts of Stephen. And with each thought, a part of me hurt. It made no sense to fight the truth that I still loved him, wanted him, needed what we once had. The separation was killing me.


    I wanted him back. I wanted him toe after me again so I could tell him I forgave him. I was ready to forgive him. But I knew he wouldn¡¯te after me again. I¡¯d felt the finality in his voice that day when he told me, if I left his house, I wouldn¡¯t be able to get back again. It was the end for him.


    I wasn¡¯t the type to beg and chase after people, but for once I wanted to push my pride aside and grovel for Stephen toe back. The crazy love my mind thought it had forgotten, was right there, living, breathing inside my heart. It¡¯d never left. He had left. The memories hadn¡¯t. The crazy stupid love hadn¡¯t. But was it toote now?


    A whoosh of nausea suddenly hit me with force. I gulped heavily but the feeling didn¡¯t stop. It was right back again, almost forcing me to puke. ¡°Are you okay?¡± My brother asked innocently while having his breakfast.


    We had shifted to California. My uncle told me if New York reminds me of Stephen, we can always shift to another ce. My family is very cooperative. They always understand me and I am d God gave me a second chance of having such loving parents.


    I raced to the sink and emptied the contents. This has never been the case. Smell of certain foodstuffs began to irritate me and I felt the intensity to vomit. I started spending very less time in the kitchen and often opted for other work in the house like cleaning and gardening instead of cooking.


    My cribs and cries regarding food increased and my aunt ofte started giving me suspicious looks. ¡°Were you on a pill or any other family nning methods while you were with Stephen?¡±


    I nodded negatively. ¡°Stephen used condoms. But aunt Hana, when did I get my periods regrly? You know I have a problem with polycystic ovaries and people with this condition do not get pregnant so easily.¡±


    ¡°You should still get checked. Polycystic ovaries don¡¯t mean you can never get pregnant. Though the condition may cause dy in pregnancy.¡± Aunt Hana replied thoughtfully.


    The next day my aunt apanied me to the hospital. All through the journey I was praying for the result to turn negative. Deleting Stephen from my heart feels very difficult and if this is pregnancy, it is going to turn impossible. For, the child will always remind me of him.


    The doctor ran a series of tests and my aunt was concerned enough for me to take leave from her office and be with me during the crucial day.


    Finally the results arrived and the thing that I feared and wished should not happen had happened. I was three months pregnant with Stephen¡¯s child.


    Aborting the child was not an option for me. When we cannot give life, we have no right to take it. I decided to keep the child though it would be very difficult to bring it up in the present circumstances of my house. I was not only looking after myself but funding my brother¡¯s education too. Now I have to do 2-3 jobs a day to keep the funds flow.


    ****


    shback


    ¡°I promise I will not chase you. But keep this with you. If you want more, you can always ask. I am always here if you need anything. ¡± Stephen handed me a fifty million check.


    My eyes popped out of their sockets ncing at the number of zeroes beside the five. I have never seen such a huge amount in my life. ¡°We are not divorced. You are still my responsibility.¡± He said when I continued to stare at the figure in a trance.


    Throughout my life I could enjoy the riches without licking the shoes of anyone for employment if I took that amount. The figure lured me for a second. But I was a very prideful woman. I controlled my instincts. Even when my father was dying I did not take anything from him. Now there was not even a necessity. I could very easily take care of myself and my brother by finding a job somewhere.


    I denied his offer though he requested me twice. Today I repent my actions.


    What should I be doing now? Should I inform him that he is soon going to be a father. If I say so, will he ept the child? He may call me incredulous for carrying another man¡¯s child. Or he may ept me back and give me a tough time for the silent war treatment I had been giving him for thest three months.


    Either of the options were not okay for me. I cannot stand if he would call me a cheat, disloyal or a whore. Thankfully he stopped pursuing me and I never informed him about the pregnancy.


    Two yearster, I will silently apply for a divorce without a third eyeing to know about it and he would nevere to know about this child.


    But looking at the other side of the coin his child always has the right to enjoy his love and care, use his money. Nevertheless, was I ready to take the risk of bringing back Stephen into my life? ¡°I am sorry. You should adjust with whatever I could give you though you are a billionaire¡¯s baby.¡± I said running my hands on my belly.


    ****


    Man proposes and God disposes. Was fate going to ept everything Merlyn thought for herself and her child? Six monthster she delivered a healthy bony baby girl who looked like the female version of Stephen. The more she wanted to run away from him the greater was the life pulling her towards him.


    Merlyn refused to ept anything from Stephen but the game of destiny sounds different.


    Six monthster her uncle was diagnosed with lung cancer. Merlyn earned working as an ountant in a small firm and her aunt has a small job nearby. Her brother was still doing his graduation. They were a middle ss family struggling to make both ends meet and with this cmity every little they had fell apart. Now they are head to toe immersed with debt.


    The doctors told the family that the only way Peter can live is through lung transnt. The cost of the surgery including organ donation would cost them 10 millions.


    Merlyn repents, had she taken the amount Stephen offered her that day, she would have easily taken care of her uncle¡¯s treatment today. But she went prideful and refused to pay heed to Stephen¡¯s words.


    But maybe this time God was with her. Just two dayster, she saw a paper advertisement. A paralyzed billionaire businessman urgently requires a bride. Applications with the best fertility charts will be preferred the most.


    Though she was a patient of Polycystic ovaries, she has been getting periods regrly since the birth of the child. Two years had passed since the birth of Abigail.


    Maybe she could help this billionaire, by being his bride and also help herself in the matter.


    But what about Stephen? They were not divorced yet.


    She has no idea how many applications the billionaire would have. Moreover she is now in the wrong side of twenties. Since he is a very rich man, he could float any girl with money. Her chances for winning this deal were meager. But there was nothing wrong in trying.


    In case she gets selected in the many applications, she could send Stephen a divorce notice since the two years of contract she signed was overst month. Hopefully he would not create a problem.


    Thus, she sent an application to the address mentioned below in the advertisement.


    Little did Merlyn know, her responding to the advertisement was the beginning of a new Chapter in her life which she would not have imagined in her wildest dreams.


    Dear Friends


    The shback Chapters are over with this Chapter. The next Chapter would be the present.

 Chapter 56

    Stephen¡¯s POV


    The next morning after I arrived into my office room, my driver helped me on the chair behind my office desk. I hate to be dependent upon others for every small thing but I cannot help it.


    Because of expert medical care, at least today I am able to move my hands. Otherwise all these days I was like a piece of flesh always lying on the bed without a movement.


    For six months I was only on a liquid diet with fluids reaching through a pipe from my mouth. Slowly I regained my lost health.


    Maybe it was the power of my mother¡¯s prayers. I almost reached the threshold of heaven and came back to live on earth. The driver of the lorry was drunk. He wasing from the opposite direction on the street we were in, though it was only one way.


    He uploaded his vehicle onto my car¡¯s bo breaking through the windshield.


    Because of the airbags under our seats me and my driver were saved. The poor man is still on the hospital bed while I¡¯m lucky toe out of it earlier than him.


    *****


    I adjusted my seat to the height of the desk and wiped the dust on the photo sitting on the corner of my work desk. My lips automatically stretched to a smile looking at the picture.


    It was our marriage photo. Merlyn was smiling brightly to the camera. Her face was glowing red with happiness. She was looking like a fairy in the white dress and matching flower bouquet.


    I was mesmerized by her beauty. Thus instead of smiling at the camera I was looking at her. My eyes threatened tears recalling the wonderful memory.


    No matter how many days pass, I cannot delete Merlyn from my heart. My grandfather knows everything about me. Before the ident I stayed with him for six months for de-addiction of alcohol. Yet he wants me to get married to provide an heir for his business.


    I know no girl would like to have a physically handicapped person as her husband. And if there happens to be one to apply for the advertisement, either she is in dire necessity of money or money hungry.


    There was once upon a time when girls swooned the soil that I walked upon but today nobody even looks at me. Not that I amining. I have crossed that age and time and I have no more such fantasies. After my marriage with Merlyn, I¡¯m no more interested in any girl other than her. She is the only one for me.


    This ident is a blessing in disguise. Regarding the people who apply, Ie to know how real they are or they are simply hankering for my money. To realize my grandfather¡¯s request, I cannot keep my life at stake.


    I will first interview all the candidates who apply and only then take a call. Just as the thought arose in me, my assistant knocked. ¡°Sir, here is the list of girls who responded to our advertisement.¡± Kyara ced the white sheet in which the names were written along with their fertility reports.


    ¡°Okay, I will look into this.¡± I informed and dismissed her but she did not leave the ce and looked down at her feet in hesitation. ¡°What is it, Kyara?¡±


    ¡°Sir, there is one more application from ady who is slightly higher in age than the other applicants. She sent me her details but not the fertility records. I did not know if I had to add or dismiss the application.¡±


    I tapped my fingers on the neatly typed sheet in front of me. ¡°Processing the applicants in hand itself will take a long time. And moreover you say she is not young. Age ys a huge part concerning fertility. Dismiss the application.¡±


    One after the other meetings lined up and I went busy with the work. Soon it was lunch time. I needed a file which was very urgent but Kyara had left her desk. I went to her cabin to take the file when identally my eyes fell on the trashcan which had a torn application. On the envelope were bold letters neatly written in ck ¡®from Ms Merlyn James.


    My world stopped just reading the name. I took the envelope from the dustbin and looked into the details to find if my assumption was right. And my heart made a leap. I could easily recognize those neatly crafted letters in cursive handwriting even in my sleep. It was her.


    My hands trembled and my breath hitched. I began to cough restlessly. One of my staff noticed me in Kyara¡¯s cabin and rushed to me with a ss full of water.


    I drank the water like a thirsty crow and asked the staff to immediately summon Kyara. The girl was already trembling on her toes when she reached my room. I did not want to cause her more anxiety. Moreover there was nothing wrong on her part. She did as she was instructed.


    I ced the discarded envelope on her table and pointed to it saying the words. ¡°Cancel all the applications and send a notice to Merlyn James that her application has been considered and she needs to meet me here by next Monday.¡± My lips wouldn¡¯t stop but to stretch. This is purely destiny. Every time one of us tries to leave the other, naturees back and unites us again.


    I hope this time her reason to reach out to me is big and she stays with me forever.


    Merlyn¡¯s POVText ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Shifting slightly in my seat made me realize that just thinking about him had brought back the throbbing in-between my legs and had also made my knickers very damp.


    How was I going to manage being the wife of a different man? And it not only ends with marriage. It is obvious when they asked for my fertility reports, I have to bear him a child too. Knowing my PCOD history they would not even consider my application but maybe it was because of a favorable turn of stars I¡¯m here flying here for the new job.


    My aunt kept warning me not to opt for this new situation and I have already bore enough in my life. She said she would work 2-3 jobs a day, ask for a loan and somehow pay for uncle¡¯s medical expenses. But I cannot see her running pir to post for money at the age of sixty. On the other hand, I cannot risk losing my uncle. They are the only people left for me in this world apart from my brother and daughter. But the million dor question is can I ever remove Stephen from my life?


    I¡¯m still to tell whoever this billionaire is, I already have a daughter and would be applying for a divorce shortly if I am selected as his bride.


    For God¡¯s sake Merlyn, think about something else. I mentally pped my face, to shake myself out of my favourite pastime, dreaming of my Greek God with the stupid bloody name. Standing, I made my way to the toilets. After locking the door, I stared at myself in the small mirror, sshing water on my cheeks to take away the heat. I allowed myself to talk out loud. ¡®Merlyn James, you really need to start living in realitynd! You¡¯re a grown woman and start acting your age unlike a blushing teenager hallucinating your ex.¡¯


    Leaning forward onto the vanity unit, I stared into the mirror. The reflection wasn¡¯t bad but not stunning either. Long brown hair,rge, dark blue eyes, that were oftenmented on and a curvy figure. Not a model¡¯s but half decent whenpared to a woman¡¯s body that undergoes many changes after delivery.


    I think the contract is almost given to me and I will start living here since they have already decided to invest so much on my transportation. New York reminds me of him. It had been a long time since I had a man. The one and only man I had in my 28 years was gone and that was quite obviously the problem. It needed to be fixed fast.


    Sitting back down, I concentrated on my flight to New York. The new job was exciting and I could hardly believe my luck, to have been headhunted for it. The sry and package was excessive, but then it needed to be a job that would onlyst a couple of months. Because ording to my estimation, the paralyzed billionaire is only marrying for the sake of a child. Once the child is born, he will divorce me which is what I also want because I cannot live without my daughter.


    The offer took into consideration leaving my city and family, well my daughter, my aunt and uncle and my brother behind. I hope it is good enough to spend so many long months. I picked up my novel, to while away thest two hours of the flight, but after trying for at least ten minutes to lose myself in a good book I gave up, and decided to sit and check out the opulence of my surroundings.


    Who would have thought it, me Merlyn James flying first ss? I had only ever had one trip abroad before when I fought with Stephen and ran to Dubai only to be caught by him again. I knew this was way beyond my usual means. We weren¡¯t a well-off family, and although in thest tost year I had some lucky breaks with my ex this had to be the best break yet. I put my earpieces in and rxed into my music.


    May signing this contract be the best to ever happen for me.

 Chapter 57

    Merlyn¡¯s pov


    As soon as the flightnded in New York, cold air hit me. It has been so long I get to feel this sort of weather. I missed New York, the ce I grew up since I was nine.


    I had hardly stepped out of the aerodrome when a man in white uniform, probably a driver, was hurriedly walking towards me. ¡°Mrs Collomen?¡±


    The very familiar epithet brought goosebumps on my skin. It had been quite a while since someone addressed me with that name.


    ¡°Yes, but how do you know I am Mrs Collomen?¡± The driver gave me a genuine smile.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am I am Benjamin, the employee of Mr Bernard. I came here to pick you.¡± He extended his hand to me for a shake before he handed me an envelope in which my name, telephone number and my other details were there along with my picture.


    I do not remember filling my application as Mrs Collomen. I have not sent them my photo and the other details which the envelope holds. How did they get to find out so many things about me?


    Thinking for a few minutes, I could connect the dots. Being a billionaire has its perks. I have an idea about that life though I¡¯m not the one living in those riches because for a few years I got to enjoy that kind of life.


    So the billionaire¡¯s name is Bernard. Why does the name sound familiar to me?


    A sleek ck Limo was waiting for us at the parking lot. Before I stepped into it I took a step back and enjoyed its beauty. It has been a long time since I enjoyed these kinds of facilities. Benjamin effortlessly towed my luggage to the car¡¯s trunk and then ced it inside it. I admired the leather seats and a bucket of champagne waiting for me in the car. ¡°Ma¡¯am shall we start?¡±


    I nodded and leaned back enjoying the softness of the seat, closing my eyes. My daughter¡¯s smiling face came before my orbs. I miss her. Once I tell everything about me to this billionaire, I will bring her to me. It does not anyways sound like this man is going to have me as his wife for the rest of his life. He just needs a baby for whatever reason it may be and neither am I interested in spending a lifetime with him. I am doing all this only for the sake of my uncle who is like a father to me.


    I picked up my phone and called my aunt to speak to my daughter. Abigail is just learning to speak small words now and I¡¯m sure within the next six months she will start speaking sentences and be a chatterbox just like me. My aunt picked up the phone in the second ring and I had a hearty talk with my daughter, rest of the family. I already miss them very much, especially my daughter. I do not know if she would be able to stay without me for so many days.


    What I felt weird was the driver of the car was continuously observing me from the rear view mirror. And his expressions were constantly changing from surprise to rm. I couldn¡¯t bear his mood swings anymore. ¡°Is there a problem Benjamin?¡± I asked once I finished my call grilling my teeth.


    ¡°No¡­no madam.¡± He shuddered and after a few minutes of driving stopped before a five star hotel. The executive suite was already booked for me which sounded as sweet as a punch.


    As Benjamin helped my luggage inside the suite I looked around the opulent ce and couldn¡¯t stop but admire the interiors. It hadfy leather couches, sea facing windows with fresh breeze, exquisite oak wood furniture and a huge sma tv attached to the wall.


    Since I had nothing to do for the present and feeling hungry, I checked the fridge situated on the side of the sitting hall and my eyes popped out of their sockets for the amount of food it contained. The items inside would surely serve ten people like me.


    I took out a sandwich with peanut butter which is my favorite and started eating it while watching someedy show running on the television. Myughter was broken by the sound of music. A light lit up the inside of my handbag.


    Fumbling inside, I pulled out the iPhone that had been supplied to me with my new job. The music was indicating an iing text message. It was my favorite track, Wee to New York by Taylor Swift. I instinctively started humming along the beat while reading the text.


    Wee Merlyn!


    I thought the text tone was appropriate and I hope your journey was pleasant in the flight. You will by now have met Benjamin. He is one of my most trusted drivers and is at your disposal from now and all the time you are here with us in New York. Although it would please me greatly and we can move you immediately if you change your mind and stay with me in my mansion. I wish you an enjoyable weekend before we start with our formalities on Monday.


    Keep safe


    Yours Bernard


    Back in California I was working as an ountant in a small firm and being a part time physiotherapist to look after my brother¡¯s education bills.


    I have taken a look at Bernard¡¯s health reports and came to know with my experience that activebined with passive physiotherapy gives him a bright chance to heal andpletely stand on his legs.


    I have no idea who he is really, apart from the medical records I receivedst week exining his ident and subsequent injuries. But somehow the name ¡®Bernard¡¯ sounds very familiar.


    Instincts like this never worked positively for me. Nevertheless, did I have a choice? I am here to save my uncle from the clutches of death. Once I meet Bernard on Monday, I will tell him everything including my broken marriage and my daughter. Maybe if he understands me, our lives will be lessplicated in this contract marriage.


    The next morning I woke up with someone tapping on my head. I slowly opened my eyes and looked around. Oh yeah, I remember I am in an executive suite sponsored by my new employer who appears to be very kind.


    The tapping sound repeated. Since I am fully awake now, I understood, it was not my head but the door. I went to the entrance and opened it. Benjamin was standing at the door. ¡°Ms Collomen, the boss asked me to show you the amodation, in case you might want to use it.¡± He tipped his hat in a greet and waited for me at the entrance to freshen up.


    Slowly we were moving to one of the most expensive localities of New York. The ce brought familiar vibes within me which brought good as well as bad memories.


    Benjamin talked to the security at the entrance and we were weed into the 100 acre estate followed by a grand foyer. The creamy marbled floor surrounding the greenery led to arge oak wood door. Plush seats, dark wooden floor with big chandeliers hung from the ceiling everywhere greeted us inside. I was awestruck at the interiors.


    Benjamin directed me to one of the huge doors and told me it was my bedroom. There was no further pondering. I liked my room and the ce very much.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Benjamin got my suitcase within the next half an hour. After I unpacked and showered, I sat at the portico with a cup of tea and called my aunt. I gave them the positive news that I almost got the job and on Monday, I would be signing the contract. Thankfully she did not have many questions to ask. Abby was like usual, fun and super active, enjoying time with my aunt and my brother.


    On the coffee table in front of me was an envelope, I hadn¡¯t noticed it before. The stationary was blue and expensive looking. Opening it, I read;


    Hi Merlyn,


    I understand you liked the ce. If you need anything you know Benjamin is always at your service. I think the ce would be ideal for our physiotherapy sessions too. That is why I chose the ce for you. Yeah I know you are a physiotherapist and I hope you will help me stand on my feet soon with your experience and expertise. I want to be an able bodied man as soon as possible. Have a great day Merlyn.


    Christ, was I that predictable to Bernard? I ran my fingertips slowly over the beautifullyposed handwriting. It looked much simr to Stephen¡¯s. But I knew this man was different because Stephen was never polite to anybody other than me. I was lucky, he loved me till the day I left him. Otherwise I knew nobody could dare to invoke his ck eye which would be worse than hell.


    Getting up and going to the door, I nced across the empty hallway; looking instinctively at the door opposite which was closing. Doing so, I caught an unmistakable masculine scent of a fresh, clean, ocean smell. I must be delusional; no, more than delusional¡­ I really needed to get a grip. Pulling myself together, I pep talked myself. This man was not him and I should stop seeing Stephen in every male I woulde across in my life.


    All I have to do is close my eyes and he is back again knocking on my every dream, sexy as hell, tall and lean and drop dead gorgeous in his customary navy blue crisp suit. More than ever before I needed a man in my life and probably this was the best opportunity that life was giving me to forget all my shbacks with a certain handsome hunk.


    I was a little tired after uncovering all my stuff and had a good nap. By the time I got up it was evening. My work starts the day after tomorrow. So I thought I could enjoy quite a bit of time going to the club. A little booze once in a while wouldn¡¯t harm me. I was a tourist here in New York and the clubs are very good for such tourists.


    I took two drinks and began to sway my head to the music. ¡°Can I buy you a drink?¡± A male voice called beside me. It was then I noticed the man. I was already feeling slightly tipsy by then. I took the drink and within two sips my vision started going blurry.


    I could see a tall lean man in white dress shirt and in crutches beat the shit out of the guy who offered me the drink. Who the helles in work clothes and that too in crutches to the club? I giggled and my eyes shut off.


    The next morning I woke up in my room with peeping rays of sunlight falling through the window. As I looked around I could breathe the beautiful fragrance of fresh water lillies. I did not know the highlight of my Sunday should be opening my eyes to these humongous heartwarming blossoms. They rested on the coffee table upying all the ce and hidden between them was a card.


    Hi Merlyn,


    Just a small gift to celebrate your presence here. I¡¯m very pleased to have you as my wife and my physiotherapist. I hope you¡¯re not having any headache because of yesterday¡¯s drinks. In case of any problem you can always tell Mary the house maid to prepare you a ss of lemon water. Hope your day goes as blooming as these blossoms.


    Yours


    Bernard


    It was obvious Benjamin would have brought me back here because he was the one who took me to the club. Probably he might have informed Bernard about my drunkenness at the club.


    Who is this man who brings crazy vibes in me like a randy teenager without even looking at him?

 Chapter 58

    Merlyn¡¯s pov


    Well that had shocked me; I thought with augh. I had thought all along that Mr. Bernard must be a father or maybe grandfather. But when I studied his handwriting closely, the strokes and their turns, I found out he is only a few more years older to me.


    I took graphology as a subject in my school because of my interest to know the other person¡¯s personality. Bernard had always intrigued me since our firstmunication and I was curious to know more about him. He is interesting butplicated if not understood properly and extremely possessive about the people he loves. I guess he is married and wondered about his wife.


    For the first time, I replied to him.


    Thank you so much for the gorgeous flowers, water lilies are my favorite! How did you know? I¡¯m looking forward to starting our new life together.


    Thank you for choosing me in spite of my age being on the wrong side of twenties.


    Merlyn


    *****


    My phone had pinged back with an immediate response.


    You are more than wee! Don¡¯t let your family worry about you. You are in safe hands. Speak soon.


    Yours Bernard


    Speak? The very sound of the word brought sweet titition in me. Would I get to hear his voice soon?


    No doubt I would soon hear his voice because it is not only the voice but I need to be ready to share with him many more intimate things. Just the thought invoked a tug in my heart. Will I be able to share my everything with this guy? Stephen was the only man in my life. Will this guy be able to rece Stephen in these few years? How about surrogacy? My stupid mind is going circles not able to know correctly about this mysterious guy.


    I really needed to get a grip and remind myself just exactly what I was here for. No one in their right mind would want to exchange ces with me. I take the money, finish my deal with this billionaire and get back to my previous life.


    So far so good. If he epts my daughter wholeheartedly with me, then nothing like it. Abby will be lucky to be able to cherish a father¡¯s rtionship too in her life along with the mother and I would be the happiest woman in the world.


    It was finally Monday. I was waiting to see Mr Mysterious who was very courteous and polite in all his letters yet seemed a puzzle to me in every word he wrote.


    The door was opened by a maid and stunningly the inside was not another bedroom but a huge workce which had so many books and files neatly arranged in ss cabs.


    On the other side were indoor nts like croutons and bamboo arranged under a sun shade. The maid asked me to take a seat and from inside walked an aged man in a ck coat probably an attorney.


    And yes, I was right he was indeed awyer. ¡°Good morning ma¡¯am¡± he greeted me warmly and ced a file in front of me. He took a pen from his shirt pocket and ced it on the folder. ¡°Madam, you can read the contract and sign it. But before doing anything my sir would want to know the reason behind your choosing of this contract.¡±


    I stared at him, not understanding what he was asking. It is obvious not everyone¡¯s pockets are filled with money and for the sake of gaining more ie some people like me are forced to take ck cor jobs too.


    The attorney cleared his throat. ¡°What we mean here is, there should be some strong reason, where you decide to marry an unknown and a handicapped person and also beget a child with him?¡±


    I, in my usual habit, started ying with my fingers. I did not want to share my private details with this ck coat guy. I did not have a good impression withwyers from the beginning. They can twist the truth to any extent to win the case and they do not have any ethics, at least this is my impression regarding the few that I met in the past regarding my parents¡¯ ident. But I guess this gray beard was as stubborn as a log to extract answers from me.


    He patiently waited for me to confess things though he was running short of time. ¡°My uncle is sick. He is suffering from cancer and needs a lung transnt immediately. I do not have the money even to pay his medical bills, lung transnt is a big issue and so here I am, marry a billionaire and grant my womb to bear his child. In return I want ten millions in cash.¡±


    The man nodded and told me they would pay the money in installments. He started giving me details on how and when they would be paying me when somebody called him on his phone. ¡°Yes sir¡­yes sir.¡± The man nodded. ¡°I am on my way.¡±


    He quickly got up from his seat and walked inside. So the call was from within this mansion. Was it from the billionaire himself? Minutester he came back wiping the sweat on his face though the air conditioning was good. ¡°Madam we will pay you all the money now but you would sign this contract to stay with sir forever.¡± He ced the document before me a little skeptically.


    I narrowed my eyes at him, unable to understand what he was telling me. Did Bernard want a tie up with me till his hair turned gray? I feel the man is weird. He did not see me and did not talk a single word with me till the moment. Though I¡¯m sure he would have got a background check done upon me long ago.


    Unlike my previous contract signatures, this time I read everything and in detail, twice so that I do not miss out on anything and be cheated. To my surprise the word ¡®wedding¡¯ was not mentioned anywhere in the contract. I read and re-read only to find I will stay with this billionaire for the rest of my life.


    ¡°I thought this contract would be only for a couple of years until I gave him an heir but here he wants me locked with him forever and with no marriage. I¡¯m no way going to be his courtesan. I want to be his legally wedded wife. Ie from a respectful family and everyone who needs money does not have to stoop low and be a sex worker.¡± I snarled at thewyer with rage.


    ¡°You will be his wife, you will know everything about him once you sign the contract.¡± He pleaded with me to agree to him.


    I thought the billionaire was polite and courteous but this seemed more like a trap to me. Why doesn¡¯t the billionaire have a face to face talk with me? He sent me his representative and stated his terms. Is he the person going to marry me or is the marriage also with this attorney instead of him? I thought with deride. I thanked thewyer and said I was no longer interested in the offer.


    Without saying a word, the attorney put one million on the table in front of me. ¡°This is extra to the ten millions you demanded. It is not only surgery. You will have a lot of medical expenses before and after the surgery and this amount will take care of that.¡±


    ¡°I cannot sign on anything about which I am kept in the dark. I need to meet your boss before I sign the contract. I stated my terms cut and dry.¡± Another million went on the table. Does this man talk only with money? Or is it the billionaire who is making him talk this way?


    ¡°You cannot buy me with money. I pped my palm on the table looking fierce into the old man¡¯s eyes and rose up from the chair to reach the door.¡±


    He looked behind me and the door closed. ¡°What the hell¡­¡± This time I started panicking.


    What happened to all the courteousness of these people? Is Bernard avable here or thiswyer, who is his minion, is acting on his own ord?


    I was angry, agitated and felt helpless at the same time. I should have listened to my aunt and note to this new ce. Now I¡¯mpletely under these people¡¯s mercy.


    My tears came out free flowing from my eyes. ¡°Please allow me to leave. I have a daughter to look after at home. She doesn¡¯t have a father. I am the only parent left for her. I urge you. Please allow me to go.¡±


    The phone in my hands started beeping. It was my aunt. I lifted the call in anxiety. What more troubles does God want to add in my life?


    Much against my fear, my aunt¡¯s cheerful tone was heard in the line. ¡°Dear Merlyn, I and your uncle will always be grateful to you for everything you did to us. The billionaire with whom you¡¯re going to have a contract had not only transferred the money for the operation and medication but spoken to the doctor too. He seems to be a very influential man. The tables turned as fast within a heartbeat. Your uncle¡¯s name had gone to the top priority in the patient¡¯s surgery list. He will be operated on early tomorrow morning. I would just say, the man had done a lot to us. Just keep him happy after marriage.¡±This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    She took a long breath. ¡°Merlyn, I have no words to express this happiness. You entered our family just because of the favorable turn of our stars.¡±


    I did not know what to say or add. My mind stopped functioning. I wiped my tears and signed nkly wherever my signatures were needed.


    Stephen¡¯s POV


    I was listening to everything from behind the curtain. I cannot reveal myself to her before she signs the contract. So I was waiting for the opportunity with eager eyes.


    Since the time she stepped into the soil of New York, I was not able to control myself. I love her and want to have her by any means.


    Luckily money is not an issue on any day for me. I can topple the world with a flick of my fingers. I had already informed my men and within ten minutes I got details of the hospital, her uncle was admitted.


    I immediately talked to the doctor and wired the money necessary. The old man doesn¡¯t seem to stop giving troubles to my wife but he is my best pawn, always works favorably for me. It is because of him, we keep uniting.


    But thosest words of hers put me on an rm. My mind went nk. A daughter? She is married and having a child too. Our marriage contractsted tillst month. How could she disregard the contract, marry and also have a daughter?


    The nerve of her to defy me. My hands automatically turned to fists in an irresistible rage. I immediately summoned my men to find out who is the man in her life and if he exists as her husband why did shee to me? Did she think she could y with me, marry me while she is already having a husband? How dare she think of blinding my eyes? Merlyn is the only person in this world to whom I gave the leverage to stay free with me.


    I do not discharge mercy to any person. I am a beast who has no kindness and emotions and can even kill people without having an iota of humanity. But for her I am as soft as a marshmallow and set her free when she wanted to move away from me. However she taught me a good lesson of not being merciful to anyone including her.


    And now she is going to see the side of me which nobody dares, which is going to be a pain more than suffering hell.

 Chapter 59

    Merlyn¡¯s POV


    The attorney was so against me to leave the ce. But once I signed the contract, the whole tension in the atmosphere changed like magic and I was allowed to go.


    The billionaire did not speak to me or even see me. It felt weird. Well, he was the person to give the advertisement for marriage in the primary instance. But then he denies marriage and even refuses to see or talk to me. Will he allow my uncle to get the surgery or take back the money?


    Once I told the attorney I have a daughter to take care of, everything changed. The attorney was immediately called inside and I was allowed to leave. It appeared like Bernard was listening to every bit of our conversation but refused to see me. Or, maybe it was because I signed the contract without further questions he had nothing more to argue.


    But didn¡¯t he tell me he wanted me beside him till the rest of our lives. Even if I was only a courtesan for him, is this what is calledpanionship? Shouldn¡¯t I be staying with him?


    Two days had passed, the maid was on time to regrly knock on my door and serve me food three times a day. Unlike a usual kidnap, I was not tortured, beaten or abused but isn¡¯t depriving somebody¡¯s liberty also a kind of psychological abuse? I was literally put on house arrest after I left the attorney.


    I craved to talk to people, I was going mad. The housemaid was the only person I could see in the house. My phone was seized away from me the moment I walked out of the meeting with the attorney.


    I switched on the TV and was watching some program. My thoughts often went back to Abby. Was she alright? Is she crying for me? How did my uncle¡¯s surgery go? Was he operated or this rediculous billionaire took back the money?


    My mind was running in chaos. Just then the maid came back to serve me dinner. This time I did not allow her to go after cing the te beside me. I held her hand restricting her movement and pleaded with her in teary eyes to allow me just a phone call.


    The maid at first was adamant that she couldn¡¯t help but when I cried she told me she would talk to her boss. I kept waiting for her toe back to me with a positive reply. But she never came. Instead she was reced with a new maid. The employer seems to be a beast. His courtesy to me was just a false y. But was there any necessity for him to be courteous to me? If so, what was it?


    Stephen¡¯s pov


    I called the attorney to send Merlyn away. Anyways, she signed the contract. She is now tied with me forever, no way can she leave me for the second time. A sardonic grin left out of me at the thought.


    My next priority is to look after the issue of the man who tied a knot with her when I¡¯m already her husband. How dare she marry and also beget a child with the new bloody bastard?


    It has been two years since she left but I could not remove her from my heart. Was it so easy for her to be with another man? My blood boils knowing the fact. I now understood our love was only one way all the time. She never loved me and always waited for the opportunity to leave.


    I immediately called my private investigator to investigate the case. A day after he came to me and told me, he investigated the issue and there was no man in Merlyn¡¯s life. I was surprised and at the same time relieved. But how did she get a child without a man? Did she opt for surrogacy? My mind went in circles. It never worked normally when it was concerned with Merlyn.


    I told the private investigator to re-investigate the matter and two dayster, he arrived with the same result. The investigated file was in front of me which had the details of her family. There was nothing new that I did not know about her but for the baby. The file held pictures of all her family members including the baby.


    Something triggered in my mind looking at the infant. The baby girl¡¯s picture looked very familiar though I was looking at her for the first time. Clueless of what is happening, I thought deeper and then it clicked. I saw simr pictures in my parents house.


    Like a man possessed by a spirit I asked my driver to drive to my parents ce in search of a single clue. Just then I got a call from the maid who serves Merlyn. She asked me to allow her a call to her parents¡¯ home. There was no way I would regard her with any facilities. The damn woman had made my life a living hell. I became an alcoholic and almost became insane. I told the maid, the woman was my prisoner and no such facilities will be given to people held hostage. Later I called my domestic duties manager to remove the maid from the job and appoint another. She was giving suggestions to me after eating my own bread.


    Every time Merlyn enters my life she brings problems to me. And this time with an apanied irritating suspense. I hate the day I met this woman. I cannot remove her from my heart and at the same time cannot keep her with me. .


    Like a psycho, I turned the sheets of the albums in my parents home. My mother was giving me curious nces intrigued for what I was searching so restlessly. I was myself oblivious of the conclusion I was trying to arrive at. What information could I give her?


    She then took the baby¡¯s photo that was in my hands and her eyes went big like saucers in astonishment. ¡°This baby ¡­ . this baby looks just like you Stephen when you were small. Where did you get this picture?¡±


    That¡¯s it! I got the answers to all my questions. I peered at her in rm and my hands halted on their actions startled at her question. Ipared my childhood photos with the baby picture I had and it just took me a couple of seconds to find out she looked like a xerox copy of my young self except for the eyes which were blue. Obviously they were Merlyn¡¯s.


    A huge rxedugh broke out of me. I was crying andughing at the same time. My joy was beyond bounds and I was the happiest man in the universe. I hugged my mother before I kissed her cheek and shouted loudly with delight. ¡°I am a dad now.¡± My parents were overjoyed along with me to be a part of my little discovery.


    I summoned my men for the DNA sample of the baby for final confirmation. I do not want to build hopes and then get disappointedter though I am almost sure that I¡¯m the father. ¡°Merlyn, wait for me until the result arrives and I will teach you a lesson you will remember for the rest of your life.¡±


    Two dayster I got the result. The neatly sealed white envelope was in my hands. Hairs on my body stood up and my hands trembled to open the cover. It felt like the biggest pressure of my life. Not even closing a contract worth millions brought me this much anxiety.


    I sent a silent prayer to God and fumbled with the wrapping with shivering fingers. On big bold letters I could find the first words my eyes caught ¨C ¡®positive.¡¯


    Shit! I screeched, covering my face in my hands in exhration and then fisted my hand in the air with the report in my hands. My eyes teared up by the release of stress. The servants working in the house looked at me stunned by my unexpected behavior but who cared. I am now a dad of a cute little daughter and I¡¯m going to show her to my grandfather.


    I ordered the maid to send Merlyn to meet me in my office. Merlyn pray for your lucky stars that I look at you with mercy because I¡¯m not the man to be meddled with and you ruffled my hairs in the most indeterminate territory of hiding my child, my flesh and blood from me.


    Merlyn¡¯s pov


    After three long days of waiting I finally could hear some news from the man who captured me here like his prisoner. I do not know what I should call him, my employer, my husband to be or just a partner because he did not intend a marriage with me.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    I am so worried about the condition of my family. My daughter might be crying because she was not able to see or speak to me. My aunt would have been dead anxious about me not being able to gather any news. My brother would have called me innumerable times in pensiveness only to find my phone is not answerable. I do not know what would the state of my uncle, if he is operated or this idiotic billionaire took back the deposited money. All of them would be excessively tense about me. I hate myself for going against the advice of my aunt anding here.


    Benjamin took me to the office of Bernard, the scoundrel who lured me with his romantic letters and flowers and did not even spare a look at me since then. I made a knock at the door and walked inside. My ears literally were letting out fumes with rage. I needed answers on all my questions, why he got me captive, why he snatched away my mobile, why he refused to speak and finally why he refused to marry when the content of the advertisement was clearly stated ¨C marriage with paralyzed billionaire.


    He was in a wheelchair facing the wall. My hands turned to fists with rage. ¡°How dare you lock me up for three days, snatching away my phone and refusing to even see me like I was a corona patient, lest marriage, a far gone issue.


    ¡°Because I¡¯m already married to you.¡± He snarled, turning around and my breath stopped in my throat.


    ¡°Stephen?¡±

 Chapter 60

    Merlyn¡¯s POV


    ¡°Stephen?¡± Forgetting all the anger and fights between us my eyes watered staring at his handicapped form. At that moment I promised myself, by hook or by crook, using all my physiotherapist techniques, I will see this man stand on his legs like before.


    I ran to him and knelt between his legs with my eyes tearing up at him wordless.


    He stared back at me nkly concealing his emotions and looked besides. There was an unsaidmunication between them and everyone in the room including the driver and his secretary left us to have our privacy.


    I ran my hands gingerly on his knees fearful as if my touch would pain him and broke into a loud sob.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry.¡± His voice held pain as he rose me up, cleaning the tears from my eyes and putting me in hisp.


    His embrace felt so warm and cozy. It felt home. I circled my arms around him andid my head on his chest to feel the soft beat of his heart. He took me in, allowed me to ease off and I started confessing the ache of our separation in untold cries.


    My whimpers refused to stop but went louder and he couldn¡¯t stand me breaking. Thus he sealed my cries with his lips. Our tongues danced with each other like two fishes ying in water iming for domination from the other.


    His kisses felt like the ocean, like he wanted to swallow me, drinking up all of me and submerging me in him.


    My moans were ceaseless as he kissed me deeper and stronger in a feral edge like a lion feasting on its prey.


    My hands went caressing his stubble filled cheeks enjoying the brittleness of his skin under my soft palms and his arms went around my waist situating me in ce to turn the kiss more cavernous.


    I could hear his groans going more profound as his kisses took an intense turn. He bit the bottom of my lip and ran wet kisses from my lip passing through my throat to reach my cor bone.


    I realized how much I missed his kisses, his caresses and his love as his hands traveled every leap and valley of my body turning me feverish.


    ¡°Get me those crutches.¡± He asked me breathlessly and pressed a button on the remote. I saw the door had gone locked. He stood up using the crutches and my heart ached for his pain. The man who I saw a couple of years ago, mighty and powerful, tall, more than 6 feet and five inches couldn¡¯t stand today on his legs without support.


    I leapt my eyes continuously to restrain the wetness forming in them. But I knew he saw me, could read me like the back of his palm but refused to acknowledge. He directed me to the couch pulling the zipper down off his pants.


    I did not contradict him. I needed this, we needed this. It had been a long time. If he was burning with desire for me, so was I for him.


    He released my pants following my panties and then took me on the couch going deep inside me. I released a sigh I did not know I was holding and felt myselfplete looking into his eyes.


    He unbuttoned the buttons of my top while continuing to bonk me, and released the open view of my bra covered chest.


    His hands went behind and undid the hooks of my bra. ¡°This is the ce I wish to stay for a really long time.¡± He breathed on my naked breast and my nipples turned into pebbles in titition. He pinched one of them and sucked on the other.


    A low long fragmenting moan went out of me. I raised my upper body pushing my bristols more into his mouth.


    The tip of his tongue caressed my bud and my mewls turned louder. I fisted his shirt pulling him more into me.


    ¡°This is sheer partiality. While I¡¯m fully naked here, you arepletely covered there.¡± I said and kissed him again inmed, with my tongue moving to every nook and corner of his mouth.


    ¡°Oh yeah? Then who is stopping you to allow me to be covered, my Flower?¡± The endearment felt like music to my ears. It has been so long since I could hear him call me by the name.


    I quickly undid his pants and removed his tie followed by his shirt while he continued to prate in and out of me.


    ¡°Fuck, this feels so wonderful.¡± His muscles were bulging out of his arms situated on either side of my head.


    I closed my eyes to enjoy the feeling as my hands caressed the thick mane covering his chest and his robust arms.


    ¡°Oh my God, I¡¯ming, Stephen.¡± I screeched almost reaching the height of my first orgasm after a really long gap of two years.


    ¡°You¡¯re most wee, my Flower. I would be delighted to make youe.¡± Stephen responded and secondster I was in seventh heaven.


    My body drizzled with pleasure and splintered into bits shaking like a damn slimming machine while he continued to rock me to the threshold of heaven.


    His insertions turned deeper, stronger and faster by each passing stroke and soon he was too close to a nirvana. A low groan left out of him and with a final deep insertion he shook and stilled on top of me filling me up with his seeds.


    ¡°That was simply superb.¡± I earmarked it. He kissed my lips and smiled. ¡°Indeed it is!¡±


    I helped him stand back with his crutches and covered myself back in my clothes. He did the same.


    After we were seated before each other, I asked him. ¡°Why did you call yourself Bernard?¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s a pity, both of us grew up in the same small town and our fathers were once upon a time best friends yet you did not know my full name. I am Bernard Stephen Collomen.¡±


    I stared at him nk for many long seconds until I could process the information he just gave me. Was I so much in darkness that I didn¡¯t even know his full name? Now I understand why I felt the name Bernard familiar. It was the name with which his parents and my parents used to call him when he was young.


    ¡°Why did you keep me on house arrest, unrevealing yourself and refusing to even allow me to call my parents?¡± I had to rify all the confusion between us by any means.


    His features felt like he had answers for everything like he was waiting for the argument to start between us.


    ¡°Just taking away your phone from you made you feel like I was controlling your freedom and depriving you of your rights. You hid my child from me for more than two years. Don¡¯t you think you were depriving our child of her father¡¯s affection? Didn¡¯t you think you were depriving me of my rights on parenting my child? Merlyn, divorce may happen between husband and wife not between a father and child.¡±


    Those words of his cut me deep in my throat. The tears which stopped from my eyes hitherto, now ran amok. I was stunned, he already found out about Abby¡¯s birth secret so fast. Nevertheless I was the one to confess to him I have a daughter and it is obvious he might have ordered a background check on her.


    ¡°I wanted to stay away from you. I was frightened, if youe to know about her, you will take her away from me. I did not know you would ept her so fast without any questions.¡±


    He was back with his dominance and attitude, the side which I feared the most about him. ¡°Didn¡¯t you think, you should at least inform me about her? epting her as mine or not is my choice. You cannot exercise my rights on my behalf. I can take Abby away from you even now. How dare you hide my daughter from me? You can go to the highest court and fight for her but still she will be mine. I challenge you if you could win against me.¡± He threatened.


    ¡°Please do not be so rigid with me. I¡¯m your wife. Abby is still an infant, she requires a mother¡¯s affection as much as she requires a father¡¯s protection.¡± I pleaded with him.


    ¡°Oh, you remember, you¡¯re my wife?¡± How could you fill the application with marriage to another man when you are already my wife? You did not know it was me before you filled up the application?¡± He was in full mood ready to pick up an altercation with me.


    I wiped my tears. There was no way but to clear this misunderstanding. ¡°Stephen, we have finished the contract term of our marriagest month. I thought if I was chosen for this contract, I would apply for a divorce because saving my uncle is very important for me. He became my father whom I lost, and brought me up like his own child even when we don¡¯t have a blood rtionship.¡± I called breathless, already submerged in pressure. I hope I do not await a panic attack here.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Concern awakened his features at once. ¡°Flower? Are you alright?¡± He asked me again this time stressed and took me back to his chest. Probably he guessed it, I was going to have an anxiety attack. It happened earlier too when we were together. Stephen can read me like an open book. Sometimes its like a blessing and at times a curse.


    ¡°Everything is alright. We are not going to discuss this matter anymore.¡± He began to run his hands on my back soothingly, kissing my cheeks and saying sweet nothings.


    But I was a stubborn woman. I will not ept on any day that it is my mistake. After I recollected my breathe, I said ¡°anyways you do not have any right to me me. Because both of us are sailing on the same boat. You¡¯re as much married to me as I am to you. How could you think of remarriage?¡± I did not falter on my steps to pull out points against him.


    He gave out a sarcastic grin. ¡°Maybe my hands were tied up as much as yours? My grandfather wrote in his will, I will be deprived of the Collomen¡¯s heirloom unless I marry and beget a child to carry our business to future generations. I have worked night and day for this business, invested my flesh and blood on it and built this vast empire from a small pin to a giant machinery. I could not allow my decades long hard work to go into the hands of the undeserving. My only intention for marriage was notpanionship but a child. As soon as I got my child, I would have divorced thedy. Thus it is clearly stated in the advertisement ¨C women with the best fertility will be preferred. But then I saw your name in the list of applications. I was worried and needed to find out what was the trouble that hadnded you here.¡±


    I was pleased to find out the real reason behind his intention. But there were some questions which were still hazy and I had to clear them to avoid future misunderstandings. ¡°If this is the case, where and why did you get my signatures?¡±


    An all powerful and controlling smile hit his brims. ¡°That was a treaty signed between you and me that you can no more move away from me. No divorce. Forever. Do you understand?¡± His eyebrows yed with self-conceit.


    ¡°I am and will be your husband till our hairs turn gray. So Mrs Merlyn Collomen, you are tied with me forever with that contract. And I can use you the way I want for the rest of our lives.¡± He pulled me towards him and kissed me walloping his tongue into my mouth upying all the recesses like a man hungry for ages.


    We only parted for breath and he started kissing me again letting us to the round two of sex make.


    Were more challenges awaiting Stephen and Merlyn¡¯s life or there is soon going to be a happy ending?C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

 Chapter 61

    Stephen¡¯s pov


    Seven dayster¡­.


    Merlyn was doing physiotherapy to me. Side Leg Lifts. The first paraplegic leg exercise involved slipping the front half of my foot into the loop of the leg lifter,


    Knees to Chest, Ankle Rotations, Ankle Pulls, Hamstring Stretch, Knee Extensions, Seated Elliptical and Seated Marches.


    I had suffered an ident followed by a stroke. The primary objective of stroke rehabilitation is to restore lost strength and bnce on legs, functional Independence with task-specific training. The physiotherapist ys a very crucial part here.


    The treatment also consists of frequent psychiatric sessions for emotional wellbeing. Merlyn apanies me to every such session to boost my morale. My physiotherapy is done in such a way to preventplications and recurrences and also stresses on improved quality of life. Sometimes when I lose hope that I will not be able to walk again she is there with me, bes my counselor to let my spirits not go down.


    My body waspletely covered in sweat doing the extensive physiotherapy. It felt too tiresome for me. I did not feel this much exertion even while doing workouts when I was physically stable. But Merlyn was a tough teacher. She wouldn¡¯t spare me a single exercise and was heavily bent on making me walk in the next two months.


    She wipes the sweat on my forehead with a napkin and then orders me again to touch my toes leaning over. ¡°My feet went numb long ago when I met with the mishap. I do not feel my toes anymore.¡± Iin like a small child going breathless with pain while trying to hold my toes.


    ¡°You will very soon. Look, your back stretches better than yesterday.¡± She giggles. I do not know from where she gets all that positivity. But no matter whatever my thoughts are, every time I see her in smiles it lifts my spirits.


    ¡°Stephen, you are soon going to walk.¡± She cheered when I was finally able to touch my toes and not only touch but hold them for a minute.


    Everyday before having breakfast, I have one hour of physiotherapy with Merlyn. And then after breakfast I have a few more which are not much difficult.


    A week has passed and I already feel a change in the lower part of my body. I could move my legs easily though I still needed time to walk. Merlyn¡¯s perseverance to help me stand on my legs had brought this change in me. If I was the only person here, I would have given up and gone attached to the wheel chair for the rest of my life but she would not allow that to happen at any cost.


    She would maintain me on a strict diet, cook my meals by herself without engaging cooks and serve me warm everyday since I am not supposed to eat cold stuff. Even on a weekend she would personally cook for me so that I always eat fresh food. It appears more like it is her penance than mine to see me hale and hearty. Nuts are a very good option for my early recovery which are included in my daily diet along with sizable portions of carrot, beetroot, okra, and asparagus along with white meat.


    I got her family shifted here. It has been two days since they got back to New York though I¡¯m yet to meet my daughter. My heart thumps in delight whenever the thought of heres to my mind. Yesterday I was supposed to meet her but the pain in my legs was so severe after the exercise that I was not even able to move them. Forfeiting my office I stayed at home sleeping all day like a drunkard. Today I was all set to go when my secretary called and informed me, shs arranged for an emergency meeting with Chinese delegates.


    But nobody is going to stop me this time. I promised myself, I will finish the meeting with the Chinese and soon I will meet my daughter. ¡°I do not want to do heavy physiotherapy today. My legs ache and I was not able to walk yesterday. Abby arrived in New York two days ago. Yet I have not gone to meet her. I want her in my home. She is my daughter but you keep her with your aunt away from me because you need to cook and give me physiotherapy. You should understand Merlyn, physical improvement can only be possible when the patient is psychologically happy.¡± My voice slightly rose in anger.


    ¡°I know the level to which you can exercise being your physiotherapist. Pain in the leg yesterday was not due to excessive physiotherapy but because of irregr exercising. I know that you avoided knee extension exercise the day before yesterday when I went to the kitchen to cook a meal for you. You are worse than a toddler.¡± She twisted her lips in dissatisfaction looking at me.


    ¡®How did she know about it?¡¯ I bit the inside of my cheek and gave her a naughty grin. Time to seduce my little miss muffin since she is angry at me.


    I pulled her into myp and directed her head up so that I could have a better axis to kiss her. My tongue leapt into her mouth, upying it as my territory.


    Slowly her hands went to my head pulling my hair as I sucked away all her juice like a butterfly sucks honey from a flower.


    Her moans were like a fuel igniting fire in me as I pulled her more into me if it was possible.


    Out chests brushed with each other, hard against soft. My manhood immediately went erect feeling her leaps and valleys to my skin.


    One of my hands went between us and squeezed her breast while the other held her against me firmly in ce.


    A loud long moan left her as I squashed her melon. ¡°Do you want more, my baby?¡± I asked her in a sly grin knowing fully well I had been cent percent sessful in diverting her anger upon me to lust.


    She frantically nodded her head, unable to form words. In a teasingly slow manner I removed the buttons of her shirt. She was already breathless staring into my eyes in wantonness. I smirked at her helplessness. Whatever it was between us I was enjoying every bit of it.


    My orbs locked with hers turning darker with desire. Her optics gradually crawled down, peering to my lips. She slid her tongue out and wet her brims.


    There was no way I could control the rapture burning us any longer. I roughly pulled her into me and kissed her long, passionately and hungrily for several long minutes until both of us turned breathless for want of breath.


    She looked at me top to bottom, heat radiating from our bodies in hungriness for the other.


    I brushed my thumb on her bottom lip and she was quick enough to grab it into her mouth and suck it.


    The warmth of her mouth apanied with darkened vor in her eyes while staring at me was enough in me to take her right there.


    ¡°Walk to our bed.¡± I ordered her while wheeling my chair to the bedroom.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    She did not take a second toply while I followed her on my wheels.


    As soon as I was inside, she locked the door and gradually removed the buttons of my shirt while kissing me on the chest.


    ¡°Oh my God, Flower,¡± I groaned, held her hair and pulled away her face slightly from my chest to kiss her like a crested cuckoo thirsty for ages.


    Within the next couple of seconds, we were fully naked. My lips at oncetched to her breast. She slightly raised her top body and a long erotic moan left out of her.


    She started pleasuring herself while I sucked her bristol. ¡°That part of yours is mine, my Flower.¡± I took her hand away and started rubbing her clitoris with my own finger.


    I took the soft flesh between the folds of her womanliness, pressed it and then gently pulled it ying her bud. Moans rained out of her like a storm which pleased me greatly.


    Her hands in return went to my manhood masturbating me. Soft, low groans went out of me as she pleased me. My eyes went automatically closed.


    I directed her between my legs, inserted my ¡®long¡¯ into her mouth and began to oral fuck her. My penis went deep into her throat. The tip of my shaft caressed her tonsils as her lips continued to move through the length of my organ.


    I was close to nirvana. My movements became faster and deeper into her mouth, almost choking her to death but she continued to hold me up in her mouth.


    When I was on the brink of my orgasm, I removed myself from her mouth. I lifted her to her feet and directed her back to the bed.


    Later we changed our ces. I want to pleasure her as much as she did to me. Slowly I started to prate in and out of her. ¡°Jesus, this feels so wonderful.¡± She whispered.


    ¡°It is not Jesus. It is me, Stephen you have to call. Do you need me, my Flower?¡± I asked her, stopping what I was doing to her.


    She went helpless all the way, pleading with me to continue what I was doing to her. ¡°Say my name Flower.¡±


    My muscled arms went around either side of her head as I continued to bonk her faster, harder and deeper.


    ¡°Oh my God Stephen,¡± she slightly raised up her top body supporting herself on her elbows and was seeing what I was doing to her.


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s my name. Do you like it, sweetheart?¡± I asked her in a conceited grin and squeezed her breast.


    She bit her lip to arrest her mewl and breathed the words. ¡°I love it so much.¡±


    There was this irresistible pull between us like we were inseparable love birds. She was slowly going to higher and higher states of pleasure.


    ¡°Sweet heavens, Stephen, this is a paradise on earth.¡± She pulled my hair directing my lips to hers to kiss me.


    ¡°I am d you are enjoying this, my baby.¡± I called pulsing almost reaching my own hike of bliss.


    ¡°Fucking Jesus, you are dripping juices baby.¡± I wanted to pleasure her more. So I slid one of my fingers into her clit, rubbing her bud while I rode her to the threshold of heaven.


    ¡°Ah, I am going toe now Stephen.¡± Her moans turned louder and harsher.


    ¡°I am d you are enjoying the making of love my darling.¡± I increased my pace to add pleasure for her.


    ¡°Oh my¡­. Stephen..¡± She squeaked, her eyes gaped back at me as big as saucers and face drenched with sweat, lips chapped with my extensive kissing and slightly parted. In short she was looking beautifully fucked.


    I knew she was reaching her supreme ecstasy. Secondster just like I wanted, she slithered like a snake reaching her best hitting orgasm.


    I wiped the tears crawling out from the edge of her eyes as she peered back at me motionless With one hard plunge deep into her, my manhood sizzled copious and I emptied my seeds into her.


    ¡°That was the best sex I had with you in my life.¡± I whispered going stationary on top of her.


    ¡°Me too.¡± Her voice was almost unheard, closing off her eyes.


    My manhood is still vibrating inside her post cum. I struggled with my unmoving body subsequently to slide beside her on the bed and pulled her to my chest.


    We did not know how and when we fell asleep. Thankfully it was the weekend and I did not have to go to work because by the time I woke up it was eight in the morning.


    Merlyn was still soundly sleeping beside me. But our uninterrupted deep slumber was disturbed by the unexpected ring of her phone ten minutester.


    She picked up the call after four rings with a groggy ¡®hello¡¯ and within a couple of seconds hearing the words of the speaker on the other line I could see she was fully awake. Her face, which was peaceful until then, had an untoward twist of emotions. She quickly ran to the toilet, put on her clothes at jet speed and ran out.


    ¡°What is the problem, Merlyn?¡± My words only hung up in the air and she was already out of the house.

 Chapter 62

    Stephen¡¯s POV


    I was confused and at the same time anxious about what suddenly happened to her. What was the news that she received that got on her nerves so instinctively?


    I called her, her uncle and her aunt but nobody answered my phone. Damn! I don¡¯t understand why these people carry mobiles when they do not know how to use them. I was dead worried about what happened. Was something wrong with her uncle again?


    I got dressed to the office but I was not able to concentrate on my work. Like usual, my secretary ced a cup of coffee on my table as soon as I arrived into my room and read out the list of meetings I had to attend for the day. I half heard her and the proceedings and came back home hoping to see my wife but I was met with a negative result. I waited for her to call but she did not.


    I couldn¡¯t wait anymore with the suspense killing me. Taking out the phone from my pants pockets I called my private investigator and asked him to find out the matter.


    He informed me in an affirmative and promised to call me within an hour with all the details. It was only then that I could breath an air of relief and went for a shower.


    *****


    Merlyn¡¯s POV


    I was supposed to return home after giving physiotherapy to Stephen. We are not staying in the same house because Abby stays with my aunt. I wanted to take her home once Stephen healspletely because I would be busy looking after him.


    In the morning, afternoon and evening, I give him physiotherapy and at night I go back home. This has been my schedule since thest four days. But Stephen is least happy with it. He wants Abby and me to stay with him.


    ording to him servants are avable in the home 24/7. While I give him physiotherapy somebody can look after her. But I don¡¯t trust anyone regarding Abby.


    When she was hardly one, I left her once with a servant. But the day happened in such a way that I was not feeling well. I took a leave and came home early when I found the maid beating Abby for not having food. I know nobody would dare to mess up with Stephen¡¯s daughter. Yet, the incident left a scar in my memory forever because of which I am postponing my stay with Stephen.


    Like always I was supposed to go home after physiotherapy. But since returning back to him, Stephen would not like to leave me even for a second. For the sex we had, I was too drained to even move my leg. I slept with him for the night like a log only to get up for my aunt¡¯s call after several long rings.


    At first my mind could not register what she was saying because of sleepiness but slowly I became fully awake as she described Abby¡¯s failing health after she had her breakfast yesterday.


    I was not able to process the information she was giving. My daughter waspletely hale and hearty when I left home yesterday. What happened to her so suddenly?


    My breath clogged in my throat and my voice choked when she stated high temperature to Abby and she was admitted to the hospital.


    Stephen was calling me from behind. But, my mind did not seem to function and I rushed out of home.


    Reaching the hospital took me half an hour and my baby wasying on the bed asleep. To my surprise herplete body was red covered in a skin rash.


    My aunt told me initially it started with the stomach followed by the back and then to her entire body.


    The nurse came and checked her temperature which was still very high. I asked her when the doctor wasing to check upon Abby and she said the visit was again in the evening because he just came and left after seeing her.


    The nurse assured me Abby would be fine soon but I was not convinced. I held my daughter to me all day crying and clueless what made her fall sick so suddenly. My aunt told me to go and have something to eat at the cafeteria but I was not feeling hungry though my stomach rumbled for food.


    I had no idea how many times Stephen would have called. I left him abruptly and rushed here. In my worry I even forgot to charge my phone and now it is dead. He would surely be panicking.


    In the evening my uncle and my brother came to visit Abby while my aunt stayed with me. After they left the doctor came for his rounds at seven in the evening. The fever had subsided by then though Abby still did not wake up from sleep.


    In the afternoon she got up for a brief time and I fed her bread with chicken soup. My daughter was never fussy about food but she was not this silent either. It pricked and ate me up.


    The doctor told me it was the result of the drugs they were giving her which slightly caused sedation. When I asked him about the skin rash he told me it was an allergic reaction.


    ¡°Abby might have consumed something which doesn¡¯t suit her body. Just recall what you gave her the previous day for breakfast, lunch and dinner and avoid those foods which you have not given her before.¡± The physician suggested.


    ¡°For breakfast, she had toast with peanut butter¡­¡± I did not finish my sentence when I heard Stephen¡¯s voice from behind.


    ¡°I am allergic to peanuts.¡± Stephen wheeled himself inside the room reaching the bed of Abby. He held her little arm in his while she was fast asleep.


    The doctor shrugged. ¡°There you get your reply Mrs Collomen. If the father is allergic to a certain kind of food, the daughter could be too because of genes.¡±Copyright by N?v/elDrama.Org.


    The information felt indigestible to me. I raised my question ¡°But doctor, peanut butter is my favorite. I ate a lot of peanut butter when I was carrying her.¡±


    ¡°Ma¡¯am what you eat during your pregnancy may or may not have any impact on the child after she is born. Of course I do not say there is no exception but in Abby¡¯s case, she carries her father¡¯s genes and you must be careful next time that she does not have peanuts in any form which can be dangerous for her health.¡± The physician informed me and walked out of the room.


    ¡°I did not know the first time I would be seeing my daughter would be like this.¡± Stephen choked on his speech holding the little hand of Abby and kissing her fingers.


    I fell asleep because of the strain I underwent the whole day but Stephen stayed awake theplete night exchanging the handkerchiefs on Abby¡¯s forehead and frequently giving her a sponge to reduce the temperature.


    Two dayster Abby¡¯s infection subsided and she was allowed to go home. This time Stephen did not let us stay at my aunt¡¯s ce. He was adamant that I and our daughter would reside with him.


    Stephen took special care about Abby at every walk and step starting from the food she ate to the pillow on which she put her head. I did not know he would be this possessive about his daughter. It was the height of protectiveness. Probably it was because he missed her growing up.


    Within a week Abby turned normal by the efforts of Stephen. All the seven days he devoted hisplete time to Abby. He did not even go to the office and operated his business from home.


    Maybe it was the power of his love for her, within a span of four days Abby got fully attached to Stephen like they have been together from the day she was born.


    It was seven in the evening. Abby had already taken her dinner. I cooked a meal for both of us and waited for Stephen toe down to do thest part of the physiotherapy.


    Even when it was quarter to eight there was no trace of him. I went up to find my little family happily resting on the bed.


    Abby was asleeptched to Stephen¡¯s chest. The picture was simply adorable. And I wished I could stare at them for several long minutes. But this was not the time.


    I knew he was awake but closing his eyes to avoid exercises. As a physiotherapist I know they must be very painful to him. But there are certain things we cannot avoid. Iid my hands on my waist and looked at him challengingly.


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t sleep this early Stephen. We still have got a few exercises to do. Come on, let us first finish the work and then you can rest as much as you want with Abby.¡± I couldn¡¯t hold on but ear marked my words going strict like a headmaster.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you see, Abby is sleeping. It is not advisable to disturb her.¡± Stephen closed his eyes again pretending to sleep after murmuring his words.


    ¡°Abby is a baby. Once she falls asleep she will wake up only the next day. I am her mother and I know her sleep patterns.¡± I talked in an irk crossing my arms to my chest.


    ¡°No exercise today.¡± He was back to his dominant self, the side I did not want to face. But this was unavoidable. I was not going to step back.


    ¡°Stephen, in the pretext of Abby¡¯s illness you have already forfeited three days of exercise. I am not going to allow more of that.¡±


    Abby slightly moved in her sleep because of our conversation and he was on time to pat her back to sleep. Had it been some other time I would have enjoyed watching this wonderful scene taking ce ahead of me. But there are more important things to do tonight.


    I have been investing all my time and energies in cooking and giving physiotherapy to Stephen to see him back on his legs as soon as possible and I would not allow him to overpower me at any cost regarding this matter. Time to seduce fancy pants.


    I crawled in front of him on the bed seductively and opened the first button of my shirt that gave him a slight view of my cleavage but enough to electrify his nerves. ¡°So you are noting?¡± I called in a baby voice biting my finger.


    He cleared his throat, restraining his looks on me. ¡°No¡±


    I crawled closer and opened one more button, this time giving him a good view of my bra d breasts.


    He gulped heavily, his eyes turning dark staring at my breasts. ¡°So, are youing because¡­¡± I wet my lips with the tip of my tongue.


    When I was about to walk away, he held my arm. ¡°Because what¡­¡±


    Since Abby came home and not well we did not have sex during thest three days because she slept with us in the master bedroom. I know his cock might be throbbing for a release and this was its result. The job turned out to be very entertaining for me. ¡°Leave it, I¡¯m not in a mood.¡± I twisted my lips like a toddler.


    But he held me firm, not allowing me to move. A yful smile crossed my features and I removed the clip of my bra giving him a full view of my breasts.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± He whispered and immediately pressed the button of the remote locking the door. His Adam¡¯s apple bobbed with desire.


    Leaning over he squeezed one of my breasts. But that was the only thing I was allowing him, just a munch before the actual treat. ¡°You will finish all your exercises. Only then you will have me Mr.¡± I winked buttoning back my shirt and walked out of the room swaying my hips and enough for him to run behind me.

 Chapter 63

    Stephen¡¯s POV


    She is such a challenging attraction. I was happy sleeping with my baby but she wouldn¡¯t allow me to do that. She wants me toplete all those stupid exercises and then only have love making with her.


    Damn, they are so exhausting, painful and time taking, worse than the gym workouts I used to do every day when I was normal. At times Merlyn is very difficult to handle. She can piss me off at the same time and get me electrified. My cock was pulsing within my pants pleading me for a release.


    Since Abby returned home, she sleeps between us on the same bed at night. Well, I am the reason for it and I cannot me Merlyn for it. I wanted it that way, I did not want to separate myself from my daughter even if it was only for a few hours especially when she is sick.


    I missed her growing up, I missed her teething, her first steps and the day she would have spoken her first word. But now that I have her beside me I do not want to miss a single moment with her.


    I started operating my business from home because she is sick. In that case I can look after her. Yes, it was a bit inconvenient to handle the meetings. I had to take in conference calls but nothing is more important to me than my daughter.


    Merlyn insisted she could take care of our baby. But, she had been doing that since Abby was born. What¡¯s new? So from now onwards I will be the parent to look after her. I am not going to part with my baby even for a day. Call it possessiveness or maybe something more, I do not mind. Abby is my daughter, my princess. She will get everything she wants under the sun and the best.


    I finished my exercises on the insistence of Merlyn. But I had a condition. I would do all my exercises before Abby watching her sleep. In a weird way my princess rxed me. I did not feel as much pain when she was around me.


    After I finished my exercise, Merlyn came out of the steaming washroom. Her towel was a little low giving me a good view of her cleavage. Was she doing it on purpose to tease me or was it indeliberate?


    I had a heavy boner watching here inside the dark bedroom with just a bed light glowing at the corner of the room. It was the best option I took to do exercises here instead of my physiotherapy room.


    ¡°I finished my physiotherapy for today.¡± I dered like a school boy showing his progress report to his mother.


    ¡°That¡¯s awesome.¡± She sat on the stool before the dressing mirror, took the body lotion from the ce ahead and started applying it on her legs in a slow, seductive manner.


    The higher her hands went on her legs the louder was the beat of my heart. She is an enchantress who is born to kill me with her allure.


    I removed my bottoms and wheeled my chair towards her. ¡°You should just get rid of the stupid towel.¡± I spoke breathless and in hastiness and pulled it away.


    She looked stunned at my unexpected action and before me stood a beautiful portrait of a naked woman that even the best painters like Leonardo DA Vinci couldn¡¯t sketch till date.


    How lucky am I to own such a pretty entwining jewel? I congratted myself once again for my efforts and my eyes that captured her beauty the first time Iid my eyes on her when she was only days old.


    Water droplets covered her skin everywhere. I felt like brushing my tongue and licking them away. My orbs scrolled down her sexy curvaceous body. She was a masterpiece, made by God in leisure.


    Even after giving birth to a baby her figure is unbelievably electrifying with no stretch marks and not an ounce of flesh out of ce. I wonder what she does to maintain such perfect shape.


    I have dated many girls in the past. The food they ate was only broli and green leaves to maintain that slim physique but Merlyn ate whatever she wanted without any restriction yet was such a beautiful, slim and a woman with perfect curves.


    I pulled her towel away, dropped it in some corner of our bedroom and directed her to myp. My hand went between her creamy white thighs and rubbed her clitoris.


    I dropped my head and licked one of her sexy melons while simultaneously ying the bud of the other. My thumb brushed the nipple to feel its softness and they turned to pebbles instigated by my touch. Was I such an irresistible st?


    The realization made me proud that I could turn her on as much as she could to me. We were made for each other, blending perfectly to one another.


    Few minutester we were in heated bodies and pulsing hearts molded in the arms of each other after an explicit exploration of each other¡¯s anatomy.


    Merlyn¡¯s pov


    A monthter


    My efforts had finally paid off. Stephen is now able to stand upon his own feet though not for a long time. Initially he used a stick but now he is able to stand and walk without any assistance though only for short distances viz within our house.


    Two dayster is Abby¡¯s birthday. Stephen had made a Topsy turvy of the world and had done the birthday shopping for her. Abby is too small to understand the efforts of her father and I made Stephen understand the same thing. But he said he was doing everything for his own happiness and one day for Abby to look back and see her perfect and beautiful life.


    Stephen had ordered cooks to prepare everything that Abby likes on her special day. ¡°Happy Birthday, my princess.¡± He was the first person to greet her and spread his arms for her to enter.


    ¡°Thanku Dada¡± Abby squeaked and jumped to him. Her little legs were wrapped around his waist and arms around his neck. Stephen kissed her chubby cheeks and hugged her tight to him. ¡°My baby,¡± he whispered with happiness.


    He had bought everything in a pink theme starting from the balloons and flowers for decoration to the birthday dress which is a baby pink long frock with sequins and self design embroidery of roses. The birthday cake was a Barbie doll with two candles on top of it.


    ¡°Happy birthday, my beautiful baby¡­¡± I kissed her cheeks and ced a brownie in her mouth.


    Brownies are Abby¡¯s favorite. Her dad had brought everything for her that there is hardly anything left for me to purchase. ¡°Yummy¡­. yummy, brownie mummy.¡± Abby squealed in happiness hugging me after having a bite. The chocte syrup inside the cake was dripping from the corner of her lips as she bit another piece of it and Stephen was prompt to wipe it off.


    The previous night, the daddy-daughter duo had spent time reading stories and discussing the birthday ns. Abby though could not speak sentences, she could talk small words. Stephen had designed her room in a pink and purple theme with a princess bed and a small reading table at the corner of the room for Abby to study when she starts going to school. The closets were also painted with Barbie themes. Descriptively, everything was ording to the taste of Abby.


    Two hourster after I gave Abby a bath all of us had gone to visit Stephen¡¯s grandfather. ¡°This is Abigail, my daughter and the heir of Radiance group of Industries.¡± Stephen proudly introduced our daughter to his grandfather.


    *****


    Little did he know making the will for the heir was not the suggestion of his grandfather but his father¡¯s who wanted his son to settle and be happy with wife and kids.


    ****


    ¡°And this is Merlyn, my wife. So now I think you can shove my marriage ns in your sleeve since I already got an heir.¡± The old man gave me a loving smile and extended his hand for me to take while his other arm went to Abby.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°My great granddaughter looks very beautiful.¡± The old man cheered.


    ¡°So how are you Merlyn? I¡¯m sorry, I couldn¡¯te for your marriage because of health problems but I saw your marriage photos. You look very pretty.¡± Morganplimented me.


    ¡°Thank you grandpa.¡± I smiled and took Abby into myp before she did something very embarrassing because she was too intrigued with his wrinkled skin.


    While Stephen discussed business with his grandfather, I took Abby around the house so that she wouldn¡¯t start ying mischief.


    The evening was set as brightful as it could be. Thepletewn was decorated with colorful rights. Guests were invited all across the world that included rtives from both our sides, business partners and friends.


    For the people who could not afford the travel expenditure, they were sent chartered flights so that nobody would miss Abby¡¯s birthday. I was dumbfounded to know the extent of Stephen¡¯s influence and the things he could do if he wanted.


    While I was happy, very excited on one side to note the development of the daddy daughter rtionship, the other side of my heart produced guilt that I was the one to separate both of them. Abby was put away from enjoying her father¡¯s affection for two years.


    I used Stephen that he had done injustice to me by indirectly bing the cause of killing my parents, I had done almost the same by taking away his daughter from him. If he was wrong in one way, I was wrong in the other.


    The guests were in full swing, gossiping and enjoying the party while some were already drunk. Stephen had engaged the most talented photographers and videographers to capture the golden moments of his daughter¡¯s second birthday.


    Abby cut the cake among at least ten thousand guests. Everything looked so new and strange to her that she began to cry after thewn filled up. Stephen immediately took her out for a stroll on the lonely street talking sweet sentences to her.


    My aunt and uncle had arrived along with my brother and from his side, his parents arrived. Both my mom-inw and my father-inw were very happy to see me back at home along with our daughter. ¡°I was so worried about Stephen when he became an alcoholic missing you. But we are intensely grateful for the medical aid and because of your persistent physiotherapy, my child is back on his legs.¡± My mother-inw¡¯s eyes watered with tears while my father-inw stared at me with gratitude.


    I found Stephen¡¯s private secretary restlessly taking rounds at our entrance. When he found me his face gleamed like a tube light. ¡°Madam I¡¯m d I could meet you here. I have been calling sir for the past two hours but his phone is switched off. So I came here to personally deliver the message since the matter is very important. Can you please tell sir, I need to meet him immediately?¡±


    I already could sense something strange and uninviting in his words. ¡°You can tell me whatever it is and I will deliver the message to him.¡±


    He thought for a moment and looked hesitant towards me. I understood there was no way I could get the information to hold my anxiousness. I told him to wait and stepped into thewn.


    The party was in full swing. Stephen was heartilyughing at something one of the men spoke in the group while holding Abby in his arms.


    Abby peers at him grinning, her little hands were on his cheeks trying to understand and imitate her dad. After a long time I was seeing Stephen so lively.


    I went and informed him that the private investigator wants to talk to him, taking Abby into my arms. At first he looked surprised but nevertheless obliged and went back inside the house.


    Though I was talking to guests, my mind was upied with the thoughts on the discussion the private investigator was having with Stephen. What was so urgent and important that he couldn¡¯t wait even until tomorrow morning?


    The pleasant features of my husband turned furious and immediately both of them rushed out of the house into one of the cars already waiting for them outside.

 Chapter 64

    Stephen¡¯s POV


    I was quite confused and surprised when Merlyn came to me to inform my private detective Arnold wants to meet me urgently.


    Arnold was out of the country for thest two weeks. Even just two days ago we talked. When I invited him for Abby¡¯s birthday, he professionally apologized and said he couldn¡¯t make it. Nevertheless I sensed there was some sort unsettling in his voice.


    I can clearly understand the pros and cons of his profession because Arnold had been working for me for thest ten years. However when he showed up suddenly at Abby¡¯s party and that too not in guests gathering I am slightly intrigued about the reason for hising here.


    Is the matter that serious that he couldn¡¯t even wait for tomorrow¡¯s sunrise?


    I met Arnold at one of the coffee lounges of my mansion. As soon as he saw me walking to him, he immediately stood up from his seat and offered his hand for a shake. ¡°Good Evening sir, I¡¯m sorry to disturb you during your family celebration. Please convey my best wishes to Abby on her birthday.¡±


    I nodded and lit a cigarette. ¡°Sure. Please have a seat.¡±


    The weather was nice. With Abby around I couldn¡¯t smoke. Also Merlyn hated the smell of cigarettes. I quit smoking but in situations like this a cigarette always rxes me. I thought Arnold wanted to discuss some serious matters about business but for the next words he spoke it was too far beyond business making my stance turned into a volcano.


    ¡°Sir, I¡¯m sorry to bring this information to you three years after the ident but betterte than never. Your mishap was not an ident but a nned murder.¡±


    Air washed away from under my nostrils as my ears registered the startling news from Arnold. ¡°How could this be¡­.. I mean you investigated my ident three years ago?¡­. But you¡­. Who was the person¡­.¡± All my sentences went hanging in the air filled within a trance. The news felt unbelievable to my mind.


    I had my doubts initially but I trusted Arnold. He employed his men and made an investigation on the catastrophe and I was fully convinced.


    ¡°Who did this?¡± By the time I got the words out I was seeing red.


    Arnold was as frightened as a goat when he heard my temper filled words. ¡°Sir, do you remember ma¡¯am¡¯s ex boyfriend, Max? He has a younger brother Michael. Michael paid for the ident to get you killed.


    My hands turned to fists as Arnold started releasing the bombs of information one after the other. ¡°When he discovered you survived the ident, he knew living in the same city or even the country would be a threat to his life especially after you were out of danger. Thus he bought a fake passport to escape from this country, did a hair transntation and stic surgery on his face so that nobody would recognize him and escaped to new zend.¡±


    He then handed me a file which hadplete details of the nned murder along with pictures of Michael which had before and after looks of his stic surgery. ¡°Sir, during my investigation after the ident and when you were still unconscious I came to know Max had a younger brother. In cases like this we cannot rule out even the remotest possibilities. I put my men behind him and took out his details. Every information I got about himnded me with more suspicions.¡±


    Arnold then handed me another file which had more information about Michael. ¡°The man was initially in the military. But suddenly he came out of it. Nobody knew where he was and what he did for the next five years and then he was all of a sudden spotted in a remote vige of east Carolina. There he worked as a car mechanic in a garage. He talked very less with people that some who did not know him even thought he was deaf and dumb. Michael lived in a small shed very near the garage, worked there for a year and suddenly disappeared, none knew where.¡±


    Each information Arnold was giving came to me like a shock. ¡°A yearter, he again suddenly appeared in his brother¡¯s apartment. By that time you had already had Max as your captive.¡±


    I ground my teeth in indignation. ¡°Bloody hell! So both the brothers were scumbags, good for nothing creatures and a burden on the mothend.¡±


    It was the first time I could see a slight smile on Arnold¡¯s features during our whole conversation. ¡°Please do not call them good for nothing creatures, sir. They are good at perfectly concealing their true identities. But I had my suspicions. Because he changed his face not only in records but physically too it took me a little more time but I was confident sooner orter his end was determined in our hands.¡±


    I took a long drag of smoke and listened to Arnold intently. ¡°Sir, he is now arrested and locked in our underground torture cell.¡±


    My eyes flickered with brightness. ¡°This is the most wonderful news I heard so far in our conversation. I was waiting for it all this long. Come on, let¡¯s go. My hands are itching to reach him and crumble him to pieces for every moment of pain that I have suffered since the past three years. He and his brother not only gave me physical torture but mental affliction too which was not for days or months but for years.¡± I puffed out the smoke from between my lips, nipped the cigarette into the ashtray and walked out with Arnold to reach my car.


    We reached our destination in half an hour. He was hanging between the floor and the roof with hands and legs tied with ropes. All of his body was covered with blood and whip marks. The whole room was smelling metallic.


    My blood boiled with fury looking at him. Without any words, I walked to the whip hanging from a nail and blew his face with it.


    He screamed with pain but it did not satiate me. For all the physical and mental pain I suffered, separation from my wife and not even knowing the existence of my daughter until a couple of months ago ¨C I was supposed to recover all the loss that he and his older brother caused to me. I continued to whip him, until I felt breathless and my hands ached but still I wouldn¡¯t feel the satisfaction.


    He went unconscious with blooding out of his mouth and nose. For a criminal before he is hanged, a physician checks upon his vital organs. If the culprit is suffering even with slightest sickness his punishment is postponed until he is back to health.


    I followed the same rule. I beckoned the doctor who was standing beside me to check for his pulse. He shook his head much to my dissatisfaction. ¡°It is weak sir.¡±


    I ordered my men to give him all kinds of nuts, vegetables and fruits to get him back to health but kept him in strict vignce. One monthter he was back to normal and thought he was soon going to be freed. But was it going to be so easy for him? I will inculcate a hope in him to live and then beat him to death.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    I ordered my men to whip him until their hands hurt. This process of healing and then beating him again to death continued for three more times and he pleaded with me to award him death. I pulled up his face to see me which was stinking, covered with blood almost hanging to the floor. ¡°Do you know Michael, once upon a time I was in your ce. I prayed to God just like you to award me death. None of my limbs moved. For months together Iid on the bed like dead meat. I felt sick of myself, for the life I was leading. My wife left me, my mother used to cry everyday looking at my disabled state and I could not even move my arms to wipe her tears. Today I am giving you back what you gave me. Do you know the proverb ¨C every dog has its day? Three years ago that day was yours. Today is mine.¡±


    ¡°I am sorry. I know my apology will not write off the suffering you endured. But I want you to know I have suffered enough and I repent for my past mistakes. Please do not punish me more. I cannot stand it and give a death sentence.¡± He requested me.


    I narrowed my eyes on him. ¡°Do you think awarding you death is so easy for me? Eyeing somebody else¡¯s wife is transgression and breaking the family of someone who once loved you more than her own life is a sin. Your brothermitted an offense by breaking my family and ill treating my wife. I gave him death as a payback It was a simple tit for tat. You shouldn¡¯t have poked your head into this.¡±


    I pulled his hair and hit his head on the wall ahead of him. ¡°You not only meddled with my health, my life but also my family. Your animosity is with me, not with Merlyn and our child. But because of your wrong action it¡¯s not only me but my family suffered too including my aged parents and my grandfather. You owe them an apology for causing them an insurmountable mental misery.¡±


    He screeched in pain when I kicked him in the belly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry and I¡¯m sorry. Please turn me into a normal man again like you did before and I will go and apologize to your entire family.¡±


    ¡°Psst¡± I twisted my lips. ¡°Now I am past that feeling. Your apology does not give me satisfaction. I want you to live the suffering of all my family members including my two year old daughter who had to stay away from me because of a misunderstanding your brother built between me and my wife. Your mistake here is you supported him without even making an attempt to find out the truth. Are you also a drug addict like him?¡±


    The room smelled pungent because it was hosting a half dead meat of a bloodied man from thest three months. I couldn¡¯t stand there for long because of an urge to puke. My poor men had been standing that deadly smell for many months now. I felt empathy for them and doubled their sry from the day. Before walking out I gave him the hardest hit I could between his legs and turned a deaf ear to his screams to get to my car.


    ¡°I do not think that scoundrel could endure more pain. Give a break from beating for a month. Put him back on medicines and let him heal. Afterwards we will start torturing him again.¡± I ordered the head security of the warehouse before putting the engine of my car to life.


    ¡°Sure sir but¡­.¡±


    ¡°But what?¡±


    ¡°I do not think we could continue this for long, sir. The guy had lost the hope to live and gradually me and my men are discovering suicidal tendencies in him.¡± As much as my wounded heart doesn¡¯t want him to die just yet for the pain I and my family endured, I knew my chief security was speaking the truth because since thest ten days I observed a change in the behavior of Michael. He was no more reacting to my beatings but suffering it with no sense of touch as if his body turned to iron.


    The next morning in the wee hours I got a call from my chief security that Michael hadmitted suicide. He went to the washroom and drank the disinfectant. When he did note out of the washroom even after an hour, my men broke open the door and found him unconscious.


    They immediately took him to the hospital who dered him dead already.

 Chapter 65

    Merlyn¡¯s pov


    Two monthster.


    I am feeling very sick nowadays and over the past two days, the feeling has gotten worse. I would get up every morning with a nauseating feeling and sometimes I am puking even in the middle of the day. I need to see a doctor immediately.


    I did not tell Stephen about my sickness as I thought I could handle it on my own. It was almost 11. 00 pm in the night, I was not able to sleep because he was yet to reach home. Since the episode with Michael, my husband has been very disturbed. Though I want to help him recover from the psychological setback, everything is out of my hands. As I thought deeper about ¡®us¡¯ there was a knock at the door.


    I peeped through the peep hole and noticed Stephen on the other side of the door. He always has spare keys with him. Why is he knocking the door? I opened the door for him. He moved me inside and closed the door behind him. ¡°I am sorry I had to disturb you in the middle of the sleep, Flower. I forgot to take the keys. ¡°Did Abby go to sleep?¡±


    He threw his coat on one of the couches and loosened his tie bringing me to a hug. These days maybe because of work he is going very forgetful and alsoingte to home.


    ¡°Why are you sote to home?¡± He nced at me lovingly with a smile and answered ¡®ourpany is opening a new branch at Los Angeles, sweetheart and I needed to discuss the details. Moreover¡­¡± He winks looking at me. ¡°This is my home and there is nothing wrong about whatever time Ie here.¡± He added.


    I rolled my eyes feeling a bit irritated because he smelled of alcohol and cigarettes. When will he stop smoking and drinking? I was walking ahead of him when he suddenly floundered me around and ced a lingering kiss on my lips. His tongue darted efficiently into my mouth reigning over every part of his territory. His hands went to my back and pushed me closer to his chest that my soft breasts collided on his hard chest. ¡®I want to feel them. They are so soft¡± he muttered between the kisses. I felt ecstatic about the overpowering joy umting within me. His lips tasted scotch apanied with the smell of cigarette which amusingly felt good now as against the usual irritation I had.


    I pulled away from him and asked to freshen up. He obliged me and went into the washroom with the towel I just now gave him. After a few minutes he came out of the washroom dripping water from head to toe. I asked him to sit and went in between his legs with a towel to dry his hair. ¡®I like this¡± he whispered and pulled me by my waist closer to him. After I finished my job he hovered over me, holding me by my waist and gave me an earth shattering kiss which sent tingles all over my body.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    After our heated makeover, I went to the closet and gave him gray sweatpants and a cream coloured polo shirt. He looked surprised at me and asked ¡®I thought I lost this set somewhere. Where did you get them?¡± I blushed hard looking down, twiddling my fingers.


    He caught hold of my fingers and held my gaze by putting a finger under my chin forcing me to look into him. He smiled at me. ¡®I know you twiddle your fingers when you are nervous.¡± And crossing his arms over his chest he spoke determinedly. ¡®I think I could collect a reply from the features of your face. So Flower, did you steal my clothes?¡± He dipped his head to look into my eyes, making me blush even more.


    ¡°It¡¯s because it¡¯s¡­¡± I stammered. When I did not answer him, he asked me again. ¡°What brings you to have my clothes with you?¡±


    ¡®I know I will miss you when I am away from you. So I stole a couple of pairs from your closet before leaving our house in New York.¡± I blurted out.


    ¡®So you missed me?¡± he confirmed as if questioning me and I nodded, keeping my gaze down. He held my face up and gave me his enticing smile ¡®I love you more ¡®my Flower''¡± he confessed, making me look into his eyes.


    I was about to leave the room in shyness but he pulled me back by my arm and spoke softly. ¡®I am hungry.¡± I stared into his eyes which turned darker by each passing moment. Was it hunger for food or something else?


    Nevertheless, I nodded to him and immediately went to the kitchen. Hurrying up with the chores to cook his favorite meal, I came back with a te full of freshly cooked food within a few minutes.


    He ate the food very quickly and fast. Oh my sweet goodness I was wasting all the time talking nonsense while he was hungry.After he had his food, I closed the door of the bedroom and entered the closet to pick up my night wear. I took a warm shower and came out only in my white lingerie.


    Stephen¡¯s eyes scanned my body from head to toe desirously. The lingerie I was wearing waspletely transparent exposing my cleavage and was hardly covering my waist line exposing my white panties.  He held the buds of my sexy mountains and nipped them with expertise slightly pulling them towards him. After he finished enjoying my nipples he undid his pants and made me sitfortably between his legs. Both our legsy parallel to each other resting on the bed.


    His front was supporting my back and he was resting against the headboard of the bed. Then he turned my face to his and gave me a hungry kiss. Later he began to give me butterfly kisses on my jaw and neck, every part of my body. His hands slowly went down and started rubbing my clit over my panty. I started breathing fast taking short breaths with the sensations he was arising within me. My hands automatically went back and held his shaft. I began to move my hands up and down and he was panting heavily. ¡®Holy fuck¡± he muttered under his breath. His hands slid my panty down and he put his finger inside me. I held my head back over his shoulder and his other hand was fondling my breast. My hands were ying on his shaft. Both of us were enjoying rubbing off each other. After enjoying the other for a good time, he ced me under him and entered inside me. His cock began to move in and out of me and I was dripping hard at his sweet doing. ¡®Flower you are so weing¡± he whispered breathlessly, pleasuring me. After a while we both came and he spilled his seeds inside me bringing me into the world of blessedness.  It¡¯s been a while since we had sex and it was simply marvellous. Both of us felt exasperated, out of breath and I suddenly felt the urge to puke.


    I ran into the washroom and emptied the contents I ate within a matter of seconds. Stephen came running behind me and started running hands up and down at my back in order to ease me.


    After I did my business I came out breathless and he handed me a ss of water along with a napkin to wipe my face. He made me sit on hisp and pushed the hair falling on my face behind my ear and asked with concern ¡®what happened, are you not feeling well?¡± I bit my lower lip tensed up pulling my gaze towards the floor.


    He released my lip from the torture of my teeth and motioned me to speak. ¡®I have had this feeling of puking out since thest 15 to 20 days. I wanted to see a doctor but with everything going around in our family, I did not have the time to see a doctor.¡± I blurted out.


    He became furious in a matter of seconds and reconfirmed ¡®you have had this problem for the past 20 days?¡± I nodded my head, unable to look into his eyes with fear.


    ¡®To hell with you ¡®Flower''¡± he sounded agitated. ¡®You have had this problem for 20 days and you are letting me know now? Tomorrow we are going to see a doctor.¡± He held finality in his voice.

 Chapter 66

    Stephen Pov


    After having much of an argument with my Flower I dropped Abby in my parents home and took her to the hospital.Because of the emergency meeting I was having in the office, my ¡®Flower¡¯ insisted on visiting the doctor the next day. But what she does not understand is that businesses in no way before her. I am not going to listen to her especially when it pertains to her health.


    I held her hand reaching the car and am now driving her to the hospital with a slight anxiousness. Merlyn was given an appointment by the doctor this morning at 10. 00 am and we are here waiting in the visitor¡¯s room. I sped my hand with hers and squeezed it slightly to calm her and she looked into my eyes with a diffident smile.


    After a few minutes, her name was called and the doctor asked her several questions.Thereby running a series of tests, she asked us to wait for a few minutes in the visitor¡¯s lounge and finally confirmed the news for which my heart danced with bliss of ecstasy. ¡®Congrattions Mr and Mrs Collomen, Merlyn you are 9 weeks pregnant.¡±


    Words refused toe out of my lips in happiness and I couldn¡¯t assimte my own emotions. I took the doctor¡¯s hand in mine and shook it going speechless and my eyes welled up in delight. I¡¯m going to be a father once again and unlike Abby I am going to experience every important event of my second child¡¯s life ¨C my inner voice screeched in happiness.


    A tear ran down my eyes simultaneously smiling and crying like anguishing fool. I lifted Merlyn from the ground and swayed her around in gaiety after kissing her.


    The doctor gave us some time to digest the heavenly information watching our euphoria. After we calmed down, she appraised us further with instructions on do¡¯s and don¡¯ts that we needed to carry during my Flower¡¯s pregnancy. Of course they were not new to her but they were all the firsts for me.


    Since Merlyn was a little weak, the doctor advised bed rest apanied with some medicines. After we came out of the hospital with our hands tugged to one another I helped her carefully cross the road and into the car. I ran a hand lovingly over her belly and whispered ¡®my baby¡± ncing at her tummy adoringly.


    Merlyn called her aunt and uncle on the way to our house and both of them were on cloud 9 after hearing the rapturous news of them going to be grandparents again.


    I wanted to devour her then and there but I had to wait till we reached home. I drove her home as fast as I could and made her sit on the bed with me sitting beside her. I removed her shirt in one move followed by her bra. Her nipples were aroused. I took one of the pink buds into my mouth and fondled the other with expertise. Soft moans escaped her mouth with my lusty movements. After pleasuring her breasts skilfully my hand reached between her legs. I got her freed out of her bottoms and started ying her core with my fingers. She angled her face for me to have a better axis to kiss her with fervor.


    Her hands automatically moved to my manhood and she sessfully freed it out of my pants. My shaft plunged out of its arrest and was begging for her attention. She moved her hands up and down giving it more of an arousal and put the ¡®long¡¯ in her mouth abruptly. I gasped in surprise butter caught hold of her hair softly allowing her to move her head in making me enjoyable. After our sweet make out, I went on top of her but careful that I do not put any weight on her tummy. I reached inside her, giving us both the delectation which we found needful.


    After staying inside her for a while, I pulled out sliding to her side but pulled her along with me. Both our bodies became sweaty after our little exercise and we were pulsating breathless. I was no longer allowing her to stay away from me though we had many servants inside our home.At the same time I could not burden her aunt and uncle. They have already done so much for Merelyn .


    I got a vacancy created for her in the office, a sort of position which would allow me to watch over her 24/7 and I started bringing her with me to the office every day.


    Regarding Abby, my mother wanted to look after her. Afterall my parents yearned to be grandparents and this was their opportunity to enjoy it all. Everyday before going to work me and Merlyn will go to my parents home, drop Abby there and go to our office.


    Abby too enjoyed her new home. Lest she gets everything she desires from my mother. And gifts from my father. She is a gifted child to obtain endless love from both her grandparents and her parents.


    ¡°Daddy grandma was saying that I got a baby brother soon toe. Can I make friends with him? When is he going toe?¡± My daughter pulled my pants and asked when we were having weekend dinner with Merlyn¡¯s aunt and uncle.


    All of usughed at her innocent asking. ¡°Very soon my baby Angel.¡± I lifted her to my arms and kissed her fluffy cheeks.


    ¡°How will he breathe when he is inside mama¡¯s belly? Let us take him out so that I can y with him.¡±


    Vance couldn¡¯t control his smile and all of us followed him in a tow. ¡°God gave him a gift that he can still breath in mama¡¯s belly. He is still growing just like you did a few years ago in her belly. When he is grown enough to y with you, he wille out of her belly to y with you. Okay, my princess?¡±


    ¡°Big brother, you are excellent at exining things to children.¡± Vanceplimented me.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Are the joys of Merlyn and Stephen round the corner or are there more challenges they have to face in future?

 Chapter 67

    Merlyn¡¯s POV


    After 2 days


    ¡±Flower¡¯ you will not step out of the bed. Anything you want, you can tell the maid and she will get it for you.¡± Saying this, my husband started making his tie to get ready for the office.


    Since yesterday afternoon, I have been feeling sick. I puked everything that I ate. Stephen was too worried. For a moment I felt like he was carrying the baby instead of me because he looked very stressed.


    He called the doctor every hour describing my health. I did not find my husband so vulnerable ever in my life. I was feeling very nauseous and it shattered him each time I vomited everything that he cooked for me. Stephen did not hire cooks to make my meal. He did it himself.


    He took leave from work and dedicated himselfpletely to me. While he was living the most anxious day of the year, I was enjoying my husbandpletely dedicated to me after a long time.


    Abby had gone to his parents house. The servants had finished their job for the day and I told the cook to take leave because I needed some privacy with my husband. It was just him and me in theplete house.


    I am feeling extremely horny these days. ¡°So Mr Bernard Stephen Collomen,¡± I pulled him to me holding his cor. He was taken aback by the way I was addressing him for the first time using his full name.


    ¡°Do you remember, you signed a deal three and half years ago at the registrar office that you will always keep me the happiest woman in the world? It is time you discharge your first pledge.¡± I spoke seductively, brushing my chest to his.


    He yed with his brows looking down at me friskily. ¡°Be my fuck buddy today.¡± I called sexily and sucked on his bottom lip.


    The perky attitude in his eyes was reced with another feeling which is called lust. His sea green pleasant eyes turned dark with desire. ¡°Do you know you are getting too horny these days, my cute wife? We had sex just two hours ago.¡±


    I tapped on my bottom lip. ¡°Is it? I do not remember any such thing happening.¡± Stephen looked at me stunned and before he could recollect himself from the stupor, I guided him to the bed. For the next two hours we were two love birds indulged in a steaming exercise of sweaty bodiestched to one another in a sexy endeavor.


    Two hourster


    I smiled up at him and started to help him with his work. But he stopped me and sat beside me. Landing his forehead on mine and cupping my cheeks, he spoke ¡±Flower¡¯ you are my breath. Without you I cannot live.¡± Pointing to my belly he enunciated ¡®That baby who is growing inside you is as important to me as you. So you will be a good girl and follow my instructions.¡±


    I narrowed my eyes at him and whined ¡®you are somanding and authoritative.¡±


    ¡®That I am¡± he spoke with dominance rising from the bed with hands in pockets in his dress suit. ¡®I wille in the afternoon and we both will have lunch together, Okay¡± with those words said he kissed me on my forehead andid his hand on my belly, slowly moving it and waved me a good bye.


    3 weekster


    ¡®Now that the doctor gave a green signal to you, that you can quit bed rest, I have nned a grand reception.¡± My mother- in ¨Cw ushered with excitement. My husband who was sitting beside me smiled at his mother¡¯s exhration and nced at me lovingly. Landing a hand on my belly ¡®are you okay?¡± he asked me with concern. Giggling at him I showed him the dress which my mom-inw brought for reception. ¡®Looking good¡± he remarked and moved towards the door winking at me.


    A few dayster we had a grand reception organized by Stephen¡¯s mom. I put on the dress along with the ne presented by her when I first came to their house. Stephen was as usual in his favorite ck tuxedo.  His hand was on the small of my waist holding me firmly as though I was a toy to fall down and his other arm was holding Abby. Our daughter was looking beautiful like a doll in her pink ball gown. His face glimmered in happiness which I could see after a very long time.


    I was in all awe, feasting my eyes observing my pretty daughter in the arms of my handsome husband. He looked down at me with his beautiful smile and asked me lifting up my head a little ¡®are you okay? Hungry?¡± concern clear in his voice. I fidgeted my fingers. Suddenly the ground felt more attractive to look at.


    He took my twisting hands into his and asked looking into my eyes ¡®What do you want then?¡± His tone was groggy, low and extremely sexy.  I locked my eyes with his and murmured ¡®I want us to go on a honeymoon. He chuckled inaudibly but only for me to hear, he gave Abby to my aunt and pulled me out of the stage with my hand in his. ¡°Come on, I have a surprise for you.¡±


    When I opened the envelope after we went inside our room, I couldn¡¯t believe my eyes. They were two flight tickets to Mauritius for 10 days.


    6 yearster¡­..


    ¡®Mom, Aiden is not giving me my doll. He ripped her hair and ying with her.¡± My five year old daughter Abby whined after her two year old brother.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    ¡®Aiden¡± I spoke angrily ¡®give back Abby¡¯s doll.¡± Imanded. Putting a cute pout over his face, he gave back the ripped doll to Abby.


    After some time the doorbell rang. My parents-inw entered the house. ¡®Hey my cute children ¡± my father-inw gestured to Aiden and Abby toe to him and gave them chocte boxes. ¡®Thanks grand daddy¡± they spoke with excitement and kissed their grandparents.


    It is my parents-inw¡¯s anniversary today and they are in our house for lunch. Stephen had to go to the office because of an emergency meeting.  He had to arrange it for his uing branch in California. He is soon expected toe home and we are holding a party this evening.


    My brother is also expected toe over. Now he became more close to Stephen. Stephen is now more like his older brother who would give him guidance and even put checks upon him when required.


    My uncle and aunt often visit us. They are happy with Stephen that he not only takes care of me but also keeps strong vignce on my brother. Vance called us this morning, excusing him that he would not be attending the party as he has an urgent meeting at Istanbul and conveyed his best wishes to my inws.


    After some time there were noises in the drawing room. ¡®Daddy Aiden ate away my choctes.¡± Our daughter cried andined to her father. Stephen lifted her in his arms and wiped away her tears hugging her and spoke ¡®Princess I will get you a big box full of choctes and this little man will not even get one from it¡±  He nced lovingly to his beautiful daughter who was adorned in his arms,ying her head on his shoulder. ¡®Aiden, say sorry to your sister¡± he started faking anger at his two year old son.


    Aiden slowly went to his sister who was brought down from her father¡¯s arms and after a little bit of resonation he murmured a sorry but immediately reached into his father¡¯s arms for a hug. Stephen chuckled at his son¡¯s need and immediately obliged, lifting him in his arms.


    My hubby would spoil our kids to the ultimate but when ites to discipline, he was stricter than me. Later that night we had a grand party. My brother sent gifts to kids and of course for the ¡®party couple¡¯. After everyone left the house and the children had gone to bed, my husband brought me closer to his chest and kissed me passionately. This is the only time we get for ourselves. He removed my nightgown, himself undoing his clothes and we made sweet love. After our make out session Stephenced a hand under my neck and stroked my hair lovingly, we discussed random things which became our daily routine. After a while both of us drifted off to the magic world and I thanked the Almighty for giving me a happy and blissful life.


    THE END


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